Choosing a Baby Stroller
A stroller for babies allows you to easily carry your little one when you're on the go. It's a great method to move around without having to carry too much gear.
Find products that are large enough to accommodate infants with a reclined seat that is almost flat (newborns still need neck support). Some come with a bassinet, travel system, or both.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is vital since your child will spend most of his time in it. It is important to choose a comfortable, wide and comfortable seat that allows your child to stretch out and take a break. Some seats recline, which is especially suitable for infants and babies who aren't yet equipped with the neck strength to sit up. Some seats come with footrests that can be stowed to provide your child with a method of relaxing.
Most strollers offer an infant tray, which can be useful to store toys and snacks. The best models come with the tray that is attached to the back of your seat so that you aren't worried about it falling off when you are moving. Some strollers with jogging capabilities have pockets for passengers to stow which are useful for storing sippy cups and bottles. The pockets are easy for kids to reach, so they won't spill their drinks while they walk.
It is also important to examine the restraint mechanism on the stroller, which will help secure your child's position. Ideally, you'll want a five-point harness that secures at the shoulders, waist and between the legs. The buckles should be simple for adults to fasten and difficult for children to take off. You'll want to try the stroller with your child inside it, both with the doors open and closed. It should be easy to push and comfortable, even on rough terrain.
Some strollers come with car frame seats or are compatible with an infant car seat and are a great choice for families who utilize public transportation or ride shares. If you intend to use your stroller only often, you might prefer an easy stroller that has fewer bells and whistles.
Take the time when shopping for a stroller, to check the hinges, and any other nooks or crevices that could cause little fingers to be snagged. Although these accidents aren't common, they do happen, and you don't want to gift your child the gift of an amputation of the fingertip. Be aware of the stroller's ability to fold and ensure it fits inside your trunk.
Storage
A stroller is much more than a means to transport your baby. It's a method of carrying everything you need for your family on-the-go including diapers, food, toys and more. It's crucial to pick a stroller with plenty of storage space to keep everything organized.
The amount of storage you require will depend on both your lifestyle and the age of your baby. If you plan to use your stroller for long walks as your child grows, you'll require more storage space for diaper bags, snacks and extra clothes. If you plan to use your baby stroller only for short trips around town, a smaller bag could be enough.
A majority of the top strollers for babies have lots of storage options built in. For instance, the UPPAbaby MINU features a spacious storage basket with a pop-out sunshade as well as brakes with one step. It has a fast, nearly seamless fold that is easy to carry with one hand while holding the baby, or shopping.
There are storage options that come in the form of prams trays, pockets and other attachments. For instance, the Bugaboo Organizer is an open-top bag that can be easily tucked into your stroller to make room for essentials like water, snacks, and diapers. It also features insulated bottle pockets as well as an exterior slip pockets to keep small items such as keys and wallets in reach.
A stroller caddy is another storage option. While these aren't an essential feature of all strollers, they can be an excellent way to keep your stroller organized and tidy without adding weight or bulk to your stroller. Some are specifically designed to be compatible with specific models of strollers, while others have universal attachments that make them compatible with all strollers.
You can also search for pockets or side nettings that can be used to store small items such as toys or wipes without taking up valuable space in the basket. A cup holder can be a useful feature because it allows you to keep hydrated while walking with your child and keeps your hands free.
Style and Colour
There are many types of strollers to choose from, and you need to determine what features are important to you. Do you require a light stroller that folds easily into your car or with large wheels to aid you on bumpy streets. How many hours will you use it? Do you need one that's easy-to-clean and maintain?
Some strollers have removable covers for fabric which can be machine washed. This is a great option for those who you are susceptible to spills or other mess. Consider a sun shade or handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. Some models also have a reclining seat and an extra footrest for your child to rest in while you're out and about.
If you're looking for a stroller which can adapt to your family, consider a travel system. These are great options for infants, since they come with an infant seat and can be used immediately. Some even come with the option of a bassinet for infants as well as others that allow you to include a toddler car seat when your child is ready to go on a ride.
Color is another thing to take into consideration. Some people are sensitive to the gender-specific colors of blue and pink, and if you're one of them, you might prefer not to use these colors for your stroller. You could also consider choosing a stroller that is neutral which is more flexible and will look great with any outfit.
It is crucial for new parents to have a stroller for their baby but there are a myriad of types of strollers on the market that it is difficult to choose the right one. The tips above will help you narrow your options, so that you can choose the ideal stroller to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Rachel Rothman, Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman, Family and Travel Editor at Good Housekeeping, has years of experience in evaluating household products. She holds a degree in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics, and her work has been published in American Baby and Parenting magazines. She lives in New York City with her three kids 7 and under.
Safety
You'll want to ensure that your stroller is safe, whether you're taking the baby for a stroll or going out shopping. It must meet the minimum requirements laid out by the AS/NZS standard which covers material, construction, performance, labeling and safety warnings for strollers.
Choose a base that is wide and a seat that's low in the frame, so that it isn't likely to tip over when you insert your child in or out. The seat should also be secured using a Crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags and other objects from the handle, as this could make the stroller go backwards. It's best to keep the stroller clear of objects that could get caught in fingers of children or create an choking risk Be sure to check that the brake lever is not within reach of a toddler.
Check that the stroller is equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents it accidentally folding when in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button on the handlebars or dashboard. The registration of your stroller allows the manufacturer to send you any safety updates.
Another important consideration is how it is simple to clean the stroller's fabric since toddlers and babies tend to leave a mess. Look for a model with washable fabrics that will stand up to food spills and snot, as well as dirt-covered footprints.
If you are planning to use a car seat alongside your stroller, you should consider a model with adaptors or that can accommodate adaptors bought separately. This will allow you to safely transfer your child from the car to the stroller, and return to the car.
If you're unsure which features to pick, a certified safety expert can help. On the internet, you can find a lot of information on safe stroller usage. This includes information on how to pick and use the correct stroller for your family. And remember to buckle your child in every time, even when they are seated in the stroller, and ensure that all safety straps are secured. Children in strollers and carriers are frequently injured by emergency room doctors.