Choosing a Baby Stroller
A baby stroller 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 a lot of equipment.
Look for full-size products that fit infants with a seat that reclines almost flat (newborns still need neck support). Some include a bassinet or travel system.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is crucial because your baby will spend a lot of time in it. It is essential to find a comfortable, wide seat with plenty of space for your child to stretch and unwind. Some seats recline, which are particularly useful for infants and newborns who aren't yet equipped with the neck strength to sit up. Some seats feature stowable feetrests that allow your baby to relax in a different way.
A majority of strollers have an infant tray which is useful for storing snacks and toys. The best models come with the tray that is attached to the side of your seat so you don't have to worry if it falls off when you move. Some jogging strollers have pockets for bottles and sippy cup holders. The pockets are easily accessible for children, which means they will not spill their drinks while moving.
You should also look at the restraint system on the stroller, which can help keep your child in place. You should look for a five-point safety harness secured at the waist, shoulders and between the legs. The buckles should be easy for adults to fasten and difficult for children to take off. It's important to test the stroller with and without your child. It should be easy to push and comfortable even on rough terrain.
Some strollers can be used with infant car seats or car frame seats. This makes them an excellent option for families who take public transport. If you intend to use the stroller for a few times, you might prefer one that is lightweight and has less bells, whistles and other features.
When shopping for a stroller, to check the hinges, as well as any other nooks or crevices that could cause little fingers to be snagged. These accidents are rare but they occur. You don't want your child suffer a fingertip amputation. Also, be aware of the foldability of the stroller and ensure it's able to fit in your trunk when folded.
Stores
A stroller is more than just a mode of transportation for your baby. It's a means to carry all the items you require to take with you on the go, including food, diapers toys, and much more. It's important to select a stroller with plenty of storage to keep everything in order.
The amount of storage you require will be contingent on your lifestyle and the age of your baby. If you intend to take your stroller for long walks as your child grows, you'll require more storage space for snacks, a diaper bag and additional clothes. On the other the other hand, if you'll use your stroller for shorter trips around town, an a smaller storage basket might be enough.
A lot of the top strollers for babies have lots of storage options built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance has an enormous storage basket as well as a sunshade which is able to pop out, and a one-step breaks. It features a quick and seamless fold that is simple to handle with one hand while carrying the baby or shopping.
There are storage options in the form pockets, trays, and other attachments. For instance the Bugaboo Organizer is an open-top bag that fits perfectly into your stroller to make room for the essentials such as water, snacks, and diapers. It also features insulated bottle pockets as well as an exterior slip pockets to keep small items like keys and wallets within reach.
A stroller caddy is an additional storage option. Although they're not the standard features of every stroller however, they can be an excellent way to keep your stroller organized and tidy without adding any extra weight or bulk to your ride. Some are sized to fit specific stroller models, while others feature a universal attachment to make them compatible with all strollers.
Other useful storage features to look for include pockets and side nettings that can be used to store small items, such as baby wipes or toys without taking up valuable space in the basket. A cup holder is a nice feature to have since it can aid you in staying hydrated on your walks and help you keep your hands clear when walking with your baby.
Style & Colour
There are a myriad of strollers available and you have to decide what features are important to you. For example, do you require a stroller that is light enough to fold up and put in your car or do you require one with bigger wheels to get over bumpy sidewalks? How many hours will you use it? Do you need one that's easy to clean and maintain?
Some strollers come with removable covers made of fabric that can be machine washed. This is a great option if you are prone to spills and other mess. Consider a sun shade or handlebar which can be adjusted to your height. Some models also come with an reclining chair as well as the footrest, so your baby can relax while you are out and about.
Travel systems are an excellent choice for families who need a stroller that grows with them. They are a great choice for infants as they typically come with an infant car seat and can be used from the first day. Some even come with a bassinet option for newborns, while others allow you to add a toddler seat when your child is ready to ride.
Color is another factor to consider. If you're one those people who are sensitive to gender-biased pink and blue colors, you may want to avoid them for your stroller. You can here also consider opting for a stroller with neutral colors that is more adaptable and can be paired with any outfit.
It is crucial for new parents to have a stroller for their infants but there are so many types of strollers that it can be a challenge to select the best one. These tips can help narrow your options, so that you can choose the ideal stroller for your lifestyle and needs.
Good Housekeeping's Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has decades of experience evaluating and testing household products. She holds a degree from 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 want to be confident that your stroller is secure, whether you're taking the baby for a stroll or shopping. It must meet the minimum requirements set by the AS/NZS standards, that covers materials, construction performance, labeling, and safety alerts for strollers.
Look for a seat with an elongated frame and an expansive base to ensure that it doesn't slide over when you remove or put your child. The seat should also be secured using the crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags and other items from the handle, as this could make the stroller go backwards. It is best to keep the stroller free of any parts that could irritate the fingers of a child or create the risk of choking and ensure that the brake lever is not accessible to children.
It's important to confirm that the stroller is equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents it from accidentally folding while in use, and can be locked by pressing an appropriate button on the handlebar or the dashboard. The registration of your stroller allows the manufacturer to provide you with any safety updates.
The fabric of the stroller is also important to consider, as children and babies are notorious for causing mess. Pick a stroller with washable fabrics that can withstand baby food, snot, and muddy prints.
If you intend to use a car seat along with your stroller, you should consider one with adaptors or can accommodate ones purchased separately. This will allow your child to be securely transported from the car to stroller and back.
A certified safety expert can assist you if you're unsure of the best features to choose. You can also find lots of information regarding safe stroller use online and includes tips for choosing and using the correct stroller for your family. And remember to secure your child every time, even if they are seated in the stroller, and make sure that all safety straps are secured. Children in strollers or carriers are often injured by emergency room doctors.