Choosing a Baby Stroller
When you're on the move the baby stroller is a great option to take your child. It's a great way to get around without having to carry a lot of equipment.
Look for products that are large and come with a seat that is able to be reclined almost flat. (Newborns still require neck support). Some include a bassinet or travel system.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is vital since your child will spend most of his time in it. Find a wide, comfortable seat that lets your child stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which is especially useful for infants and newborns who do not yet have the neck strength required to sit up. Some seats have stowable footrests which allow your child to relax in a different manner.
Most strollers offer the option of a tray for children that can be useful for storing snacks and toys. The most effective models come with an attached tray that can be stowed to the seat's side so you don't be concerned about it falling off when moving. Some strollers for jogging come with pockets for passengers, which are handy for storing sippy cups and bottles. The pockets are easy for children to reach and they won't drop their drinks while they walk.
You should also look at the restraint system on the stroller, which will secure your child in place. The ideal is a five-point harness that secures at the waist, shoulders and between the legs. The buckles should be easy for adults to fasten and difficult for children to unbuckle. You'll want to try the stroller with your child inside it, both opened 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, which makes them ideal for families who take public transportation or ride share. If you only plan to use the stroller on occasion you may want an easy-to-use model that has less bells, whistles and other features.
When shopping for a stroller, take the time to look at the hinges and any other places where little fingers may be snagged. While these accidents are rare but they can happen, and you don't want to give your child an injury to the fingertip. Pay attention to the stroller's ability to fold and make sure it fits inside your trunk.
Stores
A stroller is more than just a method to carry your baby. foldable pram pushchairsandprams 's also a great option to transport all the items you'll need for your whole family, including diapers, toys, food and more. It is essential to choose a stroller with plenty of storage to keep everything organized.
The amount of storage you require will depend on your lifestyle and the baby's age. If you plan to use your stroller for long walks as your child grows, you'll require more storage space to store snacks, a diaper bag and extra clothes. If you plan to use your baby stroller just for short trips around town, a smaller bag might be enough.
Many of the best baby strollers have many storage options built into them. For instance the UPPAbaby MINU comes with an ample storage basket as well as a pop-out sunshade, and one-step brakes. It has a fast and seamless fold that is easy to carry with one hand while carrying the baby or shopping.
Stroller storage is also available in the form of pockets, trays and other accessories. For example the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that fits perfectly into your stroller, allowing room for essentials like water, snacks and diapers. It also comes with insulated bottle pockets and external slip pockets that keep small items such as keys and wallets within reach.
A stroller caddy is a different storage option. While these aren't a standard feature of all strollers however, they can be an excellent method of keeping your stroller organized and tidy without adding extra weight or bulk to your stroller. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models, whereas others come with an attachment that is universal to ensure they're compatible with a wide range of strollers.
Other useful storage features to look out for are side nettings and pockets that can be used to store small items, like baby wipes or toys without taking up valuable space in the basket. A cup holder is a useful feature because it lets you stay hydrated while strolling with your child and ensures that your hands are free.
Style and Colour
There are many types of strollers available and you have to choose which features are important to you. For instance, do you require a stroller with a lightweight design enough to fold and take into your car or do you require one with larger wheels to get over bumpy streets? How long do you expect to use it, and do you want an easy-to-clean stroller? clean and maintain?
Some strollers come with removable fabric covers that are machine washable and is a great feature to have if you're susceptible to spills and other dirt. Other features worth considering include the sun shade and a handlebar that adjusts to your height. Some models include a reclining chair and an ottoman so that your child can rest while you are out and out and about.
Travel systems are an excellent choice for families who need an infant stroller that can grow with them. They are a great option for newborns, as they include a baby seat that can be used immediately. Some have the option of a bassinet for infants, while others allow you to add a toddler seat when your child is ready to ride.
Another thing to think about is color. 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 might also think about getting a stroller that is neutral which is more flexible and can be paired with any outfit.
It is vital for all new parents to have a stroller for their infants however, there are so many types of strollers available that it can be difficult to select the best one. The tips above can help narrow your options, so that you can choose the ideal stroller that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Rachel Rothman, Family & Travel Editor at Good Housekeeping, has years of experience in evaluating household products. She holds a degree in applied mathematics and mechanical engineering. Her work has been published in American Baby and Parenting. She lives in New York City, with her three children who are 7 and under.
Safety
You'll want to ensure that your stroller is secure regardless of whether you're taking the baby on a walk or out for a shopping. It should meet the minimum requirements set out by the AS/NZS standards that cover the construction, materials, performance and safety warnings.
Choose a seat that has frames that are low and have a wide base to ensure that it doesn't tip over easily when you take or place your child. The seat should also be securely fastened with an elastic Crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags and other items on the handles, which could cause the stroller to tip backward. Make sure the stroller is free of any parts that can be a danger to children's fingers or pose a danger of choking. Also, make sure the brake lever is kept out of the reach of children.
Verify that the stroller equipped with a locking system which prevents it from folding when it's in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button located on the handlebars or the dashboard. By registering your stroller, you allow the manufacturer to send you any safety updates.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean the stroller's fabric, since toddlers and babies are more likely to make messes. Choose a stroller with washable fabrics that can stand up to food spills, snot and dirt-covered footprints.
If you intend to use a car seat alongside your stroller, you should consider an option with adaptors that are included or that can accommodate adaptors bought separately. This will let you safely transport your child from the car to the stroller, and then back.
A certified safety expert can help you if you're unsure of the best features to choose. There's also plenty of information about safe stroller usage online with tips on choosing and using the right stroller for your family. Be sure to secure your child at all times you are seated in the stroller. Also, make sure all buckles and safety straps are securely fastened. Children in strollers or carriers are often injured by emergency room doctors.