Choosing a Baby Stroller
When you're on the move the baby stroller is a great way to take your child. Aside from giving your back a break, it also helps you get to where you need to be without being overwhelmed by the weight of all your gear.
Choose products that are full-sized and have a seat that can be reclined almost flat. (Newborns still require neck support). Some come with the option of a bassinet or travel system or both.
Seating
A stroller's seat is among the most important features because it's the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Find a wide, comfortable seat that allows your child to stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which are particularly useful for infants and newborns who aren't yet equipped with the neck strength needed to sit up. Some seats feature stowable feetrests that allow your baby to relax in a different way.
The majority of strollers have a tray for children that can be used to store toys and snacks. The most effective models have an attached tray to the back of your seat, so you don't have to worry about it falling off when you are moving. Some strollers for jogging have passenger stow pockets which are useful to hold bottles and sippy cups. The pockets are easy to access for children, so they aren't likely to spill their drinks while moving.
You should also take a look at the restraint system on the stroller, which will secure your child in place. Ideally, you'll want a five-point harness that secures at the shoulders, waist and between the legs. The buckles must be easy to secure for adults and difficult for children to take off. You'll want to test out the stroller with your child in it, both opened and closed. It should be comfortable and easy to push, even on rough terrain.
Some strollers have car seat frames or are compatible with an infant car seat, which makes them ideal for families who use public transportation or ride shares. If you intend to use the stroller for a few times it is possible to choose a lightweight model with less bells, whistles and features.
Take the time when shopping for a stroller to inspect the hinges, and any other nooks or crannies that could cause little fingers to be snagged. Although these incidents are not common however, they do happen and you don't want your child an injury to the fingertip. Pay attention to the stroller's folding capabilities and make sure it fits in your trunk.
Stores
A stroller is much more than a means to transport your child. It's also a great way to carry all the things you'll need for your whole family, including diapers, toys, food and more. It's important to select a stroller with plenty of storage space to keep everything in order.
The amount of storage space you require will depend on both your lifestyle and the age of your baby. For instance, if use your stroller for extended walks as your baby develops into an adult, you'll require more space for a fully-stocked diaper bag, snacks, and extra clothes and water bottles. If you plan to use your stroller for short excursions around town, a smaller basket may be sufficient.
Many of the best strollers for babies have many storage options built into them. For example, the UPPAbaby MINU features a spacious storage basket as well as a pop-out sunshade, and brakes that are one-step. It also has a quick, near-seamless fold that's easy to handle with just one hand holding a baby or shopping for groceries.
Stroller storage is also available in pockets, trays and other attachments. The Bugaboo Organizer, for example is a zipper-top pouch that is ideal for your stroller and allows you to keep things like water, snacks, and diapers. It also features insulated bottle pockets and an exterior slip pockets to keep small items such as keys and wallet in reach.
A stroller caddy is an additional storage option. They're not standard features on all strollers, but they can be an excellent way to keep it organised and tidy without adding weight or bulk. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models, whereas others feature an attachment that is universal to make them compatible with most strollers.
You can also search for pockets or side nettings that can be used to store small items like toys or wipes without taking up valuable space in the basket. A cup holder is a useful feature because it lets you keep hydrated while walking with your baby and ensures that your hands are free.
Style and Colour
There are many different types of strollers on the market, and it's important to determine which features are most important to you. Do you require a lightweight stroller that can fold easily into your car or with big wheels to aid you more info on bumpy streets. How long do you expect to use it for, and do you want an easy-to-clean stroller? keep clean and maintain?
Some strollers have removable fabric covers which can be machine washed. This is a great choice if you are prone to spills and other messes. Consider a sun shade or handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. Some models also have a reclining seat and the footrest to allow your baby to rest in while you're out and about.
If you're seeking a stroller that can adapt to your family, consider a travel system. These are excellent options for infants, since they include an infant seat that can be used as soon as. Some have an option for a bassinet to be used by newborns and some allow you to add a toddler seat when your child is ready to ride.
Color is another aspect to consider. If you're one those who are sensitive to gender-biased pink and blue colors, you might prefer not to use them in your stroller. Think about a neutral-colored, more versatile stroller that can be worn with any outfit.
It is crucial for new parents to have a stroller for their baby but there are so many kinds of strollers that it is difficult to select the best one. The tips above can help you narrow down your options, so that you can select the best stroller to fit 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 featured in American Baby and Parenting magazines. She lives in New York City, with her three children, aged 7 and below.
Safety
If you're taking your child for a stroll or shopping, you need to feel confident that the stroller you select is safe. It must meet the minimum requirements outlined by the AS/NZS standards that cover construction, material performance, and safety warnings.
Choose a base that is wide and a seat that's low in the frame, so it won't easily tip over when you insert your child in or out of it. The seat should also be secured using the crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags and other objects from the handle, as this may cause the stroller backward. Make sure the stroller is free of any parts that can make a child's fingers uncomfortable or pose a danger of choking. Also, ensure that the brake lever is kept out of reach of young children.
It's worth checking that the stroller is equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent it from accidentally folding while in use, and can be locked by pressing the handlebar or dashboard. It's also a good idea to register your stroller to ensure that the manufacturer is able to send you any security alerts.
Another thing to consider is how it is simple to clean the fabric of the stroller, as babies and toddlers are more likely to make messes. Choose a model that has washable fabric that can handle baby food, snot, and dirt-stained prints.
If you intend to use a car seat with your stroller, consider choosing an option with adaptors or can accommodate ones purchased separately. This will enable your child to be safely transported from the car to the stroller and back.
A certified safety expert will assist you in the event that you are not sure of which features to select. There's also a wealth of information regarding safe stroller usage online with tips on choosing and using the right stroller for your family. And remember to secure your child every time, even when they're sitting in the stroller, and ensure that all safety straps are secured. Children in strollers and carriers are frequently injured by emergency room physicians.