Choosing a Baby Stroller
A stroller for babies makes it easy to carry your little one when you're on the move. It's a great way for you to get around without having carry a lot of gear.
Find products that are large enough to fit infants with a seat that reclines nearly flat (newborns require neck support). Some come with the option of a bassinet or travel system or both.
Seating
A stroller's seat is one of the most essential features as it's where your baby will spend a lot of time. You should find a comfortable, wide and comfortable seat that provides ample space for your child to stretch out and relax. Some seats have reclines, which are especially helpful for newborns and infants who do not yet have the neck strength to sit up. Some seats come with stowable footrests to provide your baby with another option to relax.
The majority of strollers come with a child tray that can be useful for storing toys and snacks. The best models have a tray that is attached to the back of your seat, so you don't have to worry about it falling off when you move. Some jogging strollers have pockets for passengers to stow, which are handy to hold sippy cups and bottles. The pockets are easy for children to reach, meaning they won't fall and spill their drinks while they walk.
You should also examine the restraint mechanism on the stroller, which can help keep your child's safety. You'll want to look for a five-point safety harness that's secured at the shoulders, waist and between the legs. The buckles should be easy for adults to fasten and difficult for children to unbuckle. It is essential to test the stroller with and without your child. It should be comfortable and easy to push even over 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 shares. If you intend to use your stroller only occasionally, you may want 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 crannies that could cause little fingers to be snagged. These incidents are not common, but they occur. You don't want your child be the victim of amputations to their fingers. Pay attention to the stroller's ability to fold, and make sure it fits in your trunk.
Stores
A stroller is more than just a method to transport your baby. It's a way to carry all the things you need to take with you on the go including food, diapers toys, and more. It is essential to choose a stroller that has plenty of storage space to keep everything in order.
How much storage space you require will depend on your lifestyle and baby's age. If you intend to take your stroller for long walks as your child grows, you will require more storage space to store diaper bags, snacks and extra clothes. If you plan to use your stroller only for short trips around the town, a smaller cart might be enough.
A majority of the top strollers for babies come with lots of storage options built in. The UPPAbaby MINU, for example has an ample storage basket and a sunshade that pops out, and one-step breaks. It also comes with a quick close-seam fold that is easy to manage with just one hand while holding a baby or shopping for groceries.
There are storage options that come in the form of pockets, trays and other attachments. The Bugaboo Organizer, for example, is a zip-top pouch that is ideal for your stroller and allows you to store essentials such as water, snacks, and diapers. It also has an insulated bottle pocket and external slip pockets that keep small items like keys and wallet within reach.
Another option for storage is a stroller caddy. These aren't standard features on all strollers, but they're a great way to keep it organised and tidy without adding extra weight or bulk. Some are designed to fit specific models of strollers, whereas others come with universal attachments that make them compatible with a variety 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 an excellent feature because it can help you stay hydrated on your walks and help you keep your hands clear when walking with your baby.
Style and Colour
There are many kinds of strollers on the market and it's crucial to determine which features are most important to you. For instance, do require a stroller that is light enough to fold up and carry into your car or do you require one with bigger wheels to navigate bumpy sidewalks? How many hours will you use it? Do you want one that is easy to clean and maintain?
Some strollers have removable covers made of fabric that are machine washable and is a great option if you're susceptible to spills or other messes. Other features to consider include the sun shade and a handlebar that adjusts to your height. Additionally, some models come with a reclining seat and an extra footrest for your child to relax in while you're out and about.
Travel systems are a great option for families who want an infant stroller that can grow with them. They're a great choice for infants as they typically include an infant car seat that can be used as early as day one. Some bassinets are designed for infants, while others allow you to add an infant car seat once your child is ready.
Another thing to consider is color. If you're one of those people who are sensitive to gender-biased pink and blue shades, you might prefer not to use them in your stroller. Think about a neutral-colored stroller that can be worn with every outfit.
It is vital for all new parents to have a stroller for their baby however, there are a myriad of types of strollers on the market that it can be difficult to choose the right one. These tips will help you narrow your choices so that you can choose the perfect stroller that fits your lifestyle.
Good Housekeeping's Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has a long history of more info evaluating and testing household products. She holds a degree from applied math and mechanical engineering. Her work has been published in American Baby and Parenting. She lives in New York City with her three children aged 7 and under.
Safety
Whether you're taking your baby to a walk or shopping, you need to be confident that the stroller you pick is safe. It must meet the minimum requirements laid out by the AS/NZS standard which covers construction, material performance, labeling, and safety alerts for strollers.
Look for a seat with an elongated frame and a wide base, so that it won't fall over when you put or remove your child. The seat should be secured with an elastic crotch belt. Avoid hanging bags or other items from the handles, as this can cause the stroller to tilt backwards. Keep the stroller clear of any parts that can be a danger to children's fingers or cause a choking risk. Also, ensure the brake lever is out of reach of children.
It's important to confirm whether the stroller has an locking mechanism that stops it from folding accidentally while in use, and that it can be locked by pressing a button on the handlebar or dashboard. It's also a good idea to register your stroller so that the manufacturer can send you any security alerts.
Another important consideration is how it is easy to clean the stroller's fabric since toddlers and babies tend to leave a mess. Choose a stroller with washable fabrics that will stand up to food spills and snot, as well as muddy footprints.
If you plan to use a car seat along with your stroller, you should consider one with adaptors that are included or that can accommodate adaptors bought separately. This will enable your child to be safe transported from the car to the stroller and back.
A certified safety expert will assist you if you are unsure of the features you should choose. Online, you can get a wealth of information on safe stroller use. This includes tips on how to select and use the right stroller for you and your family. Be sure to buckle your child in every time, even if they are seated in the stroller, and ensure that all safety straps are secured. Doctors in emergency rooms have reported that they've seen a number of injuries caused by children being hurt in strollers and carriers.