Choosing a Baby Stroller
If you're constantly moving, a baby stroller is a great option to get your child. It's a great way for you to move around without having to carry a lot of gear.
Find products that are large and come with a seat that is able to be reclined almost flat. (Newborns still require neck support). Some come with a bassinet, travel system or both.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is vital since your child will spend the majority of his time in it. Find a wide, comfortable seat that allows your child to stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which are particularly suitable for infants and babies who aren't yet equipped with the neck strength to sit up. Other seats have footrests that can be stowed to provide your child with a method of relaxing.
Most strollers come with a child tray that can be used to store toys and snacks. The top models have a tray that attaches to the seat's side and you don't need to worry about it falling over while moving. Some jogging strollers have pockets for bottles and sippy cup holders. The pockets are easy for children to reach, so they won't spill their drinks when they move.
You'll also want to take a look at the restraint system on the stroller, which can help keep your child in place. Ideally, you'll need a five-point harness that secures at the shoulders, waist, and between the legs. The buckles should be simple to secure for adults and difficult for children to unbuckle. It is important to test the stroller both with and without your child. It should be comfortable and easy to push even on rough terrain.
Some strollers have car seat frames or can be used with a car seat for infants making them ideal for families who take public transportation or rideshares. If you plan to only use the stroller on occasion, you might prefer one that is lightweight and has less bells, whistles and features.
Take the time when shopping for a stroller, to check the hinges, as well as any other nooks and crannies which could irritate little fingers. These incidents are not common, but they do happen. You don't want your child suffer a fingertip amputation. Also pay attention to the foldability of the stroller and ensure it fits into your trunk when folded.
Storage
A stroller is more than a mode of transportation for your baby. It's also a great way to carry all the things you need for your entire family, such as diapers as well as food, toys and much more. That's why it's important to choose a stroller with plenty of storage space to store everything in order.
The amount of storage space you need will depend on your lifestyle and the age of your baby. If you plan to use your stroller on long walks as your child grows, you'll require more storage space to store diaper bags, snacks and other clothes. On the other hand, if you'll be using 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. For example the UPPAbaby MINU features a spacious storage basket with a pop-out sunshade as well as brakes with one step. It features a quick and seamless fold that is easy to carry with one hand while carrying the baby or shopping.
You can also find storage options in the form of pockets, trays, and other attachments. For example the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that can be easily tucked into your stroller to provide space for the essentials such as water, snacks and diapers. It also has insulated bottles pockets and exterior slip pocket to keep small items like keys and wallets in reach.
A stroller caddy is another storage option. Although they're not an essential feature of all strollers, they can be an excellent way to keep your stroller organized and tidy without adding any weight or bulk to your ride. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models, while others come with an attachment that is universal to make them compatible with a wide range of strollers.
Other storage options to look for include pockets and side nettings that can be used to store small items like baby wipes or toys, and not take up space in the basket. A cup holder is also an excellent feature because it can help you stay hydrated on your strolls and keep your hands free when walking with your baby.
Style & Colour
There are a variety of strollers available, and you need to decide what features are important to you. Do you require a lightweight stroller that folds easily into your car, or one with large wheels to help you navigate bumpy sidewalks. How long will you use it? Do you need one that's easy-to-clean and maintain?
Some strollers come with removable fabric covers that can be washed in the machine this is a fantastic feature to have if your susceptible to spills or other dirt. Other features worth considering include the sun shade and a handlebar that adjusts to your height. Some models also have an adjustable reclining seat as well as an extra footrest for your child to relax in while you're out and about.
If you're looking for a stroller which can grow with your family, think about a travel system. They're a great choice for babies since they usually include an infant car seat and can be used from day one. Some even have the option of a bassinet for infants, while others allow you to include a toddler car seat when your child is ready to ride.
Color is another factor to think about. If you're one of those people who are sensitive to gender-biased blue and pink shades, you might prefer not to use them in your more info stroller. Think about a neutral-colored stroller that is more flexible and will go with any outfit.
It is vital for all new parents to have a stroller for their infants, but there are a myriad of types of strollers on the market that it can be a challenge to pick the right one. The tips above will help you narrow down your options so that you can choose the right stroller for your needs and lifestyle.
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 safe regardless of whether you're taking the baby on a walk or going out shopping. It must meet the minimum standards set by the AS/NZS standard which covers construction, material performance, labeling, and safety warnings for strollers.
Find a seat with a wide base and a seat low in the frame so that it doesn't fall over when you put your child in or take them out. The seat should also be securely fastened with the Crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags and other objects from the handle, as this can cause the stroller to slide backwards. Keep the stroller free of any parts that can pinch a child’s fingers or create a risk of choking. Also, make sure the brake lever is kept out of reach of young children.
It's worth checking that the stroller is equipped with an locking mechanism that stops it from folding in the wrong direction during use, and that it can be locked by pressing a button on the handlebar or dashboard. Registering your stroller will allow the manufacturer to provide you with any safety updates.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how it is simple to clean the stroller's fabric since toddlers and babies are prone to making messes. Pick a stroller with washable fabric that can handle infant food, snot and dirt-stained prints.
If you intend to use a car seat along with your stroller, think about getting a model with adaptors that are included or that can accommodate adaptors bought separately. This will allow your child to be safely transferred from the car to stroller and back.
If you're not sure which features to pick, a certified safety expert can assist. On the internet, you can find a lot of information regarding safe stroller usage. This includes tips on how to pick and use the right stroller for your family. Be sure to buckle your child in every time, even when they're sitting in the stroller, and make sure that all safety straps are secured. Emergency room doctors have reported that they've seen a number of injuries caused by children who are injured by strollers or carriers.