Choosing a Baby Stroller
When you're moving, a stroller for your baby is a great way to transport your child. It's a great way for you to move around without having to carry a lot of gear.
Look for items that are big enough and include a seat that can be reclined to a nearly flat position. (Newborns still require neck support). Some include a bassinet or travel system.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is important since your child will spend most of his time in it. Find a spacious, comfortable seat that lets your child stretch and relax. Some seats have reclines that are particularly beneficial for infants and newborns who do not yet have the neck strength to sit up. Some seats come with stowable footrests to provide your baby with a different option to relax.
Most strollers offer an infant tray, which can be useful to store toys and snacks. The best models have a tray that is attached to the back of your seat so you do not have to be concerned if it falls off when you move. Some jogging walkers come with pockets for bottles and sippy cup holders. The pockets are easy for kids to reach and they won't drop their drinks while they walk.
It is also important to examine the restraint mechanism on the stroller, which will help secure 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 essential to test the stroller both with and without your child. It should be easy to push and comfortable, 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 only plan to use the stroller occasionally it is possible to choose a lightweight model with fewer bells, whistles, and features.
When shopping for a stroller, take the time to examine the hinges and other nooks and crannies that tiny fingers could be snared. While these accidents are rare, they do 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 ensure it fits into your trunk.
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, including diapers, toys, food and much more. It's the reason you should pick a stroller with plenty of storage space to store everything in order.
How much storage space you require will depend on your lifestyle and baby's age. If you plan to use your stroller on long walks as your child grows, you'll need more storage space for diaper bags, snacks and extra clothes. If you're planning to use your baby stroller just for short trips around town, a smaller bag may be sufficient.
Many of the best baby strollers come with lots of storage features built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance features an ample storage basket, a sunshade that is able to pop out, and a one-step breaks. It has a fast, nearly seamless fold that is easy to handle with one hand while holding the baby or shopping.
You can also find storage options in the form of pockets, trays, and other attachments. For instance, the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that is perfect for your stroller, allowing room for necessities such as water, snacks, and diapers. It also has bottles with insulated pockets as well as exterior slip pockets to keep keys and wallet within reach.
Another storage option is a stroller caddy. While they're not the standard features of all strollers, they can be an excellent method of keeping your stroller neat and organized without adding extra weight or bulk to your ride. Some are designed to fit specific models of strollers, while others include universal attachments, making them compatible with most strollers.
You can also look for side nettings or pockets to store small items like toys or wipes without occupying valuable basket space. A cup holder is also an excellent feature since it can help you stay hydrated on your strolls and keep your hands free while walking with your baby.
Style & Colour
There are a variety of strollers available, and it's important to choose what features are important to you. For instance, do require a stroller that is light enough to fold up and put in your car or do you require one with larger wheels to navigate bumpy roads? How many hours will you use it? Do want one that's easy-to-clean and maintain?
Some strollers have removable fabric covers that can be machine washed. This is a great option if you are susceptible to spills and other dirt. You might want to consider a sun shade or handlebar which can be adjusted to your height. Some models also have a reclining chair and a footrest so your baby can take a nap while you're out and out and about.
If you're looking for a stroller which can grow with your family, you should consider a travel system. They are a great choice for babies since they usually come with an infant car seat and can be used from day one. Some even come with an option for a bassinet to be used by newborns and some allow you to add a toddler seat for when your child is ready to go on a ride.
Another thing to consider is color. If you're one of those who are sensitive to gender-biased blue and pink colors, you may prefer not to use them in your stroller. You might also think about getting a stroller that is neutral that is more adaptable and can be paired with any outfit.
It is essential for new parents to have a stroller for their baby but there are so many kinds of strollers on the market that it more info is difficult to choose the right one. These suggestions will help you narrow 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 in 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 who are 7 and under.
Safety
When you're taking your baby for a walk or going shopping, you want to be sure that the stroller you pick is safe. It should meet minimum requirements set out by the AS/NZS standards, which cover the construction, materials performance, safety and performance warnings.
Choose a base that is wide and a seat that is low in the frame so that it isn't likely to tip over when you place your child in or take them out. The seat should be secured using the belt for the crotch. Avoid hanging bags or other items from the handles, which could cause the stroller to tilt backwards. Keep the stroller clear of any components that could pinch a child’s fingers or pose a danger of choking. Also, ensure that the brake lever is kept out of reach of children.
It is important to verify that the stroller has a locking mechanism to prevent it from folding accidentally during use, and can be locked by pressing 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 crucial aspect to consider is how it is simple 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 and snot, as well as dirt-covered footprints.
If you are planning to use a car seat along with your stroller, you should consider an option with adaptors or that can accommodate adaptors bought separately. This will enable your child to be safely taken from the car to the stroller and back.
If you're unsure which features to choose an expert in safety can assist. There's also plenty of information about safe stroller usage online, including tips for selecting and using the best stroller for your family. Be sure to buckle your child in every time, even when they are seated in the stroller, and ensure that all safety straps are properly secured. Emergency room doctors have reported that they've seen a number of injuries caused by children being injured by strollers or carriers.