Choosing a Baby Stroller
When you're moving the baby stroller is a great option to transport your child. It's a great way to get around without having to carry a lot of equipment.
Find products that are large enough to accommodate infants with a seat that reclines almost flat (newborns still require neck support). Some of them include a bassinet, or travel system.
Seating
A stroller's seat is one of the most essential features as it's the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Find a comfortable, wide seat that allows your child to stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which are particularly suitable for infants and babies who don't yet have the neck strength needed to sit up. Some seats also have feet that can be stowed, which provides your baby with another option to relax.
Most strollers come with an infant tray that can be used to store snacks and toys. The best models have the tray that is attached to the back of your seat so you aren't worried whether it falls off while you move. Some jogging strollers have pockets for bottles and sippy cup holders. The pockets are easy for kids to reach, meaning they won't fall and spill their drinks while moving.
You should also think about the stroller's restraint system, which will help keep your child safe. Ideally, you'll need a five-point harness that is secured at the waist, shoulders, and between the legs. The buckles should be easy to fasten for adults, and difficult to unbuckle for children. You'll want to try the stroller with your child in it, both opened and closed. It should be comfortable and easy to push, even over rough terrain.
Some strollers come with car seat frames or can be used with an infant car seat and are an ideal choice for families who take public transportation or rideshares. However, if you are planning to use your stroller just occasionally, you may want a lightweight stroller with fewer bells and whistles.
Make sure when you shop for a stroller to look at the hinges, and any other nooks or crevices that could pinch little fingers. These accidents are rare but they occur. You don't want your child be the victim of amputations to their fingers. Also, be aware of how well the stroller folds and ensure it's safe to put in your trunk when folded.
Stores
A stroller is more than a means to carry your baby. It's a means to carry all the things you need to take with you on the go, including food, diapers, toys and more. This is why it's crucial to pick a stroller with plenty of storage space to organize everything.
The amount of storage you require will be contingent on your lifestyle and the age of your baby. For instance, if be taking your stroller on extended walks as your baby grows into an adult, you'll require more space to store a diaper bag, snacks, additional clothing and water bottles. If you're planning to use your baby stroller just for short trips around town, a smaller bag might be enough.
A lot of the top strollers for babies come with lots of storage options built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance has an enormous storage basket as well as a sunshade which can be removed, and a one-step breaks. It also has a quick close-seam fold that is easy to handle with just one hand carrying a baby around or shopping for food items.
There are storage options that come in the form of trays, pockets and other attachments. For example, the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that fits perfectly into your stroller to make room for essentials like water, snacks and diapers. It also has bottles with insulated pockets as well as outside slip pockets to keep keys and wallets within reach.
A stroller caddy is another storage option. While these aren't a standard feature of every stroller however, they can be an excellent way to keep your stroller tidy and organized without adding weight or bulk to your stroller. Some are designed to fit specific models of strollers, while others have universal attachments that make them compatible with most strollers.
Also, look 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 can be an important feature as it allows you to keep hydrated while walking with your baby and ensures that your hands are free.
Style and Colour
There are a variety of strollers available and it's essential to decide which features are most important to you. For instance, do require a stroller with a lightweight design enough to fold down and take into your car, or do you need one with bigger wheels to get over bumpy streets? How long do you expect to use it, and do you want an easy-to-clean stroller? keep clean and maintain?
Some strollers have removable fabric covers which can be washed by a machine, which is a great option if you're susceptible to spills or other dirt. You might want to consider the sun shade or handlebar which can be adjusted to your height. Some models also have the option of reclining chairs and the footrest, so your baby can take a nap while you're out and out and about.
Travel systems are an excellent choice for families who need an infant stroller that can grow with them. These are great options for newborns, as they include an infant seat and can be used immediately. Some have a bassinet for infants, while others permit the addition of an infant car seat once your child is ready.
Another thing to think about is the color. If you're one of those people who are sensitive to gender-biased blue and pink colors, you may want to avoid them for your stroller. Consider a neutral-colored, more versatile stroller that can be worn with every outfit.
It is vital for all new parents to have a stroller for their infants however, there are so many types of strollers that it can be a challenge to select the best one. These suggestions will help you narrow your options, so that you can choose the ideal stroller that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Good Housekeeping's Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has decades of experience studying and testing household products. She holds a degree in applied mathematics and mechanical engineering and her work has been published in American Baby and Parenting magazines. She lives in New York City with her three kids 7 and under.
Safety
You'll want to know that your stroller is safe regardless of whether you're taking the baby for a stroll or shopping. It should meet minimum requirements set out here by the AS/NZS standards, which cover construction, material performance, safety and performance warnings.
Find a seat with a low frame and a wide base so that it won't fall over when you take or place your child. The seat should be secured using an elastic belt for the crotch. Avoid hanging bags or other items from the handle, as this can cause the stroller to slide backwards. Make sure the stroller is free of any parts that can pinch a child’s fingers or cause a choking risk. Also, ensure that the brake lever is not within reach of children.
Check that the stroller is equipped with a locking mechanism which prevents it from folding when in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button on the handlebars, or the dashboard. Registering your stroller will allow the manufacturer to send you any safety updates.
The fabric of the stroller is also important to think about, since babies and children are notorious for making mess. Find a stroller that has washable fabrics that can stand up to food spills and snot, as well as muddy footprints.
If you are planning to use a car seat along with your stroller, consider choosing a model with adaptors that are included or that can be used with adaptors purchased separately. This will allow you to safely transfer your child from the car to the stroller and then back.
A certified safety expert will assist you in the event that you are not sure of the best features to choose. On the internet, you can get a wealth of information regarding safe stroller use. This includes tips on how to pick and use the correct stroller for your family. And remember to buckle your child in every time, even when they're seated in the stroller, and make sure that all safety straps are properly secured. Children who ride in strollers or carriers are often injured by emergency room physicians.