Choosing a Baby Stroller
A stroller for babies makes it easy to carry your child while you're on the move. It's a great way for you to move around without having to carry too much gear.
Find products that are full-sized and include a seat that can 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 crucial because your baby will spend a lot of time in it. It is important to choose a comfortable, wide seat that allows your child to stretch out and unwind. Some seats recline, which are particularly suitable for infants and babies who don't yet have the neck strength needed to sit up. Other seats have feet that can be stowed, which provides your baby with another option to relax.
Most strollers come with a child tray that can be used to store toys and
Pram Sets snacks. The most effective models have a tray that is attached to the back of your seat so that you do not have to be concerned if it falls off when you move. Some jogging strollers have pockets for bottles as well as sippy cup holders. The pockets are easy to access to children, meaning they won't spill their drinks when moving.
It is also worth considering the stroller's safety system, that will keep your child safe. You should look for a five-point safety harness secured at the shoulders, waist and between the legs. The buckles should be easy for adults to fasten and difficult for children to take off. It is important to test the stroller both with and without your child. It should be easy to push and comfortable, even on rough terrain.
Some strollers are compatible with infant car seats or car frame seats. This makes them an excellent choice for families that use public transport. However, if you plan to use your stroller only occasionally, you may want a lightweight stroller with fewer bells and whistles.
When shopping for a stroller, make sure you take the time to look at the hinges and other places where little fingers might be pinched. Although these accidents are rare, they occur. You don't want your child to suffer a fingertip amputation. Pay attention to the stroller's ability to fold, and ensure that it will fit into your trunk.
Stores
A stroller is much more than just a way to transport your baby. It's also a great way to transport all the items you need for your entire family, such as diapers food, toys, and much more. It's the reason you should pick a stroller with ample storage space to store everything in order.
The amount of storage you require will depend on both your lifestyle and the age of your baby. For instance, if be taking your stroller on extended walks as your baby develops into a toddler, you'll need more space to store a diaper bag, snacks, extra water bottles and clothes. If you plan to use your baby stroller for short excursions around town, a smaller basket might be enough.
A lot of the best baby strollers come with plenty of built-in storage features. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance features an ample storage basket as well as a sunshade which can be removed, and a one-step breaks. It has a fast, nearly seamless fold that is easy to carry with one hand while holding the baby, or shopping.
Stroller storage can also be found in the form of tray, pockets and other accessories. For example the Bugaboo Organizer is an open-top bag that can be easily tucked into your stroller, allowing room for essentials like water, snacks, and diapers. It also features insulated bottle pockets and outside slip pockets to keep keys and wallets within reach.
A stroller caddy is another storage option. While these aren't an essential feature of every stroller, they can be an excellent method of keeping your stroller organized and tidy without adding a lot of extra weight or bulk to your ride. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models while others have an attachment that is universal to make them compatible with a wide range of strollers.
Other storage options to look for include side nettings and pockets that can be used to store small items, such as baby wipes or toys, and not take up space in the basket. A cup holder can be a useful feature because it allows you to keep hydrated while walking with your child, and also helps keep your hands free.
Style & Colour
There are many kinds of strollers available and it's essential to decide which features are most important to you. For instance, do need a stroller that's lightweight enough to fold down and carry into your car or do you require one with bigger wheels to navigate bumpy roads? How long will you be using it? Do you want one that's easy-to-clean and maintain?
Some strollers have removable fabric covers that can be washed in the machine and is a great option if you're susceptible to spills and other dirt. Other features to consider are sun shade as well as an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. Some models also have the option of reclining seats and an extra footrest for your child to rest in while you're out and about.
If you're looking for a stroller that will grow with your family, you should consider a
travel system prams system. These are a great option for infants as they typically come with an infant car seat and can be used from day one. Some even have a bassinet option for newborns as well as others that allow you to add a toddler seat when your child is ready to ride.
Another thing to think about is the color. If you're one of those who are sensitive to gender-biased pink and blue colors, you might prefer to stay clear of them for your stroller. Think about a neutral-colored, more versatile stroller that can be worn with any outfit.
A stroller for babies is essential for all new parents However, with all the options to choose from it can be a challenge to decide which stroller is best for you. The tips above will help you narrow your options to choose the perfect stroller that fits your lifestyle.
Good Housekeeping's Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has decades of experience evaluating and testing household products. She holds a degree in applied math and mechanical engineering. Her work has been published in American
Baby Mobility and Parenting. She lives in New York City, with her three children aged 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 outlined by the AS/NZS standards, which cover construction, material performance, and safety warnings.
Find a seat with a low frame and a wide base, so that it won't slide over when you remove or put your child. The seat should also be secured using a Crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags or other objects on the handles, which could cause the stroller to slide backwards. Keep the
foldable stroller free of any components that could pinch a child’s fingers or cause a choking risk. Also, ensure that the brake lever is kept out of the reach of young children.
Check that the stroller is equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents it accidentally folding when in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button located on the handlebars or the dashboard. It's also a good idea to register your stroller so that the manufacturer can send you any safety alerts.
The fabric of the stroller is important to take into consideration, as children and babies are notorious for causing messes. Pick a stroller with washable fabric that can handle infant food, snot and muddy prints.
You should consider purchasing a stroller that comes with adaptors or can be used with adaptors purchased separately if you intend to use your car seat. This will enable your child to be safe transferred from the car to the stroller and back.
If you're unsure which features to pick, a certified safety expert can be of assistance. There's also plenty of information on safe stroller usage online with tips on choosing and using the right stroller for your family. Remember to buckle up your child at all times you are sitting in the stroller. Also,
pushchairs Prams ensure that all safety straps and buckles are securely fastened. Children who ride in strollers or carriers are often injured by emergency room doctors.