Choosing a Baby Stroller

A stroller for babies makes it easy to carry your child when you're out on the go. Aside from giving your back a break, it also helps you get to where you need to be without getting weighed down by too much gear.

Find full-size products that can accommodate infants, with a reclined seat that is almost flat (newborns require neck support). Some include a bassinet, travel system or both.

Seating

The seat of a stroller is important since your child will spend most of his time in it. Find a comfortable, wide seat that allows your child to stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which is particularly suitable for infants and babies who aren't yet equipped with the neck strength needed to sit up. Some seats come with stowable feetrests that allow your baby to relax in a different way.

Most strollers come with an infant tray that can be used to store snacks and toys. The best models come with a tray that is attached to the back of your seat so you do not have to be concerned about it falling off when you are moving. Some jogging strollers have pockets for bottles and sippy cup holders. The pockets are easily accessible for children, which means they won't spill their drinks when moving.

It is also worth considering the stroller's restraint system, which will keep your child safe. Ideally, you'll need a five-point harness that secures at the shoulders, waist, and between the legs. The buckles should be easy to secure for adults, but difficult to take off for children. It is essential 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 an infant car seat making them a great choice for families who utilize public transportation or ride shares. However, if you are planning to use your stroller only occasionally, you may want an ultra-light stroller that is less laden with bells and whistles.

When you're shopping for a stroller, make sure you take the time to look at the hinges as well as any other places where tiny fingers could be snared. Although these incidents are not common, they do happen, and you don't want to gift your child the gift of an amputation of the fingertip. Be aware of the stroller's folding capabilities and ensure that it will fit in your trunk.

Stores

A stroller is much more than just a way to transport your child. It's also a great way to transport all the items you need for your entire family, including diapers food, toys, and more. It is essential to choose the stroller that has plenty of storage to keep everything organized.

The amount of storage you need will depend on your lifestyle and the age of your baby. If you intend to take your stroller on long walks as your child grows, you will require more storage space to store a diaper bag, snacks and additional clothes. If you intend to use your baby stroller only for short trips around town, a smaller bag might be enough.

Many of the best baby strollers have many storage options built into them. For example, the UPPAbaby MINU comes with an ample storage basket, a pop-out sunshade and brakes that are one-step. It also has a quick, near-seamless fold that's simple to operate with just one hand while holding a baby or shopping for food items.

You can also find storage options that come in the form of pockets, trays, and other attachments. For example, the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that fits perfectly into your stroller to provide space for the essentials such as water, snacks and diapers. It also has insulated bottles pockets and exterior slip pockets to keep small items such as keys and wallets in reach.

A stroller caddy is another storage option. While these aren't the standard features of all strollers, they can be an excellent method of keeping your stroller tidy and organized without adding a lot of extra weight or bulk to your stroller. Some are designed to be compatible with specific models of strollers, while some include universal attachments, making them compatible with most strollers.

You can also search for pockets or side nettings that can be used to store small things like toys or wipes without taking up precious basket space. A cup holder can be an important feature as it allows you to stay hydrated while strolling with your child and ensures that your hands are free.

Style & Colour

There are many kinds of strollers available and it's essential to choose which 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 do you expect to use it, and do you need a stroller that's easy to keep clean and maintain?

Some strollers have removable fabric coverings which can be washed by a machine, which is a great option if you're prone to spills or other dirt. Consider a sun shade or handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. Some models include the option of reclining chairs and the footrest, so your baby can relax while you are out and out and.

Travel systems are an excellent choice for families who need a stroller to grow with them. These are a great option for infants as they typically include an infant car seat and can be used as early as 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 consider. If you're one those people who are sensitive to gender-biased blue and pink shades, you might want to avoid them for your stroller. You might also think about getting a stroller with neutral colors which is more flexible and can be paired with any outfit.

A baby stroller is essential for all new parents However, with all the options to choose from, it can be hard to know which type of stroller is right for you. The tips above will help you narrow your choices so that you can choose the perfect stroller for you and your lifestyle.

Good Housekeeping's Family click here & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has decades of experience studying 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 below.

Safety

Whether you're taking your baby for a walk or going shopping, you want to feel confident that the stroller you choose is safe. It should meet the minimum standards set by AS/NZS standards that cover material, construction performance, and safety warnings.

Look for a seat with frames that are low and have an expansive base, so that it won't fall over when you take or place your child. The seat should be secured by an elastic strap for the crotch. Avoid hanging bags and other items from the handles, which can cause the stroller to tip backward. Make sure the stroller is free of any part that could pinch a child’s fingers or pose a danger of choking. Also, ensure that the brake lever is out of reach of toddlers.

Verify that the stroller equipped with a locking mechanism that stops it from folding accidentally when it's in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button located on the handlebars, or the dashboard. Registering your stroller will allow the manufacturer to send you any safety information.

Another important consideration is how it is simple to clean the fabric of the stroller, because toddlers and babies are prone to making messes. Choose a model that has washable fabrics that can withstand infant food, snot and dirty prints.

Consider buying a stroller that has adaptors, or can accommodate those purchased separately if you plan to use your car seat. This will allow your child to be securely taken from the car to stroller and back.

A certified safety expert will assist you in the event that you are not sure of the features you should choose. On the internet, you'll get a wealth of information on safe stroller use. This includes tips on how to pick and use the right stroller for you and your family. And remember to secure your child every time, even when they're sitting in the stroller, and make sure that all safety straps are secured. Doctors in emergency rooms report that they encounter a lot of injuries caused by children who are hurt in strollers and carriers.