Choosing a Baby Stroller

If you're constantly moving, a baby stroller is an ideal way to get your child. It's a great way for you to get around without having carry a lot of equipment.

Find full-size products that fit infants with a seat that reclines nearly flat (newborns still require neck support). Some come with a bassinet or travel system.

Seating

The seat of a stroller is crucial since your child will spend a lot of time in it. It is important to choose a comfortable, wide and comfortable seat with plenty of space for your child to stretch and unwind. Some seats recline, which is particularly suitable for infants and babies who do not yet have the neck strength needed to sit up. Some seats feature stowable feetrests that let your child relax in a different manner.

The majority of strollers have an infant tray that can be used to store toys and snacks. The best models have the tray that is attached to the back of your seat so you aren't worried about it falling off when you are moving. Some jogging walkers come with pockets for bottles as well as sippy cup holders. The pockets are easily accessible for children, so they aren't likely to spill their drinks while moving.

You'll also want to examine the restraint mechanism on the stroller, which can help keep your child in place. You'll want to look for a five-point safety harness that's secured at the waist, shoulders and between the legs. The buckles should be easy to secure by adults, but difficult for children to remove. It is important to test the stroller both with and without your child. It should be comfortable and easy to push, even over rough terrain.

Some strollers have car frame seats or are compatible with an infant car seat making them a great choice for families who use public transportation or ride share. If you plan to only use the stroller occasionally it is possible to choose an easy-to-use model that has less bells, whistles and other features.

When shopping for a stroller, take the time to look at the hinges and other nooks and crannies where tiny fingers could be snared. Although these accidents are rare, they can happen. You don't want your child to be a victim of amputation of the fingertip. Be aware of the stroller's ability to fold and ensure that it will fit in your trunk.

Storage

A stroller is more than just a way to carry your baby. It's also a great method to transport all the things you require for your entire family, such as diapers as well as food, toys and more. It's crucial to pick the stroller that has plenty of storage space to keep everything in order.

The amount of storage space you require will be contingent on your lifestyle and the age of your baby. For example, if you'll be taking your stroller on longer walks as your baby becomes a toddler, you'll need more space for a fully-stocked diaper bag, snacks, extra water bottles and clothes. If you plan to use your baby stroller just for short trips around town, a smaller bag might be enough.

A lot of the top baby strollers come with lots of storage features built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance has an ample storage basket as well as a sunshade which is able to pop out, and a one-step breaks. It has a fast and almost seamless fold that is simple to handle with one hand while holding the baby or shopping.

You can also find storage options in the form pockets, trays, and other attachments. For instance the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that is perfect for your stroller, allowing room for essentials like water, snacks, and diapers. It also features insulated bottle pockets as well as an exterior slip pocket to keep small items such as keys and wallet in reach.

Another storage option is a stroller caddy. While they're not a standard feature of every stroller but they are an excellent way to keep your stroller tidy and prams organized without adding any extra weight or bulk to your ride. Some are sized to fit specific stroller models while others come with an universal attachment, to ensure they're compatible with most strollers.

Other storage options to look out for are side nettings and pockets that can be used to store small items, like toys or baby wipes, without taking 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 ensures that your hands are free.

Style and Colour

There are a variety of strollers on the market and it's crucial to choose which features are most important to you. For instance, do you need a stroller that's lightweight enough to fold and take into your car or do you require one with bigger wheels to maneuver over bumpy streets? How long will you use it? Do want one that's easy-to-clean and maintain?

Some strollers come with removable covers made of fabric that can be machine washed. This is a great option for those who you are susceptible to spills or other mess. Consider the sun shade or handlebar which can be adjusted to your height. Some models also have a reclining seat and a footrest for your baby to rest on while you're out and about.

Travel systems are a great choice for families who need an infant stroller that can grow with them. They are a great option for newborns, as they include an infant seat that can be used right away. Some have a bassinet for infants, while others let you add a toddler car seat when your child is ready.

Another thing to think about is the color. Some people are sensitive to gender-specific colors of blue and pink, and if you're one of them, you may want to avoid these colors for your stroller. Consider a neutral stroller that can be worn with every outfit.

It is crucial for new parents to have a stroller for their baby, but there are so many types of strollers that it can be a challenge to choose the right one. These suggestions can help narrow your options so that you can choose the ideal stroller to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Good Housekeeping's Family & travel pushchair Editor Rachel Rothman has decades of experience studying and testing household products. She holds a degree 3 in 1 pram 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 who are 7 and under.

Safety

You'll want to ensure that your stroller is secure, whether you're taking the baby on a walk or out for a shopping. It must meet the minimum requirements set by the AS/NZS standard, which covers construction, material, performance, labeling and safety warnings for strollers.

Look for a wide base and a seat low in the frame so it won't easily tip over when you put your child in or take them out. The seat should be secured using the crotch belt. Avoid hanging bags or other objects on the handles, which could cause the stroller tip backward. Make sure the stroller is free of any components that could be a danger to children's fingers or Travel Pram cause a choking risk. Also, ensure the brake lever is out of reach of toddlers.

Check that the stroller is equipped with a locking mechanism which prevents it from folding stroller when it is in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button on the handlebars or dashboard. It's recommended to register your stroller to ensure that the manufacturer is able to send you any security alerts.

The fabric of the stroller is important to think about, since babies and children are notorious for making messes. Find a stroller that has washable fabrics that stand up to food spills, snot and dirt-covered footprints.

If you are planning to use a car seat along with your stroller, think about getting an option with adaptors that are included or that can accommodate adaptors bought separately. This will allow you to safely transfer your child from the car to the stroller and return to the car.

A certified safety expert can assist you in the event that you are not sure of the features you should choose. On the internet, you can find a lot of information regarding safe stroller usage. This includes information on how to pick and use the best stroller for you and your family. Make sure you buckle your child at all times you are sitting in the stroller. Also, ensure that all safety straps and buckles are securely fastened. Emergency room doctors report that they encounter a lot of injuries caused by children who are hurt in strollers and carriers.