Choosing a Baby Stroller

A stroller for babies allows you to carry your child when you're on the go. In addition to giving your back a break, it also helps you get to where you want to go without being burdened by too much equipment.

Find products that are large enough to can accommodate infants, with a seat that can recline nearly flat (newborns still require neck support). Some 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 spacious, comfortable seat that lets your child stretch and relax. Some seats come with reclines that are particularly useful for infants and newborns who don't yet have the neck strength to sit up. Some seats feature stowable feetrests which allow your child to relax in a different way.

Most strollers offer the option of a tray for children that can be useful to store toys and snacks. The most effective models come with a tray that attaches to the side of the seat so you don't need to worry about it falling off when moving. Some jogging walkers come with pockets for bottles as well as sippy cup holders. The pockets are easy to access to children, meaning they aren't likely to spill their drinks while moving.

You should also consider the stroller's safety system, which will keep your child safe. You should look for a five-point safety harness that's secured at the waist, shoulders and between the legs. The buckles should be simple to fasten for adults, and difficult to take off for children. 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 can be used with infant car seats or car frame seats. This makes them an excellent option for families who use public transportation. If you plan to only use the stroller occasionally, you might prefer one that is lightweight and has less bells, whistles and other features.

When shopping for a stroller, take your time to inspect 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 give your child the gift of an amputation of the fingertip. Pay attention to the stroller's folding capabilities and make sure it fits inside your trunk.

Storage

A stroller is much more than a means to transport your child. It's also a great way to carry all the things you need for your entire family, such as diapers as well as food, toys and more. This is why it's crucial to select a stroller that has ample storage space to keep everything organized.

How much storage you need will depend on your lifestyle and the baby's age. If you plan to use your stroller for long walks as your child grows, you'll require more storage space for a diaper bag, snacks and other clothes. If you're planning to use your stroller for short excursions around town, a smaller basket might be enough.

A majority of the top strollers for babies have lots of storage options built into them. The UPPAbaby MINU, for example, comes with a large storage basket as well as a sunshade which pops out, and one-step breaks. It has a fast, nearly seamless fold that is easy to carry with one hand while carrying the baby or shopping.

You can also find storage options in the form of pockets, trays and other attachments. The Bugaboo Organizer for instance, is a zip-top pouch that fits perfectly in your stroller and allows you to store essentials such as snacks, water and diapers. It also has insulated bottles pockets and an exterior slip pockets that can keep small items such as keys and wallets within reach.

Another storage option is a stroller caddy. Although they're not an essential feature of every stroller however, they can be a great way to keep your stroller neat and organized without adding a lot of extra weight or bulk to your ride. Some are designed to fit specific strollers, while some come with universal attachments that make them compatible with most strollers.

Also, look for pockets or side nettings to store small things like wipes or toys without taking up precious space in the basket. A cup holder can be an important feature as it lets you keep hydrated while walking with your baby and helps keep your hands free.

Style & Colour

There are a variety of strollers on the market and it's crucial to decide which features are most important to you. Do you need a lightweight stroller that folds easily into your car or one with large wheels to assist you in navigating bumpy streets. How long do you intend to use it, and do you need a stroller that is easy to clean and maintain?

Some strollers come with removable covers made of fabric which can be washed by a machine, which is a great feature to have if your susceptible to spills or other dirt. Other features to consider are sun shade as well as a handlebar that adjusts to your height. Some models also come with a reclining chair and the footrest, so your baby can take a nap while you're out and out and.

If you're looking for a stroller which can adapt to your family, consider a travel system. They're a great choice for newborns since they usually include an infant car seat that can be used as early as 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 when your child is ready to ride.

Color is another aspect to think about. If you are one of those people who are sensitive to gender-biased pink and blue colors, you may want to avoid them for your stroller. You might also think about getting a stroller with neutral colors, which is more versatile and looks good with any outfit.

A stroller for babies is essential for all new parents however, with the many options available it can be difficult to know which type of stroller is the best one for you. The tips above can help you narrow down your options, so that you can find the perfect stroller that fits 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 below.

Safety

Whether you're taking your baby for a stroll or shopping, you want to be confident that the stroller you select is safe. It must meet the minimum standards set by the AS/NZS standard which covers construction, material performance, labeling, and safety warnings for strollers.

Find a seat with an elongated frame and a wide base to ensure that it doesn't fall over when you take or place your child. The seat should be secured with the crotch belt. Avoid hanging bags or other objects from the handles, as this can cause the stroller to slide backwards. It is best to keep the stroller free of objects that could get caught in a child's fingers or pose an choking risk and ensure that the brake lever isn't accessible to a toddler.

It's worth checking whether the stroller has a locking mechanism to prevent it from folding in the wrong direction while in use, and that it can be locked by pressing an appropriate button on the handlebar or dashboard. It's important to register your stroller so that the manufacturer can send you any safety alerts.

Another important consideration is how it is easy to clean the stroller's fabric because toddlers and babies tend to leave a mess. Look for a model with washable fabrics that will stand up to food spills, snot and dirt-covered footprints.

If you plan to use a car seat alongside your stroller, consider choosing a model with adaptors that are included or that can accommodate adaptors bought separately. This will let you safely transport your child from the car to the stroller and then back.

If you're unsure of which features to pick, a certified safety professional can assist. Online, you can here find plenty of information on safe stroller use. This includes tips on how to pick and use the right stroller for you and your family. Be sure to secure your child every time even when they are sitting in the stroller. Also, make sure all safety straps and buckles are securely secured. Children who ride in strollers or carriers are frequently injured by emergency room physicians.