Choosing a Baby Stroller

When you're moving, a baby stroller is an ideal way to transport your child. It's a great way for you to move around without having to carry a lot of gear.

Find full-size products that fit infants with a seat that reclines almost flat (newborns require neck support). Some come with an infant bassinet, a travel system, or both.

Seating

The seat of a stroller is crucial because your baby will spend a lot of time in it. Find a comfortable, wide seat that lets your child stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which is especially beneficial for newborns and infants who do not yet have the neck strength to sit up. Some seats come with feet that can be stowed, which provides your child with a method of relaxing.

Most strollers offer a child tray which is useful for storing snacks and toys. The most effective models have an attached tray to the back of your seat so that you do not have to be concerned if it falls off when you are 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.

It is also worth considering the stroller's safety system, which will help keep your child secure. Ideally, you'll want a five-point harness that is secured at the shoulders, waist and between the legs. The buckles must be easy to secure for adults and difficult for children to remove. It is essential to test the stroller with and without your child. It should be easy to push and comfortable even on rough terrain.

Some strollers have car frame seats or are compatible with a car seat for infants, which makes them ideal for families who use public transportation or rideshares. However, if you plan to use your stroller just occasionally, you may prefer an easy stroller that has fewer bells and whistles.

When shopping for a stroller to look at the hinges, as well as any other nooks or crannies that could cause little fingers to be snagged. These incidents are not common, but they occur. You do not want your child to be the victim of amputations to their fingers. Also pay attention to the foldability of the stroller and ensure it fits into your trunk when folded.

Storage

A stroller is much more than just a way to carry your baby. It's also a great method to carry all the things you'll need for your whole family, such as diapers, toys, food and more. It's crucial to pick the stroller that has plenty of storage to keep everything organized.

The amount of storage you require will depend on your lifestyle and the baby's age. If you plan to use your stroller on long walks as your child grows, you'll require more storage space for a diaper bag, snacks and other clothes. On the other side, if you'll only be using your baby stroller for shorter trips around town, smaller storage baskets might be enough.

Many of the best baby strollers have plenty of storage options built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU, for example has a large storage basket, a sunshade that 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.

Stroller storage is also available in the form of tray, pockets and other attachments. For example, the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that can be easily tucked into your stroller to make room for the essentials such as water, snacks and diapers. It also comes with insulated bottle pockets and exterior slip pockets to keep keys and wallets in reach.

Another storage option is a stroller caddy. These aren't features that are standard on every stroller but they can be an excellent way to keep it organized and tidy without adding extra weight or bulk. 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 look for side nettings or pockets to store small items such as wipes or toys without taking up valuable basket space. A cup holder is also an excellent feature since it can aid you in staying hydrated on your walks and keep your hands free when walking with your baby.

Style and Colour

There are a myriad of strollers available and you have to decide what features are important to you. Do you require a light stroller to fold and fit into your car, or one with large wheels that can assist you in navigating bumpy streets. How long will you use it? Do you need one that's easy to clean and maintain?

Some strollers come with removable covers made of fabric that can be washed by machine. This is a great choice if you are prone to spills and other dirt. Consider a sun shade or handlebar which can be adjusted to your height. Some models also come with the option of reclining chairs and an ottoman so that your child can rest while you are out and out and.

Travel systems are a great option for families who need a stroller that grows with them. These are a great option for babies since they usually include an infant car seat and can be used from day one. Some have a bassinet option for newborns as well as others that allow you to include a toddler car seat when your child is ready to ride.

Color is another thing to take into consideration. Some people are sensitive to gender-biased colours of blue and pink, and if you're one of them, you may prefer not to use these colors for your stroller. You can also consider opting for a stroller with neutral colors that is more adaptable and can be paired with any outfit.

It is vital for all new parents to have a stroller for their baby, but there are so many types of strollers on the market that it is difficult to pick the right one. These suggestions can help you narrow down your choices, so you can find the perfect stroller to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Rachel Rothman, Family & Travel Editor at Good Housekeeping, has years of experience evaluating household items. She has a degree in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics and her work has been published in American Baby and Parenting magazines. She lives in New York City, with her three children aged 7 and under.

Safety

If you're taking your child for a walk or going shopping, you want to feel confident that the stroller you pick is safe. It should meet the minimum requirements laid out by the AS/NZS standard, which covers construction, material performance, labeling, and safety warnings for strollers.

Find a seat with a wide base and a seat low in the frame so that it doesn't fall over when you put your child in or take them out. The seat should also be secured with the Crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags or other items from the handle, as this could cause the stroller to slide backwards. Keep the stroller free of any components that could pinch a child’s fingers or create a risk of choking. Also, ensure that the brake lever is kept out of reach of young children.

It is important to verify that the stroller has an locking mechanism that stops it from accidentally folding during use, and that it can be locked by pressing the handlebar or the dashboard. By registering your stroller, you allow the manufacturer to send you any safety updates.

Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean the stroller's fabric, since toddlers and babies are more likely to make here messes. Make sure you choose a stroller that has washable fabrics to withstand infant food, snot and dirt-stained prints.

Think about buying a stroller which comes with adaptors or can accommodate those purchased separately if you intend to use your car seat. This will allow your child to be safely taken from the car to the stroller and back.

A certified safety expert will assist you if you're unsure of the features you should choose. There's also plenty of information on safe stroller usage online and includes tips for choosing and using the best stroller for your family. Remember to secure your child every time, even if 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 getting injured in strollers and baby carriers.