Choosing a Baby Stroller

A stroller for babies makes it easy to carry your little one when you're out on the move. It's a great way for you to get around without having carry too much gear.

Look for products that are large and come with a seat that is able to be reclined to a nearly flat position. (Newborns still require neck support). Some have the option of a bassinet or travel system, or both.

Seating

The seat of a stroller is important because your baby will spend most of his time in it. It is essential to find an easy, spacious seat with plenty of space for your child to stretch and unwind. Some seats come with reclines, which are especially helpful for newborns and infants who don't yet have the neck strength to sit up. Other seats have footrests that can be stowed to provide your baby with another option to relax.

A majority of strollers have an infant tray, which can be useful for storing snacks and toys. The best models come with an attached tray to the side 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 to children, meaning they will not spill their drinks while moving.

It is also important to look at the restraint system on the stroller, which will help secure your child in place. You should look for a five-point safety harness that is secured at the waist, shoulders and between the legs. The buckles must be easy for adults to fasten and difficult for children to unbuckle. You'll want to try the stroller with your child inside it, both with the doors open and closed. It should be easy to push and comfortable even on rough terrain.

Some strollers come with car frame seats or are compatible with a car seat for infants making them a great choice for families who take public transportation or ride share. If you intend to use your stroller only occasionally, you may want a lightweight stroller with fewer bells and whistles.

Make sure when you shop for a stroller to look at the hinges and any other nooks or crannies that could pinch little fingers. These incidents are not common, but they do happen. You don't want your child suffer a fingertip amputation. Be aware of the stroller's folding capabilities and make sure it fits into your trunk.

Storage

A stroller is more than just a means of transport for your child. It's a way to carry all the things you need for your family on-the-go including diapers, food toys, and much more. This is why it's crucial to select a stroller that has plenty of storage space to organize everything.

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 need more storage space for diaper bags, snacks and other clothes. If you intend to use your baby stroller for short excursions around the town, a smaller cart could be enough.

A lot of the top strollers for babies come with plenty of storage options built in. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance, comes with an ample 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 holding the baby or shopping.

Stroller storage can also be found in tray, pockets and other attachments. For example, the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that is perfect for your stroller to make room for necessities such as water, snacks and diapers. It also has insulated bottles pockets as well as an exterior slip pocket to keep small items like keys and wallet in reach.

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

Also, look for pockets or side nettings that can be used to store small items like toys or wipes without occupying valuable basket space. A cup holder can be an excellent feature since it allows you to keep hydrated while walking with your child and helps keep your hands free.

Style and Colour

There are a variety of strollers available and you have to determine what features are important to you. Do you require a lightweight stroller that can fold easily into your car, or one with large wheels to aid you on bumpy streets. How long do you intend to use it, and do you need a stroller that's easy to clean and maintain?

Some strollers come with removable covers made of fabric that can be washed in the machine and is a great feature to have if your susceptible to spills and other mess. You might want to consider a sun shade or handlebar which can be adjusted to your height. Additionally, some models come with an adjustable reclining seat as well as an extra footrest for your child to rest on while you're out and out and about.

If you're looking for a stroller that can grow with your family, consider a travel system. These are excellent options for babies, since they include a baby seat and can be used immediately. Some come with a bassinet for newborns while others permit the addition of an infant car seat once your child is ready.

Another thing to consider is color. Some people are sensitive to gender-biased colors of blue and pink If you're one of them, you might prefer not to use these colors for your stroller. Consider a neutral-colored stroller that can be worn with any outfit.

It is crucial for new parents to have a stroller for their infants however, there are so many kinds of strollers that it can be a challenge to choose the right one. The tips above can help you narrow down your choices, so you can choose the ideal stroller that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Good Housekeeping's Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has years of experience in evaluating and testing household products. She holds a degree from applied mathematics 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 under.

Safety

You want to be confident that your stroller is secure, whether you're taking the baby for a stroll or shopping. It must meet the minimum requirements outlined by the AS/NZS standards, which cover construction, material performance, safety and performance warnings.

Choose a base that is wide 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 securely fastened with a strap for the crotch. Avoid hanging bags or other items from the handle, as this may cause the stroller backward. It's best to keep the stroller clear of objects that could get caught in a child's fingers or pose a choking hazard Be sure to check that the brake lever isn't accessible to children.

It is important to verify that the stroller has a locking mechanism that prevents it from folding accidentally during use, and that it can be locked by pressing an appropriate button on the handlebar or dashboard. It's also a good idea to register your stroller to ensure that the manufacturer is able to send you any safety alerts.

Another important consideration is how it is easy to clean the stroller's fabric, because toddlers and babies are prone to making messes. Make sure you choose a stroller that has washable fabrics here to withstand the snot, baby food, and dirt-stained prints.

Consider buying a stroller that comes with adaptors or can be used with adaptors purchased separately if you plan to use your car seat. This will allow you to safely transport your child from the car to the stroller and return to the car.

If you're unsure of which features to pick, a certified safety expert can be of assistance. You can also find lots of information about safe stroller use online with tips on choosing and using the best stroller for your family. Be sure to secure your child at all times, including when they are seated in the stroller. Also, make sure all safety straps and buckles are securely fastened. Children in strollers and carriers are frequently injured by emergency room physicians.