Choosing a Baby Stroller

When you're on the move, a baby stroller is a great way to transport your child. Apart from giving your back an opportunity to rest, it can help you get to where you want to be without being overwhelmed by the weight of all your equipment.

Find products that are large enough to can accommodate infants, with a seat that reclines almost flat (newborns still need neck support). Some include a bassinet or travel system.

Seating

The seat of a stroller is crucial because your baby will spend most of his time in it. Find a spacious, comfortable seat that allows your child to stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which is especially suitable for infants and babies who don't yet have the neck strength required to sit up. Some seats come with feet that can be stowed, which provides your child with a way to relax.

A majority of strollers have the option of a tray for children that can be useful for storing toys and snacks. The most effective models have a tray that is attached to the back of your seat so that you aren't worried about it falling off when you move. Some strollers for jogging have pockets for passengers to stow which are useful for holding sippy cups and bottles. The pockets are easy for children to reach, meaning they won't fall and spill their drinks when they move.

It is also worth considering the stroller's restraint system that will keep your child safe. You'll want to search for a five-point safety harness that's secured at the shoulders, waist and between the legs. The buckles should be simple to fasten for adults, and difficult to unbuckle for children. 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 are compatible with infant car seats or come with car seat frames. This makes them an excellent choice for families that use public transport. If you intend to use your stroller just often, you might prefer a lightweight stroller with fewer bells and whistles.

When you are shopping for a stroller, make sure you take the time to examine the hinges and other places where little fingers might be pinched. While these accidents are rare but they can happen, and you don't want to give your child an injury to the fingertip. Also, be aware of the foldability of the stroller and make sure it fits in your trunk when folded.

Stores

A stroller is much more than just a method to carry your baby. It's a means to carry all the items you require for your family on-the-go including diapers, food toys, and much more. It's important to select a stroller with plenty of storage space to keep everything in order.

How much storage space you require will depend on your lifestyle and the baby's age. If you intend to take your stroller for long walks as your child grows, you'll require more storage space to store a diaper bag, snacks and additional clothes. If you plan to use your stroller just for short trips around the town, a smaller cart may be sufficient.

A lot of the top strollers for babies have lots of storage features built-in. For example the UPPAbaby MINU comes with an ample storage basket, a pop-out sunshade and one-step brakes. It folds quickly and almost seamless fold that is easy to carry with one hand while holding the baby, or shopping.

Stroller storage can also be found in pockets, trays and other attachments. For instance the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that is perfect for your stroller, allowing room for the essentials such as snacks, water and diapers. It also features insulated bottle pockets and external slip pockets that keep small items like keys and wallets in reach.

Another storage option is a stroller caddy. Although they're not the standard features of all strollers, they can be an excellent way to keep your stroller neat and organized without adding weight or bulk to your ride. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models, whereas others have an universal attachment, to make them compatible with all strollers.

Other useful storage features to look for include side nettings and pockets that can be used to store small items, such as baby wipes or toys, and not take up space in the basket. A cup holder is an excellent feature as it will aid you in staying hydrated on your strolls and help you keep your hands clear while walking with your child.

Style and Colour

There are a myriad of strollers on the market and you have to determine what features are important to you. For instance, do you require a stroller that is light enough to fold up and take into your car, or do you need one with bigger wheels to get over bumpy sidewalks? How long will you use it? Do you need one that's easy-to-clean and maintain?

Some strollers have removable fabric covers which can be machine washed. This is a great option if you are prone to spills and other messes. Other features to consider are sun shade as well as the handlebar can be adjusted to your height. Also, some models have the option of reclining seats and an extra footrest for your child to rest on while you're out and out and about.

Travel systems are a great option for families that want a stroller to grow with them. They're a great choice for newborns since they usually include an infant car seat and can be used as early as day one. Some come with a bassinet for babies, while some allow you to add an infant car seat once your child is ready.

Color is another aspect to think about. If you're one of those people who are sensitive to gender-biased blue and pink colors, you may prefer not to use them in your stroller. You can also consider opting for a neutral-colored stroller which is more flexible and looks good with any outfit.

It is vital for all new parents to have a stroller for their baby, but there are so many kinds of strollers on the market that it can be difficult to select the best one. The tips above will help you narrow down your options to choose the right stroller for your needs and lifestyle.

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

Safety

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

Choose a seat that has a low frame and an expansive base, so that it won't tip over easily when you take or place your child. The seat should be secured by a crotch belt. Avoid hanging bags and other items on the handles, which could cause the stroller to tilt backwards. Keep the stroller free of any components that could be a danger to children's fingers or cause a choking risk. Also, ensure that the brake lever is not within reach of toddlers.

Verify that the stroller equipped with a locking system that prevents it accidentally folding when in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button located on the handlebars, or the dashboard. It's important to register your stroller so that the manufacturer can send you any safety alerts.

The fabric of the stroller is important to consider, as babies and children are notorious for causing mess. Choose a model that has washable fabrics that can withstand the snot, baby food, and dirty prints.

Consider buying a stroller that includes adaptors or will be used with adaptors purchased separately if you intend to use your car seat. This will allow your child to be safe transported from the pushchair uk car to the stroller and back.

If you're unsure which features to choose an expert in safety can be of assistance. On the internet, you can get a wealth of information about safe stroller use. This includes tips on how to pick and use the correct stroller for you and your family. Make sure you buckle your child every time, including when they are seated in the stroller. Also, make sure all buckles and safety straps are securely fastened. Children in strollers and carriers are often injured by emergency room doctors.