Choosing a Baby Stroller

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

Find products that are large enough to accommodate infants with a seat that can recline almost flat (newborns require neck support). Some include an infant bassinet, a travel system, or both.

Seating

A stroller's seat is one of the most important features because it's where your baby will spend a lot of time. Find a spacious, comfortable seat that allows your child to stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which are particularly useful for infants and newborns who don't yet have the neck strength required to sit up. Other seats have feet that can be stowed, which provides your baby with another way to relax.

Most strollers come with an infant tray that can be used to store snacks and toys. The most effective models come with an attached tray that can be stowed to the seat's side, so you won't need to worry about it falling off when moving. Some jogging walkers come with pockets for bottles and sippy cup holders. The pockets are easily accessible to children, meaning they will not spill their drinks while moving.

You should also think about the stroller's restraint system which will keep your child secure. You'll want to search for prams for newborns a five-point safety harness that's secured at the waist, shoulders and between the legs. The buckles must be easy to secure for adults and difficult for children to remove. You'll want to try the stroller with your child inside it, both with the doors open and closed. It should be comfortable and easy to push even over rough terrain.

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

When you are shopping for a stroller, take your time to inspect the hinges as well as any other places where little fingers may be snagged. These accidents are rare but they do happen. You don't want your child to be the victim of amputations to their fingers. Be aware of the stroller's ability to fold and ensure that it will fit into your trunk.

Storage

A stroller is more than a mode of transportation for your child. It's also a great way to transport all the things you need for your entire family, such as diapers as well as food, toys and much more. It is essential to choose a stroller that has plenty of storage space to keep everything organized.

The amount of storage space you require will depend on both your lifestyle and the age of your baby. For instance, if use your stroller for long walks as your child develops into an adult, you'll require more space for a fully-stocked diaper bag, snacks, additional clothes and water bottles. On the other hand, if you'll be using your baby stroller for a shorter trip around town, then an a smaller storage basket might suffice.

A lot of the top strollers for babies come with lots of storage options built in. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance features a large storage basket and a sunshade that can be removed, and a one-step breaks. It also features a simple and seamless fold that's simple to operate with just one hand carrying a baby around or shopping for food items.

Stroller storage can also be found in tray, pockets and other accessories. The Bugaboo Organizer, for example is a zip-top bag that is perfect for your stroller double pram and pushchair lets you store essentials such as snacks, water and diapers. It also features insulated bottle pockets as well as an exterior slip pockets to keep small items like keys and wallets within reach.

Another storage option is a stroller caddy. These aren't features that are standard on every stroller but they can be an excellent method of keeping it organized and tidy without adding extra weight or bulk. Some are designed to fit specific strollers, while others include universal attachments, making them compatible with a variety of strollers.

Other storage options to look out for are pockets and side nettings that can be used to store small items such as baby wipes or toys without taking up space in the basket. A cup holder is also an excellent feature since it can help you stay hydrated during your walks and also keep your hands free while walking with your child.

Style & Colour

There are many types of strollers to choose from, and you need to choose which features are important to you. For example, do you require a stroller with a lightweight design enough to fold down and put in your car, or do you need one with more wheels to maneuver over bumpy roads? How long will you use it? Do you want one that's easy-to-clean and maintain?

Some strollers come with removable covers made of fabric that are machine washable, which is a great option if you're prone to spills or other messes. Other features worth considering include a sun shade and an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. Some models include an reclining chair as well as a footrest so your baby can take a nap while you're out and out and about.

Travel systems are an excellent choice for families who need a stroller to grow with them. They are a great choice for newborns since they usually come with 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 go on a ride.

Color is another thing to think about. Some people are sensitive to gender-biased colors of pink and blue, and if you're one of them, you might prefer not to use these colors for your stroller. Consider a neutral stroller that will go with any outfit.

A baby stroller is a necessity for new parents, but with so many options to choose from it can be difficult to determine which stroller is best for you. These tips will help you narrow your options so that you can select the best stroller for your needs and lifestyle.

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

Safety

You want to be confident that your stroller is safe regardless of whether you're taking the baby on a walk or going out shopping. It should meet the minimum requirements laid out by the AS/NZS standard which covers material, construction, performance, labeling and safety warnings for strollers.

Find a seat with a wide base and a seat that is low in the frame so that it doesn't fall over when you put your child in or out. The seat should be securely fastened with an elastic crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags and other items from the handles, which can cause the stroller to tilt backwards. It's best to ensure that the stroller is free of parts that could pinch fingers of children or create an choking risk and ensure that the brake lever is not accessible to toddlers.

Verify that the stroller equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents it accidentally folding when it is in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button located on the handlebars or the 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 take into consideration, as babies and children are notorious for making messes. Look for a model with washable fabrics that can stand up to food spills and snot, as well as dirt-covered footprints.

You should consider purchasing a stroller that includes adaptors or will accommodate the adaptors you purchase 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 then back again.

If you're not sure which features to pick, a certified safety professional can be of assistance. There's also a wealth of information on safe stroller use on the internet, including tips for selecting and using the best travel stroller stroller prams for sale your family. Remember to buckle up your child at all times you are sitting in the stroller. Also, make sure all buckles and safety straps are securely secured. Doctors in emergency rooms have reported that they've seen a number of injuries caused by children who are hurt in strollers and carriers.