Stroller Buying Guide

Baby Stroller buying tips

Choosing your baby stroller comes down to your baby's comfort and your lifestyle. Determine what you need your stroller to do and where you need it to go, and then choose the stroller that will get you there. Do you want a baby stroller that will let you go for a jog? Do you need a baby stroller that will be easy to use at the mall? Do you plan on traveling with your baby? Would you like to easily take walks around the neighborhood? Do you plan on having more than one child?

There are a few features that any safe stroller should have: a wide wheel base for stability, safety straps to hold your baby in place and maneuverable wheels. Other than those, consider the possible features and choose the ones that fit the needs you have for your baby stroller.

• Safety: Keeping your baby in place in the stroller will keep him out of harm's way. With the proper harness or safety straps, he won't be going anywhere. For most strollers, a three-point harness is plenty; it attaches on both sides of your baby's waist and in between his legs. For jogging strollers, you need a five-point harness to keep your baby secure; these attach in the same places as a three-point, plus over each of your baby's shoulders.
• Storage: If a baby stroller has a storage basket, most often you will find it underneath the stroller seat so it won't throw off the stroller's balance. A storage basket lets you stash a purse or diaper bag, an extra jacket for you or your baby and any purchases you make while you are out. Another stroller storage option may be a drink holder, which is excellent for a water or baby bottle or an on-the-go latte.
• Reclining Seat: Newborns under three months need to lie on their backs while in any stroller. One that reclines lets them do so, and when they can sit up, the seat can sit up, too. A reclining seat is also helpful for older babies who get tired while riding in their stroller.
• Wheels: In general, large or double wheels on a baby stroller will give the stroller a smoother ride. The material of the wheels will also affect smoothness, as will the presence (or lack) of shock absorbers. For safety, wheel brakes should be able to lock the stroller in place.
• Height: Many baby strollers have adjustable handles. If people of different heights will be using the stroller, this will be very helpful. Most strollers are built for average-height parents, so taller parents will need the adjustable height. For maximum comfort, you'll want to have your stroller's handles at waist level or a little lower.
• Comfort features: You want your baby to be comfortable while riding in his stroller, so look for padded seats. Some baby strollers even have padded armrests and headrests for maximum comfort.
• Weather features: While you are out, you may come into different types of weather, so you'll want your stroller to be ready for anything. Sun shades and parasols let you keep the rays off your little one's delicate skin. If it starts to rain, rain covers will keep your baby dry (at least in one way). If you live in a humid, buggy place, you may want to get a stroller with mosquito netting to protect your baby from bug bites.
• Attachable stroller toys: On a longer walk or shopping trip, it may take more than pleasant scenery to keep your baby entertained. The option of attachable stroller toys lets you clip toys onto the stroller, preventing dropped toys along the path.

Stroller types

Standard Stroller

A standard stroller will weigh about 20 pounds, have a few extra features and will be moderately easy to fold up and store. This is a good stroller to have for walks and some shopping trips.

Lightweight Stroller

Lightweight strollers are also known as umbrella strollers, because they fold up and have a curved handle just like an umbrella. These baby strollers are the most portable and usually weigh around 15 pounds, and they will have the least additional features. Remember that you can't hang a purse or diaper bag on the handle because the weight will tip over a lightweight stroller. Keeping a lightweight stroller in the trunk of your car will give you a convenient stroller for short errands.

Jogging Stroller

These exercise strollers have large, sturdy wheels, shock absorbers and five-point harnesses. You and your baby will experience a comfortable, maneuverable ride with a jogging stroller. Jogging strollers are usually not easy to fold up and store and may require their own parking spot in the garage.

Multi-child Stroller

Whether you are expecting twins, triplets (or more!) or just a younger sibling, a multi-child stroller will let you take the whole family out on the town. Some multi-child strollers seat the children next to each other; these strollers are easier to fold up, but more difficult to maneuver. Others seat the children one behind the other, which can be easier for you to steer.

Travel Systems

If you need a baby stroller, car seat and carrier, a travel system will give you all three in one package. The baby carrier attaches to the car seat base, then pops out to attach to the stroller base. Some parents find the pieces to be rather bulky, while many parents find these to be a simple solution to stocking up on baby gear.

Pram

If you love the vintage look of a baby carriage, a pram may be the stroller for you. While old prams were heavy, new models are lighter and easier to steer. Prams are an excellent option for newborn babies because it is easy to lay a baby down in a pram. Most prams can adjust to sitting position and change the direction of the handles, which allows you to use the pram for a longer time.

Stroller care

Most baby strollers feature removable, washable fabric interiors. If your baby can hold it, he can spill it, and he probably will when he is in his stroller. From the little drips of a bottle to the big diaper messes, washable strollers will make your life easier. Remember to clean your baby stroller whenever there is a spill.

To prolong the life of your baby stroller, be sure to regularly check for wobbly parts or loose bolts and screws. If there are any worn parts, replace them as soon as possible. It's also a good idea to run your hands around the stroller and check for any unseen rough or sharp spots; better to find them with your hands than with your baby's soft skin.

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