Don't Stop! 15 Things About Baby Stroller We're Sick Of Hearing

Choosing a Baby Stroller A stroller for babies allows you to easily carry your little one when you're on the move. Aside from giving your back a break, it also helps you get to where you need to be without getting burdened by too much gear. Look for products that are large and come with a seat that is able to be reclined almost flat. (Newborns still require neck support). Some include a bassinet, travel system or both. Seating A stroller's seat is among the most important features since it's where your child will spend a lot of time. Find a spacious, comfortable seat that lets your child stretch and relax. Some seats have reclines that are particularly useful for infants and newborns who don't yet have the neck strength to sit up. Some seats have stowable footrests that let your child relax in a different manner. Most strollers come with an infant tray that can be used to store toys and snacks. The best models have the tray that is attached to the seat's side and you don't need to worry about it falling over while moving. Some jogging strollers come with pockets for passengers which are useful to hold bottles and sippy cups. The pockets are easily accessible for children, which means they won't spill their drinks when moving. You should also consider the stroller's restraint system which will keep your child safe. Ideally, you'll want a five-point harness that is secured at the shoulders, waist, and between the legs. The buckles should be easy to fasten for adults, and difficult to take off for children. You'll want to try the stroller with your child in it, both open and closed. It should be comfortable and easy to push, even over 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 an easy stroller that has fewer bells and whistles. When you are shopping for a stroller, make sure you take your time to inspect the hinges and any other nooks and crannies where tiny fingers could be snared. These incidents are not common, but they do happen. You don't want your child to be the victim of amputations to their fingers. Pay attention to the stroller's ability to fold and ensure that it will fit inside your trunk. Storage A stroller is more than a means of transport for your baby. It's a method of carrying 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 pick a stroller with plenty of storage space to store everything in order. The amount of storage you require will depend on your lifestyle and the baby's age. If you plan to use your stroller for long walks as your child grows, you will need more storage space for snacks, a diaper bag and other clothes. If you're planning to use your stroller only for short trips around town, a smaller bag might be enough. Many of the best strollers for babies have plenty of storage options built in. For example the UPPAbaby MINU includes a spacious storage basket with a pop-out sunshade as well as brakes with one step. It folds quickly and seamless fold that is easy to carry with one hand while carrying the baby or shopping. You can also find storage options that come in the form of pockets, trays, and other attachments. For example, the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that is perfect for your stroller to make room for the essentials such as snacks, water and diapers. It also features bottles with insulated pockets as well as external slip pockets that keep small items such as keys and wallets in reach. A stroller caddy is a different storage option. These aren't standard features on every stroller, but they can be an excellent method of keeping it organized and tidy without adding weight or bulk. Some are designed to fit specific models of strollers, whereas others come with universal attachments that make them compatible with most strollers. Other useful storage features to look for include side nettings and pockets that can be used to store small items, such as toys or baby wipes, without taking up space in the basket. A cup holder can be an excellent feature since it allows you to remain hydrated while strolling with your child, and also helps keep your hands free. Style and Colour There are a myriad of strollers on the market and you have to decide what features are important to you. For instance, do need a stroller that's lightweight enough to fold and put in your car or do you require one with bigger wheels to navigate bumpy roads? How many hours will you use it? Do want one that's easy-to-clean and maintain? Some strollers have removable covers made of fabric that can be washed in the machine this is a fantastic feature to have if you're prone to spills or other mess. Consider the sun shade or handlebar which can be adjusted to your height. Some models also come with an reclining chair as well as an ottoman so that your child can relax while you are out and out and about. Travel systems are a great option for families that want a stroller that grows with them. They're a great choice for babies since they usually come with an infant car seat and can be used from the first day. Some have an option for a bassinet to be used by newborns and some allow you to add a toddler seat for when your child is ready to go on a ride. Another thing to consider is the color. Some people are sensitive to the gender-specific colors of blue and pink If you're one of them, you may prefer to stay clear of these colors for your stroller. You might also think about getting a neutral-colored stroller, which is more versatile and will look great with any outfit. It is essential for new parents to have a stroller for their baby but there are so many types of strollers that it can be a challenge to select the best one. These tips can help you narrow down your options so that you can choose the ideal stroller for your needs and lifestyle. Good Housekeeping's Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has decades of experience evaluating and testing household products. She has a degree in applied math and mechanical engineering. Her work has been published in American Baby and Parenting. She lives in New York City with her three kids 7 and under. Safety You'll want to know that your stroller is secure whether you're taking your baby on a walk or shopping. It must meet the minimum requirements laid out by the AS/NZS standard which covers construction, material, performance, labeling and safety alerts for strollers. Look for pushchairs and a seat that's low in the frame so it won't easily tip over when you place your child in or out of it. The seat should be secured using an elastic strap for the crotch. Avoid hanging bags and other items from the handle, as this may make the stroller go backwards. Keep the stroller free of any part that could be a danger to children's fingers or pose a danger of choking. Also, ensure that the brake lever is kept out of reach of children. Check that the stroller is equipped with a locking mechanism which prevents it from folding when in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button on the handlebars or the dashboard. Registering your stroller will allow the manufacturer to send you any safety updates. The fabric of the stroller is important to consider, as babies and children are notorious for their mess. Choose a stroller with washable fabrics that stand up to baby food and snot, as well as dirt-covered footprints. If you are planning to use a car seat with your stroller, consider choosing a model that has adaptors included or that can accommodate adaptors bought separately. This will allow your child to be safe transported from the car to stroller and back. If you're not sure which features to pick, a certified safety professional can assist. There's also plenty of information about safe stroller use online, including tips for selecting and using the correct stroller for your family. Remember to buckle up your child at all times even when they are seated in the stroller. Also, ensure that all buckles and safety straps are securely fastened. Children who ride in strollers or carriers are frequently injured by emergency room doctors.