How To Pick A Stroller?

There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for a stroller. This guide will give you some hints about how to pick a stroller: various features, what to look for, and what to consider before you make your purchase. Strollers make great gifts for a baby shower, and they make great gifts to give yourself, too!

Strollers can be a parent’s best friend, but picking the wrong baby stroller could spell trouble and inconvenience. Strollers are available to match just about any lifestyle, so think about how you want to use the stroller first. Then, look at strollers that best fit your life and your baby.

How To Pick A Stroller

The right baby stroller can make trips out of the house enjoyable for parents and babies alike. Baby strollers are one of those must-have items for any parent of a young child. Whether you are walking around your local mall or jogging in the park, a baby stroller keeps your infant close to you at all times.

Common Features Of Baby Strollers

With today’s strollers, there are many common features of the best-rated models. Many of the more expensive stroller brands come as complete travel systems including a car seat and an easily folded design. You can also find cup holders, ergonomic handlebars, storage baskets, and locking wheels. Some of the joggers come with the suspension to keep the child comfortable on many types of terrain.

Here are general features you should consider before making a purchase:

Locking device

These devices keep your strollers from collapsing accidentally.

Baby tray

These plastic trays are for holding snacks or toys. If the tray comes with attached toys, make sure they are securely fastened and not a potential choking hazard. You might also consider a tray that swings open. This simplifies getting your squirming child in or out of the seat.

Storage

Parents never go anywhere without baby supplies. A stroller with a large, easily accessible shopping basket makes life easier for you. Choose one that’s at least big enough to accommodate a diaper bag.

Canopy

You need a canopy to protect your baby from the elements. Some provide only overhead coverage while others zip your baby into a clear plastic bubble. Many of the versions that extend from the back over the top have clear plastic windows for monitoring your child.

Handlebars

Certain handlebars can be adjusted to accommodate people of different heights. Reversible handles swing over the top of the stroller so you can ride with your baby facing you. Some people prefer a single crossbar. It’s more stable and enables one-handed steering.

One-handed opening/folding mechanism

As any parent knows, once you have a child you lose the freedom of empty hands. One-handed opening/folding mechanisms let you hold the baby or baby items in one hand while folding with the other.

Suspension

Heavyweight models sometimes offer some type of shock absorber, which gives your baby a less jarring ride.

Wheels

Wheels with plastic spokes do not hold up as well as steel or aluminum hubs. Most strollers have double wheels on the front (three-wheeled strollers) that swivel to make steering easier or lock-in one forward-facing position for uneven surfaces. Big wheels make it easier to negotiate rough surfaces, but they eat up trunk space. Air-filled tires are nice, but they require a pump that isn’t always supplied by the manufacturer.

Brakes

Brakes should grip the tires well enough. No child should be able to release the brakes while seated in the stroller. Check that a stroller has a good parking brake. Parking brakes on two wheels provide an extra margin of safety. Most jogging strollers have bicycle-type hand-operated brakes to help you slow down when running.

Certification

Look for models with a certification sticker showing that the stroller meets the minimum requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) voluntary standard. Although the program is voluntary, models from uncertified companies may not be as safe.

Types Of Strollers

There are a variety of baby strollers available today. In general, there are 5 types of strollers:

• Standard Stroller: This is the basic model that comes with some type of canopy and has a reclining position for your infant.
• Infant Stroller: Many of these models let you attach the car seat to the stroller, so your baby can stay asleep while you go about your business.
• Travel Stroller: This is a lightweight model that stores easily, making it a good option for travel. These models usually don’t let babies recline and are often referred to as umbrella strollers.
• Jogging stroller: Jogging strollers are designed to absorb the shock of running and rough terrain.
• Double stroller: These strollers carry two or more children.

Best Strollers For Baby And Toddler

A stroller is an essential piece of baby gear, an everyday necessity. Consider not only safety and functionality but also personality and style. Just like your car says a lot about you, so does your baby’s vehicle!

Listed below are 5 of the top strollers on the market today. We compared these models with other units and found these to be the best of them all. We considered the brand, model, features, design, functionality, usability, and consumer reports to come up with this list; so you can rely on it when deciding to choose the right baby stroller for your specific needs and purposes.

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

The Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System includes the car seat, car seat base, and of course, the travel stroller all in one complete package. The infant car seat is easy to install securely every time. The stroller by itself is a terrific product, but travel convenience of the full set really makes this a winner.

This travel set features matching infant car seats and strollers in several designer colors for girls and boys. If you are looking for sturdy but stylish ride that allows you to move your baby’s seat from the car directly to the stroller, you will appreciate this product.

Lightweight Stroller

The 3Dlite Stroller is a durable stroller that has a lightweight and stylish aluminum frame and is one of the lightest and most feature-rich convenience strollers on the market. This stroller is ideal for packing in the car. With an easy to fold frame and carry strap, you can be on-the-go or stow and go with ease.

Jogging Baby Stroller

These are great for spending quality time outside for yourself and with the baby. Designed with 3 wheels, they can travel on roads and even on hiking trails. You can find jogging strollers that will carry 2 and 3 kids as well. Who says a baby makes it too hard to find time for exercise?

With the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller, you can combine a healthy jog or brisk walk for you with a nice outing for your baby. One of our favorite features of this model is the “peek & chat” window that sits on top of the hood so that you can keep an eye on your passenger – or open it to talk – without having to stop.

Travel Stroller For Airplane

The Pockit Air All-Terrain is an absolute must if you are looking for a travel stroller for airplane. Providing total convenience without compromising on comfort or style, this stroller is a great gift for a friend or for yourself if there is a plane trip in the plans.

The unique ultra-compact folding mechanism reduces the stroller to a size that is airplane hand luggage compliant-making it perfect for exploring new places, near or far.

Double Stroller For Infant And Toddler

A double stroller for infant and toddler can make life easier for any parent. They are also quite cost-effective. Parents do not have to buy two strollers for their twins, or two young children. When choosing a stroller parents must choose the one that is most convenient for them as well as their toddlers.

Our favorite in this category is the double-seat version of the BOB Jogging Stroller highlighted above. Whether you are jogging or not, the sturdy construction, stylish design and all-terrain capability make this a great choice.

Conclusion

It’s quite apparent just how important it is to find a high-quality baby stroller and not some cheap or poorly built buggy. Whether you are walking around your neighborhood or running through the park, strollers keep your toddler or infant baby safe and with you at all times.