A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Baby Strollers
, by Artorias Tse, 9 min reading time
Parents will purchase a baby stroller, one of the significant decisions made when preparing for a new baby. It can get overwhelming to imagine how many there are, each with different features, benefits, and price points. In such an age, the stroller is almost a convenience. It's a tool for moving with the child through the ordinary round of life: a walk, a shop, or travel.
This article is a guide to purchasing baby strollers. It will give you general ideas about different types of baby strollers, what to watch closely, and how to fit the stroller into one's lifestyle. Whether you have just become a new parent or already have your share and need a suitable model for your growing baby, this guide will help you select a stroller that perfectly fits your family.
Types of Baby Strollers
To begin with, let us briefly understand the different types available in the market for baby strollers. The significant types of baby strollers, which are designed to handle various situations and needs, are underlined below:
1. Full-Size Strollers
A full-size stroller would be ideal for daily use and most versatile for many parents. They are usually big and feature more than the average, such as reclining seats, storage baskets, and adjustable handlebars. Appropriate for infants through toddlers, these can be an excellent long-term investment.
A full-size stroller would be best for urban areas since moving along can be easier with smoother surfaces. However, its larger size is less convenient if the family is taking a quick trip or in crowded spaces.
2. Lightweight or Umbrella Strollers
Umbrella or lightweight strollers are perfect for parents looking for an easy-to-carry, compact carriage, especially when traveling or in a rush on buses or the street. Generally, umbrella strollers are lighter, easier to fold, and offer fewer features than full-sized strollers, making them relatively easier to lug around.
A lightweight travel stroller would be best for ideas of frequent traveling or getting the stroller in and out of a car trunk, overhead compartments, etc. However, these usually are more sturdy, comfortable, and supportive for extended outings.
3. Jogging Strollers
Jogging strollers are uniquely made for parents who do not stop being active even though the baby has been delivered. They are set with three large, air-filled tired wheels that make them smooth on any surface. They are well-constructed for stability and perfect control, making them an excellent choice for running and jogging on trails.
Remember that this makes jogging strollers typically larger, bulkier, and sometimes complicated to store daily. They also tend to need more maintenance, such as tire inflation.
4. Double and Triple Strollers
A double or even triple stroller is critical if you have twins or two or more children. When you buy a double stroller, there can be two types: side-by-side and tandem (seats lined up). The seated side-to-side style provides equal space between each child, while with the tandem style, one seat is in front of the other for more straightforward navigation through doorways and tight spaces.
These will be heavier and a little more costly than single-baby strollers. That said, they introduce the convenient capability of moving more than one child at a time.
5. Travel System Strollers
The Travel Systems stroller includes a stroller and baby car seat that can be easily attached and detached. It is the best pick for parents on the move in town, for it enables them to subconsciously transfer a sleeping infant directly from the car to the stroller without waking the baby.
Travel systems are heavy and oversized but convenient and flexible for other needs. Still, they could be a good value for parents who want to invest in one solution that will effectively take their baby through the toddler years and beyond.
Key Features to Consider When Buying Baby Strollers
Once you've identified the best-fit stroller for your needs, find one with features specifically geared toward making your life as a parent easier. Here are some key features to look for when shopping for baby strollers:
1. Safety Features
Always select based on your child's safety when choosing the perfect stroller. Find one with a five-point harness to hold your baby in place, amongst other features, and one made of a strong metal construction frame with very efficient brakes. If you are purchasing a jogging stroller, find one with a wrist strap complete with a handbrake for control when running.
You can also insert a sun canopy onto the stroller, which will help protect your baby from harmful rays; again, find one made of reflective material if you run in low-light conditions.
2. Maneuverability
A critical factor in choosing a stroller is how well it can be maneuvered. Large, all-terrain wheels offer superb usability on rough surfaces, but smaller ones work great in an urban environment. Swivel wheels offer great ease of turning, but the added feature of locking makes them great for uneven terrain.
Also, test the stroller's weight and balance when it would not easily tip over, especially when hanging bags from handles or carrying multiple children.
3. Adjustable Features
A stroller should have many adjustable features to make it comfortable for both baby and parent. Choose a stroller with adjustable handlebars. A reclining seat makes a baby feel like lying in a cradle, and a feebler or newborn should lie down.
As your child grows, you will appreciate a stroller that can grow or shrink according to your child's size and needs. Some baby strollers additionally offer an option to adjust the facing position of the seat, which enables the baby to face either towards you or the other way.
4. Storage Space
You'll want a stroller with storage to hold your diaper bag, snacks, toys, and whatever else your child needs. A big under-seat storage basket is one convenient amenity for parents on the go. Some baby strollers provide even more storage with add-ons, including cupholders, snack trays, or zippered pockets for smaller items.
5. Foldability and Portability
If you have a small car or limited home storage space, folding and storing the stroller is necessary, which makes a foldable pushchair essential. Some strollers boast one-hand fold, making them particularly convenient for multitasking parents. As might be expected, lightweight and umbrella models generally enjoy the best portability, while most full-size strollers and travel systems require more hassle to fold and store.
6. Durability
Well, consider how long you'll be using it and if you'll need to carry more than one child in due time. A quality stroller is a prudent investment against a considerable period of use, probably passing the toy down to any siblings who come after. High-quality materials include an aluminum frame and durable fabrics to ensure your stroller lasts long.
Stroller Accessories to Enhance Your Experience
Accessorizing with the perfect baby stroller will even simplify the trips with your baby. Here are some useful accessories to consider:
Rain Cover: A transparent, waterproof cover that fits onto the stroller to keep the baby dry from rain or wind.
Stroller Organizer: An organizer attached to the handlebar for keeping necessary items such as bottles, snacks, and one's phone within reach.
Footmuff or Bunting Bag: This attachment to the stroller seat helps keep the baby warm during colder months.
Bug Net: Protect your baby from bugs if you head outside.
Baby Stroller Safety Tips
While choosing a stroller with excellent safety features is a significant stride in reducing accidents, proper safety application by the parents is also equally important. Here are a few safety tips to consider:
Always put your baby into the stroller using the safety harness below. The five-point harness prevents your baby from slipping or climbing out.
Check for stroller recalls before using or buying any model, especially if you buy it secondhand. Most baby strollers are recalled due to defects affecting your baby's safety, such as faulty brakes or weak frames.
Lock the wheels the moment you lower the stroller to a stop. It is necessary whenever you find yourself on slopes or uneven grounds or have to leave the stroller for a few minutes.
Keep your stroller well-maintained. Regularly look for loose screws, deflated tires or worn-down wheels, and any other signs of wear. It goes even more so with jogging baby strollers that see more rugged service.
Watch the weight. Every stroller has a weight limit, including a child's weight and any additional cargo carried in the basket. If that limit is exceeded, tip-overs or loss of control can occur.
Avoid the temptation to hang bags on the handlebars. If you do so, it can make the stroller unbalanced and tip backward.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect baby stroller doesn't have to be a daunting choice. By learning the different stroller types and critical features and matching those to your lifestyle, you can easily find the perfect match for keeping a baby safe and comfortable while making life easier. Whether for daily use, taking the baby on outdoor activities, or traveling a lot, there's a model out there that suits any particular need.
Remember, the investment is in comfort, safety, and durability when considering baby strollers. Think about how the stroller will accommodate and grow with your child and if it's designed to make life much easier for you as a parent. You can be sure it will be, after going through so many options available, until you find the one that suits you and your baby best.
