Baby strollers comes in very handy when you need to take your baby around. However, before you finalize on a cute little stroller for your baby, bear in mind a few considerations. Instead of going by celebrity style baby strollers, check out strollers that suit your need and fit in your budget. Make sure that your baby’s comfort is given first priority while you are purchasing the stroller. Then think about how you will be using the baby stroller. Will you be using it for long distances or need it when you go shopping? Style should take a back seat and only safety and the best features for your baby should dominate. Here are a few considerations that you should watch out for.
1. Safety features
The baby’s safety should be your biggest and primary concern. Before you purchase the stroller, ensure to check it for steadiness. It should be sturdy enough to take in additional weight of a diaper bag or anything hanging on the handles of the stroller. Also look out for the stroller harness. It is always recommended that a five-point harness is most suitable particularly if the baby spends more time in the stroller.
Have a thorough check of the baby stroller to see if there are any sharp corners that might hurt the baby. Appearances are deceptive so just don’t pull any random stroller from the rack just because it looks attractive. Do make comparisons and double check with other strollers as well.
2. Handles and wheels
If you have selected a stroller, have a walk with it in the store itself. You’ll get a feel of the stroller and then check the height of the handles to ensure that it is absolutely comfortable to you. Taller parents should go for strollers that are equipped with adjustable handles preventing the necessity of bending. The corners of the strollers should be fine and smooth so that you don’t experience discomfort in crowded places. When you are having a walk with the stroller around the store, quicken your pace to see if your feet are hitting the wheels or not. Foam-covered handles are perfect for comfortable transition.
3. Convenience features
Nowadays strollers come with a lot of additional features making it much more than a baby stroller. Strollers come equipped with features like basket below with the provision of holding diaper bars. Also, strollers have drink holders where you can place your drinks.
The wheels should be swivel wheels so that you can change direction easily and should have adjustable handles along with cushioned seats and side pockets. Make sure you buy a light weight stroller which will be easy to carry when you’re climbing a flight of stairs. The stroller should also be easy to fold and unfold and shouldn’t cause you many problems.
4. Types of strollers
Baby strollers are now categorized into several varieties and you can choose from the different types of strollers available. The most popular and common strollers available are as follows:
a. Lightweight strollers: These light weight strollers have replaced the umbrella strollers and have a weight less than 20 pounds. They have most of the features as that of large strollers like reclining seats, storage places and also sun shades. These are ideal when you are traveling or maybe go to visit the mall/zoo. As they are lightweight they can be folded and unfolded with ease.
b. Standard strollers: Though they are bulkier and heavier than lightweight strollers, they come equipped with more features that make it an attractive stroller. More wheels, spacious and comfortable seats and also built-in music systems. They are versatile in nature and are one of the most favorite strollers that parents purchase. However, with these standard strollers, the problem of placing it in your trunk becomes a problem and it is heavier to carry around as well.
c. Jogging strollers: As the name indicates, these strollers are ideal if you would like to go on a jog. These strollers can also be used as an everyday stroller as it has excellent features. These strollers come with sleek frames and large, strong tires along with hand-brakes. However these strollers cannot be folded easily like other strollers making it an inconvenient option for everyday use. They are not suitable for toddlers under 6 months. Only if you are a jogging person, go for it.
