As soon as you get to know the good news that you are pregnant, you start your preparations for the new born. Among other things, one of the main things you want is a stroller for the baby. You are eager to take your baby out as soon as he/she is ready. When it comes to strollers, you have many choices. Most of them are easily collapsible and light weight. You can make use of strollers as long as up to three to four years, when your baby starts walking and outgrows the stroller. Nowadays, all strollers are easy and comfortable not only for the infant, giving him more freedom to move his limbs, but also for the parents.
Common features to look out for
With the amount of variations available in the market for this product, it can be very confusing to decide which would be apt for your little one, but before finalizing one for yourself, consider the following important points:
1. Safety
Needless to say, whatever product you choose for your infant, his/her safety becomes the top most priority for you. For stroller too, you need to check its safety features. Check for any sharp protrusions or edges which might hurt your baby’s soft skin. Also note that the stroller locks into position well and does not accidentally collapse by itself. You should be extra cautious to see that there are no leg openings for your baby to escape and whether all current safety standards are met or not.
2. Seat belts
The seat belts of the stroller should pass the test of a five-point harness system holding the baby around the waist, between the legs and should come down over the shoulders. The buckles should be easy, yet a little tricky for the baby to be able to open it on his own.
3. Brakes
The brakes of the stroller should be easy to operate. Ensure that the wheels of the stroller are getting locked whenever you apply the brakes. This is very important to avoid any kind of mishaps on the road or otherwise.
4. Maneuverability
For a good stroller to stand the test of time and its comfort in usage, you should be able to push it in a straight line and also turn with one hand. The wheels should swivel in the front and the rear to enable you to turn it easily.
5. Handle height
This feature will account to your convenience rather than the baby’s. Ensure that the handle of the stroller is at least your waist level or slightly below. However you should opt for adjustable handles or handle extenders if anyone other than you, with considerable height difference, is going to operate it.
6. Adjustable seat
Please note, for your child’s extra comfort, the seat of the stroller inclines or not and that it is easily adjustable.
7. Canopy
It is important that the stroller you buy has a canopy at the top to protect your infant from sun, rain, and wind.
8. Storage
Look for storage space under the seat basket which would be a boon for your shopping trips, when you want to take your baby with you. Also, see to it that the stroller itself can be folded well for it to be able to be carried in the rear seat of your car.
9. Washable fabric
Babies tend to mess up the space. Hence, keep in mind the cleanliness factor and see to it that the fabric of the seat is removable as well as washable.
10. Distance
Even if you want to confine your walk with your baby to a limited distance only, check all the comfort levels for taking the stroller for far distances. This way you have a wide option of even taking long walks.
Type of strollers
Once you have gone through the safety features and other requirements for an apt stroller, you must consider the different types of strollers and your budget. There are six basic categories of strollers:
1. Standard size strollers
These baby carriers come in models ranging from simple inexpensive ones to high end strollers with lots of additional features. They have comfortable padded seats that can recline to different positions, a sun-shade and storage areas below the seats. It starts from $ 50 for the simple models and goes up to $ 500-1000 for the expensive ones with additional features.
2. Car seat stroller frames
These strollers are light-weight metal frames designed to carry a specific range of infant car seats. It can be easily fixed in the place of your car seat without involving any confusion or fuss. It is easily foldable and can be thrown in the trunk of your car. The only disadvantage with this product is that your child will outgrow it once he/she crosses 25 pounds approx. The price range of this product is from $ 50 to 70.
3. Travel systems
These are traditional strollers that can even carry an infant car seat. They are larger in size, heavier in weight but can be more heavy on your pocket than the usual stroller frames. The biggest advantage of this baby carrier is that your baby can use it after she has outgrown her infant car seat. You can even connect the stroller with the matching infant car seat. This product starts at a price of $ 180 and can go up to $ 1000.
4. Light-weight strollers
Also known as umbrella strollers, these strollers weigh less than 12 pounds and can be folded compactly. They are less expensive and very easy to carry to different places because of its light-weight. However they are not very adjustable, not much padded, and mostly aren’t suitable for infants as they do not recline fully and lack in giving proper head support. The price of this product starts at as low as $10.
5. Jogging strollers
These strollers are recommended for your long walks, up runs and even hikes through the woods. A three-bicycle-wheels, this light framed stroller, has the facility to carry more than one child and is very compatible with the urban environments. However, because of its bulky size, it becomes difficult to carry it along the stairs, into elevators or through stores and does not fold as compactly as other stroller models. Sometimes you even have to buy an additional baby bassinet for infants below 6 months if the particular model you have chosen does not recline fully. The price range for this style of stroller is from $100$ to 500 and still higher for some models.
6. Double and triple strollers
These strollers are for those who have twins or even triplets, or for those having babies with less age gaps. The latest addition in this category are the triple pushchairs due to multiple births being on the increase. They are further categorized into:
(a) Tandem models, carrying babies one behind the other
(b) Side-by-side model, carrying siblings next to each other.
The tandem model is easier to maneuver through doorways but its rear seat lacks legroom, while the side-by-side model is more comfortable for the children to sit but is harder to move through crowded areas. The price range for the above type of strollers starts at $150-200 and goes up to as much as $ 500-1000.
No matter whichever stroller you choose, never compromise for anything less as it is for your baby’s comfort. Ensure that it gives your baby security, independence, and safety and enables you to carry your young one from one destination to another without any hassle.
