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Baby Stroller Buying Guide
A stroller is an essential piece of baby gear. They help to make day to day activities with your baby more simple and enjoyable. There are a variety of strollers available on the market today and while safety is the most important factor when making your selection; comfort for you and your baby is also highly important. Keep in mind what types of activities you plan on doing while using your stroller; you will want to get a stroller that matches your needs.
There a 6 main types of strollers available
Travel System
A travel system consists of an infant car seat, a stay-in-car base, and a stroller. These are the perfect transitional systems. You can use the car seat and stroller for your infant and as they get older you will still be able to use the stroller. Due to the fact that the strollers are made to travel with you they are usually compact and can be easily put away.
Full-Size Stroller
A full-size stroller offers the most features including a canopy, basket, tray, and full position recline. The full position recline allows you to use your stroller from the time your baby is an infant until they outgrow the weight limit. Full-size strollers are generally the heaviest due to all of the features included.
Convenience Stroller
Convenience strollers are lightweight, easily compactable, and great for everyday use. These types of strollers often feature a canopy, storage basket, and a full position recline. Convenience strollers are versatile and can be used both indoors and outdoors they are also easy to handle making them great for on the go.
Umbrella Strollers
Umbrella strollers are the most lightweight and compact strollers available. They are excellent for travelling for this reason. Due to their standard features they may lack in comfort as compared to other types. In addition, they can only be used for those babies who can sit in an upright position. Most people find it beneficial to have an umbrella stroller as well as a fully featured stroller.
Double Stroller
Double strollers are made specifically for those with twins or multiple young children. These strollers come in two different seating styles, tandem or side by side. Tandem seating arranges the children so that one is behind the other. Side by side seating is just as the name describes, you can seat your children right alongside each other. Tandem style strollers are the same approximate size in width as opposed to a side by side style stroller.
Jogging Stroller
Jogging strollers are perfect for those who are active. They have three wheels on them and come equipped with all-terrain wheels making sure that your stroller is ready for the adventure you choose to embark on. These types of strollers are for those babies that are a little bit older. Since they do not offer a full position recline your baby needs to be able to sit up before you should use this stroller.
Additional Features/Extras
While you may find the perfect stroller for your basic needs there are endless options for add-ons or additional features that you may want to consider.
- Swivel wheels
- Cup holders
- Removable/washable pads
- Rain and sun protectors
- Adjustable handle bars
- Canopy
- Multi-position recline
- Rear or forward facing
- One-handed folding mechanism
- Adjustable footrest
- Shock absorbers
Stroller Safety Tips
It is very important that you get everything you need from your stroller as you will be using it for years. Check for certifications when shopping for your stroller. Those that are JPMA Certified have been rigorously tested with safety as the number one priority. Make sure to check your warranty information as well so you know what is covered.
- Make sure that your stroller is fully in the open position and locked before placing your child in it to avoid collapse.
- Always use the harness or safety belt to ensure that you child is securely in the stroller.
- To reduce the risk of possible injury make sure the child does not exceed the stroller's weight limit. Also do not overload the stroller with more children than the stroller is designed for.
- The safety/parking brake should always be engaged when the stroller is stopped.
- Keep your baby or toddler away from the stroller when it is being folded or unfolded in order to avoid any injury.
- Do not hang bags, purses, etc. on the handles of the stroller to prevent it from tipping over.
- Never leave your stroller and child unattended.
- Be sure to return the warranty card so that you can be notified of a recall.
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