Being a parent is an achievement to be proud of. However, the baby brings a lot of responsibilities. Parents spend a lifetime considering what to get for their infant. The baby stroller is one of the many items parents may purchase.
Strollers make it easy for parents to transport their infants without the need to carry them for long periods. So what should you look for in a stroller for a baby?
Different models of baby strollers are manufactured and sold by numerous well-known manufacturers. Hence, finding the right one to satisfy your unique needs might be challenging. This article includes a comprehensive buying guide for baby strollers, including important things to consider while choosing a stroller.
Types of strollers
A baby stroller is a wheeled device that allows babies to sit upright. The stroller has safety belts, crotch straps, and a harness to ensure baby safety. To protect the infants from erratic weather, a canopy is also attached. A stroller is best for Infants who can sit down or hold their head. The best thing about strollers is that they give parents some relief, allow them to walk more comfortably, and keep their babies comfortable. Here are different types of strollers. You can choose the one that suits your needs.
Travel system
A travel system is a combination of a car seat and a stroller. It has two main advantages: a newborn can use it, and you don’t have to wake the baby to transfer them from the car to the stroller. It’s also economical since you buy both items together.
All-purpose stroller
An all-purpose stroller or (a full-size stroller), is perfect for anything from a family trip to the zoo or just strolling around the hood. These are reliable strollers with practical features like a storage basket, reclining seats, and cup holders. They also have an expanded canopy and are durable.
Jogging stroller
Do you plan to take your baby with you for a jog? Then a jogging stroller is the right one for you.
But, jogging strollers aren’t simply useful for exercising only, they’re also wonderful for navigating rough, uneven terrain. Jogging strollers are designed to endure bouncing when moving at higher speeds or traversing uneven surfaces.
They are strong and have beefed-up suspension systems. They have three big wheels, and the front wheel can be fixed or swiveled depending on whether you need it to spin quickly or be more stable at high speeds. Some have options like hand brakes to slow or stop the stroller going downhill.
They also have extra-large canopies to shade your baby from the sun while you’re out running. Many jogging strollers are bulky and heavy due to their wide wheels and extra suspension systems. While it’s possible to use a jogging stroller with an infant car seat from birth, it’s recommended to wait until your baby is around eight months old before jogging with them in the stroller.
Double stroller
A double stroller can be useful for twins or children born close together. You can choose between two layout options: tandem or single-file seating (seats one in front of the other), or side-by-side doubles.
There are also convertible strollers with one seat and can add another for a second baby. If you’re expecting twins and want to use a double stroller with them from birth, search for one that can accommodate two baby car seats at once.
Lightweight stroller
It is also called an umbrella stroller. As the name implies it is light in weight and easily compatible with average strollers. They are easy to lift in and out of car trunks and bring on public transportation. Lightweight strollers have a smaller design to fit through small entrances and on crowded streets. Some can also fold up to fit in airplane overhead bins, making them excellent for travel.
Stroller features to consider
The features of strollers might differ greatly, even within the same category. It’s helpful to know how you intend to use the stroller most of the time. Consider these common qualities and decide which ones are most essential to you.
Safety features
Ensure the stroller has functional brakes, a five-point safety harness, and a broad base to prevent the stroller from tipping over. Also, examine the stroller’s weight and height restrictions per seat. Understanding the maximum weight limit for your child in a stroller is crucial to ensuring their safety.
Washable fabric
Your baby will inevitably make a mess that spills over into your stroller. Having the ability to throw the fabric parts of your stroller in the washer after it has been covered in spit-up, drool, munchies, or dirt can be a real lifesaver. Check the cleaning instructions if the cloth isn’t detachable to determine how to care for it.
Wheel quality
Choose wheels with air or rubberized foam filling if you intend to take your child on many walks. A stroller with plastic wheels will not last as long as these.
One-handed fold
One-handed stroller opening and closing is a feature that is worth its weight in parenting gold, especially if you’re holding a kid in your other arm. Better still? If the stroller can be self-standing, that is, if folded, it stands up straight without falling.
Sun canopy
A larger canopy gives your child more shade and privacy. There are clear windows in many canopies, especially the bigger ones, so you can check on the little ones without pausing. Some also have a magnet closure, which makes them quiet.
Stroller basket storage
Consider how many items you would need to pack in the stroller basket. This may include stuff you pick up when shopping or baby gear you have. Consider the accessibility and choose a wider opening to store and remove items more easily.
Factors to consider when buying a stroller
The ideal stroller for your family will rely on some factors. For reasons, such as family size, cost, and lifestyle, what works for one family might not be the best choice for another. Before deciding on the most suitable stroller, it’s essential to consider all these factors.
Your budget
When you discover how expensive some strollers are, it can be shocking. There’s no need for concern, as there are numerous options. The important thing is to select the stroller that aligns best with your family’s needs and fits within your budget. Generally, as the cost of the stroller increases, so does the quality and number of features it offers.
Your lifestyle
When selecting a stroller, this is among the most crucial factors to consider. Are you a suburban family who will primarily use the stroller for neighborhood walks and short trips away from home or a city family who will use it all day, every day? How much space do you have to store strollers in your house or apartment?
Will you have to carry your stroller onto a bus or upstairs? Do you intend to purchase an all-purpose stroller and later add a travel or jogging stroller as your child grows, or do you intend to use one stroller for all of your needs? Think carefully about such concerns because your stroller must fit your lifestyle.
How long do you want to use the stroller?
It will make sense to spend more money on a model that can accommodate more children if you want to have more than one child. Even though you’ll have to put up with the higher cost now, it will spare you from having to purchase more strollers.
The stroller features that are important to you
Does the stroller need to be simple to fold and unfold for storage? Does the weight of the stroller matter? How simple is it to move and steer? Shopping for a stroller can be made much simpler by prioritizing your needs.
Shopping for a baby stroller
Once you’ve determined your family’s needs, the best stroller features, and the best stroller type, it’s time to go shopping! You can decide to go to a walk-in baby stroller store near you or order from many online stores available. Some of the online stores include Amazon, Kilimall, and Jumia among others.
FAQs
Why are baby strollers important?
A baby stroller gives you the mobility to enjoy the outdoors or simply take a walk to the park. When visiting crowded areas, having a stroller can make you feel more secure because all strollers include a harness to keep your baby in place and ensure their safety.
A stroller also provides a bit of convenience especially when your child learns to walk and wants to explore the world on their own. Your child can take a nap in the stroller after a long day of activity.
Are strollers bad for babies?
No, strollers are safe for babies when used properly. The secret is to strike a balance between their stroller and other times. They may have less time for other physical activity, social connection with caregivers, etc. if they spend too much time in a stroller.
Are strollers safe for newborns?
Strollers are safe for newborns but since they can’t support their heads, they should be able to almost lie flat within strollers. Verify the stroller for sturdy safety belts. A 5-point harness with shoulder straps, a strap between the knees, and waist belts that link is the safest design.
Are baby strollers allowed on airplanes?
You can bring a small compact folding stroller on an aircraft, yes. There are several advantages to bringing a baby stroller on a flight. By flying with your stroller, you can avoid the time and cost of purchasing or renting one, at your destination. You don’t want to take a chance by trying a new stroller because you are comfortable with your current one. Also, you won’t have to stress about picking it up or waiting for delivery.
Where to find a baby stroller near me
You can buy baby strollers from various retail baby shops, malls, and supermarkets. You can buy strollers from online markets including Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba.
If you will be taking a walk with your infant regularly, a stroller can be helpful. However, it’s important to choose a stroller that meets all safety requirements and recommendations. To ensure you are investing in a good stroller, you should research all features and customer reviews on several e-commerce platforms before making a purchase. To prevent any accidents, be sure to use a stroller that is suitable for your child’s age. Also, keep your stroller in good working order and stop using it if any significant components are broken or malfunctioning.