A stroller is one of the most important pieces of baby gear you'll buy. And as your baby grows, you might end up with more than one. If you're looking for information about strollers, first and foremost, make sure your baby be safe and comfortable in her stroller. But think about yourself, too, since you're the one who'll be pushing it. Here are something you need to consinder:
| Features | Types | Safety Tips |
| | A stroller seems like a pretty basic thing--put your baby in, and off you go! But the number of choices and features increases all the time. You can get seats that face forward or back, handlebars that reverse and adjust in height, consoles that hold cups, car keys, cell phones, and more, and even a built-in speaker that connects to an iPod. Some stroller features will make your baby's ride safer and more comfortable, while others--such as shopping baskets--are more useful for busy parents. |
| Restraint system A five-point harness is the safest option. It secures your baby at or above the shoulders, at the waist, and between the legs, and keeps her from sliding or falling out if the stroller tips, or climbing out when you're not looking. Remember to look for stroller harness buckles that are easy for adults to operate, but difficult for small hands to unfasten. Wheels Most strollers have one or two front wheels that swivel to make steering easier, featuring two positions: full swivel or locked in one forward-facing position. If you choose a jogging stroller, remember that the safest option is a jogger model with a fixed front wheel. Bassinet attachments Some combo stroller systems offer bassinet or carry-cot attachments. Because babies may wriggle, and the carrycot options often lack a harness, remember to check the baby often to make sure he hasn't wriggled. Brakes Good brakes are essential to your child's safety. Avoid models that might hurt your feet when you engage or disengage the brakes with light shoes or bare feet |
| Canopy A canopy is a must-have for protecting your baby, especially in glaring sunlight or inclement weather.You can also buy a separate rain/wind shield for most strollers and some brands offer additional parasols that clip onto the carriage. Child's tray Strollers often have a tray where babies can rest their arms or keep snacks or toys.If the tray comes with attached toys, make sure they are securely fastened and check their size. Footrest A footrest can help your child sit more comfortably without their legs dangling, but many are too low to help any but the tallest toddlers Shock absorbers Many strollers of all types and price ranges (even umbrella strollers) have some type of suspension or shock absorber (covered springs or rubber pads above the wheel assemblies) near the wheel mechanism. Make sure you like the feel of the stroller and how it handles. |
| Carriage are reminiscent of old-fashioned English-style prams and provide ample, flat sleeping space for infants. They may have large, spoked wheels that can be removed. If you want your baby to lie flat when strolling, also consider the generally less-expensive option of a combo stroller. | |
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Using a stroller might seem intuitive, but it's easy to make mistakes and even cause injury, especially while opening and closing one.Here are some other common lapses, and how to avoid them, so you can stroll with confidence.
Get the right stroller type
Umbrella strollers are generally not geared toward infants, and most don't let you attach an infant car seat. Some newer lightweight strollers, however, can be completely reclined for use with an infant, or can accept a car seat.
Walk, don't run
You might be eager to get outside and get back to your exercise routine. But unless they have adapters that let you mount an infant car seat, most all-terrain strollers and jogging strollers are not suitable for infants younger than 6 months.
Practice makes perfect
Take your time, read the manual that comes with your model, and try out all the features before you take your child for a ride. For example, if the stroller has various positions, can you operate the backrest easily?
Don't use a hand-me-down stroller without checking its history
A stroller purchased years ago might have since been recalled.Even if it hasn't been recalled, an older stroller might not meet the latest safety standards. Besides, many new strollers have features that make them easier to use.
Use caution when opening and closing
Regularly check your stroller for wear and tear, and make sure sharp edges haven't become exposed and that fabric isn't frayed. You can check the manufacturer's manual for notes on maintaining the stroller.
Don't forget to buckle up your child every time
Use the restraint system every single time you put your child in the stroller, just like you do when placing him in a car seat. Even when your child is older or asleep, make sure that the straps are in place and the restraint buckles are locked.
Written by Nicolas Yang
