Choosing A Baby Stroller

Safety and Lifestyle Should Be Considered when Choosing a Baby Stroller

Do you feel overwhelmed by the dozens of models available when choosing a baby stroller? Shopping for a new baby can be a daunting proposition, especially when faced with the ton of color combinations, accessories and uses. Of utmost importance is the safety of your baby. Therefore, you should not even look at the extra accessories that come with these essential baby modes of transportation until after you have narrowed down your choices to a select few.

Safety Features to Look For

There are several safety features to look for to ensure the safety of your baby. The first thing to check is the seatbelt and restraints. The seatbelt should be a snug fit around the waist of your baby along with the straps that support the crotch area and link to the waist belt. The baby should be housed securely so that he or she does not slip out the bottom of the stroller. A five-point harness is optimal, particularly if you have an active lifestyle that requires walking your baby over bumpy terrain.

Do the wheels of the stroller swivel for easy maneuverability? This is a must, particularly when negotiating sharp turns and areas like the mall that seem like an obstacle course. A wide wheel base is important as this provides stability. Brakes are important too so when choosing a baby stroller, look for one that offers brakes that can lock the wheels as you see fit.

Convenience

Because infants do not have the necessary muscles to support their upper body, particularly their head, you should look for a stroller that has an adjustable seat and the ability to recline. These two features are great for babies that like taking cat naps while you are on the go as well as offer support and protection of their bodies as well. A canopy is important as this will protect your infant from outside elements such as wind, sun, rain, cold and even bugs.

Inspect the fabric used on the stroller seats. Is it washable and removable? Let’s face it, babies leak everywhere – from their diaper, from their bottles and of course, the copious amounts of baby spit-up. You need the convenience of being able to strip the seat covers and toss them in the washing machine.

The frame of your stroller is another facet to consider as well, particularly when you have to deal with the weight of it and your baby. You can choose from plastic, steel, aluminum or a combination of them. While the plastic, lightweight stroller options are easy on your back, they typically do not last long. Consider the metal frames for the sturdiness factor as well as the fact that they will last longer.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle should also dictate the type of stroller you should purchase. If you plan to have more than one child, choose a metal frame model with washable fabric. If you walk, run or jog with frequency, a jogging stroller is an option for your active lifestyle. Do you go on long excursions? Choose a model with plenty of storage.

If you do not want to spend money on a separate infant carrier, consider a convertible travel system. These are basically strollers with the ability to snap an infant car seat in and out of it. It is a great feature as it allows you to limit the jostling of your baby when moving them from your car to a stroller.

Choosing a baby stroller doesn’t have to be hard. Once you determine that the safety features are in place, look to the convenience and lifestyle options. If you have narrowed down your selection based on these key factors, you can then look at the extra accessories to make your final decision.