Strollers

How to buy a Strollers:

Strollers can be a parent's best friend, but choosing the wrong baby stroller could spell trouble and inconvenience. How can parents choose the right baby stroller from the many available online? Strollers are available to match just about any lifestyle, so think about how you want to use the stroller first and then look at strollers that best fit your life and your baby.With the seemingly endless stroller options and technologies on the market, picking one out can feel even more confusing than buying a new car. And with so many different styles directed at some many different lifestyles, there’s simply no way to say which one’s “best.” There are, though, some basic, nonnegotiable features that you should look for in any stroller.

3 Wheel Strollers
Outdoorsy parents may want to consider a 3 Wheel stroller, as a backup for a standard stroller or even as an everyday stroller. 3 wheel strollers perform well on almost any surface. But they do not fold as easily or as flat as 4 wheel strollers, meaning there may be better everyday choices for parents who travel a lot.

Travel Systems
Travel systems offer convenience for busy new parents. A travel system begins with a standard stroller, but includes an infant car seat that snaps onto the stroller, allowing parents to move the infant from car to stroller easily. Most travel systems come with a car seat. Once the infant seat is outgrown, travel systems perform the same as standard strollers.

Twin Stroller
If you have twins or more than one child, twin strollers can make outings easier. Consider the children's ages and weight when choosing a twin stroller for multiples.

Umbrella and Lightweight Strollers
Lightweight strollers have come a long way from the old umbrella stroller. This new generation of strollers less than 10Kgs have many of the same features as larger strollers, such as reclining seats, storage baskets and sun shades. These strollers are great for travelers and perfect for trips to the mall or zoo. Inexpensive umbrella strollers are still a great, economical choice to be stashed in the trunk as a spare, you will need to keep in mind that umbrella fold buggies are not suitable for children under 6 months of age and are unable to sit up right unassisted.

---

Newborn appropriate:

Since newborns aren’t yet able to sit up on their own, they need a seat that either fully reclines or accommodates an infant carrier.

Harness

All babies belong in a five-point safety harness that’s easy to buckle and adjust.

Canopy

Look for one that’s large enough to shield baby from the sun, wind, rain, and any other unexpected elements.

Brakes

Check how easy it is for the brakes to become disengaged -- some will unintentionally unlock with just a slight amount of pressure. Also look for ease in both locking and unlocking the breaks (number two is often overlooked).

Hinges

Make sure any features where baby’s fingers or toes could potentially get pinched -- moving handles, baskets, etc. -- are out of baby’s reach or safely covered.

Ask yourself

Once you’ve considered the basics, start asking yourself some questions about your lifestyle and what you really want out of a stroller. Some things to consider:

• What kind of weather will you be using it in?
• Are you in an urban or suburban environment? Will you be dealing with rough streets, lots of staircases, steep hills, or any other challenging situations?
• How much do you intend to use your stroller?
• Are you going to share the stroller with another parent or caregiver?
• How much storage space do you want or need?
• Will you need to fold and unfold your stroller frequently?
• Does it need to fit in a certain-sized trunk?
• Do you want to be able to use the same stroller after baby’s newborn stage? (Some parents prefer to simply get a stroller frame for their carrier, then buy a more advanced stroller once they have a better idea of how they’ll be using it.)

As you’re checking out the strollers, consider:

Ease of use

How easy is it to push and turn the stroller? Are you able to manage it with only one hand? Is it a manageable weight? (Remember, you’ll also have a growing baby and gear in the stroller once you’re actually pushing it.)

Comfort

We’re talking your comfort here -- are the handles adjustable or at an appropriate height for you? Do you have to change your normal gait when pushing the stroller? Make sure that everyone who plans to frequently use the stroller can use it comfortably. (If you and your partner have a vast height difference, you’ll likely need something adjustable.)

Growth factor

If you’re planning to use the stroller beyond infancy, look for features you’ll want for an older baby -- for example, does it fully recline and have an extended foot rest, so that baby can nap comfortably?

Storage space

Consider what you’ll be carrying around besides baby and the stroller, and make sure there’s room to store it.

Size

Make sure it doesn’t seem too bulky for your home or lifestyle. (This goes along with the easy-of-use factor.)

Folding

Check how easy it is to fold up the stroller -- it’s great if you can manage it with one hand -- and take note of how small it gets.