Ten Things You've Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With Baby Stroller

Choosing a Baby Stroller

A baby stroller makes it easy to carry your child when you're out on the move. It's a great way for you to get around without having carry a lot of equipment.

Look for full-size products that accommodate infants with a seat that reclines almost flat (newborns still require neck support). Some come with a bassinet or travel system.

Seating

The seat of a stroller is crucial since your child will spend a lot of time in it. You should find an easy, spacious seat that allows your child to stretch out and take a break. Some seats recline, which is especially beneficial for newborns and infants who do not yet have the neck strength required to sit up. Some seats come with feet that can be stowed, which provides your baby with another method of relaxing.

The majority of strollers come with an infant tray that can be useful to store toys and snacks. The best models come with an attached tray to the back of your seat so you don't have to worry if it falls off when you are moving. Some strollers for jogging have passenger stow pockets which are useful to hold bottles and sippy cups. The pockets are easy for children to reach and they won't drop their drinks while moving.

It is also important to take a look at the restraint system on the stroller, which will secure your child's position. You should look for a five-point safety harness that is secured at the shoulders, waist and between the legs. The buckles should be simple to secure for adults and difficult for children to unbuckle. It's important to test the stroller both with and without your child. It should be easy to push and comfortable, even on rough terrain.

Some strollers can be used with infant car seats or have car seat frames. This makes them an excellent option for families who take public transport. However, if you are planning to use your stroller just occasionally, you may want an easy stroller that has fewer bells and whistles.

When shopping for a stroller to look at the hinges, and any other nooks or crevices that could cause little fingers to be snagged. Although these accidents are rare, they occur. You don't want your child suffer a fingertip amputation. Be aware of the stroller's ability to fold and ensure that it will fit into your trunk.

Storage

A stroller is much more than just a method to transport your child. It's also a great method to transport all the things you need for your entire family, such as diapers, toys, food and more. It is essential to choose a stroller with plenty of storage to keep everything in order.

How much storage you need will depend on your lifestyle and the baby's age. If you intend to take your stroller for long walks as your child grows, you'll require more storage space to store snacks, a diaper bag and extra clothes. If you're planning to use your baby stroller only for short trips around town, a smaller bag might be enough.

Many of the best strollers for babies have many storage options built into them. For example the UPPAbaby MINU includes a spacious storage basket, a pop-out sunshade and one-step brakes. It features a quick, nearly seamless fold that is easy to carry with one hand while holding the baby, or shopping.

There are storage options that come in the form of pockets, trays and other attachments. For example, the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that can be easily tucked into your stroller, allowing room for necessities such as water, snacks and diapers. It also comes with insulated bottles pockets and an exterior slip pockets that can keep small items such as keys and wallets within reach.

Another storage option is a stroller caddy. These aren't standard features on every stroller but they are a great method of keeping it organized and tidy without adding extra weight or bulk. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models while others feature a universal attachment so that they're compatible with all strollers.

Other storage options to look out for are side nettings and pockets that can be used to store small items, like baby wipes or toys without taking up space in the basket. A cup holder is also a nice feature to have because it can help you stay hydrated during your strolls and keep your hands free while walking with your child.

Style & Colour

There are a variety of strollers available, and it's important to choose which features are important to you. For instance, do you require a stroller that is light enough to fold down and take into your car or do you require one with larger wheels to get over bumpy streets? How long will you use it? Do you want one that is easy to clean and maintain?

Some strollers have removable fabric coverings that are machine washable and is a great feature to have if you're susceptible to spills or other mess. Other features to consider include sun shade as well as a handlebar that adjusts to your height. Some models also have a reclining seat and an extra footrest for your child to rest on while you're out and about.

If you're looking for a stroller that will grow with your family, you should consider a travel system. These are excellent options for infants, since they include a baby seat that can be used immediately. Some even have the option of a bassinet for infants and some allow you to add a toddler seat when your child is ready to go on a ride.

Another thing to consider is color. Some people are sensitive to gender-biased colors of pink and blue, and if you're one of them, you might want to avoid these colors for your stroller. You might also think about getting a stroller that is neutral which is more flexible and will look great with any outfit.

A baby stroller is a necessity for new parents, but with so many choices available it can be difficult to determine which stroller is right for you. The tips above will help you narrow your choices so that you can choose the right stroller that fits your lifestyle.

Good Housekeeping's Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has decades of experience studying and testing household products. She holds a degree in applied mathematics and mechanical engineering. Her work has been published in American Baby and Parenting. She lives in New York City with her three children aged 7 and under.

Safety

Whether you're taking your baby for a stroll or shopping, you need to be sure that the stroller you choose is safe. It should meet minimum standards set by AS/NZS standards, which cover construction, material, performance and safety warnings.

Find a seat with a low frame and a wide base so that it won't fall over when you remove or put your child. The seat should be secured with the belt for the crotch. Avoid hanging bags and other items on the handles, which could cause the stroller to tilt backwards. It is recommended to ensure that the stroller is free of objects that could get caught in fingers of children or create a choking hazard Be sure to check that the brake lever isn't accessible to children.

Check that the stroller is equipped with a locking mechanism which prevents it from folding when it is in use. It is possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button on the handlebars or the dashboard. It's recommended to register your stroller so that the manufacturer can send you any safety alerts.

The fabric of the stroller is also important to think about, since babies and children are notorious for their messes. Choose a stroller with washable fabrics that will stand up to baby food and snot, as well as muddy footprints.

If you plan to use a car seat with your stroller, you should consider one with adaptors or can accommodate ones purchased separately. This will allow you to safely transport your child from the car to the stroller, and then back.

A certified safety expert will assist you if you're unsure of which features pram to select. On the internet, you'll get a wealth of information regarding safe stroller usage. This includes advice on how to select and use the right stroller for you and your family. Be sure to secure your child every time, even when they're seated in the stroller, and ensure that all safety straps are secured. Children in strollers or carriers are often injured by emergency room doctors.