A Baby Stroller Buying Guide
Strollers can really help a parent out, but choosing the wrong baby stroller could spell a lot of trouble and inconvenience. So how can parents pick the right stroller? Well, you have to realize that different strollers are available for just about any kind of lifestyle. To help you pick one, think about how you want to use the stroller first, and then look for a stroller that's suitable for your lifestyle and your baby.
Of course, when it comes to your baby, you know that safety is of the utmost importance. It would be wise to check the stability of the stroller, and try it to see if it remains solidly upright even if you hang a heavy diaper bag on its handles. Also examine the stroller harness. For babies who might be staying in the stroller for long periods of time, look for a five-point harness. A three-point harness will do fine if used occasionally for short walks outside.
When you find a stroller that seems right, try to walk it yourself for a while to get the feel of it. Choose a stroller that makes corners smoothly, and make sure that your feet don't hit the wheels when walking. This would come in handy when you have to hurry or maneuver in crowded areas. Check the height of the handles to be sure they are comfortable for you. If you're tall, getting one with adjustable handle heights will be great for your posture. If you want more comfort, look for foam-covered handles.
Also think about the other features you may need from a stroller. Do you need a stroller with a basket underneath? Or perhaps you'd like some trays to help you store and organize food, toys, milk, additional clothes, etc. A lot of these accessories can be bought separately, so fret not if you cannot find any beverage holder in your favorite stroller. How the stroller folds and how much trunk space it may take are important considerations, too.
There are around four common types of strollers available in the market. There are the lightweight strollers, just under 20 pounds but having 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. Standard strollers often feature roomier seats, larger wheels, more storage space and extras like built-in music systems. Standard strollers perform well in most conditions, and parents love the versatility they bring.
Outdoorsy parents may want to think about a jogging stroller. Some parent buy one as a backup for their everyday stroller. Featuring substantial, sturdy wheels, sleek frames, hand-grip brakes and all-terrain suspension systems, jogging strollers perform well on almost any surface. They are not recommended for babies under 6 months old, though. Busy new parents can use a travel system, too. A travel system begins with a standard stroller, but includes an infant car seat that snaps onto the stroller. Once the infant seat is outgrown, you can use the travel system as a standard stroller.
Chiun Masters is a researcher and writer for http://www.babydoublestroller.com, where you can find affordable and high-quality baby strollers. Visit us when you need good quality baby strollers.
Published April 11th, 2007