Choosing a Baby Stroller

If you're constantly moving, a stroller for your baby is a great way to get your child. Aside from giving your back an opportunity to rest, it can help you get there where you need to be without getting burdened by too much gear.

Choose items that are big enough and come with a seat that is able to be reclined nearly flat. (Newborns still require neck support). Some come with a bassinet or travel system.

Seating

The seat of a stroller is vital because your baby will spend the majority of his time in it. Find a spacious, comfortable seat that lets your child stretch and relax. Some seats come with reclines, which are helpful for newborns and infants who don't yet have the neck strength to sit up. Some seats have stowable footrests which allow your child to relax in a different way.

The majority of strollers have an infant tray that can be used to store snacks and toys. The best models have an attached tray to the side of your seat so that you aren't worried if it falls off when you are moving. Some jogging walkers come with pockets for bottles and sippy cup holders. The pockets are easily accessible for children, which means they aren't likely to spill their drinks while moving.

You should also think about the stroller's restraint system which will keep your child secure. You'll want to look for a five-point safety harness that is secured at the shoulders, waist and between the legs. The buckles must be easy to fasten for adults, and difficult to remove for children. It is 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 come with car frame seats or are compatible with an infant car seat and are ideal for families who take public transportation or ride shares. If you intend to use your stroller just often, you might prefer an easy stroller that has fewer bells and whistles.

When shopping for a stroller, to check the hinges and any other nooks or crannies that could pinch little fingers. These incidents are not common, but they occur. You don't want your child be the victim of amputations to their fingers. Be aware of the stroller's folding capabilities and ensure that it will fit in your trunk.

Storage

A stroller is more than a means of transport for your child. It's also a great option to transport all the items you need for your entire family, such as diapers, toys, food and much more. It's important to select the stroller that has plenty of storage to keep everything in order.

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

Many of the top strollers for babies have many storage features built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU, for example has an enormous storage basket as well as a sunshade which is able to pop out, and a one-step breaks. It also features a simple and seamless fold that's simple to operate with just one hand while carrying a baby around or shopping for food items.

Stroller storage is also available in the form of pockets, trays and other accessories. For instance, the Bugaboo Organizer is an open-top bag that fits perfectly into your stroller, allowing room for necessities such as snacks, water and diapers. It also has insulated bottles pockets and exterior slip pocket to keep small items such as keys and wallet in reach.

A stroller caddy is a different storage option. While these aren't an essential feature of every stroller, they can be a great way to keep your stroller organized and tidy without adding any extra weight or bulk to your ride. Some are sized to fit specific stroller models, whereas others come with a universal attachment to ensure they're compatible with a wide range of strollers.

Other useful storage features to look for include pockets and side nettings that can be used to store small items like baby wipes or toys without taking up space in the basket. A cup holder is a nice feature to have since it can aid you in staying hydrated on your strolls and also keep your hands free while walking with your child.

Style and Colour

There are a variety of strollers available and you must decide what features are important to you. Do you require a light stroller that folds easily into your car or with big wheels to aid you on bumpy streets. How many hours will you use it? Do want one that's easy-to-clean and maintain?

Some strollers come with removable covers made of fabric that can be washed by machine. This is a great choice if you are prone to spills and other dirt. Other features to consider include the sun shade and an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. Also, some models have an adjustable reclining seat as well as a footrest for your baby to rest on while you're out and about.

Travel systems are an excellent choice for families that want a stroller to grow with them. These are great options for infants, since they include an infant seat that can be used right away. Some bassinets are designed for babies, while some let you add a toddler car seat when your child is ready.

Color is another thing to think about. Some people are sensitive to gender-biased colors of blue and pink, and if you're one of them, you may want to avoid these colors for your stroller. Consider a neutral-colored stroller that will go with any outfit.

A stroller for babies is a necessity for new parents however, with the many choices available it can be a challenge to determine which stroller is the best one for you. The suggestions above will help you narrow down your choices so that you can choose the right stroller for your needs and lifestyle.

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

Safety

Whether you're taking your baby for a stroll or shopping, you'll want to be confident that the stroller you select is safe. It should meet the minimum requirements laid out by the AS/NZS standard, which covers construction, material, performance, labeling and safety warnings for strollers.

Choose a seat that has a low frame and a wide base, so that it won't tip over easily when you put or remove your child. The seat should be secured using an elastic crotch belt. Avoid hanging bags or other items on the handles, which could cause the stroller tip backward. It is best to keep the stroller free of parts that could pinch the fingers of a child or create an choking risk, and always check the brake lever is not within reach of children.

It's worth checking whether the stroller has an locking mechanism that stops it from folding in the wrong direction while in use, and that it can be locked by pressing a button on the handlebar or the dashboard. It's also a good idea to register your stroller to ensure that the manufacturer is able to send you any security alerts.

Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean the stroller's fabric, because toddlers and babies are more likely to make messes. Pick a stroller with washable fabric that can handle the snot, baby food, and muddy prints.

Consider buying a stroller that includes adaptors or pushchairsandpramsuk will accommodate those purchased separately if you plan to use your car seat. This will allow your child to be securely taken from the car to stroller and back.

If you're not sure which features to choose, a certified safety expert can help. There's also a wealth of information about safe stroller use on the internet, including tips for selecting and using the best stroller for your family. And remember to buckle your child in every time, even when they're sitting in the stroller, and be sure that all safety straps are properly secured. Emergency room doctors say they see many injuries caused by children getting injured in strollers and baby carriers.