The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Baby Stroller
The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Baby Stroller
Blog Article
Choosing a Baby Stroller
When you're on the move, a baby stroller is a great option to transport your child. Aside from giving your back a break, it also helps you get there where you need to be without being weighed down by too much equipment.
Find full-size products that accommodate infants with a seat that reclines almost flat (newborns require neck support). Some come with a bassinet, travel system, or both.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is crucial since your child will spend the majority of his time in it. Find a spacious, comfortable seat that allows your child to stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which are particularly beneficial for newborns and infants who do not yet have the neck strength required to sit up. Some seats also have stowable footrests to provide your child with a method of relaxing.
Most strollers offer an infant tray, which can be useful for storing toys and snacks. The most effective models come with an attached tray that can be stowed to the seat's side, so you won't be concerned about it falling off while moving. Some strollers with jogging capabilities have pockets for passengers to stow which are useful to hold sippy cups and bottles. The pockets are easy for kids to reach and they won't drop their drinks while they walk.
It is also worth considering the stroller's restraint system, which will keep your child safe. Ideally, you'll want a five-point harness that is secured at the waist, shoulders and between the legs. The buckles must be easy to secure for adults and difficult for children to remove. It's important to test the stroller both with and without your child. It should be comfortable and easy to push even over rough terrain.
Some strollers have car seat frames or can be used with an infant car seat and are an ideal choice for families who use public transportation or ride share. If you intend to use your stroller just often, you might prefer an easy stroller that has fewer bells and whistles.
When you're shopping for a stroller, make sure you take your time to inspect the hinges and any other places where little fingers might be pinched. Although these incidents are not common, they do happen, and you don't want to give your child the gift of an injury to the fingertip. Also pay attention to the foldability of the stroller and make sure it's safe to put in your trunk when folded.
Stores
A stroller is more than just a method to transport your child. It's a method of carrying everything you need to take with you on the go including diapers, food, toys and more. That's why it's important to pick a stroller with ample storage space to store everything in order.
How much storage space you require will depend on your lifestyle and the baby's age. For instance, if you'll use your stroller for longer walks as your baby develops into an adult, you'll require more space for a fully-stocked diaper bag, snacks, additional clothing and water bottles. On the other hand, if you'll be using your baby stroller for shorter trips around town, an a smaller storage basket might suffice.
A majority of the top baby strollers have many storage options built into them. The UPPAbaby MINU, for example features a large storage basket, a sunshade that pops out, and one-step breaks. It also has a quick close-seam fold that is easy to handle with just one hand carrying a baby around or shopping for groceries.
Stroller storage can also be found in pockets, trays and other accessories. The Bugaboo Organizer for instance is a zipper-top pouch that is ideal for your stroller and lets you keep things like snacks, water and diapers. It also features insulated bottle pockets and external slip pockets that keep small items like keys and wallets in reach.
Another option for storage is a stroller caddy. These aren't features that are standard on every stroller, but they can be an excellent way to keep it organized and tidy without adding extra weight or bulk. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models, whereas others come with a universal attachment to ensure they're compatible with all strollers.
Other storage options 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 an excellent feature since it can help you stay hydrated on your walks and also keep your hands free when walking with your baby.
Style and Colour
There are many different types of strollers on the market, and it's important to choose what features are important to you. For instance, do require a stroller with a lightweight design enough to fold up and carry into your car, or do you need one with larger wheels to get over bumpy sidewalks? How long will you use it? Do want one that's easy-to-clean and maintain?
Some strollers come with removable covers for fabric that can be washed by machine. This is a great option if you are prone to spills and other mess. You might want to consider a sun shade or a handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. Some models also have an adjustable reclining seat as well as a footrest for your baby to relax in while you're out and about.
If you're looking for a stroller that can grow with your family, consider a travel system. They are a great choice for newborns since they usually include an infant car seat and can be used from the first day. Some have the option of a bassinet for infants, while others allow you to add a toddler seat for when your child is ready to go on a ride.
Another thing to consider is the color. Some people are sensitive to the gender-biased colours of blue and pink, and if you're one of them, you may want to avoid these colors for your stroller. Think about a neutral-colored stroller that can be worn with every outfit.
It is essential for new parents to have a stroller for their baby but there are a myriad of types of strollers on the market that it can be difficult to select the best one. The suggestions above will help you narrow down your options to find the best stroller for your needs and lifestyle.
Good Housekeeping's Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has decades of experience reviewing and testing household products. She holds a degree from applied mathematics and mechanical engineering, and her work has been featured in American Baby and Parenting magazines. She lives in New York City, with her three children aged 7 and below.
Safety
You'll want to know that your stroller is secure whether you're taking your baby for a stroll or shopping. It should meet the minimum requirements set out by the AS/NZS standards, which address construction, material, performance and safety warnings.
Find a seat with frames that are low and have an expansive base to ensure that it doesn't fall over when you remove or put your child. The seat should also be secured with an elastic crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags and other items from the handle, as this can make the stroller go backwards. It's best to ensure that the stroller is free of any parts that could irritate fingers of children or create a choking hazard, and always check the brake lever isn't accessible to children.
It is important to verify that the stroller is equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents it from folding in the wrong direction while in use, and can be locked by pressing an appropriate button on the handlebar or the dashboard. Registering your stroller will allow the manufacturer to send you any safety updates.
The fabric of the stroller is important to consider, as children and babies are notorious for their mess. Make sure you choose a stroller that has washable fabric that can handle infant food, snot and dirty prints.
Think about buying a stroller which has adaptors, or can accommodate the adaptors you purchase separately if you plan to use your car seat. This will allow your child to be safely transported from the car to the stroller and back.
A certified safety expert can assist you if you're unsure of which features to select. There's also check here plenty of information on safe stroller use online and includes tips for choosing and using the correct stroller for your family. Remember to buckle up your child every time even when they are seated in the stroller. Also, ensure that all buckles and safety straps are securely fastened. Children in strollers and carriers are frequently injured by emergency room physicians.