A Baby Stroller Buying Guide
Baby strollers help out a lot of parents in taking care of their baby, but choosing the wrong baby stroller could result in inconvenience and trouble. So how can parents pick the right stroller? Well, strollers are available to match just about any 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 greatest 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. The harness comes next. A five-point harness is best, especially for infants or babies who are in the stroller a lot. For occasional mall trips, a three-point harness might be OK.
When you find a stroller that seems right, walk around with your favorite strollers through the store before making a purchase. Check its handling to see if it corners easily, and try walking with the stroller at a faster pace to be sure your feet don't hit the wheels. 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. Taller parents should look for strollers with adjustable handle heights. If you want more comfort, look for foam-covered handles.
Also think about the other features you may need from a stroller. Would you want a basket underneath it to carry the diaper bag? 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 don't let the lack of a drink holder sway you away from a stroller you otherwise love. Another important thing to consider is how easily you can fold and store it away when not in use.
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 many parents love these versatile wonders.
Outdoorsy parents may want to think about getting a jogging stroller. Some parent buy one as a backup for a standard stroller or even as an everyday stroller. Featuring large, sturdy tires, 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. Some new parents who travel a lot also use travel systems, which comes with a standard stroller and an infant car seat that you can easily snap on to the stroller itself. When the infant car seat is outgrown by the baby, 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