Plow & Hearth



Buying the Right Baby Stroller

by Chiun Masters

Baby strollers help out a lot of parents in taking care of their baby, but choosing the wrong baby stroller could result in a lot of 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 model that best fits your life and your baby.

Of course, safety is very, very critical when it comes to your baby. Check strollers for stability before buying, 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. For babies who might be staying in the stroller for long periods of time, look for a five-point harness. For occasional mall trips, a three-point harness might be OK.

When you find a stroller that seems right, try to walk it yourself for a while to get the feel of it. Check its handling to see if it corners easily, 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. The height of the handles is also important for your comfort. 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 don't let the lack of a drink holder sway you away from a stroller you otherwise love. 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 would be excellent for taking your baby on short trips. Standard strollers often feature roomier seats, larger wheels, more storage space and extras like built-in music systems. These would be great for almost anything, and many parents love these versatile wonders.

Outdoorsy parents may want to consider a jogging stroller. Some parent buy one as a backup for their 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. 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

Filed in Family, Home


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