A Baby Stroller Buying Guide
Strollers can be invaluable to parents, but be careful when buying one, because if you make the wrong choice, you could end up with 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 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, try to walk around with it yourself for a while to get the feel of it. Choose a stroller that makes corners smoothly, 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. The height of the handles is also important for your comfort. 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. 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 have bigger seating, storage capacities, and some even have music systems built in. These would be great for almost anything, and parents love the versatility they bring.
Outdoorsy parents may want to consider buying a jogging stroller. Some parent buy one as a backup for a standard stroller or even as an everyday stroller. Featuring substantial, durable 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. Travel systems offer convenience for busy new parents. A travel system begins with a standard stroller, but includes an infant car seat that snaps onto the stroller. 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
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