How to Find the Perfect Baby Stroller

Wearing your baby in a carrier offers you the perfect chance to bond, especially if you are a new mother. However, as your baby grows and gains some weight, it will become difficult to keep using a baby carrier all the time. This is why you need to select a good baby stroller as an alternative way of carrying your baby. But how do you select the perfect stroller for your baby? Here is an essential buying guide that will help you make the right decision.

Why Get a Baby Stroller?

A stroller has many benefits for you and your baby. Some of these benefits include:

Safety: The best strollers are cushioned and covered to keep your baby safe at all times. Most of them have a sunshade to protect your child from direct sun rays. You may bump into things and hurt your child when using a carrier.

Comfort: The inner material of a stroller soothes your baby as you travel or walk. The baby has the freedom to play and enjoy the environment in the stroller. It is also easier for you to push a stroller than carry your baby in a carrier.

Convenience: You cannot avoid luggage when traveling with a child. You can carry the luggage you need and even shop along the way when using a stroller.

Exercise: You likely need to get back into shape after having a baby. A stroller gives you a chance to exercise while taking care of your child. Walking around the neighborhood is an ideal workout for new mothers.

Important Considerations When Buying a Stroller

Some of the factors you should consider when buying a stroller include:

Your baby’s age: Strollers come in different sizes and designs to suit different developmental stages. Babies under six months have special needs and require more attention than older babies do. Ensure that the stroller you pick suits your baby’s needs.

Structure: Go for a stroller with a sturdy body frame and an adjustable seat. Your baby will not be sleeping all the time, especially after the seventh month mark. Check if the brakes are functional and easy to operate. The best stroller should have a good canopy or a sunshade to protect your baby from the wind, sunrays, and rain.

Safety: The right stroller for your baby should have several harnesses to keep your baby in position. Check the buckle as well to ensure that it is easy to operate, but not too easy for the baby to unlock.

Functionality: A test drive is necessary to check if the stroller moves in a straight line. The wheels should swivel in different directions and still move in a straight line.

Your needs: Where and when do you intend to use the stroller? How smooth is the terrain in your neighborhood? Such questions will help you select the right stroller for you. For instance, a jogging stroller is the best pick if you want to exercise while taking your baby out.

Types of Baby Strollers

Strollers come in different designs to suit different needs. Considering baby stroller reviews for each category of strollers can help you pick the right brand. Some of the common designs include:

Standard strollers: The most common strollers are standard-size traditional strollers. The stroller comes with storage, enough space for the baby, and maneuverable wheels. You can use the stroller for any purpose as long as it accommodates your baby’s weight.

Most standard strollers have basically the same set of features and will usually have a padded seat that can be adjusted in different ways. The seating position on each baby stroller can differ. Some parents will prefer a front facing stroller while others will prefer to have their babies facing them so they can keep an eye on them. In some cases, the position of the baby can be changed.

While they are called standard, prices on these types of strollers can vary greatly and some high end models can be priced in the thousands.

Jogging strollers: For rough surfaces and exercising, opt for a jogging stroller. These tend to have good shock absorbers and large tires to protect your baby from the impact of bumpy roads. They usually feature 3 bigger wheels instead of four and are perfect for active parents. They also usually have a canopy and extra protection to protect the baby from harsh weather or in case of an accident. Their design also allows them to circumvent obstacles better or climb steep hills.

Double strollers: These come in handy when you have twins or two kids of nearly the same age. The main consideration when buying a double stroller is the weight of the two babies as you need to keep the stroller balanced. Some have side by side seating arrangements while others will have one baby in the front and one in the back.

Lightweight strollers: Lightweight strollers are perfect for newborns or babies under six months. The strollers are also a good choice if you do not walk your baby often. Most lightweight strollers are easily foldable and can be carried easily. However, they do not offer the padding and protection of other stroller models.

Car seat strollers: These strollers have a special frame that enables you to click them into a car seat. You can easily shift from pushing your baby to driving back home or to another destination. These are especially convenient when trying to move a sleeping baby from a car seat. The frames on car seat strollers tend to be very light as well.

Conclusion

Your choice of a baby stroller determines your baby’s comfort and safety when exploring the outdoors. Some of the important considerations when buying a stroller include the structure, safety, functionality, and your baby’s age. Baby strollers have different designs. The secret is to select the best stroller for your needs that’s still within your budget. Remember that your baby is growing and their needs will change over time. You can use this buying guide to get the best stroller at all stages of your baby’s development.