Once your child can sit independently, you can reclaim some of the space in your car by swapping the bulky infant stroller for a simple umbrella stroller. An umbrella stroller is ideal for travel or quick trips to the mall when you just need a place for your child to rest without all of the bells and whistles larger strollers provide. Selecting an umbrella stroller is easy as long as you do your homework, though there are countless options to choose from.
Step 1
Make a list of the most important features, and rank them in order of preference. This allows you to compare strollers easily when you begin shopping. Some features, such as a sunshade, are offered on most models, while a desire for specific tire types or sizes may limit your options considerably.
Step 2
Measure your child, making careful note of the distance from her tail bone to the top of her head when seated. This measurement lets you evaluate whether each stroller allows enough room for her to sit beneath a sunshade or rest her head against the seat back.
Step 3
Weigh your child to ensure you select a stroller that accommodates his size. Some umbrella strollers have low weight thresholds, so look for that information on the packaging when considering a stroller.
Step 4
Talk to friends or relatives about their strollers. Ask them what features they love and hate about their umbrella stroller, as well as why they feel that way. If they will let you, test drive the stroller with your child to see how easily it pushes and folds, as well as how comfortable it is for your little one.
Step 5
Visit a retail store to try out any other stroller options you want to consider. Perform the same test maneuvers you tried with your friends’ strollers. If the store allows it, see how the stroller fits in the cargo space of your vehicle.
Step 6
Select the stroller that is most comfortable for your child and most practical for your needs.
Tips and Warnings
- Trying out several strollers is critical. While some may look good on paper, you may find that the seat is too small for your child or the height of the handles causes you to stoop over while pushing. Some umbrella strollers offer many of the same options as their larger cousins, while others offer barebone seats designed only to give your child a seat as you go from point A to point B, so it is important to look at several models in person.
- Never hang bags or purses from the handles of a stroller. Especially on a lightweight umbrella stroller, the weight of the bags could cause the stroller to tip over. Children under six months need a stroller that reclines to a flat position. This feature can be found in some umbrella strollers, though it will limit your options considerably.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Scale
- Strollers
