Baby strollers are an important purchase for any parent who needs to get around town while taking care of a baby. A stroller provides a child with a comfortable place to play, rest or sleep, and should be able to offer some limited protection from the elements, such as the sun and wind. But strollers must also be convenient for the parent, making it easy to carry and manage baby supplies while on the go. Stroller prices can reach into the thousands, making it important for you to decide what matters most.
Step 1
Choose a type of stroller based on the type of trips you plan to take. If your child is younger than 6 months, avoid using a jogging stroller, which can jostle the child and be dangerous for fragile infants. You may want a stroller equipped with pockets, holders and other accessories to accommodate all of your child's needs with one piece of equipment. Travel strollers are also available and turn your stroller into a multi-functional piece of equipment, letting the carriage part of the stroller separate from the wheels for use as a car seat.
Step 2
Evaluate how compact a stroller can become when collapsed down. This will help you determine how easily it fits into the back of your car when it is transported or how much room it will take up in storage. The smaller the stroller is when collapsed, the easier it will be to handle when not in use.
Step 3
Examine the restraint system used to hold the baby in place. The buckles on the stroller should be easy to undo and fit comfortably over your child. The buckle system should secure your baby at the waist, between the legs and across the chest without creating any discomfort, particularly around the neck.
Step 4
Try out the adjustable components of the stroller, such as the canopy. An adjustable canopy makes it easy to protect your child from the sun. An adjustable seat will also be useful as your child grows and needs different types of support in order to sit in the stroller and take naps comfortably.
Step 5
Test the fabric quality and thickness. You want a fabric that is padded and comfortable for your child, but also make sure it's washable.
Step 6
Determine whether adjustable handles are important for you. Some strollers make it easy for parents to put the handles at a comfortable height for their body. If the stroller is already at a perfect height for you, then this feature may be less important.
