Overview
Whether traversing your favorite running trail or your local mall, strollers provide great mobility for parents with young children. There are various models for a variety of purposes. For running or brisk walking there are jogging or all-terrain strollers. Infant or toddler strollers provide good support as they are specifically sized for infants. Umbrella strollers are ideal for fitting into small or crowded spaces. Traditional strollers generally offer storage compartments and are great for running errands. If you have more than one child, a multi-child stroller is an optimal choice. With so many choices, knowing the primary purpose for your stroller will making shopping for one easier.
What to Look for
What to Look For
Maneuvering through a crowded department store versus running a wood chip trail calls for different stroller features. The larger the wheels, the easier to handle uneven terrain and negotiate curbs. The most important factor to consider in buying a stroller is safety. Check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website, www.cpsc.gov, for listings of stroller recalls. According to the Keeping babies Safe website, www.keepingbabiessafe.org, the most common injury from stroller use is head injuries resulting from falls. A safe stroller should have a good restraint system. A lap belt with a T-strap or a shoulder harness system effectively secures your child.
Setting up and taking down the stroller should be easy. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that your child should not be able to reach the release mechanism that collapses the stroller. This mechanism should always be locked upright before you put your child in the stroller. Also, check the weight of the stroller when collapsed. You should be able to pick it up and carry it when necessary.
Manufacturers are starting to pay attention to today's active parents by adding pneumatic wheels and all-wheel suspension systems. Air-compressed tires make for an even smooth ride. While the three-wheel system is ideal for exercise, the non-swiveling front tire makes it a poor choice for maneuvering through a crowded area. Again, know the primary purpose for your stroller. Push a friend's stroller or sample the floor model. Note if it's easy to direct the stroller where you want it to go. Does it follow a straight line if you push it with one hand? Swiveling front wheels allow for easier turns.
Strollers should have brakes that are easy to operate. Make sure the lever is not child accessible. Brakes that lock two wheels provide an extra measure of safety. Foot-operated brakes are the easiest, since you do not need to bend down to activate them. However, hand brakes are another new feature manufacturers are offering.
It's difficult for parents to judge the sturdiness or durability of a stroller by simply looking at it. A wide, long wheelbase and a seat that is mounted deep within the frame indicate stability. If light pressure is put on the handles the stroller should not tip backwards. If the seat reclines, notice the fit of the fabric, does it stretch to allow new positions? Accidents can occur if the fabric slips off the backrest; a child could then fall out of the stroller. Equally, note the diameter of fabric for the leg openings. Wider leg openings can allow an infant to slide through. Consider the age and size of your child in relation to the stroller you are purchasing.
Adjustable handlebars, footrests, a rain canopy, snack and toy trays and cup holders are extra features you may find in several models.
Common Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls
With the increased demand for convenience and extra features, stroller purchase can be pricey. Parents may need an all-terrain or jogging stroller for exercise, an umbrella stroller for navigating crowded city streets or a traditional stroller that offers maximum storage. Knowing where the stroller will be used most and what types of terrain it will be used on will help determine which stroller features are most important for your needs.
As your child grows, so will the need for a different size stroller. Combination stroller car seat systems have become popular. These systems allow you to lock the infant's car seat into the stroller. Once the child has outgrown the car seat, the stroller can accommodate a toddler or young child. These multi-purpose strollers allow years of use.
With several brands of strollers on the market, it may be difficult to know which one offers the most to your family. Do your research before buying. Check recall lists, Consumer Reports and parent reviews.
