Are you struggling to decide which stroller to buy for your new baby, or have you a new addition to your family and are looking to buy a double stroller? There are strollers to suit every need. Singles, doubles, lightweight, jogging, umbrella, the manufacturers have thought of numerous variations.
There are a number of points you should take into account when choosing. Some are safety features that you should look for with every stroller, others are extra features that may come with more expensive strollers. Extra features are nice, but that does not mean that less expensive strollers do not offer good value for your money. Comfort for your baby or children and ease of use for you is of primary importance, decide what suits you and buy accordingly. Many parents are tempted to buy a status symbol, only to find that it is totally unsuitable for their needs.
Five point safety harness. The five point safety harness, going over the shoulder, around the waist and between the legs, is the best harness although the three point harness is also safe.
Check that the model has a safety mechanism to prevent the stroller from accidently closing.
Balance The stroller should balance well and hanging shopping on the handles is not a good idea!
Fully reclining seat. A newborn baby should be able to lay flat to support the neck. If you are buying for an older child this is not so important, particularly if you are looking for a cheaper, lightweight model.
Washable covers. Babies can make a mess!
Wheels. Larger wheels make for a more comfortable ride, particularly if there are shock absorbers, but of course this can result in more weight. Some tires are now air-filled.
A good size storage area is always desirable unless you only want a fast, lightweight model.
Most mothers will probably buy two strollers as their children grow up. Young babies need the kind of comfort and protection from the elements that was found in the old fashioned prams once pushed around the park by nannies. Many modern strollers offer that degree of comfort, but they are often bulkier models and as children grow they are more difficult to push. A three or four year old will be walking more, but there are still occasions when they need a ride. Less expensive, light, umbrella strollers are the perfect solution for this age range. Some manufacturers are producing more and more lightweight models, even twin, that can be used from birth through to 4 years and still be easy to push, so it is worth shopping around.
Finally you should be very careful if you decide to buy a used model. Choose a well known brand and as well as making sure that it is safe, check that the model has not been recalled. You can do this at www.cpsc.gov.
