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Top 10 Baby Stroller Tips You Should Know

1. Planning for more than one child? - If the answer is yes, consider getting a twin baby stroller, tandem stroller or triple stroller. It is often a false economy to settle for a cheap poorly made stroller as a more expensive stroller of high-build quality will generally be more durable and last long enough for a second or third child.

If you plan to have more than one child choose the best stroller you can afford

2. Get the right type - It’s important to get the right type of stroller for your
lifestyle. For example, unless they're infant car-seat compatible, most all-terrain strollers are not infant strollers; therefore they are not suitable for infants younger than 6 months of age.

All-terrains are routinely mistaken for running or jogging strollers and can often be seen displayed incorrectly in stores. Only by referring to the manufacturer’s users manual will you know if the All-terrain can be used for running.

3. Open and close mechanism - Consider a stroller that folds easily with the use of one hand or foot, allowing you to use your free hand to hold your baby. You will also want the open and close mechanism of the stroller to enable you to easily lift and carry it, engage the brakes, adjust the harness and backrest, remove and install a car seat and access the basket.

4. Seat belt restraints – In October 2009 it was reported in Australia's Herald Sun that a train ploughed into a stroller dragging the child along beneath the train’s front car. A paramedic at the scene attributed the toddler’s survival to the fact that “he was strapped into his pram at the time”.

Be sure to thoroughly examine the seat belt restraints; ensure that buckles are easy to lock and unlock while providing enough comfort for your child.

Make sure that the belt fits comfortably and securely around your baby's waist and the crotch straps loop into the waist belt to ensure that the baby cannot slip out. A five-point harness is a more secure option for jogging strollers particularly if used on rough or bumpy terrain.

5. How strong is the frame? – There are a number of different materials used in the construction of strollers. Steel and aluminium are robust and hard wearing, but be aware of the extra weight. Maneuverability is one of advantages of lightweight strollers made with more plastic; however being less durable, they may not last as long.

6. How easy is it to maintain? – Constant daily use will soon result in the fabric becoming dirty. Be sure the stroller has removable washable fabric and a removable seat that can be easily cleaned.

7. Seat and canopy adjustment – For infants that are too young to support their head and also to provide comfort for children who want to nap while travelling; a stroller with an adjustable seat that fully reclines is an essential item.
In adverse weather conditions such as cold, rain, sun or wind an adjustable canopy provides added protection for your baby.

8. Storage area - On occasion's, you may decide to go on long trips or outings; for such trips, you will want a large enough storage compartment for all the things you are likely to carry around.

9. Brakes, swivel wheels and wide wheel base – The actual reason for the above incident was that (See tip 4 above seat belts & restraint system) the mother had taken her hands off the stroller's handles and failed to notice the stroller slowly edging toward the tracks.

A potential tragedy could have been avoided by merely ensuring that the brakes were applied; it only takes a slight incline to send the stroller rolling away from you.

Be absolutely sure the stroller has brakes that lock the wheels in position, has a wide wheel base that offers greater stability and wheels that swivel for easy maneuverability.

10. Handle height adjustment – This is often overlooked: be aware that the majority of strollers are designed for people of average height; tall people, should make sure they choose a stroller with an adjustable handle.

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By: BabyP

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