Usually, only one stroller is necessary for a child. The wide variety of baby strollers available makes it easily possible to find the right one. Strollers are made with a variety of amenities and features, as well as a wide range of prices. Some of these include:
- The Baby Travel System: These are the "Cadillac Convertibles" of the stroller world. Own a car seat, a baby stroller, and an infant carrier in a single purchase. Fully reclining models accommodate babies from birth to toddler age, and are available in many different shapes and sizes. Many are collapsible, offering increased portability and convenience for the users. These offer a number of bells and whistles, such as internal musical devices and play areas.
- Full-sized baby strollers: Smaller babies need large baby strollers. The shock absorbers, large wheels, and brakes featured by full- and mid-sized baby strollers offer a smoother and safer ride. Many larger baby strollers offer additional padding, weather covers, and storage baskets. These strollers are adjustable and can accommodate babies from birth through the toddler stage.
- Mid-sized baby strollers: These are very useful for parents who climb stairs or negotiate narrow walks frequently. Typically, these are made with aluminum frames and some weigh no more than 15 pounds.
- Lightweight baby strollers: These are maneuverable and convenient. Also called an "umbrella" baby stroller, a lightweight baby stroller is usually very inexpensive. They are also quite portable, but much less durable than larger strollers. Don't hang bags on the handles or use them for babies under three months of age.
- Prams: These strollers mimic an antique baby carriage in design. Durable and stylish, these are ideal for fashion-conscious parents. They convert from a fully reclining stroller for use with newborns to an upright stroller for use with toddlers. They typically offer oversized wheels, weather covers, extra padding, storage compartments, and double wheel brakes. Antique models tend to be wider and heavier than full-sized strollers, but modern designs use aluminum materials that decrease the stroller's total weight.
- Jogging Baby Strollers: These are ideal for athletic parents with babies six months or older. Featuring a lightweight frame and over-sized wheels, these jogging strollers can negotiate uneven ground easily during a run or long hike. The streamlined, sporty design adds minimal wind resistance. Be aware, though, that not all three-wheeled strollers are jogging baby strollers, so choose one especially designed for jogging. Safety is very important, so select one that offers a three-point or five-point seat harness. Some models also feature a band brake, storage area, shock absorbers, and all-terrain wheels.
Strollers for use with Multiple Babies
Parents with more than one child may prefer a double baby stroller or triple baby stroller for added convenience. Those used for newborns should offer an option that allows the baby to lie flat when traveling. A double baby stroller is available in two designs: a tandem baby stroller and a side-by-side double baby stroller. A tandem baby stroller allows the babies to sit in front of one another. Some use "stadium seating" designs, which places the baby in the back seat higher than the baby in the front. Some models even allow one seat to completely recline while the other can be placed in the upright position. This is helpful for parents who have children of different ages. A side-by-side double baby stroller allows the babies to sit beside one another. Both varieties offer a number of useful features, including canopies, weather covers, wheel brakes, and a lighter-weight, collapsible design. Both varieties should feature matching safety straps for the riders. Baby strollers for use with triplets, quadruplets, and even quintuplets can also be purchased, although they are less common.
Accessories for Baby Strollers
Choose from a number of different accessories for use with baby strollers. These safety and comfort accessories will make the ride safer, and more comfortable.
- Hoods or rain covers: These are used to protect the rider from rain. Many are designed to cover the baby stroller all the way to the wheels.
- Parasols for baby strollers: These are designed to protect the rider from sun and bright lights.
- Insect netting: This covers the riding compartment, allowing air in while keeping insects out.
- Drink holders or storage baskets: A number of attachable features are available to help with carrying diaper bags or other items during lengthy walks. These should be fixed to the lower part of the frame to prevent the baby stroller from tipping.
- Toys: Many different varieties of toys or play centers can be attached with clip-on or Velcro attachments.
- Cushions or padding for baby strollers: These include removable headrests or additional padding for the strollers.
- Extendable handles for baby strollers: These allow users to adjust the height for different users.
- Mirrors: Watch the baby while pushing by attaching mirrors to the stroller.
- Tote Bags: Place a collapsible stroller in the tote bag and carry it anywhere.
Infant Safety
Infant safety should be a primary concern in baby stroller shopping. Select one that offers all the essential safety features, and follow safety rules for its use. Keep the baby safe and secure by following these safety guidelines:
1. Consider purchasing a stroller tested and certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, or JPMA. These strollers have passed rigorous safety and durability tests to qualify for the JPMA seal.
2. Consider safety carefully when purchasing a baby stroller. Some important safety features include:
- Stability: Choose a baby stroller or baby traveling system that offers a stable, smooth ride, with a wheel base that is wide and prevents tipping. Storage baskets, if present, should be attached to the lower part of the frame, just above the wheels.
- A baby seat belt: Seat belts should offer three-point safety, fastening at the baby's waist and between his or her legs. A five-point safety harness that includes shoulder straps is highly recommended for a jogging baby stroller or for a travel system that is being used as a car seat.
- Rear-facing Positioning: Smaller infants should face the person pushing the stroller when riding in a baby stroller. Infants less than 12 months of age should be placed in a rear-facing car seat.
- Reclining Seat: These are necessary when used with babies under three months of age.
- Wheel brakes: Wheel brakes that lock are an essential safety feature for strollers.
- Locking Parts: To avoid accidental collapse, all moving parts on a stroller should lock into place.
- Removable, washable fabric: Keeping the stroller clean is important for the rider's health.
Other safety considerations:
Follow these safety rules, and carefully follow the instructions in the baby stroller manual.
- Never use the stroller without fastening the seat belt.
- Do not leave the baby in the stroller unattended.
- Use caution when collapsing or setting up the stroller.
- Do not leave loose strings or exposed straps within the reach of the rider.
- Lock wheels and set the stroller's brakes when stopping.
- Avoid hanging purses or bags from the handles of the baby stroller.
- Maintain and repair the baby stroller regularly.
Product Recall:
Check regularly to ensure that the baby stroller has not been recalled by visiting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Alternatively, monitor the manufacturer's website to check for recalls.