Stroller Selection Tips

There are many types of strollers. Some are intended for specialized use, such as joggers and lightweight strollers, while others are intended for everyday use. Regardless of the type of stroller you are buying, here are some considerations to look at before you make your purchase.

Make sure the stroller comes with a proper, and effective, restraint system. Look for a three-point seatbelt that wraps the waist and comes up between the legs. The buckle should be comfortable up against your child. If you are purchasing a jogging stroller, look for a five-point restraint system (shoulder straps) since jogging will lead to your child being bounced around. The shoulder straps should keep them in place comfortably.

Make sure the stroller has a brake. For most strollers, this will just be a brake to engage when you are parking the stroller. Make sure it works and is easy to operate. For jogging strollers, you should also look for a brake that can be used to slow down the stroller while it is being used. Make sure the brake is easy to use and that you can lock up the tire(s) with minimal effort.

Most strollers have a mechanism that allows them to be folded up. Make sure that you can easily fold the stroller up yourself; there's nothing worse than standing in a parking lot in the rain spending countless minutes trying to fold your stroller. Even more important than how easy it is to fold is how secure it is when it is open. Make sure that when opened, there is a secure locking mechanism that keeps the stroller from folding accidentally. If this happens when your child is in the stroller, serious injury can result.

Try out the stroller and see how easy it is to push and turn. You should be able to push and turn the stroller with one hand. Strollers with front and rear swivel wheels tend to be easier to maneuver. Strollers with wheels that only move in one direction are usually more awkward to maneuver.

Check the height of the handle. The stroller will be most comfortable to use if the handle is at waist-height. For most averaged sized people, this will not be an issue. But if you are extremely tall or short, you may want to consider a stroller with an adjustable height handle.

Look for features that can make your child more comfortable while riding in the stroller. These include reclining seats (makes nappy time easier); comfortable padding; canopies to protect and against sun, rain, and wind; cup holders and bins for snacks.

Make sure that the stroller has plenty of storage space for things like diaper bags, bags used when shopping, changes of clothes, etc. The more storage you have, the happier you will be with the stroller.

All kids make messes. If your kids are especially prone to spilling, consider a stroller with removable fabric covers over the seats. Removable or not, make sure that the fabric on the stroller can easily be cleaned with water and cleaners. While a stylish fabric may look great new, if it's not washable the shine will quickly fade.

Carefully check the frame of the stroller for sharp edges or pokey bits. Also look for gaps that could trap small fingers and toes. Also, make sure that the leg openings of the stroller are not wide enough for an infant to accidentally slip through them.

Before you buy a stroller, or any other product for your child, always check the product recall finder to see if there is a recall against the product you are considering.