Picking out the Best Stroller for You

There are many varieties of strollers. Some are meant for specialized use, such as joggers and lightweight strollers, while others are intended for more everyday use. Irrespective of the type of stroller you are buying, here are some considerations to look at before buying a new or used stroller.

Be absolutely sure the stroller comes equipped with a proper, and operational, restraint system. At the minimum, look for a three-point restraint that wraps the waist and comes up between the legs. The latch should be comfortable against your child. If you are looking for a jogger, get a five-point restraint system (shoulder straps) since jogging will result in your child being jostled about. The shoulder straps must keep them in position comfortably even when jogging.

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

Most strollers have a mechanism that allows the stroller to be folded up for travel. Be certain that you can easily fold the stroller up yourself; there's nothing worse than standing in a parking lot in the foul weather desperately trying to fold your stroller. Even more significant than how easy the stroller is to fold is how dependable it is when it is open. Be certain that when opened, there is a secure locking mechanism that keeps the stroller from folding unintentionally. If this happens when your child is in the stroller, they can be injured.

Take the stroller on a test drive and see how easy it is to maneuver. You should be able to push and turn the stroller with one hand. Strollers with front and rear swivel wheels will be easier to use. Strollers with wheels that only move in one direction are harder to operate.

Verify the height of the handle. The stroller will be easier to use if the handle is at waist level. For most averaged sized people, this will not be a problem. But if you are exceedingly tall or short, you may want to look for a stroller with an adjustable height handle.

Consider features that will make the stroller more, or less, comfortable for your child. 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.

Be sure that the stroller has plenty of storage space for things like changes of clothes, snacks, diaper bags, backpacks, etc. The more storage you have, the more satisfied you will be with the stroller.

Kids make lots of messes. If your kids are especially prone to making messes, consider a stroller with removable fabric covers on the seats. Whether the fabric is removable or not, try to select fabric on the stroller can easily be cleaned with water and mild detergent. While a nice looking fabric may look great new, if it can not be washed the shine will quickly fade.

Carefully check the frame of the stroller for sharp edges or things that can poke or snag. Also look for gaps that can trap toes and small fingers. Examine the leg openings of the stroller; make sure that they are not wide enough for to entrap an infant.

Before you buy a stroller, or any other product for your child, always check the product recall finder website (http://www.babycenter.com/product-recall-finder) to see if there is a recall against the product you are think about getting.

Karen is a full-time mom with 3 children and over the years she's had plenty of chances to use lots of strollers. You can check out her stroller reviews at eDistiller.

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