This is a sponsored guest post.
This is a sponsored guest post.
At first thought, it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot that goes into picking out a stroller. However, a stroller is not just a stroller. It’s something you’re going to use every day, whether you’re at the mall, the park, or any other event. As such, you want to make sure you pick the right stroller.
There are plenty of things to consider, especially if you’re a new parent and you’re not really sure about your options. To make things easier for you, here are some of the factors to consider when determining which stroller to buy for your baby.
First, Plan Your Budget
Don’t start looking around at the latest models if you haven’t decided what you can or want to spend yet. Strollers can range from hundreds of dollars to a few thousand depending on the size and model you get. It’s all about the investment you’re willing to make.
Consider the long-term future. When you’re working with a limited budget, you may be tempted to invest in a stroller that does double the work. A travel system stroller comes with a car seat that detaches from the stroller, which is basically two in one. But don’t be too tempted by this seemingly good deal. Your child will outgrow the car seat much faster than it’ll outgrow the stroller, which means once they hit a certain weight you’ll have to buy a whole new system. However, one of these systems is super convenient for being able to take your baby out of the car and right into the stroller, so it’s up to your budget.
Consider What You’ll be Using the Stroller for
If you travel a lot, or if you’re just always on the go, you will likely want to look into a stroller that’s more lightweight and practical. These types of strollers are easier to fold into the trunk of a car, and don’t take as much time to set up. If you live in a big city and frequently use the subway, a lightweight stroller will make it easy for you to get up and down the stairs without lugging a giant contraption with you.
However, if you’re not as much of a busybody, there are plenty of larger strollers that offer added comfort for the parents. For example, many come with added cupholders and extra storage space to make your life easier.
Safety is Always Key
Safety should always be your number one priority. When it comes to buying the right stroller, you want to make sure you choose one that keeps your baby as safe as possible.
Here are some of the important safety features you should check and test if possible on a potential stroller:
- Brakes: All brakes should stop effectively and a parking brake should be included. Hand brakes are important if you’re planning on jogging with the stroller.
- Shade canopy
- A five point safety harness
- Double wheels: Large wheels are great for maneuvering but don’t always fit in the trunk of a car. Look for double wheels that are just as efficient and capable of steering easily without locking up.
- Leg holes your baby won’t slip through
Additionally, check for nooks and crannies that may pose sharp corners that can pinch your baby while they’re in the stroller. Even if you don’t initially see it, your baby could easily find it.
Read as Many Reviews as You Can
Sometimes reviews are written by people who seem to be disgruntled customers or biased haters. However, reviews are important when it comes to making a big investment like this. So, to get a good idea, read as many reviews as possible. Do some online research before you arrive in store to test the stroller out in person. Look at the top 10 lists, consumer reports, and check product reviews and ratings on various websites. Sometimes you’ll see patterns in these reviews that can point out defects or hazards to avoid.
