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Picking out the Perfect Stroller for You

There are numerous varieties of strollers. Some are intended for specific purposes, such as joggers and lightweight strollers, while others are designed for around-town use. Irrespective of the variety of stroller you are purchasing, here are some considerations to look at before buying a new stroller.

Make absolutely sure the stroller comes equipped with a proper, and effective, belting system. At the minimum, look for a three-point restraint that goes around the waist and comes up between the legs. The latch should be comfortable up against your child. If you are buying a jogging stroller, make sure you get a five-point belting system (shoulder straps) since jogging will result in your child being bounced around. The shoulder straps must keep them in place comfortably even when jogging.

Be sure the stroller has a brake. For most everyday 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 joggers, you should also look for a brake that can be used to brake the stroller while jogging. Be sure the brake is easy to operate and that you can lock the tire(s) without excessive effort.

Most strollers have a mechanism that permits the stroller to be folded for travel. Make sure that you can operate the folding mechanism yourself; there's nothing worse than standing in a parking lot in the foul weather desperately trying to fold your stroller. Even more important than how easy it is to fold is how safe it is when it is open. Be certain that when opened, there is a strong locking mechanism that keeps the stroller from folding accidentally. If this occurs when your child is in the stroller, they can be seriously injured.

Take the stroller on a test drive and see how comfortable it is to maneuver. You should be able to operate the stroller with one hand. Strollers with front and rear swiveling wheels tend to be easier to use. Strollers with wheels that only spin in one direction are usually more awkward to maneuver.

Examine the height of the handle. The stroller will be easiest to use if the handle is at waist level. For most people, this will not be a problem. But if you are exceedingly tall or short, you may want to select a stroller with a handle that can be adjusted.

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

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

Kids are messy. If your kids are especially prone to making messes, try to find a stroller with removable covers on the seats. Removable or not, look for fabric on the stroller can readily be cleaned with water and mild detergent. While a nice looking fabric may look great when new, if it's not washable the shine will quickly fade.

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

Before you purchase a new stroller, or any other product for your child, 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.