As a parent, you should see baby strollers as must-haves. They will be important for both you and your baby, so it's key to pick the right one. But strollers come in different types. If you're a new parent, you might wonder how to make sure you're picking the right stroller.
In this comprehensive guide, find out how to achieve that. Specifically, learn what features to look for in a great model. This way, it would be easier for you to find and pick the perfect stroller for you and your baby.
10 Key Features to Look for in the Best Baby Stroller
Look closely at the features a stroller offers. It’s best if it has the following features:
1. Right Size
The right size depends on how many babies you have. For new parents with just one, a single stroller is enough. But if you have twins or two young children around the same age, a double stroller would work best.
A double stroller would also be ideal if you think or plan on having another baby soon. Meanwhile, a single stroller would be ideal if you want more children in the future. No matter what you choose, make sure that the dimensions or space inside the stroller are enough for your baby to be comfortable.
2. Age-Appropriate Options
There are stroller types that can grow with babies. If you want one, look for a stroller in which you can change the seat while keeping the same base. Or one with convertible features, like the Contours Legacy Convertible Stroller. It can easily grow with your family as you can add an infant car seat adapter to the stroller. You can even convert it from a single to a double stroller.
3. Reversible Seat
If your baby is younger than six months, it’s a good practice to make them face rearward at first. Once they reach at least six months old, you can switch and have them face forward. A stroller with a reversible seat would be perfect for this. This way, you can let your baby face and look at you or watch the world when you’re strolling outdoors.
4. Brakes
It’s best to always ensure the stroller is equipped with a brake system. This can make or break the stroller and will affect how safe you can keep your baby when strolling. At the same time, make sure that the type of brake is easy for you to use and manage. Also, check if it’s made with a stable suspension system. This is to ensure that the stroller will be stable enough when it’s stopped.
5. Safety Features
Safety should be your priority, so look for safety features. Aside from the brakes, check and look for a safety harness. This will keep your baby buckled up and secured in place when in the stroller. This way, they will not fall over and hurt themselves. A good safety harness can be a three-point or a five-point buckle harness.
Furthermore, check the hinges and edges. A baby’s little fingers and toes can get caught in these tiny spaces. So, make sure there are no sharp edges and protrusions.
6. Ease of Use
Make sure it’s easy to use, especially maneuver, wherever you’re using it. It shouldn’t matter if you’re moving through crowded streets or a wooden path. You should always be able to control and maneuver it everywhere you go. Simultaneously, look for a stroller that can offer your baby a smooth ride—one that’s easy to push so your baby can stay comfortable inside the stroller.
7. Durability and Sturdiness
The quality of a stroller usually depends on its durability. You need one that you can use for a long time. One way to ensure that is to check the frame and components of the stroller. Make sure that it’s made of durable frame material, like steel. Check the quality of the wheels as well. They shouldn’t be flimsy, so they won’t get stuck and get easily damaged or snapped when used on uneven terrain.
8. Sun and Rain Protection
Weather conditions and natural elements like the sun and rain can have an impact on your baby as well. So, get a stroller with built-in sun and rain protection—a canopy. Look for an adjustable one so you can protect your baby from the sun, rain, and other outdoor elements.
This way, regardless of the weather conditions outside, you can make sure that your baby is safe and secure. Please be aware that this canopy can either be fixed permanently or removed easily. It’s advisable to acquire one that can be easily connected and disconnected when required.
9. Storage
Babies need a wide range of items, such as additional clothing, towels, wipes, and other essentials. As a parent, you might also have your own belongings to take with you when going outside. You require a place to store all of that. This is why it's important to search for a stroller that has a storage area, such as an under-seat compartment or basket, to carry necessary items such as your phone and your baby's essentials.
10. Portability and Car Seat Compatibility
Ensuring the stroller is portable is essential for your convenience on the go. This implies that you should be capable of bringing the stroller with you when traveling or driving somewhere. Therefore, ensure the stroller you purchase is sufficiently portable. It must be able to fold in order to fit inside your car when being transported.
Also, it’s advisable to confirm if it’s suitable to use with your specific car seat. This is particularly accurate if you already own a car seat and desire for it to be compatible with the stroller.
Conclusion
The best baby strollers have all the features needed for your baby's safety and comfort. Make sure they are easy to use, and check the quality of their parts and materials. Moreover, always look for convenient and safe features like canopies, harnesses, and adjustable configurations. It would also be best to look for one that you can easily fold and unfold for ease of transportation.
For some of the best options, you can visit our baby stroller collection. We offer high-quality and reliable strollers and other baby products to help you take care of your baby!
