Who doesn’t enjoy a stroll along flowery shaded pathways? Everyone does, including babies. All babies love to have a baby’s day out, everyday. Strollers can be a dad’s best friend, but choosing the wrong baby stroller could spell trouble and inconvenience. How can dads choose the right baby stroller from the many available in stores and via the Internet? The most important features to look for in a stroller are safety, convenience, and your particular requirement. Particular requirements may include a stroller you can use on your jogs, stroller for multiple kids, car seat combo stroller, carry cot combo stroller, pram-pushchair combo stroller, portable lightweight stroller, sun protection stroller, auto pilot stroller (whoops! That one’s not been invented yet, and might never be ;). Strollers to match just about any lifestyle are available, so look for a stroller model that best fits your life and your baby. Strollers are also called prams, perambulators, baby carriages, baby buggies, push chairs, pushers—though they are almost synonymous, some terms describe newborn carriages while others are more commonly used for carriages for older kids.
Here’s a short discussion on features to look for when choosing your baby stroller.
Safety Features
As always, your baby’s safety comes first. Check to see if the stroller is stable—don’t forget to see if the stroller will remain upright with a diaper bag hanging over the handles! Check the stroller harness—this is what will keep your baby from wriggling free while simultaneously keeping her/him comfortable. A harness which has five-points and goes over your baby’s shoulders is best, especially if your child is in the stroller a lot. If occasional mall trips are what you have in mind, a three-point harness might do.
Wheels and Handles
It’s time to take your favorite stroller for a test drive through the store before making a purchase. Make sure the height of the handles is comfortable for you. Maybe you could look for strollers with adjustable handle heights so you don’t have to stoop. Look for a stroller that navigates corners smoothly, especially if you are planning on using it in crowded places. Try walking with the stroller at a quicker pace to be sure your feet don’t hit the wheels as you do so. Foam-covered handles might give you a nice sense of comfort.
Convenience Features
Ask yourself whether you would need a stroller with a basket underneath, or would you carry the diaper bag elsewhere? Some strollers may come with accessories like parent organization trays, toy bars, snack and drink holders, rain hoods and more. However, don’t let the lack of a drink holder sway you away from a stroller you otherwise love, as many of these accessories are available separately. How the stroller folds and how much trunk space it may take may be important considerations. Be sure you can fold, unfold and store the stroller easily!
Now for a brief discussion on the different types of strollers available in the market.
Standard Strollers
Standard strollers often feature roomy seats, larger wheels, lots of storage space and accessories like built-in music systems, snack bags, and ergonomic handles. Standard strollers perform well in most conditions, and many parents love these versatile wonders. For travelers, these strollers can be folded, often with nice one-hand mechanisms, but they take up more trunk space and are heavier to lift in and out. Larger strollers may be hard to handle in crowded places. Check out my 3 best standard strollers.
- Chicco Tuscany: Rain canopy, adjustable footrest, five-position recline, under-seat storage, and stain-resistant material. However, the sun canopy provides only nominal protection, and the recline could be lower and easier to use.