Baby strollers are a big purchase for new parents and it’s important that you make a sound decision. You’re going to be using it every single day, which is why picking the right one is crucial. Here are some of the things you should consider before buying a new stroller.
Get acquainted with stroller types
There are so many stroller varieties, they might as well create a whole new language to describe them. You might have already heard many terms that describe different kinds of strollers, but you probably don’t know what each of them represents. For example, baby carriages are just strollers that have the baby facing towards you. Pram is a term British folk are more familiar with and it’s a kind of old-timey stroller with a fancy canopy which allows the child to lay down completely.
Jogging strollers are exactly what they sound like. Strollers that moms can use while they’re enjoying a run. They have three wheels and they are designed with additional stability in mind. You can run without fear of it toppling over like most four-wheeled strollers. Umbrella strollers are a convenient and compact alternative to regular strollers. They can be folded and set aside in case you need room in your home.
Set a budget
Before you can go shopping for some baby things, you need to figure out what you can afford. Baby strollers come in many variations and some of them are more expensive than others. New moms want to get the best possible equipment for their little bundle of joy, which can lead to some irresponsible financial decisions.
Keep in mind that just because something is more expensive doesn’t mean it has to be better. This is especially true when it comes to strollers. You can find models with ridiculously overinflated prices that include frivolous and high-tech additions. These exist only to pander to people who have more money than they know what to do with, so it would be wise to avoid these models. After all, how many luxuries do you really need on a baby stroller?
All you need is something that will keep your baby comfortable while you’re outside running your errands. Gold-plated handlebars might not be a necessity in this scenario.
Make sure it’s easy to clean
Taking care of babies isn’t the cleanest job around. They are messy eaters and they often have leftovers on their fingers. They will muck up anything that gets in their way, including all of your baby gear. Vomiting isn’t at all a rare occurrence and you can be sure it will happen during a trip in the stroller. The material it’s made of is going to get dirty every once in a while.
If you don’t want to have to thoroughly clean every single stain that appears on the fabric, it might be wise to pick out a stroller with some darker hues. Colours like black and brown hide stains much better and you don’t have to worry about it looking too run-down. Let’s not forget that black is always in style, no matter what goes with it.
Material is just as important as the colour. Don’t make the mistake of choosing a material that just looks good on your first stroller. You’re going to end up regretting it once chunks of vomit get between the folds. Get something that is easy to clean before considering any other factors.
Find an ideal weight
Strollers come in a variety of sizes and weights. You have super clunky models that can barely fit through the doors of a supermarket. These might be a bit impractical for usage in any kind of indoor space. The rule of thumb is that lighter is better. You want to be able to carry the stroller up some steps if it’s necessary. Not every building is accessible with wheels.
A lot of parents are often worried that a lighter construction means that the stroller is shoddily made, but this is a misconception. Better materials and engineering allow for lightweight strollers without sacrificing integrity.
Consider the accessories
You’ll rarely go out just to have a leisurely walk with the stroller. During a busy day, you’re going to want the stroller to help you run some errands. If you’re heading to the supermarket, you have to carry bags along with pushing the stroller. Why not combine these two activities? Some strollers have a bottom compartment where you can put toys and bags in order to ease transport. Diaper bags aren’t exactly small and you need somewhere to put them when you take your baby outside.
The handlebars have their function, but there’s no reason you can’t add a little something for convenience. On some Maxi Cosi strollers, the handlebars come equipped with cup holders and a place for baby pacifiers. This can prove to be incredibly convenient if you need to keep your hands free, but you want everything to be within reach.
Maneuverability
Handling a stroller is pretty straightforward. You push it along gently towards your destination and hope that there aren’t too many sharp turns along the way. Strollers aren’t exactly sports cars. All you have is a couple of handlebars that allow you to push it and lightly maneuver around obstacles. This can be incredibly inconvenient if you find yourself in a mall and your movements are limited. You’ll end up picking the stroller up and setting it a hundred times over.
Luckily, many modern strollers have improved maneuverability in their designs. In addition to the lightweight construction that is easy to move, you can also find some wheels that turn slightly when you push the stroller in a certain direction.
Conclusion
Picking out the right type of stroller is pretty difficult considering all the factors you have to take into account. It has to accommodate the child while being convenient and practical for the mother and father. It also has to fall within your desired price range. If you use some of these pointers, you’ll have your ideal stroller in no time.