Choosing the correct stroller can be a daunting task. Richard Woo of Cititkids, San Francisco wrote an excellent article for our Baby News “Shopping for Baby” resource guide. These points will help you determine what type of stroller will suit your needs best. If you haven’t done so already, and are in Citikids neighborhood, stop by and pick up the newest “Shopping for Baby” resource guide or find your local Baby News store and pick up the resource guide.
The Most Important Tings to Consider When Purchasing a Stroller
by Richard Woo of Citikids
1) Where do you plan on strolling? People who live in rural areas where the stroller will be used on dirt trails have different needs than a person who uses it on concrete sidewalks. Strollers come with wheel sizes from 3” diameter plastic to 16” aluminum alloy wheels with air filled tires.
2) Are most of your trips car trips or is the stroller being used primarily in your neighborhood? People who use their cars a lot should consider the size of the stroller when folded to maximize the space left for other things that share the trunk with the stroller. Picture a couple of bags of groceries and a few cases of diapers or toilet paper fitting with your stroller. Strollers that are used from the garage to the street can be larger and heavier than ones that need to be folded and lifted into the car. Bring your car with you on your stroller shopping trip.
3) Will the stroller user be tall, short, average, have long legs, or have a bad back? Every stroller is different. Try them to see if you have enough room to walk comfortably without kicking the back of the stroller. Some strollers have adjustable height handles for both shorter and taller adults. Standing tall when strolling is always more comfortable than hunching over. Make sure your stroller fits you.
4) Will your baby need lots of shade? If you plan on strolling in an indoor mall, shading is not as much of a concern as a stroll in bright sun. Check the canopy to make sure baby is covered sufficiently.
5) Do babies sleep sitting up? New babies need to be reclined sufficiently to keep their backs against the seat, and their head in a position to allow for a clear airway. Generally, this is a recline angle of 135 degrees or more. As they get older, the recline angle becomes less important as the child gets better head and back. As a rule, the less recline a stroller has, the lighter weight the stroller will be.
6) How about those infant car seat carriers? Using a frame to carry an infant car seat is both an economically sensible and practical way to go for parents who use their cars a lot. These frames with wheels are lightweight, fold small, and allow the parent to transport a baby who fell asleep in their car seat. This choice will also buy you some time in choosing the stroller you’ll use when the baby gets bigger.
7) Still confused? Ask other parents on the street for their advice. Most people have opinions on which strollers they have used and like. Also, consult your Baby News store for a big variety of the latest strollers available.
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