It’s a unique and incredibly terrifying feeling when your bundle of joy finally arrives. After nine long months of hopelessly waiting to meet your new son or daughter, the day has finally arrived. You get to start recognizing the tiny traces of personality they have and start spending every waking moment with your new best friend. You are also overcome with the panic of realizing that you are solely responsible for keeping this new little person alive.
You will have to make so many purchases that directly affect your baby’s safety. Often, a newborn’s stroller is left to be bought by some innocent shower attendee. Considering how much time your baby will spend in their stroller, it is too important a decision to be left to a distant relative. This guide offers tips for choosing your infant toddler stroller.
Consider these five factors when choosing a stroller for your little one.
photo courtesy of Katie King under creative commons
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Baby Stroller
- Maneuverability
Before purchasing any stroller, make sure to take it for a test drive to see how easy it is to steer, stop, and start. Make sure to factor in the type of terrain you will push your stroller through. Snowy conditions will require a different kind of stroller than desert conditions. It is insufficient for your research to take a stroller out of the box and push it around for a few minutes. Make sure to test the stroller with up to 30 pounds of weight in it to see how it drives.
- Convertibility
Consider purchasing a stroller that will essentially serve as a 3-in-1 car seat, stroller, and carrier. This is convenient, affordable, and will help with safety as well. Instead of constantly upsetting your newborn by changing its environment, they can rest easily without your options being limited.
- Storage
Over the first year of your baby’s life, your first stroller will be with you at all times. While your baby’s comfort and safety are the priority, there are several other stroller functions to consider, like how a stroller can be used for storage when on the go with your baby. It’s impossible to carry a basket or push a shopping cart while also managing a stroller, so this will be crucial when at the grocery store.
- Folding
When transporting your baby from place to place, you will find yourself constantly folding and unfolding your stroller to fit it into a variety of different areas. Since one of your arms will be dedicated to holding your baby, find a good stroller that you can fold with only one hand.
- Stroller Type
Many types of strollers fit several different lifestyles. For those frequently traveling or using public transportation, the best lightweight stroller may be the way to go.
If you want to remain active, a jogging stroller can do the trick. Those with 2 young children will want to utilize a double stroller.
Strollers are not limited to only one category, though. The best double jogging stroller will allow you to remain active while bringing both of your kids along for the ride.