Choosing Your Baby’s First Stroller
Strollers are important, because they give you and your new baby much needed mobility. Getting out of the house is beneficial for you both, and your stroller should provide a safe, comfortable environment for introducing your newborn to the world. A stroller will be one of your most significant initial investments.
But what you don’t need is unnecessary confusion. Today, picking the best baby stroller can be daunting, because there are so many available. The purpose of this article is to cut through the clutter and help you choose the best baby stroller for your newborn. For more information, see www.babypramsstrollers.net.
One simple fact is going to guide your choice. Newborn babies need to lie flat on their backs when they are strolling. Until your child can sit up without help, at about 6 months, don’t make the mistake of trying to use a non-reclining stroller. That cute umbrella-style model may be tempting, but it’s simply not appropriate for a new baby.
Instead, you need to focus on four different stroller options, each of which will provide the comfort and safety your newborn deserves. Two of these stroller types are versatile enough to be your family’s only stroller, while the others may set the stage for a second stroller purchase somewhere down the line.
The first and most affordable option is a lightweight seat-carrier frame to which you attach your infant car seat. A big advantage of this stroller type is not waking your baby when you’re getting in or out of your vehicle. The main disadvantage is that this is the most temporary stroller solution, because the frame can no longer be used when your child outgrows the infant car seat and graduates to a toddler car seat, at about 12 months. But there is another significant plus. Purchasing a seat-carrier frame won’t break your budget and will buy you some time until you know more about your ongoing baby-wheel needs.
Standard or Traditional Strollers. Unlike the first option, the second type of stroller will see your baby through the stroller years, from newborn to almost-ready-for-kindergarten. While they may be a bit bulky, especially in tight spaces, standard strollers are truly the workhorses of the stroller world. They are suitable for almost all everyday activities. Providing comfort as well as durability and stability, standard strollers are available in many different models, with a variety of features and a wide price range.
Combo Strollers. This third type, combining a pram with a stroller, offers the advantage of adaptability. Like standard strollers, combo strollers are also designed to serve your child’s strolling needs from newborn to 40-pound toddler. But unlike standard strollers, combo strollers include a chassis, bassinet and reversible seat. Before your baby is able to sit up, you can use the stroller’s bassinet or snap your infant car seat into the chassis. Some models let you fully recline the seat and close its leg holes, so your precious cargo won’t slip. As your child develops, you can shift to using the stroller’s seat attachment. Combo strollers tend to be relatively expensive, because of all their feature/functionality. The only add-on you’ll really need is the infant car seat.
Especially for families on the go, the fourth option for your new baby is a travel system. Designed for airline travel and family vacations, travel systems combine a stroller and an infant car seat. They are, in essence, heavier and longer-lasting versions of the seat-carrier frame to which an infant car seat is attached. But here, the travel stroller can be used without the car seat after your child is able to sit up without help. While they can be somewhat bulky, travel strollers are great when you know you will be covering long distances with your baby in tow.
Whatever else you want in a stroller, ensuring your baby’s safety and comfort is job one. At the top of your safety list is a restraint system that will keep your precious cargo from slipping out. At minimum, the stroller must have an integrated safety belt and crotch strap. Some strollers feature five-point harnesses, much like those used on car seats, which do even more to keep your baby secure. Look for strength, durability and adjustability, so you can achieve a continuing snug fit as your child grows.
For all stroller types, you need a good parking brake that locks two wheels for extra safety. Look for one that is convenient to operate. You must also have a canopy or shield for protecting your baby, both from sunlight and from rain or snow.
Above all, take your time. A stroller decision shouldn’t be made on impulse. It’s important to be sure you’ve found the wheels that will keep your precious new baby safe, secure and comfortable. The dividend for choosing wisely will be many hours of pleasurable strolling.
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