As you may be knowing, the words pram, stroller, push chair or buggy are all names that are often used interchangeably and usually refer to the same thing. Let’s have a look at some of the important features or things to look for when buying a stroller for your baby.
1. Harness
When it comes to babies, it always has to be safety that comes first. If your baby is very young, make sure that it has a 5-point harness and if your baby is a little older, a 3-point harness will do. Also make sure that the harness lock is designed in such a way that it is simple to handle, yet cannot be opened by a baby – even accidentally.
2. Sturdy Wheels and Solid Suspension
This is a very important feature, as your baby deserves a comfortable and a smooth ride, especially on rough terrains or surfaces. So look for strollers that have really sturdy wheels made of quality materials and has good solid suspension.
As regards the wheels, make sure that you get one that has lockable back wheels and lockable front swivel wheels – if need be.
3. Recline Position
This may be a very basic feature but is among the most important things to look for when buying a stroller. Babies need a full 180 degree or a flat position so that they feel comfortable, at least till they are old enough to sit without support.
Strollers usually come with multiple recline positions so that you can make your baby comfortable the way he/she wants to be. Once they can sit without support, they may prefer to sit upright so they can look around and enjoy themselves.
4. Holder and Feeding Tray
If you are likely to use the stroller for longer periods when you’re out with your baby, then a cup holder and a feeding tray becomes important. If you see yourself travelling with your baby, this feature is an absolute must.
5. Storage Space
The need for a strong spacious basket below the stroller can’t be emphasised enough, as it can come mighty handy to store some of your baby’s items. It could also help you do some shopping while you are on the move, which is a bonus.
Also lookout for a small pocket/pouch at the back of the stroller seat that helps you store some baby essentials such as wipes or diapers.
6. Peek-a-Boo Window
In the event you decide not to go for a stroller with reversible handles, then you may go for a stroller that has a peek-a-boo window in the canopy, so that you can keep a check on your baby without much effort.
7. Adjustable and Reversible Handles
Some strollers come with an option of reversible handles, which enables you to turn baby towards you. Such strollers usually come with adjustable handles which gives you the option of increasing or decreasing the height for your convenience.
8. Light and Compact
This is one among the top 3 things to look for when buying a stroller, especially if you are planning to use it while traveling or you plan to carry it in a car or a taxi.
A light weight stroller makes a huge difference and can be of great comfort while flying. The best thing about this feature is that it lets you stow it away even in very small compact spaces.
9. Washable and Breathable Cushioning
Babies will be babies and will sometimes be messy too. That’s why you will need a washable, and more importantly, a breathable cushioning stroller. After all, cleanliness and hygiene are paramount for your baby.
10. Ease of Folding
Some light-weight strollers have a one-hand or a one-touch umbrella fold that can be super convenient when you are traveling alone with your baby – especially air travel. Most bulky strollers have only a partial fold and will require both your hands to pack them up.
11. Climate Protection
This is a feature that is completely dependent on the climate of the place where you live or the place where you are traveling.
So depending on the places where you see yourself and your baby with the stroller, make sure that you have one which has a sun canopy (with UV protection), a mosquito/insect net and a rain cover. Having a foot muff too will help.
Conclusion
Not all the features or things to look for when buying a stroller for your baby can be found in all the strollers. Having said, you may not need all the 11 features for your baby too.
All you need to do is make sure that the must-have features are there in the stroller you choose, preferably along with the good to have features too, and ignore those you need not have. Just invest a little time and do your due diligence well, so that you make a well-informed decision.
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