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First of all congratulations on the newest addition to your family. Those little ones truly changes everything. Now your life revolves around your baby, small tasks like go for shopping or take a walk at parks seem to be difficult. But motherhood doesn’t have to be difficult, You can still enjoy your daily routine like take a walk in the park, shop or work out having your baby with you. A baby carriage like pram or stroller can help you get back on your routine.
There are many models of baby strollers available in the market and there are many things to consider while choosing baby strollers like from comfort and safety to size and style that is perfect for your baby and your lifestyle.
In this guide we will help you through everything you need to know about baby strollers, from important features to look for to tips on selecting the best one for your needs.
Difference Between Prams and Strollers:
Prams: A pram (or perambulator) is designed for newborns and infants that allows them to lie flat. It typically has a deep and bassinet style seat which offers more support for their back and neck.
Strollers: A stroller is more flexible and usually has an upright seat with harness, making it suitable for toddlers who can sit up.
Why Do You Need a Pram or a Stroller:
Parents need a baby strollers for several reasons:
Convenience: Helps you easily transport your baby while keeping them comfortable.
Safety: A properly designed baby strollers can assure that your baby is secure and supported.
Comfort: Provides a smooth and safe environment for your baby while outings.
Simply, a pram or stroller can make your life a lot easier and you can take care of your baby wherever you go. Choosing appropriate baby strollers can ensure that you both enjoy your time together.
Type of Baby Strollers for Different Ages:
Newborns: Newborns will need a pram that offer full recline options or comes with bassinet attachments. At this stage babies need to lie flat for proper development and safety while you are going out.
Infants and Toddlers: At 6 months or so babies begin to sit upright and they are curious to the sights and sounds around them. So you will need a baby stroller with adjustable seat position, good cushioning and good storage space.
Type of Baby strollers as per Design:
Standard Strollers: These are everyday strollers with a solid frame and comes with features like reclining seats, storage space and sunshade.
Lightweight Strollers: These baby strollers are ideal for travelling, easy to fold and carry. It is a perfect choice for parents who travels a lot.
Jogging Strollers: If you are an active parent who loves jogging or hiking, these baby strollers are perfect choice for you. They offer larger and durable wheels and comfortable seat that can handle rougher terrain.
Travel Systems: These baby strollers comes with a detachable car seat, making it easier to transfer your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them.
Double strollers: For parents with twins or two young children, these strollers allows you to push both kids side by side at once.
What to Look For While Selecting Baby Stroller?
Metal Frame:
A reliable metal frame ensures durability and safety.
Wheel Locking Mechanisms:
Helps keep the stroller stable, especially when you are stationary. You can lock the wheels and be sure that your baby will not slide away.
Safety Harness:
The safety harness can ensure your baby’s safety inside the stroller and does not flip over while riding. It also provides protection in the events of instant braking or accidents.
Different harness systems to ensure your baby stays safe:
1) 5-Point Harness: A 5-point harness is considered the safest option for baby strollers and it is ideal for active babies. It has five attachment points to secure your baby at the shoulder hips and between legs. This feature provides security in the events of sudden stop or jolt.
Best choice for parents who prioritize safety, especially for younger babies who are more active or riding in rough terrain.
2) 3-Point Harness: A 3-point stroller provides basic safety. It secures a baby with straps over their shoulder and between legs. This harness is ideal for babies who can sit independently.
3) 2-Point Harness: The 2-point harness offers least security for babies. It usually consists of a single strap that fastens between baby’s legs, connecting to the seat belt at the waist. It is ideal for older toddlers who are already very stable and require less restraint.
Tether:
It is a wrist strap that attaches to the stroller’s handlebar and wraps around parent’s wrist. This prevents the stroller from rolling away, especially in scenarios where sudden or unexpected loss of grip could be a danger to the baby.
Bumper Bar:
It is a horizontal detachable bar which is installed in front of stroller seat to prevent child from falling over in case the baby leans forward.
Water Resisting Fabric:
Ensures your baby stays dry in case of rain while outing.
Protective Shade:
Keeps sunlight away from your baby.
Height Adjustable Handle:
This feature allows parents and caregivers to modify the height of the stroller’s handlebar to suit their specific height and comfort. This feature is useful if more than one person will be pushing the stroller (e.g. parents, grandparents, nannies) having an adjustable handle ensures that everyone can use it comfortably.
Brake System:
1. Hand Brakes: It provides quick control over stroller’s speed, this feature mainly comes with jogging strollers.
2. Foot Brakes: Most of the stroller’s comes with foot brakes, helps braking the stroller while your both hands are occupied.
Reclining Seat:
A reclining seat in a stroller is essential for providing comfort and support to your baby during naps or long outings. For newborns who can not sit up on their on needs a fully reclining seat to support their head and neck. For toddlers multiple reclining positions offer flexibility, allowing them to sit while awake or recline for a more comfortable position during naps.
When choosing a reclining seat option, look for easy to use mechanisms like one hand adjustable option.
Large Wheels:
Provides more stability and smooth ride.
Tires:
1. Foam Filled Tires: Offers comfortable ride to your baby and can not get punctured.
2. Air Filled Tires: Offers comfortable ride but requires maintenance and can get punctured.
Wide Wheel Base:
A wide wheel base will offer more stability to the baby stroller but it is hard to turn in narrow spaces.
Mosquito Net:
Most baby strollers comes with a detachable mosquito net to protect your baby from mosquitos and other insects.
Here are Some Point to Consider and Avoid While Buying a Baby Stroller:
Consider:
- Before buying a stroller, do some research on the internet. Like if you have some model in mind ask someone how it is working to the someone who are using that model or search on the internet for reviews.
- Look for baby strollers which offers safety and comfort over style.
- It’s convenient to buy two baby strollers one which is foldable and lightweight and one can be standard or jogging stroller so you can pick one according to the need.
Avoid:
- Do not look for all the features, you’ll have hard time finding it. Only look for features you think necessary according to your routine.
- Don’t look for branded baby strollers only, they may offer a lot more features but they might not be of use to you, compare all the options available in the market with features you need and make a decision.
