How To Buy a Baby Stroller
Congratulations on your bundle of joy! No doubt you are starting to think about what you’re going to need for your new baby, including a baby stroller, among other things. Don’t worry if you are starting to feel a bit overwhelmed if this is your first baby with all the decisions that need to be made. That’s normal.
Choosing a baby stroller for your new baby is one of the biggest decisions you will need to make, because it’s one of the costliest. You need to determine your budget first before you begin choosing from among the many different types of strollers. The cost of strollers can range from $10 to $400 and higher.
Here are some of the baby strollers I recommend:
The lower end strollers are generally the lightweight umbrella strollers. Easy folding and storage give these strollers an advantage. I usually have several baby strollers on hand. I use a cheap umbrella stroller for travelling and sometimes I leave them behind. For example when we went to Cuba, we left our stroller there for a Cuban family.
High prices for a baby stroller could indicate greater quality and better features. You should decide which features you want in a baby stroller, based on what’s important to you.
Which would you want: a convertible travel system or a baby stroller and a car seat? A travel system has a stay in the car base, a stroller frame to which the infant carrier/ car safety seat is attached. These are wonderful especially for your newborn baby.
Baby Stroller Features
Your baby stroller might include a play tray that has places for a bottle or juice cup. Or your baby stroller might come with canopies that have vinyl windows to let you keep an eye on the baby. Your baby stroller will definitely include brakes, no matter what kind of baby stroller you buy!
Your baby stroller might also include a tray for your coffee and place to hold your keys and cell phone. Depending on the size of the baby stroller you buy, you might also have a basket underneath to carry your diaper bag. Try it out in the store to be sure you can actually fit your hand in there easily. I rented a baby stroller in Whistler recently and was surprised how little room there was underneath the baby stroller.
Your baby stroller might even have reversible handlebars that can be moved from front to rear or vice versa. The reversible handlebars can help you to see your baby while he rides if you like and the height adjustable feature is great if you have a bad back.
You should also give some consideration to what kind of seat the baby stroller has. Will the baby stroller seat recline enough, if it reclines, to allow your newborn baby to lie almost flat? Will the seat be comfortable for your new baby and well padded? Can the seat padding be removed so it can be washed? Can you attach a blanket to the baby stroller?
The Zooper – My Favorite Baby Stroller
Your baby stroller becomes like a bunting on wheels with the added feature of being able to snap on a covering. I had an awesome Zooper stroller which cost a lot but I loved it!! Here’s a picture:
Yes this baby stroller really was $400 and the only reason I bought it was because I got an unexpected windfall. I later sold it for $200 so I think that was a pretty good deal. It was a fantastic stroller! I loved it.
A Secondhand Baby Stroller?
Is it a safe choice for your baby to have a used stroller? Before you use it you will need to look over some things to decide if it’s a good choice for you and your baby.
Make sure the baby stroller has no cracks or sharp parts, obviously.
Do you need to look over the wheels for leaks in air pressure or are they solid?
Are the wheels in good shape? Do the baby stroller wheels need replacement?
Are the brakes working properly on the baby stroller?
Does the seat stay in position? You don’t want your baby to fall out of her baby stroller! Your baby could be seriously hurt if the seat does not hold the position well. Is the seat lining fitting the frame properly and is it clean?
Have fun choosing a baby stroller and the most important thing to remember is to get outside with your baby and get some fresh air every day.
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