Wheel For Tots - How to Pick 'Em

When looking for the best stroller, try to take as much time as possible so you can match it with your needs. Here are some guidelines for you.

Is your baby less than 6 months old?
It takes a while for a baby's neck area to be strong enough to support itself, so remember that upright strollers are not advisable. That's why at the early stages, you will need a stroller that is specific to newborns, or you can get one of those models where you can attach infant seats or bassinets. You can also get one of these newborn inserts that holds the child more securely in the stroller. It's important at these early stages not to jar the baby while in the stroller, so jogging with a baby in the stroller is out of the question!

Once babies are over six months old, you will have much more options in terms of shopping for a stroller.

Will you use it a lot?
If you'll be using a stroller daily you will need one that is comfortable and easy to push around. Long walks will be much more enjoyable for you and the baby if you picked a nice, rolling stroller. It will be tough to judge this aspect of it if you are buying online, so try to go through various reviews on how a stroller pushes or handles, before you decide to buy it.

In general, the larger the wheels, the easier it is to push. If the wheels are made of rubber, that means the handling will be better. If it has springs or shock absorbers, that means you will have a smoother ride. Sometimes it feels like you are buying a car!
If you do not plan to use the stroller that much for long strolls, then it's not as important to be concerned about the ride.

Is it Heavy?
A good quality light stroller weighs about 8 pounds. For the full sized and full-featured models, expect more than 25 pounds! Keep this in mind in terms of the lifting you will need to do up and down the stairs, or in and out of you vehicle. If your lifestyle tends to be towards frequent use, then it's really important to weigh the must-have features versus the weight it will add to the stroller.

A basic rule of thumb is the lighter the stroller, the fewer features it will have and the less smooth the ride. These lighter models also tend to have less comfort level in terms of seating. They will also have less seating adjustments such as reclining angles. On the positive side, these lighter models are great if you are traveling frequently or you do a lot of daily errands with the baby.

If you find a model that has all the major features you like and it weighs less than 20 pounds, just grab it!
For the all-terrain (aka jogger models), you can get them at weights below 20 pounds. Also, don't forget that it's not just the size and weight but also the folded size and how it makes it less bulky and easier to lift and carry as you move in and out of your car or house.

What features are available?
There are many but the most common are as follows:

Reclining seats : the more angles the better, plus some are easier to adjust than others.

Adjustable handles : make sure you can adjust the handles so that it matches your height, as this will make it more comfortable to push around.

Reverse handles : this is a nice feature where you can change the handle positions so you can see the baby's face as you push the stroller.

Cupholders : it's a nice-to-have but not a must-have since you can always purchase separately.

Storage basket : it's very handy for the usual diapers, bottles and snacks, -- the more storage space, the better.

Canopy : this is a must have to protect your baby from too much sun.

Five-point harness : this is the safest type of harness you can find, you will need this.

Adjustable leg rest : babies grow up fast, so having an adjustable leg rest is a great advantage.

Toy bars or grab bars : this holds the toys in front of your baby and keeps them amused and while you stroll.

Last but not least, if you are an avid jogger, consider getting one of those jogger models. These models usually have large tires which means you get a smoother ride over rough surfaces. Even if you don't jog, this feature alone might make it worthwhile to get. Joggers also have large handlebars that are designed so you can hold the stroller securely while jogging behind it. Your baby may not be getting any exercise while you run, but they will definitely have a more enjoyable ride!

Article Source: http://www.articles-unlimited.com

Daxx is a retired school teacher who is now relieving the boredom of retirement by promoting a varied collection of sites such as this one for polaris pool cleaners and a site for the best polaris 'bot out there, the polaris 280.

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