A Baby Stroller Buying Guide

Submitted By: Chiun Master

Baby strollers help out a lot of parents in taking care of their baby, but be careful when buying one, because if you make the wrong choice, you could end up with a lot of trouble and inconvenience. So how can parents pick the right stroller? Well, you have to realize that different strollers are available for just about any kind of lifestyle. To help you pick one, first consider the main purpose for buying one, and then look for a stroller that’s suitable for your lifestyle and your baby.

Of course, when it comes to your baby, you know that safety is of the utmost importance. It would be wise to check the stability of the stroller, and try it to see if it remains solidly upright even if you hang a heavy diaper bag on its handles. The harness comes next. For babies who might be staying in the stroller for long periods of time, look for a five-point harness. A three-point harness will do fine if used occasionally for short walks outside.

When you find a stroller that seems right, try to walk it yourself for a while to get the feel of it. Check its handling to see if it corners easily, and make sure that your feet don’t hit the wheels when walking. This would come in handy when you have to hurry or maneuver in crowded areas. The height of the handles is also important for your comfort. If you’re tall, getting one with adjustable handle heights will be great for your posture. If you want more comfort, look for foam-covered handles.

Also think about the other features you may need from a stroller. Would you want a basket underneath it to carry the diaper bag? Or perhaps you’d like some trays to help you store and organize food, toys, milk, additional clothes, etc. A lot of these accessories can be bought separately, so fret not if you cannot find any beverage holder in your favorite stroller. Another important thing to consider is how easily you can fold and store it away when not in use.
There are around four common types of strollers available in the market. There are the lightweight strollers, weighing just under 20 lbs. but loaded with such features as storage baskets, reclining seats, and sun shades. These would be excellent for taking your baby on short trips. Standard strollers have bigger seating, storage capacities, and some even have music systems built in. These would be great for almost anything, and parent love the versatility they bring.

If you want to take your baby out while jogging, there are also jogging strollers available. Some parent buy one as a backup for their everyday stroller. Jogging strollers have sturdier wheels, brakes on the handles, and all-terrain suspension systems, which make them ideal for almost any surface. They are not recommended for babies under 6 months old, though. Some new parents who travel a lot also use travel systems, which comes with a standard stroller and an infant car seat that you can easily snap on to the stroller itself. When the infant car seat is outgrown by the baby, you can use the travel system as a standard stroller.

About the Author: Chiun Masters is a writer for http://www.babydoublestroller.com, where you can find high-quality baby strollers. Visit us when you need good quality baby strollers.

5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Jogging Baby Stroller

By: Will Thompson

The baby is doing great and you've just been given the green light to start exercising and getting back into shape. What better way than to multitask, and go for a nice jog every day, while entertaining the young one by getting outside? Ok, so now your ready to start searching for that perfect jogging stroller. So many to choose from. Here are some tips to help you make a wise decision in your purchase. First, you need to evaluate your needs. What type of terrain will you be using the stroller in? Rough, dirt or gravel trails? Or will it be all pavement or concrete? How much can you handle pushing while jogging? What kind of accessories will you need? Now you're ready to get down to the details. There are basically five things you need to consider before making your decision.

1.) Wheels Most likely, your jogging stroller will have 3 wheels(as opposed to the basic 4 wheel design, such as in most Maclaren strollers), two in the back and one in the front. Typically, the larger the wheels are (such as many Dreamer and InStep models), the more comfortable the ride will be. Smaller wheels (such as in You want to look for sturdy, air filled wheels with alloy wheels. They are lighter and won't rust. You'll need to make sure it has a fixed front wheel (one that does not turn) for a jogger stroller. You may be able to find a hybrid that has a swivel front wheel, but will allow you to lock the front wheel when necessary for jogging. But many times this requires the sacrifice of a smaller wheel.

2.) Grip You must be able to adjust the handlebar to your height to have a comfortable jog. A jogger stroller that is not adjusted to your optimal height can lead to health issues down the road. To determine the correct handlebar height for your jogger stroller, stand straight up, arms down, and bring your hands up, bending at your elbows to make 90 degree angles. The distance from the floor to your hands is your optimal height. The handlebar should also include a hand brake and wheel lock for safety.

3.) Durability and Frame Aluminum frames for jogging strollers may be a bit more expensive, but they are lighter and sturdier than the steel frames. You'll want to take into consideration its size vs. the vehicle you have to transport it, and that it is a good size for your child and will accommodate his/her growth in the near future. The key here is sturdy but lightweight.

4.) Suspension This is closely related to the size and type of wheels you are getting. Again, it depends on the terrain you plan on using it on. Rougher terrain equals more suspension, possibly shock absorbers. These are becoming more common in jogging strollers as the need increases for them. These are usually not necessary for normal everyday areas, such as sidewalks and streets. They also can increase the price of the jogger stroller.

5.) Seats Safety is the number one issue here. You will want to make sure the stroller has a 5 point harness to keep your child secure. This is usually standard, but you don't want to overlook this. Canopies that are adjustable are also an important feature to protect the child from the weather. Reclining seats are important for babies to be able to take naps, however they also will not compress to a completely flat position for storing. Overall, the most important question that will determine the build of your stroller will be the terrain. Casual jogging will only require your standard jogger strollers. If you will be trail jogging in rougher terrain, you will typically need to look at more expensive models.