Since you’ve gotten the news, I’m sure you’ve begun to gather the things that your new bundle of joy will be needing. The decisions needed for your first baby may at first seem a bit overwhelming. One of the biggest decisions you will be making concerns the type of stroller you will use for your baby. When choosing from among the many different types of baby strollers, one of the first things you need to consider is your budget.
Stroller costs can range from $10 to $400 and even higher. The very light weight umbrella strollers are general on the lower end. The advantage these strollers have is that they can be folded up nicely, and can be stored almost anywhere. The higher prices of strollers may well indicate extra features and provide better quality.
The features that may come with strollers are many and you should determine which ones are important to you. A travel system that is convertible may be your preference over a regular stroller and a car seat. Travel systems have a stay-in-the-car base, and a stroller frame to attach the infant carrier / car safety seat to.
These are especially great for your newborn baby. Play trays with a place for a bottle or juice cup come on strollers. Canopies with a vinyl window to let you keep an eye on the baby are available with many strollers. Many strollers are equipped with brakes that are attached to both rear wheels and applied with your foot and also a wrist brake strap that is used with the foot brake. This can provide a bit of extra safety preventing the stroller from rolling away while you are stopped while you use have the strap on. Many strollers are now coming with a parent tray that is placed over the handle bar as well as a large storage basket under the seat(s).
There is often space for a cup of coffee or soda, your cell phone, your keys and space to hold a snack. On many strollers the handle bars are now reversible and can be moved from front to rear or vice versa. Additionally, they may be height adjustable. You can save your back by using the height adjustable feature and by using the reversible handle bar you can see your baby while he rides.
Next is the seat consideration. If the seat reclines, does it recline enough so that your newborn can lie almost flat? Is the seat well padded and comfortable for your baby? Can the seat padding be removed for washing? Many strollers in the upper-end will have blankets with snaps that attach under the seat. Rain hoods that can detached are used to protect your baby from wind and harsh sunlight.
There is yet another twist to your decision about a baby stroller. Should you consider a stroller that that is almost brand new and is available from a friend for free? She agrees to have the stroller cleaned and be ready for you. Is putting your baby in a used stroller a safe choice?
It can be a good choice for you and your baby, but there are things you will need to look at before you place your baby in it. There should be no cracks in the frame, and there should be no gaps or dents, and all bolts and screws must be in place. Anything less could injure your baby or cause an accident. Does the frame have any sharp spots? Are there any screws that are loose or are sticking out that could cut your baby? Are the handle bar and frame properly joined?
Are there leaks in the air pressure of the wheels or are they solid? Are the wheels worn? Do they possibly need to be replaced? Do the wheels turn as they should, and do the axles seem straight? Are the brakes operating appropriately and hold when they are applied?
Does the seat hold its position in the reclining and upright positions? Your baby could sustain a serious injury if the seat does not hold its place well. Does the lining fit the frame properly and is it clean? Strollers come with a wide variety of options, types, and styles. Multiple children can use multi-seated strollers. Side-by-side, tandem, and stadium seating (which is tandem seating with the rear seat that is slightly raised above the front one and allows the child in the rear seat to see more than the back of the head of the forward child) are available.
Jogging strollers come with one large wheel out in front and two smaller rear wheels. Multiple seating is also available for jogging strollers. You can enjoy your outings with your baby or children whether the stroller is used or new.
