Buying a baby stroller is like buying a car; It’s a big investment of money and time, and can sometimes feel like more of a hassle than it’s worth. Part of that time investment includes doing your research, looking at your options, and even taking strollers for a test drive if you can. We can’t help you with that last one, but we have put together a handy, comprehensive stroller-buying guide for first-time parents, so you know how to pick a stroller that will keep your little one comfy, happy, and safe.
Before you even start online or window shopping, ask yourself the following logical questions:
As you’re perusing the different stroller types (detailed below) and brands, keep these questions in mind so you choose the stroller that offers the features you’re looking for and meets your parenting lifestyle.
Which stroller to buy for the baby depends on how many kids you have (or are having), what features you deem necessities, your parenting lifestyle, and, of course, your baby budget. Here are the six basic stroller types and the general good and bad information of each:
In today’s society, we’re all about looks. And that’s OK—it’s human nature to want things that look nice. But when it comes to your baby’s new wheels, there’s a lot more to look for than trendiness and fashion.
No matter the wheels you put your baby in, safety comes first. Today’s strollers should meet basic safety requirements — You want one with a five-point safety harness strap that’s easy for you to secure and unbuckle, but not for a child, and also has reliable brakes. Examine the frame to make sure there aren’t any sharp edges or places small fingers and toes can get stuck in.
Can you easily lift the stroller in and out of your car? Will it even fit in your trunk? Do you have to walk up flights of stairs to your apartment? Will you be traveling a lot with it? Is it easy to fold and unfold? Can you maneuver it with one hand? Is it too big to walk through doorways or store aisles? Is the fabric machine washable or can you just wipe it clean?
The answers to these questions will let you know if your stroller choice will be easy for you to use.
Think about what else you’ll be carrying besides your baby. A large basket under the seat is great for a diaper bag, purse and grocery sacks. But what about your phone, keys, drinks and snacks? Cup holders (for your drink and a sippy cup) and small storage spaces for holding keys and phones might be nice to have too.
An adjustable canopy is a necessary feature if you’ll be going on sunny walks or will ever get caught in the rain and wind. Canopies keep your baby protected from UV rays and all weather elements.
You don’t want to wait until your baby is 6-months old and sitting up on their own to go on walks or family outings. Find a stroller that either has a padded, reclining seat or lets you attach your car seat or bassinet so you can use the stroller right away. If it has the latter, make sure that when you attach the carrier it easily and securely locks in place.
If you’re looking for a stroller that’s suitable for your newborn, safe, comfortable and has all the needed features parents want, check out our baby strollers, Metro+ and Metro+ Deluxe. It is lightweight but sturdy, can be folded with one hand, and is easy to maneuver. It has a large under-the-seat storage basket, a hidden back storage pocket, an extended sun canopy, reclining seat and is compatible with Cybex, Nuna, Chicco, and Graco car seats.
A stroller is one of the biggest and most expensive purchases on your baby registry, which is all the more reason to take the proper time and research to ensure you choose the right one.
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