Stroller-Shopping Considerations
Five Questions to Ask when Buying a Stroller
Buying a stroller can be a daunting task with the wide selection available. However, five questions can help buyers find the right model.
Shopping for a stroller can be mind-boggling, and the process is made more confusing by the myriad of stroller types and options. However, considering five questions will help narrow the field.
How Many Children Will be Riding?
If shopping for just one rider, then options abound - buyers can choose from colors and sizes for every budget. Choose a travel system, which includes an infant car seat and a stroller, or keep it simple with an inexpensive model, like an umbrella stroller.
Need to seat two? Many manufacturers, from Graco to Peg Perego, offer double strollers with a wide variety of options that seat either side-by-side or in stadium seating. Some of these strollers have universal car seat adapters, which allow an infant car seat to be attached for convenience; many double strollers can accommodate two car seats for twins. Triple strollers are available for those needing to seat three children. What about six? Runabout offers a stroller for sextuplets.
Age of Children Riding?
Some strollers are not appropriate for babies who do not yet have neck and head control. These strollers include jogging strollers and umbrella strollers. Infants without head control should be in a bassinet stroller, or they should use a stroller that has fully reclining seats or is compatible with infant car carriers, according to The Best Baby Strollers Web site. Most experts recommend waiting until an infant can hold his or her head up and sit up before using a jogging stroller.
Who is Pushing the Stroller?
If the pusher is on the short or tall side, some strollers may be rather uncomfortable. A 6-foot, 2-inch man might have trouble pushing the same stroller as a 5-foot, 3-inch woman. Some strollers allow adjustment of the adult handlebar to accommodate pushers of various heights.
Where Will Stroller Be Used?
Will the stroller mainly be used on city pavement, or will it be used on rough terrain, like gravel or trails? Is it primarily for trips to the mall, or will an avid runner use it while exercising? Some strollers are not designed to take hard knocks, like from trail walking or long runs; such long-term abuse requires workhorse design and heavy-duty construction.
Cost Considerations?
Strollers vary widely in price, ranging from under $20 for some umbrella strollers to more than $500 for some high-end or specialized models. Budget must be considered by every stroller purchaser, with consideration for how long the stroller will be used and to what extent.
Resource: “How to Pick a Baby Stroller.” PeppyParents.com.
