A stroller is indispensable when you have things to do and places to go with your child. There are many different styles available, and of course safety is the top priority. You'll also have to keep comfort in mind - not just baby's, but yours too.
Important things to consider for all types of strollers are:
- Lifestyle - How much and what type of walking do you plan to do with your stroller?
- Space Limitations - How much room you have to store your stroller? Will it fit into your vehicle and easily be taken in and out as needed?
- Weight - Will you be able to carry your stroller up and down stairs if necessary?
- Age - Remember that children under 6 months old will need a stroller that fully reclines to a flat position.
- Height - Will you be able to hold the handle comfortably and walk without kicking the rear wheels of your stroller?
Types of Strollers
There are 6 main types of stroller to choose from: a travel system, full-size stroller, convenience stroller, umbrella stroller, double stroller, or jogging stroller.
Travel System
A travel system is a convenience stroller and infant car seat combination. It also includes a stay-in-car base so that baby can be taken from car to stroller and vice verse without being disturbed. The car seat will accommodate an infant up to approximately 20 pounds. The convenience stroller will accommodate a child up to about 40 pounds, or approximately 4 years of age. The strollers are designed to fold quickly and easily, and are usually compact for easy storage.
Full-Size Strollers
A full-size stroller will offer you the most in additional features for comfort and convenience. They are the heaviest of all strollers, but some are available with aluminum frames for easier maneuverability and rust resistance. Full-size strollers include a tray for your child, a canopy, and a large storage basket. All full-size strollers offer a full-recline feature, so you can use them from the time your child is born. Full-size strollers accommodate children up to approximately 40 pounds, or about 4 years of age.
Convenience Stroller
These models are lightweight and compact, and come with an easy folding mechanism, a storage basket, and a canopy. Many convenience strollers offer a full-reclining seat for children younger than 6 months, and they can accommodate children up to 40 pounds, or approximately 4 years of age. This is a very versatile stroller, and will ride well indoors as well as outdoors.
Umbrella Stroller
Umbrella strollers are extremely lightweight and very compact. Infants must have adequate head and neck control before using an umbrella stroller, usually around 6 months of age. Umbrella strollers are great for short trips and traveling. They are easy to fold, easy to take in and out of a vehicle, and compact enough to fit in most airplane overhead compartments. While they are very easy to use, umbrella strollers may not be as comfortable for your child as some of the larger models. Most parents find it best to keep an umbrella stroller in addition to a convenience or full-size stroller. Umbrella strollers will accommodate children up to 40 pounds, or roughly 4 years of age.
Double Strollers
The name says it all! If you're the parent of twins, or if you have more than one young child, a double stroller can help keep everybody comfortable. Double strollers can be duo strollers, in which the children sit side-by-side, or tandem strollers, in which the children sit one behind the other in stadium-style seating. Some double strollers will also accommodate infant car seats, forming a travel system for two. Double strollers can be used for newborns only if the seats fully recline. You can use a double stroller until your children reach about 40 pounds, or approximately 4 years of age.
Jogging Strollers
Designed with active parents in mind, these three-wheeled strollers let you bring baby along while you exercise. Jogging strollers do not fully recline, and should not be used for children less than 6 months old. Aside from their unique design, jogging strollers offer a comfortable seat, parking brake, storage basket, and all-terrain wheels. This type of stroller is a good choice for jogging, light hiking, and camping. A jogging stroller can accommodate children up to approximately 50 pounds, roughly 5 years of age.
Additional Features
Now that we've covered the basics of the different stroller types, here are the extras that are available:
| One-hand fold mechanism | Child and parent trays |
| Removable, washable pads | All-terrain swivel wheels |
| Multiple recline positions | Ergonomic, height-adjustable handle |
| Removable weather boot | Dual wheel brakes |
| Shock-absorbing suspension | Oversized wheels |
| Adjustable child footrest |
Safety Tips
A stroller is a great convenience. The following safety tips will help you keep baby protected and comfortable at all times.
- Always place the stroller seat in a flat recline position for children under 6 months old.
- Make sure the stroller is completely opened and that the brakes are locked before you put your baby in the stroller.
- Always use the stroller's harness system to keep your child secure.
- Use the safety brakes every time you stop your stroller.
- Never allow children to stand in a stroller.
- Keep your children away from the stroller when you are folding and unfolding it.
- Do not hang anything on the handles of your stroller. It may cause the stroller to become unbalanced and tip over.
- Never leave your child unattended.
- Never place hot liquids or sharp objects on the parent tray - they could fall and injure your child.
Strollers have made it easier than ever to bring baby along to share in the things you love to do. Whether you enjoy shopping or jogging, add a stroller that suits your lifestyle to your registry. Many parents find it best to have several strollers to accommodate different activities and environments. There's no better way to show off your little bundle of joy than in a comfortable stroller that's just right for both of you.
Source: http://www.toysrus.com/info/index.jsp?categoryId=2279375