Since you got the news, you have begun gather the things your new bundle of joy will be needing. If this is your first baby you may be overwhelmed by all the decisions at first. The type of stroller you will use for your baby is one of the biggest decisions you will need to make. Your budget is the first thing to consider when you are choosing from among the many different types of strollers. Stroller costs can range from $10 to $400 and higher. The lower end strollers are generally the light weight umbrella strollers. These strollers are advantageous because they are easy to fold and can store almost anywhere. The features and quality of the stroller may increase as the prices increase. Strollers come with a variety of features and you must decide which ones are most important to you. Do you prefer a regular stroller and a car seat or a convertible travel system? There are travel systems that come with a stay in the car base, an infant carrier/ car safety seat, and a stroller frame for the infant seat to which it is attached. These are wonderful especially for your newborn baby. A play tray that has places for a bottle or juice cup come with strollers. Canopies with a vinyl window come with many strollers so you can keep an eye on the baby. Many strollers come with easily applied footbrakes that are attached to the both rear wheels and some include a wrist strap break that is used with the foot break. It provides 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 fits over the handlebar and a large storage basket under the seat(s). It has insets for a cup of coffee or a soda, your cell phone, keys, and a snack. Now on many strollers the handle bars are reversible and can be moved from front to rear or vice versa and they are height adjustable. The reversible handle bars can help you to see your baby while he rides if necessary and the height adjustable feature is a great back saver. The seat must be considered next. Is the seat able to recline and if it is will your newborn be able to lie almost flat if it reclines enough. Is the seat comfortable and well padded for your baby? Can you remove the seat padding to wash it? Most strollers that have blankets that attach under the seat are on the upper end. These blankets on your baby's stroller like a bunting on wheels. Rain hood can be detached and are used also to protect your baby from wind and harsh sunlight. The decision about your baby stroller has another twist. Your friend has a free almost brand new stroller that you can have. She agrees to clean it and have it ready for you. Will it be a safe choice to use a used stroller for your baby? For you and your baby this could be a good choice but you will have to look over some things before your baby rides in it. There should be cracks, dents, or gaps in the frame. Bolts and screws must all be in place Anything less could cause an accident, seriously injuring your baby. Are there any sharp spots on the frame? Are there screws sticking out that could cut your baby or that are loose? The frame must be properly joined to the frame; is it? Do you need to check of leaks in the air pressure of the wheels or are they solid? The wheels; are they worn? The wheels, do they need replacing? Are the wheels turning appropriately? The axels; are they straight? Do the brakes operate correctly by holding when they are applied? No matter if the seat is in straight us position or reclining position, does the seat hold? A seat that does not hold its place could cause serious injury to the baby. Does the seat lining fit the frame properly and is it clean? A variety of options, styles and types of strollers are available. Strollers are available with multiple seats for two or more children. There is a variety of seating arrangements including tandem and side by seating as well as stadium seating which a variation of tandem seating where the rear seat is higher than the front allowing the second child to see more than just the back of a head. Jogging strollers have one large wheel out in front and two rear wheels. Multiple seating is also an option with jogging strollers. Whether the stroller is used or new! Enjoy outings with your child or children. |
