|
A practical guide to buying the perfect "wheels" for your little one!
Choosing a Stroller
As Every parent comes to find out, a stroller or two is a necessity when it comes to having a baby. There are many types of strollers you can choose from. As a post-natal exercise specialist, offering stroller exercise programs, I've found that there truly are good and poor choices in strollers depending on your lifestyle. To avoid buying more strollers than you need, or stroller that doesn't fit your needs, use this as a guide:
1. Type - Your family needs to decide what they will use the stroller for (shopping, walking, running, etc.) and how often it will be used. Strollers can range from $10 to more than $750 depending on the features and quality, so this is an important first step: [image:939794:l]a. Umbrella - these are the most economical, they are compact and light, and easy to use. They are perfect for travel, outings and other needs with a toddler. However, umbrella strollers do not accommodate infants, offer very few features (storage, etc.), are often bad for posture and should not be used for exercise. b. Standard - many families choose to purchase an all around stroller or travel system. Again, the quality and prices run from under $100 to well over $500. These are great for families not wishing to use the stroller for jogging, but needing something sturdy, with lots of features to use on a regular basis (storage, caddy for parent, tray for child, etc.). Look for one with rubber tires, which are more durable, if you will be using the stroller often or with future children. c. Joggers - if you would like to jog, run or otherwise exercise with the stroller, a jogger is usually the way to go. Joggers are quite versatile now, with models created for urban strolling and exercising with swivel front wheels that lock for light jogging, to joggers meant for dedicated runners with the large, stationary front wheels. Most Joggers have good suspension and provide a smooth ride for the child and are often easier to push than other types of strollers. Again, prices range anywhere from $100 to well over $750.
2. Seatbelt & Restraint system - The buckles should be easy for you to latch and unlatch, yet comfortable for your baby or child. The belt should fit snugly around your baby's waist and have crotch straps that loop into the waist belt to prevent him or her from slipping out. For jogging strollers a five-point harness is more desirable to keep your baby more secure on rough terrain.
3. Adjustable seat and canopy - A stroller with an adjustable seat that fully reclines is a must for infants that cannot support their heads yet and is comfortable for children who want to nap on the go. An adjustable canopy is a plus to protect your baby from the sun, rain, wind or cold. Look for a canopy the covers most, if not all of the stroller to ensure you can block out the elements.
4. Brakes, wide wheel base and swivel wheels - Be sure the stroller has brakes that lock the wheels in place, a wheel base that is wide for stability and wheels that swivel for easy maneuverability. Some strollers tip easily when the load isn't balanced (i.e. the baby leans out the side, your belongings aren't evenly distributed, etc.).
5. Adjustable handle height - Most strollers are designed for the average height person; if you are tall or more than one person will be using the stroller, you will want an adjustable handle.
6. Easy open and close mechanism - You will want a stroller that folds with the use of one hand or foot, leaving the other hand free to hold your baby. Practice opening and closing it at the store.
7. Compact and easy folding - Look for a stroller that doesn't require major work to fold (i.e. removing wheels, etc.). There are many makes and models, including joggers, that fold compactly enough to fit in the trunk of a car without removing wheels or other parts of the stroller.
8. Extra features - Storage is number one! Make sure your diaper bag and other essentials easily fit into the storage spaces in the stroller. Then decide which features are important to you, such as cup holders, rain covers, food/toy tray for the child, etc. Some manufacturers offer these at an extra cost, some include them. Before purchasing a stroller, decide what type of stroller is most appropriate for your family - you may need more than one. Do some research online to determine which manufacturers and models most closely meet your needs, then find a retailer to visit so you can check the stroller out in person. Most importantly, TEST, TEST, TEST. Walk with it and make sure you don't kick the wheels or other mechanisms with your feet, fold and unfold it, lift it for weight, check its stability, make sure it fits in your trunk without removing parts and make sure the storage is adequate. Once you've determined which stroller is right for you, you can do some further research on pricing. Wholesalers such as Costco and Sam's Club sell strollers online, along with eBay and many other online stroller discounters. But don't forget to check out your local baby stores, bicycle shops and department stores which just may have the best deal. Happy shopping!
Amy Fallavena is a certified fitness instructor through the American Council on Exercise and is certified in pre- and post-natal fitness. She runs Stroller Strides, a stroller exercise program in the Baltimore area helping new moms get in shape, without leaving baby. Classes provide a full body strength training program, along with a cardio workout. It's appropriate for all fitness levels and taught by certified fitness instructors. For information, go to www.strollerstrides.net/baltimore, email amyf@strollerstrides.net or call 800-829-0416.
