Stroller Features

Strollers of all types share many common features. Some of the stroller features that you'll want to be considering include:

Wide wheels to make the stroller more stable.
A fabric cover that can be taken off and washed to get rid of messy spills.
A robust chassis (or frame) that can handle the daily wear.
Suspension for your baby's comfort.
A footrest that can be adjusted and/or removed.
Brakes of some type so the stroller will not roll away.
Simple folding mechanism.
Front wheels that can swivel for good mobility.
Plenty of storage room in the basket.
The seat should be fully padded for your child's comfort, and should sit well down and back from the sides of the stroller to prevent falls.
Seatbelt or harness to secure your child.
A cloth canopy that can keep the hot sun out of your child's eyes.
A cup holder for your child (and one for you would be good,also).
A tray in front of the child for snacks or toys is a great idea.

With each year introducing a new suite of strollers to parents, there are sure to be many more stroller features added to the list. Although these features are important to the comfort, safety, and daily use of your stroller, there are several fundamental stroller characteristics and features that many parents don't always provide adequate consideration ? these are the fundamentals and can make a big difference in your overall satisfaction with the stroller you select.

Child's Age

Check the Recommended Age: If your baby is younger than 6 months, he or she will need a stroller with a back that can recline to a flat, horizontal position. You can find this feature in baby prams and pram strollers (a stroller that comes with an attachable bassinet). Be sure your chosen stroller actually lies in a horizontal position. Some strollers recline, but do not lie flat; this type is unsuitable for babies younger than 6 months.

Stroller Weight

Check the Stroller Weight: Be sure you can comfortably lift and carry the stroller. Even though you can push nearly any size stroller, heavier strollers will be harder to lift in and out of the car. For those who have weight limits, consider skipping some of the extra features, as these add more weight. You might also consider buying one of the more expensive strollers which are often made of the latest, lightweight materials.

Stroller Size

Check the Stroller's Open and Folded Dimensions: You might not have thought of this one, but it is important! Most strollers are intended for average height people, and you may want to check the handlebar height for personal comfort. It should not make you hunch over. You can sometimes find adjustable handlebars to add some height to that perfect stroller.

Stroller width can pose problems if you are looking at double or triple varieties. Some doorways are too narrow to let these strollers through until they are folded. Also, make sure your folded stroller is small enough to fit into your car or trunk when folded.

Safety

Check the Stroller Safety Features: This should be the top priority as you shop for a stroller. Check to see if your prospective purchase has these safety features:

A five-point harness or multi-point seat belt. This is the safest type of harness and is especially important as your baby gets older and wants to let himself or herself out of the stroller.
Is there a parking brake? Will a disengaged lock cause the stroller to roll away?
How stable is the stroller? Smaller and lighter-weight strollers are good for fast-paced activities, but they may tend to tilt if you aren't careful.

Price

Know your Budget: When shopping for a stroller, it's easy to get carried away by the excitement and many parents end-up with many more features than they need. Before you start shopping, know what you have budgeted for your stroller. There are many quality strollers with an abundance of features in any price range. Quality, everyday strollers can cost between $100 and $700, while luxurious designer models can begin at $1000. Decide how much you are willing to pay, look within your price range, and don't let the excitement of shopping add more stroller features than you feel are important to your satisfaction.

Before you purchase any stroller, check to be sure it has these features. If a minor feature like the cup holder is missing, or if the basket space is smaller than you would have liked, it may not mean you should pass up the stroller. Most of the other features listed are necessary for your child's comfort and safety, however.

Now that we've covered all of the fundamentals, let's discuss some specifics to the various types of strollers. From here, you may continue reading about each of the stroller types sequentially or select the specific type of interest from the list below: