Strollers what do i need

It should be roomy, with plenty of support and cushioning, adjustable and offer multiple recline positions to keep up with your growing child. Strolling is a perfect chance to chat read: bond! One often-overlooked feature that will come in handy now: a seat that can face forward or backward. To figure out which kind is right for you, think about your lifestyle: Are you an avid runner who wants to exercise with baby?

Look for a lightweight jogging stroller that handles both sidewalks and trails. Are you a mom on the go? Your kid is becoming more independent and curious, and wants to soak in the world around her. At this age, it should still have a five-point harness to keep your wiggly explorer secure. A ride-on board can be a godsend on those days when your child wants to be a big kid and walk instead of being wheeled around. On some, you can arrange the seats so that your children face each other, while some have a stadium seat that allows the child in back to see over the one in front.

Pros: Tandems fit through standard doorways and elevator doors more easily than side-by-sides. A folded tandem takes up just a little more space than a folded standard midsized stroller. Some tandems accept an infant car seat in one or both stroller seats.

Cons: Steering can be difficult, and it can be tricky getting over curbs. Tandems are long and often quite heavy, so a petite person may find it difficult to maneuver.

Some models have limited leg support and very little legroom for the child in back. It can convert to a travel system or pram by adding an infant car seat or a bassinet, or it can switch from a single to a double stroller. Some features will make your baby's ride more comfortable, while others, such as shopping baskets, are more useful for busy parents. Features include seats that face forward or back, handlebars that reverse and adjust in height, and consoles that hold cups, car keys, and a cell phone.

Even if you buy a lightweight stroller, you may still want accessories, such as a parasol, a rain cover, bug netting, and a drink holder. The options are numerous, and they can drive up the price.

But it can be worth paying a little extra up front for a stroller with adjustable handlebars, built-in holders for baby bottles, and a special clip for your cell phone. A five-point harness is the safest option and comes standard with most strollers. Check to make sure the buckles are easy for you to operate but difficult for small hands to unfasten.

The straps should be adjustable for proper fit, and securely anchored. The best strollers fold into compact positions in a matter of seconds, but not all can be operated with one hand. Many strollers that require both hands are still easy and quick to open and close. A self-standing stroller, one that stays upright when folded, is convenient when putting the stroller in a closet or hallway.

A canopy is a must for protecting your baby from glaring sunlight and inclement weather. Canopies range in size and coverage from skimpy to deep pull-down versions that shield almost the entire front of the stroller.

Reversible or degree travel canopies protect babies from front or rear. Ventilation, via either mesh panels or the fabric used in the canopy, is also important for keeping your child comfortable and not too warm. Some canopies have a clear plastic or mesh window on top, so you can keep an eye on your baby. Some offer insect netting or a parasol that clips onto the carriage.

In general, larger wheels on a stroller make it easier to negotiate curbs and rough or uneven surfaces. Look for a stroller with a lockable front swivel wheel or wheels. This gives you the ability to adapt to your terrain. Air-filled tires give baby a smoother ride but add a maintenance chore. Some manufacturers offer foam-filled tires, which eliminate the hassle of maintaining air-filled tires and give just as smooth a ride.

A too-soft ride can come at the expense of steering control. Many strollers have some type of suspension or shock absorbers covered springs or rubber pads above the wheel assemblies near the wheel mechanisms. A roomy, easily accessible storage basket underneath the stroller makes errands easier. Some models have a fold-down subdivider; others have a zippered compartment to keep a wallet or keys more secure.

Storage baskets should be sturdy and able to withstand the weight of your parcels without dragging on the ground. Many strollers have a cup holder for you and one for your child.

Good brakes are a safety essential. Most strollers have parking brakes that are foot-activated. Some have one-touch or linked brakes that are activated with a single stroke of your foot on a bar at the rear of the stroller frame, while others have a pedal above each rear wheel.

The one-touch type of brake tends to be more friendly to feet in open-toed shoes. Some newer models have a single hand-operated lever that activates both rear-wheel brakes. Some boots may double as a way to complete the infant enclosure when a seat is reclined. Most are sold separately. Stroller handles are often padded or thickly cushioned. Adjustable handlebars can be extended or angled to accommodate people of different heights.

A few strollers have flipping or reversible handles that can swing over the top of the stroller and lock into position, changing the direction your baby is facing.

Other strollers accomplish the same thing with a reversible seat. Umbrella strollers usually have two separate handles rather than a single one, which can make them less easy to maneuver.

A range of stroller fabrics and prints means you should have no problem finding something that suits your style. You will want a fabric that is easy to wipe down and clean up. Check laundry instructions: Some strollers feature a removable cover that can be washed without shrinking, fading, or puckering.

There are more than two dozen brands currently in our stroller ratings. See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Infant and toddler health. Products and services. Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Sign up now. Stroller safety: Tips for parents Stroller safety starts with choosing the right stroller for your baby. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

Show references Altmann T, et al. Keeping your child safe. American Academy of Pediatrics; What it is: On the run — literally? Then a jogging stroller might be a good option. Jogging strollers typically have larger, sturdier wheels and better suspension to take bumps and alternate terrain in stride.

Serious runners will want to do a test drive to make sure their jogging stroller has the appropriate safety features and functionality. Options to consider: See our roundup of the best jogging strollers. Doubles come in two formats: tandem, where one child sits behind the other, or side-by-side seating.

Options to consider: See our roundup of the best double strollers. What it is: These wheeled frames are built to transform your infant car seat into a stroller in just a snap literally! What it is: An easy-to-connect travel system pairs together an infant car seat and stroller. There are full-size, lightweight and jogging stroller travel systems, so you can choose a system with the type of stroller you like best.

Options to consider: See our roundup of the best travel system strollers. A safe, reliable and easy-to-use stroller is a definite must-have. These basic questions can help.