Strollers: Product Guide & Review of Styles, Features, & Safety
Whether you’re taking a walk through your neighborhood, getting some exercise, or on a family vacation, a stroller is an important purchase to consider for those first several years when you’re on the move with your baby.
The stroller market has seen an incredible boom over the last few years, and there are many models on the market that could easily fit into more than one category listed below.
Full-Featured Strollers Pro: These strollers offer a seat that can recline for a sleeping baby plus a number of bells and whistles (such as adjustable handles, snack tray, shopping basket, or durable wheels) not found on umbrella strollers.
Con: Unless used with an infant car seat, these are generally not suitable for babies younger than 6 months. Heavier models are difficult to carry on public transportation.
Some full-featured strollers are available with a bassinet options.
Umbrella Strollers Pro: These are the most compact and lightweight - ideal for quick trips and errands or for travel.
Con: This type of stroller typically can’t be used for an infant.
Travel Systems Pro: Travel systems (a stroller and infant-car-seat-combo for newborns through toddlers) allow you to make an “all-in-one” purchase rather than buying pieces separately, such as an additional car seat adapter or snap-n-go system. The car seat fits in the stroller, and when the child outgrows the car seat (usually at about 20-22 pounds) the stroller is used alone.
Con: These strollers tend to be bulky. Also, you are committing to the same brand for both car seat and stroller, and not all brands are created equal in both markets.
Note: Many full-featured strollers offer adapters for the more popular infant car seats, so they can also act as travel systems. Additionally, seat carrier frames (see below) are another option for transporting a sleeping baby in a car seat. If you prefer an all-in-one option, and do not wish to purchase an additional adapter or seat carrier frame, a travel system might be a good option.
3-Wheel/All-Terrain Strollers Pro: The swivel front wheel allows for more agile maneuvering, and some of these strollers have all-terrain wheels and handling for “off-road” use, such as trail walking. (They should only be used for jogging if they have a locking front wheel.)
Con: Many models are large and heavy and don’t fold compactly.
Jogging Strollers Pro: For jogging or running with mom or dad, and also suitable for off-road use such as on a hiking trail.
Con: Joggers are not for babies younger than 6 months, can be unstable when the rear wheels are lifted over a curb, and may be tougher to steer than traditional strollers, since they have a fixed (non-swiveling) front wheel.
Carriages or Prams Pro: A bassinet-style stroller for newborns – baby lies flat while strolling.
Con: As they are bulky, they’re best used close to home. And they’re not the most practical solution for urban living. (But they sure can look pretty!)
Seat-Carrier Frames Pro: Compact, light, and inexpensive. They are intended for use with your infant car seat (you just snap in the car seat and go). They usually have very large baskets underneath!
Con: This is an additional purchase (along with another stroller). Ideal only for the first few months of baby’s life.
Strollers/Seat-Carrier Frames for Multiples These models can accommodate more than one baby/child/car seat. The most noticeable difference amongst these strollers is that some are tandem (with one seat in front of the other) while the others have side-by-side seats.
Restraint System Three-point baby seat belts that wrap around the waist and between the legs are better than waist belts; according to American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) safety standards, a crotch strap should be mandatory when the waist strap is in use. A 5-point harness (adding shoulder straps) is even better and is a necessity for travel systems also used as car seats. Look for buckles on the harness that are easy for you to operate but difficult for small hands to unfasten. The straps should be strong, durable, height-adjustable for proper fit, and securely anchored.
Lining Many are removable and machine washable.
Wheels The larger the wheels, the easier it is to negotiate curbs and rough surfaces, but big wheels eat up trunk space. Many strollers have double wheels on the front that swivel to make steering easier. Some models have front wheels featuring two positions: full swivel for smooth surfaces or locked in one forward-facing position for rough terrain.
Leg Holes Strollers designed for newborns or young infants, which fully recline, must have leg holes that close so the infant can't slip through. Manufacturers use mesh or fabric shields or hinged, molded footrests that raise and clamp over the leg holes.
Brakes Check that any stroller you intend to buy has a good parking brake – one that's convenient to operate and locks two wheels.
Canopy A canopy is a must-have for protecting your baby, especially in glaring sunlight or inclement weather. Canopies range from a simple fabric square strung between two wires to deep, pull-down versions that shield almost the entire front of the stroller.
Handlebars Handles may be padded, even thickly cushioned. Adjustable handlebars can be extended or angled to accommodate people of different heights. Reversible handles can swing over the top of the stroller, and then be locked into a front position so baby rides facing you.
One-Handed Opening/Folding Mechanism This is essential for when you need to open or fold the stroller with one hand while holding the baby with the other. The best strollers fold compactly in a matter of seconds.
Play Tray Strollers may have a tray where babies can play, keep snacks, or rest their hands. To make it easier to get a squirming baby or toddler seated, the tray should be removable or swing open rather than be permanently attached.
Cup Holders/Parent Tray Many strollers have a cup holder for you and one for the small passenger. They're a welcome feature for both. The parent tray is usually molded with a cup holder or compartment for keys, cell phone, beer (just kidding), and so on.
Footrest A footrest can help a child sit more comfortably without legs dangling, but many are too low to help any but the tallest toddlers. Make certain that the seat rim is soft and won't press uncomfortably into the back of your child's legs.
Boots Some strollers have protective leg coverings, or "boots," made of a matching fabric that can snap over baby's legs for warmth.
Shock Absorbers In addition to pneumatic tires or tires molded from foam, shock absorbers above the wheel assemblies can provide a smoother ride.
Reflectors or Reflective Trim on Fabric Many strollers have this important safety feature.
Large Shopping Basket A roomy, easily accessible storage basket underneath the stroller makes errands with a baby much easier.
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) tests and certifies many baby products, including carriages and strollers. If the JPMA seal is on the stroller, you can be sure it has passed stability and safety tests. Keeping in mind that there is no substitute for your own research into safety issues when purchasing a baby stroller, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.
Products with JPMA certification are notated below. Currently JPMA certification is voluntary, although certain safety standards will be mandatory within the next 2 years. If you have any questions about a product's safety, do not hesitate to contact the manufacturer directly.
Always secure the baby by using the restraint straps.
Use the locking device to prevent accidental folding.
Apply the brakes to limit rotation of the wheels when stroller is stationary. Some strollers allow you to lock the wheels in a forward-facing direction.
When you fold or unfold the stroller, keep the baby’s hands away from the areas that could pinch tiny fingers.
Check to see if the stroller will remain upright with a diaper bag hanging over the handles. The JPMA does not recommend doing this, but if you are inclined to hang your bag (and many diaper bags do have "stroller straps"), make sure the stroller will not tip.
Moving parts should lock in place to prevent accidental folding or collapsing.
Maintain your baby stroller by regularly tightening nuts and bolts, as well as replacing missing or worn parts. If you need help, some new models can be maintained at a bike shop or you can check with a company that specializes in stroller repair.
Always make sure the product you have chosen has not been recalled. You can either check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or go directly to the manufacturer's web site for product information.
