Parents with babies often want to have a stroller on hand so that they can take their little one outdoors with ease. But with various designs available in the market, how do you select what’s best for your baby? Here are some tips to help you choose your baby first stroller.

Baby First Stroller

Make

The first thing you need to look for in a baby stroller is its built for your child.

If you’re buying for a newborn baby, be sure to look for one where your little one can lie almost flat. This is because they cannot hold their heads up yet. No worries, a lot of strollers now recline; which means you can flatten the seat and pull it upwards once your baby can better hold their head.

Also, check the model if they are just right for your baby’s weight, height, and age.

Additionally, you have to consider what you’re buying the stroller for. Do you want to bring your baby outdoors for a walk? If that’s the case, it might be a good idea to choose the one you can navigate through a possibly rough sidewalk. A stroller with compartments and an umbrella might also be practical.

Note: If you’re looking for a jogging stroller, remember that most designs have seats that cannot recline. Hence, it’s best to wait until your baby is at least 6 months old before you use it.

Harness

The first stroller for your baby should have a secure harness or restraints. Experts recommend choosing a stroller with a 5-point harness; one with straps over their shoulders, waist, and legs.

Brakes

One of the things you need to look into for your baby first stroller is the brake system. Some designs have brakes for one wheel; others have brakes for two. Whatever you decide to buy, the important thing is that the stroller has a reliable and easy-to-operate brake system.

Another tip is to make sure that your baby cannot reach the brake lever.

Stability

Unstable strollers may tip over and injure your little one. To check the stroller’s stability, first, look at the design.

Choose a stroller with a wide base, and preferably, one where the seat is situated low in the frame. When you lightly push the handle, the stroller must not tip over. The compartments for baby items should also be at the low end.

Handlebar

If the stroller you choose comes with a handlebar (grab bar) in front for when your baby sits, be sure that you can close the gap between the seat and the handlebar when you recline the stroller.

Hazards

Of course, don’t forget to inspect your baby first stroller for hazards like:

• Things that pinch their skin, or folds where their little fingers can get trapped in.
• Detachable tiny parts that increase choking risk.
• Wide leg openings where they can slip and fall.

Safety Tips When Using a Stroller

Besides choosing the best stroller for your baby, it’s also important to use it correctly. Keep the following practices in mind:

• Never leave your baby unattended.
• Use the restraints or harness as instructed.
• Even if your baby first stroller comes with a basket, avoid storing heavy objects in it to reduce the risk of it tipping over. Similarly, don’t hang heavy objects on the handlebar.
• Avoid putting blankets or toys inside the stroller. If the stroller has a lot of room, add some tightly-rolled blankets to keep your little one in place.
• Refrain from staying too long in the sun, even if the stroller comes with a little umbrella. Staying out in the sun for an extended time can heat the plastic and metal components of the stroller and cause a burn.
• Additionally, always check if the stroller’s surface has become too hot before placing the baby.
• Whenever the stroller is not moving, activate the brake system.
• And, of course, park the stroller parallel to the road, so it won’t roll away.
• Babies younger than 4 months should never sleep in a stroller.

Don’t forget to keep these tips in mind when buying and using your baby first stroller.

Learn more about Baby Care here.