Features

Just as the types of strollers have expanded over the years, so has the number of features. Some stroller features will make your baby's ride safer and more comfortable while others, such as cup holders and shopping baskets, are aimed at parents.

Restraint system

A five-point harness secures a child firmly. Unlike a three-point harness, it secures the upper body. Get a stroller with a sturdy safety belt and crotch strap, which keep a baby or a toddler from slipping out. Most are made of thick nylon webbing. Some models we've tested in the past had a crotch strap that could be bypassed. According to ASTM safety standards, a crotch strap should be mandatory when the waist strap is in use.

Look for buckles on the harness that are easy for you to operate but difficult for small hands to unfasten. If you're shopping with your baby, check the seat belt to make sure it's strong and durable, and fits snugly around your child. Some strollers have only waist and crotch straps, but many come with an adjustable five-point harness (two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap), much like those found in car seats, which keep a baby from slipping or falling out if the stroller tips, or climbing out when you're not looking. We think a five-point harness is the safest option. The straps should be height-adjustable for proper fit, and securely anchored.

Wheels

The SUV syndrome has carried over into strollers with large wheels and a rugged, off-road appearance. The larger the wheels, the easier it is to negotiate curbs and rough surfaces. But big wheels eat up trunk space. Most strollers have double wheels on the front that swivel to make steering easier. Front wheels feature two positions: full swivel for smooth surfaces or locked in one forward-facing position for rough terrain. Some three-wheel strollers have a front wheel that doesn't swivel; those can be hard to maneuver. Misaligned and loose wheels are a chronic stroller problem. One sign of good construction is wheels that sit on the floor uniformly when a baby is inside.

Leg holes

Carriages and strollers designed for newborns or young infants, which fully recline, must have leg holes that close so an infant can't slip through. Manufacturers use mesh or fabric shields or hinged, molded footrests that raise and clamp over the leg holes. According to the industry's voluntary standard, a stroller with leg holes that can't be closed shouldn't be able to fully recline, which is meant to prevent its use with a newborn.

Suitability for children younger than 6 months

Carriages and strollers designed for newborns or young infants, which fully recline, must have leg holes that close so an infant can't slip through. Manufacturers use mesh or fabric shields or hinged, molded footrests that raise and clamp over the leg holes. Even with the leg holes closed, the stroller's harness should still be used. According to the industry's voluntary standard, a stroller with leg holes that can't be closed shouldn't be able to fully recline, which is meant to prevent its use with a newborn.

Brakes

One-touch brakes work quickly for added safety. They're also more convenient than standard brakes. Parking brakes on the two rear wheels provide an extra margin of safety. Some two-wheel parking brakes are activated in a single stroke by a bar in the rear of the stroller frame. Others require two actions and have foot-operated tabs above each rear wheel. When brakes are activated, plastic cogs engage with the sprockets of the rear wheels. Avoid models that can hurt your feet when you engage or disengage the brakes with light shoes or bare feet. In addition to parking brakes, most jogging strollers have bicycle-type hand-operated brakes--important to help you slow down when cruising at a fast clip. Some pricier jogging strollers have hand-operated brakes on the front or rear 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. Reversible (or 180-degree travel) canopies protect the baby from sun or wind from ahead or behind. Some canopies have a clear plastic "peek-a-boo" window on top so you can keep an eye on your baby while you're strolling. The window (or viewing port) is a nice feature; you'll use it more than you'd think.

Handlebars

Handles may be padded, even thickly cushioned, on more expensive models. 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. A single crossbar not only allows one-handed steering, if necessary, but might make the stroller more stable. Umbrella strollers and other models with two independent handles almost always require two hands to maneuver.

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 into compact positions in a matter of seconds. Those that stay upright when folded are convenient when putting the stroller in a closet or hallway, but make sure your child can't reach it and knock it over.

Play tray

Strollers may have a tray where babies can keep snacks, or rest their hands. If the tray comes with attached toys, check their size and make sure they are securely fastened. Some strollers have been recalled because small parts on their play trays' toys pose a choking hazard. No toy part should be smaller than the diameter of a toilet-paper-roll tube. 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 to both sides. Instead of a tray, some models have a front "grab bar".

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. Some higher-end models have adjustable-height footrests. Make sure that the seat rim is soft and won't press uncomfortably into the back of your child's legs.

Cup holders/parent tray

Many strollers have a cup holder for you and one for the child. They're a welcome feature for both. The parent tray is usually molded with a cup holder or compartment for keys, cell phone, and other items.

Boots

A few strollers have protective leg coverings, or "boots", made of a matching fabric that can snap over baby's legs for warmth. That's a feature to look for, especially if you live in a cold climate.

Shock absorbers

Air-filled tires or tires molded from foam can help to give baby a smoother ride. So can shock absorbers--covered springs or rubber pads above the wheel assemblies. Softer suspension is a newer feature that offers a smoother ride, but a too-soft ride can come at the expense of steering control.

Fabric and upholstery

You'll want to be able to sponge off spills and splashes and launder the upholstery without worrying about shrinking, fading, or puckering. Look for a removable seat and laundry instructions, usually on an attached tag or on printed instructions inside the packaging.

Reflectors or reflective trim

Many strollers have this important safety feature. If yours doesn't, wear light-colored or reflective clothing so you can be seen on gloomy days. Even with a stroller with reflective trim, we don't suggest strolling near traffic in twilight or in the dark.

Large shopping basket

A roomy, easily accessible storage basket underneath the stroller makes errands with a baby much easier. Sizes of baskets vary. Choose one that's at least big enough to accommodate a diaper bag. If you choose a model that reclines, make sure that you can reach the basket if the seat back is fully reclined--or, if it's a travel system, when the infant car seat is in place. When shopping for a stroller, press on the storage basket's floor--it shouldn't drag on the ground when loaded. Some strollers have storage pouches, with elastic top edges, in back. Don't hang any bags (including a hefty diaper bag or stroller diaper bag) on handlebars. Follow manufacturers' recommendations for all storage areas. The stroller can tip if overloaded.

Extra storage

A roomy, easily accessible storage basket underneath the stroller makes errands with a baby much easier. Sizes of baskets vary. Choose one that's at least big enough to accommodate a diaper bag. If you choose a model that reclines, make sure that you can reach the basket if the seat back is fully reclined--or, if it's a travel system, when the infant car seat is in place. When shopping for a stroller, press on the storage basket's floor--it shouldn't drag on the ground when loaded. Some strollers have storage pouches with elastic top edges in back, saddlebags, or pockets to give parents an extra place to safely stow items. Don't hang any bags (including a hefty diaper bag or stroller diaper bag) on handlebars. Follow manufacturers' recommendations for all storage areas. An overloaded stroller can tip.

See also:

Car seats

Bouncer seats

Backpack carriers

Baby monitors