Important features Strollers
Restraint system. Get a model 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. The InStep RunAround and the InStep RunAround LTD, both jogging strollers, scored lower for safety because they have a crotch strap that can 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. 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; these 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. Pneumatic (air-filled) tires are relatively new in stroller design. You'll need a pump, which is not supplied with some models. Some manufacturers have created wheel assemblies that can be completely slipped off the frame, which makes it easier to replace a damaged wheel, fix the tire, get it filled, and transport the stroller in compact spaces, such as the trunk of a car.
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.
Brakes. Check that any stroller you intend to buy has a good parking brake, one that's convenient to operate and locks one or two wheels. Parking brakes on two 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 "peekaboo" 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, then be locked into a front position so baby rides facing you. A single crossbar not only allows one-handed steering, if necessary, but may 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 compactly in a matter of seconds.
Play tray. Strollers may have a tray where babies can play, 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 bar to keep a baby restrained with the attached crotch strap.
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.
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, and so on.
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 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 on fabric. Many strollers have this important safety feature. If yours doesn't, wear light-colored or reflective clothing so you can be seen on cloudy 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. 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 handle-bars. Follow manufacturers recommendations for all storage areas. The stroller can tip if overloaded.
Restraint system. Get a model 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. The InStep RunAround and the InStep RunAround LTD, both jogging strollers, scored lower for safety because they have a crotch strap that can 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. 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; these 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. Pneumatic (air-filled) tires are relatively new in stroller design. You'll need a pump, which is not supplied with some models. Some manufacturers have created wheel assemblies that can be completely slipped off the frame, which makes it easier to replace a damaged wheel, fix the tire, get it filled, and transport the stroller in compact spaces, such as the trunk of a car.
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.
Brakes. Check that any stroller you intend to buy has a good parking brake, one that's convenient to operate and locks one or two wheels. Parking brakes on two 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 "peekaboo" 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, then be locked into a front position so baby rides facing you. A single crossbar not only allows one-handed steering, if necessary, but may 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 compactly in a matter of seconds.
Play tray. Strollers may have a tray where babies can play, 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 bar to keep a baby restrained with the attached crotch strap.
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.
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, and so on.
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 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 on fabric. Many strollers have this important safety feature. If yours doesn't, wear light-colored or reflective clothing so you can be seen on cloudy 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. 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 handle-bars. Follow manufacturers recommendations for all storage areas. The stroller can tip if overloaded.
