How to choose the right stroller or pram for your baby? You have two options when it comes to your child’s mobility. You could end up sweating your pants trying to get to B. Here are some safety tips and useful features to help you get on the road safely with your baby.
Newborn-suitable
Many chicco keyfit 30 compatible double stroller can be used from birth up to the time the child is approximately 15-20kgs depending on which model you choose. Some strollers come with bassinet attachments that can be swapped for seats as your baby grows. Others have a reclining seat which can be rolled flat to carry your newborn safely and can then be adjusted as needed. Strollers not suitable for newborns won’t lie flat. They are generally suitable for babies up to 6 months old.
Wheels
Although swivelling front wheels make it easier to maneuver, they are more difficult to lock for travel at higher speeds and over rough terrain. Larger wheels are more comfortable on stairs and kerbs, while inflatable tires can puncture but provide a better ride. Give the wheels a tug before you buy to make sure they don’t fall off.
Size
To test if it can be folded and folded in the shop, fold it up. To ensure that the car seat stroller combo fits in your car’s boot, measure it. Make sure your baby is able to use the stroller. Not all prams are suitable for babies.
Brakes
You can get an idea of the effectiveness of brake locks by applying the brakes and pushing the handle. You can lock the right and left brakes with one action if your rear brakes have been linked. Many prams have front brakes. This is especially useful for strollers or prams that are reversible. You can lock the brakes closest to you (at the rear), whichever direction it is facing. You can activate and release locks with your feet to prevent you from bending. However, make sure that your feet are able to fit under the brakes.
Straps
Give them a tug to make sure they are secure and that the seat isn’t slipping from the frame.
Five-point harness
There are two shoulder straps that should be attached to the backrest at shoulder height; padded ones are more comfortable. Also, there is a waist and crotch strap that can be adjusted as your baby grows. The buckles and straps should be simple to adjust (for you, not for your child).
Reversible handle
It is nice to be able to choose which side your baby will face in the pram. However, the brakes might only be available on one set of wheels. This makes it difficult to attach them if you are at the wrong end. You can check in the store how easy it will be to reverse the handle.
Adjustable backrest
Some strollers have an upright backrest, which can also be moved to at least one semi-reclined or fully reclined position. The stroller can be adjusted in three positions, making it more versatile.
Footrest
The risk of your child getting caught in the front wheels or touching the ground with their feet is reduced by a footrest.
Front bar
You can attach a bar to the stroller that your child can hold on to. They are not usually secure so they shouldn’t be used to lift the stroller.
Travel systems
Some strollers and prams can be used with car seat capsules. Simply clip the appropriate adaptors into the stroller frame to make sure that bub doesn’t wake up while you move between the pram, car, and back. Some strollers are not suitable for babies, so make sure you check before buying. A car seat is not designed to be used for sleeping babies.
Folding mechanism
Strollers should be easy to fold and unfold for a caregiver, even if the mechanism is difficult to reach for a baby. The unlock mechanism that folds it must be simple to use. It shouldn’t collapse with baby inside, or possibly crush fingers.
Self-folding
Only one stroller like this has been seen – the 4Moms Omami stroller, which is no longer for sale. The stroller folded and unfolded in a matter of seconds. It could possibly be operated by a child standing close to the stroller, as some parents have reported. This could also pose a danger for an adult or child who grabs the stroller’s handle.
Pram/stroller bags
Some companies have created stroller bags for those who travel frequently or need to save space. Although they are useful and easy to use, they can make your pram more cumbersome than necessary.
Price
The cost of a stroller can vary greatly. Other attachments, such as a baby bassinet or an additional car seat, may also increase the price. Our stroller and pram test models range from $79 to $2199.
