A stroller or pram is perhaps one of the most used products you will purchase for your child.
With so many styles and models available, it is hard to know which one is the best.
The last thing you want is to invest in a stroller that does not meet your needs or the needs of your baby.
Once you determine your budget, there are several considerations and features to evaluate when purchasing a single stroller including size, convenience, safety, usage and comfort.
Umbrella vs.
Standard Lightweight or umbrella strollers are small and compact and offer a wide variety of features considering their size.
These types of strollers are great for families on the go or with limited space, as they fold and unfold easily and compactly.
Umbrella strollers are also great for families on the go as its size and lightweight functionality are great for traveling, whether it is by bus, plane, or train.
Standard size strollers vary in size considerably and can often be separated further into mid-size and full-size categories.
Mid-size strollers offer the lightweight convenience of an umbrella stroller with added features.
Full-size strollers have increased comfort and features, but are often bulky in comparison to other types and may not be ideal for families with limited space.
Standard strollers are most often better suited for infants, however, with increased support features and can often be used to complete a travel system.
Safety While most single strollers offer 5 point harnesses and locking rear brakes, there are some that may offer only a 3 point harness.
A 5 point harness offers increased safety and is best for smaller children, while a 3 point harness is best suited for an older child.
Another safety feature to look for is locking rear brakes.
This means that you can park the stroller as needed, and as such works much like a parking brake in a car.
This is particularly useful when loading and unloading your child in order to prevent the stroller from rolling away from you.
Length of Use When searching for a stroller it is important to consider how long you expect to use it.
While some strollers may only accommodate children up to 35 pounds, others may go up to 100.
Some strollers may not be recommended for infants, while others may accommodate an infant either as a standalone stroller or as a travel system that can be used with your infant's car seat.
Durability is another factor to consider when thinking of long term usage.
Increased durability can be found in a wide variety of strollers from lightweight to full size, and many manufacturers offer a warranty as well.
Ease of Use Another factor to consider is ease of use.
Many strollers offer a one hand fold, making folding and unfolding effortless.
Maneuverability is also important when determining a stroller's ease of use.
Swivel front wheels are great for quick turns and navigating crowded city streets, shopping centers, and sidewalks.
Lockable swivel front wheels offer the convenience and maneuverability of swivel front wheels, while giving you the option of locking them in place so that they stay straight for navigating through sand or snow.
Convenience and Comfort Convenience and comfort often go hand in hand when comparing strollers.
Ergonomic handles provide comfort for mom and dad while pushing, while adjustable handles offer allow you to customize the handles to fit your height.
A reclining seat provides added functionality as well as comfort for your baby or toddler, allowing them to nap comfortably while out and about.
Easy cleaning is also important to consider.
After all, your baby will make messes.
For this reason, a washable, removable cover may prove invaluable.
Additional Features and Considerations Other features to consider include storage, cup holders, snack trays, and canopy size.
While most strollers offer a canopy, the individual features of each may vary.
Canopy size and adjustability may be an important factor if you plan walking outside with your baby.
Storage is often larger on a full size stroller.
A cup holder and snack tray also provide added convenience for mom and baby, and may also be a consideration.