Stroller Shopping Guide – Top Factors to Consider
Being a parent is among the most fulfilling yet challenging concepts. While a baby doesn’t come with a manual, you have to do all it takes to keep them safe. This means that you will have to make significant purchases, among the most crucial being a stroller. A stroller offers the convenience and ease of moving your baby from one point to the next safely. However, with the numerous options in the market, settling on a particular stroller can feel like an impossible task. This is, especially if you have no idea where to start and what to look out for. If you are in the market for a stroller, you need to learn more to make an informed decision. Herein are primary factors to inform your purchase for an ideal stroller.
Your budget
Your budget is a significant consideration as it tells you what you can or can’t afford. The good news is, with a variety to choose from, you can go for a stroller that is within your budget while meeting your needs. Strollers cost as little as less than $100, while high-end strollers could go for hundreds with some brands going as high as over $1000. While considering your budget, it is worth noting that the cheapest might not be the best choice as what matters the most is the stroller’s quality and functionality.
Family size
What’s your family size? Do you plan to have a baby in the next two or three years? Different strollers deliver varying capabilities, with some offering more space to accommodate more than one baby. If you have twins, for instance, instead of buying two strollers, you would be better off with a double stroller. The same applies if you have toddlers as the double stroller not only eases the movements but safety as well since it is easier to maneuver a single stroller with two babies on your own than two strollers.
Your lifestyle
Are you an indoor person? Are you always on the move? Do you maintain an active lifestyle such as jogging and regular strolls in the park? Your lifestyle holds significant weight as you choose an ideal stroller. For instance, with a jogging stroller, you can comfortably bring your baby along as you jog without jeopardizing their safety. Conversely, if you are always on the move, a lightweight stroller could be the best choice as it is easier to carry, fold, and securely store in your car.
Different strollers offer different functionalities, with some add-ons aimed at easing specific lifestyle such as including more storage space, easier maneuverability, among other concerns. As such, as you weigh stroller effectiveness in matching your needs, you have to factor in your lifestyle.
Your area
A stroller that’s ideal in an urban set-up might not work well in the suburbs. As you consider a stroller’s effectiveness, your area matters since some strollers can’t handle tough terrains, while others might be inconvenient when dealing with busy streets to mention a few considerations. For instance, while a full-sized stroller could work well in the suburbs with tough terrain but enough space to navigate, it might be stressing to use it in a busy shopping mall, especially navigating the stairs as it is bulky.
Usability
Moving your baby from and to the car can be quite hectic, but if you choose an ideal stroller, it doesn’t have to be stressing experience. For instance, with a travel system that pairs the infant’s car seat and the stroller, you can conveniently move your baby to and from the car hassle-free. This means that your baby will not get stressed over changing environments, and you could even move them without causing a disturbance that could wake them. While shopping for an ideal travel system, however, you need to ensure that it is compatible with your car seat.
Stroller’s safety
Safety comes first, and while strollers follow set standards, you need to ensure that your choice matches your needs. For instance, a 5 point harness strap that you can quickly secure is safer, but you have to ensure that the baby can’t unbuckle. Reliable brakes are another consideration to ensure you can stop the stroller when you want.
A practical stroller eases your life, not to forget offering your baby the much-needed comfort. With the above factors, you are a few steps choosing an ideal stroller.
