Are you an expecting parent or simply in the market for a new stroller for your infant? If so, you are probably aware of just how confusing the baby accessory market can be. It feels like everywhere you look, there are multiple options, each brand or company explaining why their product is the best choice.
In this article, let us explore the different types of strollers that exist, what you should be looking for, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Types of Strollers Exist?
The first realization you will come to after doing a bit of research is just how many options exist. Baby strollers come in all shapes and sizes, and you even have options based on your lifestyle choices.
Let’s look at some common options.
1. Ultracompact Strollers
This option is made to be lightweight and easy to fold. Ultracompact strollers are often bought by parents who are going to do a lot of traveling and need them to fit inside limited luggage space. However, they are still suitable for smooth roads, and you can even strap them onto a car seat.
They usually weigh less than 15 pounds and are ideal for an age range between six months and toddlerhood. The downside with them is that they aren’t really recommended for rough terrain.
2. Daily Strollers
These are ideal for urban use and work well in crowded spaces. Similar to ultra-compact strollers, these models are also car-friendly and can be folded. They are also a little more sturdy, weigh around 20 pounds, and can be used on different terrains.
3. Mid-Sized Strollers
These offer a good balance of portability, comfort, and features. They are a bit heavier because you can start adding stroller accessories, like storage baskets, sturdier wheels, and better seating options.
According to Lil & Mil, options like stroller organizers can be great for storing the usual mess of snacks and toys. Accessories aside, one bonus of this type is that they often adapt to your child’s size as they grow bigger.
4. Luxury Strollers
Meant for parents seeking the best of the best, these feature premium materials, usually aluminum frames, that offer strength without getting too heavy. You also get fashionable fabric with aesthetic color schemes and patterns. Comfort is also fantastic, and it’s hard not to wish you could shrink yourself down just to see what the stroller feels like.
Of course, the downside is the price. These strollers can be significantly expensive and are very much for those who don’t mind splurging on something their infant will grow out of in a few years.
Common Mistakes When Selecting a Stroller
When there are so many factors at play, mistakes can invariably occur. Strollers can be a significant investment for a lot of parents. It is crucial to be aware of what to look out for. The last thing you want is to end up with something that doesn’t work for you and your baby. Let’s look at some common mistakes to avoid making.
Ignoring Wheel Quality
It’s easy to look at the overall structure of the stroller and overlook the wheels. However, when you consider that the wheels are constantly under stress, you want to pay extra attention. Take a close look at the wheel housing. Sometimes, the wheels may be fine, but they may be attached to a flimsy, brittle polymer or plastic housing.
Similarly, avoid plastic wheels. They will wear out very quickly on rough surfaces and become pockmarked and bumpy.
Suspension System
If there’s one aspect to focus on when picking a stroller, it would be the suspension system. After all, you are going to be putting your infant inside, and you want them to feel comfy. With poor suspension, even a slight bump gets amplified and sent to the seat.
This means your baby might wake up when you roll over, even after a small bump on the road. That’s hardly an ideal situation.
Lifestyle Choice
You also want to avoid buying a stroller that doesn’t match the kind of lifestyle you lead. If you are a family that travels a lot, it would be a mistake to pick up the biggest, sturdiest luxury stroller. Always remember that a lot of accessories for infants are priced quite exorbitantly just because parents are more likely to make emotional purchases.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has given you some valuable insights into your decision about which stroller to buy. The convenience of being able to take your baby with you on a walk or while running errands is great. It is also a fantastic way for your child to explore their surroundings in a safe and secure manner.
There are few things as enjoyable for a child as being snug in a stroller and watching the world around them pass by.
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