Thursday, December 2, 2010

Important Factors

Do you feel overwhelmed by the dozens of models available when choosing a baby stroller?
There are some that are specially designed for newborns and ones for toddlers. Then there are practical, lightweight ones, ideal for traveling, and heavy-duty jogger strollers, which is the best stroller for long walks and hikes along the beach. In fact, there is a stroller for everyone. Evaluating your usage patterns will help you find your decision about what kind of stroller you want to buy. 
These are few factors to select a best stroller;

Weight
Strollers constructed of metal are more stable and durable. However, metal strollers weigh much more than their plastic counterparts, and are usually more expensive. Heavier strollers are sturdier, last longer and can carry heavier -- and thus older - children.

Size
How big is it when unfolded or folded? Will it fit in your vehicle? Will it fit on sidewalks, through doorways, down store aisles?

Accessories
Baskets, bumpers, storage, canopies, hand rails, bag clips, drink holders, snack trays: Some of these options are necessary, some are nice to have, but others are just frivolous features. Let accessories be the deciding factor only if you're torn between two comparable models.

Seat  Adjustments
If your babies will be sleeping frequently in the stroller, they may be more comfortable in a seat that reclines. Some stroller seats recline completely flat, while others only allow for a slight angle. This is a common complaint about many tandem strollers. Some side-by-side models have independently reclining seats, however others require that both babies sit at the same incline.

All-Terrain Options
If you will be doing a lot of outdoor strolling, look for safety features like oversized wheels, all-terrain tires, deep seats, locking brakes and a safety wrist strap. Special strollers, with a large wheel base designed for jogging, running, or athletic walking, are available in twin and triplet seating configurations.

Maneuverability
How well a stroller maneuvers is certainly subject to personal opinion. However there are some basic features that will make any stroller easier to push and turn. Look for swivel wheels (best for indoor use), ergonomic handles that are at a comfortable level for your height, and a stable wheel base that prevents the stroller from tipping as you turn corners. The best way to determine whether a stroller will operate comfortably is to physically push it around and test it out. Just as you wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, you shouldn't expect to find the perfect stroller without one.

Infant Seats
Relatively new and inventive advancement in the baby equipment market are the all-in-one transportation systems that incorporate car seats and baby carriers with a stroller design. Recently, this concept has been extended to double strollers and may be useful for parents of multiples. Keep in mind the limitations, however. While it is convenient to be able to transport babies from car to stroller without removing them from their carrier, the life span of the stroller extends far beyond the life span of the carriers.

Cost
Cost is certainly a very important factor in buying a best stroller. You have to carefully consider how much you want to spend on it. A stroller is definitely a vital piece of equipment during your babies' early years, but its life span is limited to a few years at most. Most of the Best Strollers range from RM1500 - RM6000.

Your transportation needs will shift somewhat as your children grow from infancy to toddler hood, and you may not want to invest a lot of money in a NEW Stroller product that won't serve your needs over the years. Consider buying two -- or more -- less expensive Pre-loved Strollers that serve different needs, for example, an all-terrain jogger for walks to the park and a tandem to keep in the car for errands.