Best Infant Car Seats and Strollers
A baby stroller is a product used for making it easy to transport a baby while walking. It is an alternative to carrying a baby either on the arms or hip. It is a key piece of baby gear required from the start until a child is able to walk a distance by his own means about 3 to 4 years.
Benefits of strolling
Easier - Pushing a baby on a stroll is a lesser work than carrying the baby even when using a quality baby carrier.
Soothing for a baby- A gentle stroll is a true technique for soothing a baby which in turn provides enough resting time or time to do other tasks.
Safety- Strolling usually provides a safe environment for a baby, with a protective frame, a sunshade, and a safety harness.
Enhances carrying of other stuff- An ample storage enables a mother to comfortably take all the things she and the child might require while walking such as extra clothes, diaper bag, personal items, snacks, and toys.
Exercising- Strolling provides one way of combining quality time with exercise.
Safety Features of a stroller to look for Strollers are usually designed in making the life of a mother and her child to go easily. Major safety features to look for when buying a stroller include:
Restraint system- One should get a stroller with a crotch strap and a safety belt which are essential in keeping the baby from slipping out. Most of them are usually made of thick nylon webbing. When a waist strap is in use, a crotch strap is mandatory. During shopping with a baby, a person should always check the seat belt so as to ensure that it is durable and strong and fits well around the baby. Some of the strollers only have crotch straps and a waist whereas others have adjustable 5-point harness-two straps for the thigh, two for the shoulder and a crotch strap, like those found in car seats. These helps to keep the baby from falling out in case the stroller tips or climbing while not looking. The straps require being height adjustable to fit properly and well anchored for safety.
Brakes- Intended stroller for buying should have a good parking brake, convenient to operate and which locks two wheels. Parking brakes on two wheels usually provide an extra range of safety. Some 2-wheel parking brakes are usually activated in a single stroke using a bar in the rear of the stroller frame. Other requires two actions, having tabs which are operated by foot above each rear wheel. On activation of the brakes, plastic cogs get engaged with the sprockets of the rear wheels. Models that may lead to hurting the feet during the engagement or disengagement of the brakes with bare feet or light shoes should be avoided. Most jogging strollers have bicycle type operated brakes which also assist in slowing down when cruising a fast clip.
Wheels - Large wheels of strollers makes it easy to negotiate rough surfaces and curbs. However, these big wheels eat up the trunk space. Most of the strollers have two wheels on the front which swivel making it easy to steer. Front wheels have the full swivel for surfaces which are smooth or may be locked in one forward facing position for rough terrains. Strollers which are three-wheeled usually have a front wheel that does not swivel hence are hard to maneuver.
Leg holes- Strollers designed for young infants or newborns and recline fuII should have holes that close hence ensuring that the infant cannot slip through. Mesh, fabric shields and molded footrests are usually by the manufacturers to raise and clamp over the leg holes. A stroller with legs which cannot be closed should not be able to recline fully. This is meant to prevent its use with a newborn.
Canopy - This is essential to offer protection to the child especially during inclement weather or in glaring sunlight. Canopies range from simple fabric square strung in between two wires to deep and pull down versions which shield the entire front of the stroller. Canopies which are reversible protect the baby from wind or sun from ahead or behind. Some of them have a clear plastic window or a viewing port on the top which makes it easy to keep an eye on the baby while strolling.
Types of baby strollers
1. Standard size- This is the common type of strollers. They provide an ample storage, more and bigger wheels and comfortable seats and weighs 16-37 lbs. They offer a kind of a car seat adapter while a few provide a sufficiently flat fully reclined seat which works as an alternative to a bassinet.
2. Car seat frame - A car seat frame is cheap, light between 11-16le and compact. it is unsuitable for mothers who had a baby through C-section and are limited on what they carry.
3. Lightweight- Are also referred to as umbrella strollers due to their small and folded shape. They are also compact and light weighing between 8-17lbs. They cut some corners in comparison to the standard size. They don't provide car seat adapters hence can be used till the baby is around 6 months old. They make use of smaller wheels making them difficult to push on rough surfaces and are less maneuverable.
4. Jogging - they are outfitted with shock absorbers and large air-filled tires. Are designed to roll straight and smooth while running. They reduce the impact of curbs and bumps on a baby. They weigh between 23 -31lbs.
5. Double- this stroller type offer 2 seats side by side and is suitable with twins. it can also work for 2 kids such as a kid and an older sibling.
6. Travel systems- these are jogging or standard strollers which may also carry an infant car seat. They are large, heavy and expensive than a stroller frame. They can be used after the child has outgrown her infant car seat. Typically, travel systems are composed of a matching g infant car seat and a stroller.
