5 features to fret over when selecting a stroller

If you’re stroller shopping, go ahead and register or buy online if you want to. But first, take the models you’re considering for a spin in the store. You’ll learn a lot when you compare maneuverability and see firsthand how easy it is to adjust the backrest, fold, lift and carry the stroller. See if it can be opened and closed with one hand or whether it requires two. You might even take floor-model contenders to your car to see how well they fit in your trunk, which can be a deal breaker. While you’re at it, focusing on these key features can help narrow your selection: 

1. The restraint system. If possible, look for a model with a sturdy five-point harness, which will help keep your baby from slipping out. Some strollers offer only waist and crotch straps, but many offer an adjustable five-point harness (two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap), much like those found in car seats, which help keep a baby or toddler from slipping or falling out should the stroller tip, or climbing out when you're not looking. The straps should be height-adjustable for proper fit, and they should be securely anchored. Most are made of thick nylon webbing. Look for buckles on the harness strap that are easy for you to operate but difficult for small hands to unfasten.

2. Wheels. The larger the wheels, the easier it is to negotiate curbs and rough surfaces. But big wheels eat up trunk space, so if you have a small car, take that into consideration. Pneumatic (air-filled) tires are relatively new in stroller design. You’ll need a pump, which is not supplied with some models. Some manufacturers have created wheel assemblies that can be completely slipped off the frame, which makes it easier to replace a damaged wheel, fix the tire, get it filled, and transport the stroller in compact spaces, such as the trunk of a car.

3. Brakes. Check that any stroller you intend to buy has a good parking brake, one that’s easy to operate and locks one or (preferably) two wheels. Parking brakes on two wheels provide an extra margin of safety. One-touch brakes (a single lever or foot bar that activates both brakes) are a convenient feature.

4. Canopy. To protect your baby from glaring sunlight or inclement weather, a canopy is a must-have. Canopies range from a simple fabric square strung between two wires to deep, pull-down versions that shield almost the entire front of the stroller, when necessary, which is ideal. Some canopies have a clear plastic “peekaboo” window on top so you can keep an eye on your baby while you’re strolling. That’s a nice feature. A canopy that is reversible (it can be rotated all the way to the front of the stroller) is a handy option, too. If you’re walking with the sun in your face, flip the reversible canopy to keep it out of your baby’s eyes; same with the wind. You’ll use these features more than you think.

5. Large storage basket. A roomy, easily accessible storage basket underneath the stroller makes errands with baby much easier. Sizes of baskets vary. Try to choose one that's at least big enough to accommodate a diaper bag. When shopping for a stroller, press on the storage basket's floor--it shouldn't drag on the ground when loaded. Make sure you can access the basket easily, even with a bulky item like a diaper bag in there, and when the stroller seat is fully reclined.

For more information, see our stroller overview, five common stroller mistakes, and stroller Ratings (for subscribers).

Comments

[Michael]

First of all, If you go into a store to try out the strollers, you should buy it there! Buying strollers online is a bigger headache than anything. Most sales associates go through training and can help you deal with big stroller companies better than you sending an email. There isn't one stroller thats the "best." One thing Consumer Reports doesn't rate is the stroller company's warranty! That's huge, whether your spending $150 dollars to $1,100 dollars. Each company should stand behind their products. And trust me, just because you're spending $900 dollars and you feel that's a lot of money, doesn't always mean that the company feels that way. So next time your kicking the wheels, also make sure you're reading reviews about the COMPANY too!

[Stroller Info]

The concerns above are great to think about, but always remember to think about how exactly you plan on using the stroller. If you live in an urban area, it might be more logical to consider purchsing two strollers: one to use outside over rough terrain, and the other to use in and out of your vehicle.

The wheel size is connected with function. Remember, if the wheels are larger and pneumatic, it is going to be easier to push - especially over larger objects (in the park) or through snow and sand. Smaller, plastic wheels are fine on flat surfaces, in malls and stores while shopping, and for travel. It is not going to be practical to bring a large stroller with you across country for a short amount of time - especially when it may be lost or damaged in transit. Remember to look above the wheels when you are thinking of purchasing as well. Too much plastic, especially when the plastic is flimsy/brittle, may cause problems down the line - when your child is heavier. Too much plastics may also be easily fractured while taking the stroller in and out of the trunk. Try to focus on strollers that have the least amount of plastic parts and pieces.

The underseat bag is also an important aspect to think about: does the stroller company take the weight capacity of the underseat bag into consideration when publishing the stroller's capacity? Many stroller companies don't - and it may not be safe to have a large basket. Too much weight on the stroller's frame could cause the stroller to tip over or the fabric to rip.

Always remember there are more than 5 areas to research, and the safest areas might not have anything to do with convenience.

[Stroller user]

I have just subscribed to consumer reports, and thought I would have a quick look at the stroller section to see how the one I chose performed. I was VERY disappointed at the amount of information provided and the quality of the testing. For example - nearly all of the strollers got an 'excellent rating'... this suggests that they were not tested rigorously enough... I walk more than the 19 miles tested in a week, so this doesn't help me much. Also, the test for defects when opening and closing... it was only done 10 times!! These tests were less thorough than the ones I did in the shop! :o( I hope some of your other reports are more detailed... or else I feel I have wasted my money!!