Stroller Facts and Tips

Did you know that the first strollers appeared at the beginning of the 18th century? During this time, having a stroller meant that you enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. Most citizens then used their pram or ‘buggy’ to carry and show off the newest member of their family. While many parents still use a stroller to show off their babies today, you don’t have to be a member of the aristocracy to own a stroller. Even better, most strollers today are lightweight and convenient to transport from one place to another.

Important Stroller Terms
If you’re planning to buy a stroller in the near future, there are some important terms to familiarize yourself with. These will help you during the selection process. Some important terms include:

  • five point harness – this is a harness that secures not only on the lap, but also on the shoulders of your child. A three-point harness buckles across your child’s lap, just like a traditional seat belt would. While both are important safety features for any stroller, a five-point harness is considered a safer option.
  • all terrain wheels – these wheels, unlike their plastic counterparts, resemble ordinary bicycle tires. They are typically much larger than traditional stroller tires. Most jogging or exercise strollers have all-terrain wheels. Some carriages also have them. They are a great choice if you plan to walk or jog your baby on gravel or other terrain that is not smooth.
  • adjustable awning – this is the part of a stroller that unfolds to protect your baby from the sun and wind. Some are also big enough to protect your baby from the rain. Most umbrella strollers do not come with a canopy. If you plan to buy a jogging stroller, look for one with a large adjustable canopy to protect your child from the wind while he runs.
  • hand brake – it is a brake on the bar of the stroller and not on one of the wheels. A parking brake is a common feature on most exercise strollers and is useful if you need to brake suddenly while running.

Stroller Safety Tips

The most important consideration when purchasing a stroller is safety. You don’t want to buy a stroller just because it looks good…you want one that is safe. Fortunately, most top-of-the-line models not only look good, they also provide important safety features. These are just a few considerations when looking for a safe stroller for your baby:

  • Always select a stroller with a durable frame. The base should be wide enough so that your baby cannot tip over the stroller.
  • Make sure the stroller provides a three or five point harness and always secure your child in place when riding.
  • Look for a stroller that has a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or JPMA to get a brief seal of approval. This means the stroller is pre-inspected and meets basic safety requirements.

You should never leave a child unattended in a stroller, not even for a second. You never know when something can go wrong. That said, you’ll find that most strollers provide ample security for your newborn.

Prolonging the life of your stroller
Nobody wants to buy a new stroller year after year. So when you get your stroller, you should take a few standard precautions to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. First of all, be sure to avoid unnecessary rough handling of your stroller. You should fold and unfold your stroller with little pushes. You don’t want to leave your stroller outside during inclement weather as this can contribute to rust and wear.

If you buy a stroller with removable fabric, be sure to wash it occasionally to keep it fresh and new. If you have a jogging stroller, be sure to keep the tires properly inflated. This will help prevent unnecessary leaks or blowouts in the middle of a run. At some point or another, keep in mind that all strollers experience some wear and tear. Just like a decent car, a stroller can wear out a bit over time. However, the better you take care of your stroller, the longer it will last and the more joy you will experience year after year.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *