Baby Strollers Tips and Advice

You have just learned that you are expecting a bundle of joy and now you need to begin getting the things your baby will need. If this is your first baby all the decisions you need to make may seem overwhelming at first. One of the biggest purchases you will need to make is about the type of stroller you will use for your baby.

There are so many different types of strollers to choose from and one of the first things you need to do is determine your budget. There are strollers that can cost as little as $10.00 or as much as $400 and up. The lower end strollers are generally the very light weight umbrella strollers. The advantage to these strollers is the fold nicely and can store almost anywhere. As the price gets higher the features and quality of the stroller may increase.

Strollers can come with a variety of features. What is important to you? Do you want a convertible travel system or a stroller that is just that and a car seat? There are travel systems that include a stay in the car base, an infant carrier/car safety seat, and a stroller frame for the infant seat which it is attached. These are great especially when your baby is newly born.

Strollers have a play tray that has insets for a bottle or juice cup. Many have canopies with a vinyl window so you can keep an eye on the baby. The brake on most strollers now are attached to both rear wheels and is easily applied with your foot and some also have a wrist strap brake that is used in conjunction with the foot break. It gives extra safety when you are stopped and the stroller won't 'roll away' while you have the strap.

There is usually a large storage basket under the seat(s) of the strollers and many strollers now are coming with a parent tray that is place over the handle bar. It has a spot for a cup of coffee or a soda, a place for your cell phone, your keys and a place to hold a snack.

Handlebars are now height adjustable on most strollers and are reversible moving from either the front to back or vice versa. The height adjustable feature is a great saver on the back the reversible handle can help you see your baby while he rides if necessary.

The seat is the next consideration. Does the seat recline and if so will it recline enough so that your newborn can lie almost flat? Is the seat well padded and will it be comfortable for your baby? Is the seat padding removable for washing?

Most upper end strollers come with blankets that can attach to the seat with snaps. These blankets make your baby's stroller like a bunting on wheels. Rain hoods are also detachable and can be used to protect your baby from harsh sunlight and winds.

Here's another twist your decision about a baby stroller. Your friend has an almost brand new stroller that you can have for free. She agrees to have it cleaned and ready for you. Is a used baby stroller a safe choice for your baby? It can be a very good choice for you and your baby, however there are some things you really need to look over before you place your precious one in it.

The frame - there should be no dents, cracks, or gaps in the frame. All bolts and screws must be in place. Anything less could cause an accident and seriously hurt your baby. Are there sharp spots on the frame? Are there any screws loose or sticking out that could cut your baby? Is the handle bar joined properly to the frame?

The wheels - are they solid or do you need to look for leaks in air pressure in them? Are the wheels worn? Do they need replacing? Do the wheels turn, as they should? Are the axels straight? Does the brake operate properly; that is, do they hold when applied?

The seat - does the seat hold its position whether straight or in the reclining position? A seat that does not hold the position well could seriously injure your baby. Is the lining clean or does it fit the frame properly.

There are all kinds of options styles and types of strollers. There are multiple seat strollers for twins, or more children. There are a variety of seating arrangements side by side seating, tandem seating with one seat behind the other, and stadium seating (tandem seating with rear seat raised above the front) allowing the second child to be able to see more than the back of a head. There are jogging strollers (one wheel out in front and two rear wheels). The jogging strollers also come with multiple seating.

Used or new enjoy your outings with your baby or children.

About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Baby strollers and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

In The News:

Yahoo! News: Top Stories

Steve Pruitt, from Belle Chasse, La., fills out an employment application during a Dollar General job fair in Metairie, La., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. The nation's unemployment rate bolted to 7.2 percent in December, the highest since early 1993, as nervous employers slashed 524,000 jobs. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)AP - The nation's unemployment rate bolted to 7.2 percent in December, the highest level in 16 years, as nervous employers slashed 524,000 jobs. The labor market is expected to remain weak as mass layoffs continue.



Rep. Roger L. Eddy, right, votes to recommend the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to the House during an Illinois House Impeachment Committee hearing Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, in Springfield, Ill. The committee voted unanimously to recommend impeachment putting the matter before the full house.  (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)AP - Gov. Rod Blagojevich faces almost certain impeachment by the Illinois House, a historic step that would trigger a trial to determine whether the Democratic governor should be tossed out of office.



Palestinians survey a kindergarten destroyed after an Israeli air strike in Gaza January 8, 2009. (Mohammed Salem/Reuters)AP - Israeli jets and helicopters bombarded Gaza Friday and Hamas responded with a barrage of rockets on two cities as both sides defied a U.N. call for an immediate cease-fire.



President-elect Barack Obama arrives to speak about the economy, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)AP - Lawmakers are under orders to finish action on President-elect Barack Obama's nearly $800 billion economic recovery plan by mid-February. But already it is plain that a set of serious fissures need to be bridged if the bill is to be completed within five weeks.



In this Jan. 29, 2002 file photo, then Admiral Dennis Blair, center, commander-in-chief of the United States Pacific Command, reviews a guard of honor at the Singapore Ministry of Defense headquarters.     (AP Photo/Naashon Zalk)AP - President-elect Barack Obama is completing his national security team by announcing his unusual choices for CIA director and a national intelligence director who may face tough Senate confirmation questioning over how he confronted the Indonesian military when civilian massacres were occurring in East Timor.



Traders confer on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 (AP Photo/Richard Drew)AP - Investors were showing some relief following a government report that the economy lost fewer jobs in December than feared.



Pay Equity pioneer Lily Ledbetter addresses the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008 file photo. Democrats are ushering in what they believe will be a new labor-friendly era in Washington with House votes on two bills aimed at helping women fight pay discrimination in the workplace. The House was to vote on the bills Friday Jan. 9, 2009, and they could reach Barack Obama's desk soon after he enters the White House.  One of the bills, the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, is a response to a 2007 Supreme Court decision that made it more difficult to sue over past pay discrimination.  (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, FILE)AP - Democrats are ushering in what they believe will be a new labor-friendly era in Washington with House votes on two bills aimed at helping women fight pay discrimination in the workplace.



An LG cell phone shows live TV during a demonstration at an OMVC news conference at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas,Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)AP - TV stations in 22 U.S. cities announced Thursday that they will start broadcasting their signals this year in a format designed to be received by mobile devices like cell phones, MP3 players, GPS units and in-car entertainment systems.



AP - A former actor on "The Sopranos" faces up to 15 years in prison for a botched burglary in the Bronx in which an accomplice shot and killed a police officer.

Florida's Tim Tebow (15) tackles Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy (93) after McCoy intercepted a Tebow pass during the second quarter of the BCS Championship NCAA college football game in Miami, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)AP - Tim Tebow gave Florida the jolt it needed, and the Gators toughed out a second BCS title in three years. Their 24-14 win over No. 2 Oklahoma in a choppy, sloppy affair Thursday night made them a national champion. But it likely did little to quiet fans of Southern California, Utah and Texas, all of whom already claimed the top spot.



Employers slashed payrolls by 524,000 in December, driving the unemployment rate to its highest level in almost 16 years, a government report showed on Friday, suggesting that the year-long recession was deepening. (Graphic/Reuters)Reuters - Employers slashed payrolls by 524,000 in December, driving the unemployment rate to its highest level in almost 16 years, a government report showed on Friday, suggesting that the year-long recession was deepening.



A cloud of smoke rises during Israeli strikes at the Gaza strip, in the Egyptian border city of Rafah January 8, 2009. (Asmaa Waguih/Reuters)Reuters - Israel rejected a U.N. resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza on Friday and, as jets and tanks again pounded the Palestinian enclave, ministers debated whether to step up their two-week-old campaign against Hamas guerrillas.



Reuters - A report being released on Friday alleges that the U.S. Treasury has failed to reveal its strategy for stabilizing the financial system, not answered questions asked by a government watchdog, and has done nothing to help struggling homeowners, the Wall Street Journal said.

President-elect Barack Obama (L) leaves the podium with Timothy Geithner, president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, after announcing that he will become Treasury Secretary during a news conference in Chicago, November 24, 2008. (John Gress/Reuters)Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama's economic team is working on an overhaul the $700 billion financial rescue program with the aim of doing more to spur the flow of credit to the struggling U.S. economy, an Obama aide said on Friday.



A pressure gauge is seen at a Ukrainian gas compressor station in the village of Boyarka near Kiev January 9, 2009 (Konstantin Chernichkin - UKRAINE/Reuters)Reuters - Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom said a deal to monitor gas exports via Ukraine would be signed Friday, allowing for the resumption of supplies to Europe cut off by Moscow's price row with Kiev.



People taking the Long Island Foreclosure Tour arrive at a foreclosed home for sale in New Hyde Park, New York in this May 17, 2008 file photo. Citigroup could soon agree to principles that would let troubled borrowers save their homes through bankruptcy, sources familiar with the talks said on Thursday, while industry groups are easing their opposition to the plan. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)Reuters - Financial giant Citigroup Inc will support a proposal in Congress to rewrite U.S. bankruptcy law to help troubled mortgage borrowers avoid foreclosure, Chief Executive Vikram Pandit said on Thursday.



Reuters - Tens of thousands of Iraqis protested against Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip on Friday and powerful Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called for revenge attacks on the Jewish state's strongest ally the United States.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich gestures as he announces former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris as his choice to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama during a news conference in Chicago, Illinois December 30, 2008. (Frank Polich/Reuters)Reuters - A legislative committee on Thursday recommended the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, citing widespread abuse of power including allegations he tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.



US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks to an unidentified aide during a Security Council meeting at the United Nations. Israel has battered Gaza with bombs and shells, vowing its offensive on Hamas would go on despite an order by the UN Security Council to stop the assault that has killed hundreds of civilians.(AFP/File/Timothy A. Clary)AFP - Israel battered Gaza with bombs and shells on Friday, vowing its offensive on Hamas would go on despite an order by the UN Security Council to stop the assault that has killed hundreds of civilians.



A man looks at job listing at a federally-funded job search center in Pasadena, California, 2008. According to official data the US economy shed 524,000 jobs in December, sending the unemployment rate to 7.2 percent.(AFP/File/Robyn Beck)AFP - The US economy lost 524,000 jobs in December, sending the unemployment rate to 7.2 percent, according to official data published Friday.




How to Find Those Elusive Baby Gifts That Are Just Right

Baby Gifts from gift certificates to very expensive toys. Something for every... Read More

Have Fun Purchasing A Stroller For Your Baby

You are getting ready to welcome your baby into your life and... Read More

Intersting Baby Facts - Strange But True!

* A baby is born every seven seconds.* Babies are born with... Read More

Theory of Child Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget has allowed us many insights into child cognitive development and... Read More

Solving Baby Sleep Problems - Its Time to Sleep

If you're a parent with a young child then here's a question... Read More

What Happens When During the Baby Shower?

To be precise, anything can happen anytime as long as everyone enjoys... Read More

Baby Shower Themes For Your Special Baby Shower

Do you want to provide a baby shower that is great fun... Read More

Creating Good Feng Shui in Babys Room

Getting ready for a new baby requires a lot of thought and... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist-Hostess

Using baby shower checklist-hostess are the best way to stay organized if... Read More

On the Road Again

Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to get on the... Read More

Bonding with Baby

Most parents bond instantly with their babies, an intense feeling that makes... Read More

For Mother and Baby ? What Do You Give? A Gift Basket of Course!

The choice for a baby or an infant gift can be a... Read More

Wheres My Mother of The Year Award?

With orange juice spilled over the kitchen table, Playdough in the cracks... Read More

Oh Baby! Choosing the Right Baby Name

Naming a baby is no easy task. However, the following tips will... Read More

Baby Stroller and Pushchairs - Out and About

Having a family day out is not exactly stress free, but with... Read More

Potty Training Dolls - Why Use a Potty Training Doll to Assist in Potty Training Your Child?

The idea of using potty dolls to potty train toddlers has been... Read More

Liven Up Your Baby Shower With A Few Games

You have a baby shower planned for a friend; you have organised... Read More

Language Development In Your Baby

From birth to one year your baby will go from crying to... Read More

Safely Feeding Babies - 10 Important Tips

Babies usually triple their birth weight the first year. That's why nutritious... Read More

The Baby Stroller- How To Choose

You will need to begin gathering the things your baby will need,... Read More

Better Health and Happiness for Your Baby

The design of your home has an amazing affect on the health... Read More

Learning Activities For Your Baby

Books and Babies - For babies from age 6 weeks to 1... Read More

How Can I Teach My Toddler to Share?

Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula to solids... Read More

How to Pick the Best Name for Your Baby

Expectant parents spend hours preparing the nursery, poring over pregnancy and delivery... Read More

Robeez Shoes ? A Baby Shower Gift That Moms Will Thank You For

Robeez shoes help your baby put their best foot forwardIf you have... Read More

How to Choose a Baby Swing

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1,000 American infants are... Read More

Family Life or How to Buy Chair for a New Baby

Even if your baby is just weeks old now, you'll soon see... Read More

A Must Have, Do-It-Yourself Resource For ALL Preschooler Parents

There is something so amazing and joyous about watching a little kid... Read More

Baby Furniture Essentials for Your New Baby

Baby furniture can be made up of many different pieces and often... Read More

Five Reasons For Preparing Your Own Baby Food

Are you unsure whether you should make your own baby food at... Read More

The First Week with Your Baby

The first week of your baby's life brings big adjustments for both... Read More

Dressing A Toddler, Whomever She Is Today

Some things we take for granted. Like getting dressed. Unless we are... Read More

Top 100 Baby Names and Helpful Tips To Consider When Naming Your Baby

Are you an expectant parent anxiously waiting for that little package of... Read More

Gift Giving For Baby

Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you know their... Read More

Baby Names - Choosing Trendy or Traditional

Lists of baby names are always fun to look at, whether you're... Read More

You Have a New Person at Home: Babys Fourth Month Guide

Baby is into her fourth month now.Mom's milk is best.Breast milk is... Read More

Baby Expense: What To Do When Baby

As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list... Read More

Helping Your Baby Develop Character

How Can We Help Children Learn about Character?Children learn about strong character... Read More

Couples Baby Shower Honors Both Mom and Dad

If having a Couples Baby Shower seems odd to you, consider this:... Read More

Six Ways to Save on Your Baby Shower

It's time to celebrate the baby! As Keepsake Favors' resident baby shower... Read More

How to Make a Lovely Baby Shower Cake

Baby shower cakes are terrific centerpieces for showers. Guests always laugh when... Read More

The Five Best Baby Shower Gifts

Ask first time parents-to-be what baby shower gifts they would like to... Read More

The Colic Baby

When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful and many... Read More

Potty Training Techniques That Dont Work

Your attitude and actions have a huge impact on your child's potty... Read More

Naming Ceremonies: Advice for First Time Godparents

Congratulations! It is a great honour your friends have done you, because... Read More

Baby Slings - Comfort for Both the Child and the Parent

Baby slings are one of those things that have been in existence... Read More

Choosing a Personalized Baby Gift

Have you been invited to a baby shower or asked to be... Read More