This is How You Should Roll with the Baby!

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by: jon1411joyce
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Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 Time: 6:31 AM
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Looking for the ideal stroller is harder than it looks, with all of the excellent choices out there. A few guidelines might help.

Less than 6 months old?
It takes a while for a baby's neck area to be strong enough to support itself, so remember that upright strollers are not advisable. That's why at the early stages, you will need a stroller that is specific to newborns, or you can get one of those models where you can attach infant seats or bassinets. Inserts are also available for newborns to hold them more securely in their strollers. It's important at these early stages not to jar the baby while in the stroller, so jogging with a baby in the stroller is out of the question!

Once your baby is over 6 months hold, more options will be available for you in terms of stroller models you can pick from.

Will it be for daily use?
If you'll be using a stroller daily you will need one that is comfortable and easy to push around. As in picking a shopping cart, you will enjoy it more if you have a nice and smooth rolling stroller. It will be tough to judge this aspect of it if you are buying online, so try to go through various reviews on how a stroller pushes or handles, before you decide to buy it.

In general, the larger the wheels, the easier it is to push. Rubber wheels mean better handling. Shock absorbers means you are in for one smooth ride!
If you do not plan to use the stroller that much for long strolls, then it's not as important to be concerned about the ride.

How many pounds?
The ideal weight is less than 10 pounds. The full-sized models with most of the features, can weigh as much as 25 pounds or more! Keep this in mind in terms of the lifting you will need to do up and down the stairs, or in and out of you vehicle. If your lifestyle tends to be towards frequent use, then it's really important to weigh the must-have features versus the weight it will add to the stroller.

A basic rule of thumb is the lighter the stroller, the fewer features it will have and the less smooth the ride. These lighter models also tend to have less comfort level in terms of seating. Seating adjustments are also limited in terms of available reclining angles. However, these models which are usually 10 pounds or less, are ideal if you are traveling or you tend to have frequent errands to do on a daily basis.

If you find a model that has all the major features you like and it weighs less than 20 pounds, just grab it!
For the all-terrain (aka jogger models), you can get them at weights below 20 pounds. Also, don't forget that it's not just the size and weight but also the folded size and how it makes it less bulky and easier to lift and carry as you move in and out of your car or house.

What features should I look for?
There are many but the most common are as follows:

Reclining seats : some models are really easy to adjust and gives you a lot of angles.

Adjustable handles : make sure you can adjust the handles so that it matches your height, as this will make it more comfortable to push around.

Reverse handles : this lets you see your baby as you are pushing, a very nice feature to have.

Cupholders : this is just a bonus, you can always buy these cupholders separately if it's not included.

Storage basket : it's very handy for the usual diapers, bottles and snacks, -- the more storage space, the better.

Canopy : this is a must have to protect your baby from too much sun.

Five-point harness : this is the safest type of harness you can find, you will need this.

Adjustable leg rest : this makes the stroller more comfortable as your child grows.

Toy bars or grab bars : this holds the fun stuff to keep the little tykes amused.

Lastly, for the joggers among you, consider buying a jogger model, also known as a jogging stroller. These strollers have become more common recently, as more folks are getting more health conscious. These models usually have large tires which means you get a smoother ride over rough surfaces. Even if you don't jog, this feature alone might make it worthwhile to get. Jogger models also have these handlebars which are also specially designed to allow you to hold on as you jog behind the stroller. Your baby may not be getting any exercise while you run, but they will definitely have a more enjoyable ride!

About the Author

Jon is a retiree who is trying her hand in technology by doing web marketing, and is having fun setting up a varied assortment of sites, so if you are looking for the best tiffany lamps or if you wish to view thousands of options in baby strollers for your baby, come visit her sites!