The stroller is a big and exciting purchase for many parents-to-be, and there are now several options with all sorts of fanciful features.
All these models on the market make it hard to know where to start, and hence we asked Anita, Director of ‘Global Baby’ and mother of one, to provide some tips to help you choose the stroller that’s best for you and your growing family.
She said, “The first and most important thing is that you get a stroller that suits your lifestyle. Where will you be walking? If you take your dog to the dog park often, you will need an all-terrain stroller with larger wheels and good suspension. If you are strolling the city streets and malls, you would then need a lightweight urban stroller, with smaller front wheels could be right for you,” she said.
Double Duty
According to her, many strollers come with the option of a carry cot (bassinet).
These are great for new-born babies, as lying flat on their back is the best and safest position for them. Many parents use the carry cot as a day bed at home too, and who doesn’t love a product that pulls double duty?
“Air tyres will give baby a slightly smoother ride on rough terrain, but they are also heavier. You must keep them inflated, and you run the risk of getting a puncture. EVA foam-filled tyres are a great alternative,” Anita said.
Demonstration good
She said that when you go for a stroller demonstration in a store, ask the shop assistant to show you how it folds, and have a try yourself. Check that the stroller fits into your car, and try doing that yourself too. If you are having trouble, try looking for a stroller that collapses in two pieces (seat + chassis), or for a more compact stroller.
According to Anita, a stroller that accepts a capsule (car seat) will allow you to click the capsule out of the car and straight into the stroller, without waking baby, which is a bonus!
“Check what is included with the stroller, little extras can really add up. Does it come with a rain cover, bumper bar, adaptors, sun-cover, shopping basket, canopy?
“Adjustable handlebars are good if people of different heights will be pushing the stroller.
“Check where repairs will be carried out. At ‘Global Baby,’ we have a technician who comes into store regularly to perform repairs and services, and hence you know that your stroller will not be sent away and repairs will be done in a timely manner,” she said.
Global Baby is located at 161 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland Phone (09) 6301960
Email: sales@globalbaby.co.nz
