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There are many varieties of strollers. Some are designed for specialized use, such as joggers and lightweight strollers, while others are intended for more everyday use. Regardless of the type of stroller you are purchasing, here are some considerations to look at before purchasing a new stroller.

Make sure the stroller comes equipped with a proper, and operational, restraint system. Look for a three-point restraint that goes around the waist and comes up between the legs. The latch should be comfortable up against your child. If you are buying a jogging stroller, look for a five-point restraint system (shoulder straps) since running will lead to your child being bounced around. The shoulder belts should keep them in place well even when jogging.

Make sure the stroller has a brake. For most everyday strollers, this will just be a brake to engage when you are parking the stroller. Be sure it works and is easy to use. For jogging strollers, you should also insist on a brake that can be used to brake the stroller while it is being used. Be sure the brake is easy to operate and that you can lock up the tire(s) without excessive effort.

Just about every stroller has a mechanism that permits the stroller to be folded for travel. Be sure that you can operate the folding mechanism yourself; it's not much fun to be standing outside your car in the foul weather desperately trying to fold your stroller. Even more significant than how easy the stroller is to fold, consider how sure it is when it is open. Make sure that when opened, there is a strong locking mechanism that keeps the stroller from folding unintentionally. If this occurs when your kid is in the stroller, serious injury can result.

Test out the stroller and see how easy it is to use. Ideally, you should be able to operate the stroller with one hand. Strollers with front and rear swivel wheels tend to be easier to steer. Strollers with wheels that only turn in one direction are usually harder to maneuver.

Look at the height of the handle. The stroller will be easier to operate if the handle is at waist level. For most people, this is not an issue. But if you are extremely tall or short, you should opt for a stroller with an adjustable height handle.

Look for features that can make your child more comfortable while riding in the stroller. These include comfortable padding; reclining seats (makes for easier napping); canopies to protect and against sun, rain, and wind; cup holders and bins for snacks.

Make sure that the stroller has plenty of storage space for things like shopping bags, diaper bags, coats, etc. The more storage you have, the happier you will be with your stroller.

All kids make messes. If your kids are especially prone to making messes, look for a stroller with removable covers over the seats. Removable or not, make sure that the fabric on the stroller can readily be cleaned with water and cleaners. While a stylish fabric may look great when new, if it's not washable the look will quickly fade.

Carefully examine the frame of the stroller for sharp edges or things that can poke or snag. Also look for gaps that can catch toes and small fingers. Check the leg openings of the stroller; make sure that they are not wide enough for an infant to accidentally slip through them.

Before you buy a new stroller, or any other product for your child, always check the product recall finder website (http://www.babycenter.com/product-recall-finder) to see if there is a recall against the product you are think about getting.

This Home & Family article is provided by Articleteller - The Free Article Directory http://www.articleteller.com

Marsha is a stay-at-home mom with 3 children. You can see her stroller rankings for jogging strollers at stroller-reviews.com.

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