When you begin your search for the best baby stroller for your family it is easy to get seduced by the latest popular models with the snazzy new features. Although these models may be safe, it is important to make sure they have the basic safety features built in to go along with the latest bells and whistles. A stroller should be the right size for your child, it should have a frame locking mechanism to prevent collapse, a 5-point harness should be standard and look for a one-foot-one-time braking system for maximum safety. This article will cover the basic safety features every stroller should have.
Make sure the stroller is the right size for your child. Strollers come with ratings for maximum load capacity. Many newborn/infant strollers are rated to 20 pounds, so if you are looking for a stroller to last beyond the first year, you will want to find a model rated for higher weights. If you do consider a stroller for infant stage and beyond, make sure it has infant friendly features such as a reclining back and washable seat cover. These will become less important as the baby grows, but are necessities in the first year.
A frame locking mechanism prevents the stroller from collapsing when your child is on board. These locks are needed after you unfold the stroller for use. You simply unlock to fold up. Without a secure lock, the stroller could unfold at any time.
Strollers do come with many variations of safety harnesses, but you should insist on a 5-point harness for maximum safety. This will prevent the child from leaning to far forward and causing the stroller to tip, especially when your attention is diverted. It also prevents infants from sliding underneath the belt and getting stuck.
You can get a stroller equipped with many different types of braking mechanisms but the one that is best for safety is what is called a one-foot-one-time braking system. As the name implies, you simply apply pressure with one foot and the brake engages, no need to stoop down and use your hand and get distracted. The brake should be engaged anytime you have stopped/parked to prevent unintentional rolling.
Once you have determined a stroller contains these basic safety features you can browse through the other offerings to get the style or particular type of stroller you would like that best fits your needs.
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