Being a new parent is a matter of joy and pride. The new arrival also brings in many requirements. Parents do endless planning on what to buy for their baby. Among the many things parents may choose to buy is the baby stroller. Strollers allow a convenient way for parents to take their babies around without having to carry them for long hours. So, what should you look for in a baby stroller?
There are many popular brands manufacturing and selling different models of baby strollers in India. Finding the right product to suit your specific requirements may be a confusing prospect. In this article, we give you a detailed guide on how to purchase a baby stroller, various factors to consider and the top 10 brands in India you can choose from.
In This Article
- What is a Baby Stroller?
- Do You Need a Baby Stroller For Your Baby?
- Top 6 Different Types of Baby Strollers
- How to Choose the Right Baby Stroller For Your Baby?
- Other Additional Features to Look For While Buying Baby Stroller
- When to Start and Stop Using a Baby Stroller?
- Pros and Cons of a Baby Stroller
- Top 10 Popular Baby Strollers For Babies in India
What is a Baby Stroller?
A baby stroller is a wheeled device in which the babies can be seated upright. Strollers are designed with safety belts, a crotch strap, and a harness that ensures safety. A canopy is also attached to help secure the babies from unstable weather conditions. It is best suited for infants who have just begun to sit or those with perfect head balance. The best thing about strollers is that they relieve the parents, can walk more comfortably, and keep their babies in comfort.
Do You Need a Baby Stroller For Your Baby?
While a baby stroller is a requirement for new parents, it is certainly not an essential one. However it, depends on the parents, their lifestyle and the choices they make. Strollers certainly make life easier for parents on the move. Taking your little munchkin out on walks gets easier with a stroller. Walking in the parks becomes a breeze. Your baby will be able to enjoy the surroundings without you having to carry them everywhere.
Running everyday errands such as shopping also get easier, even if you have to take your baby along with you. In short, be it for shopping, a good evening walk, or a regular visit to the doctor; strollers can be your good friend to help.
Top 6 Different Types of Baby Strollers
There are different types of strollers available in the market. You can choose the one that would best suit your needs.
1. Full-Sized Stroller
As the name suggests, the full-sized strollers are heavy and durable ones that are bigger enough to hold your little one until their entire toddler age. The following are some of the best features of full-sized strollers.
- Bigger in size
- Durable
- Deep Seat Recline
- Can be attached to the Car seat
- Expandable Canopy
2. Lightweight or Umbrella Stroller
They are very light and are suitable for people who do not wish to carry the heavy weight of full-sized strollers. The following are the features of Lightweight or Umbrella Strollers.
- Light Weight
- Easy to Fold
- Can fit in a truck
- Partial recliner in seat
- Has a storage basket
- The Canopy can be expanded
3. Jogging Stroller
If you plan to take your little one with you for a jog, a jogging stroller is a must. The following are the features of jogging strollers.
- Superior Suspension
- Expandable Canopy
- Safe for babies while on a trek or jogging
- Deep reclining seat
- Spacious storage basket
- Wrist strap
- Hand brake.
4. Double Stroller
What if you have twins? You need not get two separate strollers; instead, buy a double stroller. They are two strollers attached and designed primarily to cater to the needs of twins. Now, you can comfortably take your twins for a walk or shopping in a double stroller.
- Easiest way to carry twins around
- Feature a sturdy make
- Strong enough to hold two babies
- Cheaper than buying two individual strollers
5. Car Seat Carrier
A car Seat Carrier can be used as a car seat and a stroller. These car seats can be easily converted into strollers in a few seconds. The following are some of the features of car seat carriers.
- Compact and lightweight.
- The transformation can be made quickly and well-suited for travel.
6. Travel System
The travel system combines the car seat with the Stroller. This ensures no-fuss transfer of babies from the car seat to the stroller. You can take the car seat and attach them to the stroller.
- Available in all three types – Full-size, lightweight and jogging systems.
- No fuss transits from the car seat.
How to Choose the Right Baby Stroller For Your Baby?
Baby Strollers are not budget-friendly. It would help if you had a checklist or features to look out for in the Stroller. Let us look at what to look for in a stroller.
1. Is it Newborn-Friendly?
Most strollers are suitable only for kids who have better head control and have just begun to sit. At the same time, a few provide a very deep recline or a bassinet model. The deep recline or bassinet is suitable for a newborn. So, when you buy a new stroller, choose the one that suits your infant.
2. How Easy is it to Use?
Once you have prepared a list of strollers and are finally convinced with one single option, do not just blindly buy them. A fancy display in the store does not warrant easy operation. Take a test ride and check how easy it is for you to handle.
It would help if you asked yourself the following additional questions before you choose.
- Is the steering smooth?
- Can you handle it with one hand in case of an emergency?
- What happens when you make a tight turn?
It is better to analyze how easy it is to use beforehand to avoid any risks on track.
3. Where Will You Use it?
The most critical factor when choosing strollers is where you will use them. If you use them in the city’s narrow streets, a bigsized one won’t suit you the best. It would be best if you went for an Umbrella model. But the umbrella model does not give you space for everything, including the diaper bag, your purse, etc. So, think about where you are all going to use the strollers. That will solve half of the confusion.
4. How Easy is it to Fold and Unfold?
When you need to fold and unfold the strollers, remember that you will have to hold the baby in one hand and close or open the strollers in another. So, ensure that the one you choose is easy to fold and unfold. Just do not go by the descriptions. Test them before you buy. Most strollers are easy to fold or unfold by one hand. It is always better to check them in advance.
5. What is the Weight of the Baby Stroller?
You need to check on the weight of the baby stroller and ascertain whether you can handle the weight on the road. Well, the term lightweight means different to different people. While some brands call 12 pounds lightweight, others call 25 lightweights. So, check if you can handle the Stroller’s weight and purchase them.
Other Additional Features to Look For While Buying Baby Stroller
Other features that you may want to consider are
a) Washable fabric
Ensure that the fabric of the Stroller is washable. Assume a place where the baby’s mess is unavoidable, and you have bits and pieces of snacks. Everything together can make the Stroller messy and dirty. It would help if you washed them regularly to keep them clean and fresh. A well-maintained stroller can be durable and lasts longer.
b) Storage
You must take all the extra items when you take your baby out for a walk or shopping. So, a basket with a spacious storage area will make your life easier.
c) Quality Wheels
Wheels are significant players in strollers. So, check that the wheels are sturdy and durable.
d) Safety Features
Ensure that the Stroller meets all the safety requirements for smooth travel.
e) Sun Canopy
The Strollers with a canopy can protect the babies from sun, rain, and other unstable weather conditions. Some strollers cover the entire Stroller, have a window to protect the babies, and have an eye on them.
f) Longevity
Choose the Stroller that has a long-lasting life and can grow with your baby. You must keep buying new ones once your baby grows up.
When to Start and Stop Using a Baby Stroller?
You can start placing your baby in strollers even as a newborn. You must ensure that your Stroller has a deep recline and can suit them well.
Ideally, experts recommend weaning off the strollers by 24 months, encouraging the kids to walk, and then weaning them off entirely in a few months. By 2 years, kids need to explore the milestone of walking. Strollers might make them immobile and inactive.
Pros and Cons of a Baby Stroller
Baby strollers involve an excellent handful of investments. So, let us discuss the pros and cons before you decide the buy them.
Pros
- Safety and Security top the list of pros. When you are out with your little one, the Stroller ensures that your baby is placed safely and comfortably and buckled carefully. They are with you all the time, even in a crowded place.
- If you are a new mom and want to go on a jog or a simple walk, you need to hire someone or request someone to take care of the baby. A Joggers stroller can help you take your little one along with you for the job or a walk.
- It is easy to carry the newborn to all places with strollers. But as they grow, it might not be the case. The Stroller comes to the rescue. It is more about pushing the gears rather than carrying your little ones.
Cons
- If you are a mother who goes shopping and jogging regularly, one Stroller might not be sufficient to cater to all your needs. You may need to purchase more than one, depending upon the situation.
- Apart from the lightweight strollers, every other one occupies a lot of space when folded and placed in the car. Especially if you are the one choosing more than one Stroller, you might end up having insufficient space to place the strollers.
- Strollers can create a lot of stress during international travel, especially if they are bigger and do not find a way into the overhead bin of the flight.
Top 10 Popular Baby Strollers For Babies in India
Here are some of the best options to buy in India.
1. LuvLap Spark Baby Stroller
The Baby Stroller with heavy-duty wheels and is the best partner for outdoor activities. It has a reversible handlebar that lets you watch the little one at all times. It can be easily folded with the push of a single button. The detachable food tray and storage space make the work easier for the parents.
Pros
- 5-point safety harness
- Soft Cushioned Seat
- Multi-level recline option
- Adjustable and foldable canopy
- Adjustable footrest
- 360-degree front wheel with swivel lock
- Rear Wheel Link Brakes
Cons
- The Footrest is made of plastic and might hurt the baby when they move the legs faster.
2. Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System, Sandstone
The Modular Baby Stroller has six reclining positions for comfort and safety. The canopy is durable and keeps your little one safe from sun and rain. The baby stroller works on the LATCH system that keeps the seat adequately in place at all times.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Large and adjustable canopy
- Removable Bumper bar
- Huge storage basket
- Large Cruiser tires with tread
- Safezone base with belt lock-off system
Cons
- The car seat base is placed a bit higher.
3. R for Rabbit Lollipop Baby Stroller
The Rabbit Lollipop Baby stroller strives to provide the best safety features for your baby. The front wheel measures 6.5 inches, gives a perfect suspension, and makes travel smooth and comfortable. It has a reversible handle, so you can walk by facing your little one.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Colorful
- Compact
- Adjustable leg rest
- 3-stage recline position
- Spacious storage basket
- Five-point harness
Cons
- Expensive
4. Little Pumpkin Buggy Baby Stroller
This Stroller comes in Aqua-blue and satisfies the European Safety standards 1888.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Full Canopy
- Umbrella-fold Design
- 2-Point harness
- Minimalist design
- Affordable
- Sturdy material
Cons
- No recline in the seat
5. BabyGo Delight Reversible Baby Stroller
This Baby stroller is foldable and has a reversible handle. A mosquito net is attached to protect babies from flies and insects. It has three reclining positions. The adjustable handle helps you to face the baby all the time while walking outside.
Pros
- 2-point safety harness
- Adjustable Canopy
- Light-weight frame
- Huge Storage Space
- Rear Wheel with brakes
- Front-wheel with direction fixers
Cons
- No Feeding Tray
- Cushioning is not enough for comfortable seating for long hours
- Wheel Setup and movement are not easy to operate.
6. Mee Mee Baby Stroller
This baby stroller is easy to carry and store while traveling. It comes with a double protection safety lock and a 3-point safety belt. There are three different reclining positions.
Pros
- Double Cushion
- Washable cover
- Reversible handle
- 360-degree rotational front wheels
- Rear wheel with brake
- Huge storage basket
Cons
- The Wheels are not durable.
7. Chicco Echo Stroller
The Chicco baby stroller can be used as a stroller and a car seat for babies.
Pros
- Multiple recline seat position
- Expandable Canopy
- Full-suspension front wheel
- Back wheel with brake links
- Compact and one-hand foldable Design
Cons
- Canopy does not have a flap
- Bulky
- No storage space
8. Joie Aire Twin Baby Stroller
The Twin baby stroller is lightweight and easy to carry from one place to another. It has an extendable canopy to protect the babies from the sun, a small window, two separate seat liners and individual canopies. It is easy to fold and pack the stroller.
Pros
- 5-point safety harness
- Light weight
- Easy to pack and unpack
- Reversible seat liners
- Automatic fold lock
- Folding is easy and quick
Cons
- The stroller is smaller.
9. Tiffy and Toffee Maxtrem Baby Stroller
This Baby stroller comes with 8-wheels and a reversible bar to provide extra support and comfort. It is the best partner for long travel and is suitable for babies from zero to four years old.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- 3-point safety harness
- 360-degree mobility
- Safety swivel lock
- Reversible handlebar
- Adjustable 3 reclining positions
- Large and adjustable canopy
- Detachable and cushioned seat
- Convenient rear-wheel brakes
- Back Pocket
Cons
- Folding and unfolding can be complex tasks.
10. Luvlap Starshine Baby Stroller
It can hold babies around 20 kgs making it suitable for toddlers too.
Pros
- Safety belt to ensure that your baby is safe.
- Built with solid steel
- The expandable Canopy has two layers
- Looking window and back pocket
- Spacious storage basket
- Adjustable seat with 3 different positions
- 180-degree recline seats
Cons
- Not suitable for busy streets
- Cannot be used under extreme conditions.
Strollers give a comfortable journey to both the parents and the babies. Choosing one for your munchkin is not an easy task. Always do a test check and avoid going by the features read on the package. Select the type of stroller you require according to your needs and activities. Sometimes, you might need more than one stroller to use at different times while at different places and activities.
Be clear about your purpose and look for the different brands on the type of stroller you need. Choose and narrow your search to a few brands, check the features, test them and then complete your purchase. You need to invest the money and a lot of time to research and conclude. All you need is maximum safety and comfort for your little one and yourself. Happy parenting!
Read Also: How to Choose the Right Baby Rocker For Your Baby?
