By M. Thompson and Don Merrill

These are the features you need to know about when shopping for Baby Strollers:

Wheels The larger the wheels the easier it is to negotiate curbs and rough surfaces but bigger wheeles use up valuable trunk space.

Brakes Your baby stroller should have two parking brakes rather than just one. Some two wheel parking brakes are activated by a single stroke while others require two actions and have foot-operated tabs above each rear wheel. Make sure that setting the parking brake is easy and does not cause pain to your foot.

Handlebars More expensive models have thickly cushioned handlebars. Reversible handles can swing over the top of the stroller, then be locked into a front position so baby rides facing you. Adjustable handlebars can be extended or angled to accommodate people of different heights.

Opening/Folding It is essential that you be able to open for fold up your stroller with one hand.

Play Tray You might want to make sure that your baby stroller has a tray where your baby can play, keep snacks, or rest their hands. To make it easier to get a squirming baby or toddler seated, the tray should be removable or swing open rather than be permanently attached to both sides.

Footrest A footrest can help your child sit more comfortably without his or her legs dangling, but many are too low to help any but the tallest toddlers. Make certain that the seat rim is soft and won’t press uncomfortably into the back of your child’s legs.

Restraint System Get a model with a sturdy safety belt and crotch strap, which keep a baby or a toddler from slipping out. Most are made of thick nylon webbing. According to ASTM safety standards, a crotch strap should be mandatory when the waist strap is in use.

Leg holes Carriages and strollers designed for newborns or young infants, which fully recline, must have leg holes that close so an infant can’t slip through. Manufacturers use mesh or fabric shields or hinged, molded footrests that raise and clamp over the leg holes. According to the industry’s voluntary standard, a stroller with leg holes that can’t be closed shouldn’t be able to fully recline, which is meant to prevent its use with a newborn.

Shock Absorbers Air-filled tires or tires molded from foam can help give baby a smoother ride. So can shock absorbers–covered springs or rubber pads above the wheel assemblies. Softer suspension is a newer feature that offers a smoother ride, but a too-soft ride can come at the expense of steering control.

Fabric and Upholstery You’ll want to be able to sponge off spills and splashes and launder the upholstery without worrying about shrinking, fading, or puckering. Look for a removable seat and laundry instructions, usually on an attached tag or on printed instructions inside the packaging.

Large Basket

Large Shopping Basket A roomy, easily accessible storage basket underneath the stroller makes errands with a baby much easier. Choose basket size that’s at least big enough to accommodate a diaper bag. When shopping for a stroller, press on the storage basket’s floor–it shouldn’t drag on the ground when loaded. Some strollers have storage pouches, with elastic top edges, in back. Don’t hang any bags (including a hefty diaper bag or stroller diaper bag) on handle-bars. Follow manufacturers recommendations for all storage areas. The stroller can tip if overloaded.

You may want to check out my other guide on History Of Baby Cribs and Price Categories for Baby Strollers