1. On a simple stroller ideal for quick errands, look for hollow plastic wheels that are lightweight and inexpensive. Everyday strollers feature more durable, solid composite wheels with a smoother ride. Rugged, all-terrain, air-filled tires won't jostle your child no matter where your adventures take you, but cost more and require some maintenance.
2. Horizontal "crossbar"-style handles are easy to steer with one hand in case a child wants to be carried or you need to haul a bag of groceries. Strollers with two separate handles often maneuver better. Telescoping handles adjust to the height of each parent for a more comfortable experience.
3. Keep your children happy and comfortable while they view the world with a tray to hold drinks, snacks, or toys. Strollers with parent trays keep your drink, cell phone, and child care essentials close at hand.
4. Make the most out of your stroller by using the storage area below the seat to stow diaper bags or purses. Versions made of mesh slings are lightweight but can be easily overloaded. Instead, look for solid bottom storage areas to prevent contents from scraping the ground.
5. The old adage about "a place for everything and everything in its place" definitely applies to strollers. Keep yourself organized by assigning each one of your pockets or compartments a role, and then stick to your system. You won't have to rummage around in a panic, looking for a bandage or a juice box while your children wail.
6. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infants should ride rear-facing from their first ride home from the hospital until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car safety seat's manufacturer. Usually, this corresponds with about one year of age and at least 20 pounds.
7. Your children can start to ride forward-facing in a convertible seat once they have reached the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer of the rear-facing seat. They should ride in forward-facing seats with harnesses until they outgrow them (usually at around 4 years of age and about 40-65 pounds).
8. When your children have outgrown their forward-facing seats, it's time to graduate to a booster seat. However, harnessed seats are the safest option and should be used as long as possible. If a child outgrows his harnessed seat before he is 4 years old, consider upgrading to a larger model before you switch to a booster seat.
9. Save your shoulder by slinging a special diaper bag over your stroller. Designed with long, looping carrying straps, stroller diaper bags often use a fold-over flap and have two facing -ront pockets in addition to two end pockets.
10. Protect your children from rain and the elements with a convenient stroller cover, which is well-ventilated for comfort. Summer evening jogs will be more pleasant if you attach a stroller net to keep bugs away from your children. Now, if only you knew how to save yourself from rain and bugs .
