Help in Choosing Baby Prams

It can be difficult trying to wade through all the baby products on the market, especially when it comes to baby prams. You'll want to do your homework, however, since you'll likely spend a fair chunk of change on your pram and you want to make sure it's safe and comfortable for your little one. Some questions to ask yourself:

• Will you be taking public transportation a lot?
  
• Can you pick up the stroller and open and close it by yourself?
  
• Is it a size that is suitable for storing in designated areas on buses and in restaurants?
  
• If you own a car, can you fit the baby pram inside the boot?
  

Top Safety Issues

In addition to these questions, there are a number of safety issues to consider. Firstly, check the brakes. You want a good locking system that is sure to hold the baby pram in place when stopped. Try testing it with extra weight to ensure it still holds steady, as well as on a hilly place. You don't want a runaway pram with your baby in it! You should also get in the practice of always putting the brakes on, even if you're in a flat area. Better safe than sorry.

The second safety point is the harness system. You should check that any baby prams you look at have proper harnesses to buckle your baby in; this should include shoulder straps, a waist strap, and straps that come through your baby's legs underneath. It's good practice to buckle your baby into the pram as the very first thing you do. That way, if it accidentally gets away from you, your baby will be protected in its harness.

Thirdly, you'll want to make sure that the baby pram is evenly weighted so when you hang items on the stroller, especially its handles, it won't tip over. This could be very dangerous if your baby is actually in the stroller, and can be painful to you if it falls on you.

Wheel Considerations

When it comes to wheels on baby prams, you'll want to consider the areas in which you'll mostly be taking your infant. For strolling around town and on sidewalks, wheels made of plastic are just fine. Be careful of their alignment; once they go wobbly, it can be hard to steer. They're also slightly heavier, but can more easily fit into the boot of a car. Umbrella options while good for shade in the sun are also bulkier.

Durable rubber wheels allow you to take the stroller on less smooth surfaces, such as a hiking path or the beach. However, they can get punctured more easily, which can be a hassle especially if you're far away from home. Parents.com recommends the Schwinn FreeWheeler 2 that has wheels similar to bicycles and retails for $330.

Don't forget about storage. Big rubber wheels are great for all terrains, but are bulkier in size and can be hard to store and place in your car. You might be surprised at how light they are, though.