The Dear Dr.MOZ Baby Blog

There have been a surge of new stroller brands entering the US and Canadian market over the past few years (each with their own designs and special functions), so I thought I would meet with one of my favorite groups DaddyDaily.com for advice on the subject. In today’s Q&A, we cover basic stroller features and safety tips. Come back tomorrow for “Part 2″ where DaddyDaily will be back to help The GoodFather choose a few favorite strollers.

Dr.MOZ: Hi DaddyDaily! I thought we would start by helping new parents separate the good from the bad strollers. Most of the strollers on the market look good, but what are the signs of a well-designed stroller that new and expecting parents should look for when shopping for functionality and durability?

DaddyDaily: Thanks for having us Dr.MOZ. When it comes to strollers, safety should be on your mind as well as functionality. So no matter the look, a well designed stroller should include:

1. A large base to provide stability for the stroller even when a child is leaning over the side of the stroller.
2. Proper safety restraint straps, 5 point harness system are the best.
3. Adequate storage for necessary items (i.e. diaper bag) underneath the seat/s of the stroller.
4. Wheels have good locking mechanisms.

Dr.MOZ: Some of the strollers I’ve seen out in the world have more cup holders and chrome than my car. How much should new parents expect to pay for a typical modern stroller that will last a few years?

DaddyDaily: Strollers come in so many styles (umbrella, carriage, jogging, travel systems, etc…) and the choices are endless. Prices vary dramatically anywhere from $20 for a simple umbrella stroller to $1,000 for the fancy “celebrity” strollers. Typically, expect to spend anywhere from just under $200 to about $400 for a stroller solution.

Dr.MOZ: It seems like there are a lot more gadgets and safety features on modern strollers than there were even two years ago. What safety tips should new parents keep in mind once they have a purchased a stroller and are ready to roll?

DaddyDaily: Most safety tips seem like common-sense, but they really can be easy to forget when you are out in the world with a baby in tow. There’s a lot going on in a grocery store or a mall parking lot, and you have no control of most of it. General safety tips for strollers include:

1. USE THE SAFETY RESTRAINT STRAPS – EVERY TIME!
2. RETURN the warranty card for the stroller to ensure you receive any recall announcements! Companies are generally very good at sending this information on a timely basis. Also, it’s a good idea to check the web site www.recalls.gov for the latest recall information.
3. Ensure the frame locking features are engaged to prevent the stroller from collapsing on the child.
4. Check the front of the stroller to prevent the baby from falling out when the seat is in the reclined position.
5. When child is in a reclined position, make sure the stroller can’t tip backwards.
6. NEVER leave your child in stroller behind a parked car. Always put the stroller on the side of the vehicle and put the baby/child in your vehicle first, then deal with groceries, bags, keys, etc…
7. Apply the wheel locks or brakes when the stroller in not in motion.
8. Don’t overload the stroller with items or hang heavy bags on the handles. This is particularly important to remember during the upcoming shopping season when things get hectic. Remember it’s a stroller for your baby, not a shopping cart.

Don’t forget, you can visit DaddyDaily at www.DaddyDaily.com and don’t forget to visit us tomorrow because they’ll be back to help the GoodFather pick out some of his favorite strollers on the market!

Have fun and stay healthy,
Dr.MOZ