Buying an Infant Stroller

Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

Infant strollers are a bit different that a stroller for an older child. Infant strollers must fully recline because the newborns and up to 3 months cannot all manage the weight of their heads. We as adults must provide support to those huge brain-cases. Just as when we hold and cuddle our newborn, cradling her sweet-smelling, fuzzy cranium in the crook of our elbow, we need to be sure that her head is held fixed and not allowed to flop uncontrollably. Therefore, an infant stroller must hold the infant's head stable, also. An infant stroller must have a setting that will allow the child to fully recline. Carriages as infant strollers have their good points with washable covers and easy steering. But they are pricey, meaning hundreds of dollars, and a child will out grow them in the first year or so. Still, some parents choose a baby carriage. These are ideal for a very young baby and they add status for the parents. Certain models are designed to have the “bed” be removable and double as a bassinet, which can save money and be convenient when traveling for an overnight trip. However, most blogs say these carriages; they look like the old English prams; are extremely difficult to fold and stow in a car trunk. The bloggers also say the carriages are heavy and bulky, but steer like a dream. From the baby's perspective, however, the carriages are the idea infant stroller because they offer a feather-light ride as the huge wheels and suspension systems dampen every bump. Umbrella strollers are definitely not an infant stroller. They offer no support and require the infant to sit upright. Even with padding, umbrella strollers will not adequately support an infant. If you have an umbrella stroller, set aside for later. By the time baby is six months or older, he will be ready for short trips in the umbrella. The lightweight strollers can be infant strollers. Some do go to full recline position, some do not. To have your newborn comfortable and safe, make sure your light-weight stroller lies flat. Almost all mid-sized and full-sized strollers have a full recline position. Therefore, these make excellent infant strollers and have the added advantage of being able to accommodate you child as he grows and develops. A novel approach to the safely traveling newborn is a body hugging, chest cuddler. These infant strollers are more backpack-like than stroller-like. They are usually worn on the chest for a newborn. They have a built-in head support. Mom or Dad can wear the newborn and still have some use of their hands. However, if you ever see someone wearing one, you will notice that they keep one hand on the baby. So much to consider when choosing or buying an infant stroller. Do your homework. Check to make sure the infant stroller you choose will fully recline. Make sure the baby's head is secure. Test the ease of folding and unfolding (and if this is your first baby, try the fold and unfold test with one hand).

You can find a helpful infant stroller buying guide and additional baby stroller information to help in your baby gear buying decisions at Aha! Baby.

	Jeep Cherokee Sport Stroller, Impulse List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $47.42
	Jeep Cherokee Sport Stroller - Impulse An ideal stroller for the active parent and baby! This rugged and compact stroller features free-stand and one-hand fold, all terrain wheels, snack tray, cargo bags and an active lifestyle fabric construction...

	Kolcraft Contours Lite Stroller, Tangerine List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $62.00
	Contours Lite stroller s compact and lightweight frame goes from planes trains to automobiles with ease The single front casters and large rear wheels steer clear of crowds or sidewalk bumps making hand maneuverability a breeze

	Jeep Liberty Limited 3 Wheel All Terrain Stroller List Price: $169.99 Sale Price: $130.00
	Jeep Liberty Stroller Get ready to conquer all types of terrain with the Jeep Liberty Stroller. With front swivel wheels, this stroller from Jeep Baby makes maneuvering anywhere easy and fun. Whether you're on a urban street, a suburban sidewalk or in the mall, this Jeep stroller is going to conquer all...

	The First Years Jet Stroller, City Chic List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $29.99
	The First Years Jet StrollerThe First Years Jet Stroller - Easier for You, More Comfortable for Your Baby!Finally, a stroller that is durable and, yes, it really will comfortably fit your little one up to 50 lbs...

	Graco Literider Stroller, Lively Dots List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $52.49
	Graco LiteRider Stroller You may be Supermom, but sometimes that stroller can be just too much to handle. The Graco LiteRider Stroller is the perfect solution. It weighs less than 17 lbs. and with the easy one hand fold you can pull it from the closet to the car to the park with superhuman speed...

	The First Years Wave Stroller, Urban Life List Price: $299.99 Sale Price: $224.99
	The First Years Wave Stroller-Easier for You, More Comfortable for your Baby! Finally a stroller that is durable and, yes, the Wave comfortably fits your little one up to 50 lbs. The Wave stroller spins from rear facing to forward facing with a simple twist and spin of the handle...

	The First Years Ignite Stroller, Red Stripe List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $44.99

	Chicco Ct0.6 Capri Lightweight Stroller, Tangerine List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $58.88
	With its lightweight, aluminum frame and stylish new design details, the Chicco Ct0.6/Capri stroller is trendy and travel-friendly. The Ct0.6/Capri's new rounder, roomier canopy can be adjusted to help you better protect your child from the weather...

	Graco SnugRider Infant Car Seat Stroller Frame List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $51.99
	Keeping baby on the go is one step easier with the Graco SnugRider Infant Car Seat Stroller Frame. Its streamlined, lightweight, and cost-effective design makes this stroller frame an ideal choice for parents who want to the convenience that a stroller affords but without the bulk and expense of a car-seat-compatible stroller...

	Contours Options 3 Wheeler Stroller II, Cinnamon List Price: $179.99 Sale Price: $136.00
	Kolcraft Contours Options 3 Wheeler StrollerThe redesigned Contours Options 3 Wheeler is all about attracting attention. Its reversible seat always gives baby a perfect view and comfortable ride. This single stroller includes an infant car seat attachment, 8" front single swivel and 12" rear never flat wheels...

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The First Years Carry Me Near 5 In 1 Bassinet, Ivory
List Price: $149.99
Sale Price: $120.28

The Carry Me Near in Sleep System is a portable sleeper bassinet bedside sleeper play seat and changing table all in one convenient product The three sleep modes allow you to keep your sleeping baby close to you wherever you go Thanks to the ergonomically designed handle you can confidently carry your sleeping baby from room to room in the portable sleeper The handles are battery operated It produces gentle vibrations five peaceful audio selections and a nightlight

	Badger Basket Natural Moses Basket with Hood, Sage Gingham Bedding List Price: $76.00 Sale Price: $29.74
	Perfect for when you're at home or visiting friends, this basket gives your infant a comfy cradle for sleeping. And when Baby outgrows the Moses Basket, use it to store stuffed animals or linens. It can even be used as a bed for dolls or small pets!A charming hood shades your baby, and is removable when not in use...

	Sage Gingham Bedding Liner Only for a Bassinet (Bassinet NOT Included!) Sale Price: $29.97
	Bassinet is sold separately! Bedding is also available in pink, blue, or white with sage, pink and blue gingham ribbons.

	Badger Basket Company Tranquility Baby Bassinet Cherry Frame with Pink Dots Bedding List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $126.95
	Badger Basket Company Tranquility Bassinet is lightweight and simple, yet generously sized inside and out. The suspended bassinet responds to baby's movements to reassure and comfort your little one during sleep...

	Jumbo Bassinet: Three-Tier Eyelet Bassinet Bedding Set Sale Price: $46.99
	This graceful, long skirt is crafted of pretty white eyelet. Ensemble is completed with a matching hood cover and a sheet. Sweet pink and blue bows add a finishing touch. It fully lines the interior of the bassinet with floor-length, three-tier layered skirt attached...

	American Baby Company Waterproof Fitted Quilted Bassinet Mattress Pad List Price: $12.99 Sale Price: $12.49
	Fitted Bassinet (15"x33") Waterproof Quilted Mattress Pads. Top: 100% Cotton Onion Quilt, Middle Layer: Soft Polyester Filler, Back: 100% Waterproof Vinyl

	The First Years Airflow Sleep Positioner List Price: $10.99 Sale Price: $10.00
	Designed for proper sleep position and greater air circulation for your baby. It helps keep sleeping infants on their backs as recommended, to help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)...

	American Baby Company Waterproof Bassinet Sheeting Pad List Price: $7.99 Sale Price: $7.99

	Green Frog Art 3 Piece Cradle Bedding Set, Olympia List Price: $450.00 Sale Price: $450.00

	Argington Organic Bam Bassinet Bumper, White List Price: $38.50 Sale Price: $38.50
	As an accessory, Argington offers a bumper especially made to fit our bassinet. The solid white quilted bumper is made of soft organic unbleached cotton and has ties to secure bumper to bassinet. Machine washable...