Safety is the most important factor when choosing a stroller. All strollers available at Farmers are certified for use in New Zealand and comply with current safety standards.
Think about what you'll be using the stroller for. If you're an active person who plans on running or walking with your baby, then look for a stroller that is suitable for all terrains, has a solid build and the option of a wheel lock. If you're looking for something to keep in the back of the car just for shopping trips, then a smaller, lightweight or umbrella stroller would be a good option.
When buying a stroller for a newborn ensure that the stroller seat can fully recline to near flat. Alternatively, a travel system can be used as the stroller can be used in conjunction with an infant capsule car seat.
Check that the stroller is manageable to lift and put into your car, and how much space it takes up in your car boot. The lighter the stroller the easier it is to push, put in a car, carry upstairs or into a house. The stroller needs to be light enough for you to do all this without straining.
A stroller should be very easy to fold and move into a car or your house. Once folded it should have a lock to ensure it doesn't spring back open without warning.
Check the size of the storage basket underneath, is it going to accommodate the things you want to take with you when out and about? Never balance bags on the handle of the stroller - they could make it tip over.
The advantage of a stroller with either a reversible seat or reversible handle is that you and your baby can face each other; a comforting feature for many parents, especially in those first months. Once your child is a little older and would prefer to be able to enjoy the same view as you, a reversible stroller can easily be repositioned so that they can watch the world go by.
An extendable hood provides shade and shelter. A viewing window in the hood lets you keep an eye on your child.
Some strollers come with rain covers to keep your child dry. If the stroller you want doesn't have a rain cover, you can buy a generic one.
The height of the handles are always worth considering, especially if you are particularly short or tall. If you are sharing the stroller with a partner who is a different height to you, it is worth investing in a stroller that has adjustable handles for maximum comfort.
At some point your stroller is probably going to see the wrong end of an ice cream cone or juice bottle - look for a stroller with easy wipe surfaces or, better still, removable machine-washable seat pads.
This reduces the likelihood of injury by the child's feet getting caught on the ground or in the front wheel.
Your child will get a smoother ride with larger and/or pressurised-air wheels, especially on rougher terrain. You will find that smaller swivelling wheels are easier to manoeuvre through shops and restricted spaces.
Travel systems are very popular as they include matching infant car seats (capsules). Ideal for when out and about in the car, as you can transfer the baby straight into the stroller without removing them from the capsule. Alternatively, many strollers are compatible with capsules that are sold separately, and can attach to the stroller with adaptors.
A variety of accessories may be available to use with your stroller including:
