A new baby stroller tops the shopping lists of most expectant parents – and, with price tags that can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, it can be a major investment. It is possible to find cheap baby strollers, but parents should proceed with caution. Safety needs to be the top priority, especially since, according to emergency-room reports cited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, some 10,800 carriage and stroller-related injuries occurred in 2005 (the most recent year for which a report was available).
That said, discount strollers can be excellent buys, as long as parents know what to look for. Here are some tips to keep in mind when searching for the best baby stroller at a bargain price.
Safety Features to Look for in a Baby Stroller:
The Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA) recommends that parents opt for the following stroller safety features:
- Adjustable parts that reduce the size of seat openings in the front to prevent the baby from falling out (especially important when the seat back is reclined into the flat position)
- A wide sturdy base wide to prevent tipping, even when the baby leans over the side
- A carriage or stroller that will never tip backwards when the child lies down in a flat or reclining position
In addition, always choose a stroller that has the JPMA Certification Seal. This means the stroller has undergone rigorous testing before it hits the marketplace.
Even if your chosen stroller brand and model does have the certification seal, aways check the CPSC and JPMA websites for the latest recall information. Some of the best-known and most trusted brands, including Baby Trend Strollers, Graco Strollers, Phil and Teds Strollers and Bob Baby Strollers, have been subject to recalls.
Convenience Features to Look for in a Baby Stroller:
While not essential for a baby's safety, here are a few features that can make a parent's life much easier when pushing a stroller around town:
- A mechanism that lets you collapse the stroller with one hand
- Big wheels that can maneuver through sand, gravel, or snow
- An adjustable-height handle – a must when one parent is significantly taller than the other
Considerations for Jogging Strollers, Double Strollers, and Travel Strollers
The same safety considerations apply when you're looking for a specialty stroller, so be sure to keep them in mind when searching for discount models. Lightweight travel baby strollers tend to be lower-priced, and bargain shoppers should find plenty of options. Jogging baby strollers and double baby strollers, however, can be very pricey. While budget-priced models are sometimes available at discount or big-box stores, be sure to examine them thoroughly, keeping in mind the safety guidelines above.
Be very careful before purchasing a secondhand jogging stroller or double stroller -– or any secondhand baby gear, for that matter. Check online for recall information, make sure to get all the instruction manuals and attachments, and clean the stroller thoroughly with a baby-safe cleaning solution before using it.
Happily, no matter how many flashy models turn up each year in baby-gear stores, it's not necessary to buy a fancy, expensive baby stroller. In fact, if new parents shop carefully, keep safety in mind, and do a bit of research before making their final choice, buying a discount baby stroller can be a very smart move indeed.
Source for CPSC study: National Electronic Injury Surveillance System
