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Strollers - what to ask before you buy

If you're about to buy a stroller, but you're not sure which one is right for you (and your baby!), these questions will help you choose.

Click on a question below for more information.

1. Standards: Does the stroller comply with Australian Standards?
2. Wheels - number: How many wheels on the stroller?
3. Wheels - type: What type of wheels should I have on the stroller?
4. Harness: What kind of safety harness is on the stroller?
5. Safety: What other safety features should the stroller have?
6. Weight: How heavy is the stroller?
7. Handle: Is the stroller handle adjustable?
8. Construction: Is the stroller well made?
9. Reclining: Can the stroller recline?
10. Folding: Is the stroller easy to fold up?
11. Width: How wide is the stroller?
12. Size: Does the stroller easily fit into your car?
13. Cleaning: How easy is it to clean the stroller?
14. Bassinet: Does the stroller incorporate a bassinet?
15. Future use: Will the stroller be useful later?
16. Carrier: Does it come with a bag or basket?
17. Features: What other features are available for the stroller?

1. Does the stroller comply with Australian Standards?

A new mandatory standard for prams and strollers (three and four wheeled) was introduced through the Trade Practices Act under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, effective from 1 July 2008. The relevant standard is Australian Standard AS/NZS 2088:2000.

Part of this standard requires:

• that strollers have a wrist strap for the person pushing the stroller (and a label advising that it must be used), and
• an easily identifiable brake which stops all tyres at once so that the stroller won't roll away. Test the brake out in the shop by engaging it and then trying to push the stroller. Also make sure the brake is easy to access, especially in an emergency.

2. How many wheels on the stroller?

The everyday stroller has four wheels.

Strollers with three wheels:

• are often wider, which is more stable when going over rough ground, however this extra width may be a problem at the supermarket checkout
• may have wheel wobble in the front wheel
• are sometimes considered to be better than the four wheelers if you're taking the baby with you on your morning jog. However, it is not recommended that you 'jog' with either version.
• if the brakes only apply to rear wheels, the front one may turn and tip up the stroller if it's parked on a slope.

3. What type of wheels should I have on the stroller?

• Larger wheels are better suited for steps/kerbs.
• Make sure the wheels are large enough to travel over rough ground and uneven surfaces, particularly if you won't be using the stroller in a built-up area, .
• If the front wheel/s swivel - this will make steering a lot easier.
• The front wheel on a three-wheel stroller should be able to lock into position when needed - for example, on rough ground or at higher speed.
• Inflatable tyres give a smoother ride and may be easier to push along, but they may lose pressure and require pumping up - and they may get a puncture.

4. What kind of safety harness is on the stroller?

Make sure it is:

• strong and doesn't come undone unintentionally
• easy to use (but not easy for the baby to undo)
• securely attached to the frame
• a five point harness (a strap over each shoulder, one from each side of the waist, and one strap that goes between the legs to prevent the baby sliding out of the stroller when you're pushing it down a steep hill). The Australian Standard says that the crotch strap should be placed no further than 200mm from the backrest - if it's at the front of the stroller, it won't provide any support for the baby.

5. What other safety features should the stroller have?

Check that the stroller has:

• good stability, especially when the baby grows and is more mobile and heavier
• wheels that can be locked easily
• no sharp edges or bits jutting out that could hurt you or the baby (or any toddlers in the area)
• no small parts that will come away from the stroller and cause a choking hazard
• no places where either you or the baby are going to get your fingers jammed, especially when folding the stroller
• make sure the stroller won't fold up accidentally when you're using it - it should lock firmly into position
• good control over rough ground
• a secure harness so that the baby can't slide out or fall out of the stroller

6. How heavy is the stroller?

Really check this before you buy. It might feel okay at first, but wait til you've been carrying it around for a while...

If you are pregnant when looking at a stroller and don't want to lift it, ask someone of similar build and strength to you to lift it for you. They can then tell you if it's heavy, akward etc. Getting your husband to do this is probably not the best test because they're not always around - and may be stronger, taller, or just better at lifting!

Make sure it is light enough so that it's easy to lift out of the boot of the car or onto a bus, especially when you have to carry the baby under the other arm!

7. Is the handle on the stroller adjustable?

• If you can reverse the handle, this can be useful to prevent the sun shining in the baby's eyes, and will allow you to watch the baby while pushing the stroller, or let the baby face forward.
• If you can adjust the height of the handle, it's great for when two different size people use the stroller - or if you have a bad back.

8. Is the stroller well made?

Check that the metal is durable, that the brakes are strong and easy to operate, and that the stitching won't come undone. Also check for wheel wobble.

9. Can the stroller recline?

• For a newborn, the stroller should recline from 130 degrees (up to 180 degrees, or horizontal) to accommodate the baby.
• Make sure the child can't slide out at the top end of the stroller when it's reclined.

10. Is the stroller easy to fold up?

Do you have to remove the seat or other parts before you can fold it up? Can it be done in just one movement? You may want to try folding and unfolding it in the shop... some models can be surprisingly awkward until you get the hang of it.

11. How wide is the stroller?

If it's too wide, it may not fit through the normal supermarket checkout, and may even be too wide for some inner city footpaths.

Important for comfort if people of different heights take the baby out in the stroller, or if you have a back problem.

12. Does the stroller easily fit into your car?

A big irritation if it doesn't. Some collapse into two parts to make it easier to put the stroller in the boot.

13. How easy is it to clean the stroller?

Babies can be very messy. Make sure the whole thing, including any seat liner, is washable. Some strollers can be taken apart for cleaning.

14. Does the stroller incorporate a bassinet?

Some people have been able to use the stroller bassinet instead of buying a separate one when the baby is newborn.

15. Will the stroller be useful later?

• Make sure the stroller will still be useful when the baby is a toddler by ensuring a reasonable height backrest.
• Also, see if other adjustments are possible to make the stroller useful for longer.

16. Does it come with a bag or basket?

Some even include a change mat.

17. What other features are available for the stroller?

• Padded shoulder straps
• Rain cover
• Shade cover (some with a viewing section so you can still see the baby)
• Insect cover
• Spare padded seat cover
• Pump for pneumatic tyres
• Toddler seat
• Skateboard (a device on which a toddler can sit while the baby is being pushed in the seat of the stroller)
• Removable bumper
• Good design/funky looks.

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