Looking for the safest stroller?

Here is what we want you to know about stroller safety.

You are obviously looking for the best stroller possible for your little one, that’s how you got here in the first place 😉.

We have been in your shoes and were overwhelmed by the many options available. It’s hard to know what the RIGHT stroller for you and your family is, not to mention making the decision for THE ONE. It will accompany you through big parts of your parenting journey - from those first few months of getting to know this tiny human throughout the toddler years when the calm moments of stroller naps are becoming few and far between.

We are working hard on our smart stroller “Ella” who will take care of some key safety concerns of current strollers. While we are not quite ready for launch just yet we want to share some important safety tips with you to keep in mind when choosing a stroller right now.

Key Stroller Safety Features

If you are anything like us or many of the parents we interviewed over the past year, you are at the very least confused by this new world you are exploring - the stroller market. Many of the popular models come with big price tags and don’t vary all that much when it comes to functionality. However, there are a few things we would like you to keep in mind when choosing your baby’s first ride, especially when it comes to their safety.

Brakes!

You really want to be able to trust those. The good news - most quality strollers have brakes that lock both wheels which is the safest option. Others may only lock one wheel or even just apply pressure to the tire which may wear out over time. Also make sure a toddler sitting in the stroller can’t reach the brake lever and release the brake by themselves. 

Generally speaking, the foot actuated brake paddle can be found near the rear wheels. Some strollers, however, also come with hand brakes similar to bikes.

Seat belt!

Your stroller should have a 5 point harness to keep your little one safe and sound. Test it and make sure it is easily adjustable to grow with your baby and doesn’t become a hassle for you when using it multiple times a day.  

Lay flat position!

If you are planning to use the stroller for a newborn make sure it allows you to put it in a lay flat position. Until around 6 months babies can’t sit up and safely hold their head by themselves. During this time they should lay flat, a position that also supports their spinal development.

We would recommend choosing a stroller with a bassinet where the newborn doesn’t require to be strapped in with a seat belt. It’s the safest and most comfortable sleeping position for those little ones and believe us, you will be happy for any additional minute of sleeping bliss you can get.

Many quality strollers offer modular systems that come with a bassinet and a separate seat for the stroller. The added benefit, some bassinets are even rated safe for overnight sleep.

Wheel base!

Choose a stroller with a wide wheel base for increased stability. You still want to comfortably fit through standard doors (usually 30”) but a wider wheel base reduces the risk of strollers tipping over which is one of the main reasons for stroller related accidents.

Storage capacity!

As small as those babies are, sometimes you may feel like you are heading for a weekend getaway rather than a trip to the neighbourhood park telling from the size of the bag you are bringing along.

Make sure the storage bag fits your diaper bag and also offers some room for other items (e.g. your baby’s favorite stuffed animal). It should be close to the ground and not reach beyond the back wheels to ensure a safe weight distribution when loaded.

Compatibility with your car seat!

If you are not going for a travel system (stroller and car seat from the same brand usually sold as a bundle) make sure your stroller is compatible with the car seat you have or want to buy. Stroller brands note on their websites which car seat models they are directly compatible with and also whether they offer adapters for other models to ensure a safe connection between the car seat and the stroller chassis.

Comfort for the parent!

Lastly, make sure the stroller is comfortable for you too. A comfortable stroller equals a safe stroller. The easier it is for you to use the stroller, the less struggling you will encounter when the stroller is fully loaded. The adage of “A dull knife is a dangerous knife” applies similarly to strollers.

Remember to try the stroller and ensure they are comfortable for you too!

These are just a few aspects for you to consider.

Try and picture how your every day life will look like.

• Will you be moving the stroller in and out of the car often?

• Use it for quick trips to the local grocery store?

• Ride on bumpy forest and park trails?

• Get your exercise in while jogging with your little munchkin?

• How much space do you have at home to safely store it?

The better you know how you will use the stroller the easier it will become to make a decision based on functionality.

Let us know whether you are interested in a full list of questions we wished we had asked ourselves when we were stroller shopping.