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Home / Help / Buying Guide - Baby Strollers | Big W

Investing in a sturdy and safe stroller for your baby or toddler is a high-priority when it comes to having a child. But with so many options available - different types, sizes and features - choosing the right one for you and your child can be a tricky task. Our stroller buying guide explains the most important things to look for when browsing for a stroller that best suits your lifestyle.

Always check the recommended age for the stroller before purchasing to ensure it is suitable for your child.

 

Which stroller type to choose?

Strollers are designed for babies and toddlers to travel in a sitting position. Many modern baby strollers provide adjustable seat positions - reclined, semi-reclined and fully seated - to suit the needs of your baby from birth to infancy. Deciding on the type of baby stroller that is most suitable for you and your little one mostly depends on the age of your child, where you live and the lifestyle you lead.

For parents who often take their babies for morning walks or strolls in the park, a stroller that has larger wheels and is better on variable surfaces may be a better choice. For parents who are constantly on the go and regularly in and out of the car or public transport, strollers that are lightweight and easily foldable are more suitable. The lighter and more compact the stroller, the easier it is to travel with, store away or carry upstairs.

There are 3 main types of strollers – 4 wheel strollers, 3 wheel strollers and double strollers.

 

4 wheel strollers

Ranging from lightweight to mid-weight, 4 wheel stroller models are suitable for kids at different ages & ideal for everyday use in various environments. Some have adjustable seat positions. The umbrella stroller is a lightweight 4 wheeler model. They are a good option for parents who commute on public transport, or parents who want easy access in and out of a vehicle. Advantages include:

• Light
• Compact
• Easy folding

Keep in mind they are only suitable for kids under six months if the pram allows for a full recline position.

 

3 wheel strollers

More suitable if you’re likely to use the stroller for long walks, jogging, or on uneven surfaces, 3 wheel stroller advantages include:

Large and sturdy wheels, ideal for longer walks and even jogging in the park

Often better at absorbing the impact from bumps or loose gravel on the path

Easier to push around on surfaces such as grass or uneven pavements

Keep in mind:

They do tend to be heavier than their lightweight 4-wheel counterparts

Usually less compact, which can make them harder to transport

 

Double strollers

For parents with twins or two babies, the double stroller is a good option. There are two main models to consider - the side-by-side and front-to-back.

Side-by-side models may be:

More lightweight and less bulky than front-to-back ones

Wider than front to back models, although they should be able to fit through a standard door

Front to back double strollers may be:

Narrower & easier to navigate through smaller spaces

Bulkier & harder to fold up quickly

Note that the child in the back may not be able to see out of a front to back stroller, although some strollers will boost the back seat so both children can enjoy the view.

 

 

 

Important safety features

Regardless of the type of stroller you choose, always make sure there are adequate safety features that meet the mandatory Australian safety standards. Small children almost never sit or lie still, so it's important to make sure the stroller you buy is safe and comfortable for your child. Absent or insufficient harnesses, protruding parts that your child can harm themselves on, gaps they could trap their fingers in and sharp edges or points are safety hazards you should look out for when shopping for a stroller¹.

The standard dictates that strollers must have waist and crotch tether straps, and brake pedals or levers that are located in positions where they can't be reached by the child restrained in the stroller² . And 5-point adjustable safety harnesses containing shoulder, waist and crotch straps are considered the safest option for protecting your child from slipping out of the stroller seat and getting injured³ . Look for straps that are adjustable, as they allow for your child's growth.

Linked, foot operated brakes allow you to activate both the left and the right brake by a single action without bending down. Brake levers should be red, so they contrast the surrounding framework and can be seen easily ⁴.

 

Additional features

Apart from safety features, additional features such as an adjustable backrest, a canopy or storage space can provide that extra bit of convenience you need when going out with your child.

Seats

As mentioned above, an adjustable backrest can move from seated to fully reclined positions. This is ideal for young babies and can provide more comfort for older children who want to take a nap on the go. Younger children may also prefer having their parents in sight, while older children may be keen to observe all the exciting things that are happening around them. In these cases, reversible seats come in very handy, as they allow you to switch your child's positions between facing you and facing forward.

Wheels

Large inflatable wheels are better for wear and tear on rough or bumpy surfaces, as the pressure in the tyres provides softer suspension. Use a manual pump to inflate the tyres and make sure to stick to the tyre pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Strollers with swivelling front wheels are ideal for use in varying environments, although it is good if the front wheels can be locked.

Canopy

When out and about in the sun, it's important to keep your baby's skin protected. A stroller with an extendable canopy is perfect for long days spent out on a picnic or at the beach, as they can keep your child sheltered from direct sunlight. If you are spending time outdoors with your child between 10 am and 4 pm, make sure you keep the canopy open, as this is when the sun's UV rays are the strongest⁵ . Remember to keep your child hydrated when on the go and to apply sunscreen before leaving the house.

Handles

Strollers with adjustable handles can come in handy when switching between 'drivers' with different heights. You might not have to worry again about slouching to suit the height of the stroller. Simply adjust the handle to facilitate ease and comfort of use!

Storage

Nappies, food, sippy cups, cot toys - as a parent you know the essential items to bring along with you when you are on the go with your child. Make sure to check that the basket or tray under the seat of the stroller provides ample space to store everything you need for your baby as well as additional packages such as shopping bags.

Stroller Accessories

To make your kid's ride is as comfortable as possible; Big W has a great range of baby stroller accessories available. If your stroller doesn't feature a canopy that can be extended, separate travel shades and weather shields are available. Cushions specially designed for car seats and strollers can increase your baby's comfort by providing additional head and neck support during naptime. You can also find soft harness covers that can help protect your baby's skin from irritation. If you are about to embark on a long journey and plan to take your stroller with you, investing in a travel bag with carrying handles could make transporting the stroller around an easier task.

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Keep our tips in mind when browsing for your ideal baby stroller. Visit us online or come down to your local Big W store for a glimpse of our great range of products and a stroller test drive.