Baby strollers are one of the most important purchases new parents need to make once their baby is born.
In the first few weeks, studies have shown that babies need to get as much fresh air as possible, as fresh air not only provides oxygen that gives energy and stimulates exercise, but that it also has less germs than indoor air as the ultraviolet rays of the sunshine kills them.
In addition, exposure to sunlight also makes the skin produce more Vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth.
Also, as today's new mothers are keen on losing all the baby weight gained and like to be physically fit enough to be able to juggle motherhood and work, strollers today are manufactured and equipped to enable mothers to do a little running or jogging with their babies in tow.
The first jogging stroller came into being in 1980, when Phil Baechler decided to go for a run while pushing his son in his carriage.
Deciding that he needed to ensure his son's safety, he decided to make little adjustments to the stroller by adding a third wheel and bicycle tires, calling his design the Baby Jogger.
He soon invented a two-seater stroller and called that the Twinner.
Eventually, with more and more parents venturing into serious running and training, baby strollers were manufactured to withstand rugged conditions by being made with off-road tires, state-of-the-art suspension, maximum traction, extra padding and lightweight frames, all the better for athletic parents to navigate and maneuver them even on the roughest surfaces.
These days, more features have been added for the ultimate strolling convenience like multi-compartments, food and drink trays, sophisticated brake systems for parking and sudden stops, and swiveling front wheels for even easier and smoother maneuvering through tight spaces.
So do you choose the best of these babies for your baby? Well, in addition of course to budget considerations, you also need to match the stroller with your baby's needs, as well as their comfort and safety.
Baby strollers can be a parent's best friend, but if you choose the wrong kind, it could also be a parent's worst enemy.
As your first consideration should be your baby's safety, make sure you choose a stable stroller, one that won't topple easily even with a heavy diaper bag hanging from its handles.
You should also go for strollers equipped with a five-point harness so your baby doesn't fall off even during a sudden stop.
Also, don't be afraid to test out your stroller before purchasing it by pushing it around the store.
Check the handle height and if your feet hit the wheels as you push.
More than anything, a stroller is something you'll always have to bring with you so make sure you get one that can be easily folded and stored in your car.
You also need to get one that has trays for food and drinks as well as extra pockets for your baby essentials like diapers, milk bottles, etc.
Don't let the lack of a drink tray hinder you from purchasing what seems to be the best for you and your baby.
For busy parents, there are now what is known as travel systems or pre-packaged sets that include a stroller, an infant car seat and a car seat base.
It allows parents to simply snap the infant car seat onto the stroller, moving the baby from car to stroller and vice versa, easily.
With all the advancements made towards the ultimate stroller safety and convenience, as well as a multitude of styles and designs to choose from, there isn't a parent who won't be able to find the best stroller for them and their baby.
Online or off, there is a stroller designed to fit your needs to a T.