STANDARD STROLLERS

BASIC FEATURES
basic features for the parent

My achy breaky back: Most parents searching for a stroller rarely consider their own comfort until after the stroller is purchased and after an extended pushing stint, end up with an aching lower back. One common complaint against many of the lower-end baby strollers is that the handles are too low for longer stints of pushing for taller parents as the continual hunching over the handles can result in lower back pain. What's more, taller people tend to have a longer stride and may find themselves kicking the axle or stroller frame. Fortunately, stroller manufacturers are listening and a growing number of strollers come with adjustable height handles and less "kickable" frames.

Everything but the kitchen sink: When it comes to standard baby stroller you should definitely expect storage-and lots of it! Unless you're going for one of those standard strollers that could double for an umbrella stroller, you can expect a roomy under-seat basket that can easily handle a standard-sized diaper bag and hopefully a place for your keys and cell phone near the handle bar(s). Unavoidable frustration factor: nearly every standard stroller prevents you from easily accessing the under-seat basket when the seat is reclined.

The shiny happy stroller pusher checklist:

1. Look for good storage space
2. Uncomfortable handles for your wrists & hands: Don't buy it!
3. You're hunch over the stroller: Don't buy it!
4. The stroller frame intrudes on your natural stride: Don't buy it!