WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Buyer Beware: Baby strollers

Buyer Beware: Baby strollers

(Columbia) May 2, 2003 - Sixteen-month-old Jillian loves her stroller and her mother, Breena Fishback, says it's indispensable, "We use it all the time. We use it to go to the store. We're going on vacation, we're taking it with us. We always, always use it."
     
Consumer Reports just tested 31 strollers, from major brands like Graco, Maclaren and Evenflo.
    
The first buying tip is that parents should consider how they'll use them. Mari McQueen with Consumer Reports says there are jogging and all-terrain strollers that have heavier suspensions and air-filled tires for more adventurous parents, "All-terrain or jogging strollers are fun for people who like to get off the beaten path. They're good on something other than pavement like earth or the beach."
    
Consumer Reports found major safety problems with one called the Baby Jogger. One test simulates what happens if you park it on a hill. The baby jogger could roll into traffic even with its brake on. The wrist strap poses another problem. The stroller can fall if you're jogging and let go.
     
Testers also looked at infant-car-seat-stroller combinations. Once the car seats are outgrown, they can be converted to regular strollers.
   
McQueen says you can also opt for a traditional stroller with some coming with extra features like cup holders for baby and parents, "Traditional strollers are good for people who get around a lot on foot. They offer a little storage area usually under the stroller and it's a safe place to stash your diaper bag and maybe a few groceries." That's the kind a lot of parent take to the mall. It's easy to handle.  
    
Consumer Reports says if your child is over a year old, you may want to consider a lightweight stroller. They have fewer bells and whistles, but they' re easy to fold and carry. Two good ones are the Graco Citilite 6479 and the Maclaren Volo. Both cost about $100.

Reported by Judi Gatson
Posted 5:49pm by BrettWitt

All Consumer Reports Material Copyright @ 2003 Consumers Union of U. S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED