One of the most important and significant purchases that you will ever make for your baby is to purchase a baby stroller or carriage for him or her. They are so many carriages on the market today, how do you know which one to select. They key to remember is to shop around and make sure you find one that is safe and comfortable for both baby and you.

Types of Carriages

They are many types of carriages; they come in different styles, forms, sizes, and in level of abilities. In some cases, you may need to purchase more than one carriage to meet baby’s different and changing needs. Strollers or carriages fall into a few major categories, based on these you can make an educated decision on what to purchase.

Carriage- This is usually a large, heavy stroller. It usually has a reclining back, a padded seat, canopy, and a large basket. These carriages feature large wheels for a smooth ride. As the baby grows, it will be able to adjust and become an upright seat. These are the best for infants.

Umbrella- These are lightweight easy to carry and very inexpensive. They fold easily and can fit in small spaces for quick storage. It consists of a pouch that you can sling around the metal frame, with an umbrella. Sometimes it has a canopy or basket. These models if you place too much stuff on them, can tip over, so you must be careful.

Standard-This is usually the family’s main carriage. The standard carriage can offer a partial or a fully reclining seat and a well-covered seat. It has a double set of wheels for an easy ride, and ease of moving around.

Lightweight-These carriages are a combination of a convenience with all the features of a standard carriage. They are made of aluminum, and is very sturdy. It is very portable and comes with a reclining seat. These types are generally more expensive.

Jogging-These types of carriages are built for parents who want to jog around with their babies. They are light weight and feature three large types of tires. They roll very smoothly and they come with shock absorbers and brakes. These are great for parents who love to exercise and want their kids to exercise with them. Safety Tips

When using a carriage, remember the following safety tips:

* Make sure that the hand rest and seat are in the reclined carriage position.
* When you are folding and unfolding the carriage, keep the baby away from it, accidents can happen.
* Make sure you secure the seat belts on the carriage, you don’t want your child slipping out.
* Never leave a baby unattended in the carriage.
* Never use a pillow, quilt or blanket as a mattress in a carriage, kids can get tangled up in it, and suffocate easily while sleeping in the carriage.

While they are many types of carriages, you have to keep some things in mind. Make sure that the metal frame is strong and sturdy. Check out all four of the wheels on the carriage, they should be touching the floor, and it should not rock back and forth and be unstable. The seat should be covered and well padded. Make sure that the carriage offers a smooth ride for the child. Check consumer reports and make sure that they are no recalls or safety defects with the carriage that you are looking to purchase. Remember that the most important thing is safety first when deciding on the type of carriage to purchase for you and your child.