Be sure the stroller comes equipped with a proper, and operational, restraint system. Look for a three-point seatbelt that wraps the waist and comes up between the legs. The latch should be comfortable up against your child. If you are buying a jogger, get a five-point belting system (shoulder straps) since jogging will result in your child being jostled about. The shoulder belts should keep them in place comfortably even when jogging.

Be certain the stroller has a brake. For most everyday strollers, this will just be a brake to use when you are parking the stroller. Be certain it works and is easy to engage and disengage. For joggers, you should also insist on a brake that can be used to slow down the stroller while running. Make sure the brake is easy to operate and that you can lock up the tire(s) without too much effort.

Look for a mechanism that allows the stroller to be folded up for storage and travel. Be sure that you can operate the folding mechanism by yourself; it's not much fun to be standing outside your car in the snow desperately trying to fold your stroller. Even more important than how easy it is to fold, consider how dependable it is when it is open. Be certain that when opened, there is a secure locking mechanism that keeps the stroller from folding accidentally. If this happens when your child is in the stroller, serious injury can result.

Try out the stroller and see how comfortable it is to maneuver. Ideally, you should be able to maneuver the stroller with one hand. Strollers with both front and rear swivel wheels tend to be easier to use. Strollers with wheels that only move in one direction are usually harder to steer.

Look at the height of the handle. The stroller will be easiest to use if the handle is at waist height. For most people, this is not a problem. But if you are exceedingly short or tall, you may want to opt for a stroller with an adjustable height handle.

Consider features that will make the stroller more, or less, comfortable for your child. These include comfortable padding; reclining seats (makes for easier napping); canopies to protect and against sun, rain, and wind; cup holders and bins for snacks.

Be sure that the stroller has plenty of storage space for things like changes of clothes, snacks, diaper bags, backpacks, etc. The more storage you have, the more satisfied you will be with the stroller.

Kids make lots of messes. If your kids are especially prone to making messes, try to find a stroller with removable fabric covers over the seats. Removable or not, look for fabric on the stroller can easily be cleaned with water and cleaners. While a specially designed fabric may look great new, if it's not washable the shine will quickly fade.

Carefully look at the frame of the stroller for sharp edges or pokey bits. In addition look for gaps that could catch small fingers and toes. Look at the leg openings of the stroller; make certain that they are not wide enough for an infant to accidentally slip through them.

Before you buy a new stroller, or any other product for your child, check the product recall finder website (http://www.babycenter.com/product-recall-finder) to see if there is a recall against the product you are think about getting.