Strollers can be found all over the world. Infants and toddlers, up to the age of 3 or 4, can be encountered on almost any urban sidewalk, tiny potentates in their modern sedan chairs commanding the attention of all who come within their presence. Although relatively new, the stroller is the end product of a long history of baby transport.
William Kent, a rather well-known garden architect of his day, is credited with the invention of the first baby buggy in 1733. At the request of the Duke of Devonshire, Kent designed a shell-shaped basket on wheels which could be pulled by a goat for the enjoyment of the duke's children. Kent's contraption caught on, making its appearance, often as a highly decorated piece of art, on the estates of the wealthy throughout Europe. Others took Kent's idea and modified it with their own, most notably with the addition of a handle, thereby morphing it from a simple amusement for the children of the privileged to a convenience for parents.
It wasn't until the 1840's, however, that baby buggies gained true traction as a household item. As is so often the case even today, it was Queen Victoria's purchase of three carriages which guaranteed their popularity. Anyone who wanted to associate themselves with royalty and high society, and had the means, had to have one for their own children. To lend even further cache to them, buggies soon had model names like Duchess and Princess, or Balmoral and Windsor.
A few of the best brands are the McLaren stroller, Orbit stroller, Bob stroller, Graco stroller, City Mini stroller, Combi, City Select, Quinny, Peg Perego, Stokke, Baby Trend and Chicco strollers.
It wasn't until the post World War I period, however, that carriages became accessible to most working families. Improvements continued to be made - foot brakes were added, the basket was deepened, and the basket was situated closer to the ground - all increasing the carriage's safety. In 1965, after listening to the difficulties his daughter encountered traveling with her baby from the United States to Britain, Owen Maclaren developed a brilliant solution. An aeronautical engineer by trade, Maclaren, using lightweight aluminum and a collapsible frame, invented the umbrella stroller. His design was so successful, that the stroller quickly outpaced the carriage and became the purchase of choice for parents. Aspects of his design are still seen today in every stroller on the market.
Choosing from among the many styles and manufacturers on the market, however, can be a bit daunting. Here are some guidelines that can make the choice a bit easier. Look for strollers that are stable and don't tip easily. This is particularly true if you plan to hang a diaper bag from the back, or the child attempts to stand while in the stroller. There should be at least a three-point harness or, better still, one that has five-points. Check that there are no sharp surfaces or exposed bolts or hardware.
If you are tall, buy a stroller with adjustable handles to prevent back fatigue. Choose one that takes corners easily. Consider how you be using the stroller. If you will be doing a lot of walking, a standard size stroller with larger wheels and thicker cushioning might be better. If you will be getting on and off busses or trains a lot, then a lightweight stroller may be your wisest choice. Spend some time weighing your options and you will find a stroller that will be just right for you.