When shopping for a stroller, you want to ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck. If you just buy the most basic model, it could easily fall apart after a few months or fail to meet your specific needs. For this reason, many parents are opting for reversible strollers like the Trend Ultra.
However, it is important to understand whether you are getting the best reversible stroller on the market. Additionally, you may have questions about how reversible strollers work and how they can specifically benefit you. So, in today’s guide, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about reversible strollers and hopefully help you find the best reversible stroller available!
What Is A Reversible Stroller?
If you are unfamiliar with the term, a reversible stroller is like a traditional stroller, but it allows you to realign the seat so that it can either face forwards or backward. For example, with a standard, traditional stroller, you and your child face in the same direction; you stand behind the stroller and push it forward, while your child remains in the seat looking away from you.
With a reversible seat stroller, you have the option to use it this way, but you also have the ability to turn the seat around. This allows your child to sit facing their parent, which can have various benefits in different scenarios. It is also a great way to see your little one’s smiling face wherever you go!
Contrary to popular belief, the reversible stroller has been around for a long time. In fact, it is nearly a century and a half old! The reversible baby stroller inventor first came up with the idea in 1889. African-American inventor William H. Richardson took his idea to the patent office in June of that year, forever changing the way people thought about baby carriages and strollers. Today, it remains one of the most popular stroller designs among parents all over the world!
Which Way Should A Baby Face A Stroller?
There is no perfectly correct way to seat your baby in a stroller, at least when it comes to the direction they are facing. In fact, there are various benefits to your child facing forward (away from you) or backward (toward you). Many parents switch between the two based on several different factors, from the weather to the age and temperament of their child.
For example, if the sun is very bright or you are walking in inclement weather (rain, snow, heavy wind, etc), it is better to have your child facing backward. This way, the canopy of the stroller can better protect them from excessive sunlight or bad weather. If you live in an area with relatively unpredictable weather, you may choose to keep your stroller in the backward-facing position all the time. Additionally, having the canopy covering your child can ensure that they are better supported and protected from any potential dangers, like falling tree branches.
Many parents use reverse-facing strollers to be able to have more face-to-face time with their children. If you have a very young baby, they may become distressed if they cannot see your face. So, having a stroller facing mom or dad can help keep them calm and happy while you are out and about.
Alternatively, toddlers and older children may prefer facing forward. Rather than simply seeing their parent, they may want to see all of their surroundings as you walk together. For this reason, it is best to have a versatile stroller that can switch from one direction to the other in a matter of seconds.
In short, there is no perfect answer to the question above. Whether your child is facing in or out will depend on a variety of factors. As a general rule, it is better to have infants and younger children facing you to keep them well protected and happy to see their parent(s). On the other hand, older children that still use strollers may prefer to face outwards so that they can have a better view of everything around them.
Benefits Of Reversible Strollers
As mentioned in the previous section, there are many reasons to use a rear-facing or front-facing stroller. So, rather than buying two different strollers, a 2-way facing stroller (stroller facing both ways) offers the best and most affordable solution. In any case, let’s take a closer look at some of the most important benefits of reversible strollers:
- Bonding – One of the most frequently noted benefits of reversible strollers is the enhanced ability for parents and children to bond. For example, if you take your child to the grocery store in a front-facing stroller, they will have plenty to see, but they will not feel as much of a connection with you. On the other hand, if you have a reversible stroller, you can bond and communicate with your child directly while you shop. This offers you even more time and opportunities to improve the emotional bond with your child, especially from a very young age.
- Protection – Most strollers are open in the front so that you can easily seat your child and take them out of the stroller when necessary. However, when facing away from you, this also means that they are more susceptible to bad weather, heat, or bright sunlight. Allowing your child to face you gives them the protection of both you and the canopy, while also giving you the ability to keep a closer eye on them as you walk.
- Visual Stimulation – Thus far, we have primarily highlighted the benefits of using the reversible stroller in the “reverse” position. However, having both options available to you is important. Children need visual stimulation and exposure to different environments for their brains to develop properly. Having visual stimulation will make them more curious about the world around them. As a result, allowing your child to face forward can let them see the world and have fun “adventures,” even when you are just going on a simple walk around the neighborhood.
- Mood Control – Finally, many children get in bad moods when they are hungry or tired. Having a reversible stroller can help you better control their mood. If they are mad at you, they may want to face forward and have their temper tantrum. Alternatively, if they miss you, they will want to face back to see your face and make sure you are still with them.
The Trend Ultra Reversible Stroller
When it comes to lightweight reversible strollers, there are no better options on the market than the Trend Ultra Reversible Stroller. This compact reversible stroller is specifically designed for ease of use and maximum versatility. The large seat and canopy make it extremely comfortable and safe for your child, while the design makes it easy to fold and store whenever the need arises. So, if you are in the market for a lightweight stroller with a reversible seat, you should definitely consider the Trend Ultra!
We hope you enjoyed our guide on the reversible stroller! Do you want to learn more about enhanced child transport solutions or other parenting accessories? If so, be sure to reach out to Valco Baby today!