Stroller Buying Guide
Types of Strollers
Lightweight Strollers, sometimes called “umbrella” strollers, are lightweight strollers weigh around 12 lbs, or less and fold easily for carrying. Perfect for travelling and for quick trips to the store, but not the best choice for long walks.
Full Size Strollers are usually packed with features from an easy-fold design, roomy undercarriage for holding your diaper bag, etc, to parent cup holders and a feeding tray for baby. These strollers will fully recline, making them perfect for newborns.
Travel Systems are innovative strollers, equipped with an infant car seat that easily snaps into the stroller. With the infant seat’s stay-in-car base, you can transfer the car seat from your car to the stroller (and vice versa) without disturbing your sleeping baby.
Joggers are needed if you want to take baby with you on your morning jogs or runs, or simply enjoy the great outdoors in bumpier terrain. Joggers feature three large all-terrain wheels, a hand brake, storage basket, canopy and deep, comfortable seating.
There are many different types of strollers to choose from. The right one for you will depend on where you plan on going with baby. Your stroller will probably be used daily well through the toddler years. So it is important to choose a stroller that will meet your needs as your baby grows.
Which stroller is for you?
Consider the following:
Your lifestyle
Do you need to be able to frequently climb stairs? Does the stroller need to be lightweight and fold easily to fit in a car trunk or on an overhead compartment? Do you plan on taking your baby jogging outside with you or do you simply need a stroller to go to the mall with? How big is it, folded and unfolded? Will it fit in your car trunk? Can you take it with you if you use public transportation?
Your child’s comfort
If you plan on transporting a baby under 3 months old, make sure the stroller can fully recline, or is designed to hold your infant car seat. If you have more than one child, a double (or triple) stroller might be right for you.
Your comfort
If you and your partner are tall, make sure the stroller handles are adjustable in height. Try out the stroller first, and make sure it is comfortable for both of you. Some strollers feature a one-hand-fold feature, which is handy while packing it back into the car while you hold baby.
Maneuverability
Fully independent wheels with caster-like movement will help you maneuver through those narrow grocery aisles and between people in crowded malls. Some models feature a locking device which point the front wheels straight forward for added stability. If you plan on jogging or walking outdoors with your stroller, look for larger wheels to help you negotiate bumpy roads and easily “pop” the curbs.
Convenience
Some strollers come with pockets and holders for everything from your bottle of water to your cell phone and car keys. A snack tray can be very helpful when dealing with a hungry toddler while you are on the go. You’ll want a stroller that folds and unfolds easily, and if it is important to you: allows plenty of room for your diaper bag and purchases.