How to Buy a Baby Stroller

How to Buy a Baby Stroller

Whether you’re headed to the park for a leisurely stroll or to Paris to see all of the sights, a stroller is a must-have for life on the go with baby. The right stroller not only gives baby a safe place to sit or snooze, but it also provides a place for you to stash all of those must-have essentials, from wipes and diapers to a change of clothes and an extra pacifier. 


    But finding the best stroller isn’t easy. The market is saturated with all different types of models and prices that vary widely from as little as $30 to upwards of thousands of dollars. So when you begin your hunt, first consider your budget. Then, think about how you plan to use your stroller to narrow down your options. Ask yourself some key questions, like: Where are you going to use it? Where are you going to store it? How many babies will be using it? And how much stuff do they have?


    A basic lightweight umbrella stroller makes travel (and storage) easy, while high-function stroller systems boast helpful features like extra storage and snap-on bassinets or car seats. For some, a basic model for occasional use is perfectly suitable. For others, the splurge on a more advanced model is well worth it — even if it feels like a big investment. If you frequently take baby out and about or plan to have multiple kids, your stroller will likely get miles and years of use.


    Before you purchase, don’t be afraid to try out your top choices. A trial run goes a long way in making sure it works for baby’s needs — and for the needs of other family members who will be pushing it, folding it and stowing their things within it along the way.


    What are the different types of strollers?


    There are six basic types of strollers:
          Full-sized stroller
       
     
            Lightweight or umbrella stroller
       
          Jogging stroller
       
          Double stroller
     
            Car seat carrier
       
            Travel system 
 
    It’s worth noting that although many strollers do fit squarely into the above categories, there are plenty that don’t. Some strollers can have characteristics of more than one type (i.e. a double jogging stroller).

    Full-sized stroller

    What it is: If you’re hoping to invest in one stroller that’ll wheel your baby right through the toddler years, look no further than a full-size stroller. Bigger, sturdier and usually more durable, these strollers are the standard option. Plus, many models come with a full range of features that not only make baby’s ride a joy, but also make your life easier.

    Full-size stroller benefits: The go-to option for many families, a full-sized stroller covers all the basics and offers nifty bells and whistles that usually include:
   
            Wide, comfortable, well-padded seat
       
          Deep seat recline
       
          Option to mount the seat forward-facing or rear-facing
     
            Option to attach a car seat
       
     
            Convertible design that grows with baby, from newborn use with car seat (or optional bassinet, in some cases) to toddler use
       
     
            Expandable canopies
       
   
            Sturdy tires with decent suspension to absorb shock
     
            Roomy basket for storage
       
     
            Telescoping handlebars (especially helpful when one parent is tall and the other is petite)
       
          Useful nice-to-haves, like a cup holder or snack tray 
       

    Full-size stroller downsides:

      Can be bulky and heavy (if you take public transportation, climb stairways frequently, or navigate busy streets or small stores with your baby, this can make it tougher to travel with)
       
   
     
            May also be a tight fit for a small-space home with limited storage.
 
    Lightweight or umbrella stroller


    What it is: You might lose a few of the features you can find in a full-sized stroller, but an umbrella stroller scores points for being supremely easy to handle while on the go.


    Lightweight or umbrella stroller benefits:

 
       
            Often weighing under 15 pounds, a lightweight stroller is designed for portability (some even come with a shoulder strap).
     
            These models are easy to fold, which makes stashing one in the trunk or taking it on an airplane, bus or train a snap.
       
     
            Many lightweight strollers still come equipped with beneficial features, such as a partial seat recline, expandable canopy, storage basket and built-in cupholder or snack tray.
       
 
    Lightweight stroller downsides:
   
            If you’re looking for a stroller you can use from the newborn months on, a lightweight stroller won’t do. While a few models can safely carry newborns with car seat adapters or bassinet attachments, most umbrella strollers are designed for babies 6 months or older.
       
     
            Most lightweight Pushchairs do not have a convertible option, which means if you end up having a second (or third) baby within a few years of your first, you'll likely need to purchase a second stroller.

    Jogging stroller


    What it is: On the run — literally? Then a jogging stroller might be a good option. Jogging strollers typically have larger, sturdier wheels and better suspension to take bumps and alternate terrain in stride.


    Jogging stroller benefits:
 
            Superior suspension lets you walk, jog or hike and keep baby in comfort while on and off the trail.
      Many jogging strollers come with a front wheel that can swivel (for flexibility) or be fixed (for stability at higher speeds).
      Depending on the model, other benefits may include compatibility with a car seat (for use from newborn through toddler stages), deep reclining seats, telescoping handlebars and generous storage baskets. A hand brake, five-point harness and wrist strap are key safety features, so don’t go jogging with a stroller that doesn’t include these.

    Jogging stroller downsides:

      A jogging stroller can be a bit heavier and challenging to assemble.
       
      If space is tight, a jogging stroller usually can't fold up as small as an umbrella stroller.

            Jogging strollers are typically wider than even many full-size strollers, which means maneuvering them through tight spaces can be challenging.
       

    Keep in mind that while most three-wheeled strollers are referred to as “joggers,” not all three-wheelers are actually optimized for runners. Some of the most popular three-wheelers are “hybrid” strollers that lack hand brakes and other safety features, and therefore, aren’t intended to be used for jogging with baby. Serious runners will want to do a test drive to make sure their jogging stroller has the appropriate safety features and functionality.

    Double stroller

    What it is: If you’ve got twins in tow — or a toddler who’s not ready to give up their stroller days — then a double stroller is the way to go. Doubles come in two formats: tandem, where one child sits behind the other, or side-by-side seating.

    Double stroller benefits:

        With multiple children, this option enables you to swiftly manage only one stroller.
      Because these models are on the bigger side, there's usually ample storage space.

    Double stroller downsides:

            Strollers for two tend to be bigger and bulkier, weighing in at up to 40 pounds and with a much larger footprint.
       
 
            Though there are some lighter options, these are not without issues, as they don’t tend to take bumps and alternate terrain well. As you shop, consider width (does it fit through your door?), mobility (is it well balanced? how does it turn?) and whether it’s compatible with one or two car seats.
  Car seat carrier

    What it is: These wheeled frames are built to transform your infant car seat into a stroller in just a snap (literally!).

    Car seat carrier benefits:

          Car seat carriers are compact and lightweight.
        For a no-fuss transition into and out of the car, they are convenient and great for travel.
       
      Some car seat carriers can even accommodate multiple babies.
       

    Car seat carrier downsides:


            Car seat carriers tend to be best for short-term use, since baby outgrows the infant car seat quickly. That said, some full-featured baby prams function as a car seat frame, then transform into a toddler-friendly stroller.
       
        Car seat carriers generally do not have any extra features like cup holders or storage.
       

    Travel system

    What it is: An easy-to-connect travel system pairs together an infant car seat and stroller. There are full-size, lightweight and jogging stroller travel systems, so you can choose a system with the type of stroller you like best.


    Travel system benefits:
 
            Having an infant car seat that connects to your stroller with an adapter (usually built in) means you can move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without waking her up.
   
            Being able to buy both components as a set may save you money.
       
    Travel system downsides:

        While the stroller will usually last into the older toddler years, your baby will outgrow the infant car seat much sooner than that.
 
            If you’re a multiple-car family, you’ll need to buy a separate car seat or base to use with your second car.