When buying a new stroller, they are not much different from cars. It is important to ask yourself a few questions: How good is the suspension? Will the stroller handle different terrains? Is it easy to maneuver? Are there any storage options?
A baby stroller can seem like as weighty a decision as one made at a dealership — with so many different — and often expensive — models available.
Types of baby strollers
When stroller shopping, you should keep in mind the types of strollers available.
- Strollers are a great way to transport your baby right from the start, and they have lots of storage for all of the baby’s gear.
- Some full-size strollers come with a car seat attached to the stroller so that the child can transition easily from the car to the stroller. Additionally, you can save money by purchasing a stroller and a car seat simultaneously.
- When travelling or running errands around town, parents prefer lightweight umbrella strollers. These strollers fold up like an umbrella, making them portable and compact. Are there any downsides? Umbrella strollers are usually less durable and offer less storage than full-size strollers offer.
- Full-size strollers can accommodate one, two, or even three children using additional seating configurations.
- Reversible strollers: Also known as, modular strollers, reversible strollers allow you to face your baby towards you (ideal for smaller babies) or away from you (ideal for larger babies and toddlers).
- Jogging strollers provide increased stability and shock absorption when running with your baby. A baby cannot sit safely in a jogging stroller until about six months, so these options are unsuitable for new-borns.
- Are you looking for a double stroller if you have twins or a toddler and an infant? You should consider one. With these types of strollers, you can transport multiple children with two or more seats either side by side or one in front of others. Many strollers have “ride-on” boards that older children can sit on while their parents push them.
There is a variety of strollers that fit into multiple categories – for example, some full-size strollers can be converted, reversible, or used as a travel system.
Choosing the right stroller for your baby
Your family’s needs will determine the best stroller for your baby. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- How do you get around in the city with your stroller if you live? Do you need to have it in your trunk if you have to run into a store with a baby or if you have a special outing planned?
Your day-to-day lifestyle depends on how much you want to spend on a stroller.
- How many children you have now or plan to have in the future is also a consideration. With only one-child or spacing children many years apart, you may get by with just one stroller. In the case of multiples or siblings nearby, you might consider a convertible or double stroller.
- Be sure also to consider durability and maneuverability. Try to find a stroller you can fold with just one hand if you are constantly juggling a dozen things. Obtain adjustable handlebars if you are tall or if your partner is taller or shorter than you are. Obtain washable fabrics.
- The cost can sometimes be the deciding factor. Strollers are expensive. If you have sticker shock, you can get great strollers that are more budget-friendly. Retailers offering huge rollbacks around big shopping holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day can sometimes offset the cost. A quality stroller may save you money in the end if you plan to have more than one child.
- Space: Consider how much space you have, how many children you will be accommodating, and whether you will be taking your baby stroller on vacations.
Here are our top picks for baby strollers.
A baby stroller comes in many varieties, and there is a lot to consider when choosing the right one for your family. To help you choose the best strollers, our editors and community members compared the above guidelines with the strollers they have tried and loved. Check out our list of the top strollers for babies. Interested? If you narrow it down, choosing the features that suit your lifestyle becomes easier.