Baby Strollers - A Baby Stroller Buying Guide for Parents
Before looking into what stroller to purchase, it's a good idea to know what you expect from a stroller and what uses you will have for it. Some things you might want to consider include size, function, features and price.
Stroller size
Baby strollers range in size from large (such as a double stroller) to so lightweight a toddler could pick it up. I will describe the various types below but when thinking about the size it is important to consider stroller storage as well as any transporting you will need to do. Our traditional sized stroller is nice and comfortable for the baby, but it also takes up almost the entire trunk of my mid-sized car. Besides the actual space the stroller takes, consider the size of the stroller in relation to your body size. Are you a shorter mom? You may have problems loading and unloading a larger stroller. Are you taller in height? Your longer stride and arm length could pose a problem with some smaller strollers. Maybe you're short and dad is tall, which would call for an adjustable stroller.
Function of the stroller
Nowadays, you can find a baby stroller to meet just about every need you can imagine. The next thing to think about when choosing a stroller is what you are going to do with it. Do you want to be out with your newborn infant? Want to share your sport with baby? City Dweller? Mom of twins? Do you want something trendy that will turn heads as you walk the mall? Strollers like the Bugaboo Frog are good for multiple functions and some like an umbrella stroller are only good for one, maybe two.
Stroller price
In the end really it comes down to how much you are willing and able to invest in your baby stroller. Strollers can vary in price from just over $20 many thousands of dollars for a high-end, luxury or specialty strollers. Buying the less expensive stroller may not be the most cost effective measure when it comes to a baby stroller. In general, a cheaper standard strollerwill last a year or less and may not encompass the features you want and/or need. Price can be a sign of quality but, in the world of baby strollers, that is not always the case. According to testing by Consumer Reports, "some [inexpensive] strollers not only performed as well as the priciest wheels, but were also easier to use."
STROLLER STYLES - STROLLERS GALORE!
Standard or Full Featured strollers
You can probably guess what a standard full-featured stroller is. These tend to be the larger options that contain all the creature comforts parents and babies could want and/or need. One feature parents enjoy most is the ability to easily attach an infant car seat. Cup holders, storage bins, reclining seats, extra padding and snack trays are generally standard features as well. With new innovations, parents can choose from a range of styles.
- Best baby strollers - Rising to the top are strollers from Inglesina and Peg Perego as the best of the best of standard strollers. Though these two have a higher price tag, they rate the highest for ease of use, maneuverability and most of all parent satisfaction.
- Best budget-conscience strollers - Just because you have a tight budget doesn't mean you can't get a quality stroller for your little one. According to Consumer Search, the best budget stroller is from Graco. Some Graco strollers are also available in a travel system, making their strollers even more of a value.
- Best luxury strollers - Newer on the US market are more high-end luxury strollers, with a starting price tag above $500. With a slick modern design, these high-end strollers are streamlined, lightweight and versatile (although with some you have to purchase the extras to make it that way.) Which ones make the grade? Hands down parents and professionals choose Bugaboo strollers as the best luxury strollers available.
Travel Systems are by far the most popular means of purchasing a first baby stroller. Encompassing not only a full-featured stroller but an infant car seat as well, a travel system generally offers a discount over buying both pieces separately. The only downside to purchasing a travel system is that the stroller itself can be hefty, sometimes weighing 35 pounds or more. Since the infant car seat is the most important piece of the set see our car seat buying guide for further information.
Umbrella or Lightweight Strollers
Designed as a bare bones, lightweight stroller option, the umbrella stroller has come a long way from the $20 cartoon character, cheap baby stroller one used to pick up at the store. Though there are generally minimal features available, umbrella strollers offer a lightweight and compact option once baby no longer needs a recline option - though some are now coming equipped with this ability.
- Best umbrella strollers - Described as a "new age" lightweight stroller, the strollers from Maclaren tops the list as the best lightweight stroller available.
- Best budget conscience umbrella strollers - When it comes to umbrella strollers, you get what you pay for. So, how do you get a decent stroller while maintaining a tight budget? Reviews are recommending strollers from Jeep Wrangler.
Designed with three wheels for smooth pushing, jogging strollers have become a new craze as parents want to stay active even after baby is born. Most jogging strollers are equipped with inflatable bike tires, hand brakes, shock absorbers and a plush suspension which makes it a smooth ride for baby. A true jogger will have a fixed front wheel, making steering while running easier. Other all-terrain strollers will look similar but have a moving wheel. In the case of jogging strollers, you get what you pay for. There are several companies the specialize only in jogging/sport strollers (BOB Trailer and Baby Jogger) and others that specialize in sports gear (Kelty and Schwinn/InStep). These are generally the brands topping the charts when it comes to recommending a jogging stroller.
- Best jogging strollers - No matter which review site you are looking at, they all agree that the entire line of BOB Trailer jogging strollers are the best of the best. BOB jogging strollers are usually the first picks because of the lightweight construction.
- Jogging on a budget - Best for fitness walking or light jogging, strollers from Baby Trend are available for a smaller price. Available in an array of bright colors, the Baby Trend strollers include a few parent conveniences such as a parent tray with cup hold a separate infant car seat adapter. The downfall is that unlike its more expensive counterparts, Baby Trend is described as bulky and difficult to fold.
ALL TERRAIN STROLLERS
Out of the designs of the jogging stroller came sport utility versions, which have the similar features to their brother the jogger with the exception of a swiveling front wheel and a slightly heavier frame. All-Terrain strollers are great for those strolls off the beaten path. Many stroller companies are jumping on this band wagon, but only a few excel at producing a quality product.
- Top-rated all-terrain strollers - A Mountain Buggy stroller wins the hearts of parents wanting a great all-terrain stroller. Designed with a fully reclining seat and the ability to accommodate up to 100 pounds, the Mountain Buggy will last for years. Although it is not plush or tricked out with tons of features, the Mountain Buggy has a durable frame and great maneuverability making it a favorite among owners.
- Best budget all-terrain strollers - Coming from a sport background, an InStep stroller features great everyday maneuverability at an easy to manage price. Available in both single and double models, an InStep comes with some accessories and folds up easy for storage.
When baby number two comes, or twins arrive a double stroller is a must. Double strollers are available in a variety of styles to meet your needs including tandem (front and back), side-by-side, convertible and sit n stand. In general the best double strollers are a double version of their single stroller counterparts that have been described above
- Best Tandem Stroller - A Graco double stroller is a good choice. With stadium like seating and easy folding, a Graco is great for families with multi-age children since baby can be in the fully reclining rear seat or an infant car seat attachment. It folds easily but is still a hefty piece of equipment.
- Best Side-by-Side Twin Stroller - Check out an Inglesina. It is most preferred with narrow width and easy maneuvering. Best suited for twins side-by side strollers will always take up a good amount of space, but parents like that both children can see what is happening.
- Alternative Double Strollers - Breaking out of the mold of the twin strollers are a few alternative style strollers including convertible strollers and sit-n-stand strollers. Sit 'N Stand strollers are a new alternative to twin strollers which feature a traditional seat as well as a place for an older child to stand in the back. Sometimes these models also come with bench seating. Look at Baby Trend for a good solution.
- Convertible strollers come standard with a single seat with an optional "jump seat" that can be added on. The top rated example of this is from Phil and Ted.
BABY PRAMS
Some parents to be are still in love with the nostalgic look of a baby pram while some love the ability to have an infant facing them while strolling. You can still get the classic style baby pram... for a price of course. One of the primary manufacturers of infant prams is Inglesina, who takes pride in the Italian hand embroidery, leather handles and superior materials the prams are equipped with. For those preferring a more modern design, many strollers are now coming equipped with a baby bassinet and or a rear-facing option. The most popular would be Bugaboo brand strollers.
Things to keep in mind while stroller shopping:
- Test it out - If you are uncomfortable you won't like it. The handlebars should be a good fit not only for your hands, but also your height/stride.
- Look for reclining seats for newborns or a car seat attachment. Since newborns need to lay down for the first few months, this will be the safest option.
- 5-Point harness - most models of strollers come standard with a 5-point safety harness which is the most secure for baby. Make sure the harness is easy to adjust and easy to fasten.
- Check for durability and stability. Is the frame sturdy? Does the stroller stay upright when slight pressure is applied to the handlebars?
- Test out the accessories - do they seem flimsy? Cup holders and sunshades are know for being cheaply made.
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