When you got a baby, a stroller is a must-have if you what to maintain a life on the go with your little one. But how can you know which stroller to buy? Well, it depends on several factors. For example, how much money you are ready to spend, what kind of lifestyle you have. The next questions you should also ask yourself are; where you plan to use and store the stroller, how many babies will use the stroller, and how many additional items will be added to it.
Acknowledging your needs and your budget will help you with finding the right stroller for you.
Strollers are divided into 6 basic types: lightweight or umbrella stroller, full-sized stroller, jogging stroller, a double stroller, car seat carrier, and travel system.
The Lightweight or Umbrella Stroller
As its name suggests, this stroller doesn’t weigh much, making it easy to move around. Stashing some of the best umbrella strollers in the bus, the airplane, or the trunk of the car is easy because these strollers are foldable, and the best ones of them are super lightweight. Some of the beneficial features that come with this stroller are an expandable canopy, a partial seat recline, a built-in cupholder, a snack tray, or a storage basket.
The downside of this stroller is that it can only be used for babies six months or older. Even though some of these strollers come with a car seat adapter, most of them are not appropriate for newborn babies.
Jogging Stroller
Your baby will be comfortable with this stroller, no matter if you are walking, hiking, or jogging. This stroller comes with a front-wheel that is fixed, or it can swivel, which makes it more flexible. Many of the jogging strollers are also compatible with a car seat. It has a big storage basket, telescoping handlebars, and deep reclining seats. It also has safety features like a five-point harness, a hand brake, and a wrist strap.
This stroller’s cons would be that it can be more challenging to assemble, and it is heavier than the umbrella stroller, thus making it not appropriate for small storage places.
Even though most of the three-wheeled strollers are considered jogger strollers, some don’t have all the safety features, so it might not be safe to jog with your baby in the stroller.
The Full-Sized Stroller
This kind of stroller is for the long run, meaning you will be able to use it even when your baby becomes a toddler. This stroller’s features will make it all easier because they are more durable, sturdier, and bigger. The full-sized stroller has a comfortable, wide, and padded seat that is reclining. The seat has the option to be mounted rear-facing or forward-facing, and it can be attached to the car seat. The design can be converted to fit a newborn, but it can also fit a toddler up to 50 pounds. The canopies are expandable, and the tires have suspension that is able to absorb shock. The storage basket is big, it also has telescoping handlebars, and it also has a snack tray and a cup holder.
The con of this stroller would be that it is heavy and big, so traveling with it or finding storage for it might be a bit challenging.
The Double Stroller
This stroller is for those parents who have twins or two little toddlers. You have two options to choose from a side by side seating or one seat behind the other seat. You will be able to manage two kids with one stroller.
This stroller’s cons would be that it is bulkier and bigger, and it can be as heavy as 40 pounds.
The Car Seat Carrier
With just a snap, you will be able to transform the cat seat into a stroller with its wheeled frames. This product is light weighted and compact, and you won’t have trouble transitioning it in and out of your car.
The cons of the car seat carrier would be that the baby will quickly outgrow the seat, thus making it usable only for a short period.
The Travel System
The travel system consists of a stroller and an infant car seat. You can choose from lightweight, full-size, and jogging stroller travel systems. This system saves you money as you get both the car seat and the stroller, and it allows you to move your baby from or into the car without waking it up.
The cons of this stroller would be that even though you will be able to use the stroller when your baby becomes a toddler, it will outgrow the car seat. If you have more than one car, you will need a separate car base or seat to use it with the other car.
Knowing all the details mentioned above, when you search for a good stroller, you should pay attention if it is reliable, safe and if it is easy to use. But, bear in mind that prices can vary a lot and therefore, you can’t expect much from the cheapest versions out there.
Another thing to have in mind is to know where you will use the stroller the most as some of them are easy, but others are not easy to navigate.
The storage space is also important so that you won’t have to worry if you bring an extra item on your walk.
Also, you should know that not all strollers are baby-friendly, but the market offers strollers with add-ons, which can make them suitable for babies and also for toddlers.
A stroller that is easy to use is a plus. It should be easy to maneuver and handle tight turns; also, the steering should run smoothly.
The folding and unfolding are also very important; the easier it is, the more time it will save you.
The stroller’s weight is also important. Thus having a lighter one will be a better choice if you travel with it a lot or you need to carry it around.
Even though almost all stroller models do meet the basic safety standards, there are some features you will need to take into consideration. For example, the five-point safety harness. You should also make sure that the brakes work properly. Moreover, should check the edges and hinges, because the baby’s toes and fingers can easily get stuck in small places so examine the stroller for sharp edges and protrusions, also check the crannies and the nooks.
A stroller with a canopy or shade will come in handy no matter if you walk on a sunny or rainy day.
If you plan to use the stroller for a newborn, then the reclining should be nearly flat, or you should look for one on which you can attach an infant car seat, which is easier to move.
In the end, it all comes to safety, and how easy and simple the stroller is to use, you don’t want to complicate the whole process.
