What To Look For When Buying A Stroller
Picking out a stroller nowadays can be almost as complicated as choosing your next car. There are so many different types of strollers to select from. How are you supposed to know which is the best type for your needs? What may work best for someone else, might not necessarily be the best type for you and your needs.
First of all, you need to figure out how you will be using the stroller. Will you be using it for daily outings to the mall? Will you be using it to take the baby for a walk or when you go for a jog? Do you need something compact and lightweight in order to fit into the car? Answering these questions, will help you determine which is the best fit for you
Here is a breakdown of the types of strollers that are on the market today and some of the pluses and minuses of each of them
Travel System Strollers
 These strollers come as a set and include both the stroller and the infant car seat.
Great if you want to cut some costs as they are usually cheaper bought as a set rather than separately
Easy to take the baby in and out of the car and put them into the stroller without disturbing them
Can be a little awkward to maneuver when you have the car seat in the stroller (due to the weight)
Seat-carrier frames
A basic stroller frame without any seat. You place your infant car seat into the frame and use it as the seat.
Convenient for moving baby around without disturbing him/her.
Lightweight and more compact for storage
Can only be used while the baby still fits into the infant car seat. After that, you will need a new stroller
Combo Stroller
Converts from a stroller to a bassinet. You can also place an infant car seat into the stroller frame.
Can be used in a variety of ways, which makes it very versatile
Tend to be more expensive than regular strollers
Lightweight Strollers
Made from a lighter weight material
Easier to pick up and move around
Easier to steer and maneuver
These also include "umbrella strollers", which are less bulky and easier to store away
Some, like the umbrella strollers, do not recline and will not give an infant enough support
May not include all the stroller features you might want
Jogging Strollers
Great if you will be taking the baby out while you walk or run
Made with 3 wheels for easier maneuverability. Some of these wheels will be more like bicycle tires than a regular stroller's tires
Can accommodate larger children, so you will get more life out of the stroller
May not be able to be used with newborns, You will need to check the specific manufactures recommendations
A bit bulkier than a regular stroller so you might not be able to fit in into the car as easily without removing the front wheel
Double Strollers (Tandem)
A stroller that has seats one in front of the other
Tandem strollers will fit through doors and isles.
They take up a little bit more room than a regular stroller, but still fold up and store pretty well
Some even accept an infant car seat
The front seat may not always recline and if it does, will impact the leg room of the back passenger
Bulkier and heavier than a regular stroller due to it's size
Double Strollers (Side by Side)
Two strollers attached side by side.
Are best used for children of the same weight. Otherwise, it may be hard to push evenly
Some have both a seat and a stand up feature for the older child
Seats can recline individually.
Might not fit through all doorways due to their width
Many will not accept an infant car seat
Bulkier and heavier than a regular stroller due to it's size
What You Features Should You Look For In A Stroller?
No matter what type of stroller you decide to purchase, you should look at these additional stroller features and make sure they are good enough for your needs.
Storage basket underneath - check the size to make sure it is large enough to store all your baby essentials.
Cup holders for you and the baby
One hand folding release - not totally necessary, but it makes it much easier when you have your hands full
One handed steering - makes the stroller much easier to maneuver
Easy to clean material - no doubt, your baby will make a mess so you might want something that is easy to wipe down and clean up.
Canopy - you want something big enough to protect the baby on those sunny days
Some strollers have reversible seats now so that you can turn the baby around to face you
You will also want to make sure to take the stroller on a "test drive" around the store. Don't just look at it up on the display and make your decision that way. You should also make sure you test out how it folds up and opens back up again. This is the best way to figure out if you are going to like it or if there are any quirks that will end up driving you crazy.
Be sure to read our atricles on Baby products to get you started and Baby products you could do without for more great baby product tips!
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