When it comes to buying a baby stroller, one thing is for sure — you want something that’s safe and reliable. But with the dozens of brands and models on the market, how do you determine which baby stroller is best to purchase? It may seem like a daunting task but don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Here’s our complete baby stroller buying guide to help you identify considerations to help you buy the perfect baby stroller for your family.
QUICK GUIDE: IN THIS ARTICLE
First, consider your lifestyle. There are many different types of strollers out there, each designed with a different lifestyle in mind. Are you an active parent who loves taking long hikes or walks in the park? If so, a lightweight jogging stroller might be right up your alley. Do you have multiple children? Then a double stroller could be a great choice.
Next, consider the stroller features you need. Do you want a stroller with lots of storage space? How about one that reclines for your sleeping baby? Once you know which features are important to you, it will help narrow your choices.
Also, think about your budget. Baby strollers come in a wide range of prices and styles so there should be something to fit any budget. Keep in mind, however, that more expensive models may have better quality materials or more advanced features.
Finally, make sure the stroller is safe. We only want what is best for you and your family and we only include the safest models in our recommendations. Look for safety features such as five-point harnesses and brakes that can be locked securely in place.
Once you think you have found the right stroller, make sure to take the baby stroller for a test drive at the store if possible. Click here to scroll to our Stroller Test Drive Checklist.
Taking these considerations into account will help you make an informed decision about which baby stroller is best for you and your family to buy, so get out there and enjoy the ride!
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Baby Stroller Buying Guide Consideration #1: Different Types of Strollers
There are different types of baby strollers available to suit all kinds of family needs. From lightweight travel strollers for easy transportation, to jogging strollers that make it easier to get in a good workout while out and about with baby.
Depending on the lifestyle you lead, one type of baby stroller may be better suited for your needs than others. To help you decide which would work best, here’s a quick overview of the six main types:
- Lightweight or Umbrella Strollers
- Standard Baby Strollers
- Modular Strollers
- Car Seat Carrier Strollers
- Jogging Strollers
- Double Strollers
1. Umbrella Strollers
Umbrella strollers, also known as lightweight strollers, are ideal if you’re looking for something easy to carry around as they tend to weigh much less than other strollers. They are also compact and tend to fold to the smallest size, making them a great option for traveling with baby.
Pros of Umbrella Strollers
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Easy to transport
- Easy to fold
Cons of Umbrella Strollers
- Limited features
- Not intended for infants
- Often less quality material
- Typically no suspension
Examples of Umbrella or Lightweight Strollers
2. Standard Strollers
Standard strollers are your traditional strollers and the most common type, offering comfort, convenience and protection as your baby grows. Many come with add-ons and they can typically convert into a travel system.
Pros of Standard Strollers
- All-purpose
- Long-term investmenet
- Solid and easy to use
- Can convert into travel system
Cons of Standard Strollers
- Bulkier than umbrella strollers
- Some seats not intended for infants
- Not meant for all terrains
Examples of Standard or Traditional Strollers
3. Modular Strollers
Modular strollers, also known as combination strollers, are designed to adapt to a growing baby and can easily be converted from a car seat, bassinet, toddler seat and more.
Pros of Modular Strollers
- Flexible solution
- Could be used as a double stroller as well
- Often include reversible seats
Cons of Modular Strollers
- Can be costly to buy different options and accessories
- Tend to be heavier
Examples of Modular Strollers
4. Car Seat Strollers
A Car Seat stroller is either a car seat that has been integrated to include a stroller or it is a lightweight frame built to hold a car seat. Either way, these strollers are very basic and intended to allow you to transport a car seat and stroll around.
Pros of Car Seat Strollers
- Could mean one less product to buy (if integrated)
- Lightweight and simple (if frame)
Cons of Car Seat Strollers
- Limited features
- Lasts only as long as baby fits in car seat
- Heavy to lift with car seat
Examples of Car Seat Strollers
5. Jogging Strollers
These are designed for the active parent who wants to keep up their running routine while taking baby along for the ride. They have sturdy frames and large wheels that make it easy to maneuver around bumpy terrain.
Pros of Jogging Strollers
- Smoother ride with shock-absorbing suspension
- Handles rugged terrain
- Higher weight capacity
Cons of Jogging Strollers
- Bulkier and heavier
- Air-filled tires may need attention
- Not intended for infants
Examples of Jogging Strollers
6. Double Strollers
If you plan on growing your family, or are purchasing a stroller for twins, a double stroller may be the best option for your family. Double strollers include a variety of set-ups, including: side-by-side, tandem, jogger, and more.
Pros of Double Strollers
- Great for growing families
- Typically includes a variety of features
Cons of Double Strollers
- Harder to get into certain spaces
- Heavier, harder to turn
- Requires more storage space
Examples of Double Strollers
Baby Stroller Buying Guide Consideration #2: type of stroller Best for your family
When looking for a stroller determine what type of stroller and what features are most important to you and your family by asking this set of questions:
- Single or double:
- How many kids does it need to hold?
- Jogging or not:
- Just for walking, or will I be running?
- Where will I be using it: variety of terrains or sidewalk only?
- Traditional or lightweight:
- Will I be traveling a lot?
- Where will I store it?
- Age and weight of child?
- Traditional/Modular or not:
- Does it need to support a car seat? Bassinet? Child tray?
- What is my budget?
- Typically this will impact the quality of materials.
Baby Stroller Buying Guide Consideration #3: What features should I look for when buying a stroller?
Different types of strollers have different features, but in general most strollers offer the features listed below. These are what we have found to be the most important features to look for when buying a stroller, and different questions to consider when looking at them:
- Canopy:
- How much coverage do I need?
- Hole for quick viewing?
- Is it easy to remove and wash?
- Handlebar:
- Does it work for my partner and my heights?
- Does it adjust?
- Is there padding and is it comfortable to maneuver?
- Reclining Seat:
- Does it recline fully?
- Is it easy to remove and wash?
- Child Tray:
- Does it open and close easily?
- Is it easily cleaned?
- 5-Point Harness:
- Does it unclip easily for parent?
- Does it prevent the child from easily escaping?
- Is it easily adjustable and provide proper support when stopping?
- Foot Rest:
- Can it clean up easily by being wiped?
- Will it wear down quickly?
- Can it be held up, and if so with quality materials?
- Does the angle prevent the child from slipping out?
- Storage:
- Does the under-storage support weight well?
- Does the under-storage prevent things from falling out easily?
- Does it have extra storage for parents (keys, cups, etc)?
- Is it easy to remove and wash?
- Wheels:
- Will plastic meet your needs, or do you want air-filled tires on your stroller to suit a variety of terrains?
- Brakes:
- When parked, is the brake easy to put on?
- Do you want an additional hand or foot brake?
Baby Stroller Buying Guide Consideration #4: How to make sure your stroller is safe?
1. Inspect the frame: ensure it feels solid, not flimsy.
2. Check the brakes: determine whether the brakes or swivel lock mechanisms work correctly.
3. Check the latches and locks: for any failure of mechanism.
4. Check the seatbelt: ensure there is a 5-point harness for safety.
5. Evaluate the warranty: ensure there are no recalls and understand the return policy.
6. Check certification. All strollers sold in the U.S. must comply with the mandatory federal safety standard.
Baby Stroller Buying Guide Consideration #5: Stroller Test Drive Checklist
- Open the stroller
- Buckle and unbuckle the harness
- Readjust the harness to test the seat inclination
- Test the canopy, if present (does it shade well?)
- Test the child tray, if present (does it open and close easily?)
- Have both parents push it around
- Walk with it, steer and turn
- Jog with it, steer and turn
- Test the brakes
- Handlebar height (change if adjustable)
- Check the storage (holds things without falling out)
- Close the stroller (lock if present)
- Carry the stroller when closed
Megan is a wife and mother of three, as well as an experienced foster mother. She loves building and testing new products, and helping identify what works best for readers and clients. She has her degree in Computer Software Engineering and has been a Product Lead with over 8 years of experience designing, building, testing, and selling products to companies ranging from sole proprietors to the largest retailers in America!
