How To Choose A Stroller
A conversation with a friend over lunch today, reminded me of how overwhelmed I felt when buying a stroller for my unborn baby for the first time. From the second you find out you’re expecting a child you’re faced with oodles of decisions that you’ve never even considered before and surprisingly will seem impossible to make. Being first-time parents, how would you know the first thing about choosing the best stroller for your child and your life?
After 2 kids and countless hours of researching, I’m proud to say I’m now in the position to recommend and help make your life a little less stressful when it comes to choosing a stroller. Choosing a stroller is pretty much like choosing a car. You just need to know all the different types/categories available. Once you know which category you want, you just need to take it for a test drive.
1. Standard-Size Strollers
This is the broadest range of stroller type, with endless options for style, design, features and price point. Generally, standard-size strollers all include a comfy adjustable seat, padded handles for mom and dad, and under-seat storage.
Pros: Your child won’t grow out of this system for some time, and most standard size strollers are super durable. Storage is typically great, and you can customize these strollers with add-ons such as a cup holder (for cold drinks only!) or bag hook. And when it comes to fashion, there is a wide range of colors and options to choose from – a step up from the plain black aluminum of a car seat stroller frame!
Cons: In most cases, these aren’t suitable for a newborn so you will need to purchase another stroller or carrier until your little one is old enough. Standard-size strollers are more expensive than a frame or a lightweight stroller. They can also be bulky, which may present a problem and are considerably heavier. Many brands have taken steps to make folding easier, but it can still be a bit of a hassle to break down, which can make taking it in and out of a car something of a challenge.
Read review for Combi MiracleTurn Elegant here.
2. Car Seat Stroller Frame
Pros: This is a completely no-fuss stroller. Snapping the car seat into the frame is super easy, and folding is a cinch. Plus, they’re often very cost-effective.
Pros: These have all the pros of a standard-size stroller, plus the stroller frame’s ease of use with an infant car seat so they can be used from birth on. Many of the systems have multiple conversion options to accommodate your family’s changing needs – such as multiple child adapter seats or boards for older children to ride on when your family expands.
Cons: Travel systems also have the cons of a standard-size stroller – bulky, heavy, and a bit unwieldy. They are even more expensive than a standard stroller. Also, be sure to know what the price of your stroller includes, as in some cases the infant car seat converter is not included in the base price.
4. Umbrella Strollers
Pros: Great for travels and navigating busy streets, as they are not as wide or heavy as stroller systems or standard-size strollers. Generally, these are much less expensive than the other options. They are also great if you are transitioning your child out of a stroller, but you still want to have one handy in case your little one gets tired.
Cons: Umbrella strollers aren’t recommended for newborns or younger infants. There generally aren’t any bells or whistles for these. And be careful of the comfort factor – some of these models can be a bit uncomfortable for your little one if used for long periods.
5. Jogging Strollers
Jogging strollers are a must if you want to run while pushing your child, as they are specifically engineered to make sure baby has a comfy and safe ride while you’re getting your fitness on!
Pros: Typically equipped with three large tires, jogging strollers can also be useful when covering uneven terrain – like paths or bumpy city streets – whether you’re breaking a sweat or not.
Cons: These strollers can be a bit unwieldy, not to mention heavy. They are also pricier than a standard stroller. I’ve also known more than a few people who buy one with the best of exercising intentions, but end up using their jogging strollers very infrequently.
6. Strollers for Multiples
You can find versions of each of the frames, standard-size strollers and umbrella strollers that are suited for multiples. In the case of some travel systems, you can buy adapters so you don’t need to buy an entirely new stroller when you have another child. Also, note that some options offer side-by-side seating, while others use a tandem system where the second child rides behind or under the first seat.
Pros: The pros for multiple strollers are generally the same as the other strollers of that type, but keep in mind that you may lose some of the benefits of each type when you get the multiple-child version (such as less storage space, and more heft).
Cons: Strollers for multiples are necessarily heavier and larger than their single-rider counterparts – even more so when you add the weight of an extra child!
There you have it. I hope this post helps clarify which stroller you’d need for your baby.
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I think mine's an umbrella stroller without the hood! 😛 Yeap no bells and whistles, but I only use my stroller for the nearby park, so even though it's quite a rickety ride I put up with it. And I've never used its seatbelt either, because it locks my #2 into an awkward position.
Strollers have changed so much since my child was born all those years ago. I think I mainly used an umbrella stroller the most. Great selection of reviews. Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I've pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board
Strollers have changed so much since my child was born all those years ago. I think I mainly used an umbrella stroller the most. Great selection of reviews. Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I've pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board
Hi Tammy, thanks for stopping by and pinning the post! Have a great weekend!
Great info. I remember picking out strollers a long time ago and it is an overwhelming process. You really do need to think of the function and what exactly you're looking for. Thanks for sharing on The Weekend Social. Hope to see you again.
Great info. I remember picking out strollers a long time ago and it is an overwhelming process. You really do need to think of the function and what exactly you're looking for. Thanks for sharing on The Weekend Social. Hope to see you again.
Wow, very informative and helpful for new mums! =) We have an umbrella stroller for travel purposes and a big, bulky but solid stroller that we bought in Sweden which can easily roll over snow and rocky paths. The latter is not very feasible in Singapore though, people just stare at me if I take up too much space in MRTs and elevators. Hehe. =)
Wow, very informative and helpful for new mums! =) We have an umbrella stroller for travel purposes and a big, bulky but solid stroller that we bought in Sweden which can easily roll over snow and rocky paths. The latter is not very feasible in Singapore though, people just stare at me if I take up too much space in MRTs and elevators. Hehe. =)
Hi Michelle Hon, Thanks for this great Stroller Choose article. This article helps me to buy right stoller
Hi Michelle Hon, Thanks for this great Stroller Choose article. This article helps me to buy right stoller
It made my day to hear this article helped you, Juka. Thanks for commenting!
you are most welcome Michelle Hon.
you are most welcome Michelle Hon.
Thanks for the tips
Thanks for the tips
Thanks for categorizing strollers into these different types! Definitely helpful for first time parents!
Evelyn
This stroller is awesome! I just had my son and if we had this we could go all over the town and finally get out of the house! This momma is goin a little stir crazy!
http://babysite.org/
Hi Tammy, thanks for stopping by and pinning the post! Have a great weekend!
Thanks for letting my know my article helps! 🙂