When shopping for strollers the first thing you should consider is how you plan to use the stroller. Do you have more than one child? An infant? Do you have a toddler and an infant? Do you plan to travel with the stroller? Do you plan to take the stroller into crowded areas such as a grocery store? Do you plan to take the stroller off the pavement? Is the weight and / or the size of the stroller an important factor? Okay, you get the idea. There are many types of strollers available today that can meet your specific needs. The trick is to nail down your specific needs and find that special stroller.
There are five types of strollers:
Following is an overview of the five different stroller types. Figure out which type is ideal for you and your family and consider the various stroller options, listed below, so you can make an informed purchase decision.
Lightweight Strollers
Lightweight strollers, also known as umbrella or travel strollers, typically weigh less than 20 pounds, collapse for easy storage and are less expensive than standard strollers.
Lightweight strollers are great for traveling – when you need to either stow the stroller in a trunk full of suitcases or when you’re strolling right up to an airplane gate. Most lightweight strollers have the same features as standard strollers – they come equipped with sun shades, storage baskets and reclining seats.
Lightweight strollers are compact – you can easily maneuver your stroller in tight places or you can fold your stroller for easy storage.
Because lightweight strollers are, well, light in weight, they are typically not as sturdy as standard baby strollers, pay attention to the stroller’s maximum weight specifications – it should be listed in the stroller’s description – remember safety comes first.
Standard Strollers
Standard strollers are larger and heavier than lightweight strollers. Standard strollers are roomier for our little ones, they have large storage baskets, larger wheels and they typically come with extras such as cup holders, storage pouches and play-trays. Standard strollers are sturdier than lightweight strollers – at the expense of maneuverability, compactness and weight.
Expect to have your child pampered in a standard-size stroller – larger, high quality, wheels, shock absorbing springs and bicycle-like brakes can be found on standard strollers – which maximizes the comfort for your little ones. Many standard-size strollers feature large rain covers and oversized storage baskets.
Double / Triple Strollers
Obviously if you need a stroller for more than one child, a single stroller will not be part of your game plan. For example, if you have a toddler and an infant, a stroller that offers a space for a child to stand or ride could make your life MUCH better. In addition to the stand/ride feature a stroller that offers reclining seats could be very handy on a long stroll.
Double and triple strollers can be found in either tandem or in side-by-side set ups. With tandem strollers, you place one child in front of the other. Some Tandem strollers have a rear seat that is positioned higher than the front seat – so everybody gets a view. With side-by-side strollers – your children will basically sit next to each other.
Consider how and were you are going to use your double / triple stroller. Tandem strollers work better in crowded situations such as grocery store isles – but they might not be as stable as a side-by-side stroller. Conversely, side-by-side strollers are more stable but they don’t work very well in narrow walkways or in crowds.
Jogging Strollers
If you are looking for a stroller that can keep up with your outdoor life style, you should consider a Jogging stroller. Jogging strollers, sometimes called all-terrain strollers, can be used on hiking trails, city jogging paths and, obviously on sidewalks and roads. Jogging strollers feature large wheels, sturdy lightweight frames and bicycle-like brakes.
Jogging strollers can be found with large and small wheels. The small wheels make it easier for packing and transport but they are less stable. Large wheels make for a more comfortable and safer ride but they are not necessarily ideal for packing and transport.
My daughter’s jogging stroller was used extensively – mountain hikes, biking trails and running trails were part of our outdoor regiment. We even forged a couple of streams with the jogger – albeit the water was less than eight inches deep. One would think that we could go anywhere with our jogging stroller – but you can’t. Shopping was a bear with our jogger… we simply took up too much room. Our jogging stroller was usually left outside when we ventured into shops.
It goes unsaid that you need to be super safe in a jogging stroller. Make sure that your jogger has a 3 or a 5 point seat belt system and a hand brake, and please use the nylon wrist strap that leashes you to your jogging stroller – without that wrist strap your jogging stroller could get away from you on that downhill run. Jogging strollers are definitely not recommended for infants – read your owner’s manual for safety instructions.
Travel Systems
Travel systems are a combination of a standard stroller, an infant car seat and a car seat base. The infant car seat can be snapped into the stroller and the car seat base. A travel system makes the transfer process from stroller / child carrier to the car a breeze. Once your child has outgrown his or her infant car seat, the stroller can be used like any standard stroller.
Look for a travel system that you can get the most from. A stroller with a reclining seat, a sun shade, brakes, etc. should be considered – as stated above.
Other Considerations
Manufacturer: Look for a manufacturer that stands behind their product with, at least, a one year guarantee. Look for product recalls – don’t buy a used stroller unless you know for certain that that particular brand / model has not been recalled. Do your homework – look for recalled strollers on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website: www.cpsc.gov and read forums and blogs – read what other parents are saying about their strollers.
Stroller Wheels and Handles: Look for inflatable tires with high quality rubber. Safety, stability and comfort begin where the rubber hits the road. Larger wheels are more stable – but don’t necessarily travel very well. Keep the trade-off in mind: transportability vs. stability.
Look for adjustable height handles. You will really appreciate this feature especially when your partner’s height is eight inches more or less than your height. Taller parents, even if you are the same height, should consider strollers that come with adjustable handles. Handles that are too low are uncomfortable.
Storage: Most strollers come with a storage basket which is located underneath the child’s seat. A good storage basket should be able to hold your diaper bag a purse or some groceries.
Stroller Weight: You will feel the effects of a heavy stroller if you’re on a long stroll or if you’re traveling with your stroller. Think about how you plan to use your stroller a few pounds may or may not be important to you.
Maneuverability: Once again, think about how you plan to use your stroller. A large stroller, like my baby jogger, was just too much for small shops and crowds. How easy will it be to turn your stroller? Can it be steered with one hand? If you plan to keep your stroller on sidewalks then you might not need to worry about maneuverability but do think about tight turns and crowds – and think about your ability to get around.
Folding / Transport: Many strollers offer one hand operation – to fold or to open the stroller. And many strollers fold up into a tight, compact, unit… This is useful when transporting your stroller in your car’s trunk. When my family had to catch a flight we traveled with a lightweight umbrella stroller. It folded up nicely when we were at the airport restaurants and we checked the stroller as we, literally, boarded our plane.
Safety: I have talked about safety throughout this buyers guide so I’ll keep this brief. Your stroller must have: a 3-5 point seatbelt system. It must have good quality brakes that can lock into position when you want the stroller to remain stationary. Bicycle-style brakes, especially with jogging strollers are highly recommended. Don’t go anywhere with your baby jogger without your wrist strap in place – affixed to your stroller and your wrist. Look for a stable / sturdy stroller that won’t tip over or fall apart. And finally, use common sense – always err on the side of safety.
