Stroller Guide: Everything You Need To Consider When Buying A Stroller

So, I decided to get savvy and study up on strollers.

Here is a stroller buying guide to help you make the right purchases!

Yes, you certainly need a stroller.

It’s one of those items that is deemed as a baby necessity. 

Although some moms prefer to participate in “baby wearing”, your back and body will need a break from time to time (or depending on where you're going). 

Some of my fondest baby moments with my son was when we’d take our daily walk together. 

Without a stroller, we definitely would have missed out on those bonding opportunities. 

I ended up getting three strollers.

One for jogging and rough terrains, one for navigating through public places (like the mall and the zoo), and one that always stayed stored in my car (an umbrella version—great for boardwalk strolls with older toddlers and overall emergency situations). 

Do you need three? Probably not.

For me personally, I loved having the different versions for different uses. 

But, if you’re on a super tight budget, if you don’t plan on using it for jogging, and you only have one child to worry about, you could definitely get by with just one!

Strollers are flipping expensive!

But, the good news is that there’s one to complement every budget.

On average, expect to pay anywhere from $150-$1,000 for a stroller, depending on its model, size, and usage.

If you think you’re going to have more than one child, and soon after your baby is born, you should invest in a sit and stand stroller.

This allows parents to push a baby around in the front section of the stroller and a toddler in the back part.

The toddler can sit on a small bench, or stretch their legs and stand as they ride. 

Thinking ahead will help you save money and you won’t have to purchase a double stroller later on, in addition to the single stroller you already bought (which you won’t have a use for anymore).

Or, if you already know you’re pregnant with multiples, you’ll need to take advantage of a specialized stroller that accommodates two or more babies—there’s actually a lot of cool models on the market that aren’t as big and bulky as you’d think they’d be.

If you live in the city, you have unique stroller needs, just as you would if you live out in the country.

City goers will hit the pavement frequently. So, you’ll need something that boasts a smooth, comfortable ride, and that isn’t overly large since you’ll need to maneuver through crowds and sidewalks.

Suburban parents will be driving more often, and they’ll be doing more grass strolling, rather than pavement hitting. 

Regardless of where you live, if you want to take your stroller anywhere, you’ll need all-terrain tires.

If you only plan on pushing your baby around at malls or other places like the zoo, you’ll be fine with a standard model. 

The weight of a stroller and how it folds up is also key if you live in a small apartment and don’t have a lot of space.

The same goes for transportation.

You’ll need to purchase a stroller that will be compact enough to fit in your car (without always popping the wheels on and off).

Once you can identify how you wish to use your stroller and consider your living location and quarters, there are specialized categories of strollers to check out.

They include:

Lightweight Strollers

These strollers are also referred to as umbrella strollers because they are as lightweight and compact as an umbrella.

They fold out and up with ease and aren’t loaded with many bells and whistles. 

Travel System

A travel system allows for a one stop shopping item. It can be used in conjunction with 

your baby’s car seat carrier by allowing it to click into it. Once your baby is old enough to sit on their own, you can use it as a traditional stroller.

Jogging Strollers

A jogging stroller is for parents who wish to take daily walks and even jog with their baby in tow.

Jogging strollers are also used for outdoor event strolling, as it can handle a wide range of terrains.

Double Strollers

A double stroller is meant for parents with twins. The stroller either rides side by side or front to back, depending on the design you want or need.

It mimics the traditional stroller set up, but just as an extra seat. 

Now that you understand the pros and cons of each type of stroller, you can also think about important features your stroller should have prior to making a purchase:

While the following add-ons and accessories are nice, they aren’t actually necessities:

When you test a stroller out prior to buying it, you know what you’re signing up for.

Pay close attention to its wheels, and how it takes turns. 

If you plan to use it for exercise purposes, don’t be afraid to jog it around the store! After all, that’s what you’ll be using it for, so you’ll want to make sure you are especially comfortable.

You’ll also have the opportunity to determine if you like its safety features, how it brakes, and how the harnesses buckle, adjust, and unhook.

If the stroller doesn’t feel steady or sturdy, or if doesn’t stay in a locked position, you should pass and look for a different model.

A stroller is one of the most important purchases you'll make for your baby.

Whether you buy one, two, or three of them, you want to ensure you get something that is first and foremost safe.

You also want something that is enjoyable and easy to push, as well as comfortable for your baby to ride in.

Consider where you live, what you want to use a stroller for, and how often you’ll use it before testing one out.

Your stroller will be with you for many years, so find one that you and your baby will love!