If you get the wrong baby stroller for your personal lifestyle it could prove to be a costly mistake. Good baby strollers are quite an expensive purchase especially if you start looking at the initial investment for your newborn as one total outlay. Not only do you have to buy a baby stroller but there are all the other things you need such as a safety car seat, a crib and all the other nursery furniture, clothes, toys and nursery safety items such as a baby monitor, it all adds up.

The best bet is to make sure you get your baby purchases right first time, even if the cost of the baby stroller you really want is a bit more than you had originally intended to spend. A few dollars extra at the start is far better than having to fork out for another baby stroller when you find you have made the wrong choice.

As with everything baby, safety must come at the top of your stroller list. It’s advisable to buy a new baby stroller so that you can easily check that your baby stroller meets all the required safety standards.

A good baby stroller will have a five point harness but as a minimum you want a crotch strap to prevent your baby from slipping out from under the safety belt and the breaking system is important if you don’t want to find your baby making a run for it!

You will spend many hours pushing your baby stroller so check out the height of the handles, adjustable is best so that both mum and dad can comfortably push the baby stroller.

I don’t think you need reminding that babies make a lot of mess so only buy a baby stroller with washable fabric unless of course you can afford to consider your stroller as disposable.

Don’t forget that your baby won’t travel as light as you do, everywhere you go your changing bag, formula milk (if you are bottle feeding) and other necessary bits and pieces will follow, and somehow you have to carry the shopping as well, so make sure your stroller is sturdy enough to carry a bag or two on the handles and has plenty of storage underneath.

Where ever you go you need to be able to store your baby stroller, in the house, in the car or on the train so check out how easily your baby stroller folds away and if you are regularly out and about on public transport checking out lightweight strollers might be a good idea.

Standard strollers are generally more versatile. They are larger so offer your baby far more room and are designed with greater baby comfort in mind. Standard strollers also tend to have far more storage but it all comes at a cost, more weight and more bulk.

For the more active parents there is always the jogging stroller but this does tend to be for those that can stretch to a second stroller. Jogging strollers have all-terrain suspension systems and work well on most surfaces but they don’t fold as well as other strollers and they are not recommended for newborn babies.

For the regular traveller there is always the option of the complete travel system which incorporates the baby stroller and safety car seat all in one.

At the end of the day beyond the critical safety features which baby stroller you choose is totally down to lifestyle and personal choice. If you want to minimise the restrictions a newborn has on your life go for the stroller that best meets your everyday needs.

Whether you are an avid jogger or fitness fan, you may find a jogger or exercise stroller has a lot more to offer than a conventional one. Some people prefer jogging strollers for their sleek design and lightweight frames. Others prefer them for moderate or intense exercise with their children. Regardless of your interest, there are many exciting details you should be aware of if interested in buying an exercise stroller. Knowing what to look for ahead of time will save you countless time when selecting the ideal stroller for your family.

Benefits of Jogging Strollers

There are many benefits to fitness strollers. First and most obviously, they are an exceptional choice for fitness fans. Most come equipped with large and durable wheels. Whereas a conventional stroller is best suited for paved sidewalks, a jogging stroller will do well on any type of surface.

Many jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel. Keep this in mind if you plan to shop for one, as this can make them difficult to maneuver. You can buy one however with a pivoting wheel to ensure greater movement. Here are some other benefits of an exercise stroller:

• Most models have an aluminum frame, making them lightweight and easier to push.
• Many can carry toddlers up to 70 pounds or more, whereas a traditional stroller will only accommodate a toddler up to roughly 40 pounds.
• Most jogging strollers offer better shock absorption and thus a more comfortable ride for your baby.
• Many moms report faster weight loss with routine post partum exercise. A jogging stroller is more likely to inspire you to exercise than a conventional stroller.
• You can buy a jogging stroller in a double model to accommodate two children at the same time.

Keep in mind a jogging stroller is not for everyone. This type of stroller is not a good choice for moms with newborns, as your baby will need to be at least 6 months before he or she can ride in one. While you won’t have the convenience of locking your infant carrier in a jogging stroller, you will be able to tote your baby and toddler around for an extended period of time.

What to Look For When Buying An Exercise Stroller

So what should you look for when shopping for one of these gems? Some standard and not so standard features you may be interested in include:

• Hand and foot brake for convenience.
• Breathable and washable fabrics to keep you little ones clean and comfortable.
• Adjustable canopy that provides complete coverage from the sun regardless of your position.
• Three or five point harness system to restrain and protect your child.
• Extra bottle or cup holders so you can store plenty of refreshments.
• Night reflection tabs to keep you visible if jogging during the evening.
• Height adjustable push bar to accommodate multiple users or your specific height requirements.
• All weather material including an all weather canopy to keep the rain out and the sun from damaging fabric.

You can always ‘add on’ to your stroller at a later date. Most exercise strollers offer several accessories to accommodate the needs of an active athlete. You can find most of the same accessories you would for a traditional stroller as well, including rain gear, mosquito netting and built in entertainment for your children.

How Much Do They Cost?

Jogging strollers are often a tad pricier than conventional strollers. Most parents however appreciate the improved durability and flexibility, and thus feel the investment is well worth it. Average prices for a standard exercise stroller range between $200-$400. That said you might find some slightly less, and some substantially more! A premium-jogging stroller will cost you several hundred dollars. Many however again feel the convenience and added durability are well worth the investment.

The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortunate to buy an exercise stroller. Many lower end models contain most of the perks and durability that higher end models do. If you are buying an exercise or jogging stroller because you appreciate the sleek design, and do not plan on running marathons with your children, chances are you’ll find an exceptional bargain for $200 or less.

Being a new parent and facing the birth of your first child, you will be faced with many choices on what stroller you should buy. There are tons of travel strollers out there on the market and with some research; you should be able to decide what stroller complements your lifestyle.

Travel strollers are the easiest way to transport newborns. This convenient travel system includes a standard single stroller and a compatible infant car seat with a stay-in car base. This infant seat doubles as a baby carrier and allows for parents to transport from stroller to car without having to distributing their baby. Best of all, when your infant outgrows their car seat, the stroller can still be used throughout their toddler and preschool years. When shopping for travel strollers, look for ones that are easy to install in cars and it is always a good idea to make sure that the seat with actually fit in your car as well. Baby travel strollers add convenience into a new parent’s life and are very easy to use.

If you are a parent who is constantly go, a lightweight stroller might be the best idea for you. Lightweight strollers have come a long way in the past few years, no longer just featuring an umbrella, but also now feature reclining seats, parent cup holders and under seat storage bags. Lightweight strollers typically weigh less than 14 pounds and are the most compact, portable type of stroller. Strollers lightweight are so convenient and take up so little space that many parents keep these in their trunks at all times. While shopping for strollers that are lightweight, you should consider an adjustable sunshade, five-point harness and an easy-to-use parking brake. Lightweight strollers are designed primarily for infants who can hold their heads up and can sit upright unassisted at about six months old. However, some models are suitable for younger babies if the stroller has a reclining seat. These strollers can also be used for many years since there is a high weight limit that is also ideal for older toddlers. If you are a parent who is on the go; a lightweight stroller is a good investment.

Perhaps you are a parent who is expecting twins or maybe you have two children who are pretty close in age to each other? Then a double stroller is the perfect stroller for your family’s use. Double strollers either have side-by-side seating or tandem seating. Side-by-side seating is ideal for two older or similarly aged children and usually features reclining seats. Tandem seating often features swivel seats so that one or both children can look at the scenery going by. Double baby strollers are a lifesaver and also easily transported for everyday use.
There is a lot to consider when purchasing a stroller for the first time or upgrading your current stroller for your current lifestyle. Either way, strollers make life much more convenient than without.

I’ve been reviewing baby products and baby accessories for a long time and I find myself sharing advice with new parents at neighborhood gatherings and at social events. Last night I found myself talking to an expecting mother at a dinner party, she was beside herself regarding her difficult search for baby gear. More specifically, she was looking for a good stroller with decent features, with infant car seat carrying capabilities and she was looking for a product that doesn’t weigh a ton. “You wouldn’t believe how much they weigh” she said. She was saying this to me, the guy who writes product reviews for baby products (smile).

“I might be able to help you out.” I said, “There are indeed lightweight strollers available today that offer great features – and some include the ability to carry infant car seats.” The first stroller that comes to mind is Maclaren’s Techno XLR that weighs just under 16 pounds.

The nice lady, the expecting mom, that I was talking to was really concerned about loading and unloading her stroller into / out of her car. She thought that in order to lift her rig (without hurting herself) she’d have to skimp on the features & functionality. Let’s take a look at the Techno, the stroller that I recommended to her.

The Techno XLR is lightweight, it’s luxurious. With a nice padded seat & padded shoulder harness, a high quality canopy and height adjustable handles, the Techno is indeed top of the line.

The thing that sets the Techno apart from the rest is the lightweight frame. You can have your stroller features without the weight. The Maclaren company was founded by an aeronautical engineer and it shows.

Features

• 5-point safety harness
• Height adjustable handles
• Lightweight all-aluminum frame
• Large swivel front wheels
• Front and rear suspension
• Height adjustable child foot rest
• Canopy with a UV protected viewing window, mesh vents, storage pockets and reflective material
• Infant car seat compatibility
• Removable, washable, seat cover
• Rain cover
• Mesh storage basket
• Lifetime guarantee

Benefits

• Easily fold, carry, store and transport this lightweight stroller
• Use almost any infant car seat
• Easily maneuver your Techno XLR stroller
• Protect your baby with the versatile canopy and with the 5-point child safety harness
• Comfortable ride with the all-wheel suspension, padded handles and padded safety harness.
• Peace of mind with Maclaren’s lifetime guarantee.

Who’s using the Techno XLR?

• New parents who need to carry their young child in an infant car seat.
• Parents who want a lightweight umbrella-like stroller that comes with standard-sized stroller functionality.
• Parents who travel a lot – where a full sized stroller is not practical.

What’s working well?

• Easy fold – a couple of easy steps and your stroller is folded… and you’re on your way.
• Due to the weight, the swivel wheels, and due to the all-wheel suspension, the Techno stroller is not only a highly maneuverable stroller, its also a very comfortable stroller.
• The rain cover comes standard with the Techno stroller. It snaps on to fully protect your little one from the elements.
• The reclining seat has four levels of recline and when it’s fully reclined you can securely snap on your infant car seat.

Why should you buy the Techno XLR?

• The Techno stroller is well built and Maclaren, the stroller manufacturer, stands behind their work with a lifetime guarantee
• Maclaren uses high quality, all-aluminum, materials in all of their stroller frames.

Other strollers to consider

• Graco Metrolite stroller – Take a look at the Metrolite stroller if you want an umbrella stroller with an accessible storage basket. This stroller has a ‘lower & load’ storage basket that provides easy access to gear.
• Maclaren Volo stroller – Consider the Maclaren Volo stroller if you are looking for a more affordable stroller from Maclaren, a great stroller manufacturer.
• Joovy Kooper – Like Maclaren Joovy builds great strollers. The Joovy Kooper does not carry infant car seats – but it’s a great lightweight umbrella stroller.

RecommendationWhen I write reviews, I typically include a section called “what’s ‘not’ working well” and a section called “why you should ‘not’ buy this… “. Unfortunately for this review I was unable to complete these sections. I couldn’t think of any reasons why you shouldn’t buy the Techno XLR. I highly recommends the Techno XLR.

A stroller is something that you will use almost daily for the next three to four years. And it will be used under some of the harshest conditions. The stroller that you choose should safely and comfortably accommodate your child as he grows, and also perform well during this entire time. Following are some suggestions to keep in mind:

Use

How do you intend to use your stroller?

• Are you looking for transportation for everyday activities, such as shopping, keeping doctor appointments, walking to the playground, and just strolling?
• Or, do you really need a jogging stroller that will do double duty; one that will not only be great for everyday errands, but will also allow you to jog in neighborhoods or along pathways?
• Or are you looking for that truly specialized jogging stroller that will be used for serious jogging and running?

Be sure to check the manufacturer’s description and specifications. If you think that you would like to do some jogging in your neighborhood, make sure that you select a jogging stroller or a double duty jogging stroller.

Safety Harness

Look for a sturdy 5-point harness, one that will hold your child securely so that he cannot fall or slip out. Look for one that you can easily adjust as your child grows.

Cabin

Look for an airy, comfortable and large cabin. Most strollers will accommodate children up to 50 pounds. That means that you will want to be able to use that one stroller until your child no longer needs a stroller. Your choice of stroller should comfortably accommodate your infant as he grows to a toddler, then to a young child. Also keep in mind the bulkiness of foul weather gear and winter clothing.

Double Duty Jogging Strollers

Jogging strollers are generally designed to do double duty. Many jogging strollers have a swivel front wheel so that you can maneuver around when doing everyday activities. When you decide to jog, the front wheel is locked in place so that you get a more controlled jog. Jogging strollers have sturdier frames, and larger, stronger wheels to take the jolts and the bumps. Jogging strollers also place the child in a deeper, more secure seat.

Play it safe. Don’t put unnecessary stress on an ordinary stroller by making it a jogging stroller. Not only will you be shortening the stroller’s usable life, but you may be putting your child in danger.

Wheels

Most strollers do come with swivel wheels that provide great maneuverability. Take a good look at the construction and material of those wheels. Will they handle the use and abuse you plan to give them? Generally larger wheels are made better and out-perform a bunch of tiny wheels. Look for pneumatic tires; they not only provide a more comfortable ride for the passenger, but they will be more comfortable for you, too.

Folding and Storage

Strollers go from the house, to the auto trunk, almost on a daily basis. Easy fold is not an option; it is a necessity. Look for the “one-hand” easy fold design.

If you are afraid of getting one of those larger strollers with large wheels because you think they will take up too much room, think again. You’ll be surprised at how well and how compactly most of them fold. Usually those larger wheels are designed to snap off and on easily, making a real tight bundle. So again, check the description and read the specifications. You may be surprised.

Adjustable Handles, Shock Absorbers, etc.

These are considered extras, ones that you may want or need, depending on how you plan to use your stroller. Adjustable handles are very useful when jogging, or when people of various heights will be pushing the stroller. Shock absorbers are recommended if you will be jogging on unpaved, uneven terrain; not only do they provide a more comfortable ride, but they give you more control of the stroller on these surfaces.

With a little thought and planning, your stroller should be a good investment. It should not only serve your needs over the next few years, but it should perform well during this entire time. It should comfortably hold your child as he grows. And above all, it should be safe.

If you have two children who are about the same age, two children who will benefit from a really cool stroller, and if you are looking for a stroller that will make your strolls quite enjoyable… then you should take a close look at the Joovy Caboose stroller.

I just got back from vacation with my seven year old daughter. While on vacation I drove my daughter nuts because I kept stopping parents to ask them about their strollers. I was intrigued with the latest stroller designs and features… What will they think of next?

One stroller in particular caught my eye – the Joovy Caboose, sit and stand, stroller. I was already familiar with Joovy, the stroller manufacturer from Texas who is known for their high quality and innovative designs – but I’ve never seen the Caboose stroller in action – until now.

The Caboose is what I would call a stroller and a half. It’s not as big, bulky or heavy as double strollers – it’s ideal for parents who have two stroller-aged children, i.e., a two year old and a four year old.

The Caboose has the capability to accommodate a wide variety of infant car seats. The list of compatible infant car seats is actually quite impressive. And the rear seat, a jump seat, is quite innovative – it folds down to accommodate a child or a toddler who is tired of walking or standing. If your child wants to get a better view while ridding on their ‘chariot’ or if your child is simply tired of facing backwards, the jump-seat folds up and out of the way so he or she can stand on the Caboose footboard / platform. The Joovy Caboose has handles, a strong platform and a safety strap that ensures a safe ride for your standing child.

Oh how I wish I had this five years ago. My daughter would have absolutely loved to stand on the back of the Caboose. I can’t tell you how many times I pushed an empty stroller while carrying my fidgety daughter.

Okay, the stroller looks great, it’s lighter than conventional double strollers, one of your children can sit or stand and the front seat of the Caboose is ideal for either infants or children alike. So what? Why should you get excited about the Caboose stroller? Good question, let me tell you what I learned in my parent interviews.

The Joovy Caboose makes it easy for parents with multiple children to get out. That’s it. “Getting out to stroll, going shopping and running errands is no longer a burden” one mother told me. Another mother said that “The Caboose stroller keeps everyone happy and it’s easy to fold, pack, store and transport”. And finally, a proud dad told me “the Caboose stroller removes the fuss, my children and I look forward to our Caboose rides.”

Why should you buy this stroller?

You should buy this stroller if you have two children and you are looking for a practical alternative to big, clunky double strollers. You should buy this stroller if you find yourself carrying your four year old in one arm… while pushing your stroller with your free hand. And you should buy this stroller if your older child is too big to sit… but not big enough to go the distance.

Why should you ‘not’ buy this stroller?

If you have two infants or two toddlers and you need two full-featured seats – i.e., if you need to attach two infant car seats.

Other Strollers to consider

The Peg Perego Duette SW stroller – The Ferrari of strollers… The Duette holds two children and drives like a dream, it has large wheels, all-wheel suspension, rear brakes, adjustable, forward and / or rear facing, seats, and it includes a steering wheel for unprecedented maneuverability.

Graco Quattro Tour Duo – Is a tandem dual stroller has seats that accommodate 2 infant car seats. The seats can be adjusted to face forwards or backwards and the rear seat is elevated for a theater-like view for the rear passenger. And finally, the rear seat reclines for sleepy your child.

Joovy Big Caboose – Sports the same functionality as the Caboose, but the Big Caboose is for parents who have 3 stroller-aged children.

Joovy Kooper – A single, lightweight, stroller from Joovy. You get the same high quality and innovative design that Joovy delivers with the Caboose – in a single, lightweight form factor.

• Stroller Type: Travel System
• Number of Seats: Single
• Max Child Height: 29 in.
• Harness Points: 5-Point
• Recline Features: Reclining Back
• Max Weight Capacity: 40 lb.