Buying their first baby stroller can be exciting for new parents. However, many parents can be taken back by the vast number of models available on the market. Here are some tips to make your first baby stroller shopping a fun experience. First, to make the most of your investment, it is preferable to choose a stroller that you will be able to use for both babies and toddlers up to three years of age. Second, depending on your needs, you may need to look in to specialized strollers.

The combined stroller

Buying a combined stroller or 3-in-1 stroller is probably one of the most profitable purchase you can make. Being a complete set, those 3 in 1 models are obviously a little bit more expensive, but they represent a long-term investment. To choose among the different available models, it is important that you look at the comfort the stroller offers, but also the type of positions it allows. When walking your child, it is preferable to have him or her seated to observe the world around them. However, you also want to be able to incline to let baby drink from the bottle and to be able to lie baby down to sleep. It is also important to orient the newborn baby towards you, but eventually also to position the stroller so baby will be facing the world when he or she grows up a little bit older and starts showing signs of curiosity.

The double stroller

The double stroller is extremely useful when you are walking around with two young children, whether they are twins or not. With a double stroller, babies can sit side by side or one behind the other. Most parents opt to having their children sitting one behind the other, as those stroller are less wide and are easier to move around. The purchase of a double stroller is usually a necessity : having to carry two young children. Choose a double stroller that will be naturally resistant and comfortable for both children.

3 wheel stroller

Also called a sport stroller, the three wheels strollers are larger than other strollers, which allow parents to bring their little ones to rougher terrains. Those stroller are also slightly higher than other strollers, which allow the person who pushes it to keep a straighter back. The purchase of a 3-wheeled stroller or a sport stroller is specifically designed for parents who love walking in the forest or other bumpier roads.

Lightweight stroller

For parents who travel a lot, buying a lightweight stroller is ideal. It is lightweight (you would have guess that one) and practical, so you can easily carry it with you. Whether you are bringing on a trip or simply walking in the city, with a lightweight stroller, you win every time, as you can easily put it in the trunk of the car. Moreover, most lightweight strollers can be assembled and disassembled on demand and are often equipped with a system to avoid pinching your fingers (ouch!).

Every parents need different types of strollers, because not everybody has the same lifestyle. Find out what your needs are before purchasing a stroller : how much storage space do you have, what type of transportation do you usually use, are you the type to go hiking with baby? After answering all those questions, you will find out what your ideal baby stroller is.

Have you ever been in public and seen some poor parent or grandparent struggling to open a massive stroller? These “one handed” operations usually require several hands to open and close, which is not always possible when you have a squirming infant or toddler to deal with as well. Convenience strollers provide an alternative to parents or grandparents who want a stroller but do not want to have to deal with the size and hassle of the larger strollers that come with baby travel systems.

Convenience strollers are lightweight strollers that fold up easily to stash in your car’s trunk. They are more durable and comfortable than umbrella strollers, but less bulky than the single stroller that comes with a baby travel system. They typically forgo the luxuries like parent cup holders or huge under-carriage baskets. They do have conveniences, such as a cup holder for the child or a small basket for carrying necessary items, but the main goal of the stroller is to be compact, comfortable, and convenient to use.

Convenience strollers do not attach to infant carriers, so many parents wait to use them until the child is able to sit up on his own. However, many of these lightweight strollers do recline fully, so infants can use them comfortably, just not with the infant carrier.

Whenever you purchase a stroller, whether it be a normal sized stroller or a convenience stroller, you need to be concerned with safety. If you plan to use the stroller with a baby, not a toddler, you need a 5-point safety harness restraint system to keep your baby where she needs to be. Always check the weight guidelines on a stroller before using it to make sure that your baby fits properly. Stability can also be a concern. Some types of lightweight strollers, such as umbrella strollers, can tip easily. Convenience strollers tend to have sturdy wheels and strong suspension systems to add stability for your baby. Finally, locking wheels will protect your baby from rolling away when you park the stroller, so this is an important safety feature.

If you have decided that convenience strollers fit your lifestyle well, there are some features you may wish to look for as you shop. First, look for a stroller that has adjustable handles. This will ensure that the stroller is comfortable for all of the adults that may be using it, no matter how different they are in height. Next, look for a stroller with a sunshade. This will protect your baby’s delicate head if you are out on a sunny day.

You will also want to note the age that the stroller’s manufacturer says you can safely begin using the stroller. Some are not safe to use until a baby is six months old, so make sure you check this if you intend to use the stroller with a young infant. Finally, consider the storage options you need. Do you need and under-the-seat basket? You can find convenience strollers with this feature. What about a cup holder for your child? This is also available, but not all models have it.

Convenience strollers help fill the gap between the larger single strollers which are heavy and sometimes difficult to store and the much smaller umbrella strollers which are very limited in features and capabilities.

Finding the right stroller for you and your baby can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience, not to mention expensive. Often, knowing what to look for in a stroller is not easy, especially if you are a first time parent. Even the most experienced parent has problems choosing from the vast array of “must-have” options put on display in the manufacturers literature. This article will attempt to cut through the manufacturers hype and outline the common basic requirements that are a must in any stroller that you buy. These options range from the right stroller type, comfort for the driver and child, safety and easy to store.

There are five basic types of stroller, each one designed to meet a specific need.

• lightweight or umbrella stroller, e.g. Maclaren Volo Stroller – choose these if you are intend using the stroller primarily for short journeys, such as a trip to the shopping mall.
• standard stroller – these are well suited for family outings, traveling and most everyday activities.
• double, triple or quadruple strollers – designed to carry more than one child.
• jogging or all-terrain strollers, e.g. Zooper Boogie – these are some of the most versatile strollers and are well suited for the more active parents who like to keep fit or simply like get out and about in some of the more challenging environments, such as the park.
• travel system or car seat strollers, e.g. Bugaboo Cameleon Pushchair – these strollers off convenience to busy parents who wish to quickly change stroller seat into a car seat with the least amount of hassle.

Choosing the most comfortable stroller is probably the most important factor to consider when buying a stroller. If your child ends up slumped in the seat or cries because they are restricted in movement or they are cold or wet, or the sun is in their eyes, then you are both in for some stressful journeys! Look for strollers with lots of padding and plush fabric. A reclining seat is very important for younger babies. Accessories to look for include foot covers, rain shields, anti-glare shields, canopies or nets to protect against the sun, head supports and a good suspension system.

Safety features are important. Strollers must be stable, even when loaded down with shopping. This is especially true when shopping is placed over the handle bars. The child seat and harness arrangement must also be considered. A five point harness for younger babies is best, whereas for older more active children a 3 point harness, allowing the shoulders to be free, will be much more comfortable and practical. Parking brakes and maneuverability on uneven ground should also be tested.

It is important to give some consideration to where you are going to store your stroller when not in use or even when you are traveling. Weight, portability and folding options are the most important factors in this category. Are you going to carry the stroller up lots of stairs? Will the stroller fit into your trunk. Does it need to fold flat? Is it easily assembled? Remember that all those added accessories can also add to the weight.

There is no getting around the fact that choosing a stroller requires a certain amount of research on your part. Comfort, safety and reliability will always factor in such decisions and your choice of stroller type will often be dictated for you by your individual circumstances. In the end, price is also a major consideration when buying a stroller and may well be an overriding factor in your final decision. However, researching into other aspects such as the above may help to reduce your confusion when faced with the final choice and will also come in handy when you have to purchase your next stroller or upgrade from your current one.

Few pieces of equipment for your baby will be used as much as your stroller. Your choice of stroller will determine how you move your child around for the next several years, so it is important to spend some time researching and thinking about this purchase. This simple guide will help you select the right stroller for your needs.

The first thing to think about is what type of stroller you will need. Are you going to be transporting just one baby, a baby and an older child or two babies? Even if you have multiples, there are stroller options available that will allow you to move all of your children at once.

In addition to the ages of children that you have, you will also need to consider what you will be using the stroller for. Do you need an all-purpose stroller that will work in a variety of circumstances? Do you need one stroller that will serve a specific purpose? Here’s a rundown of the most popular types of strollers:

1. Umbrella strollers. These strollers are very lightweight and come with very little storage. They can be used with children up to preschool age. Because they do not have a whole lot of storage, they are best for short trips, such as a walk around the block.

2. Lightweight Strollers. A lightweight stroller offers a few more features than an umbrella stroller, but it is still light enough to use in places such as stores or malls. Lightweight strollers are easy to fold up and take up less space than regular sized strollers (both when they are in use and when they are folded).

3. Regular-sized strollers. These come in a variety of styles. They normally include cup holders and may have extra features such as music players, toy bars and storage pockets. In some cases, they are designed to hold an infant carrier, so you can use them from birth until your child outgrows the stroller.

4. Jogging strollers. Joggers are designed to allow you to easily maneuver the stroller while running or walking fast. They have three wheels instead of four and generally offer very little storage (to keep them lightweight).

All of these types of strollers are available in double varieties. Double strollers come in either side-by-side varieties or tandem (one seat in front of another). Sometimes side-by-side strollers can be difficult to use on sidewalks, and they can make it a challenge to maneuver your stroller through a crowd. If you plan to do a lot of walking in the city, a tandem might be a better option.

Depending on the ages of your kids, you can also opt for a “sit and stand stroller,” which is useful when you have a baby and an older child. The older child can stand on a platform while the baby is secured inside the stroller.

You also need to consider your budget when choosing a stroller. If you know that you will be using your stroller a lot, a regular sized stroller may be the best option for you. You can always purchase an umbrella stroller for those times that you need something lighter weight. Your individual circumstances will determine where you’ll want to make the largest investment. For example, we went all out on the purchase of our double jogging stroller because we so enjoyed taking the stroller off pavement (on gravel roads and well-traveled hiking trails). And then we bought a very simple and inexpensive lightweight stroller, which we stored in the trunk of our car for those times when we were away from home and needed a more simple solution.

Write down your wants and needs and read the stroller safety reports online. Once you have decided on a brand and style, look for a coupon code or special offer before you buy. That way, you’ll be able to find the perfect stroller for just the right price.