What could be more difficult than picking out your first stroller for a baby, and how do you select a stroller anyway? This market is becoming more and more aggressive. The choice between all these different stroller kinds can be rather daunting because there are so many brands available, and each stroller offers more distinctive features, lightweight traveling, and sports options.
Knowing what you need is key in this situation, which is the problem we’re tackling today. Remember that your baby stroller will likely be one of your most utilized baby items, so choosing the right stroller is crucial.
Different Types Of Strollers
Strollers may be classified into six categories:
- A large stroller
- Umbrella stroller, or something smaller
- Jogging carriage
- Double stroller
- Car seat support
- Transport system
Even though many strollers do neatly fit within the following components, others don’t. Some buggies may exhibit traits of many types (i.e., a double jogging stroller).
Full-Size Stroller
What it is: A full-size stroller is your best option if you want to make an investment that will last through your child’s toddler years. These strollers are the typical choice since they are larger, stronger, and more durable. Additionally, many models have a variety of functions that not only make the travel for your infant enjoyable but also simplify your life.
Benefits of a full-size stroller: A full-sized stroller is a popular choice for many families since it includes all the essential features as well as useful extras like:
- A large, plush, well-padded seat
- Seat reclines deeply
- Ability to attach a car seat and place the seat either forward- or backward-facing
- Design that converts neonatal usage with a car seat to toddler use as the child ages.
- Scalable awnings
- Sturdy tires with enough shock-absorbing suspension
- Roomy storage basket
- Adjustable handlebars
- Nice-to-haves that are practical, like a center console or snack tray
Cons of a full-size stroller:
- It might be hefty and large
- A compact home with little storage space could also be a tight fit.
Umbrella stroller or something smaller
What it is: Whereas an umbrella stroller lacks some advantages of a full-sized stroller, it makes up for its handling convenience while traveling.
Benefits of a lightweight or umbrella stroller:
- A portable stroller is lightweight, frequently weighing under 15 pounds.
- These versions are simple to fold, which makes packing one in the trunk or transporting it by bus, rail, or aircraft a breeze.
- Many compact strollers include useful features like storage baskets, extendable canopies, the partial seat reclines, and built-in cup holders or snack trays.
Cons of lightweight strollers:
- A lightweight stroller won’t be needed if you want to use it from when your child is a newborn. Most umbrella strollers are intended for infants six months or older. However, a few types with car seat converters or bassinet attachments may transport newborns comfortably.
- Since most lightweight strollers lack a convertible feature, you’ll probably need to buy a second stroller if you have another (or third) child within a couple of years of your first.
Jogging Carriage
What is it: Actually on the run? A jogging stroller could then be a wise choice. Jogging strollers frequently feature more durable wheels and stronger suspensions to absorb bumps and uneven terrain.
Benefits of a jogging stroller:
- Thanks to superior support, you can stroll, jog, or trek while keeping your infant comfortable on and off the path.
- The front wheel of many jogging strollers can rotate for versatility or be fixed (for stability at higher speeds).
- Other advantages may include car seat adaptability (for usage from infancy through toddlerhood), deep reclining seats, retractable handlebars, and roomy storage baskets, based on the model.
- Do not even jog with a stroller that lacks a hand brake, five-point seat belt, or wrist strap, as they are essential safety elements.
Cons of jogging strollers:
- A jogging stroller could be a little heavier and more difficult.
- A running stroller typically can’t fold up as tiny as an umbrella stroller if the room is limited.
- Jogging strollers are frequently broader than many full-size strollers, making it difficult to manage them in confined locations.
Double stroller
What it is: A double stroller is the best option if you’re traveling with twins or a toddler who isn’t quite ready to quit their stroller days. There are two sitting arrangements for doubles: tandem, in which one kid sits in front of the other, and side-by-side.
Benefits of a double stroller:
- This option allows the user to control only one stroller quickly when you have many kids.
- These versions tend to have more storage capacity because they are larger.
Downsides of a double stroller:
- Strollers for two children are often larger, heavier (up to 40 pounds), and have a larger overall footprint.
- Even if there are some lighter choices, these have drawbacks in that they frequently struggle to handle uneven terrain and bumps. Assess mobility (is it well rounded? ), breadth (will it fit through your door? ), and other factors as you browse. Is it suitable with one or two car seats? How does it turn out?
Car seat support
What it is: These wheeled frames are designed to quickly and easily (literally!) convert your baby car seat into a stroller.
Benefits of a car seat carrier:
- Carriers for car seats are small and light.
- They are practical and excellent for traveling since they make getting in and out of the car simple.
- Even numerous babies can fit in certain car seat carriers.
Cons of using a car seat carrier:
- As soon as a baby oversteps an infant car seat, car seat carriers are usually the best option. However, some comprehensive strollers may convert from a framework for a car seat to a stroller suitable for toddlers.
- Car seat carriers typically lack supplementary features like storing or cup holders.
Transport System
How it works: A newborn car seat and stroller are connected in a simple travel arrangement. You may select a system with the stroller type you like from full-size, ultralight, and jogging stroller options.
Benefits of a travel system:
- You can transfer your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without rousing her if your infant car seat has an adapter (often built-in) that links to your stroller.
Cons of the travel system
- The infant car seat will be outgrown far more quickly by your kid than the stroller, which typically lasts into older toddlerhood.
- A different car seat or base must be purchased if your household has more than one vehicle.
Safety must come first while walking with a young child. Nowadays, almost all stroller models comply with minimum safety requirements, but there are a few extra safety elements to consider while looking for a stroller.
Look for a safety harness with five points. Although three-point harnesses are less secure than five-point ones, some umbrella strollers still use them. Check the snaps to make sure they are reliable and simple to fasten.
Put the breaks on. Make sure to examine how simple it is to apply the brakes and how simple it is to trip them. Do you often find yourself using the brakes unintentionally? Are the brakes reliable for stopping? When you’re ready to move forward, can you effortlessly release the brakes?
Look at the borders and hinges. Any baby product’s crevices may be challenging, but strollers require extra caution. Be careful around protrusions or sharp edges, as small fingers and toes might entangle in small places.