- Nursery Articles -
How to Choose a Stroller
Based on Your Lifestyle
When preparing for a newborn, there are a lot of choices to make. From choosing the color of the bedroom walls to deciding on the baby’s name, the options can be overwhelming. The same goes for baby strollers.
If you’re wondering how to choose a stroller, you’ll want to consider you and your baby’s needs.
Key features to look for in a stroller
Price
Strollers can get pretty pricey, so ensuring you are getting the most out of your purchase is important. Establishing your budget is a great starting point. Most strollers range anywhere from $50 to $1,200 and typically the higher the price, the more features it has like better suspension systems, quality fabrics, more space and several color choices. That said, it’s still possible to get a quality stroller at a reasonable price.
Size and Weight
Strollers can vary in size and weight depending on the stroller type. The size and weight of a stroller is something you should consider — the last thing you’ll want is to juggle a baby, diaper bag and stroller that’s too heavy for you, all at the same time.
While heavier stollers may be more difficult to handle or transport, they tend to be more durable and have stronger wheels. Lightweight strollers will be easier to travel with and carry, however might not be able to handle certain types of environments like nature trails or bumpy paths.
Safety
Finally, make sure that the stroller will meet your child's age, height and weight needs. You’ll also want to consider the following:
• Wheels: The larger the wheels, the easier you’ll be able to travel over curbs or rough surfaces.
• Restraint system: Curious babies may try to reach out of the stroller. Make sure they’re secure with a 5-point harness: shoulder straps, a strap between the legs and waist belts that connect together.
• Canopy: Rain or shine, a stroller with a canopy offers extra protection for your baby.
• Breaks: Taking your baby on a jog or pushing them on an incline? You won’t have to worry if you have a strong break system.
• Stability: While your troller doubles as storage, it shouldn’t become unbalanced. A stable stroller will provide a strong foundation for everything you need on a day out.
Doing a test drive of the stroller before placing your child in it is also a good idea to make sure it meets safety standards.
How to pick the perfect stroller for you and your family
After going over the general features of a stroller, you’ll need to dig a little deeper to see what the best stroller is for you and your lifestyle. We’ve listed a few important things to keep in mind when choosing a stroller.
Consider your family size
Think about the size of your family or future family. Do you plan to have one child or another in the next year or two? If you’re planning on the latter, you may want to choose a stroller that has an option to convert from a single to a double seater. That way, you can stroll around with both a toddler and an infant secure in their seats with their favorite toys.
Know your environment
Consider where you'll be pushing your stroller around and how fast you'll be moving. Do you have a favorite unpaved path in a park or section of your property where you like to go for walks? All-terrain strollers are available with wide, sturdy wheels that roll smoothly over rocks and uneven ground.
If you live in a place that frequently rains or has extreme heat, you may want to invest in a stroller with a canopy or rain cover to protect them from the weather.
Think about travel and accessibility
Do you have a car that you use on a regular basis? If so, look for strollers with built-in car seats that clip in securely but have easy-release features so you can move your baby in and out of the car smoothly.
If you plan to travel often with your baby, you may need a lightweight stroller that easily converts and folds for simple transport. Similarly, if you’re a city dweller and tend to use public transit or taxis, it's also a good idea to find a stroller that folds up easily and has a detachable seat for portability. That makes it easy to balance a stroller, diaper bag and purse when you need to.
Determine your needs
Finally, it’s helpful to envision when and where you’ll use the stroller and think about how to integrate it into the way that fits with your lifestyle and needs. Maybe you’d like to go on long walks and need a stroller with a cup holder for your coffee or water, or maybe you’ll need a jogger stroller to take your child on runs with you. These will help you determine what stroller will work best for you.
What are the different types of strollers?
When it comes to strollers, there’s one for everyone. See an overview of the different types of strollers available below.
Car seat strollers
A car seat stroller is a very versatile option as it can transform from a stroller to a car seat in just a few moments. These are typically lightweight and compact for easy transitioning.
Lightweight strollers
Like the name suggestions, lightweight strollers are light, portable and easy to maneuver. You can even get them with shoulder straps to make them easy to carry around. While there are many benefits of having a lightweight stroller, they will have less features than a standard stroller. They should not be used for newborns.
Double stroller
A double stroller is a great option for families with multiple young children or twins. These strollers will have two seats and will usually have extra storage space at the bottom — which is great for toys, snacks or diaper bags.
Jogging strollers
Jogging strollers are typically bulky and sturdy, making them safe enough to run with. These may also weigh more to prevent them from tipping over. Additionally, jogging strollers usually have three large wheels to improve mobility.
Now that you know which stroller will work best for you and your baby, it’s time to choose your favorite. Shop strollers for every lifestyle at Pottery Barn Kids.