How to Choose the Best Stroller
Finding the right stroller is not an easy task, especially for first-time parents. The sheer number of brands and products available can be overwhelming. Additionally, it’s not just strollers to consider but all the other essentials needed when your baby arrives. I wrote this blog post to help you navigate the process of choosing the right stroller for your needs, so when you make that decision, you’ll be more knowledgeable and confident in your choice.
Why You Should Trust Me on This Issue
I’ve spent many years talking with parents-to-be and parents of small children, and I know how challenging it is to make the right choice. I’ve also spent a significant amount of time working in retail shops, observing parents who were searching for the perfect stroller. The look in their eyes often said it all: “Help me!” If you’re not in the baby stroller business, it can be tough to know what to look for. Terms like PU tires, aluminum frame, fully reclined seat, canopy, folding locks, and so on might not mean much to you. Plus, you might not even know what you truly need. This blog post will be updated over time, but as of now, I’m gathering a small set of key information to help you choose the best stroller for you and your children.
What is the Best Stroller?
You know how you search for information online, and often an expert will say, “Well, it depends.” That answer drives me crazy every single time. But I have to disappoint you—when asking what the best stroller is, it really does depend.
It all depends on your situation: where you live, your lifestyle, whether you travel, what kind of car you drive, how many children you have, and whether you’re buying one or two strollers. Do you have a lot of space in your home? If you live in an apartment building, is there an elevator? In the next section, I’ll break down the different types of strollers available on the market and explain when you should use each.
The Types of Strollers
Although there are numerous brands and products available, we can realistically categorize strollers into the following types: umbrella strollers, compact strollers, travel system strollers, joggers, double strollers, wagons, and classic pushchairs.
Umbrella Strollers
Umbrella strollers are typically very affordable. You can find them online or in most stores. There’s no need for an experienced salesperson to explain how the product works. The main advantage of an umbrella stroller is that it’s extremely compact, lightweight, and very budget-friendly. A typical use case for an umbrella stroller is when you’re going on vacation, have limited space in the car, and plan to use it for a short period, like two weeks. You might even dispose of it when you return home if you bought a very cheap version that specifically purchased for a short trip. I do not recommend buying an umbrella stroller as your everyday stroller for your child. Also, umbrella strollers are only suitable for children aged about six months and up.
Compact Strollers
Compact strollers are ideal if you live in a crowded city, in a small apartment building, or if you don’t have an elevator in your building. You need a lightweight stroller in such cases! Typically, compact strollers come with smaller wheels to make them even lighter, but the drawback is that you’ll feel every bump in the road. Avoid using a compact stroller on off-road trails. Most of the time, it won’t be a pleasant experience. Also, most compact strollers are suitable only when your child can sit up on their own, starting from around six months.
Travel System Strollers
Travel systems are the bread and butter of most stroller brands. Many parents opt for a travel system, which usually includes two or three items: the stroller frame with a seat that can be used from around six months up, a bassinet for newborns, and an optional car seat. However, you shouldn’t choose a travel system solely based on its car seat, or even if it includes a car seat. We wrote an article about car seats for strollers here, and I encourage you to have a look at it.
Travel systems are versatile and can be configured in different ways, which is great. Most of the time, you’ll be fine using them in the city and on trails. However, if you’re going on trails, make sure your travel system has large enough wheels and proper suspension. One thing to note is that I’m not a big fan of compact travel systems. I think it’s a poor attempt to combine the best of both worlds (compact and versatile), and in my experience, it doesn’t work. My recommendation is to start with a travel system (or our Double Stroller if you have two children). You would typically switch to a compact stroller after 1.5 years of using your travel system, or at least buy an additional compact stroller in addition to your travel system.
Joggers
Joggers are a niche product. They have three wheels and are designed for parents who want to maintain their active lifestyle by taking their children along for a jog. However, be aware that not all strollers labeled as “joggers” are actually tested for jogging. If the stroller doesn’t have a hand brake, it’s not a true jogger. Another hint is the front swivel wheel. In my opinion, a true jogging stroller shouldn’t have a swivel wheel. The wheel should be locked when jogging, or at least there should be a locking system in place. If there’s a swivel wheel on the stroller, it’s not really a jogger; it’s more of a sporty-looking three-wheel stroller.
Double Strollers
This is our area of expertise—products for families with multiple children! A double stroller is essential if you have more than one child. When my daughters were younger, double strollers weren’t available, and we had to buy two separate travel systems, which was a nightmare. If you have two children who are of stroller age, don’t even consider buying two separate strollers. Opt for a double stroller like our BabyCruiser Double Stroller; it will make a world of difference.
The next decision is whether to choose a side-by-side stroller, like our Double Stroller, or a tandem stroller with two seats in a row. I’m not a fan of tandem strollers. If you’re looking for a single stroller with an add-on for a second child, the two-seat version will be harder to maneuver because the center of gravity changes with the weight distribution. Second, you will run into problems when the child on top kicks the seat in front. Trust me, they will. Just ask yourself if you want to handle that fight between siblings 🙂
Lastly, to make your life even easier, you might want to look for a double stroller that can be used from birth so that newborns can lay flat. Our Double Stroller allows for newborns and toddlers to enjoy walks together!
Wagons
Wagons are fairly new in the industry. They were introduced a few years ago to provide more space for families with multiple children. Since this is a product for families with multiple children, we are closely monitoring the trend and might introduce our own version in the near future 🙂
Classic Pushchairs
Classic or retro pushchairs are the original pushchairs that first existed. They are typically very spacious, bulky, heavy, and suitable for newborns only. That said, they are beautiful! They have a distinctive design and are guaranteed to attract attention on walks. They usually come with a large bassinet for ultimate comfort. Some models even feature spring suspension for additional rocking. Classic retro models are by far the most iconic pushchairs you can get. Sadly, the market has changed completely, and there is less demand for this kind of product, or at least it is now a very small niche.
Most Important Features to Look for in Strollers
This is a very interesting topic, and I will publish the second part of this post in the next few days. Once I do, I will drop the link here!
