A tiny tot means tons of gear, and one of the most important (and priciest) purchases you'll make is a stroller, so you'll want to do your homework before you buy. Start by learning about the types of strollers available, then narrow them down to one that works for your lifestyle and budget.
- Pram: Newborns need to lie down when they ride, so your choices at first are limited. A pram is an old-fashioned baby carriage with large, spoked wheels and a bassinet-like sleeping space, but these can be expensive (upwards of $1,000) and are only safe up to 3 months of age.
- Car-seat frame: These are a more practical choice. They're low-cost (around $50), foldable and lightweight frames on wheels that allow you to snap your infant car seat (bought separately) right on top so you don't have to wake your sleeping baby. However, like the pram, a car-seat frame has an expiration date: when your baby outgrows the infant car seat, it's time for a new stroller, too.
- Travel system: This device is similar to a car-seat frame, but it has a longer shelf life. It's a traditional stroller that comes with a detachable car seat. Keep the car seat on the stroller until your infant is old enough to sit up, and then remove it and seat her in the stroller itself. Travel systems can be heavy and sometimes unwieldy to fold and shove in the back of a car, but they tend to be sturdy, long-lasting and available in a wide range of prices, from $150 up to $350.
- Convertible stroller: If you want to leave the car seat out of the equation, check out a convertible stroller, which, like a travel system, can last from the newborn through toddler stages. The seat folds back so your newborn can ride flat, but you can fold it up and so she can also sit upright. These strollers can be pricey (basic models start at around $150, but prices can go up to $600), but the practicality may outweigh the cost.
- Umbrella stroller: These lightweight models are good for toddlers who'll be anxious to walk (or run) more than ride. Low-end umbrella strollers cost no more than $30, but you might invest in a more comfy model, costing around $150.
- Joggers: If you move fast on your own feet, check out these three-wheeled strollers, which are built for babies to whiz along with Mom or Dad while they exercise (from around $100 up to $500).
- Double stroller: Got multiples? A double stroller is a must-have, and you can choose between seats that are side-by-side (often convertible, so they accommodate newborns) or one in front of the other (double travel systems are available). The latter tends to be the style of choice for urban parents, since it takes up less room on the sidewalk. Most doubles are in the $200 to $500 range and triples are available, too!
It's a great idea to test drive strollers at a store before you buy one. You'll want to make sure the one you choose is easy to navigate, simple to fold (try doing it with one hand, as if you had a baby in the other) and not too heavy for you to put in the back of your car by yourself. Also, you may want to consider these additional features:
- Storage space: Look for under-seat baskets and handlebar trays with cup holders.
- Handlebar height: Some strollers have an adjustable handlebar, which is convenient if one parent is taller than the other.
- Well-treaded wheels: All-terrain strollers are appealing to families who camp, hike or even just spend a lot of time off-roading in the park.
Finally, most strollers on the market today come with standard safety features, but the best ones have wheel locks, a five-point harness and certification from the Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association (check out www.jpma.org for their safety recommendations). From there, the choice is yours.
