Splurge Or Save: Baby Strollers

The reversible stroller that started the reversible stroller trend is still a bestseller, thanks to its ease of use, durability and style. The Bugaboo Cameleon comes with an infant bassinet that can be used up to 19 pounds, then the toddler seat goes to 40 pounds. The Cameleon's handle reverses quickly, so you don't have to switch the seat around when you want the stroller seat to face differently. With swivel wheels on one side, sturdy 12-inch tires on the other, and Bugaboo's signature suspension, the Cameleon stroller is at home on city streets as well as rougher terrain. At about $900 for the stroller plus some accessories, it's definitely a splurge. The Bugaboo Cameleon holds up well enough to be resold or swapped later, though.

The seat on the Kolcraft Contours Options 4 Wheeler stroller reverses to give baby a different view. The included infant car seat adapter works with many brands, so you can use this stroller like a travel system for infants. The stroller seat is rated to 40 pounds. The Contours Options 4 Wheeler has 8-inch swivel wheels on the front and 12-inch never-flat fixed wheels on the back. The basket is bigger than average, and when the stroller is folded, it stands by itself, which is nice for days that you feel like you need an extra set of hands. If you want a reversible stroller with plenty of convenience features and a lower price, Kolcraft Contours Options is the one to check out. It comes in at about $170.

The Valco Baby Tri Mode Single stroller is capable of handling almost any terrain, and can even be used for some light jogging. The three air-filled tires give baby a smooth ride no matter where you go, and the front swivel wheel can be left to move freely, or it can be fixed for jogging, or in a 45-degree-only swivel if you decide to add the nifty toddler seat so an older child can ride, too. The toddler seat is sold separately. The Tri Mode stroller is well-built and steers incredibly well. The seat reclines fully for newborns and holds toddlers up to 45 pounds. There's a good amount of storage built into the stroller, too, between the lower basket and the zip-off pocket on the canopy. Starts at about $400.

If you need a stroller that can go anywhere, the three 12-inch inflatable tires on the Jeep Liberty Limited stroller will help you conquer nearly any terrain. You can lock the front swivel wheel for more stability on uneven ground. Several popular infant car seat models fit on the Jeep Liberty Limited stroller so you can use it like a travel system, and the seat also reclines nicely for younger infants. The basket is roomy, plus the stroller has two removable storage bags. Parent and child cupholders are included, plus there's a steering wheel toy to attach to the child tray. You can plug your iPod into this stroller, too. Lots of fun and convenient features for a great price! About $170.

Mountain Buggy strollers are known for being very sturdy, and their strength was proven a few years ago when a baby's life was saved when a Mountain Buggy stroller protected her from pieces of a building that fell onto a sidewalk. The Urban Elite Single has a locking front wheel, so it's ready for jogging when you are, but you can also use this stroller for everyday excursions, too. The steering is incredibly smooth. The light aluminum frame is great for jogging, and the foot brake is easy to use. Baby has a comfy ride, too, thanks to the top-notch suspension, padded harness and removable fleece liner. The two-step fold makes transporting the Urban Elite simple, as well. About $650.

The Bob Revolution stroller is an outstanding jogger. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles and accessories, but for the price you get a super-strong welded aluminum frame that will hold up for serious runners and a great suspension system with up to three inches of travel, so baby gets a really smooth ride. This stroller also has a nice 70 pound weight limit, but the seat does recline for smaller babies. Since you can unlock the front wheel and let it swivel for non-jogging use, and it steers nicely that way, you could easily let the Bob Revolution double as your everyday stroller. This stroller folds pretty easily, too. $350-$400.

Peg Perego has packed a lot into the Pliko P3 stroller, but they managed to keep the weight to a fairly trim 16 pounds, so you won't feel the strain when it's time to stow your stroller. The one-hand fold feature is extremely nice - you can collapse the stroller and carry it easily, and it stands on its own when folded. There's a toddler step on the back in case an older child gets unexpectedly tired on you. The handles are height-adjustable, which is perfect for taller parents. The front tray has hinges for easier access, and there are attachment points for the Primo Viaggio infant car seat. They've even added a water bottle holder for you. Recommended for birth to 40 pounds. About $350.

The Endangered Species series strollers from Baby Planet look cool, stand up to loads of wear and tear and some of the purchase price goes to the Wildlife Conservation Society to help protect the endangered species the strollers are spotlighting. The deep seat recline allows you to use this stroller from about one month up through the toddler years. The upper weight limit is 55 pounds, and the seat is sized to accommodate toddlers comfortably. The basket is roomy and the frame is very sturdy. This is one stroller that won't be wobbly and creaking after a few uses. It also folds quite compactly so you don't have to sacrifice your entire trunk for storage. Four endangered species theme available. About $180.

The Maclaren Volo has been popular among parents for several years, thanks to its zippy steering, sleek frame, fashionable colors and light weight. At just under 9 pounds, it's one of the lightest strollers available, so if it's supreme portability and ease of use you want, the Volo won't let you down. This stroller also offers a 5-point harness and one recline position, features that aren't often found on umbrella-type strollers, so when your little one naps, you won't have as much trouble with the forward slump. The Volo has a 55 pound weight limit, which is good for a lightweight stroller. $130.

If you need a light, inexpensive stroller for your older baby or toddler, the Evenflo X Sport Plus should keep baby comfortable and give you more handy features than the average umbrella stroller. The best feature for parents is the extendable handles that allow you to better adjust the X Sport Plus to your height. The canopy is also sized well, and can be turned forward enough to block the sun from various angles. In addition to the lower basket, the X Sport Plus has a storage bag that hangs between the handles and has a zipper compartment, and there are cupholders on the back, as well. The 3-point harness and no recline means toddlers will slump at nap time, though. Overall, this is a well-stocked umbrella stroller. About $50.