Picking Out the Perfect Stroller

I have to say, I am amazed at how much has changed since I was stroller shopping on a few years ago. I mean, who would have thought that the method of getting a baby from one place to another would become such a complicated affair. I thought I had an overwhelming number of choices then, but it is even more so now. So I thought I’d use this article to share a few thoughts about what I’ve learned owning and using a several different strollers over the past 8 years.

Think About What You Really Need

The first step in choosing a stroller is to consider your lifestyle and plans for your family. For instance, if this is your first child and you hope to have another relatively soon, I recommend you buy the least expensive single stroller now and save you money to put on a high quality double stroller in the future. If, one the other hand, you plan for this child to be your last, you will probably want to spend a bit more on a single stroller, since you will be using it for several years at least.

What do you like to do in your spare time? If you enjoy taking long walks outdoors, you will need a different sort of stroller than if you prefer to do your walking through a mall. Do you travel a lot, and do you plan to continue to do so with your new baby? If so, give special attention to how quickly and well a stroller folds up for storage.

Do you hope to jog with your baby in tow? If so, you need to be aware that most jogging strollers are not suitable for use in other settings. This means that you will need to buy two strollers, and thus will want to pay close attention to the price point of each. If you bike, as well as run, you might want to check out one of the new jogging strollers that can also be towed behind a bicycle.

Think About What You Want

Here are just a few of the newest features of modern strollers. I consider these extras, but you may consider them necessities:

• One or more upholders
• A body that can change to allow you to face your baby or your baby to face front
• Extra comfortable system of springs
• Small frames that are designed primarily to hold a snap-in car seat
• A front tray that holds cups, food and toys

Do Your Research

There are plenty of sites on the internet that feature information of strollers. Once you have decided what you need, what you want and about how much you are willing to pay, check out places like Joovy Caboose reviews and Bumbleride stroller reviews to narrow down your search.

If possible, talk to other friends and relatives who have new babies and see what they think. Then call around you local baby stores and find out if they carry the models you like and if they have them set up in the store. Even if you plan to order online, you still need to take time to go and look at the choices in person. That’s the olny way you’ll be able to get a feel for how they handle.

Practice Makes Perfect

I strongly suggest that you have you stroller purchased and set up before your child is born. In fact, I’d go as far as to suggest that you take it, empty, on a few dry runs. I don’t mean travel across country, but it is a good idea to get very good at set it up, pushing it, collapsing it and loading it in the car before you have some tiny bundle screaming at you for attention. Also, both you and your spouse need to take time to read the instruction booklet and try out all the different features now because, If promise, you won’t have time to later.

About the Author

Melissa Cameron, who is married with two children, lives in Austin, Texas next to her elderly parents. Melissa leads a full life that includes a productive career as a freelance writer and spending time with her extended family. She loves writing about various subjects including parenting, local history and living a frugal life. She also enjoys searching the Internet for bargains and researching ideas for articles.