It can seem like such a daunting task. How in the world are parents supposed to find the perfect stroller when there are so many different ones at so many different price points to choose from!? It was the number one question I heard from customers when I had my childrens’ store. But, if you start by looking at a few different factors, the overwhelming task can actually be a really fun purchase!
Lifestyle:
The first question I usually asked my customers was “How, where, and when will you use your stroller?” In Jacksonville, many people are in their cars a lot and want a convenient easy in and out of the car stroller. Many people are also beach lovers and want something they can use on the sand or jog with. Looking at how, when and where you will use your stroller will really narrow down what kind of stroller will be best for you.
Budget:
Your budget will obviously be a key factor in what stroller you will end up selecting. I will say it now, you WILL end up with multiple strollers during your kid’s childhood. There just isn’t that one magic stroller that does everything. Consider the longevity of your stroller purchase. Will you use it with a second child? Strollers are one of the most used pieces of baby gear you will purchase. That doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money, but I always told my customers they get what they pay for. It is definitely a purchase worth making an investment in, in my opinion.
Size and Weight:
This is a big one! Consider what you really have room for and are able to carry. Some strollers out there are HEAVY! Who wants to lug a heavy stroller in and out of the car? Also, many strollers, when folded, are so bulky they take up the entire back of an SUV. Just because you love the way the stroller looks and pushes, doesn’t mean you’ll love transporting it with you everywhere you go. I always reminded my customers that babies are only babies for a short amount of time of their stroller’s life. Think about juggling a bulky stroller and dealing with getting a toddler into the car.
Other Features that may be important:
- Ease of fold
- Adjustable handle bars for taller (or shorter) parents
- Storage basket
- Reclinable seat for child
- Infant car seat compatible
- Ease of braking the stroller
There are soooo many stroller choices out there, but I wanted to share my three absolute favorites!
Favorite Lightweight Stroller
I am just gonna say it. I don’t think there is a better, wiser stroller choice out there. It’s lightweight, folds in one second, has a fully reclinable seat approved from birth and can hold an infant carrier with the purchase of a car seat adapter. This is the one I reccomend for just about everyone. It is a great stroller to leave in the car and have for running errands and there is no better theme park stroller than this one. In fact, one company in Orlando has made a business out of renting just these strollers. Bonus: it comes in a double too.
Baby Jogger recently came out with a city mini GT, which is exactly the same as the original, but with all-terrain tires which makes it easier to push on sand, grass, etc.
Favorite Jogger- All Terrain Stroller
If you are in the market for something to run with or a great stroller for bumpy sidewalks, the beach, parks etc, get a BOB. Don’t look at anything else. Seriously. It is the best. Be sure to get a model with a front swivel wheel. This wheel can be locked when running, but trust me, you do not want a wheel that doesn’t swivel when you are just strolling in the neighborhood. This leads to having to actually lean back the stroller to pick the front wheel off the ground in order to turn the stroller. Such a pain!
If you are looking at other joggers, be sure to look for strollers with at least 16″ wheels in the back. I can’t tell you how many moms end up with strollers that actually aren’t joggers. I have talked to so many moms that bought a three wheeled stroller thinking it was jogger (usually a Phil and Teds) just to end up unhappy with its performance. Remember 16″ wheels in the back or bigger. And really, don’t even think about it. If a jogger is important to you, just get a BOB!
Favorite Travel System
I have now used my same Orbit with all three of my kids! It’s pricey, but clearly worth the money after three kids! The thing that makes this stroller so awesome is its smarthub technology. Check out the video here. The car seat actaully swivels on the stroller base and car seat base and clicks into place. The car seat base installs easily and quickly with the latch system of your vehicle. The stroller base has a one handed fold and is the easiest of any travel system I have seen.
I absolutely LOVE my Orbit.
Did you love your stroller? What was your favorite?
Perfect timing – I just started looking into jogging strollers!
Because of you Kacey and your fantastic store, I own the Orbit and Citi Mini and you were right – they are the absolute best! Thanks for the great advice again and again… now can you tell us your favorite current bedding.nursery decor lines?
Hey Kacey, I have a sister-in-law who wants a double stroller that isn’t side by side — she wants one that’s one behind another. Both children are toddlers now, any recommendations? Especially for getting around a city like San Francisco or errands.
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I’m using The Orbit. It is great, and I recommend it
It is good to know that a good baby stroller will be light weight and easy to fold and store. This would be nice when it comes to traveling with your child in the stroller. My neighbor also recommends strollers with more than one seat if you have more than one child.
Pretty good post.Parents always try to get the best stroller for their baby with your information they can pick the perfect stroller for their baby.
A fantastic guide on choosing the right stroller!
I’ve been looking around for a lightweight stroller that is durable, yet portable and this guide really helped me decide on a stroller. The market for strollers have become so huge, I find it difficult to choose the right one.
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