If you are a first-time parent-to-be, determining which type of baby stroller to buy can be confusing. In fact, it will probably be one of the most complex decisions you will need to make when it comes to purchasing essentials for your baby. The reason for this is that there are just so many types available.
Pricier baby strollers are usually higher in quality than cheaper ones, and they often offer superior features. This makes them very tempting. However, there’s no point in buying an expensive baby stroller if it comes with extras you don’t need and won’t use.
An example of this would be purchasing a jogging stroller just in case you decide to take up running when you don’t even walk for exercise.
In this article, we will look at the various types of baby stroller and their main features. Knowing this will help you choose a model that will be right for you and your new family member.
Types of Baby Stroller
Following is a brief overview of the most popular kinds of baby stroller:
- Standard Baby Stroller
Also known as a pram, the seat of most standard baby strollers can be reclined to almost flat and many come with a car seat adaptor. Equipped with a canopy, the standard baby stroller is large, and it has big wheels that make it easy to maneuver. With an average weight of between 16 and 37 pounds, they are not the best choice to use when traveling.
A good quality standard baby stroller should last for years, enabling you to use it for more than one child.
- Carriage Stroller
One of the most popular baby strollers is the carriage stroller. Very similar to a standard baby stroller, the main difference is that your baby will be facing you when they’re inside it.
- Pram
Another type of carriage is the pram. Prams usually have large wheels and a canopy in which the baby fully reclines. Basically a bassinet on wheels, they are ideal for newborns.
- Umbrella Stroller
The umbrella stroller is compact and lightweight, but it doesn’t recline. Weighing between 8 and 17 pounds, it resembles a sling on a frame. Designed for babies 6 months and older, this model does not offer enough support or padding for younger babies.
The umbrella stroller is very easy to fold, store, and transport. This makes it the ideal everyday stroller to take with you on road trips; when traveling by air, or even just going shopping. Another advantage of this type of stroller is its low cost. A downside is that its wheels are often quite small, so it’s a little harder to maneuver than a baby stroller with larger wheels.
An umbrella stroller I’ve used and recommend is the Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller. (Click the previous link to read a review.) It is sturdy, reasonably priced and it has some great features, including easy maneuverability.
- Travel System
A travel system is a combination stroller/infant car seat/car seat base. Detachable, the car seat can be clicked into the car seat base to use in your vehicle. Parents find the travel system convenient, as it enables them to move their sleeping baby from the stroller to the car and back, without disturbing them.
- Infant Jogging Stroller
A jogging stroller is a three-wheeled baby stroller that enables you to transport your baby as you jog. This model is suitable for babies six months and older, who can hold their head up.
Jogging strollers look great, and they are very stable on rough terrain, but they are heavy and bulky. Infant Jogging Strollers can also be difficult to turn and fold, so if you don’t plan on jogging or hiking, give this one a miss.
How Much Should You Spend?
Baby strollers range in price from well under $100 to well over $600, with many priced in between. How much you spend isn’t important. Along with being comfortable, the most important thing is that the stroller is safe for your baby, so check that the model you are thinking of buying is JPMA-certified. If it is, you can be sure it conforms to US standards and that it is stable and not prone to tipping over, among other things.
Tip: To save time, decide on the type of stroller you want, then set a budget and look at models within your price range.
Will I Need More than One Stroller?
Most people will find that as time passes they will need to buy a second baby stroller, be that a lightweight umbrella stroller or a jogging stroller.
Initially, you will need a stroller in which your child can travel lying down. Many people love the look of old-fashioned prams, but unfortunately, they are not always practical. Along with being heavy, they are expensive and not considered safe for babies over three months of age.
The carriage is a much better option. While still pricey, the carriage system utilizes a bassinet that snaps onto the stroller’s frame. At three months of age, the baby will no longer need to use the bassinet, so they can be placed directly into the seat of the stroller.
The most practical choice for a newborn is a stroller with a seat that folds back. With this design, your baby will be able to sit upright when he or she is big enough.
Baby Stroller Summary
After deciding upon the type of baby stroller to buy, I recommend you spend some time researching various brands and models. To avoid making an expensive mistake, read reviews from parents who own the model you are thinking of buying. This should result in you buying a baby stroller that both you and your little one love.
