With hundreds of strollers on the market, buying one that you might use until your baby is 4 or 5 years old can feel as overwhelming as choosing a baby name. (Okay, maybe not that daunting. Still, stroller shopping is a big job.)
To narrow the field, start by asking yourself the basics: Where do you plan to use your stroller the most? On sidewalks? On rocky roads? On airport moving walkways? (Ha, ha.) How do you plan to use it—just as a stroller, as a jogger too, as a /shopping cart? (Seriously.) Size–Does the stroller need to fit in the trunk of your car or in an overhead compartment? What’s your budget?
If you don’t have all the answers, that’s okay. But you get the idea. No matter which stroller everybody else has, picking the right one for you is personal. In fact, I’d venture to say that there many of us fall into 11 basic stroller styles. Which style are you? Take my non-scientific quasi-quiz to find out.
Style 1: You’re a wheeler dealer
For you, value is the thing. You want a stroller that gets the job done at a rock-bottom price.
You know you’re one if:
–You’re tempted to borrow or buy a used stroller and call it a day. (Don’t do it. Here’s why.)
–You’ve been known to stretch the limits. For example, you think nothing of reusing coffee K-cups.
–You like the idea of doing your homework before making a major purchase.
Stroller picks for wheel dealers:
- Urbini Omni Travel System. Urbini is sold only at Walmart; it’s a value brand manufactured by Good Baby, which launched GB, which purchased Cybex and Evenflo. (It’s got a good pedigree.)
Stroller Frames: - Graco Verb. The Verb accepts all Graco Click Connect infant car seats. All told, Graco is a value brand, with best prices on Amazon.
- Baby Trend Snap N Go Universal infant car seat carrier; This basic stroller frame fits Britax, Chicco, Combi, Cosco, Evenflo, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Mia Moda, Peg Perego and Safety 1st infant
- Chicco Keyfit Caddy Stroller Frame; it’s designed exclusively for the Chicco Keyfit infant car seat.
- Graco Snugrider Elite stroller and car seat carrier; works with all Graco infant car seats.
- Maxi-Cosi Maxi Taxi stroller; accepts Maxi-Cosi Mico and Prezi infant car seats. You’ll need Maxi-Cosi adapters to do it, but they’re included.Baby Products Mom is a fan of the wheeler dealer route. Why?1) Cost: When you’re gearing up from scratch, you’ve got lots of decisions to make. Starting with a stroller frame is one less major decision to make and it’s relatively inexpensive. For $85 to $130, you can turn your baby’s infant car seat into a bonafide stroller, without committing to a stroller you’ll be using for years down the road just yet.
2) Timing: When you start out with a stroller frame stroller, you’ll buy yourself 9 (or so) months to pick out your next-stage stroller. After you’ve had a little parenting under your belt, you’ll have a clearer idea of what you’ll need in a next (and possibly last) stroller after you’ve been strolling for a few months. In short, you’ll be less likely to make a costly mistake.
Style 2: You’re a safety stickler
You’re on a mission to buy an infant car seat that exceeds government safety standards—and get a stroller to go with it.
You know you’re one if:
–You childproofed your house yourself and you’re considering hiring a pro to check your work.
–You plan to buy an infant car seat with a load leg, such as the Cybex Aton 2, Aton Q, the GB Asana35 or the Nuna Pipa.
–You will be visiting car seat inspection station. Oh yeah.
Top contender strollers for safety sticklers:
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- All Cybex models, such as the Cybex Priam, Balios M, Iris M, Eternis M3, Agis M-Air3, Eternis M4 and Agis M-Air 4. They’re compatible with the Cybex Aton 2, Aton Q, Cloud Q and Aton car seats, all of which have load legs).
- GB Zuzu stroller. It’s compatible with the GB Asana35 car seat, which sports a load leg.
- Baby Jogger City Mini, Baby Jogger City Mini Double, Baby Jogger City Select, Quinny Buzz and the Quinny Moodd. You can use each of these strollers with the Cybex Aton 2 as a travel system (car seat + stroller) using Maxi-Cosi adapters. The Stokke Xplory is compatible with the Aton Q.
- Any Nuna stroller, including the Tavo, Pepp, Mixx and IVVI. Each of these strollers is compatible with the Nuna Pipa infant car seat (with load leg). In fact, the Nuna Pipa is compatible with 14 strollers in all. For the Nuna Pepp, you have to buy an adaptor for the Nuna Pipa (sold separately). The adaptor comes with the Nuna Mixx and the IVVI.
- Stokke Pipa by Nuna.The Nuna Pipa can be used with any Stokke stroller without an adaptor. For more about car seats that exceed government safety standards, read on.
Style 3: You’ve got a passion for fashion
For you, a stroller is a functional accessory, like a handbag or shoes.
You know you’re one if:
–You’d like your stroller to go with your diaper bag or your outfit.
–You definitely want your wheels to look a certain way.
–You’re not just strolling, you’re pushing the fashion limits and the sidewalk is your runway.
Contender strollers for fashionistas:
- Maxi-Cosi Kaia, Sweater Knit Collection. This seat features tailored styling akin a favorite sweater.
- Quinny Moodd in Jet Set, the Rachel Zoe Collection. The Quinny Moodd, designed in partnership with fashion designer Rachel Zoe, is ultra sleek to complement your look. We’re talking luxe cognac leather, chunky gold hardware, all-black tires and soft basic black and white seat fabric. The Quinny Moodd coordinates with the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 and a Moodd diaper bag, which are part of the Rachel Zoe collection (sold separately). The collection is sold exclusively at Nordstroms.com.
- Bugaboo by Diesel Denim. Its rugged look = sporty sophistication.
- Bugaboo Chameleon3 Blend features soft brushed polyester tweed fabric and brown faux leather on the handle bars for understated elegance.
Style 4: You’ve got a heart for art/industrial design
For you, a stroller isn’t just a baby mobile, it’s an objet d’art.
You know you’re one if:
–You like it when others say, “where’d you get that?”
–You’re not just buying a stroller and what not, you’re curating your baby gear collection.
Stroller suggestions for artsy types:
- Quinny Moodd Britto. For this bold stroller, Brazilian pop artist, Romero Britto, teamed up with Quinny, to create this whimsical design. Britto is known for his vibrant colors and bold patterns. You can find more about Romero Britto, including his bio, over 170 of his works, exclusive articles and up to date Britto exhibition listings here.
- Maxi-Cosi Kaia Special Edition Star by Edward van Vilet; van Vilet is a Dutch industrial designer. Coming spring 2016: Van Vilet’s water color collection (think stroller fabric with paint brush strokes, “inspired by water”).
- Bugaboo Bee3, Van Gogh Collection; it uses Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom tree painting as its muse.
- Maclaren Quest with designer Orla Kiely. Kiely, an iconic Irish designer, is known for her playful aesthetics.
Find more artist/designer inspired strollers or strollers with funky fabrics and colors here.
Style 5: You’re fitness focused
For you, having a baby is a great excuse to head outside and walk off the baby weight (or train for a marathon). Parenthood isn’t stopping you!
You know you’re one if:
–You were a runner before becoming a parent and you want to stay in shape.
–You consider the great outdoors one big gym.
–You own pedometer/Fitbit/Nike+ FuelBand or Apple Watch to track your steps.
–You literally run errands.
Best stroller types of the fitness focused:
- Summer Infant Evolv (spring 2016): Its durable pneumatic rubber tires are designed to glide smoothly on almost any terrain. The front wheel locks, which is important when taking your baby on a run. The hand brake makes hills easier to navigate.
- BOB Revolution Flex features include a hand brake (good for hills), swivel wheels and soft rubber foot brake, which is easy on the feet if you’re strolling in flipflops, or really any BOB jogging stroller. Key feature: A swivel wheel that locks.
- Baby Jogger Summit X3 or double Baby Jogger Summit X3 double (for two), features a hand-operated rear drum brakes offer increased control even on the roughest terrain, independent all-wheel suspension for a smooth ride on any surface, reclining seat, retractable weather cover, and UV50 canopy keep baby safe and comfortable. To jog with an infant, you can turn the stroller into a travel system that supports a pram or car seat (sold separately) with this car seat adaptor (sold separately). The adaptor is compatible with any Chicco, Cybex, Maxi Cosi, Nuna and Peg Perego infant car seat.
- Thule Urban Glide; it’s a high-performance stroller for serious runners that can tackle any terrain.Serious about getting in shape with a jogging stroller? Head over here for more info.
Style 6: You’re street smart
You’re a city dweller who relies on buses, taxis and trains, which means you’re need a stroller that folds quickly and compactly, but isn’t too heavy to lug up and down subway stairs and can scale curbs and manage uneven sidewalks.
You know you’re one if:
–You’ve got a MetroCard/SmarTrip/Bart/Ventra/Metrolink card/ticket.
–You live in or near NYC, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., LA or other public transportation hub and you prefer not to drive (smart), or travel to these cities a lot.
Best stroller types for street smarties:
- Britax B-Agile 3: It features one-hand fold; the stroller closes in seconds. The built-in Click & Go system makes the B-Agile 3 compatible with any Britax infant car seat.
- Safety 1st Step and Go travel system; It features a truly amazing step-to-open design. You step on a pedal and viola! Open sesame!
- Any of Graco’s FastAction Fold strollers. Graco’s FastAction Fold strollers feature one-second, one-hand fold.
Style 7: You’re a trail blazer
You live in the suburbs or the country and imagine using your stroller to plow through snow or traverse rocky roads, grassy fields or the beach scene.
You know you’re a trail blazer if:
–You’ve been known to venture off the beaten path.
–You’re a fresh air fanatic.
–For you, parenting isn’t a walk in the park, it’s an expedition.
Stroller suggestions for trail blazers:
- Stokke Trailz. With large air filled rubber tires and an oversized waterproof shopping basket, this rugged stroller can handle most any terrain.
- Graco’s Fastaction Fold jogger. A budget favorite that folds quickly too.
- Mountain Buggy Terrain. It features shock absorbing suspension and a swivel and lockable front wheel.
Style 8: You’re an adventure activist
Even though you have a baby, you’ve got people to see and places to go. Plus, maybe your job is travel related (and you can bring your baby with) or Grandma and Grandpa don’t live close by.
You know you’re one if:
–You’ve got a stockpile of pre-baby frequent flyer miles.
–You think nothing of taking your Pipsqueak on a plane.
Best stroller types for adventure activists:
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- Babyzen Yogo; fits in the overhead compartment.
- Mountain Buggy Nano; weighs just 13 pounds; compatible with the Mountain Buggy Protect infant car seat (sold separately).
- GB Pockit: folds to the size of a hand bag; fits in the overhead compartment. Here’s a quick (sideways–oops!) video to show how fast the GB Pockit folds and unfolds:
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Style 9: You’re a BIG shopper
For you, strolling with your baby equals an opportunity to catch up on errands and stock up.
You know you’re one if:
–You’d don’t need a stroller with a mega basket, you need a cargo hold.
–You’ve been tempted to rent a storage unit.
–Your home has “inventory.”
Top stroller picks for shopaholics:
- Austlen Baby Co’s Entourage stroller. Because of its patented design, the Entourage can expand from a single stroller to over 30 different configurations. It converts from a stroller to a stroller and a half to a full tandem stroller, and the ability to store stuff of up to 150 pounds (available spring 2016). Akin to a Costco cart on wheels.
- UPPAbaby Cruz; features large shopping basket.
- Chicco Cortina Magic; ditto–generous bin under the seat.
Style 10: You like to be seen
Even though you have a baby, you’ve still got a passion for the night life, which translates to staying too long at the park (oops!) and finding yourself having to stroll home at dusk.
You know you’re one if:
–You’ve got a funny sense of timing.
–You’ve been meaning to buy a reflective vest.
–You’ve got dark secrets.
Best strollers for seen stealers:
- Lascal M1 Buggy (not yet available): The Lascal M1 buggy features solar-powered tires that glow in the dark and headlights.
- 4Moms Origami: This luxury stroller offers pathway lights and daytime running lights, among other high-tech touches, such as power folding and an LCD dashboard. But be sure to read customer reviews before plunkering down the big bucks.
Style 11: You’re a planet parent
For you, a stroller shouldn’t just be functional. It’s gotta be eco-friendly, too.
You know you’re one if:
–You’ve got a compost bin.
–You plan to use reusable diapers fulltime, even when you’re traveling.
–When your baby’s at the “solid” food stage, it’ll come straight from your garden.
Best strollers for planet parents:
- Greentom Upp. It’s made from completely recycled plastic and bio-plastic. The fabric of the Bottle Collection is made from recycled drinking bottles. The mattress in Upp’s carrycot is made of organic cotton, flax and wool. In 2016, all Greentom products will be made in the U.S., which means they travel shorter distances from factory to consumer and use local raw materials and American labor.
- Any Bumbleride stroller. They’re made from Oeko-Tex certified fabric, which is comprised of 50 percent bamboo charcoal fiber and 50 percent recycled plastic bottles.
- Any Nuna stroller. Nuna uses mindful materials and manufacturing processes so your brood will have a better world to grow up in.
How do you roll?
Once you have a general idea of your stroller style (it could be a combo of several styles), create a list of strollers you want to check out. Then take floor-model strollers for spin around the store, just to get a feel for them, even if you ultimately plan to buy online or plan to add them to your baby registry. Practice opening and closing a stroller. Adjust the back rest and the handlebars (for everyone’s height), apply the rear and hand brakes (if there is one) and stick stuff in the storage basket to make sure the basket doesn’t drag on the ground (deal breaker). Do the whole thing again with strollers you’ve short listed. Then, go ahead and commit.
Stroller Frame Carriers at Amazon
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By Sandra Gordon, copyright 2016 Baby Products Mom
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