What To Look For
A stroller that has an undercarriage storage space will make shopping trips easier. Also look for one with a cup holder for both you and baby, so that you have somewhere to put your water bottle during long walks and your child can snack if they get hungry. Getting a stroller with a cold weather boot will also help protect children's feet from wet snow and wind while out in the winter time.
Common Pitfalls
If you are getting a stroller for a child that is under six months of age, make sure it has a seat that fully reclines. This is best for smaller babies who cannot yet support the weight of their own heads. Jogging strollers can be hard to turn and navigate, so they may not be right for everyday activities. Only buy this type of stroller if you plan to use it for jogging or running.
Where To Buy
The larger selections of strollers will be found at a retailer that specifically caters to the needs of parents with young children, like Babies R Us. You may not find many selections in a general merchandise store like Wal-Mart and Target, but should find a larger selection on these retailers' websites.
Cost
High-end luxury full-featured strollers start at over $300 and can have a price tag as high as $700, while luxury umbrella strollers will cost $120 to $150. On the other hand, regular full-feature strollers range from $150 to $300, while regular umbrella strollers usually range from $10 to $30. Jogging strollers start at around $150 and can reach over $350.
Comparison Shopping
There are three basic types of strollers. Umbrella strollers are cheap and best for quick outings. They don't include features like a cup holder or undercarriage storage, but they are not good for small infants due to their lack of fully reclining seats. Jogging strollers have three wheels, instead of the typical four, to help keep it moving straight. Full-feature strollers have many extra options, like cup holders, undercarriage storage and fully reclining seats. Each of these stroller types can also be found as a double stroller.
Accessories
Things that parents typically need to accompany their stroller is a large, thin netting to keep the bugs away from baby when outdoors, a clear plastic covering made for strollers to keep the rain off of baby when outdoors and extra cup holders if the stroller accommodates them.
