What To Look For
When selecting a stroller, consider your own comfort. Some strollers have one straight handlebar, whereas others have two curved ones. Make sure your stroller has enough leg room for you to walk behind it comfortably. For a full-size or all-terrain stroller, be sure it is compatible with your infant car seat. Some strollers also offer add-ons for multiple children or stages, which should be a consideration if you plan to have more children shortly. Also consider brakes, durability, cargo space, and washability.
Common Pitfalls
Consider where you live when choosing a stroller. Whereas suburban parents may only use the stroller on smooth, paved surfaces, those who live in rural areas will need a more rugged stroller. Lots of stairs and escalators will require an easily collapsible, lightweight stroller rather than a heavyweight deluxe model.
Where To Buy
For strollers, Amazon.com has the best intersection between low price and large selection. They also offer free shipping on many items, and they are reliable and relatively speedy with delivery.
Cost
Different varieties of stroller have different price ranges. On Amazon, deluxe, convertible-style stroller systems range from about $500 for the Quinny Buzz to over $1,000 for the Stokke Xplory. These strollers often have lots of add-ons and options, such as warranties and accessories, that can drive the price up. Jogging strollers range from about $70 for the InStep Run Around to about $700 for the Kool Stride. Umbrella-style strollers can run lower than $20 and as high as $350.
Comparison Shopping
Deluxe strollers, such as the Bugaboo chameleon, can be switched from a seat-style carrier to a bassinet, which can double as a portable crib when the baby is small. They can also be connected with your infant car seat. The umbrella style strollers are small and lightweight, but do not have enough head support for infants.
Accessories
An infant head support is a cushioned insert to keep a child's head from rolling around. Stroller blankets are useful for those who live in chilly climates, as are mosquito nets for hot or humid weather, canopies for sun, and rain covers for wet weather. Cup holders and bag clips are often available to help parents keep their belongings together.
