It is important to know how to choose the right stroller for your baby because the type of stroller you pick can make you and your baby’s life easier or harder.
Let’s say you want to go shopping with your baby, take a walk or your baby falls asleep as you are running errands. If you have the right stroller, you won’t worry because your child will be safe in it, they can even have their nap in peace. Additionally, you can keep baby items like diapers and a change of clothes in it, which is quite convenient.
Now picture the opposite – when you are alone. That can be stressful and chaotic.
With so many options out there, you may be wondering how to choose the right stroller. Don’t worry because the calvary has arrived! In this article, we’ll take you through how to choose the right stroller for your baby.
Let’s dive in.
Tips To Help You Choose The Right Stroller For Your Baby
How to pick the right stroller comes down to what’s comfortable and safe for your baby, your lifestyle, and the budget you have for it.
Several factors can guide you in identifying these points. Let’s look at them.
How To Choose The Right Stroller: Your Baby’s Age
Your baby’s age significantly affects your choice of a stroller. For example, if your baby is two months and below, then you should be looking for the best strollers for newborns. These are the ones that support the baby’s head and neck and so they have deep reclines.
Your life will also be easier when you get a baby carriage that can easily fit on the car seat. Therefore, you won’t need to keep transferring the baby from their seat so they can even sleep comfortably. You simply pick them up in the stroller and go when you get to your destination.
When your baby is old enough to hold their head up, sit unsupported or jump up and down, safety becomes a priority to ensure they don’t get hurt. You need a stroller that you can safely buckle them in.
If your baby is already walking, sometimes they’ll prefer to do that while you are out and you will have to push the stroller as you also watch them or carry it if they prefer to walk alongside you. This means you need a lightweight stroller to make your work easier.
Where Will You Use the Stroller?
Why do you need a stroller? Will you be walking with it everywhere you go or will you use it in the car most of the time? What about public transportation? And will you be going with it up the stairs, depending on where you live? Also, do you have to squeeze through tight spaces with it?
Answering these questions will guide you on how to choose the best stroller. For example, if you’ll be carrying the stroller a lot (like in buildings or while running errands) then you need something strong, light, and compact so it can do its job without taking up too much space. A lightweight stroller is therefore ideal.
A one-hand fold stroller will also do you good in this case because it’s easy to fold. So, you can have it on one hand and something else on the other hand.
If you frequently take flights with your baby then you should consider a stroller that when folded can get into a plane’s overhead compartment. Such a stroller can also be small enough for you to comfortably travel with on a bus or taxi.
If you travel by car a lot of the time then you need a stroller that is compatible with your car seat.
Do you go jogging with your baby? A jogging stroller is built for this because it is strong, has steady wheels, and goes through bumps much more smoothly without affecting your baby.
What’s Your Budget?
There are various types of strollers, with different prices. However, most of them go for between $100 to $1,000. Others cost way more than this.
Your budget will guide you on how to choose a stroller. For example;
- An umbrella stroller is low-priced (between $15 to $1,000) and a good option because it’s lightweight and thus perfect for parents who’re always on the go. However, it’s not as durable and sturdy as others.
- The standard stroller costs between $15.99 to $1,499. Also known as a full-sized stroller, it’s great for day-to-day activities like shopping because it’s stable and durable. However, it is a bit bulky and not ideal for traveling or if you are frequently taking the stairs.
- A jogging stroller is usually priced between $80 to $1,390. Although it is costly, it’s perfect for running or jogging with your baby because its features allow it to smoothly ride over various surfaces. But you can only use it for 6-month-old babies and older and you can’t fit it in your car seat.
As you can see, the prices vary. That is why you need to come up with a budget and look for a stroller that fulfills your needs and fits within that budget. It is advisable to check out the prices and reviews of different strollers before you make a purchase.
Who Will Be Using the Stroller?
Are you the only one who’ll be pushing the baby on the stroller or will other people (like the dad, nanny, or other family members) help?
If the people pushing the stroller are either too short or too tall then you need to choose one with adjustable handlebars. The same also applies if one person is short and the other tall.
This will ensure you are comfortable while pushing the stroller because you’ll adjust the handle height to suit you.
How Much Storage Do You Need?
You may need to carry a lot of essentials on the stroller when you are up and about with your baby? This is mostly the case if you’re contemplating how to choose a stroller for newborns because you’ll likely need to carry a lot of baby items.
If this is what you need then go for one with big under-carriage storage.
Take Away
Do you feel that you now know how to choose the right stroller for your baby? A stroller is an investment that can serve you well if you pick the right one. That’s why it’s important to consider factors like your baby’s age, who will use the stroller, your budget, and your lifestyle. These will guide you in choosing the right stroller.
Hi – I’m Alina and I am a soon to be mom going through the journey of becoming a parent. I am a writer at heart and I love sharing about pregnancy tips and other busy mom hacks.