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Shopping for a stroller can be an exciting, yet overwhelming event. With such a wide variety of options, it is important to decide on one that will be most convenient and efficient for your family.

When weighing your options, some things to consider are:

• age of your child
• number of years your child will be able to use the stroller
• how many children you have that need a stroller
• environment you will most likely be using the stroller
• cost

While each stroller will have unique characteristics, there are various categories that each stroller can be grouped into to help you narrow down your options to finding the perfect one.

Travel System: a travel system typically comes with a car seat, car seat base, stroller, and often a carriage/bassinet attachment for when the baby outgrows his/her car seat. Making this purchase allows you to check off several items from your baby list at once. Many brands offer a travel system, so you will have plenty of options within this category.

Pros:

• You can connect the car seat to the stroller without having to get the baby out of his/her car seat
• Option to use car seat or bassinet depending on preference and child age
• The stroller portion has storage underneath

Cons:

• The amount of space it takes up. The bassinet is a separate piece so you would have to bring both the stroller and attachment when wanting to use it

All in One Travel System: this is a newer category that currently is only offered by one brand, the Doona, but has been said to be a lifesaver, especially for parents who go out by themselves often, or for people who have limited space in their vehicle. The Doona combines a car seat and stroller into one. Many claim this to be the best baby invention in recent years!

Pros:

• Major space saver. This is a car seat and stroller all in one
• The stroller can be let down and folded back up in mere seconds
• Perfect for quick errands/trips so you don’t have to keep getting a stroller out at each stop

Cons:

• Cost. This stroller is one of the more expensive options
• Can only be used for babies up to 35 pounds or 32 inches tall

Full Size Stroller: a full-size stroller is a stroller that can be used from birth through toddlerhood.

Pros:

• Follows baby throughout infancy and early years
• Roomy and offers lots of support
• Lots of storage, making it ideal for day trips

Cons:

• Bulkiness. This is one of the larger/bulkier strollers, so it will take up more space in your vehicle
• Requires you to get your infant out of their car seat each time you use the stroller, making it not very convenient for quick trips

Light Weight/Umbrella Stroller: Like the name implies, this stroller is a light weight, compact stroller with just a fabric seat and umbrella on top. While this is not going to be able to meet all of your needs from birth through toddlerhood, this is a great extra stroller to have handy.

Pros:

• Very lightweight, making it ideal when traveling, using public transportation, or running quick errands
• Cost. This is one of the most affordable strollers

Cons:

• Age. Can only be used when the baby is 6 months or older
• Little or no storage space
• Small wheels, making it harder to maneuver

Double Stroller: this stroller can be a great option for parents of twins or of children close in age. This type of stroller has two seats side by side.  

Pros:

• Allows you to push more than one child
• Some allow you to attach a car seat, making it usable from birth up
• Seats are side by side so the kids can see each other
• Weight is evenly distributed, making the stroller turn easily

Cons:

• Size. This stroller is wider than most, making it more difficult to use in smaller spaces.

Convertible Stroller: This is a perfect choice when looking for a long-term stroller that will adapt to meet your family’s needs as your child grows and if you decide to grow your family. This stroller gives you the option to attach your infant’s car seat and to add an additional, or sometimes even two more seats when needed. This is also a great option for twin parents when wanting to have something a little smaller/lightweight than a traditional double stroller.

Pros:

• Adaptable to meet your family’s needs
• Ability to attach car seat so you don’t have to wake your baby to put them in their stroller
• Light weight

Cons:

• One seat is in front of the other, rather than beside, making it harder to see and communicate with the child in the back
• Weight isn’t distributed as evenly as double strollers, making it harder to turn

Jogging Stroller: this is a great stroller to have if your family plans to be active and enjoys going on runs. With air filled tires and added suspension, these strollers are designed to be able to go on rougher surfaces and will glide easily.

Pros:

• Able to push on most surfaces
• Glide and maneuver easily
• Can use as everyday stroller
• Tend to have a higher max weight, making it usable longer

Cons:

• Not typically designed for babies under 6 months
• Tires may go flat and need to be pumped back up
• Bulky

As you can see, each stroller will have advantages and disadvantages. It is important to choose the one that will best meet your personal lifestyle. After choosing the style, it is a great idea to look at reviews and compare brands within that style as each brand is likely to offer something different. You may choose one that will work for your family from birth all the way through toddlerhood, or you may decide that you would like to start with one style and have another as your child grows. There are so many options so that you can make sure you have exactly what you need in your stage of life!