Stroller Buying Guide

How do I decide on the right stroller for our family?

Are you planning on having (or do you already have) more than one child?
- Yes – Consider a high quality stroller that can allow a toddler to ride along.
- No – You will be using your stroller for up to five years so purchasing a good quality stroller should still be a top priority. Consider a travel system that will take you from birth to toddler and eliminate the need for multiple strollers.
When do you plan to use your stroller?
- If your family spends a lot of time at the beach, choose a stroller with larger wheels, and those with inflatable/deflatable tires; most strollers with smaller wheels do not roll well on sand.
- If you love the outdoors and plan on jogging and taking your baby on trails and camping trips, then an all-terrain or baby jogger would probably be the best choice. You might also look for adjustable tiresshock absorbers.
  and/or
- If you are more of a city dweller and the stroller will be used for walks in the park, shopping and going to restaurants, you will want to look for features like a large shopping basket, a small turning radius, a lightweight stroller, one that is easy to fold and features such as cup holders.
What factors are important to you?
- Style – Today it is easy to have the coolest ride around for your baby with fabulous colors, carrycots and unique features, you are sure to find the stroller to fit your style.
- Budget – When money is an important factor, there are several things that you can do to make sure that you get the most for your money:
  - Consider buying a used stroller but only do this after checking to make sure that the stroller has not been recalled and testing all attachments. You can check on recalls through the Consumer Product Safety Commission (enter "strollers" in their search area).
  - Another way to stretch your dollar is by purchasing a good quality stroller that will make it through multiple children. Spending a little more money now on a stroller is better than having to replace a cheaper stroller later.
- Safety – Check ratings, ask other parents and purchase from reputable companies that stand behind their product.
- Ease of Use – You'll want to consider factors like stroller handlebar height that suit the "drivers" well; how often you'll be lifting or carrying it – and making sure the weight is manageable for the primary user(s);

What stroller styles available?

Travel System – A travel system is the “big daddy” of strollers. This stroller will take you through infancy and toddlerhood. This type of stroller allows you to attach your car seat to the stroller base. Many of them also have a carrycot (bassinet) option. Other features may include: rain and mosquito covers, matching diaper bags, seat covers and more. They tend to weigh the most and are the costliest.
Standard Stroller – This is your day-to-day stroller. You can’t attach a car seat but it usually has a very comfortable ride and is packed with features. It may have a tray in the front for baby activities. These come in a variety of styles, weights and features. If your baby is a newborn, you'll want to make sure the stroller can accommodate this age alone or with an insert.
Umbrella Stroller – This is your lightweight stroller that has curved handles and folds up like an umbrella – hence the name. These are great for a trip when packing area is limited but most do not recline and would not be appropriate for a young baby.
Activity Stroller – This stroller is for the fitness minded. This category includes your baby joggers and all-terrain strollers. Many of these strollers act as travel systems as well. A great choice for the active family.
Multi-child Strollers – These strollers are designed to carry more than one child. They come in many different styles including side-by-side and front-to-back.

What are some key features to look for in any stroller?

Frame
- You will want to make sure that this is very sturdy and stable. Options you will find include plastic, steel or aluminum. An aluminum frame is a great choice. It is usually lighter weight and very durable.
Wheels
- You will want a wide wheel base for stability. Also consider where you will be using the stroller. All-terrain tires will be better for outdoor activities, the beach, etc. Smaller, lighter weight wheels will be better for indoor activities such as shopping.
- If the front wheel or wheels swivel, you will want to ensure that you can lock them for ease of movement in crowds or on rough terrain
Suspension
- If you like to walk, you will want a stroller that has good suspension.
Fabric
- You will want to make sure that the fabric can be removed for easy cleaning. Consider your fabric choice if you are planning on having another baby down the road.
Seatbelt
- Should be a 5-point harness (fits over shoulders and around their waist)
Recline
- You will want a seat that reclines at least three positions. The stroller needs to recline to horizontal for a newborn.
Storage Basket
- Large storage basket that can be easily accessed. You can’t imagine how much stuff you will be toting around.
Handle Bar
- Make sure that the handle bar adjusts easily and have both the mom and dad take it for a test drive to ensure that the hand bar height will be comfortable for them.
Canopy
- The canopy should be adjustable and fully retractable.
Easy to Fold
- The stroller should be easy to fold and have a safety mechanism that prevents the stroller from folding while the child is in the stroller. Consider how flat you need the stroller to fold to fit in your car or while traveling; some also will stand up when folded, which is very convenient when your hands are full!

What is the healthiest stroller for my baby?

New stroller models come out all the time, so first and foremost it's important to check the safety ratings. Beyond that, strollers are, unfortunately, one area in which healthy options (in terms of materials) are hard to find. With most strollers containing plastics, fabrics treated with chemical finishes and foam cushions sprayed with fire retardants, it may seem that there are no healthy options out there. Here are our suggestions on finding the healthiest stroller for your baby:

Purchase your stroller months in advance, remove it from the box and assemble it. Wash all fabrics that say they can be washed, wipe down all surfaces and leave the stroller on a covered porch or in a garage to off gas.
Look for European strollers, due to their tighter restrictions on chemicals in products.
Purchase a stroller cover made from organic material so that your baby is not placed on fabrics that may contain chemical finishes.
Use an umbrella that attaches to the stroller instead of the vinyl rain covers that come with many strollers.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you are using the stroller properly.

And if you want to help the environment too:

Look for an aluminum frame that will last longer and can be used for the next child.
Buy one stroller that will take you all the way from birth to 4 or 5 years old.
Look for a stroller company such as Baby Planet that offers a stroller recycling program.