There’s baby gear for everything, and that certainly includes strollers! When it comes to baby accessories, strollers are certainly available in a very wide selection of shapes, size, features and benefits. When narrowing down your ideal baby stroller, first consider the kind of baby transportation you need. Maybe you have in mind something to transport baby – and all that equipment – along the lines of a traditional stroller. You might even find that having more than one stroller is a smart move.
We’ll examine some basic strollers to consider. As previously alluded to, there really isn’t any limit on the numerous features – and price tags – for baby strollers on the market today!
Seat-Carrier Frame Strollers
These models are made for newborns who can’t sit up on their own yet. For that reason, this sort of stroller is not equipped with an adjustable seat. In fact, there isn’t a seat! It lays flat and designed to carry a newborn car seat for any walk-abouts you wish to do. No need waking up the baby either. Simply transport the car seat directly to the stroller and off you go!
Combo Strollers
“Combos” – are a carriage and stroller in one. This kind of design can be used with a brand new infant. They are designed to carry your baby laying flat in either a car seat or bassinet.
In theory, you’ll be able to use this sort of stroller from birth up through the toddler years. (It supports around 40 pounds). And when the baby gets older, you can use the adjustable seat attachment for the correct sitting setup. These strollers can get rather expensive though, priced all the way to $900. But for this high dollar you get plenty of options such as additional storage space for extra baby gear and large canopies for protection from the sun and rain.
Travel System Strollers
For mobility, these units are awesome! Babies who aren’t capable of sitting up can be moved right in their car seat, which securely fastens right to the stroller. When it’s time to head back to the car, simply raise the seat off the stroller and snap it into the car’s safety belt system. Very convenient!
Old Fashioned Baby Buggies
These ‘old school’ models of strollers are still seen today. They usually have spoked-wheels and lots of room for baby and all that baby gear. Carriages are perfect for newborns and a few models have removable ‘carrying cots’.
The not-so-good news is that carriages are pretty big, cumbersome and not overly maneuverable. They’re particularly awkward to use in crowed city environments where you will encounter quite a few obstacles to contend with. Still, if ‘old fashion’ appeals to you, these strollers are big and roomy and provide a touch nostalgia for the past.
Traditional Baby Strollers
Traditional strollers are in the ‘everything including the kitchen sink’ class. Traditional strollers vary from lightweight designs all the way to massive, industrial-strength models.
The ‘ironman’ models are made with deep compartments and plenty of room. They have designed-in shock absorbers on all 4 wheels and are manufactured to withstand plenty of punishment. But they’re bulky. Yes, they are firm and stable, but rather massive.
There are several features found in traditional strollers like snack trays, lots of baby gear storage, one-handed folding capabilities, and adjustable seating. Some are actually all-in-one models and might be designed to work with bassinets and car seats. But they do have a tendency to be a bit on the heavy side so traveling with them is more of a task.
Umbrella Strollers
Umbrella strollers are aptly named due to their handles that resemble those on an umbrella. These strollers are extraordinarily lightweight and very convenient for traveling. Most umbrella strollers fold easily but the ride tends to be a bit rough (depending on the terrain). Umbrellas make a great spare stroller and their priced very reasonably.
All-Terrain Strollers
While on the topic of terrain, we like to take our babies EVERYWHERE we tend to go! Including off road. This can be where an all-terrain stroller earns its keep.
These strollers are heavy-duty and can take the punishment due to oversized bicycle-like tires. And yes, they are inflatable! And these strollers are equipped with 3 of them. Bicycle-like tires give the baby a gentler ride. Plus they’re capable of handling heavier loads which makes them ideal for ‘larger’ babies and also when you’re transporting extra baby gear.
Jogging strollers
Since we include our babies in many of our activities, we need a stroller that is as mobile as we are. You can find strollers especially made for active parents who wish to include their little ones with them on their runs.
A stroller designed for jogging is a three-wheeled apparatus with oversized, air-filled tires. These strollers have extra long handles which positions the stroller a little more out in front of the jogger so running legs have ample space to move and not be hindered by the stroller frame.
Safety features on this kind of stroller come with a front brake and a wrist strap so everything stays in control at all times. This being extremely important. Their rugged design allows the stroller to go off the beaten path like an all-terrain stroller.
There are a number of baby stroller features to work with your active lifestyle. From traditional buggies, all-in-one travel units, lightweight umbrella strollers and extra hardy strollers for active families, you’re sure to find the perfect baby stroller to complement your individual preference and baby transportation needs.