Stroller Buying Guide 2024: How to Choose the Perfect Stroller for Your Baby

BUYING A STROLLER is one of the important purchase decisions to make before the arrival of a newborn. With so many factors to consider, you probably feel a little overwhelmed. But fret not, keep reading, we will answer most (hope all) of your questions and concerns about what type(s) of stroller is your perfect choice.

In 2024, versatility is key. Parents are looking for strollers that can adapt to various situations and grow with their children. The ability to adjust the stroller as your child grows or as your needs change is a big plus. In this article, we will also share with you some of our best picks that meet or exceed the demand of modern parents.

What Are the Different Types of Strollers?

Strollers come in a variety of styles. An everyday stroller might be referred to as a full-size stroller or a traditional stroller. A traditional stroller usually fits kids from newborn to around 50 pounds, depending on whether it includes a bassinet mode or if it can hold an infant car seat.

Convertible Strollers can convert from a single stroller to a double stroller by adding a second seat. Convertible strollers can also transform into a travel system by adding an infant car seat or a bassinet with adapters. This popular type is a go-to stroller for lots of families with multiple kids.

Double Strollers hold two kids, either with side-by-side or (in the case of tandems) one seat in front of the other. Some tandems allow you to arrange the seats so that your children face each other, while others have a stadium seat that allows the child in back to see over the one in front. Double strollers have a higher weight limit, around 100 pounds, to hold two little ones at once.

Lightweight Strollers are also known as travel or umbrella strollers – the latter name comes from the shape it has when folded up. The features of this type of stroller are light weight and with better folding options to make them easier to carry around. But because of the lightweight design, this type of stroller is usually lack of other advanced features. A lightweight stroller usually fits little ones from newborn to around 50 pounds, depending on whether there’s a bassinet mode or infant car seat compatibility.

Jogging Strollers usually have three large air-filled tires, including a front wheel that can both swivel and be locked into a straight-ahead position when you want to take your child on a run. The air-filled tires allow for smooth rides, though you’ll need to check the air and refill them as necessary. Jogging Strollers aren’t appropriate for infants under 6 months. (Consumer Report recommends not running with children under 1 year old).

Trike Strollers can be used as a stroller, a push tricycle, and eventually a tricycle for your kiddo to ride on their own. These are more suitable for older kids, but can start as early as 6 to 9 months depending on the model, and usually have a recommendation for what age.

What Types of Strollers are for Infants?

Some strollers are designed for certain ages, while others are more versatile and able to convert to grow with your baby and family.

Until your baby is about six months old, when they can support their head, they need to be fully reclined when riding in a stroller. That means strollers that require a baby to sit more upright, like jogging strollers and umbrella strollers, can't be used until later on.

So the types of strollers that work for infants need to be: either have a seat (or seats) that is able to recline to a flat position, or can attach a car seat or bassinet. Many parents look for a stroller that is compatible with their infant car seat, which is typically used for the baby’s first year. Another option is buying a stroller/car seat combo known as a “travel system”, which makes the transitioning from your vehicle to the stroller a breeze. But the simplest one is purchasing a stroller that can attach a bassinet or the stroller seat itself reclines.

Which Stroller is Right for Me?

Different person or family certainly have different lifestyle. People who live in the city get around on public transportation probably wouldn’t buy the same stroller as parents cruising the suburbs in an SUV.

So ask yourself below questions when choosing a stroller:

• Do you plan to have more children?

If you plan to have two children who both need to ride on a stroller, consider one that is convertible: a stroller that can convert from a single to double stroller. This type of stroller also works best for twins, or for newborn and toddler ride together.

Convertible strollers like Venice Child Maverick, Ventura, Contours Curve 2.0, Options Elite V2, and Element Side by Side are purchased with a second stroller toddler seat included. You can use it as a single stroller or double stroller as you need it.

• What kind of terrian will you be navigating with your stroller?

Where do you plan to roll your stroller? City streets, sidewalks, dirt roads, or rocky trails? If you are planning to use your stroller on dirt, grass, or sand, you will need one with larger wheels and all-wheel suspension that absorbs shock and glides smoothly over various surfaces. Make sure to check specifications if the stroller meets your terrian-demand.

• How active do you expect to be?

Will you be taking your baby out for walks often? Or is it mainly for a short distance transportation say from your car to your house? Your activity level is highly affect the type of stroller you can choose.

If you’re planning to take your little one out frequently, you will need a stroller that is sturdier and easy to manipulate. Contours Curve 2.0 with an innovative 6-wheel design, this stroller ensures smooth steering and 360° turning, making every stroll a breeze whether you're in the suburbs or exploring the city.

• Where will you store your stroller?

Do you plan to leave your stroller at the garage or roll it into your house? How much space do you have in your trunk of your car? Make sure to check the size of the stroller in both folded and unfolded states when purchasing.

• How much storage space will you need?

Most strollers come with some storage, some big some small. You want to know how much storage space you actually need. So first you need to list out all the necessary items you will bring when taking out your baby. If you need a lot of space, consider Venice Child Maverick Single to Double Stroller, Venice Child Ventura Single to Double Stroller, or Contours Legacy Convertible Stroller, which can also convert into a double stroller and comes with plenty of storage space.

But if you plan to use a backpack or a diaper bag to carry most of your baby essentials, why not choose a lightweight stroller like Contours Bitsy Elite or Contours Quick Elite. Both of strollers weight only 14 lbs and perfect for long walk or shopping.

• What other features to consider?

When it comes to baby products, it is always the safer the better. So the first thing you need to worry about is the safety. Does the stroller have a 5-point harness to secure your baby from falling out? How good is the brake? And how stable is the stroller when you push it with your baby sitting on it?

Another important feature is comfort level. You want the stroller makes your life easier and your baby relax and feels comfortable while sitting on the stroller. Some advanced features you can look into are adjustable handlebars, reclining seats and canopy.

Convenience features like storage basket, cup holders, and one-hand fold are always great to have. While it’s better to have more and more features, the price also goes up with the increase of the number of the advanced features. So next we’ll discuss about your budget.

Stroller Budget

The price of a stroller can be very different depending on the quality and features of it. From less than $100 to thousands of dollars. Although it is totally up to your budget and decision, we recommend to go with one that is in better quality for longer duration.

A stroller plays an important role in the first few years of your child’s life, so it is worthy of investment. You should consider to spend at least $500 to $600 on stroller(s). If you go cheap, you’ll be able to tell pretty quickly as these have weaker wheels and a poor frame, plus flimsy material on the stroller.

Stroller Maintenance Tips

Here are some stroller maintenance tips for you:

• Clean and lubricate the wheels regularly. Give the wheels a good wipe down after traversing difficult terrain. Take down the wheels for thorough clean if needed.

• Wash the seat pad insert. If the stroller comes with a detachable insert, you should wash it once a while to keep it clean.

• Clean the stroller seats. Spot clean the stroller seat with a damp sponge to pick up any spills as soon as you spot them. Use the small nozzle attachment on your vacuum to get any crumbs from hard-to-reach crevices once you’re back home.

• Store the stroller properly. Don’t store your stroller anywhere that is too cold, too humid, or exposed to water. When coming back from a raining or snowing day, make sure to dry off the stroller frame before putting it away.

• Do not exceed the weight limit. Follow the weight capacity instruction in the manual and try not to exceed it. Overloading the stroller frame can bend it out of shape and make it unsafe to use.

• Always follow the manual. Read the manual carefully before using your stroller and always check do’s and don’ts once you have questions and concerns.

Our Top Stroller Picks for 2024

We carry multiple popular brands. Below are some of our top picks for you.

Conclusion

It’s important to purchase a high quality stroller that makes your parents’ life easier and fits your lifestyle. If it helps, you can make a list of the features you want and narrow down the stroller type.

If you need any help on choosing a proper stroller for your family, Newborn Nursery Furniture is always here to help. You can reach out to us through email at help@newbornurseryfurniture.com or chat with us.

At last, happy rolling!