Stroller Selection Tips
A little known drawback to parenthood is stroller envy. Yes, you read that correctly: Stroller Envy.
Stroller envy is defined as always wanting the newest, sleekest and most feature-laden stroller on the market. Since strollers range from the basic four wheels and a seat for your child to the most sophisticated European design, engineering and style, you’ll have many choices and a variety of different options to choose from. With price tags ranging from nominal (a few dollars) to the high end (thousands!), it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
How will you use the stroller?
- Do you live in an urban area, where getting on and off public transportation is a challenge? Do you need your stroller to withstand city streets? Or are you a suburban mom where a stroll around the neighborhood is easy? Will you have to pull the stroller in and out of your car? Are you planning on airplane travel? Shopping? What about an exercise like jogging? Your head could spin with all the possibilities.
How many children will you be transporting?
- It used to be that a single stroller was all you could buy. Now parents can choose from single, double and triple strollers.
Maneuverability
- Tight corners a problem where you live? Then you’ll need to have a stroller that can turn on a dime.
Think about your child
- Will your child be comfortable in the stroller you choose? You can find strollers that recline, that can hold infant car seats, have snack trays and juice cup holders.
Think about what you need
- Is it important to have a large basket underneath the stroller to hold a diaper bag and toys? Do you need cup holders? How about a place to hold your MP3 player?
How does the stroller feel to push?
- If you’re using it day in and day out, having it be easy to push/use is very important.
How easy is the stroller to use?
- Does it open and close smoothly? Is it easy to adjust the handle? Is it easy to recline, and can you access the basket even when your child is reclined? Do all the pieces "work well?"
How much are you willing to spend?
- There is a wide price range filled with many choices. It’s likely that you’ll find what you need in your price range.
Can’t find everything you need in one stroller?
- Get two. For example, have an umbrella stroller for those quick trips to the mall and a larger stroller with all the features for the long day trips to the zoo.
You will need a PDF Reader (like Adobe Reader) to open these PDF files.
To download Adobe Reader: Click here