Baby Stroller Buying Guide

Welcome to our baby stroller buying guide. A stroller is one of those items that parents can’t really do without when it comes to their children. However, there are so many strollers on the market today it can be difficult for some parents to know where to start and what to buy.

The good news is that strollers come in all different shapes, sizes and styles, and include all sorts of features that will be useful for some parents but not for others. The point I’m making is, there is a stroller out there for everyone, you just need to consider your own circumstances and whats important to you.

With that being said, this baby stroller buying guide will give you plenty to think about so you can make a more informed decision about the type of stroller you need. Don’t fall into the trap of leaving it all to the last minute and making an impulse buy, only to find out you hate the stroller and now you can’t change it or get your money back.

Safety First

Before we get into things you should consider, perhaps the single most important thing to always consider when buying any stroller is your child’s safety. I know we are stating the obvious here, and most strollers on the market should be up to standard, but if you are going down the second hand stroller route just make sure the stroller has been looked after and is still up to the job for how long you are going to keep it for. (also see our post on the top 10 stroller safety tips)

Considerations – Before You Buy

Now you know how important it is to consider all your options and choose the right stroller for you, especially when you will be using your stroller on a daily basis for the next few years, lets look at things you may need to consider before you buy.

Whats Your Stroller For?

As silly as it sounds you first need to consider what you want the stroller for. Are you a first time parent looking for your first stroller – if so you need to consider single strollers all the way up to travel systems (like the Graco Snugride travel system). Are you a keep fit fanatic and don’t want to let being a parent hold you back – then consider a jogging stroller. Are you expecting twins or triplets even – then double/tandem or treble strollers are for you.

Always consider your lifestyle and where you will be going out and about and what you need a stroller for before you start looking for that ideal stroller that you will love.

Space Restrictions

The choice of stroller you choose could be based on storage space. Where will you be keeping the stroller when not in use?  Do you have plenty of storage space or room at home where you can leave your stroller up permanently? If not then you may need to consider some of the smaller compact strollers that fold up easily.

Do you have the trunk space in your car for your stroller?

Stroller Weight

You might not be able to get away with buying a lightweight stroller if you need to get a double/treble stroller but if you don’t, just be concious that stroller weight might be an issue for you. For instance, if you live in a high rise appartment the last thing you want to do is lump a heavy stroller about. If you are on and off the bus then consider the weight of your stroller.  The weightier strollers however can be more stable and carry more features and yet they still fold into the trunk quite easily so look at what your stroller will have to go through.

Transport

Do you own a car or not? If so, how much trunk space do you have for a stroller? If you will be using the car everyday can you fold and unfold the stroller easily enough? Do you use public transport? If so then you need a travel friendly stroller that is easy to move about and will keep baby safe.

Travel

How much travelling do you do, if any. If you regularly fly then you need a lightweight stroller (such as the Jeep Cherokee sport Stroller) that is easily accommodating at airports. Again if you are on and off public transport daily then equally you need a suitable stroller.

Your Child’s Age

Not all strollers are suitable for newborns and/or toddlers, so consider what you want the stroller for. If it is for your newborn baby then make sure you only look at strollers that can accommodate them. It might be that you have a toddler so some of the newborn features are not that essential and therefore you have a different choice entirely.

Your Height

Believe it or not, your height can play a big part on what stroller you choose. A stroller might tick all the boxes when it comes to your child but if you end up having to bend down to push it or your feet keep kicking the back of the stroller as you walk, then you will soon become unhappy with your stroller.

Some strollers do have adjustable handles for the taller person, so look out for that. Just be aware that your height can be an issue so again make sure you factor that in when you buy.  Why not visit a few stroller shops and try pushing a few around to give you an idea of what to buy and then hit the Internet for the best deals.

Your Budget

If you are on a budget then stick to looking for strollers in your price range. There’s no point breaking the bank for the latest and greatest stroller if you are going to spend the next few years paying it off.

One thing you could do is, once you have decided on which stroller you want, is to look online for a good deal. Some great deals can be found online if you are prepared to look around and if the price is right you might be able to get a stroller that you originally thought you couldn’t afford.

Buying Guide Summary

The whole point of this post is to get you to think about your own lifestyle so you can match up the right stroller to your own circumstances. What we are trying to do here is provide you food for thought, so you consciously consider all aspects of your life and so you can make a more informed decision about the stroller you buy.

Too many people make an impulse buy on their first stroller by listening to everyone else, but that is just the wrong way to go about it. The reason for this is chances are everyone else’s situation and circumstances are going to be different from yours, so a stroller that suits your friend might not necessarily suit you.

There plenty of choice out there when it comes to strollers, and although you may have to compromise on a few things, if you do your research properly you will get a stroller that not only ticks all the boxes but it is something you will be happy with for the next few years.

We hope you enjoyed this baby stroller buying guide and it helps you think through exactly which stroller will suit you.

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