Find the Best Stroller Brands

Purpose

How you intend to use the stroller will play a major factor in the one you choose. You may find that you need to buy more than one stroller to meet all your different needs, or you might find one that can work for all occasions.

• Regular commuting: If you regularly walk around town with your child, you will want a stroller that is durable and has the option to add weather accessories. You will likely want to find a stroller that is easy to maneuver, particularly if you will be walking on crowded city streets. If you are getting on and off subway trains or buses, look for a lightweight stroller that can fold quickly and easily.
• Infrequent trips: If you want a stroller that you can toss in the trunk of your car for those few times when you need it, a stroller that’s easy to fold, such as an umbrella stroller, might do the trick if your child is older. Many other types of strollers are easy to fold and tuck away, so you can always have one with you without it being in your way.
• Running/jogging: Parents and caregivers who want to take their child(ren) running with them will want to spend additional money on a jogging stroller. These strollers are specifically designed for jogging, with additional safety features other non-jogging strollers lack. Do not use any other type of stroller for jogging.
• Transporting multiple kids: Many parents enjoy taking their children on hikes or walks on trails instead of flat pavement. If this describes your purpose, look for an all terrain stroller. These strollers have high impact wheels and tires designed for rugged terrain.

Reliability

No matter your purpose for using one, you need your stroller to be reliable and durable. Take some time to test out different types of strollers in retail stores to get a feel for how they handle walking, turning and stopping.

• Weight: Add weight to the stroller in the form of a heavy object (your diaper bag could work, or another object in the store) when you’re testing out a stroller. See if the weight difference makes it harder to handle.
• Expensive versus cheap: In the case of strollers, you do, in many cases, get what you pay for. But not necessarily because lower priced strollers aren’t designed well or made from good materials. Cheaper models aren’t necessarily designed to be used every day. Basic umbrella strollers, for instance, aren’t designed for everyday commuting, so they will wear out faster than a stroller with a sturdier design.
• Warranty: Strollers generally come with manufacturer, and often retailer, warranties that cover damage due to poor workmanship or factory flaws. They don’t usually cover damage that is the result of excessive use or accidents.

Price

Strollers come in a wide range of prices, from under $20 to over $1,000. Several factors play into how much a stroller will cost, including its features, manufacturing material and durability.

• Priced under $20-$100: You can find a decent umbrella stroller for under $20, and they can be a great option for parents in many situations. They can also be useful for grandparents and other caregivers to keep around for surprise visits. These strollers are very basic. They do not have storage capacity, and they often do not have large canopies. The price is low because there are no bells and whistles attached.
• Priced $100-$500: The majority of strollers used for infants in America fall into this price range. These strollers are stroller systems, meaning they have added features like cargo storage space, a tray for snacks, cupholders, a speaker system and more. If you are expecting a baby, expect to pay somewhere in this price range for a nice stroller that will keep your child safe and grow with her.
• Priced $500-over $1,000: These strollers generally have a specific purpose, and they are ideal for people who use strollers for hours every day. Strollers for doubles and triples also tend to land in this price range, since they are essentially two strollers in one.

Age/weight limit

Kids of different ages and sizes have different safety and support needs depending on how old they are and, perhaps more importantly, how much they weigh. Many strollers adapt from newborn all the way up to five years old, while others are geared for kids in specific age and weight ranges.

• Newborns and infants: Newborns and infants under six months old and/or who cannot yet hold their head up without help need to be in a stroller that reclines. Many strollers have a bassinet that allows babies to lie down flat, while others have the option to attach a car seat so your infant can easily transfer from car to stroller without being disturbed.
• Toddlers: Toddlers want to see everything going on around them when they’re in a stroller, so they will want to be in a stroller that is upright. If you think your toddler will nap, you may want to look at a stroller that also reclines for added comfort. Keep in mind that toddlers may not want to be strapped into a stroller, so a three- or five-point harness is essential for this age group.
• 4-5-year-olds: Older kids tend to use strollers less frequently than infants and toddlers. They might use them for longer periods of time, however, such as a long day at the zoo or an amusement park. This means you will want a stroller that is easy for you to maneuver and that has space for cargo. Also keep an eye on weight restrictions, as some five year olds might weigh more than is safe in a particular stroller.

Safety features

Keeping your child safe is always a priority, especially when you are transporting them from one place to another. There are several safety features available on strollers that apply to different situations.

• Recline: Any stroller used by an infant who cannot yet hold his head up without help should either mostly or fully recline. This design protects the child’s head.
• Safety harness: Strollers for toddlers come equipped with either a three- or five-point safety harness. Both should keep your child safe and restrained while the stroller is moving. Five-point safety harnesses are found on baby joggers and cross terrain strollers.
• Brakes: Brakes are an essential part of any stroller system, and they should be easy for you to access and use. They should be well out of reach of the child using the stroller. Make sure to use the brake any time the stroller is stopped.
• Weight guidelines: Weight guidelines are established by manufacturers to ensure the safety of the stroller passenger. Ignoring or disregarding these guidelines can endanger a child and risk breaking the stroller.

Additional features

Strollers have many additional features and accessories available that make life easier and more fun for parents and kids alike. Some features are included with a stroller, and some need to be purchased and assembled separately.

• Speakers: Many strollers (especially jogging strollers) have speakers and an outlet to connect an MP3 player. This is convenient to use while running, and they can also be used to play soothing music when you are taking your child on a walk to calm him/her down.
• Weather gear: If you plan on using your stroller in all weather, you will want to buy accessories to protect your child. Rain covers, blankets and sun canopies (some with UV protection) can all keep your child comfortable in any type of weather.
• Organizers and storage space: Having storage space and/or organizers on your stroller can make it easy to always be ready to go. Use your organizer to store diapers, wipes, snacks and anything else you will frequently use while you are out on the town with your child.