by April Sanders
Choosing a baby stroller can be a bewildering experience. There are strollers for infants that are part of a travel system. Also, jogging strollers, umbrella strollers, prams and rugged strollers are available, too. Because strollers are often made for a specific use, age group or both, it can be difficult to compare them. Still, once you narrow down which type of stroller you are looking for, there are some features you can compare.
Look at the prices. Higher priced baby strollers will often be higher quality strollers. With strollers and other baby gear, it is usually true that you get what you pay for. Still, there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on something your baby might not use for very long, such as with infant prams.
Check out the fabric on the baby strollers. Stroller fabric needs to be able to hold up to spit-up and stains. Make sure the fabric can be removed for washing.
Think about the age of your baby and how long you will use the stroller. For example, some folding strollers are made only for toddlers, while other folding strollers have an adjustable seat that can also fit an infant. Look for features like easy one-handed folding and lightweight construction. These features are particularly important if you are going to be transporting the stroller in your car or on a city bus or taxi.
Decide which features are most important to you. Perhaps you really need a cup holder that will hold an insulated coffee cup. Or maybe a reclining seat is more important for you. Maybe you have an older child, so you would like a stroller with an area in the back for your older child to stand on. Make a list of your most desired features and then see which strollers have those features.
Consider purchasing one baby stroller to keep at home as well as a second stroller to keep in your car. For example, you could keep the heavy jogging stroller or sturdy walking stroller at home ready for jaunts around the neighborhood and a lightweight umbrella stroller in the car for quick trips to the store. A lightweight stroller makes for easier traveling transitions.
