BUYING GUIDE
BUYING GUIDE FOR BABY STROLLERS
Choosing the right baby stroller is an important decision for new parents. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect stroller that meets your needs and ensures your baby's safety and comfort. This buying guide aims to provide you with essential factors to consider when purchasing a baby stroller.
Safety: The safety of your baby should be the top priority. Look for strollers that meet the safety standards in your country or region. Ensure that it has a sturdy frame, a secure harness system, and reliable brakes. Consider models with a certification seal, such as JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) to ensure they meet safety requirements.
Type of Stroller: There are several types of strollers available, each designed for specific purposes. Consider your lifestyle and needs.
Full-sized strollers: Suitable for everyday use, they offer a wide range of features, including storage compartments and adjustable seats. They are sturdy and often have better suspension for a smoother ride.
Lightweight or umbrella strollers: Ideal for travel or quick errands. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver. However, they usually lack advanced features like large storage baskets or reclining seats.
Jogging strollers: Designed for active parents who want to go running or jogging with their baby. They have larger wheels, better suspension, and a locking front wheel for stability during exercise
Travel systems: These strollers come with a detachable infant car seat, allowing you to move the baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing their sleep. They provide convenience and are cost-effective.
Double or tandem strollers: Suitable for parents with twins or multiple children. They can accommodate two kids side by side or one in front of the other
Comfort: Your baby's comfort is crucial for a pleasant strolling experience. Look for the following features.
Reclining seats: Ensure the stroller has multiple seat recline positions, including a fully flat position for newborns or napping.
Suspension system: A good suspension system helps absorb shocks and ensures a smoother ride on uneven surfaces.
Adjustable footrest: It provides support as your baby grows and allows them to stretch out or sit up comfortably.
Canopy: A large, extendable canopy with a peek-a-boo window provides shade from the sun and protects against wind and rain.
Padding and harness: The seat should have ample padding for comfort, and a secure, adjustable harness to keep your baby safely in place.
Storage and Accessories: Consider the stroller's storage capacity, especially if you plan to carry diaper bags, toys, or groceries. Look for strollers with spacious baskets or additional pockets. Some strollers also offer cup holders, snack trays, or organizers for added convenience
Folding and Portability: Check how easily the stroller folds and unfolds. A one-hand folding mechanism can be particularly useful when you're holding your baby. Consider the stroller's size when folded and ensure it fits in your car trunk or storage space
Durability and Quality: Look for strollers made from high-quality materials that can withstand daily use. Read reviews, seek recommendations, and choose reputable brands known for their durable and well-built strollers.
Price: Set a budget for your stroller purchase and compare different models within your price range. While it's important to find a stroller that fits your budget, remember that quality and safety should not be compromised for a lower price.
Reviews and Recommendations: Before making a final decision, read customer reviews and seek recommendations from friends, family, or parenting communities. Real-life experiences can provide valuable insights into the stroller's performance, durability, and overall satisfaction.
Warranty and Customer Support: Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer and their customer support policies. A good warranty ensures that you can receive assistance or replacements if any issues arise with the stroller.
Remember, every family's needs and preferences are unique, so choose a stroller that aligns with your lifestyle and requirements. By considering safety, type, maneuverability, comfort, storage, portability, durability, price, reviews, and warranty, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect baby stroller for your little one.
Read more about our strollers in the blog.
BUYING GUIDE
How to Choose the Right Stroller - Baby Stroller Buying Guide
Stroller Type
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Travel / Lightweight Stroller: Ideal for city life, frequent travel, or compact storage. Often weighs under 15 lbs and fits overhead bins or small trunks. While simple, the best models include reclining seats, canopy, and car‑seat adapters.
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Everyday Full‑Size or Convertible Stroller: Offers more comfort, larger wheels, bigger storage baskets, and seat recline. Full‑size strollers can work from newborns (with bassinet or car seat attachment) up to 50 lbs.
Price vs. Features
Under $800, you’ll typically find well-built travel strollers and higher-end mid‑priced full‑size options. For example, the Venice Child Ventura Single to Double Sit-and-Stand Stroller & 2nd Toddler Seat (~$720) offers retractable canopies, expandable double mode, and good storage at a mid price.
Portability & Folding
Look for strollers with one-handed folding, compact footprint, and self‑standing when folded—features common in travel models but also offered in some mid‑range full-size options like the Maverick Package 3 (~$650) with its one‑step fold.
Comfort & Ride Quality
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Larger wheels + suspension improve ride comfort on uneven paths.
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Reclining seat (ideally flat or near-flat) is critical for nap-time, especially for newborns. Many travel models lack full-flat recline without optional bassinets.
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Models like the Nuna TRIV Next (~$650) include near-flat recline and magnetic buckles for easy adjustability. (ELLE Decor)
Expandability
If your family may grow, consider convertible or expandable strollers. The Venice Child Ventura Single to Double Sit-and-Stand Stroller & 2nd Toddler Seat (~$720) allows future conversion to carry two children, with multiple configurations.
Safety Features
Ensure your stroller offers:
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Safety certification
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Five‑point harness
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Lockable front wheels / brakes
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Good canopy with ventilation
These are standard on best-in-class models and mid‑priced full‑size options.
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Travel Strollers (light, compact, stroller-only): Ideal under $650—easy to fold, suitable from newborn (with adapter), perfect for city travel. Look for models with canopy, reclining seats, and decent storage.
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Mid‑Range Full‑Size or Expandable Strollers (~$500–800): Options like Mockingbird or Mockingbird Single-to-Double offer great handling, storage baskets, expandability, and classy finishes.
Final Tips
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Test fold: If possible, practice one‑hand folding and lifting.
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Check compatibility: Ensure car seat or bassinet adapters are available.
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Accessorize smartly: Add a universal stroller organizer, cup holder, rain cover, or stroller hooks to make outings easier.
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Maintenance: Tighten screws, clean wheels, and store in a dry spot to keep your stroller reliable.