When you're searching for the right fear for your baby, sifting through the thousands of options on the market can be overwhelming, especially when shopping for strollers. When each type promises to be the "must-have" for your baby, where do you even start?
Whether you're a first-time parent or adding another little one to your family, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect stroller that fits your lifestyle, budget, and most importantly, keeps your little one safe and comfortable.
Different Kinds of Strollers on the Market
The stroller market has exploded with options, and you should understand the different types available to find the right one for your lifestyle. We've outlined the benefits of each category, exploring what makes them unique, who they're best for, and what trade-offs come with each choice.
Full-Size Strollers: The Everyday Workhorses
Full-size strollers are the most versatile option and serve as the primary stroller for many families. These are the strollers you see parents pushing around the mall, through parks, and on neighborhood walks. They're designed to be your reliable companion for daily adventures with your baby or toddler.
What makes full-size strollers special is their comprehensive feature set. Most come with suspension systems that smooth out bumps and provide a comfortable ride on various terrains. Large, extendable canopies provide excellent sun protection, and generous under-seat storage baskets mean you can bring everything you need for a full day out, including your diaper bag, snacks, toys, and more.
Full-size strollers are heavier than their lightweight cousins, typically weighing 20-30 pounds, and they don't fold quite as compactly. However, most still fit in standard car trunks and fold down to a manageable size. The trade-off for the extra weight is substantially more comfort and functionality. Many parents find that the ease of use and comprehensive features make the heft worthwhile.
Jogging Strollers: For the Active Parent
If you're a runner or plan to incorporate your baby into your fitness routine, a jogging stroller is essential. These strollers are designed specifically for fast movement on varied terrain.
Jogging strollers typically feature three large wheels (one front swivel wheel and two larger, fixed rear wheels) with pneumatic (air-filled) tires that provide excellent shock absorption. The larger wheel size and suspension systems create a smooth ride even on bumpy trails, grass, or gravel. Most jogging strollers have hand brakes similar to bicycle brakes, giving you maximum control, especially when running downhill or at higher speeds.
The downside is that jogging strollers are bulkier and heavier than standard strollers, typically weighing 25-30 pounds. They're not particularly maneuverable in tight spaces like grocery stores or crowded malls. The three-wheel configuration that makes them excellent for trails and pavement doesn't work well for quick shopping trips or navigating narrow aisles.
Travel Systems: The Convenient Combo
A travel system combines an infant car seat with a compatible stroller frame, offering significant convenience and value when you're in the newborn phase. Instead of buying a car seat and stroller separately, you get both as one coordinated system, often at a savings compared to purchasing them individually.
The real magic of travel systems happens when you're moving a sleeping newborn. You simply click the infant car seat onto the stroller frame, and you can transfer your baby from the car seat to the stroller and back without ever waking them. This is an enormous convenience when you're making multiple stops or frequently moving between your car and other locations. During those early months when your newborn seems to sleep constantly, this feature can be genuinely life-changing.
Travel systems are available at various price points, with some featuring lightweight stroller frames and others offering full-size frames. Before shopping for one, you need to determine your budget and which features you want on your stroller.
Double Strollers: Managing Multiple Young Children
For parents of twins or children close in age, double strollers are essential. However, they're also popular with parents who have two children several years apart, as they provide flexibility for managing both kids simultaneously.
Double strollers come in two primary configurations, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages:
Tandem Strollers (One Behind the Other)
Tandem models seat one child in front and one behind, creating a longer stroller with a smaller width. These are easier to navigate through doorways, down narrow aisles in stores, and through typical hallways. The trade-off is that the rear child has a limited view of the world. They can't see as much as a child in a front-facing seat, and parents often find the rear child feels less engaged with their surroundings.
Side-by-Side Strollers (Sitting Next to Each Other)
Side-by-side models give both children equal, front-facing views and a more symmetrical setup.
Double strollers are heavier than single strollers, typically ranging from 30-50 pounds, depending on the model and configuration. Quality double strollers are also significantly more expensive than single strollers.
Stroller Wagons: The Hybrid Option
Stroller wagons represent a newer category that's gaining popularity. These hybrids combine features of a traditional wagon with stroller functionality, offering a unique approach to transporting children and gear.
Typical stroller wagons feature a four-wheeled base with a spacious, open seating area that can accommodate one or two children plus significant cargo. They often have a pull handle and sturdy fabric sides. Some models include features like canopies, storage pockets, and comfortable seating areas. The wheels are generally designed for sidewalks rather than off-road capability, though many handle grass and gravel reasonably well.
Stand-On or Ride-Along Strollers: The Older Sibling Solution
For families with both a baby and an older toddler, stand-on or ride-along strollers provide an efficient solution. These platforms allow an older sibling to stand or sit at the back of a single stroller, essentially creating a makeshift double without the expense and bulk of a full double stroller.
What makes these brilliant is their flexibility and affordability. An older toddler can walk independently most of the time, then hop on the ride-along when tired or when you need to move quickly. This extends the distance your family can comfortably travel together.
What to Look For When Buying a Stroller
Buying a stroller is a lot like buying a car; you want something that fits your lifestyle, handles well, and lasts for years. The key is understanding what features matter most to you and your family.
Start by honestly evaluating how you'll use the stroller. Will you be pushing it on smooth city sidewalks or rough terrain? Are you a jogger who needs stability at faster speeds? Will you be navigating crowded shopping centers or hiking trails? Do you travel frequently with your baby? Are you expecting one child or do you have or plan to have multiple children close in age? These questions will help you narrow down your options significantly.
Key features to consider:
Maneuverability
A stroller that's difficult to maneuver will drain your energy and frustrate you daily. See the stroller in person if possible. Push it around, make turns, and see how it feels. Try steering it one-handed while holding a coffee or bag. How easy is it to push and steer, especially with one hand? Can you navigate through doorways without issues? Does it turn sharply when you need it to? Extra features like the large front swivel wheel on the Baby Trend Tango 3 All-Terrain Stroller can be a lifesaver in crowded places like grocery stores or busy sidewalks.
Size and Fold
Stroller sizes vary a lot, so you need to make sure it can fit in your trunk if you'll be taking it around in your car. Also fold and unfold it a few times to make sure the mechanism is easy to use and if it can stand on its own when folded. Bonus if it has a single-hand fold feature, like the Baby Trend Passport Cargo Stroller. That feature makes it easier to put away the stroller when one hand is holding on to a squirmy baby.
Comfort for Your Child
Is the seat padded? Does it recline for naps? Is there adequate sun protection with a canopy? Look for adjustable features that can grow with your baby, such as the multiple configurations available with the Baby Trend Morph Single to Double Modular Stroller. Your little one will spend considerable time in this stroller, so comfort matters for both naps and long walks.
Storage
Is there a basket underneath for your diaper bag, groceries, or shopping? A small basket might be fine for a quick trip to the park, but when you're doing errands or spending the whole day out, you'll be grateful for ample storage space. Extra-large baskets like the one on the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand 5-in-1 Shopper PLUS Stroller has room for all your daily necessities.
Durability and Safety
Does it feel sturdy? Does it meet current safety standards? The frame should feel solid, and the stroller shouldn't feel wobbly or flimsy. Pick it up, shake it gently, and get a feel for the build quality. Compare the weight of different models; heavier doesn't always mean better, but extremely light strollers sometimes feel less substantial.
Lifestyle Compatibility
If you're an avid runner, a jogging stroller is essential. If you travel frequently, a lightweight, compact travel stroller might be best. For urban living, a slim, easy-to-navigate stroller is key.
Stroller Safety Features: What to Look For
Safety is paramount when choosing any baby gear. Here are the essential safety features to look for in a stroller.
Five-Point Harness
This is the gold standard for child restraints. It secures the child at the shoulders, waist, and between the legs, preventing them from sliding out or climbing out of the stroller. Ensure the straps are adjustable, padded for comfort, and easy to use but secure enough that your child can't escape.
Reliable Brakes
The stroller should have a strong, easy-to-engage braking system that reliably locks the wheels. Foot-operated brakes are most common and convenient. Some higher-end strollers also feature hand brakes, especially jogging models, for additional control. The brakes should engage smoothly without excessive force and should hold the stroller securely on a moderate slope.
Stable Frame
A well-built stroller will have a sturdy frame that won't tip over easily, even when the child is leaning or when you place items in the storage basket. Look for strollers that have passed stability tests. Gently shake the stroller when it's assembled to check for excessive wobbling. Try putting weight on the edge of the seat to see if it tips. While all strollers should have some give, they shouldn't feel dangerously unstable.
Secure Recline Mechanism
If the seat reclines, the mechanism should be secure enough not to let the seat unexpectedly collapse or recline too far, which could be a suffocation hazard for young infants. Test the recline mechanism multiple times when evaluating a stroller. It should move smoothly through positions but lock firmly in place once you've selected a position.
Stroller Buying Checklist
To help you make the best choice, here's a comprehensive checklist organized by category. Use this checklist as a practical tool when comparing strollers. Some items are must-haves for safety; others are nice-to-haves that enhance convenience. Weigh items based on your personal priorities.
Safety
- Five-point harness system (adjustable and padded)
- Reliable, easy-to-engage brakes (test them on an incline!)
- Stable frame that doesn't tip easily
- Meets current safety standards (e.g., ASTM F833 in the US)
- Non-toxic materials (BPA, phthalate, lead-free)
- Secure reclining mechanism that locks in place
- Sturdy footrest for child support
- Reflective materials for visibility in low light
- Smooth operation of all moving parts
Functionality & Maneuverability
- Folds easily and compactly (test the fold mechanism)
- Stands on its own when folded
- Lightweight enough for you to lift comfortably
- Smooth steering and maneuverability (test those corners!)
- Appropriate wheel type for your typical terrain
- Swivel wheels (with locking option for rough terrain)
- All-terrain capabilities (if needed for your lifestyle)
- Adjustable handlebar height (for parents of different heights)
- Fits in your car trunk when folded
- Pushes smoothly with one hand
Comfort & Convenience
- Comfortable, padded seating for child
- Multiple recline positions
- Ample storage basket (check weight capacity)
- Easy-to-clean, removable fabrics
- Parent cup holder and/or phone tray
- Child snack tray or bumper bar
- Good ventilation (mesh panels or windows)
- Compatible with infant car seat (if travel system desired)
- Adequate sun protection
Documentation & Extras
- Clear, detailed user manual included
- Manufacturer's warranty information
- Registration card for recall notices
- Good customer service reputation
Budget & Value
- Fits within your budget
- Good reviews from other parents
- Durability to last through multiple children
- Features justify the price point
Baby Trend Strollers: A Trusted Name in Affordable Quality
Baby Trend has built a reputation for offering reliable, feature-rich strollers at mid-range prices that don't require you to choose between quality and affordability.
Baby Trend specializes in travel systems that provide excellent value, combining infant car seats with stroller frames at price points significantly lower than many competitors, without sacrificing essential safety features or functionality. Full-size strollers offer surprising comfort with multiple recline positions, generous storage baskets, and good suspension systems that smooth out bumpy terrain.
If you're browsing jogging strollers on a budget, Baby Trend offers several models that capture the essence of what makes jogging strollers great—three-wheel configurations, air-filled tires, and hand brakes—at prices that won't break the bank.
Parents particularly appreciate Baby Trend's durability; many report using Baby Trend strollers through multiple children, and the company's strollers hold up well to daily wear and tear. Their products meet all current safety standards, and the brand offers reasonable warranties and accessible customer service.
Picking the Right Stroller for You
Choosing a stroller is a significant investment, both financially and in terms of your daily comfort and convenience. Take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to test drive multiple models. What works perfectly for your best friend might not be the right fit for your lifestyle.
Whether you're hitting the jogging trails, traveling the world, or simply making daily trips to the park, there's a stroller out there that's perfect for you and your little one.