When you have a new baby, there is so much to buy! You need car seats, a crib, clothes, a changing table, and more. The list is never ending. One of the items you will be using the longest is your stroller. The right stroller can be used for three years or longer, depending on how big your child gets. This is one decision to spend some time making, because you want a stroller that will be the perfect fit for your growing family!

Understand the Different Types of Strollers

The first thing you will need to do is decide what kind of stroller you want. It may seem that strollers are a universal item, but there are many different types of strollers to choose from.

A traditional single stroller is probably the first option you will consider. These strollers have evolved quite a bit over the years. Today, they come in a variety of fashionable colors, and most can hold an infant carrier car seat. This makes it very convenient to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller for a trip to the park. Once the child outgrows the infant carrier, most single strollers allow your child to sit upright facing forward.

For parents of more than one child, double or triple strollers are a good option. These come in either side-by-side or front-to-back designs. A side-by-side model allows your children to sit next to each other so they can all see well. These do not accommodate infant carriers. The front-to-back model is often chosen by parents of children of differing ages, as these accommodate infant carriers. The older child can ride in the front to see, while the infant can be comfortable in the infant carrier in the back.

An umbrella stroller is another option. These lightweight strollers are designed for older babies and toddlers, not infants. They fold up small, like an umbrella, making them ideal for small cars or short trips. They hold one child and usually come with a canopy to keep the sun off of the child. If an umbrella stroller is not quite durable enough for you, consider a lightweight stroller model. These are a little bit more sturdy than umbrella strollers, but less cumbersome than a traditional single stroller.

Jogging strollers are another popular type. These come in single, double, or triple models. They are perfect for the fitness-conscious parent, as they are more lightweight and aerodynamic than traditional strollers. They have larger, tire-like wheels that can withstand the wear and tear that comes with a workout. Many models have shock absorbers to help your baby stay comfortable if you take the stroller over bumps and ruts in the road. Babies need to be able to hold up their heads before you put them in a jogging stroller, so these are not made to accommodate infant carriers.

Popular Stroller Features

Once you decide on the type of stroller you want, you will need to decide which features you want it to have. Not all strollers, for instance, have cup holders. If you want a place for drinks for you and your child while you are using the stroller, make sure you shop for one with cup holders.

Storage is one feature most parents cannot live without on their strollers. Most strollers come with baskets underneath the seat. This is a great place to store your purse or diaper bag when you are out and about. If storage is important to you, make sure you choose a stroller with this feature. Also, make sure it is easy to access the storage area no matter what position the stroller is set in. Some strollers have fully reclining seats, and this can make it difficult to access the storage area.

A snack tray is another optional feature on strollers. Snack trays give your child to a place for toys or food while you are using the stroller. Not all strollers have this feature, but it can come in handy if your child has to be in the stroller for extended periods of time.

All strollers fold up for you to transport in your car, but some fold up smaller than others. When shopping for a stroller, make sure that it will fit in your vehicle. If you are tight on space, an umbrella stroller is the most compact option. Also, make sure that it is easy to open and close the stroller. You may not have many hands free when you are getting the stroller out of the vehicle, so this needs to be simple.

If you are going to use your stroller for an infant and do not want to use an infant carrier car seat, make sure the stroller can recline fully. This is the most comfortable and safest position for a baby that has limited head control. Many strollers can be converted into an upright position when the baby gets older, but not all strollers have the reclining feature, so be sure to look for it if you need it.

Watch the Size

Strollers come in a variety of sizes. It is important to check the height of the stroller and make sure that you are comfortable pushing it. People who are very tall or very short may not feel comfortable pushing a standard sized stroller, so be sure to try some different strollers to figure out what size is the best for you.

Also, make sure you are comfortable with the length and width of your stroller. Strollers for multiple children can be quite cumbersome. Side-by-side versions are sometimes unpractical for shopping, as they cannot fit well between racks of clothing. On the other hand, the front-to-back models are quite long and can be difficult to steer. Be sure you are comfortable with the overall size of the stroller you are buying.

As you can see, there is much to consider when shopping for a stroller. From the size of the stroller to the type that is best for your family, you need to shop carefully to find the best option. You will be investing a lot of money into your stroller and you will be using it for a long time, so make sure it fits your needs well.