Baby Strollers 101

So Many Ways We Roll: Baby Strollers 101
Your baby is likely to spend a good amount of time in a stroller, so researching the best and most suitable styles makes sense. Welcome to Baby Strollers 101, a quick "crib notes" if you will on the various kinds of strollers on the market today.

Lightweight Strollers, Heavyweight Use
Lightweight strollers have come a long way from the old umbrella stroller. This generation of strollers features models that weigh less than 20 pounds and have many of the same features as larger strollers, such as reclining seats, storage baskets, and sun shades. These strollers are great for long-distance travelers or perfect for shorter trips to the mall or zoo. Inexpensive umbrella strollers are still fine, economical choices to be stashed in the trunk as a spare, but those without a reclining seat can't be used with infants who can't sit up on their own.

Going for the Standard
Larger and heavier than lightweight strollers, standard strollers often feature roomier seats, larger wheels, more storage space, and extras like built-in music systems and ergonomic handles. Standard strollers perform well in most conditions, and many parents love these versatile wonders. For travelers, these strollers do fold, often with convenient one-hand mechanisms, but they take up more trunk space and are heavier to lift in and out. Larger strollers may be hard to handle in crowded places.

Running With Baby
Outdoorsy parents may want to consider a jogging stroller as a backup for a standard stroller or possibly even as an everyday stroller. Featuring large, sturdy tires, sleek frames, hand-grip brakes, and all-terrain suspension systems, jogging strollers perform well on almost any surface. Jogging strollers may not fold as easily or as flat as other strollers, meaning there may be better everyday choices for parents who travel often. Jogging strollers are not recommended for infants under 6 months old.

For Those On the Go
Travel systems offer lots of convenience for new parents. A travel system begins with a standard stroller but includes an infant car seat that snaps onto the stroller, allowing parents to easily move the infant from car to stroller. Most travel systems come with a car seat base that stays in the car so that parents just snap the infant seat into the base rather than buckling/unbuckling the seat into the car. Once the infant seat is outgrown, travel systems perform the same as standard strollers.

Toting More Than One Baby
If you have more than one child, strollers with extra capacity can make outings easier. Consider the children's ages when choosing a stroller for multiples. Some double strollers have space for a child to stand and ride, but this doesn't allow for in-stroller naps. Other models have seats for all riders. Think about seats that recline for younger riders. Also consider this versatile option - clip two lightweight strollers together with stroller clips, which also allow you to use the strollers separately.