Having a new baby can be a walk in the park--with the right stroller, of course. In fact, a stroller is one of the most important pieces of baby gear you'll buy. And as your baby grows, you may end up with more than one. Many parents buy a traditional stroller for every day and a lighter-weight one for traveling. You may even want a more rugged stroller for jogging or simply negotiating uneven sidewalks and curbs. City streets are deceptively hard on strollers.
There are dozens of choices on the market, everything from the lightest-weight umbrella strollers to heavy-duty, midsized strollers, carriages, jogging strollers, and models designed to carry two or more children. For a newborn, you can find a basic frame with no stroller seat of its own that can support almost any infant car seat. Or, consider a fully reclining stroller with leg holes you can close, so your baby doesn't slip and get trapped.
Another option is a travel system, which consists of an infant car seat, a car-seat base for your car, and a stroller. Some jogging strollers, such as the Graco LeisureSport ($200), are sold as travel systems, and some strollers also function as travel systems by allowing you to attach an infant car seat. All Peg-Pérego strollers--the Pliko P3 Classico, GT3 Completo, Centro Completo, and Aria OH Classico--are designed to anchor a matching Peg-Pérego car seat, which is sold separately. Those strollers include a strap to attach other manufacturers' car seats to the stroller. When babies reach 6 months old or can sit up and control their head and neck movements, you can use the stroller alone, without the infant seat snapped in. The downside? Until then, you have to push your baby in both a stroller and a car seat, which can be unwieldy, depending on the circumstances, such as the terrain you're navigating.
A final option is a combo stroller--such as the Bugaboo Frog, Gecko, or Cameleon--which functions as both a carriage and a stroller. This stroller is a hybrid that consists of a stroller chassis with wheels that can be used with various manufacturers' car seats. It includes a removable bassinet, which converts it into a carriage, so your newborn baby can fully recline, and a removable stroller seat to use when your baby is ready to sit up. Your stroller options are dizzying. Here's what you need to know to buy the right wheels for you and your baby.
Baby Strollers
Newborn Baby Traditional Strollers
Graco Quattro Tour Stroller in Portica
This category runs the gamut from lightweight strollers to heavy-duty models that weigh 17 to 35 pounds. The heavy-duty strollers are somewhat bulky but stable, deep, and roomy. Higher-end models may have shock absorbers on all wheels as well. Many strollers have a two-step, one-handed release for folding.
Pros: Many are lightweight and convenient. They have more features than umbrella strollers, such as a snack tray and a roomy storage basket, and some may accommodate an infant car seat or fully recline and have a wall around all sides above the retention space, so it's possible to use this type of stroller from day one.
Cons: Heavier models are difficult to carry on public transportation and to lift into car trunks or minivan cargo areas. And you may still need a car seat. Small wheels don't perform well on uneven sidewalks or rough terrain. The compact size of lighter-weight models may cramp some toddlers, especially when they're dressed in heavy winter clothes.
Newborn Baby Umbrella Strollers
Esprit Candy Heartbreaker Light Weight Umbrella Stroller
These are named for their curved, umbrella-like handles, and typically weigh less than 12 pounds. They may have a one-handed release for folding.
Pros: They're lightweight and convenient.
Cons: The compact size of umbrella strollers may cramp infants and toddlers, especially when they're dressed in heavy winter clothes. Because these strollers lack suspension and seat support, they don't provide a cushy ride.
Newborn Baby All-terrain strollers
Pros: They're good for off-road use and provide a relatively smooth ride over rocks, potholes, or uneven sidewalks. Some all-terrain strollers can accommodate heavier children than other strollers can. Several companies offer double or triple all-terrain strollers with a total weight limit of up to 100 pounds or 150 pounds, respectively.
Cons: Three-wheel designs may be unstable when the rear wheels are rolled over a curb. Many all-terrains are not suitable for infants younger than 6 months. They are often large and heavy; some may require you to remove the front and/or rear wheel to fit in a car trunk. Air-filled tires can go flat and require re-inflating with a bicycle pump or a gas-station hose.
Baby Jogging Strollers
BOB Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller
These three-wheel strollers with front hand brake, non-swivel or lockable front wheel for serious runners, and large, air-filled tires let you push your child while you run or jog. Larger wheels make it easier for the runner who's pushing, and the air in the tires helps provide a smoother ride for the little passenger. The long, high handlebar is designed to give running feet and legs more space to avoid bumping into the stroller's frame. A wrist strap should be attached to your wrist and the stroller at all times when you are running with a child in the stroller; this will give you some control and keep the stroller from getting away from you if you fall or trip. On some brands, the large front wheel is fixed and does not swivel; on others, it swivels but can be locked into place.
The appropriate minimum age for a child to ride in a jogging stroller is a matter of debate. Most manufacturers suggest a child should be 8 weeks or older, but our medical consultants say a baby should be at least 6 months, able to sit up, and have some head support to withstand the potentially jarring ride. Some jogging strollers are made to accommodate the youngest babies, however. Baby Jogger makes a bassinet/pram to work with its Baby Jogger City and Q-Series single strollers, so your baby can lie flat while you're logging the miles. The seat faces the rear of the stroller so you can see your baby at all times. But that doesn't mean you should sprint with your newborn; brisk walks are a better idea.
Pros: Jogging strollers can also be used for off-road walks. All jogging strollers tested scored Excellent for outdoor performance while running. Many jogging strollers have a longer life than traditional strollers, because they can accommodate heavier children. Several companies offer double or even triple strollers with total weight limits of 100 or 150 pounds, respectively.
Cons: The fixed (non-swiveling) front wheel is good for running, but can make maneuvering difficult. Some three-wheel designs may be unstable when the rear wheels are rolled over a curb, or if a child tries to climb into the stroller. Jogging strollers are often large and some are heavy; you may need to remove the wheel(s) to fit the stroller into your car trunk. Bicycle-type air filled tires can go flat and require re-inflating with a bicycle pump or a gas-station hose.
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