The stroller – or more likely, strollers – you choose will be among your most utilized and most expensive baby-related purchases.  Here’s a quick overview to help you make an informed decision about the set of wheels that’s right for you. 

I.  Infant Stroller Use:  A Primer 

A fact that comes as a surprise to many first-time parents is that a baby cannot sit upright in a stroller for at least a few months.  As a result, your stroller selection must be informed by the two stages of infant strollers.  During Stage 1 (newborn to 4 months or so), most infants stroll in a car seat or bassinet attached to a stroller frame.  During Stage 2, when an infant is able to support its head and neck and shows aptitude at sitting upright (usually around 4-6 months), it’s time to graduate from the car seat or bassinet for more freedom of movement and a better view.   

II.  Basic Stroller Types 

Understanding the general categories of strollers, and their strengths and limitations, will get you a good part of the way to selecting your stroller. 

(1)  Car Seat Stroller Base.  A car seat stroller base is a frame with wheels that is designed to hold an infant car seat.  Most bases also have handy features like cup holders and large storage baskets for toting everything a new parent might need.  Inexpensive, lightweight and easy-to-fold, a stroller base is a sensible stroller option for Stage 1. 

Examples:  Graco SnugRider, Kolcraft Universal Car Seat Carrier, Maclaren Easy Traveler

Approximate Price Range:  $50-$70 

(2) Heavy-Duty Umbrella.   An umbrella stroller is designed to be easy-folding (like a good umbrella), lightweight and highly portable.  A well-designed umbrella stroller will offer the features most parents and babies require for every day use at a relatively reasonable price.  However, most umbrellas cannot be used until Stage 2, necessitating the purchase of a car seat stroller base for Stage 1.   Fortunately, a few innovative umbrella models accommodate infant car seats for use from birth.   

Examples:  Maclaren Techno XT, Maclaren Techno XLR, Inglesina Zippy

Approximate Price Range:  $250-$350 

(3) Convertible.  A convertible stroller features a single frame that supports several “seats” (a bassinet, infant car seat and stroller seat) to carry your child from birth through the toddler years (Stages 1 and 2).  This versatility – along with numerous other design features that can make convertible strollers too cool to pass up – has led to an explosion in sales in recent years, despite the high price tags.  Before you put down your credit card and count yourself among the converted, consider whether you require all the functionality these strollers have to offer, much of which is most valuable during Stage 1. 

Examples:  Bugaboo Cameleon, Quinny Buzz, UPPAbaby VISTA

Approximate Price Range:  $550-$900 

(4) Jogger.  An urban jog stroller with large inflated tires offers a smooth ride and creature comforts for the little rider during Stage 2.  Some models can incorporate car seat adapters for Stage 1 use.  Name and appearance not withstanding, not all joggers are well-suited for running.  However, if you’re looking for a smooth ride over rough outdoor terrain at a better price than most convertible strollers, an urban jogger could be the answer.  Some models also easily convert to a double stroller as your family grows. 

Example:  Phil and Teds Sport Buggy, Phil and Teds Dash

Approximate Price:  $400-$550 

(5)  Lightweight Umbrella.  If you opt for a convertible or jogger as your primary stroller, consider a reasonably priced lightweight umbrella stroller, as well, for occasions that demand portability, such as travel, public transportation and climbing flights of stairs. 

Examples:  Maclaren Triumph, Maclaren Volo, UPPAbaby G-LiTE

Approximate Price Range:  $100-$175  

III.  Important Practical Considerations 

It is likely you will use your stroller every day, if not multiple times a day, making practical considerations particularly important in your selection process. 

How will the stroller be used? 

Your stroller purchase should be informed largely by how it will be used.  For instance, long walks over uneven city sidewalks and curbs place very different demands on a stroller, and a baby in a stroller, than indoor strolling.  If outdoor strolling will be your baby’s primary mode of transportation, look for larger wheels and/or inflated or foam tires for a smoother ride and a padded, reclining seat for comfort.   If the stroller will be folded regularly, to be stashed in the trunk or toted on the bus, a simple folding design and compactness should be a priority. 

Where will the stroller be parked?

If you live in a third-floor walk up or one-bedroom apartment, size, weight and compactness should factor heavily into your stroller selection.  Don’t let anyone convince you that the jogger isn’t really that heavy or that difficult to manage in a stairwell or small elevator.  In cozy spaces, look for the single stroller that can serve most of your needs to minimize the need for multiple strollers. 

How much are you willing or able to spend? 

In these days of the $1,000+ stroller, the sky seems to be the limit in stroller pricing.  In making your stroller purchase, keep your wits about you and buy only the features and functionality you require.  Bear in mind that this is unlikely to be your only or your last stroller purchase. 

Can a single stroller satisfy all potential uses? 

Unlikely, even for the most versatile of strollers.  Your stroller budget will likely have to cover a couple models, so plan accordingly.