How to Pick the Perfect Baby Stroller for You

When it comes to it, there’s really no one “perfect” stroller out there, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a perfect one for you. The trick to picking the right stroller for you and for your child is to figure out which challenges you face day-to-day and go from there.

The reason that no one stroller is perfect is simple: if it’s heavy and durable, chances are that it isn’t slim and smooth gliding through narrow spaces or easily compactable in smaller storage spaces, and if it is a lightweight stroller, it may be easy to carry and transport, but it is tough to go off-road with it. There’s a trade-off. But, fortunately there or options in getting all-purpose strollers that make for a good compromise. The other option is to get different strollers for different occasions.

Either way you lean, here are 10 questions you should consider when finding the perfect stroller for you:

1. What is your budget for a stroller?
2. Do you have one child, multiple, planning on having more in the near future?
3. Do you want an all-purpose stroller or different strollers depending on occasion?
4. What kind of terrain are you strolling on?
5. Do you tend to only walk, or do you jog/run?
6. What infant car seat are you thinking of buying? Will you want it to clip onto your stroller?
7. Where you live with your transportation situation, how often are you going to be carrying your stroller?
8. How much stroller storage space do you have in your home and daily mode of transportation?
9. Will you be using your stroller to run errands and go shopping?
10. Is an abundance of space a necessity for you?

Amongst many more. Many of these questions can be lumped into the genre of two main components: budget and lifestyle.

Your Budget:

Let’s start with budget, because it is one of the most important factors for most parents.  It can be shocking how expensive strollers can be when they range from $200-$800+. It all depends on what category the stroller falls in.

Lightweight strollers

Often times called umbrella strollers, these are going to be the cheapest option. They can range anywhere from $25-$300, and it all depends on what and when you plan to use this type of stroller. If this stroller is only used occasionally for travel, then perhaps the cheaper end is best due to its seldom use. If you plan to take this stroller for a spin often or all day events, aim for a larger stroller that can recline and has ample storage.

All-purpose strollers

These strollers vary widely in price due to their variety of functions. All-purpose strollers can range anywhere from mid hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on what you are looking for. How much time do you spend walking during your every day? Is it worth it to invest in that expensive stroller that will last a long time? The best question to ask yourself is “How often will I use this?” and from there you can decide the price-point and the duration of stroller-life you require.

Jogging strollers

These strollers usually do not come cheap, it’s just the way it is. So, again, ask yourself “How often will I use this?” because unless you are an avid jogger, or truly know yourself and this stroller will motivate you to start, then the $300-$800+ price range may not be worth it. On the contrary, these strollers are big and strong and are made to keep your baby secure and safe, so in that respect they do hold up well over years of use. And, if you are already an avid gym goer and this stroller replaces that gym membership for you, in the end you may even save money with this option. It all depends on your lifestyle! Find our top jogging stroller models here. If you have multiple kids and want a jogging stroller, check out our double jogging stroller buying guide.

Double strollers

These are generally pricier than a single stroller, but that makes sense since they are made to carry a larger load. If your single stroller has the option to attach another seat, that is a cheaper alternative to buying a brand new double stroller, however not all single strollers offer that option so this version may take a little pre-planning if you know you plan to have more than one child from the start.

There are all kids of different double strollers; your most popular being the tandem and side by side stroller but if your kids are separated by a few years consider looking at sit and stand strollers, these are often times a lot smaller and lighter than your traditional double strollers.

Overall, consider how long the stroller will last AND its resale value. These two pieces are crucial to your budget. If you go for the cheapest stroller just to save the cash, chances are it will break and you will end up shoveling out more cash for another one. Perhaps spending a little more on the front-end will help you in the end, ultimately saving you money. Especially if you place to grow your family, finding a durable, long-lasting stroller is the way to go. Avoid the “good enough” stroller and go for the good one.

And the resale value of your stroller. Consider this! Hopping on any resale site can give you a good idea on what types of strollers people will pay good money for. 

Lifestyle: 

One all-purpose stroller, or different strollers for different situations? 

This is an important thing to consider, and it ties very closely with budget but also with the lifestyle that you live.

All-purpose stroller:

Consider who you are. Are you really a jogger? Are you a big traveler? Do you love to go to the mall and other shopping places? How lightweight is light enough for you? In all honesty, many parents that purchase that jogging stroller they so desired hardly end up using it for its purpose, leaving them with a bulkier stroller than they probably want or need. And then there’s having to haul your stroller around. Is this practical for you, say, at the airport? Train or bus station? Is there enough room to pack around it in the car? And lastly, super lightweight strollers may impress some people, but more multi-purpose strollers are light enough that you aren’t breaking your back taking it from point-A to point-B.

Different strollers for different situations:

You may think it feels excessive, but it’s more common than you think. Like the above scenarios, consider the following: travel, mall, jogging. Are these three things that are common in your life? Do you really want to lug your big jogger through the airport? Probably not, is my guess. Thus rests a good case for a smaller, perhaps cheaper stroller that accommodates to these situations that don’t necessarily streamline into your everyday life. Or, on the contrary, perhaps traveling is a common occurrence, there’s still nothing wrong with having a bulkier stroller that you keep home, and another (still reliable) stroller for on-the-go. If you think having two is excessive, just know there are families that collect many more than that.

These are simply situations to consider, not mandatory guidelines, because choosing the right stroller is your choice in what is right for you. There are many modes of research out there for you as well when it comes to finding the best stroller for you. And to this I say, happy strolling!