The great stroller debate

Not one family is alike, so not every stroller will work for every family’s needs and lifestyle. We break down some of the top strollers into four different categories so you’ll have an easier time deciding which stroller is best for you. Never fear, your stroller guide is here!

First steps when looking at strollers

Consider your unique lifestyle when you look at different strollers. What you do on a daily basis can be enhanced — not hindered — with the right stroller. Some parents go with more than one stroller to accommodate their busy lifestyles, saying, “There are different strollers for different outings.” While that can be true, investing in more than one stroller — or buying the wrong stroller — can be costly. Instead, it might be wise to do some research before investing in wheels for baby.

Some things to consider while in the market for a stroller

If you travel, have limited storage space, a small car or live in the city and/or take public transportation, you should look at lightweight strollers that folds easily and compactly if you are limited on storage space, are easy to transport and maneuver extremely well.

If you walk all over town — frequenting places like the park, grocery store and shopping center — look for a stroller that has amazing maneuverability, ample storage space and a large sun canopy to adequately shade your little rider. Some standard sized strollers and most all-terrain strollers work well for parents who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Tip: Carefully look at placement of the optional second seat as some of them change the functionality of the entire stroller. For instance, on some strollers that come with an optional second seat, you lose a good portion of under basket storage space once you attach the seat.

If you plan to have another child shortly after your first, consider a stroller that has the ability to add a second seat. These strollers change fairly quickly from a single to a double without having to purchase a new stroller, and will get you the most for your money — especially if you plan on having children close together.

If you are expecting twins, you need to look at strollers that have the ability for both seats to lay completely flat and/or can accommodate two infant car seats. A double stroller may have the same features of a twin stroller or it can only accommodate a newborn and a toddler — not two newborns.

How to find the perfect stroller >>

Some of the most popular strollers for 2011

1. Lightweight strollers

Britax B-Agile (sale $212)
Maclaren Quest Sport ($230)
Quinny Zapp Xtra ($300)
Bugaboo Bee ($700)
UPPA Baby G Lite ($120)

2. Standard-sized Strollers

Orbit Baby ($750)
UPPA Baby Vista (sale $449)
Britax B-Ready (sale $425)
Bugaboo Cameleon ($980)
Stokke Xplory ($1050)

3. All-terrain strollers

Valco Baby Tri Mode EX ($500)
Phil and Teds Explorer ($500)
BOB Revolution SE (sale $382)
Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle ($500)
Bumbleride Indie ($500)

4. Double strollers

Bumbleride Indie Twin ($730)
Maclaren Twin Techno ($385)
Baby Jogger City Mini Double (sale $400)
Zooper Tango ($499)
Mountain Buggy Duet ($600)

See who won the 2011 SheKnows Parenting Award for best stroller >>

Tips and tricks for buying a stroller

Test drive multiple strollers to see how they feel, fold, store and look.

After deciding on the stroller you want, compare websites that carry that stroller and look for deals and/or free shipping options at online retailers. Depending on where you live, you can usually find the stroller on sale, with no tax and free shipping to help save a little money.

Follow the stroller companies on Facebook and check their websites to see if there are any upcoming promotions. There’s nothing worse than pulling the trigger only to find it went on sale the following week.

Look at second-hand retail stores and online resale sites for a used version of the stroller you want to purchase. Used strollers can be found for generally less than half of the original price and some are in really good condition for the price.

Ask friends and family members if they have a stroller they plan on getting rid of. You never know unless you ask!

Tip: If buying a used stroller, ask for the manufacture date then check with the manufacturer to ensure it was not part of a past or existing recall.

The great stroller debate