Index:

1. Know the types of Strollers.
2. Choosing the right stroller for your baby
3. List of features you should look for
4. Stroller Hacks
5. FAQs

Different types of Stroller

Strollers come in a variety of sizes and styles. There are ranges from strollers for big kids to strollers for your newborn. There are a LOT of baby stroller options on the market. So we understand how confusing it can be to choose the one that’s right for your family. Not only are there a variety of brands, but a variety of strollers that serve different purposes.

We've tried to classify them, in simple well-known terminologies, used across the markets. Many strollers will fit in one of below types, while others may have characteristics of more than one type as well (i.e. a double jogging stroller).

 There are 4 basic types of strollers

1. Standard Stroller or a Full-size stroller
   1. This is what you’ll see most parents strolling around with when they’re out and about.
   2. They are usually bigger, sturdier and comes with full range of features which makes it a go-to option. This is what you’ll see most parents strolling around with when they’re out and about.
   3. Some standard Strollers have the option to become a travel system, and some even convert into a carriage or double stroller. Some comes with the ability to switch the direction of the child seat, so your little one can be parent-facing or world-facing.
   4. They’re usually designed for a single kiddo and has features like:
      1. Wide, reclinable, padded seats with an option to make it as forward-facing or rear-facing.
      2. Adjustable straps and expandable canopies
      3. Large sturdy tires with decent suspension
      4. Expandable canopies for protection from sun and rain
      5. Storage basket underneath, for daily essentials.
      6. Telescoping handlebars useful for parents with different heights.
      7. Useful nice-to-haves, like a cup holder or snack tray, handy pouches for your phone.
      8. Some also comes with a convertible design that gives an option to attach a car seat or an optional bassinet making it suitable to have when a child is newborn all the way to its toddler age.
   5. The drawback of having full-sized stroller is that it can be bulky and heavy and it may also be tight fit for a small-space home with limited storage.
      So if you plan to take the stroller along with you when taking public transportation, or navigate busy streets or small stores, or climb stairways; then this can make it tougher to travel with.
      Also, it can be tricky to fit into a car as by design it will be bulky
2. Compact or Umbrella or Lightweight Strollers:
   1. Lightweight models are great for air travel and small storage spaces
   2. These are designed light-weight & keeping portability in mind, but it comes with trade-off of losing on the (extra) features of a standard stroller.
   3. They are go-to options for flying and traveling. Some of them even connect to infant car seat - making them an compact travel system as well.
   4. They are built to fold quickly and compactly, making them easy to store in small spaces.
   5. Features like:
      1. Shoulder strap
      2. Easy to fold - making it easy to carry along on public transport or fitting it into your car trunk.
      3. You might still find beneficial features, such as a partial seat recline, expandable canopy, and built-in cupholder or removable snack tray.
   6. As most of these kind of strollers do not come with a convertible option, you might end up buying a second one as the baby grows. Also generally they are not designed with the intent to carry a new-born.
3. Jogging Stroller
   1. They are generally designed with larger wheels (usually in the form of rubber like tire that can be inflated).
   2. Designed with a superior suspension that can withstand the bumps from alternating terrain while running, jogging or walking.
   3. They are heavy and typically a little wider than full-size strollers because they need to support baby and parent through rougher terrain.
   4. They are not car seat compatible and do not always support/recommended for newborn through toddler age group kids.
   5. It comes with features like:
      1. Front wheel come with an lock to fix it in a direction (for stability while jogging) or to keep it swivel (for flexibility while walking).
      2. Handbrake
      3. Key safety features like 5-point harness, wrist strap
      4. Deep reclining seats with adjustable handlebars.
   6. They usually heaviest of all; and cannot fold up like compact stroller, making it challenging to manoeuvre them through tight spaces.
   7. Three-wheel strollers:
      1. Most times, a 3-wheel stroller is also referred as joggers stroller.
      2. The come with all-terrain wheels, and a suspension system.
      3. The 3 wheel formation provides an extra level of nimbleness to manoeuvre past obstacles with more ease than a standard stroller.
      4. By design they are generally hybrid between a Standard and a Jogger stroller; and sometime even lack safety features.
   8. Keeping baby's health and life at priority, we do not recommend to perform any kind of athletic activity while baby is-onboarded. So If you are serious about getting such stroller, make sure you test drive the stroller and ensure its safety functionality are upto mark.
4. Double Stroller
   1. These are designed for two children. Seating configuration is mainly side-by-side or one in-front of the other(also called Tandem).
   2. Design of such stroller is mostly dependent on the age of the kids. Usually they are meant for two infants of the same age, while some are meant to accommodate one infant and one older sibling.
   3. Downside is that they are big, bulky, and needs ample storage space at home.
   4. While buying one of these, consider how well the double stroller will fit your needs like going through doors, ease of mobility, and maybe even car seat compatibility.

What to consider while buying a stroller?

To identify the right stroller type for your kid and make most of your money/investment; ask these basic quick questions to yourself:

• Where will you use it?
• Is it newborn friendly or suitable for toddler & infants?
• How long do you plan to use it?
  • Adaptability from newborn through toddler stages could save you cash in the long run. Consider models you can add onto like a car seat, a stand-and-ride bumper, or an additional seat for a new baby.
• How easy it is to use?
  • Steering, turning, manoeuvring. If possible, take a test drive.
• Lifestyle, cost & family size
  • Is it for daily use or simply for occasional outings?
  • Can you transport your stroller via the car?
  • Will you need more than one?
    • No matter how cleverly designed, one stroller doesn't cover all the bases. In such case, split your stroller budget instead of investing heavily in one type.
  • Do you plan to have more than one child?
    • it often makes sense to make a larger investment on a model now and ultimately save you from having to buy more than one stroller.

Features to look for in a Stroller

Here a short list of features you should look for while on a shopping spree for Strollers. Carry this with you while selecting your stroller.

1. Compatibility & Adaptability:
   1. Ensure that the stroller is made for your child's age, height, and weight.
2. Safety & Stability:
   1. 5-point harness & straps, braking system.
   2. Build frame should be sturdy & it should resist tipping
3. Weight & Compactness:
   1. These numbers mean whether the stroller is easy to steer (even with one hand) and store.
4. One-hand fold
   1. Ease to hold your toddler while folding up the stroller. Avoid strollers which needs you to reach in an un-comfortable position just to fold it up.
5. Wheels & Smooth ride suspension
   1. Easy to steer.
   2. Look out for large back ties and spring suspension, so that your baby won’t wake up when you walk over curbs, sidewalk cracks, or bumpy trails.
6. Ergonomic comfort
   1. Look out for ergonomic comfort for your baby like padded seat to support head, neck, back, bottom, and legs of the baby; recline and adjustable leg rest, etc..
7. Spacious storage spaces
   1. large storage basket under the stroller, hidden seatback pocket that should be sufficient to hold time-to-time needs of you and your baby.
8. Removable seat pad and washable fabric
   1. So that you can throw it in your washing machine after every spilled milk and food spills.
9. All-season support:
   1. Stroller’s materials, sun canopy with a peek-a-boo window, weather shield for rainy or windy day.

Find additional Safety tips from KidsHealth.org & HealthyChildren.org

Stroller Hacks

With these stroller hacks, you can make using your stroller more convenient and functional, as well as provide a safer and more comfortable ride for your little one.

1. Stickers
   Use colored stickers make strollers easy to understand.
   Label the buttons and levers of the stroller with instructions, i.e. pull and push 
2. Corral containers in hanging shoe organizers
   Use one or two sections of a hanging shoe organizer to keep bottles or sippy cups that won’t fit in cup holders (or if you don’t have them) from spilling.
   Put adhesive velcro on the back and stick it to the inside part of your undercarriage storage basket on the side closest to you.
3. Grip tape
   Tennis racket grip tape can be used to wrap around the handles when the material starts wearing off.
   It also gives good, comfortable grip, and it comes in a variety of colors.
4. Hang shopping bags on carabiners
   Use large, heavy duty climbing carabiners on your handlebar so you can shop hands-free, while your stroller acts as your butler or partner, carrying multiple bags for you.
   You can also clip on a utility tote to hold your bags.
5. Ankle weights
   Wrap ankle weights to the front of your stroller around the bottom of its legs.
   This will help keep your stroller upright and keep your stroller from tipping over backward because of too much weight.
6. Battery-operated fan
   This summer hack will keep your baby cool
7. Shower caps
   You can keep shower caps in your trunk or put a cheap plastic bin to put your stroller in, so if the wheels get dirty they won’t get your car dirty.
8. Reflective tape
   Put pieces of reflective tape on your stroller so it’s more visible at night and helps increase night-time safety
9. Strap to tie to cup or bottle
   It ensures that even when your toddler sends his cup flying, it won’t roll away or land face down in the dirt.
10. Stroller snack tray
    Make snacking and sipping a breeze

 Pro Tip:
Clean your stroller with dish soap, warm water and a sponge, and then rinse it off with a hose and set it out in the sun to dry. The tip here is make your toddler do it!
Tell tell your kid that it’s their very own car wash, and give them all the supplies needed to clean away. Their not knowing this is really a chore to your advantage while you can. This is guaranteed to be an enjoyable task for both you and your little one.

Frequently asked questions on Strollers

Checkout our in-depth buying guide on Pram, Pushchair and Travel System for babies!