Strollers for Babies Younger Than 6 Months
Because newborns can't sit up without support, they can't ride in a standard stroller, that is, one that doesn't fully recline. You'll find the following basic choices for this age group:
Seat-carrier frames
These lightweight frames have no seat of their own. Instead, you attach an infant car seat for strolling.
The advantages of the seat-carrier frame include they're compact and convenient, also inexpensive because your car seat does double duty. They let you smoothly get a sleeping baby in and out of the car. When you move a baby in an infant car seat to the stroller frame, you're less likely to wake her.
However, the car seat and the frame can no longer be used as a stroller once your child outgrows the seat, usually at about a year.
Suggested retail price for the seat-carrier frames range in price from $30 to $90, for just the frame. Visit www.bestbabythingsonline.com for the best prices available.
Combo strollers
These are a combination carriage and stroller. Before your baby can sit up, you can use the stroller's bassinet, snap an infant car seat into the stroller chassis, or, depending on the model, fully recline the seat and close the leg holes. After that, use the stroller seat attachment to wheel around your baby.
Advantages of the combo stroller include that you can start using the stroller from day one, and because it's designed for infants through toddlers (to 40 pounds or so), you may not have to buy more than one stroller.
Disadvantages include that combo strollers tend to be pricey. Bugaboo, which is a popular brand of combo stroller, for example, will run you from $680 (the Gecko model) to $880 (the Cameleon). That price includes everything--the chassis, bassinet, and reversible seat, which weigh a total of just 17 to 20 pounds, plus a canopy, rain cover, tire pump and pressure gauge, bug net, under seat bag for storage items, and maintenance kit. But you'll still need to buy a car seat.
The suggested retail price of combo strollers range from $390 to $880. However, you may find substantial savings at www.bestbabythingsonline.com
Travel systems
These combine a stroller and an infant car seat; the baby is in the car seat snapped into the stroller until she can sit up, and then you use the stroller without the car seat.
Advantages of the travel system include that like an infant seat with carrier frame, a travel system allows you to move a sleeping baby in the seat undisturbed from car to stroller. Some also can fully recline the seat, so you can use it as a carriage.
If you select the car seat first, you have to live with the stroller it works with (and vice versa). An alternative is to choose a stroller that can hold car seats from a number of manufacturers. You have to push around a car seat and a stroller, which can be bulky and unmanageable on stairs.
The suggested retail price for travel systems will range from $130 to more than $600. For the lowest prices available visit www.bestbabythingsonline.com
Carriages
These models provide sleeping space for infants. Some have large spoked wheels and compartments, or "carry cots," that can be removed and used as a bassinet.
They can be used for newborns and they're convenient for sleeping. However, they're not very portable or user-friendly. If you get the kind with large, spoked wheels, it'll be nearly impossible to maneuver on public transportation, and you'll still need a car seat. Traditional prams, the kind that don't convert to a regular stroller, aren't very popular and few manufacturers produce them. If you want your baby to lie flat when strolling, consider a combo stroller.
The suggested retail price will range from $135 to $370, or more. However, you may find substantial savings at www.bestbabythingsonline.com
MULTI-SEAT STROLLERS--INFANTS TO TODDLERS
Similar to other strollers, multi-seat strollers give you a relatively efficient means of taking twins, triplets, or young siblings of different ages for a ride. Most companies that manufacture single strollers for one also make a version with two or more seats. Multi-seaters offer the same features as strollers for a single rider, but are bigger. Options include strollers with a standing bench or small seat in the rear that lets a second child hitch a ride. Multi-seat strollers usually come in one of two configurations, tandem or side-by-side.
Tandem models
These strollers have one seat directly behind the other. They're the same width as single-passenger strollers and easy to fit through doorways and get around enclosed spaces, such as retail stores. However, while the backseat can recline, the front one usually can't without limiting the space of the rear passenger. On some tandem strollers, you can set the seats so that the children face each other; others have a "stadium seat" that allows the child in back to see over the one in front.
Tandems easily go through standard doorways and fit through tight spots, such as an older apartment building with a narrow elevator door. A folded tandem takes up just a little more space than a folded standard midsized stroller. Many tandem models accept an infant car seat in one or both stroller seats, but check which brands of car seats are compatible before you buy.
However, steering can be difficult, and it can be tricky getting over curbs. Some models have limited leg support and very little legroom for the rear passenger. They're often quite heavy, which can be difficult to manage if you're small.
Suggested retail price range is $130 to $200 or more for double tandem strollers; tandem strollers for triplets, such as the Inglesina Trio Domino (there's not a lot to choose from), will cost you even more, in the range of $800.
Side-by-side models
The other configuration, side-by-sides have two seats attached to a single frame or a unit resembling two strollers bolted together. You can create your own side-by-side by joining two umbrella strollers with a set of screw-on brackets--available at baby discount chains and specialty stores. The features on side-by-side strollers are similar to those on single-passenger models. This type of stroller works best for children of about the same weight, such as twins. Each seat has an independent reclining mechanism.
A side-by-side model goes up curbs more easily than a tandem. Some side-by-side models accept an infant car seat, though some brands limit it to one seat only. That may be fine if you're shopping for a newborn and an older child. If you're shopping for infant twins and you want a side-by-side, look for one in which both seats recline, such as the Combi Twin Savvy Sport ($200), and use the infant boot that comes with the stroller for both seats.
If children of different weights ride in the stroller, it can veer to one side. Most side-by-side models can't be used with infant car seats. A folded side-by-side stroller typically requires twice as much space as the equivalent single-occupant version. Although manufacturers may claim that a stroller is slender enough to go through a standard doorway, it can be a tight squeeze, and the stroller may not fit through some doorways at all.
Price range: $120 (for lightweight models that don't accept an infant car seat) to more than $900 (for deluxe models with independent reversible seats with multiple reclining positions, and air-filled tires). For the lowest prices available visit www.bestbabythingsonline.com
DOWN THE ROAD
Stroller types appropriate for babies older than 6 months include:
Umbrella strollers
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.
Price range: $32 to $120.
Traditional strollers
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.
Price range: $60 (lightweight strollers that are an upgrade from an umbrella stroller) to more than $1,000 (high-end traditional strollers).
All-terrain strollers
These three-wheel strollers or traditional-style strollers with larger air-filled tires let you push your child on a variety of surfaces, from mall floors to pavement and off-road. They have a rugged, outdoorsy look. Many all-terrains have bicycle-type air-filled tires, and larger wheels than a traditional stroller. The larger wheels make the stroller easier to push. All-terrain strollers have a three-wheel design that mimics jogging strollers, but check the user's manual to see if the manufacturer advises against using it for running. All have a front wheel that swivels for easier maneuvering on smoother surfaces but can be locked for use on rougher surfaces. Many all-terrains are unsuitable for babies under 6 months of age. A few exceptions: Maclaren MX3 (about $400) and the Phil & Teds e3 (about $380). One all-terrain that can accept an infant car seat using special separate adapters is the Zooper Boogie (about $360).
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.
Price range: $80 to more than $700.
Jogging strollers
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
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.
Price range: $80 to more than $700.