One of the new baby purchases that truly solidifies the reality that "yes, this is really happening" and "yes, I'm about to become a parent" is shopping for a stroller for your new baby. Thoughts of it may conjure up an image of you and your little one taking a sweet post-nap walk on a breezy spring day, with the sound of birds singing intermingling with the coos of your baby as they look up at you with wonder. Pleasant mom-to-be reveries aside, choosing a stroller, while fun and exciting, can feel overwhelming given all of the options available.
Use the following 11 bullet points to help guide you in determining what you should look for in a stroller to make the best, most informed decision for both you and your baby.
1. Safety ratings
3. Does it have good reviews?
There are so many variables to consider when choosing a stroller that you couldn't possibly think over every potential issue or circumstance. When choosing a stroller, be sure to check out the consumer reports websites, read reviews, and consult Facebook groups and online forums for first-hand experience. Parents who have used the strollers or travel systems you're interested in will offer pros and cons related to the product that you may not have even considered before. Reviews and word-of-mouth accounts can offer important information and insight to help you make an informed decision about which stroller to choose as a new mom.
4. What is your budget?
The key is to choose the safest and most effective stroller for your lifestyle that fits within your price range. There's no sense going into debt over this purchase when it's not necessary to have a top-of-the-line luxury version. As long as your stroller adheres to standards set for by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, choose the one that fits your budget and works best for your lifestyle and needs. No matter the price point, a stroller shouldn't be a popularity contest and you shouldn't feel guilty or experience FOMO if you're unable to purchase the newest, hottest option on the market.
5. Future plans for your family
It may seem like too much, too fast to consider your future family plans when purchasing your first stroller as a new parent, but if you're planning on growing your family within a few years, it may be worth taking that into consideration. Purchase a single stroller if you're completely sure you're a one-and-done family or will be waiting several years to get pregnant again. But if you think you may want to have another baby soon, perhaps a modular stroller is the way to go. Modular strollers allow you to purchase a second seat that you can click on to your existing single stroller, making it a double. Similarly, there are stroller accessories like ride-along boards and seats that attach to your existing stroller to accommodate an older child who's walking but still wants to take breaks on the stroller – think theme park vacations.
6. Does it come with accessories?
There are countless options when it comes to accessories for your stroller, though often they need to be purchased separately. However, there are a few strollers that have common built-in accessories, like the Baby Trend Expedition GLX Travel System. This rugged option includes dual cup holders for parents, a snack and drink tray for baby, as well as MP3 speaker plug-ins. Don't worry though if your favorite stroller doesn't have the exact accessory you need – you can easily purchase universal attachments to customize your favorite stroller into the perfect system for you.
7. What storage options does the stroller offer?
Since you likely won't be leaving the house without at least a few diapers, wipes, and other random diaper bag items, having a convenient place to stow away these baby essentials is imperative. If you have a go-to diaper bag that you love, be sure it will fit in the stroller basket or can easily and comfortably hang on stroller handle hooks. When shopping for your stroller, bring the bag with you and try it out to make sure it sits and fits within the stroller in a way that is comfortable and easy to access.
8. Is it easy to clean?
One thing is certain: Having a new baby can be messy. Whether it's spit-up, spills, or diaper blow-outs, there seems to always be a load of laundry going at any given moment. A stroller with a removable seat is the easiest when it comes to keeping everything fresh and clean. Spot treatments with mild soap and water are great for on-the-go, but every once in a while you're going to need to do a deep clean, so removable cushions and pieces will make the process go much more smoothly.
