What Kind of Stroller is Right for You and Your Baby?

One of the most important things you can do when you are start shopping around for the right stroller, is to educate yourself on the different types that there are out there. Believe it or not, there are several different types of strollers, all for different purposes! Knowing the difference between each and knowing what your own needs is, will make the entire shopping experience much easier.

One of the simplest versions of a stroller are the regular full-size strollers. They are generally a bit more heavy than the lightweight travel system strollers we will discuss in a moment. This is because they are made with a different material. Full-size strollers normally feature roomy storage nets or baskets at the base of the stroller. Many have canopies that can be pulled to offer shade to your baby and a tray for holding snacks, juice bottles or toys. Like other strollers, full-size strollers will accommodate your growing child from the moment you bring him home from the hospital until he reaches 40lbs or the age of 4.

One of today's most popular strollers are the all-in-one strollers, often referred to as travel systems. These strollers often come with a baby car seat that will grow with your child up to a certain point. These are wonderful if you are looking to save a little money, seeing as car seat prices and stroller prices can be quite expensive if you buy them separately. The car seat that comes with the travel systems normally snap onto the stroller quickly and securely. You can easily remove your child from the car and be mobile in moments. The great thing about this combo is that normally, if you had purchased two separate pieces, you would have to disturb your sleeping baby to take him from the car seat and put him into the stroller. With the combo, you do not have to worry about that at all. Once your child outgrows their car seat, you will still be able to use the stroller part of the travel system. Most travel system strollers will accommodate children up to 40 lbs or 4 years of age. You will undoubtedly get the most use out of a travel system if you so choose to invest in one.

You may be more familiar with convenience strollers, such as the umbrella stroller. You have probably seen these around the mall and shopping centers. They are extremely convenient because they are lightweight and can fold down simply and effortlessly. They are much smaller full-size strollers and can easily fit into small spaces such as the trunk of your car and even the overhead compartments on an airplane. Now, as you know, there are very few times when you will be able to have convenience without sacrificing something. The only downside to these wonderful strollers are that they wear out much quicker than regular full-sized strollers and they are not as comfortable for your little one. The ride may be a bit bumpier and they are a bit harder to steer at times. Convenience strollers do not generally come with trays for snacks or toys either.

If you have more than one little one, a double stroller may be the best buy for you. Double strollers comfortably seat two children. Some models will accommodate a baby's car seat, making it very similar to the travel systems. Double strollers normally come equipped with snack trays and canopies to keep the glaring sun out of your little ones' eyes. Double strollers can be a bit more difficult to navigate than regular single strollers, but they simply cannot be beat when you have multiple children!

Now that you know the difference between the various models on the market, you will be sure to have an easier time picking out the stroller that will best suit the needs of you and your family.