Which Stroller Will Work for You? Tips and Links to the Best Strollers on the Market

Should you buy an umbrella stroller, a lightweight stroller, a jogger stroller or a tandem stroller? Which brand has the best strollers Chicco, Maclaren, Peg Perego, Baby jogger, or Graco? The answer to these questions depends on your tastes, needs and budget - here is a list of what you should look for when choosing a stroller that will be a perfect match for your needs.

As their due date approaches, most mothers start thinking about the basics for their nursery. If you happen to be one of the millions of mothers who are staggered by the choice out there - welcome to motherhood! Choosing between hundreds of baby cribs, baby bedding and cute outfits is tough but one of the most crucial decisions that can make a significant difference in the coming two years of your life is choosing the right stroller.

Even if you are one of the lucky few for whom money is not an issue, choosing between lightweight, umbrella strollers, conventional travel systems and jogging strollers is not easy. Your choice becomes harder if you have twins or more than one child under 3 and you have to decide between a myriad of tandem and double strollers.

Let's talk strollers - Suspensions, weight, reclining position, and the five point harness.
Let's start with the basics. A stroller is not simply baby gear, it is a highly engineered means of transport on which multinational companies invest millions of dollars in research and design.

Latest generation strollers are lightweight, fold down with one hand, are weather (and baby proof) and don suspension mechanisms that allow you to travel safely and comfortably on bumpy uneven country paths and even up and down stairs.

Tip If you are an active family, a good jogger stroller will allow you to go for walk on rugged terrain.

Check out the latest jogging strollers here.

Lightweight strollers Before you buy a stroller check how easily it folds and how heavy it is. There will be situations where you will have to fold your stroller and carry it. If you live in a house or an apartment where you have to take it up a ramp of stairs, you should carefully consider weight and manageability when making a purchase.

Child safety Apart from good suspensions and practicality you should always keep in mind your child's safety. Newborns and very young babies should always have adequate head support which means that your stroller's back should also recline to a flat or near flat position. A five point harness is another essential when it comes to baby strollers. An older baby can easily squirm out of his stroller and get seriously injured, so always check that your stroller has a sturdy five point harness that is safe for your child and easy for you to open.

Let's talk strollers - Is a travel system a good option for you?
Personally I find that travel systems are the ideal purchase for first time parents. Travel systems start from approximately $150 but they have the benefit of having a baby car seat that often attaches to the stroller.

Other benefits include:

• Travel systems save you the extra cost of buying an car seat in addition to your stroller.

• You don't have to disturb a sleeping baby because you need to take him out of his car seat but simply attach the car seat to the stroller.

• Since the car seat attaches to the stroller, you will avoid carrying the weight of the car seat plus baby.

• Finally for the fashion conscious, travel systems co-ordinate stroller, car seat and sometimes even pram.

Let's talk strollers - What is your style? Conventional four wheels or a jogging stroller?
Many parents choose the style of their stroller according to their personal preferences and their budget.

Designer and high end strollers like Bugaboo can cost up to $900 and include an extra carry cot that attaches to the stroller, (click here to view Bugaboo strollers) and an I'coo with swarovski crystals costs $700 (click here to view thisI'coo stroller ).

Other strollers feature high tech suspension and lightweight features that push up the prices. The latest models baby jogger strollers start at $300 and can go up to $650 for a double stroller.

The Italian imports such as Peg Perego, Inglesina and Chico start from $150 go up to over $850.

Click here to view Peg Perego strollers and Chicco strollers.

Other models such as Maclaren and Graco start at $140 and still offer a great quality and design.

Check out the models of the latest Maclaren strollers and Graco strollers starting at $130.

Let's talk strollers - Is it worth it to stretch your budget on a pricey brand?
The answer is definitely a big yes. Spending $200 to $400 on a stroller might sound ridiculous for a cash straddled couple who are already fighting with mortgage, medical bills and the woes of our present recession, yet you don't have to buy designer clothes or the latest baby gear for a new born, but as a mother you has already been through the loop, I feel a good stroller that will be safe and comfortable both for your baby and yourself is a great investment.

This advice makes double the sense if you are having your first child and you plan to extend the family in the future. A good stroller will last you at least four to five years and if you choose a gender neutral color your second child can inherit his or her brother's stroller.

Quality does cost money but in the long run, a sturdy and comfortable stroller is a good investment.

A final tip - See if family and friends can help you make the purchase.

If investing $200 or more on a stroller or travel system is hard, you could hint to your close family and friends about your problem. Many times aunties and grandparents are eager to spoil the new baby and might help you financially.

If you are not in a financial position to afford buying a brand new stroller, check out the second part of this article for tips about finding the perfect hand me downs and second hand strollers.