Whether you’re headed to the park for a leisurely stroll or to Paris to see all of the sights, a stroller is a must-have
for life on the go with baby. The right
stroller not only gives baby a
safe place to sit or snooze, but it also provides a place for you to stash all of those must-have essentials, from wipes and
diapers to a change of clothes and an extra pacifier.
But finding the best
stroller isn’t easy. The market is saturated with
all different types of models and prices that vary widely from as little as $30 to upwards of thousands of dollars. So when
you begin your hunt, first consider your budget. Then, think about how you plan to use your stroller to narrow down your
options. Ask yourself some key questions, like: Where are you going to use it? Where are you going to store it? How many
babies will be using it? And how much stuff do they have?
A basic lightweight umbrella stroller makes travel (and storage) easy, while high-function stroller systems boast helpful
features like extra storage and snap-on bassinets or car seats. For some, a basic model for occasional use is perfectly
suitable. For others, the splurge on a more advanced model is well worth it — even if it feels like a big investment. If you
frequently take baby out and about or plan to have multiple kids, your stroller will likely get miles and years of use.
Before you purchase, don’t be afraid to try out your top choices. A trial run goes a long way in making sure it works
for baby’s needs — and for the needs of other family members who will be pushing it, folding it and stowing their things
within it along the way.
What are the different types of strollers?
There are six basic types of strollers:
Full-sized stroller
Lightweight or umbrella stroller
Jogging stroller
Double stroller
Car seat carrier
Travel system
It’s worth noting that although many strollers do fit squarely into the above categories, there are plenty that don’t.
Some
baby jogger can have characteristics of more than one
type (i.e. a double jogging stroller).
Full-sized stroller
What it is: If you’re hoping to invest in one stroller that’ll wheel your baby right through the toddler years,
look no further than a full-size stroller. Bigger, sturdier and usually more durable, these strollers are the standard
option. Plus, many models come with a full range of features that not only make baby’s ride a joy, but also make your life
easier.
Full-size stroller benefits: The go-to option for many families, a full-sized stroller covers all the basics and
offers nifty bells and whistles that usually include:
Wide, comfortable, well-padded seat
Deep seat recline
Option to mount the seat forward-facing or rear-facing
Option to attach a car seat
Convertible design that grows with baby, from newborn use with car seat (or optional bassinet, in some cases) to
toddler use
Expandable canopies
Sturdy tires with decent suspension to absorb shock
Roomy basket for storage
Telescoping handlebars (especially helpful when one parent is tall and the other is petite)
Useful nice-to-haves, like a cup holder or snack tray
Full-size stroller downsides:
Can be bulky and heavy (if you take public transportation, climb stairways frequently, or navigate busy streets or
small stores with your baby, this can make it tougher to travel with)
May also be a tight fit for a small-space home with limited storage.
Lightweight or
umbrella stroller
What it is: You might lose a few of the features you can find in a full-sized stroller, but an umbrella stroller
scores points for being supremely easy to handle while on the go.
Lightweight or umbrella stroller benefits:
Often weighing under 15 pounds, a lightweight stroller is designed for portability (some even come with a shoulder
strap).
These models are easy to fold, which makes stashing one in the trunk or taking it on an airplane, bus or train a snap.
Many lightweight strollers still come equipped with beneficial features, such as a partial seat recline, expandable
canopy, storage basket and built-in cupholder or snack tray.
Lightweight stroller downsides:
If you’re looking for a stroller you can use from the newborn months on, a lightweight stroller won’t do. While
a few models can safely carry newborns with car seat adapters or bassinet attachments, most umbrella strollers are designed
for babies 6 months or older.
Most lightweight
Pushchairs do not have a
convertible option, which means if you end up having a second (or third) baby within a few years of your first, you'll
likely need to purchase a second stroller.
Jogging stroller
What it is: On the run — literally? Then a jogging stroller might be a good option. Jogging strollers typically
have larger, sturdier wheels and better suspension to take bumps and alternate terrain in stride.
Jogging stroller benefits:
Superior suspension lets you walk, jog or hike and keep baby in comfort while on and off the trail.
Many jogging strollers come with a front wheel that can swivel (for flexibility) or be fixed (for stability at
higher speeds).
Depending on the model, other benefits may include compatibility with a car seat (for use from newborn through
toddler stages), deep reclining seats, telescoping handlebars and generous storage baskets. A hand brake, five-point harness
and wrist strap are key safety features, so don’t go jogging with a stroller that doesn’t include these.
Jogging stroller downsides:
A jogging stroller can be a bit heavier and challenging to assemble.
If space is tight, a jogging stroller usually can't fold up as small as an umbrella
pushchairs.
Jogging strollers are typically wider than even many full-size strollers, which means maneuvering them through
tight spaces can be challenging.
Keep in mind that while most three-wheeled strollers are referred to as “joggers,” not all three-wheelers are actually
optimized for runners. Some of the most popular three-wheelers are “hybrid” strollers that lack hand brakes and other
safety features, and therefore, aren’t intended to be used for jogging with baby. Serious runners will want to do a test
drive to make sure their jogging stroller has the appropriate safety features and functionality.
Double stroller
What it is: If you’ve got twins in tow — or a toddler who’s not ready to give up their stroller days — then a
double stroller is the way to go. Doubles come in two formats: tandem, where one child sits behind the other, or side-by-side
seating.
Double stroller benefits:
With multiple children, this option enables you to swiftly manage only one stroller.
Because these models are on the bigger side, there's usually ample storage space.
Double stroller downsides:
Strollers for two tend to be bigger and bulkier, weighing in at up to 40 pounds and with a much larger footprint.
Though there are some lighter options, these are not without issues, as they don’t tend to take bumps and
alternate terrain well. As you shop, consider width (does it fit through your door?), mobility (is it well balanced? how does
it turn?) and whether it’s compatible with one or two car seats.
Car seat carrier
What it is: These wheeled frames are built to transform your infant car seat into a stroller in just a snap
(literally!).
Car seat carrier benefits:
Car seat carriers are compact and lightweight.
For a no-fuss transition into and out of the car, they are convenient and great for travel.
Some car seat carriers can even accommodate multiple babies.
Car seat carrier downsides:
Car seat carriers tend to be best for short-term use, since baby outgrows the infant car seat quickly. That said,
some full-featured
baby prams function as a car seat frame,
then transform into a toddler-friendly stroller.
Car seat carriers generally do not have any extra features like cup holders or storage.
Travel system
What it is: An easy-to-connect travel system pairs together an infant car seat and stroller. There are full-size,
lightweight and jogging stroller travel systems, so you can choose a system with the type of stroller you like best.
Travel system benefits:
Having an infant car seat that connects to your stroller with an adapter (usually built in) means you can move
your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without waking her up.
Being able to buy both components as a set may save you money.
Travel system downsides:
While the
baby buggy will usually last into the
older toddler years, your baby will outgrow the infant car seat much sooner than that.
If you’re a multiple-car family, you’ll need to buy a separate car seat or base to use with your second car.
Portable beds, as the name suggests, are those beds that are lightweight and easily mobile.
Portable beds are used in places where one cannot use large
permanent beds. Portability and compactness is the main advantage of using these beds. Portable beds are usually made of a
foldable metal frame, plastic, or lightweight wood, which is covered with linen, canvas, or nylon. The market for portable
beds has been increasing considerably over the past few years, owing to the small living space. Also, they are the best
alternative for traditional beds because of their multi-functionality and space-saving capability.
Rapid urbanization has led to an increase in residential construction and has thereby increased the demand for these
beds among the residents. While the non-residential segment also contributes toward the growth of portable beds, globally.
Under the non-residential application, these beds are installed in hospitals, hotels, restaurants, hostels, and healthcare
centers. Portable beds are considered as the best choice when it comes to living in a small place or studio apartment.
Therefore, the market is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years.