Baby Stroller Guide – A Buyer’s Guide

A baby stroller is an essential piece of equipment for parents with infants. It can help them get out of the house safely and efficiently, whether they’re taking a short walk in their neighborhood or going to the supermarket. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to find a model that meets all of your needs and fits your budget.

First, decide on the type of stroller that’s best for you and your family. A few different categories are available, from compact models that can be folded in a matter of seconds to splurge-worthy strollers that come with a bassinet or car seat adapter.

Compact Strollers

A compact stroller is the most common and least expensive type. They weigh 16-37 pounds, have more storage space than standard-sized strollers, and usually come with a car seat adapter.

These models can be especially useful for a new parent who travels a lot and wants to make the most of their time on the go. They’re lightweight, easy to fold with one hand (especially for taller parents), and come with a handy tote bag to protect your investment in transit between uses.

The Graco Connect Stroller

This is another great option for parents who travel frequently. It’s a compact stroller with a 5-point harness, a canopy, and two cup holders. It can also be paired with a Graco Connect infant car seat, making it even more convenient for families who have more than one baby.

It’s important to note that you should never leave your baby unattended in a compact stroller, so don’t rely on it as a substitute for a car seat. You can use it as an infant’s car seat, but be sure to keep your baby in the car until they’re older and can sit up unassisted (usually around 6 months).

Frame with No Seat

A frame stroller is a simple yet effective option that carries the infant car seat directly to the ground. It’s lightweight and easy to fold, and many parents like that it’s compatible with several popular brands’ infant car seats.

Some of these frames are a bit pricey, so you may be better off getting a cheaper stroller that can accommodate the infant car seat without breaking your bank.

The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Bundle is one of the most affordable options in this category, and it comes with a bassinet as well as a stroller base and car seat. Both can clip onto the frame and can be used for infants as well as toddlers.

It’s easy to maneuver this stroller, even in crowded places, so it’s perfect for new parents who want to use public transportation and travel frequently. The seat can also be adjusted from a rear-facing position to forward-facing, which makes it a breeze to transition your child from newborn to toddler.

It’s a good idea to check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission before buying or inheriting a stroller that’s under recall. This is particularly important if you’re buying a used stroller through an online or brick-and-mortar vendor, as these vendors typically have relationships with manufacturers that require them to remove recalled items from their inventory — both digitally and in physical locations.