A baby stroller makes a new parent’s life a lot easier by allowing you to run quick errands or go on longer excursions with your little one. It also frees up your hands for important tasks like holding the hand of a crying toddler or keeping an eye on an active preschooler. Choosing the right stroller for your family depends on several factors, including cost and lifestyle. Purchasing an expensive full-size stroller that can accommodate infant car seats and grows with your child may seem out of reach, but by knowing when to look for a baby stroller on sale you can still get the convenience of having a stroller without spending a fortune.
Strollers come in all shapes and sizes. There are simple umbrella strollers that cost around $50, but they don’t have the capacity to hold newborns or a place to attach an infant car seat. Mid-range models, which usually cost $300 to $500, offer more features but still aren’t designed for newborns and can’t be used with car seats. High-end full-size strollers that can be used from birth typically start at more than $1000 and feature a host of added amenities such as a spacious undercarriage, reclining seats and built-in storage spaces.
The most affordable way to buy a stroller is to consider buying second-hand. Many parents don’t mind passing down their baby gear, and it can be a great way to snag a high-quality product for the price of a gently-used model. Websites Mercari Opens in a new window and Facebook Marketplace Opens in a new window are popular places to find local moms who want to offload their used equipment, and retailers such as Target and Buy Buy Baby partner with second-hand gear retailers to host twice-yearly car seat trade-in events.
When shopping for a stroller, be sure to examine it thoroughly for any loose parts and protrusions that could cause injury. Examine the hinges, especially, as small fingers and toes can easily become caught in them. Also, be sure to check the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission Recall Finder Opens in a new window before making any purchases.
It may take a little time to scout out the best stroller on sale for your family, but it’s worth the effort when you’re able to snag a baby stroller you can use for years to come and that will grow with your child. By preparing ahead of time and being patient with your search, you can save money on big-ticket baby items such as a stroller, crib and car seat without skimping on quality or safety. Joyce Slaton is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and has been writing about babies, child care and development, baby gear and women’s health since 2005. She writes about carseats and strollers for What to Expect, and is a regular contributor to The Bump and Parents magazine. She is also a member of the Parent Bloggers Association.