1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Baby Products

Choosing a Stroller

with Kathy Moore

A stroller is an almost indispensable accessory for most parents. Roll through the store with these tips on choosing the right stroller for your child.

Transcript: Choosing a Stroller

Hi I am Kathy Moore for About.com Parenting. Whether you are taking your child on a trip to the mall or getting out for some exercise, a stroller is an almost indispensable accessory for most parents. This program will help you choose the right stroller for your needs.

Stroller Options

When shopping for a stroller you will quickly discover a wide assortment of prices and options so it is best to set a spending limit and decide where and how you will use your stroller most often. In general larger wheels provide more stability over a wider variety of surfaces however, smaller wheels will perform fine in most circumstances.

Stroller Systems

Several manufacturers have developed what they call stroller systems. These units are designed to safely carry your child from infancy up through toddlerhood. In my experience, these systems usually end up sacrificing some functionality and convenience found in standard strollers and its better to purchase a unit that is best suited to your specific situation and trade up when the need arises.

Jogging Strollers

Jogging strollers are very popular with parents who like to take their kids along while exercising. Many models include all terrain tires for trekking off road. If you live in an urban area, you may do just as well with standard wheels.

Umbrella Strollers

On the other end of the spectrum are umbrella strollers, which are lightweight and fold up for easy storage in a car trunk. These strollers are great for taking along on vacation too because they do not take up much space. Umbrella type strollers are usually less expensive than standard strollers though some light weight models are not suitable for children over one year.

Standard Strollers

In the middle of the pack you will find standard strollers, which will usually suit kids from infant up to around 45 pounds. Standard strollers come with a vast array of options and features including cup holders, reclining seats, additional storage areas for purses or diaper bags, and canopies to keep the rain and sun from bothering your little one.

No matter what type of stroller you think best suits you and your child, be sure to read and follow the safety instructions that come with the stroller. And if you are like me you will be sure to choose one that is easy to clean.

In the end you may decide that one stroller does not meet all your needs and end up buying two. Either way you and your child will enjoy the ride. Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at parenting.about.com.

FREE Newsletters

Want to Make Videos? Tell Us!

  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Baby Products

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.