A stroller is one of the most essential parenting tools. But picking the right stroller is not as easy as understanding why you need one. And the type of stroller you choose can impact your lifestyle and how you buy other baby essentials.
For example, a family that likes to travel will find the most value in bringing a stroller on a plane to protect it from getting damaged, as well as being able to go on casual strolls in the neighborhood. On the other hand, there are car seat strollers for those who spend significant time on the road. The list goes on! But we'll break them down shortly to help you find the best fit for you and your baby.
Umbrella Strollers
An umbrella stroller is a lightweight fold stroller that collapses in multiple steps.
As a lightweight stroller, it's quite popular for running short errands and as a portable pram during travel. The immediate drawback is that the smaller canopy in these strollers offers suboptimal heat protection. They also have just one seating configuration and very limited storage, which can impact comfort if you're taking your child for the long run.
Most umbrella strollers are recommended for babies who are at least six months old, or once the child has sufficient neck control and is able to sit up.
For modern travelers, this is often solved by going for a dedicated and innovative travel stroller like the TernX Luggage Stroller instead. This hybrid stroller is built and reinforced to carry luggage and act as a comfortable pram for babies and toddlers. An all-in-one travel solution for families.
Jogging Strollers
Parents with an active lifestyle or runners are the clear target of a jogging stroller. You'll typically see these strollers with large wheels and enhanced suspension that minimises the impact of rugged terrain.
In contrast with standard strollers, these prams are bulkier and harder to navigate in tight spaces. Though, in exchange, you are treated with a stable design that gives better maneuverability at high speeds, and will allow you to take your little one to varied terrains and excursions.
Click here to read up on the best jogging strollers available in the market today.
Full-Sized Single Strollers
The standard, all-purpose stroller is typically made sturdy and comfortable. Unlike lightweight strollers, full-sized prams have more storage space via their additional compartments, which can include baskets, assorted pockets, and cupholders.
Full-sized strollers also tend to have dynamic seating options, which is a notable value-add if you plan to use the unit from newborn to toddler age. On balance, the traditional stroller only has the drawback of being bulky and heavier.
Double Strollers
Do you have twins or another baby on the way? A double stroller is undoubtedly the most practical choice among the bunch. Not only because it's cost-efficient to have just one unit, but it's also more convenient to maneuver and store.
The first thing you need to know is that double or even triple strollers are that they have different subtypes: side-by-side, tandem or in-line, and convertible. Side-by-side strollers have seats that are positioned next to each other, while an in-line pram has seats configured to a single file. Convertible strollers can either be side-by-side or in-line, or single or double.
For more information on the best travel double stroller, click here.
Infant Car Seat Strollers
This pram is designed to hold infant car seats, which allows for seamless and secure transitions. These units are perfect for newborns or until the baby outgrows the car seats.
Although usually heavy, car seat strollers are user-friendly for both the parents and the baby. There may be a shorter window for you to use this type of stroller, but it could be worth it if you see yourselves traveling a lot.
Travel System Strollers
The Travel System is something you might go for if you don't already have a more agile travel stroller, or if you simply drive a lot with your baby. And if the kid outgrows the car seat carrier or stroller seat, you can still revert the rig to a standard pram that you can use for your growing toddler.
On the other hand, the pre-made car seat and stroller combo takes too much space. But if you're looking for a versatile solution to your parenting woes, then the travel system can provide you a solid solution from infancy to toddlerhood.
Sit and Stand Strollers
Sit and stand strollers are for parents who either have a kid and a toddler, or a child who sometimes like to switch things up by being upright on their stroller. It's a pretty simple concept, but it could be a really fun and versatile solution to the right family.
Travel Strollers
Travel strollers are lightweight and multifunctional. But there have also been more variations these days, including the TernX carry on stroller, which is luggage that turns into a stroller—the first of its kind.
If you are a new parent and a passionate traveler, then travel strollers are made for you. These strollers are easy to fold and carry around, adhere to international flying guidelines, and still function just as well for everyday use and in urban adventures.
Wagon Strollers
A wagon stroller or a stroller wagon is plainly what it is, a wagon with stroller functionalities. And it is an effective one at that. These are spacious and durable strollers that are perfect for varied outings, since it can accommodate more storage space than standard ones.
These four-wheeled strollers also boast great mobility and stability, and are sometimes configured to carry multiple children. As a wagon, you can push the pram like a regular stroller, or pull the unit right behind you and get a clearer view of your surroundings.
Read here for more information on the best wagon stroller.
How to Choose a Stroller?
The types of strollers we've listed aren't decidedly superior to their counterparts. Although, they do answer to different purposes and lifestyle choices. So, choosing the best stroller for your baby is still a matter of your personal preferences and priorities.
Our list, however, should give you a finer idea about the type of stroller that is perfect for your family.
Take Into Account Your Lifestyle
One of the first things to consider is lifestyle.
Do you only plan to use the stroller during casual walks, or do you see yourself traveling with it? Are you going to bring it to the airport, or will you require car seat carriers for most of your trips?
Check out our guide to flying with a stroller to help you narrow down your options.
Other than that, there are also strollers that can now support an active lifestyle. Essentially, the choices can vary depending on your immediate or long-term needs.
Additionally, you might want to go for compact strollers if you live in a flat or have limited access like narrow doorways to give you a more seamless transition and convenient storage arrangements.
The Size of Your Family
Think about the size of your family now and in the future. If you plan to have multiple children or another one is already on the way, then a double stroller, sit-and-stand, or wagon can be the more practical and cost-efficient choice.
Age of Your Baby
Newborns require more support and protection. Thus, a stroller with recline features and built for newborns is more desirable. But even before that, consider at what age you plan to have your child use a stroller.
Furthermore, decide on whether the stroller is the first option or if it's intended as an alternative to a wrap carrier, which others may prefer based on their parenting style.
Maneuvrability
Standard strollers would fare well on almost any urban surface. But they will have limitations elsewhere. On the other hand, a stroller with large wheels and a better suspension system is ideal for beaches and other uneven terrains.
Otherwise, you may prefer a jogging stroller if it suits your lifestyle, as it has the best maneuvrability at high speeds and a stable base for standard use.
Storage Available
Storage space is another vital aspect to consider when buying a stroller. For example, lightweight strollers are easy to carry around and portable, but they lack storage space. Hence, you'll often need to bring a separate carrier, like a diaper bag, to hold your baby's essentials.
On the other hand, a full-size stroller provides more storage, but can progressively take more space if you bring it to your travels. Unless you have TernX Luggage Stroller, which can maximize the space you have for travel and parenting essentials.
Summing Up
The best baby stroller is usually the perfect fit for your baby's needs, parenting strategy, and lifestyle.
So, in the absence of a one-size-fits-all solution, we hope our guide is able to help you understand these different types of strollers and the advantages they bring to certain situations.
