Choosing a stroller is as personal as choosing a car! There are so many models and designs, each one appropriate for a different lifestyle. While it is nice to receive a stroller as a baby shower gift, it is better to choose the one that fits your own lifestyle and is comfortable for your size. Strolling with your child is a bonding activity to do that will create memories and new discoveries for your child as s/he grows.

Before purchasing a stroller, you need to consider the function, design and price for your lifestyle.

1. Define your strolling lifestyle:

Are you an urban parent or a rural parent? Do you stroll in crowded places or outdoors? Will you be transporting the stroller with you? If so, is it easy for you to fold the stroller while keeping your child in your arms?

-Stroller moms that live in an urban environment should consider a stroller that will fit in small places: elevators, small doorways, city transport (subways, buses, trunks of cars and taxi’s) and city walking in crowds. Bulky jogging strollers are NOT ideal for city use. These should be left for rural environments, rough terrain, parks and jogging paths. Keep in mind that with multiple children close in age, double strollers or triple strollers may be appropriate.

-Stroller moms that live in a rural environment, most likely will do a lot of walking around neighborhoods and in subdivisions. Be sure to consider a strobe light accessory for visibility and nighttime traffic. If you live in mountainous regions or enjoy walks in the outdoors on rough terrain, consider an outdoor model that is easy to maneuver.

*If you travel often, you may want to consider a model that is adjustable for BOTH lifestyles. Consider the weight of the stroller in/out of the trunk of your car and if you are a frequent traveler by plane, consider that each time you go through the gate check, you will need to remove EVERYTHING from the stroller, fold it up (this is where one handed folding is valuable!) and most times, put it through the X-ray yourself. Keep in mind your child needs to be in your other arm the whole time.

2. Which stroller design is most comfortable for you?

There are a variety of designs and styles of strollers. It is important to decide which kind is best for your size and interests?

If you are a taller person, make sure that you consider one that has a handlebar extender for comfort. If you are an outdoor person, definitely choose a model for rugged terrain not only for safety but also for comfort of the child rider on the bumpy trails! If you enjoy running or jogging behind a stroller, make sure the model has a handstrap that attached firmly around your wrist.

Single canopy-this is a stroller that has a roof above the child. Packages, purses and diaper bags should NEVER be placed on the roof. Most have see-thru windows to watch the child while strolling.
Umbrella-this is a small compact design that is ideal for quick trips in/out of the car, in public places and for warm weather.
Jogging-this is a bulky large stroller that is designed for the strolling parent to jog or walk behind. (For safety reasons, rollerblading should not be considered while pushing a child)
Buggy-this is the old-fashioned and now trendy–again way to stroll a child.
Multiple Child- twin and triplet strollers are available in side-by-side or tandem (where one child sits behind the other) models. The advantage to this is the use of compact space; however remember that with two or more children sitting behind each other, the heavier it is for the parent to push.
Travel System-this model includes a matching newborn car seat carrier for a child up to 12 months. However, most new single canopy strollers on the market today allow any brand of car seat to attach securely..

*Always consider accessories, repair and maintenance of the stroller -If the stroller has inflatable tires, make sure you ALWAYS carry a small inflatable pump. These tires need to be checked and filled often.

3. Have a budget in mind.

Strollers range in prices. There are some with expensive models that use designer fabrics and titanium parts, and there are less expensive models using more conventional parts which work just as well. Remember to consider additional accessories that you will want to purchase and include the prices in addition to the stroller itself?

To View Toy Tips reviews of Stroller accessories click here!

Stroller Reviews:

Toy Tips, Inc. evaluated various stroller models using the Toy Tips methodology with families. All results are based on the results of our studies.

The best of the models we reviewed are listed below. All have received the “TTT” rating. Additional information can be accessed on the websites listed below the review. The star rating is based on a combination score of function, design and price.

Silver Cross Towne Collection $569 silvercrossbaby.com The lightweight aluminum stroller (21 pounds) has a three-wheel design, which is comfortable to maneuver. The Italian fabric is stylish and was an eye catcher on our testing walks. This is NOT a big and bulky stroller so it is ideal for city strolling and apartment living. Manufactured in England, features include a brake system that is easily pressed on or off with the bottom of a foot. The sides can lowered to a recline position and included are a small sized basket, tire pump and rain cover. We suggest purchasing a drink accessory for parent and a stroller bag for additional gear. Appropriate for a child up to 40 pounds.

Leisure Sport Travel System Graco $229.99 www.gracobaby.com Jog-style stroller that includes an infant carrier car seat with a head guard that can transport easily and fit into the stay-in car base. One feature we liked is a hand brake for easy stopping and a one-touch wheel brake for parking. There is an organizer tray and a child's tray with a cupholder. The 5-point harnass strap, thick seat pad and multi-reclining seat provide a comfortable fit for baby. However, an instruction manual is included. This stroller was easy to assemble and can be used through toddler years. *Kids of all ages are safest when properly restrained in the backseat of any automobile.

Express Baby Jogger Baby Jogger Company $330 www.babyjogger.com This telescoping jogging stroller features a shock absorbency system with 2 springs that flex as the stroller rolls over rubble/bumpy surfaces such as gravel. This absorbs impact minimizing vibration. Features 16 inch bike-style wheels and a lightweight frame and is compact enough to fit in it's own backpack. Includes a lifetime warranty.

Mountain Buggy USA Terrain Single $319 mountainbuggyusa.com This stroller (17.5 pounds) is ideal for indoor places and outdoor spaces. The fixed front wheel is air-filled and was easy to steer on flat pavement, uneven terrain and through gravel and grass. The seat is made of fabric that can be wiped clean and the recline can be set at any angle between fully upright and a horizontal position. Features include one hand unfolding and a removable wire basket for storing gear or a small non-bulky diaper bag. We found this to be exceptional for outdoor use in rugged terrain and for use with running or jogging behind on a flat pavement. There is a weight capacity of 100 lbs and is sized appropriately for an average size 5 year old. There are 9 additional accessories that may be purchased separately. We recommend the handle bar extension for taller pushers and the hand brake for those parents who plan to use this on mountainous terrain as an added safety support. We also recommend keeping an air pump in the basket while strolling.

Maclaren USA Maclaren Volo Stroller $99 maclarenbaby.com This is a very lightweight (8 lbs.) standard size aluminum frame stroller is ideal for city walking stroller or as a travel stroller. It fits easily into a trunk of a car or taxi and is portable for travel on public transportation. Manufactured in Britain, features include a 5-point safety harness, foam grip handles which are places higher for easier pushing, chassis and lockable swivel wheel, a one-handed fold and a shoulder strap for portability. Also included is a removable basket for gear. We suggest the matching accessory pack featuring a protective sunshade, a waterproof seat-liner, and a rain cover in a versatile backpack of rip-stop nylon ($49) A fixed position mesh fabric is light allowing for air circulation that did will not make the rider warm of uncomfortable. It is suitable for infants from six months of age. This stroller DOES NOT recline. This model is available in 3 fabric color options including Carbon (Black), Poppy (Red) and Denim (Blue).

Kolcraft Jeep Liberty Limited Urban Terrain Stroller $119.99 kolcraft.com This is a 3 wheel stroller with air-filled tires (includes an air pump). Features include a 5-point harness, 2 saddlebags, and a toy steering wheel with electronic sounds incorporating play value for the rider. (2 “AA “ batteries are not included and required for the steering wheel) We found this stroller to also be appropriate for travel. Comfortable for use on flat pavement, it also had a smooth ride on bumps and terrain.

Kolcraft Jeep Wagoneer Tandem Stroller $139.99 kolcraft.com Ideal for 2 children of different ages or twins. The rear seat reclines for an infant and also securely holds most brands of car seat carriers for a newborn. The front seat partially reclines for the additional rider. Features include a front snack tray with toys, a rear snack tray with a cup holder and 2 washable removable seat pads. A one-hand fold makes it convenient for parent. The front wheels swivel and is easy to maneuver with the weight of two children.

Kolcraft Jeep Grand Cherokee All Terrain Stroller $109.99 www.jeep.com Features over-sized wheels with 4 wheel suspension and one handed folding and steering for comfortable maneuverability. Includes a multi-positioning reclining seat, canopy with window and cover, and 3-point safety harness with quick release buckle. Activities include electronic steering wheel with realistic sounds, car horn and starting engine, movable gear shifter, clicking and turning keys, rearview mirror and a push button radio that plays 3 songs. Includes a snack tray with a cup holder. Can accommodate up to a 41-pound child. For parents there are removable saddle bags and a rear basket. We liked this because it is a really "cool" looking stroller that offers activities for a child beyond hanging toys and we found that the stroller drives comfortably.

Zooper Buddy Zooper $279 zooperbaby.com This 30 pound 3–wheel design is appropriate for the outdoors as well as maneuvers well in public spaces. in, it is infant carrier compatible. One feature we really like is the fact that and the child can be placed front facing toward the parent and switched as she grows older and has stronger head support. The stroller includes a pivoting front armrest, handbrake, handstrap and storage basket included for gear or a small diaper bag. Features include front/rear suspension, its’ own airpump for the air-filled tires and an attachment system should you decide to include an infant seat carrier (though one is not necessary since it lays flat and includes a safety harness for added support) Recommended for a child up to 45 pounds. This model is available in 3 colors: midnight (navy), red and platinum (black/grey).