There are a LOT of baby stroller options on the market. So we understand how confusing it can be to choose the one that’s right for your family. Not only are there a variety of brands, but a variety of strollers that serve different purposes.
There are a few types of strollers on the market:
Full-sized strollers are large strollers that are typically designed for a variety of purposes that cover a lot of basics and have a lot of bells and whistles. These are the “standard” option for families that are in the market for a stroller.
These strollers for baby often offer things like a seat recline, forward or rear facing seat, car seat adaptability, and roomy storage baskets. Some full-size strollers will also convert to a multi-child option as your family grows.
The downside of full-size strollers? They are bulky and heavy. Even the designs that boast of lightweight frames can still be tricky to fold up and lift into a vehicle. Additionally, they are on the larger side which makes it difficult to take into smaller spaces or into homes with limited storage.
Jogging strollers are designed with larger wheels (usually in the form of rubber like a bike tire you can inflate) and good suspension to withstand the bumps from alternate terrain and running.
If you’re an active family, jogging strollers are a great option because you can walk, jog, in some cases even hike with your baby securely in a stroller.
The downsides of a jogging stroller are that they are heavy and large. These strollers are typically a little wider than full-size strollers because they need to support parent and baby through rougher terrain. Additionally, many jogging strollers aren’t car seat compatible and don’t always support newborn through toddler.
Double stroller is for those of you with twins in tow or an older sibling who isn’t ready to give up their stroller time. Doubles come in two formats: tandem (where one child sits behind the other) or side-by-side.
Double strollers are obviously a great option for families with multiple children. However, they are big, bulky, and heavy. You’ll want to consider how well the double stroller will fit your needs like going through doors, moving easily, and maybe even car seat compatibility.
Car seat carriers are very simple wheeled frames that are built to transform your infant car seat into a infant stroller with a quick click in. While compact and lightweight, these strollers don’t tend to be a good, ergonomic option for parents. They usually sit pretty low and require a lot of leaning and bending. They also don’t come with additional features like cup holders or storage.
Compact strollers, sometimes referred to as umbrella strollers, are exactly what its name claims—compact. It’s compact when it’s folded and when it’s in use. It’s small enough so you can walk up and down store aisles and hallways or push in and out of elevators without taking up the entire space. Plus, being so lightweight and portable, there’s no hassle taking one traveling. You won’t need to buy a gym membership and take up weightlifting before buying a compact stroller. It’s also convenient to store. You can fold it up and stick it in your coat closet, garage, or the trunk of your car and still be able to fit everything else in those areas you need.
Benefits of a Compact Stroller:
Downsides:
Unfortunately, most compact strollers on the market are flimsy, poorly made, and not comfortable for baby and parent. And many are not newborn friendly. That’s where Metro+ comes in.
Our Metro+ Strollers take compact comfort to the next level. And while they do boast of compact features, they also offer some of the benefits of full-size strollers like car-seat adaptability, newborn to toddler ready, spacious storage and more!
For families who are often on the go whether it’s around town or traveling, Metro+ is a must. It’s even backed by science.
Both versions of our Metro+ stroller feature next-level comfort in a compact package. Deluxe takes that compact comfort and elevates it to the next level with additional features and luxury materials.
Along with wondering about the different types of strollers, many new parents have questions about when they can start using a stroller and if they need a certain stroller for their newborn or toddler. If you’re one of those parents, here are the answers to some of those commonly asked stroller questions.
A baby can safely sit in a stroller when they’re able to support their head and neck and can sit up on their own. Each child develops differently, but on average, most babies can safely ride in a stroller between 4-6 months old.
Along with their age, you also want to ensure that the stroller safely supports your baby’s weight and height.
Since newborns can’t support their own head and neck or sit up on their own, they need to ride in a stroller that fully reclines. You can either use an infant bassinet stroller where a newborn can safely lie down flat or a travel system, where a newborn rides in an infant car seat, which you then securely click into a compatible stroller.
The two main concerns with a newborn are keeping the baby safely supported and comfortable. So choosing the best stroller for your newborn means finding one that has comfy seat, safely supports your baby’s entire body, and has enough suspension to absorb bounces so your newborn isn’t being jostled around.
A good stroller for a 1 year old is one that best fits your toddler and your family’s needs for the stroller. Here are four great options for a toddler:
Yes. Not all strollers are suitable or safe for newborns. Because newborn babies don’t have head and neck strength or control, they need to either be lying flat in a stroller or buckled in an infant car seat that clips into a stroller. Special strollers for newborns include:
More Stroller Resources for Parents:
Stroller Hacks Every Parent Should Know
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