Stroller and Pram Buyer’s Guide

If you want to buy a stroller, you are probably finding it very confusing considering the fact that there are nowadays a plethora of models, types and brands of strollers with all sorts of features and a wide price range. Getting the right stroller for your little one(s) takes a long time since you have to find a stroller that is going to fit your family needs as well as keep baby safe and comfortable. A stroller can be pretty costly but if you pick the right one it should last a few years. Make sure to take some time finding your perfect stroller because a stroller that may be perfect for some people may not be right for you, because we all have different needs and lifestyles.

Types of Strollers

Before considering all the different features a stroller has, it's best to know which type of stroller would suit you best so that it narrows your search a bit. There are many types of strollers on the market. These can be put into 4 categories.

Standard strollers
Standard strollers (either lightweight, umbrella or standard-sized) have the widest range of features and prices! There are usually easy to use and fold and have lot of convenient features. Most families buy a standard stroller for their first baby since they are comfortable and reliable. The lightweight strollers are less comfortable than standard-sized strollers, although many families buy one as a second stroller.
The price range varies from $20 for a lightweight umbrella stroller, up to $700 and beyond for models with more features!

Travel systems
Travel systems are a combination of an infant car seat and stroller. They tend to be bigger than standard strollers but they give you more for your money and make it easier for you to transport your baby. The cost for a travel system goes from $120 up to $300.

Jogging strollers
Jogging strollers are perfect for parents who are into outdoor activities. Jogging strollers come with 3 large wheels that provide a very comfortable ride for the child. These strollers can be used on any type of surface (with or without road). The amount of features you get depends on the price that varies from $120 to $800.

Prams
Prams are the traditional baby carriers. They are mainly used for newborn babies since they allow the babies to lie flat. Prams are quite bulky and pricey, however they are the most comfortable way to transport a new born baby, and they can last several years.

Choosing a Stroller

To find out which one of these stroller type would be most suitable for you and your little one, there are several factors to consider.

Where do you live?
If the answer is in a city/town, you'll need an easy to fold and to maneuver stroller. Make sure you get a very robust stroller that takes as little space as possible. If you live in flat without an elevator, a lightweight stroller is probably the best option.
If you live in the suburbs, you probably use your car a lot, so make sure the stroller fits your car trunk! A travel system can be a good money-saving option for you.
If you live in the countryside or you spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities, get a robust 3-wheeled-stroller that can get anywhere and keep your baby comfortable at the same time.

How old is your baby and what does s/he need to be comfortable?
During their first months babies cannot support their heads and need to lie flat. So if you have a newborn baby, or are about to have a baby, you will need a stroller that will 'grow' with your baby (with a reclining seat for example) or get a carry cot that can be fitted to the stroller so that it forms a pram. Some parents decide to get a pram, which is the best option for a newborn baby but after a few months they usually need a stroller. To avoid this two-in-one and three-in-one prams might be a good option.
If you are going to walk a lot with the stroller, good suspensions and large wheels will give your baby a more comfortable ride. An adjustable seat position and a padded seat are required if you're planning on having long strolls with your little one.

What else do you need to consider?
Make sure you will find the stroller comfortable to ride with. Since not everybody is the same height, adjustable handles bars are necessary. You will probably go shopping with your baby so the stroller needs to have reasonable-sized baskets, and maybe a cup holder.
Strollers vary in weight, so before buying keep in mind that you need to add your baby's weight and perhaps the weight of a changing or shopping bag. As a consequence the stroller gets pretty heavy when being used. If you are going to travel in public transportations you may also consider buying a lightweight stroller.
Although the best deals to buy a stroller are online, try to get a test drive in a local shop for the strollers you consider buying. Before buying the stroller remember to check if the stroller you want is not on a recall list!

How do you get the best deal?
Browse Pramalot to find out more about the different types of strollers:

Standard Strollers
Jogging Strollers
Travel Systems
Prams