How to choose the best baby stroller

Best Baby Stroller

Expectant and young parents know best how important it is to carry an infant as close to the body as possible. But in the long run, carrying the junior is not only uncomfortable but also unhealthy.

The stroller is usually one of the most expensive and most important purchases for parents-to-be. After all, we want our babies to be able to be pushed around comfortably lying down and sitting well so that parents and children have a relaxed time when going for walks and doing everyday errands.

Combination strollers also have the advantage that you don’t have to go out twice to get a new stroller because they can be converted first with a baby seat and (about six months later) with a seat for older children. In this article, you will find all the information that will help you buy a stroller.

Before you decide on a specific model, you should first know what types of strollers there actually are. Not only is the selection of models and manufacturers huge, but also the types: from the station wagon to the stroller, the twin stroller, the first-time stroller to the jogger to models with integrated car seat, everything is there. But what exactly do you need?

The first child stroller

As the name suggests, this is the “classic”, the stroller model in which the very youngest find their place. It serves the sole purpose of “housing” the newborn for a period of about 6-12 months, after which the child can sit, wants to see something, the infant carrier becomes too small, and therefore you must then resort to another model.

Although some models have the option to put the lying surface slightly upwards, the space available for sitting is still too limited in the long run.

A good first baby carriage should have a mattress that is not too thick or too soft, a canopy, a cuddly blanket, and, of course, a removable carrycot. If your baby falls asleep in it, you simply remove this bag, take it into the home and let your child continue to sleep in it.

The combi stroller

The combi stroller is more flexible here, as the name suggests. Combi, in this case, means that when the baby can sit, the stroller can be converted into a stroller. This, of course, significantly extends the useful life of the stroller.
Almost all strollers today can be converted and repurposed, because who wants to invest in an expensive model two or three times?

Combi strollers are usually real all-rounders. They can be converted from one model to another in no time at all, to suit the individual child. That saves time, money, and, ultimately, space.

3 in 1 stroller

3 in 1 combination strollers are becoming increasingly popular. They combine 3 different stroller models in one: In addition to the infant carrier and the stroller insert, a car seat shell for the baby is also included.
Practical: If your offspring falls asleep while driving, and you don’t want to wake him up, you can simply mount the car seat on the stroller frame instead of the infant carrier. However, this function should be used with caution. Babies should not be transported in the car seat for too long, as this could damage their sensitive backs.

You can usually use a combination stroller up to about 15 kilos, some manufacturers also advertise the age of the child.

However, if your offspring is already walking on their own, it may make sense to replace the combination stroller, even if it could basically be used for even longer – namely with a space-saving and maneuverable stroller.

The buggy

These sporty and lightweight vehicles are often purchased as an additional option to the stroller. Buggies are light, maneuverable, and have a small folding size – very practical if you are on the road a lot.

However, this type of stroller is only suitable for slightly older children from about one year of age.

Twin strollers and sibling strollers

A special feature among the strollers is sibling strollers and twin strollers. Clearly, if several children need to be transported who are not yet old enough to walk by themselves, i.e. twins or siblings who are not far apart in age, such a stroller for two is a good investment.

This type of stroller is also available in a wide variety of versions: The babies sit here either behind each other or side by side. As always, everything has advantages and disadvantages. If the siblings sit next to each other, they can communicate with each other. In itself, a great thing, but such twin strollers are quite bulky and wide.

If one child sits behind the other, it can be useful if the rear seat is slightly raised. These sibling strollers are also called tandem strollers.

Here, too, the criterion of whether the sibling stroller can still be converted into a stroller must be taken into account. There are models with a wide variety of attachments that can be exchanged quite easily and thus allow a lot of flexibility. Then, for example, two infant carriers can eventually be replaced by a two-seater. Or it is possible to install a carrycot on one side and a seat on the other.

Jogger stroller

Sporty, sporty: If you spend a lot of time outdoors and also like to go for a jog in-between times, you might be well advised to go for a jogger. Often these baby joggers are also called running strollers. The child leans back comfortably and off you go. With a normal stroller, this would be difficult, with a comfortable and well-tired jogger all no problem.

In fact, if it is the right vehicle, the child can definitely have fun when mom or dad go jogging.

The difference between a baby jogger and a normal stroller is that the rear axle is wider, the wheelbase is longer so that the stroller runs straighter. The wheels are usually larger and filled with air. Wheels with a size of 20 inches roll most easily. The air pressure should be between 0.75 and 1.5 bar.

For many baby joggers, there are even baby seats or tubs. However, you should note that these attachments are less suitable for walking, even if the manufacturer suggests so. Even on less bumpy paths, the baby, especially if it is lying down and still has a very sensitive spine, will be shaken up far too much – even if the stroller has good suspension and pneumatic tires.

Toddler Stroller Review

Baby shell and child seat for the stroller

Baby shell, baby tub, carrycot, child seat, sport seat, buggy seat – it’s easy to lose track of them all. Which parts are important, which are not?

First: baby shell, baby tub, and carrycot are usually exactly the same thing. It’s the attachment you need for a newborn to be pushed lying down in it. Some manufacturers offer these baby carriers with an adjustable back so that the baby can eventually sit in them as well.

However, this is only possible if this tub is also large enough. Even if the baby actually feels more comfortable in a narrow baby tub, you should make sure that it is not too small. Otherwise, if your baby grows quickly, it may become too tight in the stroller after just a few months. Some manufacturers even offer these carrycots in a foldable version, which saves a lot of space.

Usually, the tub will eventually be replaced with a stroller seat, or if you don’t have a station wagon stroller, you’ll have to switch to a stroller or a buggy instead.

A car seat for the little ones is also included with many station wagons. It can also be easily mounted on the frame as needed. This has the advantage that if your baby falls asleep while driving – which is quite often the case – you don’t have to wake him up and put him to bed, but can simply transport him together with the seat in the stroller. However, this is not ideal for the baby’s back, because he should never remain in the car seat for too long due to the curved posture he assumes in it.

Sitting forward or backward?

This topic is more important than it seems at first glance. Many parents think they are doing their child a favor by mounting the stroller attachment so that it can face forward. In principle, this is also a good idea; after all, almost all children of a certain age are incredibly curious and want to discover the world – right? Yes and no. Opinions are now divided on whether this is really a good idea and whether parents are doing their offspring any good or not.

Let’s take a look at the world through a baby’s eyes: it’s colorful, big, loud, shrill, and sometimes a little scary. Whether in the city center, in the shopping mall, or at the market, it’s doubtful that children really experience only joy when they are facing forward.

It has been scientifically proven that babies are usually simply overtaxed. They can’t really process all the stimuli that hit them. The child has no fixed point – as if from nowhere, a monstrous car, a dog, and loud people appear and then quickly disappear again from the scene. The baby is helplessly exposed to these stimuli, it cannot escape them. And what’s more, it can’t make eye contact with its mother or father and reassure itself that everything is okay. And yet this is so important, especially for babies! If babies are constantly inundated with stimuli, they may have trouble sleeping or cry in the evening.

So whether babies should drive forward or not is controversial, but it also depends on a few factors. For example, the age of the child.

The child should be at least one year old, or better yet older when being driven facing forward. But it also depends a lot on where you’re out and about. For a walk in the woods or a visit to the zoo, there is nothing wrong with letting older children look in the direction of travel, but wherever there is a lot of hustle and bustle, for example in traffic or in a shopping center, you are doing your child a favor by letting him or her look toward you.

This gives them the security they need and also gives them the opportunity to communicate with you – just like babies do at their age.

You have to find the right balance here and try to listen to your baby and also to your gut feeling. One baby is sensitive, another is not. Of course, it’s great if you can turn your child in both directions – but you have to find the right balance yourself.

Best Double Stroller

Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Easy Fold Toddler Baby Double

This convertible double stroller features 2 seats or a removable rear seat for a standing platform for your older child. Sometimes kids just can’t sit still, so give them the option of sitting, standing, or sleeping in this convertible double stroller. This stroller features a parent tray with cup holders to keep your phone, keys, and drink within reach. It also includes a storage basket under the seat for holding everything you need for a busy day.

Best Jogging Stroller

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System

The Baby Trend Expedition Travel System comes complete with a 3-Wheel Jogger and EZ Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat with lock-in car base. The stroller features a lockable front swivel wheel for jogging, or it unlocks for easy strolling. The all-terrain bicycle tires also feature a quick release for extra compact storage. The stroller also features a parent tray with 2 cup holders and covered storage and a large storage basket.

Best Lightweight Umbrella Stroller

 Summer Infant Lightweight Umbrella Stroller

It is a premium everyday lightweight stroller. It’s durable, with premium fabrics and stitching, and has parent-friendly features like an extra-large storage basket and more. The lightweight baby stroller has an aluminum frame and weighs only 14 pounds. It has a one-hand, multi-position adjustable recline seat with a 5-point safety harness.

Best Baby Stroller Travel Systems

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System

This exceptional carriage, stroller, and car seat combo is a durable travel system that includes the SafeMax Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat and SafeZone Base. The modular frame can be configured with up to 6 modes of use allowing your child to be parent-facing or forward-facing. While the stroller can easily convert to carriage mode, toddler mode, or a frame stroller with an infant car seat. The toddler seat has a maximum weight of 50 lb.

Buying a stroller is a real challenge. The selection is gigantic, and it is sometimes really hard not to lose track of it.

For many parents, a stroller is not simply a means of transporting the child from A to B, but rather a real lifestyle product. That’s why manufacturers have responded to this and offer not only practical, but also stylish models. Whether the look is an important purchase criterion for you or not, you have to decide for yourself. The fact is that a stroller is much more important.

After all, you will use it for several months, if not years, and it should therefore meet your requirements, those of your partner, and of course those of your baby. However, you may have to make one or two compromises, because there is no such thing as the perfect model.

Almost every model on the market has one or two advantages, but also one disadvantage. That’s why you should weigh up which model is the most suitable for you individually before buying.

In the early days, it is especially important that the baby lies well and securely. Later, when the baby can sit, a stroller is more suitable.

You should also think carefully about whether you will be using the stroller mainly in the city or more off-road, perhaps even jogging or in the forest. Depending on the environment, the stroller must have appropriate tires. In the city, on the other hand, it is important that it is maneuverable and easy to steer.

Fabrics and coatings

Here, too, the choice is almost endless. While the stroller used to be classically covered with good old cotton or alternatively with plastic, today more and more high-tech materials are coming into play.

Microfiber fabrics, easy-care PU imitation leather, washable fabrics, and much more are in vogue. Some fabrics are water and dirt repellent, while others are breathable and prevent heat buildup in the baby car seat. All this is quite useful and practical.

Unfortunately, quite a few of these materials are unnecessarily laced with harmful substances: Phthalates, aromatic hydrocarbons, and similar substances are found in strollers more often than you might think. So if it’s important to you that your baby lies in a baby carriage free of harmful substances, you should look for an appropriate certificate or let the baby carriage steam outdoors for a while after purchase.
Everything that comes into contact with the baby – i.e. handle, straps, cover, blanket, rain cover, and so on should not only be tested but also certified.

Otherwise, it is positive to note that coated or washable fabrics are much easier to clean than those made of cotton. Cotton is a natural product but tends to get dirty more. There is also whether some fabrics or covers are removable and washable. If so, that’s certainly a big plus.

The suspension of the stroller

In order for your baby not to be shaken excessively during the ride, it is important that the stroller has a good suspension. For a stroller that often goes off-road or that you want to go jogging with, this is even more important. Also, the smaller the baby, the better the stroller should have suspension. Wheels that are filled with air absorb shocks better than hard rubber wheels.

Which tires are the right ones?

Choosing the right tires for a stroller is quite difficult. Would you prefer pneumatic tires or hard rubber tires? There is no clear answer here because both have their advantages and disadvantages. Which solution is right for you depends on where you live and how you live or how exactly you plan to use your stroller.
If you use the stroller mainly in the city, you will need different tires than if you want to go jogging with it in the forest often. Let’s take a closer look at the possibilities.

Stroller with pneumatic tires

Typically, a tricycle stroller or a jogger has pneumatic tires wheels. Quite similar to a bicycle, this tire is in fact much more suitable for rough and uneven terrain than the other tire models. The disadvantage, however, is obvious: a tire filled with air can always be destroyed by a pointed or sharp object, and then you have – not unlike a bicycle or car – a flat tire. This makes a stroller with pneumatic tires rather unsuitable for use in the city because there are much more often sharp objects lying around than in the forest. Stones and branches, on the other hand, usually do not harm these tires.

Strollers with hard rubber tires

A hard rubber tire has the decisive advantage that it is virtually indestructible. It doesn’t matter if there is broken glass or nails on the ground: all this will not harm the tires. However, because of this, the suspension of a hard rubber tire is not quite as good – that is the other side of the coin. Bumps on the ground are thus more noticeable to you and your child than with air-filled tires. The tires are not quite as flexible, so you may have to lift the stroller if you want to get onto higher curbs. If you use the stroller mainly on asphalt paths, a hard rubber tire is probably the right choice.

Strollers with foam tires

A few stroller models nowadays are equipped with a compromise of the two mentioned, namely foam tires. They combine the hardness of hard rubber tires with air chambers in them, making them exceptionally durable yet perfectly springy. However, strollers with these tires are usually located in the high price segment and are therefore available only from manufacturers of high-quality strollers.

By the way, some stroller models have the option of replacing the entire front axle. This is convenient, because with one axle you can go off-road, and the other is better for the city.

Adjustable handlebar

Not all handlebars are the same. After all, it may be that the mother is only 1.60 m tall, but the father is a handsome 1.90 m tall. Nevertheless, both should be able to push the car without risking back pain. The taller the person pushing, the higher the handlebar must be able to be adjusted. This is the case with most stroller models, but unfortunately not with all of them.

• Manpowered manual post drivers

Handheld post drivers represent the kind of superior man-made technology that everyone needs to be proud of. They have been designed to be as basic as they are efficient. Essentially, using a handheld post driver, you raise and lower the “rammer” overhead your post. The rammer features a fully opened edge which is approximately the size of a post that fits into the empty rammer. The rammer’s tail is closed and the post bumps into it. Since the post is passed in a hollow pipe with not much room to move, the impact pressure is mostly retained, leading to a strong, even impact, which depends mainly on the weight of the post and the resulting impact force, and not from the strength of the user.

• Pneumatic post drivers use the force of the compressed air and wrap a post

By contrast, pneumatic post drivers make use of the power of the air. Basically the same way as their hand-operated counterparts, but instead of the operator lifting the post, the post is lifted by air pressure, whereupon the operator operates a button to break the air supply and push the full mass of the post towards the post. Pneumatic drivers are bulky but are able to carry a great weight with a minimum of force, so that fast work is possible with usually rather a heavy handjob. However, as with all conventional pneumatic tools, it is necessary for having a big air pump on-site, which is big and unpractical.

• The gas-powered post drivers are highly mobile and smartly designed

Finally, the gas-powered post drivers take the strength of a compression ignition engine to push the post down into the soil. There are usually two types: 35cc post drivers and 50cc post drivers. However, the gas-powered post drivers are mainly different from their counterparts. Movement of a gas-powered post driver is more like an ultra-fast knock. Similar to that produced by a hydraulic hammer. Gas-powered post drivers will not hit a mass so hard into a post, but will accurately knock it down in the soil. A very smart idea, and it does the job very quickly after being driven. Since they are just dependent on gas, this type of post driver is just as handy like the hand-driven model but much stronger.

How to Pick the Right Stroller for Your Baby – Video