STROLLER ADVICE

Does the perfect stroller exist?  In my opinion, no stroller is perfect.  It's kind of like shoes, you need to have the right shoe for the right occasion, and therefore, the right stroller for the right occasion.   Now that both my shoe closet and garage are full, I think that I am qualified to give at least a little bit of advice to other moms about buying their strollers. 

 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A STROLLER

1.  Price:

Price is always an important factor, however, you tend to get what you pay for.  The more features your stroller has, the more costly it will be.  Travel systems (infant and car seat combos) are a better deal than buying each piece separately.  Companies like Graco and Evenflo have a range of price points for their systems.  The lower end strollers have 3 point harnesses (but so do some of the higher end ones) and come with a car seat that is either only a 3 point, or has a very annoying and difficult to adjust car seat strap located at the back of the seat.  DON'T GET THAT ONE!  Opt for a system that comes with a car seat that has a front adjuster.  The strollers themselves are flimsier on the lower end, and don't sport as many fancy features, like full reclining seats, snack cups, parent trays...

2.  Lifestyle: 

If you are active and out often, you will want a stroller that is comfortable for you to push, and for your kids to sit and probably sleep in for an extended period of time.  This type of stroller needs to be sturdy and should have a good-sized storage basket for day trips, like the Zoo or for vacations that take you off the beaten path.  All four wheels should be large and inflatable for rougher terrain like grass, gravel and sand.  The canopy should be large and provide shade.  You should be able to get a rain shield for unexpected showers.  This type of stroller will probably be larger and may not be the stroller that you like to take in and out of the car on a daily basis.

For everyday trips to the mall or walks around the neighbourhood, you can go for a stroller that is smaller and lighter.  This is the stroller that you take in and out of your car on a regular basis.

3. Maneuverability:

The best strollers turn on a dime with one-handed steering.  Moms never do just one thing at a time, so look for a stroller that you can steer with one hand.  The single bar handles are best, two handled strollers are much more difficult to navigate and usually don't have a nice parent tray for things like your Starbuck's Coffee...  Some strollers allow you to adjust the height of the bar- great feature for shorter or taller parents.  All strollers seem maneuverable without any weight in them, add some weight to the stroller when doing a test drive, 20lbs. makes a HUGE difference in the handling.

4. Weight:

Not always the best way to judge your stroller choices.  While it is nice to have a light stroller, it does not come without compromise.  Lighter strollers are meant to be compact, and as a result, tend to have a more rickity feel to them, even the high end ones, you get used to it, but if you've had both you will notice the difference.  Also, many compact strollers tend not to recline fully and usually have very small  storage baskets.  Lighter strollers also tend to have smaller wheels.  What is most important is that you can get it in and out of your trunk without giving yourself a hernia. 

5.  Infant Use: 

With infants make sure one of your strollers can take an infant car seat, this allows you to transfer your baby in and out of the stroller without having to wake them up- commonly know as "the bucket", a wonderful invention that will break your wrists by the time your baby grows out of it. 

Toddler Use: 

For toddlers, it is nice to have a stroller that reclines for nap time, I can't tell you how many times I've seen poor kids with their heads slumped over in those cheap umbrella strollers! 

6.  Wheel Size: 

Look for a stroller that has decent wheel size, the smaller the wheels, the bumpier the ride for your little one, the sidewalk may not look like much, but those cracks are big!  If your stroller has small wheels it will also be more difficult to navigate mushy gravel paths or grass.  The best wheels are ones that are inflatable, they absorb a lot of shock and can wheel over grass, roots, rocks etc.  Don't be deceived by the new trendy strollers that have nice large back wheels and small front wheels, they're not so good for off-roading! 

7.  Ease of Folding:

Test this feature out to save yourself from mumbling profanities under your breath every time you get your stroller out of the trunk or put it away. Every stroller has a different system, some require that you have a degree to figure them out (and even then you will probably struggle!).

8.  Storage Basket: 

Okay, don't laugh, but there will come a day when you will miss taking a stroller with you everywhere, because all of a sudden you don't have anything to haul your shopping in!  Make sure there is a decent storage basket underneath for picnics, extra clothes and the 600 million other things you need to take with you every time you leave the house!  Access to the basket is best when you can get to it from the back- side access isn't so great.  You will notice that access is usually limited when the seat is reclined.

9. Accessories:

Parent and Child Snack Trays-A snack try for your child is a great feature- toss the Cheerios in the tray so you can make it through the really slow Winner's line without a melt down!

Boots- If you aren't out walking in the cold of winter, don't bother!

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