Selecting the right stroller pt.2 - What do you want to DO with it?

For part one, which covers the number of kids, click here!

Looking around Victoria, there is one stroller you will see more often than any other.  Different years, different models, different colours, the BOB is everywhere.  And it has some good features.  It's a reasonable pricepoint, it's durable, and it can be good for running with.

However... I very rarely anyone running with one.  And if you're not going to run with your stroller, there are better ones out there.  Even if you are, there are other, arguably better ones out there!  Buying the right stroller can make your life a whole lot easier, so before choosing a stroller, ask yourself these questions.

Are you going to run with it?
If you plan on running with your stroller regularly - and I do mean plan, not just have vague intentions you really know you won't fulfill - you need a stroller that's designed for it.  Running strollers have three big wheels.  The front wheel will either be permanently locked or be lockable.  They can only face forward, and they have a distinctive wedge shape.  Popular brands for running include BOB, Bumbleride, Baby Jogger, and Valco.  Which one depends on where you plan on running, how many kids, what your budget is, etc.  Keep in mind that most manufacturers don't recommend running with babies much younger than about 8 months.

Orbit Baby strollers are beloved by the dads

If you aren't going to run with it, and plan on using it with a young baby, consider a different option.  Jogging strollers offer only one direction for baby to face - out.  Studies have shown that facing their caregivers during the first two years is critical to the development of language skills - babies need to see the world through you in order to learn how to make sense of what they see.  Many strollers are reversible, and one, the super-trendy Orbit Baby, can rotate 360 degrees!

What kind of terrain?
The smaller the wheels, the smoother the terrain has to be to keep baby from being bounced around all over, but the more space the stroller takes up, both when collapsed and when in use.  If you plan on taking the stroller on trails, dirt roads, grass and other rough surfaces, you'll want to look for wheels that are about 12 inches in diametre or larger, preferably with a surface that looks like mountain bike tires, so that baby will be comfortable.  If that's not a part of your lifestyle, smaller, more manoeuvrable wheels are wonderful for navigating narrow aisles in stores and crowded sidewalks.

Cameleon ready for beach or snow

If you spend a lot of time at the beach or on the ski hill, take a look at the Bugaboo Frog or Cameleon's dolly ability.  It's virtually impossible to push pretty much any stroller through snow or sand - but these can be pulled quite easily.

If you plan on running on trails, you'll need to look for one that has a combination of the three-wheeled, wedge shape with with big tires that have good tread on them.  Look for excellent suspension, as well, or baby won't be very comfortable!

Planes, trains and automobiles?
Strollers range in weight from a few pounds for the flimsiest umbrella stroller to 25 pounds plus for a sturdy stroller intended for multiple children.  Bear in mind that whichever stroller you choose, you will likely be hauling it in and out of the trunk of your car a lot.  Try not to choose a stroller you need help handling.  Bear in mind also whether you plan on travelling a great deal - lighter strollers are easier in airports when you already have luggage and baby to handle.  Also consider how many pieces it folds down into.  A stroller with a two piece fold isn't as convenient for travelling by public transit as one that goes down into one piece, and one with quick release wheels can make packing everything into the trunk for a road trip much easier.

Coming up next
stroller bassinets, car seat adaptors, and probably some other stuff too!