3rd July 2023 – (Hong Kong) As an expecting parent, purchasing a stroller can feel like an overwhelming task. With so many types of strollers on the market, it can be difficult to know what model to choose. Fear not, stressed shoppers, as we have answers to some of the questions that might come to mind and have broken down the types of strollers to help you figure out what you need.
Types of Strollers
Everyday Strollers: Also known as full-size strollers, these are your base-style strollers that may or may not include bells and whistles. Traditional strollers usually fit kids from newborn to around 50 pounds, depending on whether it includes a bassinet mode or if it can hold an infant car seat.
Lightweight Strollers: Also called travel or umbrella strollers, these strollers have lighter builds and better folding options to make them easier to tote around but often lose out on other features. These usually fit little ones from newborn to around 50 pounds, depending on whether there’s a bassinet mode or infant car seat compatibility.
Jogging Strollers: These strollers have better suspension and higher quality wheels to make it a smooth ride while on the move but are usually much larger and have heavier frames than other types of strollers. These usually fit kids until about 50 pounds. They don’t typically hold newborns unless you convert it to hold a car seat or if the manufacturer has a bassinet attachment you can add.
Trike Strollers: These strollers transform from a trike the parents are guiding to one a kid can ride on their own. These are for older kiddos, but can start as early as 6 to 9 months depending on the model, and usually, have a recommendation for what age, rather than weight, a child might use it. Most brands recommend using the trike until around 3 or 4 years old.
Double Strollers: These strollers hold double the children—in other words, these fit two kids. They have a higher weight limit, around 100 pounds, to hold two little ones at once.
Convertible Strollers: Convertible strollers can convert from a single stroller to a double. You might need to purchase accessories to set up double mode.
Features to Consider
At a minimum, your stroller should include a five-point harness, the current safety standard, which has straps that go over the shoulders and hips and between the legs. Here are a few other features you can consider:
Car seat compatibility: If you already have a car seat and want it to work with your stroller, checking for car seat compatibility can quickly narrow down your list of strollers. But you only need car seat compatibility if you’re using the stroller with a newborn.
Reversible seat: It’s good practice to have your baby facing rearward until at least 6 months, and then little ones can switch to facing forward. Check to see whether the seat is reversible if you’ll be strolling with a young baby and can’t add a car seat.
Adjustable handlebar: An adjustable handlebar can be key to your comfort while strolling, especially for partners of different heights who can adjust the handlebar to their needs while they stroll.
Storage: Check whether the company offers add-ons to get the storage you’re looking for. Third-party accessories—from cargo nets and sunshades to phone mounts and stroller cups—also work with a range of strollers.
Fully recline: If you want to be able to lean a stroller back for your kiddo to nap in, look for strollers that can fully recline. Some only have a partial recline, which could be fine for your kiddo’s sleeping needs. Others have a fully reclined mode that’s meant to be a bassinet mode for newborns.
Where Will You Use the Stroller?
Consider where you will use the stroller before making a purchase. Some strollers are made for certain activities, like jogging, while others have more compact designs made for city walking. Travel strollers have slim builds since they’re meant to be lightweight enough for breaking down and bringing on trips, but you can also look for brands that promote using them in cities. Those models have a slimmer profile but higher quality (and heavier) frame than typical travel strollers.
How Will You Store the Stroller?
If you need your stroller to fit into a closet or small space, make sure you research just how much it folds down, how large it is when folded and, depending on your storage needs, whether it can remain standing in its folded position. If you’ll be hauling it up staircases, check the weight.
Are You Using One for a Newborn?
For newborns and infants, there are two main ways to safely transport them in a stroller: bassinet mode or attaching an infant car seat. Several strollers offer car seat adapters that allow you to connect an infant car seat to the existing stroller, and then you can remove the adapter onceyour child is big enough to use the stroller seat. Some strollers come with a bassinet attachment, which can be used for newborns. If you plan on using a stroller for a newborn, make sure to check whether the stroller is compatible with a bassinet or infant car seat.
Choosing the perfect stroller for your family can be a daunting task, but by considering the different types of strollers, features, and your specific needs, you can narrow down your options and find the right fit. Remember to take into account where you’ll be using the stroller and how you’ll be storing it, as well as any safety considerations, such as using a five-point harness for your child. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect stroller for your family.