How to pick the best stroller type for you

While there are plenty of strollers to choose from, there are some things you probably might not appreciate or have not considered until you’ve owned one. For us, the big surprise was how much we ended up using the baby k’tan (carrier) and the umbrella stroller which could go places with us when others where simply too cumbersome or too bulky. At the end of the day, the options can be overwhelming but they all pretty much do the same thing, so don’t overthink it. Below is a simple list of strollers to help you consider your next purchase.

Baby K’tan / Baby Carrier

The #1 recommendation for you is to consider the baby k’tan (for moms and dads alike!) It keeps the baby close to you, your presence soothes and binds you closer. It takes a while to get used to it, but you will quickly appreciate it.

Here are a few reasons why you might love the baby carrier:

• They’re breathable, comfortable, lightweight, and not noticeably hotter than carrying baby with your arms
• Easy to get on and off (you’ll learn how to get baby in and out quickly in the first couple days)
• With K’Tan, it’s easy to slightly bounce your baby while gently patting her back, which can help put her into a deep sleep
• You get the joy of feeling snuggled up against her
• You can breastfeed on the go: you may love the fact that you can modify the wear to support the lower half of your baby while you stand and breastfeed her. You’ll appreciate that your arms aren’t screaming from trying to support 10+lbs of newborn for as long as it takes
• TIP: Watch Youtube videos on how to use this properly and check for fit. Here is one to get you started
• TIP: Consider starting the baby sitting frog legged, then try legs out
• CON: There are some carriers that are very complicated to put on.
• NOTE: if you tense your shoulders then, yes, it will make you sore. It can take you a week of daily walks to learn to drop your shoulders and let the carrier do it’s job

Prices: $20-80 range.
Recommendation: Here is one highly-rated one at Amazon.com.

Umbrella stroller (lightweight stroller)

The number one reason we loved the umbrella stroller is it’s compact size – it’s quick to get in and out of the car, and easy to maneuver around the crowds. It was also the stroller we were able to take with us on the plane for our trips. Just make sure to get one with a cover so you can keep the sun and rain out.

Here are a few reasons why you might love the umbrella stroller:

• They are designed for travel, are lightweight and easy to carry. Just make sure you have a bag big enough to carry your essentials as there is no room for the sippy cup or anything else
• They’re convenient and compact
• Older toddlers and kids will appreciate how easy it can be to hop and off the stroller
• TIP: If you’re traveling on the plane, you will need to get a cover for it. We used the Gate Check – here @ Amazon.
• CON: Some may not steer well, and many feel cheap with rattly/sticky plastic wheels. It doesn’t provide any protection from the elements. And finally – they don’t have any room for anything, so if you have coats, trinkets, etc – you’ll need to carry them separately.

Prices: $25-200 range.
Recommendation: Here is one highly-rated one for $25 at Amazon.com.

Travel-system Stroller

The travel-system is probably the most modern solution for a busy parent. It’s actually a combo – a car seat and a stroller in one – allows for a quick transfer to and from the car, and the best ones should offer comfort for the baby, protection from the sun and the rain, have space to hold the necessities, and provide a smooth ride.

Here are a few reasons why you might love the travel-system stroller:

• The carrier snaps easily into a car base and into the stroller so you can transfer your baby with ease. Look for systems that let you lock with just one hand.
• The basket is big enough to hold everything you need
• They usually have cup and cell phone holders
• Tip: Make sure the head-support pad is sturdy enough for your newborn
• Tip: Make sure it’s convertible and the harness grows with your child
• Tip: Make sure your system comes with a car seat base
• Con: Some carriers may be heavy to carry.

Prices: $120-700 range.
Recommendation: Here is one highly-rated one for $139 at Amazon.com.

Jogging Stroller

The jogging stroller sounds like an ideal solution for the folks enjoying the outdoors and wanting to get some exercise. For us, it didn’t quite work out that way – and it’s not due to the lack of time, it’s just the quality of the sidewalks and the proximity to high-traffic roads around where we live did not make the jogging feasible. But that’s just anecdotal/

Here are a few reasons why you might love the jogging stroller:

• They are designed to even out the bumpy rides due to better suspension
• They have a sturdier frame that supports better during higher speeds
• They have more leg room for a longer stride
• They actually have a braking system on the handlebar, similar to what you’d expect in a bicycle and many come with a hand strap
• Note: They almost always require your baby to be sitting upright
• Con: they are a bit heavier than regular strollers for stability

Prices: $120-700 range.
Recommendation: Here is one highly-rated one for $449 at Amazon.com.