The stroller is not just another piece of equipment – it is your first investment in your baby’s comfort and safety. With so many options on the market, choosing the right one can seem difficult and stressful. But don’t worry! Here you will find a complete guide that will help you choose the best stroller for your needs, taking into account quality, materials, and practicality, to ensure comfort for both you and your baby.

Type of stroller

The 3 main categories are: the classic stroller, the umbrella stroller, and the travel system stroller, which is a convenient transport system that covers more needs than simple mobility.

Classic stroller

The classic stroller is the basic type of stroller and is sturdy and easy to handle. It may be foldable or book-folding (book closure) to make transport easier, while some are even more convenient as they fold with one hand.

It has a canopy and storage space and also often includes a changing bag, footmuff, and rain cover. Additional accessories, such as a mattress pad, can be searched for separately.

Travel system stroller

Travel system strollers are a combination of products, with the main component being the classic stroller and the secondary ones being the car seat, the carrycot, and the accessories. On the stroller frame we can attach the car seat, which is usually for the baby’s first year, the carrycot for the first months, and the stroller seat. Travel system strollers are divided into 2 categories based on the products they include: 2-in-1 strollers and 3-in-1 strollers.

2-in-1 stroller

The 2-in-1 stroller includes the classic stroller and a carrycot or car seat. In the case of the carrycot, the stroller may be convertible or may include the carrycot separately as a second product. The remaining accessories, such as the footmuff or changing bag, may be included depending on the manufacturer.

3-in-1 stroller

The 3-in-1 stroller includes the classic stroller, the carrycot, and the car seat. It is a complete transport system, certainly for the baby’s first year, but depending on the brand and its specifications, it may cover us for a longer period as well. The carrycot attaches to the stroller frame for the baby’s first outings, while it can also be used as the baby’s first bed at home. The 3-in-1 stroller often also includes the stroller’s basic accessories.

Umbrella stroller

The umbrella stroller is the lightest and most flexible stroller, and it gets its name from the fact that it folds like an accordion, resembling an umbrella with its handles. Because of its folding mechanism and low weight, it is very easy to carry. However, its design is not suitable for newborns, as it does not properly support the baby’s head and torso. Usually, it can be used from 6 months and up, until the child reaches toddler age (3-4 years old), but this depends on the manufacturer. Compared with other types, it is a much more affordable stroller, and its accessories are sold separately, such as an umbrella, cup holder, shopping net, etc.

Stroller for twins / triplets

In the case of twins and triplets strollers offer more seats depending on the family’s needs. This of course means that their overall size and weight also increase. As for the other features, they may be classic or umbrella strollers, depending on the folding mechanism, handle, and weight.

Important Features

During market research in order to find the right stroller for the needs of the child, as well as the parents, there are some basic features of the stroller that are important criteria along with the price and the aesthetics that suits every family.

The first basic feature is the age from which we want to use the stroller, with the most common distinction in most strollers being whether it is intended for a newborn or from 6 months old.

It is also advisable to check the dimensions of the stroller when it is open, to understand its volume in relation to its transportation in an elevator or its use inside the house. Also important are the dimensions of the stroller when it is closed, in order to check if it fits comfortably in the trunk of our car, as it will be essential equipment for outings with the baby.

However, we must take into account the weight of the stroller, which is crucial for a mother who puts the stroller in the car alone, as well as during use, where she will need to push the stroller along with the weight of the baby or lift it up stairs. Other quality features in a stroller are the comfortable backrest, which should have the appropriate support for a newborn, as well as the ability to recline the position, so that the child can sleep comfortably and properly on a long walk.

In addition, in the first walks when the baby is very small, it is recommended for the seat of the stroller to face the parent. If you are wondering when to turn the stroller forward, then you should know that ideally after 6 months the orientation is towards the road, where the child can comfortably observe the route and explore the world around.

For several years, the stroller will be the main means of transportation for our baby. In the first months, the baby sees us, so usually transportation systems include detachable seats, baby carriers, and car seats that can be turned, so that they "see" towards the direction of the parent.

Our baby will be able to "sit" in the stroller at around 6 months old. For the entire previous period, the back of the stroller should be reclined for the safety of the baby. From then on, when we stop using the stroller depends more on how active our child is and what routes we take in our daily lives. Most parents stop using the baby stroller around 4 years old.

The fabrics of the stroller are recommended to be cotton and even better if they are anti-sweat for the summer months, so that the baby feels comfortable on the stroller. A useful feature is for the fabrics to be removable and washable, making it easier to clean them.

Modern strollers also have safety belts that secure the child in place, with the preferred ones being the five-point harnesses (the straps go over the shoulders and waist). For the baby's greater safety, the presence of brakes is necessary, which immobilize the stroller in place. Additionally, the suspension and the construction material of the stroller's wheels play an important role in its easy handling on uneven surfaces.

Strollers with single wheels are usually more maneuverable and easy to drive. Also, several models provide suspensions and wheels with high durability, which will be useful if the stroller will be moving in areas with difficult surfaces.

The handle affects the ease of driving a stroller. If it is one-piece, it allows us to handle the stroller with one hand, while if it is adjustable in position and height, we can quickly and easily adjust it to our measurements.