When I became pregnant with my first child, I was ecstatic. I couldn’t wait to welcome my little bundle of joy, and I couldn’t wait to SHOP for my little bundle of joy. I am a Shopper- shopping is like a recreational sport to me, and I take my buying decisions very seriously. I consult books and consumer reports, I research online, I poll friends and strangers, I ponder, I research some more. And no decision was more painstaking than choosing a stroller.
With 300+ stroller models currently available in the US market, each with its own variety of features and options, it is simply overwhelming. When shopping for a stroller, you will see each stroller’s specifications, or “specs”, which are the simple facts about it. But what do they mean? Here are some ways to think about stroller specs and how to use them to make the best decision for you.
Stroller Features to Consider
Assembled L x W x H”: The overall footprint of the stroller could affect its maneuverability, or your ability to push it around with ease. This is especially important to consider with double or triple strollers when you’re dealing with extra width. A standard door opening is 30” wide, so if you plan to enter shops and restaurants with the stroller, you better make sure you will fit!
Folded L x W x H”: This is important information for storage and/or stashing the stroller in the car. Bear in mind that the stroller will need to be stored somewhere in your home or garage when it is not in use, particularly during winter months. If you want to be able to stash the stroller in the car for errands and short trips, be sure it can fit in your trunk without taking up too much space.
Stroller Weight: If you need to hoist the stroller up and down stairs or in and out of the car a lot, your back would appreciate a stroller that is lighter weight. If, however, you will keep the stroller fully assembled and ready-to-stroll in the garage at all times, then go for the heavy one with all the bells and whistles!
Wheel Material: The three most prevalent materials used by stroller makers are plastic, foam, and rubber (air-filled). Plastic wheels are lightweight and low maintenance, but result in a bumpier and noisier ride. Foam tires are slightly heavier than plastic but still pretty lightweight and low maintenance, and they produce a cushier ride. Rubber, air-filled tires are heavy and prone to deflation or tearing, but they result in a super smooth, whisper-quiet ride.
Wheel Suspension: When a stroller has a suspension system, it means that it was built with a spring mechanism in the wheels or frame which absorbs the bumps you encounter, resulting in a smoother ride for your child. All-wheel suspension is a must for jogging strollers and a nice bonus for anyone who encounters bumpy sidewalks or rural terrain. Strollers can have front wheel suspension, back wheel suspension, or both.
Stroller Shopping Tips
What time of year are you expecting your child?
If you live in a climate with cold weather seasons and you are expecting a November baby, chances are that you won’t be strolling with your little one until she’s 5 or 6 months old, so you can dismiss any stroller concerns related to newborns. On the other hand, if you are expecting a baby at the height of summer, you need to consider strollers that have infant seat compatibility and/or have a bassinet option.
What are your plans for expanding your family?
If you are stroller shopping for your first child and know you would like to add a sibling in the next couple of years, consider a stroller that can accommodate your growing family with a simple add-on. Some strollers are built to handle an additional seat attachment in the front or back of the stroller, while some others have an optional ride-on board attachment.
For more helpful information and tips on your stroller search, please visit Stroller Source, launching on July 31, 2009. Stroller Source will be the ultimate resource for parents researching and buying strollers on the web!
By Kristen Massucci
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