Chicco Cortina Keyfit 30 Travel
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Brand: Chicco Type: Standard Stroller (Single) Colors: See all colors Top Features:
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Joovy Caboose Ultralight
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Contours Options Tandem
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Brand: Contours Type: Tandem Stroller (Double) Colors: See all colors Top Features:
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Jeep Overland Limited Single
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Brand: Jeep Type: Jogging Stroller (Single) Colors: See all colors Top Features:
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Buying Guide
TYPES OF STROLLERS
Standard Stroller:
If you're looking for a good stroller for everyday use, standard strollers are the best place to start. These strollers weigh about 20lbs, have a few extra convenience features and will be moderately easy to fold up and store. This is a good stroller type to have for walks and general errands around town.
Jogging Stroller:
These strollers have large wheels, air-filled tires, shock absorbers and five-point harnesses. You and your baby will experience a very comfortable, maneuverable ride with one of this type of stroller. Many active parents now choose a jogging stroller as their everyday stroller due to the easy of maneuverability and the smoothness of the ride. These are definitely an upgrade over standard strollers but tha's reflected in their higher price.
Multi-Child Stroller:
These come in two types: side-by-side or tandem. We do not recommend the side-by-side strollers. They are simply too hard to maneuver, don't fit down aisles and are impossible to travel with. Tandem stroller or combo-systems with multiple seat arrangements are your best choice. They're narrow, easy to fit in tight halls and aisles and turn corners more easily
Travel Systems:
If you need a baby stroller, car seat and carrier, a travel system will give you all three in one package. The baby carrier attaches to the car seat base and then pops out to attach to the stroller base. Some parents find the pieces to be bulky at first, as you're pushing around a stroller and a car seat but many find these to be a simple all-in-one solution for transporting their child
IMPORTANT FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
Suspension
Options: Suspension System (2-wheel or all-wheel); Shock Absorbers
In this day and age, we think a suspension system is a must-have in your new stroller. It gives you more control over steering and gives your child a much smoother ride. All strollers we recommend have either a 2 wheel suspension or an all-wheel suspension, obviously the latter is better. Air-filled tires are also a plus when it comes to a comfortable stroll so look for those as a great bonus feature. Note that while softer suspensions offer a smooth ride, a too-soft ride can come at the expense of steering control so the Jogging Strollers are the best when it comes to firm suspensions and best control over steering.
Wheels
Options: Solid Wheels; Air-filled Tires
A stroller with solid wheels rather than air-filled tires is fine for most people. But some parents like the look and performance of the jogging strollers, which come with larger, air-filled, tires and a rugged, off-road appearance. Larger wheels do make it easier to negotiate curbs and rough, uneven paths. They're easier to push, but unless the wheels swivel, they may be harder to maneuver in crowded stores or busy streets. A lockable front-swivel wheel is a good choice, and most all-terrains models have that these days. The only down side of the higher-performance air-filled wheels is they are bigger and take up more room when the stroller is folded.
Handlebars
Options: Padded; Adjustable
Stroller handles can be padded, and even thickly cushioned on more expensive models. Adjustable handlebars can be extended or angled to accommodate people of different heights. Reversible handles on some higher-end models can swing over the top of the stroller and lock into position, changing the direction your baby is facing. While many people prefer adjustable handle-bars, some high-end performance Jogging Strollers will not have it as they are designed to be pushed at a pre-determined angle for the greatest performance and stability of the stroller while jogging.
SAFETY
Brakes
Options: Parking Brake (mandatory); Additional Hand-Brake
All strollers have parking brakes designed to keep the stroller from rolling when you are stopped. Most jogging strollers also have bicycle-type hand-operated brakes for slowing down and stopping. Good brakes are obviously of utmost importance for safety. Some models have "linked" two-wheel parking brakes that are activated in a single stroke by pushing with your foot on a bar at the rear of the stroller frame (the Joovy Caboose Ultralight is an example). Other models have foot-operated tabs above each rear wheel.
Canopy
Options: Retractable; Reversible
A canopy is a must-have for protecting your baby, especially in glaring sunlight or inclement weather. Canopies include a simple fabric square strung between a metal frame and deep pull-down versions that shield almost the entire front of the stroller. Reversible (or 180-degree travel) canopies protect babies from sun or wind from ahead or behind. Some canopies have a clear plastic "peek-a-boo" window on top so you can keep an eye on your baby while you're strolling. The window (or viewing port) is a nice feature; you'll use it more than you'd think. You can also buy a separate rain/wind shield for most strollers and some brands offer additional parasols that clip onto the carriage.
Harness
Options: 3 pt harness; 5 pt harness; Both
A five-point harness is the safest option. It secures a child above the shoulders, at the waist, and between the legs, and keeps your baby from sliding or falling out if the stroller tips, or climbing out when you're not looking. It's better than a three-point harness, which only secures the lower body at the waist and crotch. Note that the 3 pt harness is still very safe and is preferable for older children who prefer more freedom to wiggle around in their seat.
CONVENIENCE
Folding
Options: One-handed; Self-standing
The best strollers fold with a one-hand motion into compact positions in a matter of seconds. Those that stay upright when folded (self-standing design) are convenient when putting the stroller in a closet or hallway, but make sure your child can't reach it and knock it over. To avoid injury, always make sure your child is away from the stroller when you open or close it.
Child Tray
Options: Snack Tray; Grab Bar; Cup Holders; Pivoting Tray
Strollers often have a tray where babies can rest their arms or keep snacks. Some models have a grab bar instead of a tray. A stroller tray or bar should be removable or pivoting, rather than be permanently attached to both sides, to make it easier to get your baby or toddler seated and harnessed.
Parent Tray
Options: Tray; Cupholders
Many strollers have a cup holder for you and one for your child. The parent tray is usually molded with a cup holder or compartment for keys, cell phone, and other small items. If you get a stroller without a parent tray, you can purchase various small bags or pouches made to strap onto the handlebars.
Storage
Options: Underseat Basket (sizes vary)
A roomy, easily accessible storage basket underneath the stroller makes errands with a baby much easier. Sizes of baskets vary. Choose one that's at least big enough to accommodate a diaper bag. If you choose a model that reclines, make sure that you can reach the basket if the seat back is fully reclined, or if it's a travel system, when the infant car seat is in place.
Standard Stroller:
If you're looking for a good stroller for everyday use, standard strollers are the best place to start. These strollers weigh about 20lbs, have a few extra convenience features and will be moderately easy to fold up and store. This is a good stroller type to have for walks and general errands around town.
Jogging Stroller:
These strollers have large wheels, air-filled tires, shock absorbers and five-point harnesses. You and your baby will experience a very comfortable, maneuverable ride with one of this type of stroller. Many active parents now choose a jogging stroller as their everyday stroller due to the easy of maneuverability and the smoothness of the ride. These are definitely an upgrade over standard strollers but tha's reflected in their higher price.
Multi-Child Stroller:
These come in two types: side-by-side or tandem. We do not recommend the side-by-side strollers. They are simply too hard to maneuver, don't fit down aisles and are impossible to travel with. Tandem stroller or combo-systems with multiple seat arrangements are your best choice. They're narrow, easy to fit in tight halls and aisles and turn corners more easily
Travel Systems:
If you need a baby stroller, car seat and carrier, a travel system will give you all three in one package. The baby carrier attaches to the car seat base and then pops out to attach to the stroller base. Some parents find the pieces to be bulky at first, as you're pushing around a stroller and a car seat but many find these to be a simple all-in-one solution for transporting their child
IMPORTANT FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
Suspension
Options: Suspension System (2-wheel or all-wheel); Shock Absorbers
In this day and age, we think a suspension system is a must-have in your new stroller. It gives you more control over steering and gives your child a much smoother ride. All strollers we recommend have either a 2 wheel suspension or an all-wheel suspension, obviously the latter is better. Air-filled tires are also a plus when it comes to a comfortable stroll so look for those as a great bonus feature. Note that while softer suspensions offer a smooth ride, a too-soft ride can come at the expense of steering control so the Jogging Strollers are the best when it comes to firm suspensions and best control over steering.
Wheels
Options: Solid Wheels; Air-filled Tires
A stroller with solid wheels rather than air-filled tires is fine for most people. But some parents like the look and performance of the jogging strollers, which come with larger, air-filled, tires and a rugged, off-road appearance. Larger wheels do make it easier to negotiate curbs and rough, uneven paths. They're easier to push, but unless the wheels swivel, they may be harder to maneuver in crowded stores or busy streets. A lockable front-swivel wheel is a good choice, and most all-terrains models have that these days. The only down side of the higher-performance air-filled wheels is they are bigger and take up more room when the stroller is folded.
Handlebars
Options: Padded; Adjustable
Stroller handles can be padded, and even thickly cushioned on more expensive models. Adjustable handlebars can be extended or angled to accommodate people of different heights. Reversible handles on some higher-end models can swing over the top of the stroller and lock into position, changing the direction your baby is facing. While many people prefer adjustable handle-bars, some high-end performance Jogging Strollers will not have it as they are designed to be pushed at a pre-determined angle for the greatest performance and stability of the stroller while jogging.
SAFETY
Brakes
Options: Parking Brake (mandatory); Additional Hand-Brake
All strollers have parking brakes designed to keep the stroller from rolling when you are stopped. Most jogging strollers also have bicycle-type hand-operated brakes for slowing down and stopping. Good brakes are obviously of utmost importance for safety. Some models have "linked" two-wheel parking brakes that are activated in a single stroke by pushing with your foot on a bar at the rear of the stroller frame (the Joovy Caboose Ultralight is an example). Other models have foot-operated tabs above each rear wheel.
Canopy
Options: Retractable; Reversible
A canopy is a must-have for protecting your baby, especially in glaring sunlight or inclement weather. Canopies include a simple fabric square strung between a metal frame and deep pull-down versions that shield almost the entire front of the stroller. Reversible (or 180-degree travel) canopies protect babies from sun or wind from ahead or behind. Some canopies have a clear plastic "peek-a-boo" window on top so you can keep an eye on your baby while you're strolling. The window (or viewing port) is a nice feature; you'll use it more than you'd think. You can also buy a separate rain/wind shield for most strollers and some brands offer additional parasols that clip onto the carriage.
Harness
Options: 3 pt harness; 5 pt harness; Both
A five-point harness is the safest option. It secures a child above the shoulders, at the waist, and between the legs, and keeps your baby from sliding or falling out if the stroller tips, or climbing out when you're not looking. It's better than a three-point harness, which only secures the lower body at the waist and crotch. Note that the 3 pt harness is still very safe and is preferable for older children who prefer more freedom to wiggle around in their seat.
CONVENIENCE
Folding
Options: One-handed; Self-standing
The best strollers fold with a one-hand motion into compact positions in a matter of seconds. Those that stay upright when folded (self-standing design) are convenient when putting the stroller in a closet or hallway, but make sure your child can't reach it and knock it over. To avoid injury, always make sure your child is away from the stroller when you open or close it.
Child Tray
Options: Snack Tray; Grab Bar; Cup Holders; Pivoting Tray
Strollers often have a tray where babies can rest their arms or keep snacks. Some models have a grab bar instead of a tray. A stroller tray or bar should be removable or pivoting, rather than be permanently attached to both sides, to make it easier to get your baby or toddler seated and harnessed.
Parent Tray
Options: Tray; Cupholders
Many strollers have a cup holder for you and one for your child. The parent tray is usually molded with a cup holder or compartment for keys, cell phone, and other small items. If you get a stroller without a parent tray, you can purchase various small bags or pouches made to strap onto the handlebars.
Storage
Options: Underseat Basket (sizes vary)
A roomy, easily accessible storage basket underneath the stroller makes errands with a baby much easier. Sizes of baskets vary. Choose one that's at least big enough to accommodate a diaper bag. If you choose a model that reclines, make sure that you can reach the basket if the seat back is fully reclined, or if it's a travel system, when the infant car seat is in place.