As an expectant parent, you have lots of questions: Where to deliver? Natural birth or epidural? Nanny or daycare? But as a baby planner, the one question that new parents ask me over and over is this: Which stroller should I buy?
Here are a few things to think about as you do your own research and try out different models:
When are you expecting? If you’re having a child in the winter, chances are you’re not going to be enjoying leisurely walks through the park in a wintry mix. This means you may not need a stroller with a bassinet feature; instead, you could start with a car seat frame that you can just snap a seat into. Which leads me to my next point:
What is your living situation? Do you have a walk-up or an elevator? If you have an elevator, can you fit a stroller into it? If you have a walk-up, is there a place downstairs to safely store or lock a stroller? This may lead you to rethink the weight of the stroller you’re purchasing, as well as how it collapses.
Do you want a reversible seat? This is a great feature that many people find necessary, especially in the early months. There are many studies available on the developmental benefits of parent-facing seats, and you’ll probably want to chat with your little one as you’re walking. A reversible seat allows you to keep an eye on them so you can see if they’re spitting up, are becoming restless, etc. It also keeps the wind from hitting them in the face.
Is the stroller car seat-compatible, and with what car seats? Yes, you really do need this feature. This makes travel easier because you’re not waking a sleeping baby to strap them into a car seat—they’re already in it! It also makes eating out much simpler: seat pops out, stroller frame collapses, seat goes in the booth next to you, waiters don’t curse your existence.
Can you push the stroller with one hand? Many things can affect this, including wheels and the weight of the stroller, but the main factor to pay attention to is whether the stroller has two handles or one handlebar, as a handlebar makes one-handed steering easier. Let’s face it: it’s New York. You’re going to walk. A lot. You might need to hold an umbrella, talk on the phone or carry a cup of coffee. Try doing any of those things while holding the stroller with one hand and elbow-steering with the other. It’s not going to happen.
One-handed fold. Yes, I know some people manage never to have to fold their strollers. But if you take a bus or a cab you’ll have to collapse your buggy, and even if you’re taking the subway, it’s common courtesy to fold it. Think about the folding motion. Are you bending down to do it? This can put strain on your back if you’re holding your baby or bags. Are you folding it by pulling it upward? Many people find this easier, myself included.
A few other factors to consider: How much room does the undercarriage bag offer? Can it convert into a double via an additional seat or wheeled board? Does it have a removable handlebar? What about a cupholder? Also, does it have air-filled wheels? These make for a smoother ride and easier curb bumping, but require more maintenance.
Finally, relax. Enjoy the process of trying out different strollers and ultimately choosing one that works for you and your family. Congrats and happy strolling!
Jamie Grayson, also known as The Baby Guy, is an NYC-based baby planner. For more info, visit thebabyguynyc.com, email him at jamie@thebabyguynyc.com, find him on Facebook (facebook.com/thebabyguynyc) or follow him on Twitter (@TheBabyGuyNYC).
