If you’re about to become a parent, you know that your life is about to get infinitely more complicated, and yet infinitely more wonderful. One of the first items on your list of must-haves is a stroller.
But with so many options, which one do you choose? Let’s take a look at some of the different types of strollers out there and break down which ones are best suited for certain situations.
Umbrella Strollers
Umbrella strollers are lightweight and feature an umbrella-style handlebar. They are great for travel because they can be folded up easily and stored in tight spaces like car trunks or overhead bins on planes. The downside is that they don’t have a lot of padding or support, so this type of stroller isn’t ideal for long walks or hikes.
Pros
Umbrella strollers offer a lot of convenience and functionality for parents. The main benefit is that they are incredibly lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for travel or any other situation where you'll need to take the stroller with you. They are also highly collapsible, which means that they can be stored in tight spaces like car trunks or overhead bins on planes.
Cons
The cons of umbrella strollers have to do with their lack of support and padding. While they are lightweight and easy to transport, this also means that they don’t offer much in the way of comfort for babies or young children. The small size and lack of cushioning makes them unsuitable for long walks or hikes, as well as for parents who want a stroller that will provide a smooth ride.
Jogging Strollers
If you plan on taking your little one along with you whenever you hit the pavement, then jogging strollers are the way to go. Jogging strollers have three large air-filled tires that make running easy and comfortable, plus they often come with adjustable suspension systems that help them handle even rougher terrain. They usually feature reclining seats as well as extra storage pockets, making them versatile enough to go from park paths to grocery store aisles.
Pros
The pros of jogging strollers are many, making them an ideal choice for parents who want to get out and about with their little ones. For starters, the three large air-filled tires provide a comfortable ride for both the parent and the baby. The adjustable suspension systems help absorb bumps from uneven terrain, providing a more comfortable experience for your baby. In addition, the reclining seats and extra storage pockets make jogging strollers perfect for trips to the park or grocery store.
Cons
The cons of jogging strollers are that they are bulky and quite heavy, making them difficult to transport in tight spaces like car trunks or overhead bins on planes. They also require more maintenance than other types of strollers, as the large air-filled tires tend to require regular inflation and adjustments.
Lightweight Strollers
Lightweight strollers combine the convenience and portability of umbrella strollers with some of the features found on jogging strollers such as adjustable handles and five-point harnesses. These types of strollers typically weigh between 10-15 pounds and are incredibly easy to maneuver around town thanks to their smaller frames and wheels. However, they don’t offer as much storage space as their larger counterparts so they might not be ideal if you often go out shopping with your little one in tow.
Pros
The pros of lightweight strollers are numerous, making them an ideal choice for parents who value convenience and portability. For starters, they are incredibly lightweight at around 10-15 pounds, which makes them easy to transport in tight spaces like car trunks or overhead bins on planes. They are also highly maneuverable, thanks to their smaller frames and wheels, and are designed with adjustable handles and five-point harnesses for added safety.
Cons
The cons of lightweight strollers are that they don’t offer as much storage space as their jogging counterparts, so if you often go out shopping with your little one in tow then this type of stroller might not be the best fit. They are also not as durable as jogging strollers, so if you plan on using them more frequently or over rougher terrain then they might not be the best option.
Conclusion
There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing a new stroller for your family but hopefully this guide has given you an idea of what type might work best for your needs!
Whether it's an umbrella style for quick trips through airports or a jogging model for weekend runs in the park, there's something out there that will fit your lifestyle perfectly—so happy shopping!
To check out the best on the market for different types of stroller you can check my blog below:
