Traditional strollers

The conventional design. Unless used with an infant car seat, generally not suitable for babies younger than 6 months.

Pros: Often fairly lightweight and convenient.

Cons: Heavier models are difficult to carry on public transportation or to use in buildings with escalators. And you still need a car seat.

Umbrella strollers

Similar to traditional strollers, but with narrow, curved handles. They offer lightweight, compact, basic transportation. The models we tested are not suitable for babies younger than 6 months, who can’t sit up unsupported.

Pros: Lightweight, compact, ideal for quick trips and errands or for travel.

Cons: You still need a car seat, and this type of stroller typically can’t be used for an infant.

Travel systems

A stroller and infant-car-seat combo for newborns through toddlers. The car seat fits in the stroller. When the child outgrows the car seat, usually at about 22 pounds, the stroller is used alone.

Pros: Allows adults to move a sleeping baby undisturbed from car to stroller.

Cons: You'll need to buy a new convertible car seat when the baby outgrows the infant seat.

Jogging strollers

Jogger strollers are for jogging or running with mom or dad. (Few all-terrain strollers can be used for jogging; read the manual or check the box, or visit the store or the manufacturer’s Web site for recommended uses.)

Pros: Also good for off-road use.

Cons: Not suitable for babies younger than 6 months. Can be unstable when the rear wheels are lifted over a curb. May be tougher to steer than traditional strollers, since they have a fixed (non-swiveling) front wheel.

All-terrain strollers

All-terrain strollers are traditional or three-wheeled models with heavy-duty suspension or air-filled tires, good for jaunts on or off the sidewalk. Three- or four-wheeled strollers with air-filled tires and a rugged, sporty look are meant to appeal to men. Intended for "off-road" use, such as trail walking, but just as often found on city or suburban streets. Some models may be usable for occasional or "light" jogging--see the manufacturer's instructions to be sure. Some 3-wheel all-terrains have a front wheel that swivels for easier maneuvering on smoother surfaces but can be locked for use on rougher surfaces.

Pros: Give a relatively smooth ride on off-road surfaces. Pneumatic tires can improve the ride.

Cons: Can be large and heavy; often don’t fold compactly. Because of that, not practical for everyday use. Also not suited for jogging, unless the manufacturer specifies.

Double strollers

Some models seat children side-by-side; tandems seat one child behind the other or face-to-face. Some can accommodate newborns in infant car seats.

Pros: The only way to push two children in one stroller.

Cons: Often heavier and harder to maneuver than single strollers. Side-by-side models fold more compactly than tandems and are somewhat easier to push, but can't be used with infant car seats. Tandems can be heavy and hard to maneuver.

Seat-carrier frames

Lightweight, empty frames designed to roll an infant car seat around, using it as the carriage.

Pros: Inexpensive and convenient.

Cons: Both the car seat and the frame must be replaced once the child outgrows the seat.