Stroller buying guide

If you're a city dweller who relies on subways, buses, and cabs, you'll need a lightweight but sturdy stroller that folds quickly and is compact. A stroller frame would work well. A stroller with large, air-filled tires, such as an all-terrain or jogging stroller, may be easier to push if you'll be going for long walks your car is big enough to accommodate it, and you can lift it. But these bigger, heavier strollers might be harder to use on public transportation.

Besides being more shock-absorbing, all-terrain and jogging strollers typically have three wheels and a seat that gives your baby more support than a simple umbrella stroller. If you'll be tromping through snow or on unpaved roads or grass, a model with large wheels is a great option. Under those conditions, a stroller with small plastic wheels might be difficult to push. If you want to run, use a jogging stroller only.

If you do have a car, make sure whatever stroller you choose fits inside easily. And give some thought to where you will put it in your house. Do you have the closet space for it, or will it block up a hallway if you have to store it there? A folded stroller in the hall might also be a tipping hazard for a crawling baby.

Stacey Ferguson, an attorney and mother of three is on her fourth stroller. Like many parents, she started with a travel system and later added a lightweight umbrella stroller for easier quick trips. When her second child came along, she got a tandem double stroller; the older child could sit in the front, and the infant could ride in the back, snug in her car seat. By the time her third child came around, stylish modern strollers were everywhere and Ferguson wanted something "cute" and sleek. She shopped around and talked to other moms before settling on a combo model.

We asked Ferguson, who lives in Maryland, what advice she has for parents shopping for a stroller: "Get something that is not so heavy mom can't manage it on her own," she said. "It was important to me to be able to carry the stroller while carrying the diaper bag and carrying my daughter." Ferguson also recommends looking for a stroller you can open and close with one hand. "Most of the time you don't have two hands free," she said. A deep storage basket in her first stroller also made a big difference when she was out running errands. She advises parents to find a stroller that either comes with a car seat (such as a travel system) or is compatible with an infant car seat you already own, "even if it doesn't match, or is not the same brand."

In addition to combos and travel systems, you can buy tandem strollers that hold two children, one behind the other, or side-by-side strollers. Depending on the model and configuration, some of these can be used with children of different ages. You might see strollers with a little platform in the back so an older child can stand up and ride along while a younger sibling is in the stroller seat in front, but we don't recommend these. The standing child could slip or fall.

Even if you buy a nice modern lightweight stroller, you still may find yourself needing (or wanting) accessories such as a parasol, rain cover, netting to keep out bugs, a shopping basket, and more. The world of accessories is huge--and of course, they can drive up the final price of a stroller. Instead, you might be very happy to pay a little extra up front for a stroller with built-in cup holders for your baby bottles, adjustable handle bars, and a special clip for your cell phone.

If you're baffled by the choices, you can always start with a basic universal seat-carrier frame for your infant car seat, then decide what might work best after you get used to going out with your baby.

Make sure you have enough room in your trunk for the stroller you're considering if you'll put it there. These days Ferguson drives a vehicle that can seat seven passengers, but when she goes grocery shopping there's not enough room in her trunk for the food plus the stroller, so it gets pushed into the front passenger seat.

Strollers are popular baby gifts and shower presents. But make sure you put the one you want on your registry, and shop for it yourself by pushing a few different models around the showroom floor. If you end up using your stroller heavily--and your baby will spend a lot of time in it--you should love the one you end up with.

As you can see from our Ratings, there's a wide price range among stroller types and brands. What makes one stroller worth $100 and another $1,000 or more? Several things drive up the price.

More expensive strollers are usually made of high-grade, lighter-weight aluminum, making them easier to lift in and out of a car or onto a bus. At the higher end, these strollers may also give you more options when it comes to selecting fabric and choosing a designer label and fancier seating options. The pricier models, such as a $600 Bugaboo Bee, for example, let you change the direction your baby faces--out toward the world or looking at you. But you can find less-expensive strollers that are lightweight and are packed with features. The Pliko Switch Stroller by Peg Perego costs about $400, will take a car seat, has height-adjustable handlebars, and even lets you switch the direction baby faces. The Graco Spree Travel System lets you fold it up with one hand and has a multiposition reclining seat. It sells for about $160. Like many travel systems, these models tend to be durable enough to be passed along from child to child.

So remember, a higher price doesn't always mean higher quality. Consumer Reports' tests have found that some economical strollers perform as well or better than models costing hundreds of dollars more. Even the priciest models we've tested in our labs can have typical stroller flaws: frames that bend out of shape, locking mechanisms that fail, safety belts that come loose, or buckles that break.

In the end, a much lower-priced stroller might serve you well. A lot depends on where and how much you'll use it. For infrequent travel or trips to the mall, a lower-end umbrella stroller (less than $100) might be all you need once your baby is old enough to sit up. But if you're going to be out more often and in all kinds of weather and conditions, or you'd like the stroller to last for more than one child, consider spending more. Your child will be more comfortable, too. Good-quality traditional strollers start in the low $100s.

Many companies now have extensive photo galleries, video demos, and "virtual" test drives posted online. You can watch videos of parents pushing their children, or, like the video on the BOB stroller site, you can watch parents run with a jogging stroller. Some websites will show you combo strollers being closed, opened, and reconfigured like a Transformer toy made for modern parents.

Even if you spend time online, it's best to check out strollers in person. Are you comfortable with the handle height and the grip? Are the brakes or locking mechanisms easy to use? Compare maneuverability between models, and practice opening and closing the strollers--with one hand as well as two. See if it's easy to adjust the backrest, lift and carry the stroller, and apply the brakes. Make sure you can stand erect when you push the stroller and that your legs and feet don't hit the wheels as you walk. If you're going to share the stroller with a partner, both of you should try it out. If possible, take the floor model out to your car to be sure it will fit in your trunk when it's folded, and bring along a measuring tape. Also, jiggle the stroller; the frame should feel solid, not loose.

Since newborns can't sit up on their own, they need a stroller that lets them lie on their back for the first few months, or one that can accept an infant car seat. Don't put a newborn or young infant into a traditional stroller that doesn't fully recline--including umbrella-style models. Wait until he or she can sit up, usually at about 6 months. This is important because a young infant who can't hold his head up is at risk of positional asphyxia if not properly reclined, meaning that his head could fall forward, restricting his breathing.

If the stroller you buy doesn't have a bassinet feature but fully reclines, make sure it has cushioning around all sides. Some strollers have features to prevent your baby from slipping through the leg openings.

Some combo strollers accept a car seat or come with seats that similar to infant car seats. If you buy a combo that allows you to adjust the seat angle for babies of different ages, be sure you recline the seat properly for a newborn. Also make sure you read the manual; some combos that come with a bassinet, for example, also come with an infant seat, but you aren't supposed to use the seat until your child is at least 3 months old. With these, as with all strollers, it's important to use the 5-point harness.

Search the stroller's frame or carton for a sticker showing that the manufacturer takes part in the certification program administered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), and that the product meets the minimum requirements of ASTM International, (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials). The current key tests are for the restraint system, brakes, leg openings, and locking mechanisms that prevent accidental folding, and for stability and the absence of sharp edges. The certification program is voluntary, and so models from uncertified companies might be as safe as those from certified ones. Plus, our testing has found that certified models don't always meet ASTM standards.

Still, to be on the safe side, choose a certified model. Companies that sell certified strollers include Baby Trend, Britax, Bugaboo, Chicco, Delta Enterprise, Dorel Juvenile Group, Evenflo, Go-Go Babyz, Graco, Hauck Fun for Kids, Joovy, Kolcraft, Maclaren, and Peg-Pérego.

Most stroller manufacturers and retailers offer warranties that cover poor workmanship and inherent flaws, but they won't necessarily take back a stroller if it malfunctions. You might have to return to the store for a replacement or ship the stroller back to the manufacturer for repair --at your expense--leaving you stranded without baby wheels. A puncture to the wheel of your high-end stroller may not be considered a manufacturing defect, and you'll have to pay to repair the tire or possibly get a new inner tube for it. Your best bet is to purchase the stroller from a store, catalog, or website that will let you return it if you're not satisfied. Some manufacturers have 30-day money-back guarantees.

Shop at a store with a flexible or long-term return policy, since you might buy your stroller or register for one many months ahead of your due date. And keep the stroller's packaging until you're sure you're happy with it.

A lightweight universal frame like the Baby Trend Snap-n-Go accepts almost every brand and model of infant seat, and allows your baby to go strolling while still in his car seat. The Sit-n-Stand is made for twins and can hold two infant car seats.

This type of stroller, such as the Quinny Buzz 3, is a hybrid that consists of a stroller chassis with wheels. It can be used with a removable bassinet (usually included, depending on the configuration you select) so your newborn baby can lie flat. Some can accept various car seats once you purchase special adapters; some have optional car seats made to work specifically with their chassis. Some also offer a reversible stroller seat that can be used when your baby is ready to sit up and see the world.

An all-in-one travel system, such as the Graco Quattro Tour Sport, consists of an infant car seat, a car seat base, and a stroller.

A lightweight stroller, such as the UPPAbaby G-Lite, often has curved handles (like an umbrella) and is easy to fold. They're perfect for traveling or for quick trips around town with babies who can sit up.

These three-wheel strollers for serious runners, such as the Schwinn Free Runner Jogging Stroller, let you push your child while you run or jog. They have a hand brake in addition to a foot-operated "parking" brake; a fixed (nonswiveling) or lockable (swiveling) front wheel; and large, air-filled tires. The long, high handlebar is designed to give running feet and legs more space to avoid bumping into the stroller's frame. There's a wrist strap (to be attached to your wrist and the stroller at all times when running with a child) that gives more control and keeps the stroller from rolling away in case you fall or trip. On some brands, the large front wheel doesn't swivel; on others, it swivels but can be locked into place. Some manufacturers suggest that a child as young as 8 weeks old can ride in a jogging stroller while his parent runs, but our medical consultants say that a baby should be at least 1 year old. For running, we recommend a jogging stroller with a fixed, not lockable, swiveling front wheel for safety.

These three-wheel strollers (or traditional-style strollers now available with larger tires) let you push your child on a variety of surfaces. All-terrains have a rugged, outdoorsy look, such as the InSTEP Safari 11-AR245. While the three-wheel design mimics jogging strollers, all-terrains shouldn't be used for running unless the user's manual specifically says you can. (Our shoppers have seen strollers in stores displayed in the "jogging/running" section that are not meant for running.) All have a front wheel that swivels for easier maneuvering on smoother surfaces but can be locked for use on rougher surfaces. With few exceptions, most all-terrains are not suited for babies under 6 months old, though some can be used with an infant car seat.

These models are reminiscent of old-fashioned English-style prams and provide ample, flat sleeping space for infants. Some have large wheels with spokes and compartments, or "carry cots," that can be removed and used as a bassinet. If you want your baby to lie flat when strolling, also consider a combo stroller that comes with a bassinet and other attachments that will grow with your baby.

These strollers, such as the Graco Quattro Tour Duo Stroller, have one seat directly behind the other. They're the same width as single-passenger strollers and fit through doorways and store aisles. But while the rear seat can recline on some models, the front one usually can't without limiting the space of the rear passenger. On some tandems, you can set the seats so the passengers face each other. Others have a "stadium seat" that allows the child in back to see over the one in front. There are also models, such as phil&teds Explorer Buggy, that let one child sit in the front and another in the rear, below the top seat. You can also find tandem strollers that will hold triplets.

The side-by-side has two seats attached to a single frame or a unit resembling two strollers bolted together. If your kids are at least 6 months old and can hold their head upright, you can create your own side-by-side by joining two umbrella strollers with a set of screw-on brackets, available at baby discount chains and specialty stores. Use the brackets only to join two strollers of the same model, otherwise the strollers might not maneuver properly. Be careful to attach them securely and check the brackets regularly. The features on side-by-side strollers are similar to those on single-passenger models. This type of stroller, such as the Maclaren Twin Triumph Stroller, works best for children of about the same weight, such as twins. Each seat has an independent reclining mechanism.

This category runs the gamut from lightweight, such as the Graco Spree Travel System, where the stroller weighs 18.5 pounds (with the infant car seat attached, the weight goes up to 26 pounds), to heavy-duty models that weigh 35 pounds or more. If you get a stroller made for twins, the weight can climb. The Graco Quattro Tour Duo Stroller can be used for a toddler and an infant, two toddlers, or twin babies. It weighs just over 40 pounds. Heavy-duty strollers are somewhat bulky but stable, deep, and roomy. Some models might have shock absorbers on all wheels and many other features, while others are bare-bones. Many strollers have a two-step, one-handed release for folding. Some models are available as part of a travel system, and some might fall into the combo category as well.

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. Some models we tested in the past had crotch straps that could be bypassed. A durable five-point harness with a crotch strap will keep a baby or toddler from sliding down and out of the stroller.

According to ASTM International , formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, using a crotch strap is mandatory when a waist strap is in use. (The same goes for the safety harness in your car seat and high chair, which must have a crotch strap or post to keep baby from slipping out.)

Look for harness buckles that are easy for adults to operate, but difficult for small hands to unfasten. If you're shopping with your baby, check the harness to make sure it's strong and durable but also fits snugly as well as comfortably around your child. The straps should be adjustable for proper fit, and securely anchored.

A stroller with solid wheels rather than air-filled tires is perfectly fine for most people. But some parents like the look of all-terrain or jogging strollers, which come with larger, often air-filled, tires and a rugged, off-road appearance. Larger wheels do make it easier to negotiate curbs or other rough or uneven paths--think nature walks or strolling in the city. They're a bit easier to push, but unless the wheels swivel, they may be harder to maneuver on, say, a crowded city street. A lockable front-swivel wheel is a good choice, and most all-terrains models have that these days. Big wheels eat up trunk space, too. While you may like the feel of air-filled tires, they can become a maintenance chore, since the air pressure needs to be maintained and a flat tire when you are out with baby could wreck your whole day.

Most strollers now have double wheels on the front that swivel to make steering easier. Some feature two positions for the front wheels: full swivel (useful for smooth surfaces) or locked in one forward-facing position (better for rougher terrain). When you choose a jogging stroller, the safest option is a model with a fixed front wheel.

Carriages and strollers designed for newborns or young infants, if they're flat or fully recline, must have leg holes that fully close so an infant can't slip through them. Between 1995 and 2008, 10 infant deaths involved unharnessed babies whose bodies slipped underneath the tray or grab bar in their strollers but whose heads were caught up on the tray or bar, causing the babies to strangle. Manufacturers use mesh or fabric shields or hinged, molded footrests that raise and clamp over the leg holes and can resist 20 pounds of force. According to the industry's voluntary standard, if a stroller has leg holes that can't be closed, the stroller shouldn't be able to fully recline. This standard is meant to prevent using the stroller with a newborn. Even with the leg holes closed, we recommend that the stroller's harness still be used to secure your baby.

Some combo stroller systems offer bassinet or carry-cot attachments. We have some safety concerns about these--see Nap or nighty-night?

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 of utmost importance to your child's safety. Many models have parking brakes that are activated with plastic cogs that engage with the sprockets of the rear wheels. Some traditional, umbrella, and combo strollers 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. Avoid models that might hurt your feet when you engage or disengage the brakes with light shoes or bare feet.

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. Depending on the type, these can range in price. Graco offers a $15 clip-on parasol for their umbrella strollers, while Bugaboo sells one for $40.

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.

This is essential for when you need to open or fold the stroller with one hand while holding the baby with the other. The best strollers fold into compact positions in a matter of seconds. Those that stay upright when folded are convenient when putting the stroller in a closet or hallway, but make sure your child can't reach it and knock it over. Always make sure your child is away from the stroller when you open or close it. Many serious injuries to children have occurred during the opening and closing of strollers. (See stroller safety tips.)

Strollers often have a tray where babies can rest their arms or keep snacks or toys (until they toss the stuff off the tray, anyway). Some models have a grab bar instead of a tray. A stroller tray or bar should be removable or swing open, rather than be permanently attached to both sides, to make it easier to get your baby or toddler seated and harnessed, to clean it in the sink, and possibly make it easier to fold the stroller. If the tray comes with attached toys, make sure they are securely fastened and check their size. Some strollers have been recalled because small parts on their play tray's toys pose a choking hazard. (No toy part should be small enough to fit through a toilet-paper tube.)

A footrest can help your child sit more comfortably without their legs dangling, but many are too low to help any but the tallest toddlers. Some higher-end models have adjustable-height footrests. Likewise, you should check that the front rim of the seat is soft and won't press uncomfortably into the back of your child's knees or legs.

Many strollers have a cup holder for you and one for your child. They're a welcome feature for both--but keep hot drinks away from your baby. (Make sure you read the manufacturer's guidelines before you put a steaming cup of java in your cup holder.)The parent tray is usually molded with a cup holder or compartment for keys, cell phone, and other small items. Some models let you buy a separate clip-on holder for a cell phone or other small electronic device. If you get a stroller without a parent tray, you can purchase various small bags or pouches made to strap onto the handlebars, but they should be accessories approved by your stroller manufacturer.

Several strollers have protective leg coverings, "boots" or "foot muffs" made of a matching fabric that can snap over baby's legs for warmth. That's a feature to look for, especially if you live in a cold climate. But if your stroller-of-choice doesn't offer one, you can by a separate stroller cover or and buntings for around $15 to $30. Some look like miniature sleeping bags.

Many strollers of all types and price ranges (even umbrellas) have some type of suspension or shock absorber (covered springs or rubber pads above the wheel assemblies) near the wheel mechanism. Air-filled tires can help to give baby an even smoother ride. Softer suspension offers a smooth ride, but a too-soft ride can come at the expense of steering control. Make sure you like the feel of the stroller and how it handles.

Today, the range of stroller fabrics and prints is far greater than ever before so you should have no problem finding something that suits your style. Keep in mind that you want a fabric that will make it easy to wipe up spit-ups and crushed snacks. It's great if you can throw the entire seat cover into the wash without needing to worry too much about shrinking, fading, or puckering. Look for a removable seat and laundry instructions before you buy. There are usually attached tags or printed instructions inside the packaging. It's also a good idea to make sure that there are instructions for reattaching the cover after you've laundered it.

Many strollers have this important safety feature. If yours doesn't, wear light-colored or reflective clothing so you can be seen on gloomy days. Even with a stroller with reflective trim, we don't suggest strolling near traffic in twilight or in the dark. Jogging strollers especially should have reflectors on them.

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. When shopping for a stroller, press on the storage basket's floor; it shouldn't drag on the ground when loaded. Some strollers have storage pouches with elastic top edges in back of or in place of a storage basket. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for all storage areas. Don't hang any bags on handlebars; the stroller can tip back if overloaded.

BOB (short for Beast of Burden) started out in 1994 making bike trailers for child passengers. Today, the company also makes accessories for bike trailers, strollers, and car seats, plus a variety of strollers for the active family.
www.bobgear.com

The original creator of the three-wheeled jogging stroller still produces joggers and all-terrain strollers (singles and doubles) in the midpriced range. It has also recently introduced traditional strollers for everyday use.  Available at specialty stores, baby superstores, and online.

www.babyjogger.com

This worldwide company has been manufacturing juvenile products for 22 years, from car seats to strollers to nursery centers to high chairs. Available online or wherever children’s products are sold. 
www.babytrend.com

The company has been making car seats and strollers for more than 70 years. It made its U.S. debut in 1996. Britax products are available through independent and mass retailers.
www.britaxusa.com

This high-end European stroller manufacturer became a huge sensation after an appearance on a popular TV show in 2002. Its compact strollers are customizable, easy to use, and some are available with a bassinet. Accessories include adapters to convert the stroller seat to a car seat. Check the company’s website for retailers in your area.
www.bugaboo.com
 

Pronounced “kee-co,” this Italian brand was established in 1958. It is a multinational company that specializes in making clothing and equipment for babies and toddlers, including strollers, high chairs, car seats, and toys. Available online and at most retailers.
www.chiccousa.com

Combi USA was established in 1989, a subsidiary of the Japanese-based company that was established in 1957. It is recognized for its numerous baby products, from play yards to swings to strollers. It also manufactures infant frame carriers and most recently, car seats. Available at baby superstores and specialty retailers, and online.

www.combiusa.com

Established in 1967, Delta manufactures nursery and toddler room furniture, strollers, bassinets, and play yards. Available at Target, Walmart, Kmart, and Toys "R" Us. 
www.deltachildren.com

Dorel Juvenile Group manufactures the Safety 1st, Cosco, Quinny, Maxi-Cosi, and InStep brands, plus licensed brands including Disney and Eddie Bauer. Available at most retailers and online.
www.djgusa.com/usa/eng/

For more than 85 years, Evenflo has been making products for children from birth to preschool age, including car seats, strollers, high chairs, and play yards, among other baby care products. Available at most retailers and online. 
www.evenflo.com

This family-oriented company says it “develops unique solutions for strollers and car seats,” such as the Travelmate. The company also claims to make some of its products from recycled materials. Available at Babies "R" Us and Buy Buy Baby, among others, and online. 
www.gogobabyz.com
 

From a metal-products company in the 1950s grew a baby products company with the creation of the popular baby swing, Swyngomatic. Graco now manufactures a full line of juvenile products, from nursery products and activity centers to strollers and car seats. Available everywhere and online.
www.gracobaby.com
 

This British company was founded in 1921. Manufacturers of infant bedding, cribs, high chairs, diaper bags, strollers, car seats, and travel beds, the company also markets its products under the Disney, Esprit, Traxx, and i’coo brand names. Available online.
www.Hauckuk.com
 

Makers of fixed-wheel strollers, swivel-wheel strollers, bike trailers, and pedal cars, this Madison, Wis., company is a division of Dorel Juvenile Group. Available at Target, Toys "R" Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Buy Buy Baby, and other juvenile product retailers, and on the company’s website.
www.instep.net
 

An Italian company specializing in juvenile products such as strollers and high chairs. Its stroller line includes lightweight, traditional, and pram-type strollers in the medium-to-high price range. Inglesina is sold mostly at specialty stores and online.

www.inglesina.com

J. Mason is a manufacturer of strollers, play yards, swings, and many other products for babies. Available online at furniturefind.com.
www.furniturefind.com/J.-Mason-C31683.html

This family-run, U.S.-based company manufactures strollers, high chairs, and play yards, with a full line of accessories for its products. It has sites in Dallas and Orange County, Calif. Available online and at Buy Buy Baby.
www.joovy.com

This company has a line of fitness products that includes child carriers and single and double joggers. Available mostly at sporting goods stores and online.

www.kelty.com

Founded in 1946, Kolcraft manufactures play yards, high chairs, walkers, strollers, bassinets, bouncers, swings, and other juvenile furniture. The company is partnered with brand names such as Jeep, Sesame Street, Contours, and Sealy to produce a variety of children's products. Available online and wherever juvenile products are sold.
www.kolcraft.com
 

Begun in 1965, when Owen Maclaren designed and patented his prototype Baby Buggy, the B-01. Today’s Maclaren Buggys are descendants of the B-01, from the lightweight frame to the durable fabric and one-hand-fold feature. Available where junvenile products are sold and online. 
www.maclarenbaby.com
 

A California-based manufacturer of high-end strollers, bassinets, and toddler car seats. Infant car seats are part of the company’s travel system stroller. Check the company’s website to find a dealer, or buy direct from the website.
www.orbitbaby.com
 

This Italian company has been making strollers, car seats, high chairs, and other products for more than 60 years. These higher-priced products are available at Target, Babies "R" Us, and online.
www.pegperego.com
 

A division of Dorel Juvenile Products Group, Quinny makes products that are available at specialty juvenile product retailers, and on the company’s website.
www.quinny.com/ot-en

A division of Dorel Products, Schwinn is available at Amazon, Target, Toys "R" Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Buy Buy Baby,  and other juvenile product retailers. Baby products available at instep.net.
www.instep.net

Making its debut in 1877 with a perambulator, this British company now manufactures high-end strollers. Available through its U.S. website only.
www.silvercrosspramsusa.com

A Scandinavian company best recognized for its Xplory stroller.  It also sells baby furniture and accessories.  It's a high-end brand that offers modern styles.

www.stokke.com

An eco-friendly American company, UPPAbaby manufactures midpriced strollers and accessories. To reinforce its commitment to developing eco-friendly and safe baby gear, UPPAbaby has joined forces with Healthy Child Healthy World. Available at Buy Buy Baby and other specialty retailers, and online.
www.uppababy.com

This company's line includes lightweight, traditional, and double strollers and all accept infant car seats. Available mostly at specialty stores and online.

www.zooper.com

A New Zealand company, it manufactures strollers, bassinets, portable high chairs, baby carriers, and car seats for active families. Available at specialty stores (check company website for retailers near you) and on the company’s website.
www.philandteds.com

Umbrella strollers are generally not geared toward infants and don't let you attach an infant car seat. Some newer, higher-end, lightweight strollers, however, can be completely reclined for use with an infant. One umbrella stroller, retailing for about $150, for example, reclines fully and has a "boot enclosure" so baby can't slip through. Another pricier stroller (about $315) has four reclining positions, including flat, which is great for babies who can't sit up yet.

You might be eager to get outside and get back to your exercise routine. But unless they have adapters that let you mount an infant car seat, most all-terrain strollers and jogging strollers are not suitable for infants younger than 6 months, and we don't recommend them. The BOB Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller, for example, lets parents attach a separate car seat to it. But even if you can find an all-terrain or jogging stroller that lets you add on an infant car seat, that doesn't mean you should start running sprints with your baby.

Although some manufacturers suggest that it's acceptable to run with babies as young as a few months, our medical consultants have expressed concerns not only because of the jostling an infant will experience but also because of the risk of a fall to both parent and child.

Where safety is concerned, err on the side of caution. If you have no one to tend to your baby while you go for a solo run, consider hiring a babysitter to watch him or her. Failing that, don't take a child younger than a year for a run in a jogging stroller, and make sure the child is secured with a 5-point harness.

Keep in mind that when you head to a store looking for an all-terrain model, they might be mislabeled. A store might display a model and call it an "all terrain" when it's just a regular stroller. We've also seen jogging strollers labeled incorrectly. If you want to be sure--especially if you want to run with your baby when she's older--make sure you take a look at the manufacturer's manual before you buy.

(See Types for more specifics of each stroller type.)

Take your time, read the manual that comes with your model, and try out all the features before you take your child for a ride. For example, if the stroller has various positions, can you lower the backrest easily? Are the buckles on the restraint straps snapping into place properly? Do you know how to attach your infant car seat to the stroller or stroller frame and lock it in place? Take your new wheels for a dry run before you put your baby in.

A stroller purchased years ago might have since been recalled. Your neighbor might be happy to hand you his old one, or you might have been storing one. Before you dust it off, however, check with the manufacturer or the Consumer Product Safety Commission to see if it's been recalled.

Also check the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the agency that recalls child car seats (which may have come with your travel system), for their databases of child car seat recalls and defect investigations. Even if it hasn't been recalled, an older stroller might not meet the latest safety standards. Besides, many new strollers have features that make them easier and more fun to use.

When you lock the front door of your home or buckle your vehicle's safety belt, you're in the habit of listening for that all important "click." Get in the same habit when opening your child's stroller. It's easy to skip this step when you're in a rush, and some strollers require force and effort to fully lock. Another young sibling might wedge a little finger in a still-open hinge, or the stroller might fold up with your child trapped inside.

In the past few years there have been recalls issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for several strollers because the hinges lacerated and in some cases amputated children's fingers. Before you use a new or used umbrella stroller, make sure that it comes with hinge covers.

"When folding or unfolding the stroller, keep the baby's hands away from the areas that could pinch tiny fingers," warns Linda Woody from the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association.

Regularly check your stroller for wear and tear, and make sure sharp edges haven't become exposed and that fabric isn't frayed. You can check the manufacturer's manual for notes on maintaining the stroller.

Use the restraint system every time you put your child in the stroller, just like you do when placing him in a car seat. Even when your child is older or asleep, make sure that the straps are in place and the restraint buckles are locked. (A really determined toddler can wiggle out of a three-point harness, so opt for a five-point, over-the-shoulder restraint system.) You'd be surprised how little it takes to bounce an unharnessed baby out of his seat. A bump in a sidewalk or tipping the stroller up a curb awkwardly could send your baby forward onto his face.

Don't ever take a stroller with a child in it onto an escalator; use a ramp or elevator instead. If you absolutely have no choice, get another adult to help you. One person should hold the stroller at the top and the other at the bottom.

You should also avoid taking your child up and down stairs when she is in a stroller. If there is no ramp or elevator available, take your baby out, collapse the stroller, and carry it. Many serious and even fatal stroller accidents have happened on staircases.

Misaligned and loose wheels can be a chronic problem with some strollers. One sign of good construction is wheels that sit on the floor uniformly when a baby is on board. Some models will let you remove a wheel if you need to buy a replacement, but this is not true for every stroller on the market.

It only takes a slight incline or a jostle to send a stroller rolling away from you. Lock the brake when you take your hands off the stroller, even if you're stopping for just a moment. If you're on or near a bus or train with your child in the stroller, always put the brakes on. (Learn more about brakes and other features.)

If the stroller you buy comes with a bassinet for your infant, don't assume you can use it as a bassinet. (Never use a Moses basket for overnight sleeping.) Check the manufacturer's guidelines. Note whether you have to purchase a separate mattress for the bassinet or whether the stroller system comes with it. Some manufacturers also offer separate stands to put the stroller bassinet on when you're home. We haven't tested those.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has safety standards for bassinets and rules for strollers, but bassinets that attach to strollers have fallen through the cracks of federal regulation. For one thing, there is no requirement that they have harnesses. To address this concern, if you want a stroller that comes with a bassinet, look for one with some sort of harness. A few manufacturers now include them, such as the Orbit Bassinet Cradle G2 (which has a two-point harness) and the Quinny Dreami Bassinet for Buzz Stroller (which has a three-point harness). Another option is simply to buy a stroller that fully reclines and close off the leg holes.

Additionally, the CSPC requires that mattresses in stand-alone bassinets be no more than 1.5 inches thick. This is to avoid very deep, plush surfaces where a child, unable to turn over or turn his head, could suffocate. Gaps between the sides and the mattresses should be no more than half an inch when the pad is placed in the center of the bassinet.

We think the CPSC should require stroller bassinets to comply with the same standards as stand-alone bassinets, and we suggest you keep those standards in mind if you purchase a bassinet that attaches to a stroller.

Resist the temptation to toss a shopping bag or diaper bag over the stroller's handles, because there's a risk that the stroller will tip backward with your baby inside. Use the basket under your stroller instead; if you know you'll want room for lots of stuff, look for a stroller that has ample space. Adding long straps to your diaper bag or clips to your stroller's handlebars to hold things is not a good solution and can upset the balance. Unless the stroller manufacturer says something is an approved accessory for your specific stroller, don't use it.

If you expect to carry more cargo than your stroller's basket can handle, use a light backpack--worn on your back, not placed on the stroller handlebars--or bring along a foldable, reusable shopping bag with long straps. You can hang the shopping bag on your shoulder. Buying a large backpack-style diaper bag is also a hands-free way to stow purchases and baby gear throughout the day.