Baby Stroller Buying Guide
The stroller is one of the big-ticket items you’ll need for your new baby, and for most moms, it’s something you’ll be using A LOT. So it’s important to do your homework and invest in a stroller that fits your lifestyle. These are the kinds of questions you should be asking yourself when considering strollers:
- How many children do you plan to have? How close in age?
- Do you live in an urban, suburban or rural setting?
- Will you need to get the stroller in and out of a car or onto public transportation frequently? Up and down stairs?
- What features are important to you (under seat storage, sun canopy, recline etc.)?
Here are some strollers I’ve reviewed. I recommend taking a stroller for a test drive at a store before purchasing it, but I hope this list helps you make your choice! For my complete guide to all the gear and play items you need for your baby, click here.
2012 UppaBaby Vista Stroller (get my full review here):
- Amazon.com: $699
- Buy Buy Baby (where it’s available exclusively in a fun, bright pink color): $699.99
- Albee Baby: $699.99
And you can sometimes score deals on eBay, just make sure you’re buying from a trusted seller.
Specs:
- Stroller and seat weigh 25.5 lbs.
- Suitable from birth to 6 months with bassinet top; 3 months to 50 lbs. with toddler seat
Includes:
- Rain Cover
- Mosquito Cover
- Bassinet Top for a Newborn
Sold Separately:
- UppaBaby Vista Cup Holder: $21.70
- UppaBaby Vista Snack Tray: $31.48
- Car Seat Adapter (Maxi-Cosi, Graco, Chicco, Peg Perego): Prices vary
2012 Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller (get my full review here):
- Albee Baby: $249.99
- Diapers.com: $249.99
- Babies ‘R Us has the 2011 model, which offers comparable features, on sale for $199.99.
Specs:
- Weighs 16.8 lbs.
- No age recommendations specified, but likely best to use with a car seat adapter until your baby is 6 months old or so.
Includes:
- Weather cover for seat
Sold Separately:
- Car Seat Adaptor (compatible with Peg Perego Primo Viaggio, Britax Companion, and most Graco and Evenflo models. Not compatible with Britax carseats manufactured after 2010): $69.95. Chicco Car Seat Adaptor: $69.95
- Baby Jogger Liquid Holster: $19.95
- Baby Jogger Parent Console, Universal: $29.95
- Rain Cover: $34.95
- Baby Jogger Child Tray: $19.95
2011 Baby Jogger City Mini Deluxe Double Stroller (get my full review here):
- Baby Jogger 2011 City Mini Double Stroller: $404.99
- Albee Baby: $399.99
Specs:
- Stroller weighs 26.6 lbs.
- Weight limit up to 100 lbs. Age not specified, but probably best from 6 months old unless you’re using an infant car seat adapter for a younger child.
Includes:
- Weather Cover for Seat
Sold separately:
- Cup Holder: $19.95
- Baby Jogger Parent Console, Universal: $29.95
- Double Child Tray: $19.95
- Double Rain Cover: $59.95
2012 Britax B-Ready Stroller (get my full review here):
- Diapers.com: $424.99
You can also purchase this stroller with a second seat to accommodate an older child:
- Albee Baby: $519.98
Specs:
- Stroller weighs 26 lbs. (36 lbs. with the second seat)
- Suitable From 6 months up to 55 lbs. (Use with infant car seat from birth to 6 months)
Includes:
- Cup Holder
- Compatible with Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seat (no adapter needed)
Sold Separately:
- Car Seat Adapter: $39.99 (for Chicco Key Fit, Chicco Key Fit 30, Graco Snugride 32, Graco Snugride 35, and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio)
- Britax B-Ready Full Rain Cover: $49.99
2011 UppaBaby G-Luxe Stroller (get my full review here):
- Albee Baby: $189.99
- Amazon.com: $189.99
If the recline feature isn’t important to you, the UPPAbaby G-Lite stroller is available at a slightly lower price: $119.99.
Specs:
- Weighs 11 lbs.
- Suitable from 3 months to 50 lbs.
Includes:
- Cup Holder
- Carry Strap
Sold Separately:
2012 Maclaren Triumph Stroller (get my full review here):
- Babies R Us: $184.99
- Albee Baby: $185
Specs:
- Weighs 11.5 lbs.
- Suitable from 6 months to 55 lbs.
Includes:
- Rain Cover
- Carry Strap
Sold Separately:
- Cup Holder: $12
2012 Maclaren Volo Stroller (get my full review here):
- Diapers.com: $129.99
- AlbeeBaby.com has a coffee/silver model available for $94.99
Specs:
- Weighs 8.6 lbs.
- Suitable from 6 months to 55 lbs.
Includes:
- Carry Strap
- Rain CCover
Sold Separately:
- Cup Holder: $12
2012 Chicco C6 Stroller (get my full review here):
- AlbeeBaby.com: $69.99
- Target: $69.99 with free shipping!
Specs:
- Weighs 11 lbs.
- Suitable from 6 months to 37 lbs.
Sold separately:
- Universal Cup Holder: $13.73 (Chicco does not make one)
Happy strolling!
Prices are subject to change.