If you go to any baby equipment store or visit one online, you will quickly see that there are many types of baby strollers available on the market today: strollers for newborns, toddlers, twins, triplets, and more! And there's a stroller for just about any activity a parent would like to do with their child. It's overwhelming to look at the endless variety of models out there. Here's a summary of the different types to help you decide what kind of stroller you need:
Umbrella stroller - the smallest, lightest and most basic baby stroller available, and therefore it is also the least expensive. It gets its name from the curved double handles and from the fact that it folds up easily and compactly like an umbrella.
Stroller Umbrella
Lightweight stroller - a mid-sized stroller that can have many features such as a canopy, a cup holder and a basket, depending on the price you're willing to pay.
Stroller travel system - a good-sized stroller with an infant car seat that clips in and out. If you are planning to buy only one stroller, this may be the one you need, however be aware that some experts consider them to be too heavy. Furthermore, the lower quality of some of these strollers may lead you to buy something else after your baby has outgrown his infant car seat.
Universal car seat carrier - a metal frame with stroller wheels onto which you can clip most brands of infant car seats. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to transport a newborn, this is it.
Multi-function stroller - a stroller frame on wheels that can accommodate either a bassinet, an infant car seat or a regular child seat, depending on your needs as your child grows.
Jogging stroller - a true jogging stroller that is designed for serious running has three large inflatable tires, with a fixed front tire, a sleek frame, good suspension and shock absorbers to offer a more comfortable, smoother ride for baby. There are also other "jogging" strollers for sale that have front swivel wheels, but they are better used for power walking.
All-terrain stroller - also called a sport stroller or sport utility stroller. This type of stroller is great if you're not into jogging, but like to take long walks or hikes on or off paved walkways. If you're not a walker or a runner, you may just like the ease of use and the look of this three-wheeled, sporty stroller.
Multi-child stroller - this type of stroller, which includes double and triple strollers, is built for transporting twins or triplets. It can also be used for two children who are close in age or even three children of similar ages (for example, a toddler and twin babies).
Carriage stroller or pram - is essentially a traditional solid backward-facing bassinet on a frame with four large fixed wheels, or a more modern bassinet attached to a frame with swivel wheels.
Bike trailer/stroller combination - with this you can bicycle somewhere, park your bike and walk somewhere else, while your child stays safe and comfortable. Some models have lots of storage space in the back to hold supplies for long outings.
Multi-use child carrier - is perfect for doing multiple activities such as walking, jogging, biking, hiking and even cross-country skiing. You don't need to have a different carrier for each activity, which reduces the expense, hassle and the need for lots of storage space in your garage!
As you can see, there is a baby stroller for almost every type of activity imaginable. In fact, many parents end up purchasing more than one stroller in order to be able to do different types of activities. Remember, the "perfect" stroller doesn't exist. Always keeping in mind your family's lifestyle when deciding on what to buy will help you avoid "stroller regret" later on.