Stroller & Jogger Guide
Transport Your Tyke in Style Without Running Over Your Budget
Baby & Toddler Strollers & Joggers
One of the greatest joys of parenthood is the opportunity to introduce a brand new person to the world – and vice versa! Whether you’re planning a pleasant sunny walk through the park or a lengthy road trip to visit the relatives, get things rolling with the perfect child transportation system for your family! Of course, the key to making an informed decision in this area is knowing exactly what use (or uses) you intend to make of your new stroller or jogger.
Sit down and make a careful checklist of all the places, seasons and situations you and your little one will be likely to go strolling through. Will this be strictly a fair-weather vehicle? Or do you expect to have to deal with adverse conditions like rain and snow? (For Canadians, the latter seems the more likely answer!) Do you want a stroller that can accommodate a growing child through various stages of development – or perhaps even multiple kids? Are you planning to work off that parental stress by getting in some jogging while your baby takes in the sights? Perhaps most important of all: do you already have a trustworthy car seat in place? Or would you like to buy a stroller that you can convert to serve that purpose as well?
Once you’ve got your checklist items prioritized, you’ll be ready to browse through this guide’s categories for the vehicle (or vehicles) and accoutrements your family will need. For example, if you dream of promenading your progeny through the park in the Rolls Royce of baby buggies, check out the classic pram section. If you’re just looking for a sturdy, functional, all-weather stroller, browse through the conventional strollers section. Athletic parents will want to investigate the jogger section, for vehicles that can keep pace with their exercise routines. Finally, parents in search of a multifunctional device that will carry the baby from door to back seat to door will find exactly what they need under the convertible travel systems header. Of course, there’s no law that says you have to restrict yourself to one vehicle for your youngster – if your plans are diverse enough, you might want to give yourself some room to manoeuvre by parking a pair of these devices in the baby garage! And don’t forget to accessorize – as any proud parent knows: in life, it’s the little things that count!
Classic Prams
Turn your daughter or son into a pram queen or king with a truly luxurious transportation system. Bring a little old world elegance into your new baby’s life with these classic bassinets on suspension springs. The great advantage of a pram – other than its aesthetically pleasing design (certainly a very important factor) – is that it’s every bit as comfortable as the crib, which makes it ideal for long strolls through the park with lots of long pauses for picnics (for you) and naps (for the little one). These vehicles also benefit from features like oversized wheels and suspension springs, providing the smoothest possible ride for your baby.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that prams are only meant to transport infants. If you’re looking for a stroller that will accommodate your baby well into his or her toddler years, a pram is not for you. Additionally, it’s important to remember that prams were never meant to deal with rugged weather conditions like torrential rain or blizzards. Prams are luxury items – costing up to six times as much as some top of the line conventional strollers –so make certain that there’s room in your budget to purchase a vehicle that will have to be replaced as soon as your baby passes the one year mark. The best strategy, for those who can spare the cash, might be to buy a pram and a conventional stroller (since you’ll need the latter eventually anyway). That way, you can keep your pram is pristine condition by taking it out only on those truly perfect days when the sun will glint off its beautiful chrome fixtures. Of course, if you’re just starting a family, that pram can be pressed back into service when your baby’s sibling comes along – and, once you’ve got a full house, you can make a friend for life by making it a glorious gift to a neighbour in need!
The best traditional prams are still made in Europe (especially in Italy, home of Inglesina, perhaps the most recognized brand name in this field) – and can sell for anywhere from $800 to 1400. If that’s too steep for your budget, mid-range prams from i’coo (many of which can be converted into traditional strollers, when the time comes) sell for anywhere from $400 to $600. Inglesina also sells its pram bassinets and sophisticated wheel/suspension systems separately, which could come in handy, should one part of your valuable investment ever become damaged!
Conventional Strollers
This category includes everything from inexpensive gadabout strollers to twin-seated models to rugged, ergonomically designed push-chairs. Among the most important considerations before taking the plunge on a conventional stroller are: budget, family size, weather/geographical conditions and storage/travel requirements.
Conventional strollers can sell for anywhere from around $50 (for a lightweight Dream On Me model) to around $1100 (for a Freedom PushChair from Advance Mobility). As always, buyers should keep in mind that lower prices generally mean less sturdy construction, less comfort and fewer special features (i.e. many of the most expensive models come with special, ergonomically designed handles for your comfort, as well as plush accommodations for your baby).
Parents with more than one bundle of joy on their hands might buy two or three individual strollers, or might opt to put all of their transportation eggs in one handy basket with a twin or triplet model! These can sell for as little as $80 (for a Dream On Me double stroller) or as much as $1080 (for the ultra-sturdy all-weather Triplette Java model by Peg Perego).
The climatic and geographical conditions under which you plan to use your stroller could be very important factors as well. If you live in a hilly, rural area – or in a big city neighbourhood with lots of steep inclines – you might want to invest in a stroller with a handbrake to give you better control over the vehicle’s momentum. Quick release rear wheels and fixed front wheels also give you better manoeuvrability on difficult terrain or on rain- or snow-slicked streets. Many strollers come with sturdy sun canopy and weather shield protection to keep your tender little one safe from the elements – but of course these can also be purchased separately as accessories.
It’s also important to know exactly where you’ll be taking your stroller – and where you’ll be keeping it when it’s not in use. For example, if you’ll be taking it along in your car’s trunk – or if you have very limited storage space in your apartment, you’ll want a model that folds up into as compact a bundle as possible. Most strollers (unlike prams) are collapsible to at least some extent – but some are less flexible in this regard than others, so make sure you get the one you need!
Joggers
If you’re looking to turn your morning jaunt with baby into a calorie-burning excursion, a jogger is the transportation system for you! Specially designed to keep your passenger in the lap of luxury while you sweat off those parental pounds, these three-wheeled wonders are designed to follow you anywhere, at whatever speed you can muster! Like conventional strollers, they come in a wide range of price points and styles (you can even get twin or triplet joggers), and many of the same purchasing criteria will apply.
The most expensive joggers can sell for well over $1000 – and, of course, that price tag comes with an implicit guarantee of top quality materials, ergonomic comfort and many built-in accessories. At the other end of the spectrum, you can find a range of perfectly serviceable jogger models by InSTEP or Schwinn for between $130 and $200. Less expensive models generally lack the convenient extra features (including extra braking power, all-weather canopies and carrying pouches) of the top-of-the-line joggers, but many of these things can be purchased separately as accessories, so the choice is yours! As with other strollers, make certain that your jogger is flexible enough to go where you need it to go – and be stored in the space that you have allocated for that purpose. One other caveat: joggers are not usually made to accommodate children younger than six months old, so don’t start the race too early!
Convertible Travel Systems (Car Seat/Stroller)
If you’re looking to provide your baby with a seamless transition from the park to the parking lot (and back again!), a convertible travel system is your ticket to ride! This handy all-in-one device features a fully secure car seat that locks into the chassis of a stroller, so you can move your youngster from the car to the curb without disturbing his or her precious nap! Travel systems can be quite expensive, ranging all the way up to $1200 for the top of the line Orbit models, but they do provide a lot of bang for your buck. No other stroller can satisfy all of the transportation needs of a modern family on the go, so this is definitely an option to consider. Besides, there are several models by Safety 1st, Dream On and Cosco that sell in the $100 to $200 range, so there’s no need to go into four digits if your budget does not permit it.
As with other strollers, the higher price tags do indicate a certain extra degree of craftsmanship and comfort, but no system reaches the market without passing stringent Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) tests, so you can rest assured when you hit the highway with your little one safely ensconced in any of these protective car seats. (Of course, it’s always wise to double-check by looking for that seal of approval!)
Stroller & Jogger Accessories
Sun Shields
Keep your baby’s tender skin safe from strong rays with a sunshade or net! These invaluable stroller accessories range from simple mesh covers that provide shade and protection from vicious summer insects to ultra-sophisticated UV-blocking shields. A basic Sun-Net by Sunshine Kids sells for around $13, while some of the more expensive shields by Thomashilfen can go for up to $120 (some of these can also double as rain/wind canopies, so the extra money could eliminate the necessity for a second accessory). It all depends upon your budget, and how much time you expect to be spending under harsh sunlight.
Rain/Wind Canopy
Protect your youngster from an unexpected shower or gust of chill wind with an impermeable canopy for your stroller or jogger! Take the worry out of a spring or fall excursion by keeping a weatherized shield on standby at all times. These accessories range in price from $7 or $8 for basic plastic coverings to $80 or $90 for custom designed, ventilated models that can be fitted specifically to your vehicle.
If you can only afford to pay top-of-the-line prices for one of your stroller accessories, the rain/wind canopy is the one to splurge on. In general, the higher prices for the best canopies are attributable to the use of PVC-free materials. This is a very good feature, if your budget can accommodate the greater expense, because PVC (otherwise known as “vinyl”) can exert a rather unhealthy influence, emitting slightly noxious fumes that could adversely affect the sleeping child lying behind a vinyl veil.
Locks
You can park with impunity when you’ve got a retractable stroller lock to protect your stroller from theft! A lock can really come in handy when you’re visiting a small apartment or restaurant that lacks the space to accommodate a large stroller or jogger. Bring baby along for dinner without worrying that you’ll have no way to roll him or her home after dessert! For as little as $15, you can gain the power to anchor your vehicle to a bench, fence or even to another stroller! And for a little extra money (around $30), you can make things fun with an animal-themed lock from Buggy Guard.
Soft Wraps, Liners and Blankets
Add some extra comfort to your baby buggy with a little extra linen for the little ‘un! Babies are extremely sensitive to variations in temperature, so make sure you’ve always got the means to adjust for nature’s fickle tendencies. Prices range from around $90 for the 4-in-1 Miracle Wrap (which provides head to toe thermal support and can double as a picnic blanket, among other things!) to less than $20 for a reversible cotton/fleece liner from Phil and Ted’s.
Changing Bags
Don’t be caught on the road without your changing supplies! Keep everything you’ll need – from diapers to powder to baby wet wipes – in one place with a multi-compartmented changing bag. The best changing bags are carefully designed to give you the option of either slinging them over your shoulder or attaching them to your stroller.
For modish mothers, a changing bag can even double as a stylish fashion accessory! Bags come in a wide range of attractive colours, so that you can match this eminently functional accoutrement with your latest dress or outfit (not to mention your baby’s stroller!)
Most of these essential items will come with a handy a pacifier holder and foldable mat, to make changing time a snap! Prices for dedicated changing bags range from around $75 for an iCandy Lifestyle bag to about $125 for a 100% polyester Xplory bag from Stokke that makes a bold maternal statement!
Ride Along Attachments and Bicycle Hitches
Once your youngsters get a little bit too old for the stroller, give them an interesting new ride with a piggyback riding board or a pull along suitcase! These handy attachments can be hitched to a bicycle or to a younger sibling’s stroller! Uppa Baby rider boards sell for as little as $120, while Trunki’s patented animal-shaped suitcase vehicles go for as little as $35!
Pacifiers And Teethers
When you’re out and about with your baby, you want to keep things as quiet and peaceful as you can (for everyone’s sake!) So make sure to stock your stroller’s storage compartment with the simple things that keep babies happy. Pacifiers bring peace of mind to your infant through a simple, ingenious principle of substitution. The device is designed to approximate the sensations the baby associates with feeding time – the ultimate moment in any fledgling life! Later on, a teether achieves the same results by giving your growing baby a little something to exercise his or her sprouting teeth upon!
Pacifiers and teethers come in a wide range of styles, themes and price points. For example, many loveable Disney character tie-in items (including Winnie the Pooh “lollipop” rattles, 4-sided teethers and bubble center rattles) sell for between $1 and $3, while a deluxe, chewable plush toy Sophie the Giraffe teether set can cost up to $35. Manufacturers have pulled out all of the stops to provide these devices in a plethora of styles and themes, to amuse both parent and child with beloved images like soccer balls, rocking horses, lambs or even Baby Elmo (all of which will cost you less than $10)!
Baby Carriers, Slings and Backpacks
When you want to keep your little one a little closer to your heart, a personal transportation system makes a fine alternative. Leave the wheels in the garage and tote your tyke to town with the baby carrier, sling or backpack that suits you best. Higher end carriers by Kelty or LittleLife sell for anywhere from $250 to $350, but these come loaded with extra features like capacious storage compartments for all of your carry-along items, toy loops, ultra-secure, adjustable harnesses and auto-deploy kickstands (if you ever need to rest a moment!) If your budget calls for a less expensive baby backpack, you can find one for as little as $70 from Baby Bjorn—although keep in mind that lower-priced models might be less ergonomically designed, and could therefore put a greater strain upon your back, if used for lengthy periods of time.
If you’ve got a much shorter journey in mind (or even just for snuggling around the house), a front-loaded baby sling is a charming option. A durable cotton model from Little Star sells for as little as $22, and is a proven means of dramatically strengthening the bond between parent and child!
Of course, a sling isn’t ideal for long walks with your baby, because your shoulders can only bear the weight for a short period of time – but if you love the idea of carrying the baby on your chest, rather than your back, there are a number of ergonomically safe front carrier options to choose from. Snugli is perhaps the leader in this field, offering a range of models priced anywhere from $50 to $90. Another fantastic frontal carrying option is the patented “Papoose Coat” by Ergobaby, which sells for around $160 (and doubles as a warm outer garment for Mom – or Dad!)
Get the Best Deals on Your Family’s Newest Set of Wheels
For the first few years of each of your children’s lives, you’ll depend heavily on prams, strollers, joggers and other child transportation systems in order to convey your kids comfortably and safely to the park, to the nursery and to show them off to their adoring relatives. Even after your toddler learns to walk under his or her own power, a stroller can come in very handy as a way of keeping an energetic child from bolting into a dangerous predicament when your family is out walking on the sidewalk.
Far from a disposable or short-term investment, a stroller can serve a growing family for a long time to come – so make sure to pick one that will withstand all of the wear and tear those exciting years will certainly dish out! Consider all of the variables – from budget to geographical factors to the way the vehicle will interface with your lifestyle – before making your decision, and be sure to use comparison shopper technology to get the best deal (not only price-wise, but in terms of manufacturer or retailer warranties) on the model (or models!) you want. Then get out there and show the neighbourhood how your family rolls!
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