While we are avid babywearers and wanted to stay that way, there is an obvious physical limitation that kicks in as your toddler gets closer to that 12 month mark and beyond where a stroller becomes necessary.
This can be a difficult thing to accept. Swapping from the closeness of a baby carrier to an outward facing baby stroller where I can’t even see my child’s face was a real challenge for me!
It’s like it changed my whole identity as a Mom… Or maybe I am just being dramatic. You can’t carry them around forever, no matter how much I want to!
Strollers are efficient, practical, and there are some outstanding models out there that serve many different purposes. So this is what I wanted to cover in this post.
Stroller Designs
Umbrella Stroller
Umbrella strollers are lightweight and handy strollers that you can carry anywhere. As the name implies, this stroller looks like an umbrella when folded. That’s how small and handy it is. Handy enough for it to be store in the trunk of your car or to bring during vacations and travels.
This is suitable for those who wanted a lightweight, alternative stroller. It is suitable for those quick errands on the go.
This is suitable for babies from four to six months old and above.
Key Features
- It is lightweight and easy to fold.
- Usually has aluminum frames and reclining seats.
- Included a small canopy for added protection against UV rays.
You won’t get many built in extras as the design is very basic. But you can increase the load through using stroller hooks, tray attachments, or a stroll fan quite easily.
Sit And Stand Stroller
A Sit and Stand stroller has a unique design that allows one child to stand and the other one to sit. Allowing you to move two kids around at the same time without the massive width of a double stroller.
Of course, if one is standing then you need an older child for this stroller. And if it is a long day then you will inevitably get the tired feet and whining that could come with it.
Key Features
- It’s a double stroller and suitable for when the age gap is a few years.
- Maneuverable and lightweight compared to a double stroller.
This stroller is definitely best for your everyday errands, and short trips to the park.
Jogging Stroller
This is a new breed of strollers that has been developed over the years. Traditional strollers have been used before on runs but the mom or the dad need to map out the trail to make sure that the route will only include flat roads and smooth surface.
Most jogging strollers have a front wheel that can be locked in a straight position when you are running. It can also be unlocked to activate swivel motion, making it easier to turn if you choose to walk or even brisk walk.
This stroller is suitable for avid runners and active generally parents. Families living in mountainous or hilly places will also benefit from a jogging stroller because it is easy to maneuver and is more durable.
Key Features
- Wheels – The wheels of a jogging stroller is the real deal. It is typically made of rubber and is around 16 inch in diameter at the minimum. The large, pneumatic tires are helpful in reducing stress for your baby when you encounter bumps along the road while running.
- Suspension System – A jogging stroller has an effective and efficient suspension system. This is another feature that can help in the absorption of stress because of road conditions.
- Safety Tether – This is a safety feature that prevents your stroller from rolling away on its own. A safety tether strap can be worn around your wrist to prevent any accidents from happening when you absent-mindedly let go of the stroller’s handle, especially in high traffic areas.
A jogging stroller also has the basic features of traditional strollers such as cup holders, canopies or shades, and reclining seats.
Because jogging strollers are made to absorb road stress and run in different terrains, it is bulkier and heavier than your traditional strollers. It also occupies more space inside your car and of course your home.
All-Terrain Stroller
These beasts are definitely on the bulky side. The large wheels are designed to go off-road and handle bumpy hiking tracks.
If you are taking a stroller to the beach then the large wheels make it a bit easier to push along the sand too without getting stuck.
Key Features
- Big wheels and flexible suspension
- Bulky frame with plenty of storage
Given how big these are they are not great for everyday use if you live in the city. In a less crowded area then you will probably be fine.
You will also need a big trunk in your car to move this thing around.
Expected Stroller Budget
Now that you have an understanding of the basic stroller designs, we just wanted to share some rough price ranges you will be looking at to purchase each one.
The range for all types is very broad. This is because they are large items and the quality of build, and features included can vary enormously.
At the high end you really have some luxurious options with suspension, lots of storage, high class wheels etc. And at the low end you get a cheap metal frame, with a chair… I’m sure you get the idea:
If you have a larger budget, you may be looking at getting one stroller for everyday use, and another stroller for longer days out.
As you can see you can do this at the mid range level for less than the cost of one high end stroller in some categories.
Safety Risks
I am sure that every parent has seen the footage of a stroller rolling away from a mother on a train platform, or other dangerous situations.
It is every Mom’s worst nightmare!
No matter how god your stroller is it is human error that causes most of these issues. So a full understanding of the risks is essential before you set out. N
A full list of risks are below that can come from incorrect use:
- A fault folding mechanism could cause an unexpected collapse of the structure that could lead to entrapment or strangulation
- Faulty restraints allowing an unsafe level of mobilization inside the stroller from buckles that could unlatch unexpectedly
- Seat belts that may not restrain adequately, or loosen while in use.
- Brakes that do not lock in place.
- Risk of seat detaching from the frame of stroller causing injury.
Alternatives To Baby Strollers
Baby Carriers
I guess the whole point of this post is that when your baby get’s too big for a baby carrier you are left with little other choice. Unless you can hand over baby carrier duties to Dad.
There are plenty of carriers with a weight capacity that will go beyond most Mom’s physical strength. Especially some of the backpack carriers which can go up to 60lbs.
Check out our full comparison of carries vs strollers here.
Baby Harness
If you just can’t hack carrying the weight around then this is something resembling a middle ground…. Kind of.
If your toddler is just too active and restless to sit in a stroller then you can get them walking while wearing a child harness.
There are mixed opinions on the look of having your child on a leash. I am not a big fan, but it works well for people who are less mobile, and some parents love them!
Final Word
There is a quick summary of what to expect when making the switch from babywearing to using a stroller. Hopefully the broad selection of designs get you excited about the switch, and does not lead to a Mom identify crisis that I endured.
Your back and shoulders will be happy when you do finally make the switch!
Read more: