Blog

By understanding the different types of strollers and their respective benefits and drawbacks, parents can make an informed decision that best suits their family’s needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the different types of strollers, along with their descriptions, benefits, and downsides:

Umbrella Strollers:

Umbrella strollers are favored by parents who are looking for a lightweight and easily portable solution for their children. These strollers are designed to be highly compact and easy to fold, allowing for convenient transport and storage.

Unlike their full-size counterparts, umbrella strollers typically weigh less than 15 pounds, making them a breeze to lift and carry. Their slim, streamlined profiles allow them to navigate tight spaces and fit easily in the trunks of cars or the overhead compartments of airplanes.

The defining feature of an umbrella stroller is its ability to fold up compactly, much like an umbrella. This folding mechanism, often achieved with the push of a button or the pull of a strap, transforms the stroller into a portable, easy-to-store package. This makes umbrella strollers an ideal choice for parents on the go, whether running errands, traveling, or exploring the city.

While umbrella strollers may have a more limited feature set compared to full-size models, they excel in their lightweight, compact, and highly portable design. This makes them a practical and convenient option for parents who value mobility and flexibility in their stroller choices.

Benefits: Highly portable, easy to maneuver, and affordable.

Downsides: Limited features, may not be suitable for newborns, and have a lower weight capacity.

Options to consider: See our top picks for the best Umbrella strollers

Standard/Full-Size Strollers:

Larger, more feature-rich strollers designed for everyday use from infancy to toddlerhood are known as full-sized strollers. These strollers typically offer the most storage, full-coverage canopies, and seats that recline. They often feature a snack tray or bumper bar and may include parent extras like storage pockets or cupholders. While these strollers are not designed to be lightweight or compact, they are comfortable workhorses for everyday use and can often be used from birth to kindergarten.

Benefits: Offer more comfort and storage, can accommodate newborns, and have a higher weight capacity.

Downsides: Heavier and bulkier, which can make them less portable and harder to maneuver in tight spaces.

Jogging Strollers:

Jogging strollers are specifically designed for active parents who want to incorporate running or jogging into their routine while still being able to bring their child along. These specialized strollers are characterized by several key features that make them well-suited for higher-speed activities:

Larger Wheels: Jogging strollers typically have larger, air-filled tires, usually ranging from 12 to 16 inches in diameter. These larger wheels provide better stability and traction at higher speeds, allowing the stroller to roll smoothly over uneven terrain, cracks, and bumps without compromising the ride quality for the child.

Fixed Front Wheel: Unlike regular strollers that have swiveling front wheels for improved maneuverability at slower speeds, jogging strollers often feature a fixed or lockable front wheel. This fixed design enhances stability and tracking, preventing the stroller from veering off course during runs or jogs.

Suspension System: Jogging strollers are equipped with advanced suspension systems, including shock absorbers and springs, to provide a smooth and comfortable ride for both the child and the parent, even when navigating rougher surfaces or encountering bumps.

Safety Features: For the safety of the child, jogging strollers are designed with features like a secure 5-point harness, wrist straps for the parent, and reliable hand brakes. These features help to keep the child securely in place and allow the parent to maintain control of the stroller, especially during sudden stops or turns.

Durability: The construction of jogging strollers is typically more robust and durable compared to regular strollers, with reinforced frames and high-quality materials to withstand the demands of regular running or jogging use.

By incorporating these specialized features, jogging strollers enable active parents to maintain their fitness routine while enjoying quality time with their children. The combination of stability, safety, and comfort makes these strollers a popular choice for parents who prioritize an active lifestyle.

Benefits: Provide a smooth ride on various terrains, have sturdy construction to handle jogging, and often include safety features like hand brakes.

Downsides: Larger and heavier, making them less suitable for everyday use, and may not be compatible with infant car seats.

Double Strollers:

Double strollers are designed to transport two children simultaneously, offering parents a convenient solution for managing multiple little ones. These specialized strollers come in two main configurations:

Read out more on the “Best Double Strollers to Buy in 2024 Guide“

Side-by-Side Double Strollers:

These strollers feature two seats placed next to each other, allowing both children to sit side-by-side. This design provides ample space and a balanced feel, making it easier to navigate through doorways and crowded areas. Side-by-side strollers often have individual canopies, recline adjustments, and storage options for each child.

Tandem Double Strollers:

Tandem double strollers have one seat positioned in front of the other, creating a longer, narrower profile. This configuration is beneficial for navigating tight spaces and fitting through standard doorways. While the front-to-back design may limit the children’s visibility of each other, tandem strollers can still offer individual features like adjustable seats and canopies.
Regardless of the configuration, double strollers are designed to provide a secure and comfortable ride for two children simultaneously. They often feature sturdy frames, large storage baskets, and advanced safety systems to ensure the well-being of both passengers. The ability to transport siblings or twins together can be a game-changer for parents, offering increased convenience and mobility.

When selecting a double stroller, it’s essential to consider factors such as the age and size of your children, the intended usage (e.g., everyday errands, travel, jogging), and the available storage and maneuverability requirements in your daily routine. With the right double stroller, parents can navigate the world with their little ones in tow, side-by-side or tandem, with ease and confidence.

Benefits: Allows parents to transport two children at once, often with individual reclining seats and canopies.

Downsides: Single strollers tend to be bulkier, heavier, and less maneuverable, particularly in confined areas.

Travel Systems:

A travel system is a versatile solution that combines an infant car seat and a compatible stroller. This integrated design allows for a smooth transition from the car to the stroller, providing convenience and comfort for both parents and their little ones.

The key feature of a travel system is the ability to easily click the infant car seat in and out of the stroller base. This seamless connection enables parents to transfer a sleeping or sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them. The car seat can then be securely attached to the stroller, allowing the child to continue resting comfortably during the journey.

Travel systems are particularly beneficial for newborns and young infants who require a flat, reclined position for proper support and safety. The car seat component ensures the child is properly secured and protected, while the stroller provides the necessary comfort and mobility for everyday outings and errands.

These integrated systems often come with additional features, such as adjustable canopies, storage baskets, and suspension systems, to enhance the overall experience for both the child and the parent. The coordinated design and compatibility between the car seat and stroller components make travel systems a popular choice for parents seeking a convenient and safe transportation solution for their growing family.

By investing in a travel system, parents can enjoy the ease of transitioning their infant from the car to the stroller, allowing for a smooth and stress-free experience as they navigate the world with their little one.

Benefits: Convenient for parents, as the infant car seat can be used both in the car and on the stroller without disturbing the baby.

Downsides: Generally more expensive than purchasing a stroller and car seat separately, and the car seat may have a limited weight/age range.

Convertible/Modular Strollers:

Convertible or modular strollers are designed to grow with your child, offering versatility and adaptability as your family’s needs evolve. These innovative strollers are characterized by their ability to be customized and reconfigured to accommodate a child from infancy through the toddler years.

The key feature of convertible strollers is their adaptability. Many models allow you to switch the seat between forward-facing and parent-facing orientations, enabling your child to engage with the world or maintain close contact with you during outings. This versatility is particularly beneficial as your child develops, providing them with different perspectives and experiences.

In addition to the reversible seat, convertible strollers often feature other customizable elements. For example, some models offer the option to add a second seat or bassinet, transforming the stroller into a double or tandem configuration to accommodate a growing family. Other adjustable features may include the handlebar height, recline positions, and canopy size, allowing you to tailor the stroller to your child’s comfort and your own ergonomic needs.

The modular design of these strollers also allows for easy modifications as your child grows. Parents can often swap out accessories like the seat, bassinet, or car seat adapter to create a seamless transition from newborn to toddler. This adaptability helps to extend the usable lifespan of the stroller, making it a worthwhile investment for families.

By choosing a convertible or modular stroller, parents can enjoy the convenience of a single stroller that can be customized to meet the changing needs of their child. This versatility not only provides a comfortable and supportive ride but also helps to maximize the value and longevity of the investment.

Benefits: Versatile and can be used from infancy to toddlerhood, allowing the stroller to “grow” with the child.

Downsides: Tend to be more expensive and may have more components to assemble and store.