Introduction to Strollers

A stroller is a hand-powered wheeled device in which to seat a baby or young child and move him or her easily along while the “driver” moves on foot, whether walking or running. Because the soothing motion of the stroller can also help in the process of falling asleep, and because they provide a safe place for the baby to be placed, they may provide valuable service indoors as well as out on the street or in the park.

There are a number of different types of strollers:

An infant stroller is made for the small size of a new baby. Some are made to be compatible with a range of infant car safety seats, which snap on top of the stroller, allowing easy transfer from the car. A toddler stroller is adapted for the size and weight of an older child.

If you’re a runner, you may appreciate the jogging stroller. If you’re not a runner, but you live on a dirt road, like to stroll on the beach, or hike, you may wish to examine an all-terrain stroller, designed to take the rough with the smooth. These strollers may feature bigger wheels which are easier to roll over soft surfaces like dirt or sand, and shocks to soften the impact of a bumpy road. They may also be built sturdier to take the extra abuse.

Lightweight/Umbrella Stroller

The most portable of strollers, these models are lightweight and fold easily into a compact package, easy to handle when, for example, getting on and off a bus or tossing into the car trunk. These strollers feature easy maneuverability it tight spots. Because these strollers offer little support, they are typically unsuitable for newborns.

Standard or Traditional Stroller

Full-size strollers have a heavier body and include more built-in storage features than a lightweight stroller. These strollers are useful for long walks, are easier to control and have more padding for the child than lightweight strollers. Although some models feature inserts for smaller children or infants, not all of these strollers may be suitable for an infant.

Multi-child Stroller

For twins, triplets, visitors, or daycare situations, a variety of multi-child strollers are available. The two basic designs are side-by-side, in which the children sit shoulder to shoulder, or tandem strollers, in which children are lined up in a row, each sitting behind the one in front.

For children who enjoy each other’s company and get along well, side-by-side can work. If one child tends to sleep while the other interacts with the environment, or the children may interfere with each other’s comfort, the row approach may work better. There are also tandems with facing seats: children can see each other, but have some distance between them. Because these can be quite heavy, some models tout lightweights and compact folding.