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A stroller that folds with one hand or a a stroller that you can also sit and lie down your baby in it, should I buy an expensive stroller with all the accessories, and what about safety, and service? The complete guide to select a stroller.

Like many mothers, I also love to reminisce at my first pregnancy. One experience I remember is my first visit with my husband to the baby products store. The salesperson approached us and asked the million dollar question: “What are you looking for?”

Smiling and excited we answered: “stroller”, and then he offered us a “Mercedes”. We looked around to make sure that we’re in the right store, and then came the explanation: “The first baby deserves to grow up like a king. This brand is the Mercedes of all strollers”, then he accompanied us to the stroller section in the store where our eyes met dozen of brands and types of strollers. I felt like I’m seeing blurry and I told the salesperson that I need moment to regroup myself.

Luckily, we reached the conclusion that the moment should be longer than a few minutes, we returned home without any decision on which stroller we need to buy. We also understood that a little background knowledge can save us lots of time and energy, we need to choose a stroller that perfectly complements our lifestyle and don’t let our decision be influenced by eager salesmen.

Like many things that were simpler in the past, purchasing a stroller was much simpler. There weren’t so much options and almost everything traveling on wheels was good enough for your baby. Today, the abundance of strollers that the shops offer is great,  and it’s really nice but also can be very confusing.

Once you entered the world of parenting (and until anew notice ) it’s likely that you will purchase  several strollers (baby’s needs change with time) and soon you will feel that you can do a thesis on the subject, but before buying a stroller you should at least know the types of strollers and the differences between them.

Single Strollers

• Purpose: Single strollers offer more features and comfort options than lightweight strollers. Single strollers are larger and heavier, but the added comfort makes them suitable for newborns and children who tend to take in - stroller naps. These days, many single strollers are compatible with certain car seats to create a travel system. The bassinet phase is suitable for the baby in his first months (in most models up to 6 months), when the baby grows up you easily remove the bassinet and assemble instead the seat.
• Who is suitable? Parents that most of their activities takes place in their residential area, parents that walks on paved sidewalks or take a walk to the near by grocery store. This is a stroller that is relatively heavy, so folding is not recommended if you don’t have an elevator in the building.
• Advantages: A beautiful and aesthetic  bassinet that can also serve as a cradle, because the baby can safely continue sleeping in it when you get home from your trip.
• Disadvantages: A little bit clumsy for those who like light and mobile accessories. Something more important:   if you don’t have a proper storage space, the bassinet could get in your way around the house when your baby is 6 months old and you move to the second phase of the stroller.

Double Strollers

• Purpose: For parents of twin babies this is a lifesaver. Today double strollers are much more practical and intelligently designed.
• Who is suitable? Well here there is no question if you got them by the doubles then it’s for you, although some parents that have 2 children with a small age gap between them sometimes prefer these double strollers also.
• Advantages: Most double strollers come in side by side or tandem seating. Some of the tandem double strollers feature swivel seats, so one or both babies could look at their parents or at the world. This feature works well to protect the infant from over stimulation. Today you can also find models that are suitable for babies under 6 months or that are compatible with car seats.
• Disadvantages: Heavy strollers, not easy to travel with (well what can we say: size matters here).

Travel System Strollers

• Purpose: When you want to transport your baby easily and fast, the travel system strollers gives you the most convenient solution. This is actually a standard single stroller that as a compatible car seat. The car seat chair functions as a baby carrier so you can move the baby from the car to the stroller without any disturbance.
• Who is suitable? Parents that move all day and need to transfer their children with them or from place to place (For example: nursery school, grandmother, malls and trips out of town or around the world).
• Advantages: Lightness, mobility, there is no need for a car seat, you can remove the car seat from the car and attach it to the stroller without disturbing your sleeping baby. Once your baby outgrows the car seat you can use the stroller up yo preschool years.
• Disadvantages: You can’t hold your baby all day long in a car seat. It’s recommended that the baby won’t stay in the car seat pose for long periods of time, because it’s not healthy for his spine.

Lightweight Strollers

• Purpose: These strollers are also known by the name Umbrella strollers because of their closing mechanism. Because lightweight strollers take up so little space, many parents keep one stashed in their trunk to be prepared for quick outings.
• Who is suitable? Almost everyone can find a model that is suitable for them.
• Advantages: Compact, weighs less then 14 pounds, usually feature a simple fold, takes up little space. Lightweight strollers with a high weight limit are also suitable for older toddlers.
• Disadvantages: Designed for children who can seat upright unassisted (6 months or older). There are some models that offer a reclining seat that might be suitable for younger babies. Not so easy to maneuver around with. When shopping for a lightweight stroller, look for an adjustable sunshade, five point harness and a easy to use parking brake.

Jogging Strollers

• Purpose: For parents who love being outdoor. Jogging strollers are the best choise to make your walking or your jogging comfortable for both baby and parent.
• Who is suitable? Now days you don’t have to be a serious runner in order to get this stroller.
• Advantages: Sturdy, durable tiers with resilient suspension that can easily navigate gravel paths or bumpy sidewalks, sleek looking.
• Disadvantages: Some strollers are not suitable for children under 6 months because of the insufficient seat reclining.

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