Tag Archives: the first years

Stroller Buying Guide – Part 1:
* What to think about when shopping for a stroller

What to think about when shopping for a stroller

  • First of all, it’s important to actually shop for a stroller, don’t buy the first stroller you fall in love with because you like the way it looks.
  • Consider your lifestyle when buying a stroller. ‘Boutique moms’ will want to look for an easy to maneuver small to medium size stroller.
  • There are several types of strollers including travel system strollers, high-end traditional strollers, double/twin strollers, and jogging strollers.  (Read Part 5: Comparison chart of different types of strollers) for more information on the types of strollers.
  • Casual shoppers with a baby from newborn to age 3 will do well with a Travel System or a standard high-end stroller such as the Musty 4Rider Light or Bugaboo Bee
  • Walking your toddler around the neighborhood everyday? Go with a comfortable umbrella or mid-size stroller such as The First Years Jet Stroller or Chicco Trevi, two of my favorite mid-size strollers.  (Read Part 3: Stroller Buying Guide: A few of my favorite strollers) for more information about my favorite strollers.
  • Jogging up a mountain? Parents who enjoy jogging and taking walks up mountains will want to invest in a good jogging stroller such as a Baby Jogger stroller.
  • The best high end multi-purpose strollers for parents of infants to 3+ year old’s are the Musty 4Rider Light and the Bugaboo Bee. While The First Years Jet Stroller is a great option for a shopping mom with a toddler.
  • If the stroller you purchase doesn’t come with a cup holder, buy one. You won’t want to go without a cup holder. (Read Part 4: Stroller Buying Guide: Stroller Accessories) for more information about stroller accessories.
  • You don’t have to buy a Travel System stroller if you need to put an infant car seat in the stroller. Many high-end traditional strollers accommodate infant car seats.  Check brand compatibility!
  • You should consider buying a diaper bag after you’ve purchased your stroller as stroller storage baskets vary in size greatly.

Check Consumer Reports’ magazine or website (consumerreports.org) for reviews and parents can visit http://www.cpsc.gov/, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website.


Other articles in our Stroller Buying Guide series

Stroller Buying Guide – Part 4:
* Stroller Accessories

Here are a few stroller accessories I recommend buying for your new stroller.

Note: If you purchase a stroller through our Amazon.com links we may receive a commission.


Other articles in our Stroller Buying Guide series

The Mommy Insider stroller buying guide

Stroller Buying Guide – Part 3
* A few of my favorite strollers

The First Years – Jet Stroller – $39

  • Weighs 11 lbs.
  • Amazon.com
  • 5 point harness
  • Cup and snack holder included
  • Detachable storage pouch – can hold up to 4 cups, zips for safe storage of phone, wallet
  • Rear brakes
  • Full swivel wheels for good manueverability
  • Adjustable reclining seat
  • Up to 50 lbs.
  • Available in 4 colors and patterns
  • Amazon.com Jet Stroller link

Chicco Trevi – $120-$180

  • Several colors
  • Aluminum swept frame with elliptical tubing
  • Fully reclining seat
  • Adjustable leg rest
  • Reversible canopy with peek-a-boo window and zip off back panel
  • Stroller weight: 19 lbs.
  • Child weight: 40 lbs.
  • One-hand fold release
  • Lockable front swivel wheels
  • Parent cup holder and child’s tray with cup & snack holder
  • Folded length about 42″
  • Amazon.com Chicco Trevi link

Musty Transporter – $399

  • Folded length: 29″
  • Colors: Several colors
  • Adjustable Handlebar: 4 position adjustable
  • Stroller weight – 23 lbs
  • Wheels: All wheels removable for more compact storage
  • 2 front swivel wheels
  • Front swivel wheels can be locked in position great for sidewalk rides
  • Seat reclines
  • Car seat compatible
  • Seat can not reverse like Mutsy 4Rider Light
  • Bassinet optional
  • Amazon.com Mutsy Transporter link

Musty 4Ridger Light – Around $550 or $750 with bassinet
The photo to the right is of my Mutsy 4Rider (not the Mutsy 4Rider Light)

  • Full swivel font wheels – great steering and manuervability
  • Quick release wheels
  • Reversible seat
  • Adjustable reclining seat
  • Bassinett available
  • Adjustable foam grip handle
  • About 39″ inches folded
  • Several colors available
  • Stroller weight – about 23 lbs
  • May not fit in compact car
  • Mutsy 4Rider Light link

Bugaboo Cameleon RED Denim (special collection) – $1029

  • Available at Neiman Marcus and Amazon.com
  • Terrain: City, rough terrain, sand, snow
  • Folding: 2 piece fold – must take seat off
  • Car seat adaptable
  • Infant to toddler system
  • Reversible handlebar
  • 3-position seat recline
  • Adjustable handle bar
  • Stroller weight – 20 lbs
  • Larger underseat storage basket
  • Two 12″ wheels and two 6″ wheels with adjustable suspension
  • 35″ folded
  • Amazon.com Bugaboo Bee link



Note: If you purchase a stroller through our Amazon.com links we may receive a commission.


Other articles in our Stroller Buying Guide series

The Mommy Insider stroller buying guide

Stroller Buying Guide – Part 2:
* Stroller Brands

This is a partial list of stroller brands. 
The brands with a star (*) to the right of them are brands that I personally own and recommend
The other brands are highly rated and recommended based on reviews, and ratings on websites including ConsumerReports.org.
The links below link to the brand page on Amazon.com, where you will find competitive prices.

Note: If you purchase a stroller through our Amazon.com links we may receive a commission.


Other articles in our Stroller Buying Guide series

As seen on Fox 5 Good Day Atlanta

Stroller Buying Guide – Part 5:
* Comparison chart of the different types of strollers

Here is a comparison chart detailing the different kinds of strollers available. There are many different types of strollers and parents should use the type of stroller that fits their lifestyle best. Often, parents will buy more than one stroller. Most parents could use a Travel System as well as a compact/umbrella stroller, or a large traditional stroller.
If the comparison chart below does not look right on your screen, click here to open the chart in a new window.


Umbrella / Standard Regular Size High End Traditional Double/Twin Jogging Travel Systems
5 point harness 3 or 5 point Yes Yes Yes Yes
Holds up to.. lbs 50 lbs. Usually 50 lbs. Usually 50 lbs. per seat Usually 50 – 75 lbs. Up to 50 lbs. per seat
Stroller weight 7-11lbs 17-27 lbs. Over 30 lbs. About 30 lbs. 26 – 35 lbs.
Included Accessories

Side by side usually doesn’t have a tray Cup & Snack tray for child and parent Cup & Snack tray for child and parent
Canopy/Sun shade Sometimes Usually Usually Usually Usually
Price range $20 – $90 $400 – $1000+ $150 + $125+ $200+
Length About 40″ 35-40″ 40-50 inches 40 – 50 inches

About 40″

Adjustable Handlebar No Most Rarely Rarely Rarely
Machine Washable seat cover? Rarely – usually can’t take seat cover off Most Most Most Most
Well known brands The First Years, Chicco Musty, Bugaboo, UPPAbaby Graco, Jeep double, Maclaren InStep, Jeep Graco
Multiple reclining positions Most of the time Yes Most Yes Yes
Adjustable handlebar Rarely Usually Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes
Seat straps adjustable Sometimes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Other articles in our Stroller Buying Guide series

As seen on Fox 5 Good Day Atlanta