The Basics: Strollers

When it is time to travel, you need to pack your baby up in the stroller. And similar to how many consumers demand their minivans be safe and fully featured, they also demand that of the strollers that will hold their most precious cargo.

The best strollers grow with your baby, combining the luxury of a carriage and the practicality of an umbrella stroller. Look for a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller with removable padded seats and large, durable wheels. Frames are usually made of plastic, aluminum, steel or a combination of the above -- the makeup affects sturdiness and weight. Most seats have washable fabric, and most strollers include storage bins (watch the cargo weight restrictions, which vary quite a bit even in seemingly same-sized bins).

Umbrella strollers are inexpensive, ultra-convenient, lightweight strollers great for parents on the go. Named for their umbrella-like handles, umbrella strollers fold for compact storage in a car trunk, overhead bin on an airplane, and even at restaurants. But for all their convenience, they lack the comforts and amenities of bigger, heavier strollers. Most parents buy a convenience stroller in addition to a sturdier stroller. Unless it features a recline option (most don't), an umbrella stroller isn't appropriate for children under six months. Most have canopies, and some have storage under the seat or in the back.

Travel systems, also known as convertible infant car seat/strollers, are infant car seats, infant and toddler strollers, and infant carriers all in one. Many parents enjoy the convenience of being able to take the baby from the car to the stroller without undoing and refastening complicated harnesses. Others find the systems to be overly bulky and prefer to buy an infant car seat and a separate, more lightweight stroller. Travel system amenities include accessories such as toy bars, roomy storage bins, drink caddies and more.

Hanging anything on the handles of these (or any other) strollers creates a tipping hazard.

How to Shop

Which stroller you choose depends on your lifestyle. Do you need convenient storage space for shopping trips? Look for a luxury ride with plenty of nooks and crannies. Are you an outdoor adventurer? Opt for a rugged stroller that will withstand the elements and cover rocky terrain. Will you often be taking the stroller up and down the stairs to your apartment? Look for an especially lightweight, easily collapsible model. Strollers don't improve dramatically over the years, so if you're planning for more than one child, buy a quality stroller that will last through them. Five-point harnesses are best, especially on jogging strollers.

Adjustable handlebars are especially helpful for parents who are unusually short or tall (or couples with one of each). Parents never have enough free hands -- your best bet is a one-touch open and close feature. Don't forget to take it for a test spin. Comfort, maneuverability and ease of braking and operation can be highly personal preferences.

Since convenience is the name of the game with umbrella strollers, look for the lightest (all are under 15 pounds), most compact stroller that is easy to open and close. A small storage bin is an added plus, as is a self-locking mechanism and any seat cushioning (most, however, are pad-free canvas). A five-point harness is preferable to a three-point. Try your child in the stroller if possible; some seem unusually and uncomfortably far upright. An optional recline feature is ideal.

If you're shopping for a travel system, first read the introductions for infant car seats and for strollers to make sure the model you're considering has all the safety and comfort features recommended for a car seat and for a stroller. In addition, check the fasteners that hold the car seat to the stroller -- they should be sturdy and secure -- and try it out to see whether conversion from car seat to stroller and back is quick and easy enough to suit your needs. Look for a five-point harness and, preferably, a single, one-foot-one-time braking system.