Choosing the right stroller seems to be another one of those huge dilemmas. They really shouldn’t have THAT many brands and models on the market! How would I know what’s right for me and the baby? Do I want a:

• lightweight stroller?
• a standard stroller?
• a jogging stroller?
• or those gorgeous little old-fashioned carriage strollers?

We rationalized we wouldn’t be needing one in the first couple of months. I mean, really, how heavy can a little baby be? I also wonder if we’re allowed to test run them strollers prior to purchase? I doubt the sales assistants would be pleased to see me pushing them up and down the aisles, through doorways (Oops.. there goes the alarm system) to see how they maneuver.

Starting with the basics. . .

I’d need a stroller with… buckles that are easy to undo for me, and yet comfortable for the child.

I’d need a stroller with… a fully reclining seat.

I’d like a stroller with… adjustable handle height. If you’ve seen Big Ben and me, you’d understand why.

I’d need a stroller with… an adjustable canopy. It’s way too toasty here.

I’d need a stroller with… a storage basket.

I’d need a stroller with… a footrest for the baby.

I’d need a stroller with…thick padding.

I’d need a stroller with…removable and washable fabric.

I’d need a stroller with… good and easy maneuverability.

I’d like a stroller with…one-handed folding mechanism.

I’d like a stroller with… front and rear swivel wheels.

I’d need a stroller with…brakes.

Umbrella Strollers

Generally the most compact and inexpensive range, umbrella strollers are lightweight and fold up easily. However, they’re only suitable for infants who are old enough to hold their heads up on their own.

The Kolcraft’s Tour Sport Universal Reclining Umbrella stroller (oo..long name) though claims to be suitable for newborns.

Winner of the 2005 JPMA Innovation Award! This Versatile Umbrella Stroller. Compact Enough to Go Anywhere!

• Parent Cup Holder
• Reclining Padded Seat Back
• SunShade Canopy Adjusts to Block the Sun
• Ergonomically Designed Handles
• Storage Basket
• Quick Umbrella Fold
• Extra Wide Roomy Seat

Weight – 5.1 kg

Seat capacity – 15.91 kg

Number of Wheels that Swivel – 2

Irreversible seats

Irreversible & unadjustable handles

The Maclaren’s Volo quite an eye-candy, also 6 months upwards.

• Sovereign Lifetime Warranty™
• Maclaren Recycling Programme†
• 5 point harness for added security
• Removable washable seat
• Compact umbrella fold
• Water resistant hood
• High-performance aluminium frame
• Handy mesh shopping basket
• Carry strap or handle for easy portability
• 5 second one-hand fold
• Lockable, front swivel wheels

• Basic Weight
• 4.0kg / 8.8lb
  (without hood, shopping basket or raincover)
• Carrying Capacity
• up to 15kg / 55lb (US)
• Appropriate From
• 6 months
• Recline
• One position
• Wheel Size
• 11.4cm / 4.5in
• Hood
• Square, extra large for maximum coverage
• Water resistant
• Colour: Silver
• Brakes
• Foot-operated linked parking brakes
• Added Features
• New! Fresh, popsicle colours
• New! Foam Handle design
• New! Silver colour frame coordinates with silver colour components
• New! Black frame coordinates with black components
• New! Buckle ring colour coordinates with seat fabric colour
• New! Fresh curve on hood
• Ergonomically optimised, foam insulated handles
• Breathable mesh seat
• Height adjustable shoulder harness
• Raincover
• Lightweight

Lightweight Strollers

2009 Aria OH Stroller by Peg Perego

The 2009 Peg Perego Aria OH stroller is lightweight and convenient, with all of Peg Perego’s great features including the unique “Freedom of Movement” harness, plus easy, one-hand folding. This lightweight, full-featured convenience stroller includes a spacious basket, retractable car seat anchors, and a new large, adjustable water bottle holder for parents.

The child’s snack tray can be opened or removed for easy access to baby. You’ll love the large, adjustable ratcheting hood and the removable, hand-washable upholstery. The Peg Perego Aria OH stroller includes a handle for carrying when folded.]

• Unique 5-point “Freedom of Movement” harness for security and well-being of the child
• Spacious seat with multi-position backrest
• All-wheel suspension, swivel front wheels and rear-wheel brakes
• JPMA safety certified

City Savvy, by Combi

Sigh, massive drool, wayyyyyy beyond budget.

With oodles of functionality including:

The Central Park Quattro Tour LXI boasts a sleek design and a manageable aluminum frame.The roomy lower storage basket is perfect for stowing supplies. The one hand gravity fold makes storing the Graco Central Park Quattro Tour LXI Stroller a cinch.

Front swivel wheels with locks and suspension ensures the child of the softest ride yet. It features a reversible canopy with top window and mesh sides.

• Aluminum frame
• Lower and load storage basket
• One hand gravity fold with storage latch
• Combination 3 or 5 point harness
• Weather protection boot
• Parent organizer tray with time and temperature displays
• Secure accessory compartment and cup holders
• Pivoting child’s tray with cup holder
• 4-position flat recline
• Reversible canopy with top window and mesh sides
• Deluxe padded seat
• Removable head support
• Front swivel wheels with locks and suspension
• Single action brakes
• Accepts Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat
• Weight Recommendation: not to exceed 40 lbs.
• 20.39 x 12.20 x 33.67 inches
• Wheel Size Front: 8
• Wheel Size Back: 9.25

• Sovereign Lifetime Warranty™
• Maclaren Recycling Programme†
• 5 point harness for added security
• Removable washable seat
• Compact umbrella fold
• Water resistant hood
• High-performance aluminium frame
• Handy mesh shopping basket
• Carry strap or handle for easy portability
• 5 second one-hand fold
• Lockable, front swivel wheels

• Basic Weight
• 6.8kg / 15lb
  (without hood, shopping basket or raincover)
• Carrying Capacity
• up to 15kg / 55lb (US)
• Appropriate From
• Birth
• Recline
• Four seat positions
• Wheel Size
• 16.5cm / 6.5in
• Hood
• New! Hood design: Air vents when fully open; larger viewing window
• New! Elasticized pockets hold rain cover & mosquito net
• Square, with storage pockets
• UV protective viewing window and sun visor
• Tilts with extra panel for added sun protection
• Reflective accents for night safety
• Added Features
• New! All black model: frame and fabric
• New! Satin finish handle
• New! Reflective hubcap design
• Ergonomically optimized handles
• Foot-operated linked parking brakes
• Customized luggage tag included
• Front and rear wheel suspension
• Height adjustable handles
• Extendable leg rest