40 Weeks to Forever

The Ultimate Stroller Shopping Guide

Episode Summary

Every parent needs a reliable baby stroller. It not only provides a safe spot for your kid to sleep but also serves as a storage for all of your baby's essentials. However, it can be tough to anticipate what kind of baby stroller you need. Choosing one can also be overwhelming, especially with tons of alternatives available in the market today. In this episode of 40 Weeks to Forever, Melissa Kriz and Haleigh Ryan share their experience picking strollers for their babies. They impart what travel systems are and how they help parents adjust to a life that's always on the go. They also recommend numerous baby stroller products and brands for new parents out there. If you want to find the ideal baby stroller, this episode is for you! Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: 1) Find out what features to look for in a reliable baby stroller 2) Understand what travel systems mean 3) Discover what type of stroller suits your family’s lifestyle

Episode Notes

Episode Highlights

[02:38] Finding The Right Baby Stroller 

• Melissa and Haleigh believe that quality all-terrain wheels and suspension are non-negotiable.
• Strollers with a broad canopy are crucial for protecting the infant from the sun.
• The right baby stroller for you depends on your preference and needs. 

Judith: “...things change as you change and, as you kind of dig into parenthood, you realize what features are maybe more important or maybe you're willing to downgrade versus an upgrade.” 

[05:53] On Travel Systems 

• A baby stroller’s travel system must be compatible with the car seat.  
• Children can quickly outgrow their infant car seats, and parents need to switch to convertible ones.  
• Choose a car seat that will last a long time.
• Personally visit stores to know how the product works and feels.  

[07:44] Defining Travel Systems 

• A travel system is a multi-piece set. It includes a stroller and a compatible baby car seat that attaches to the stroller.
• Travel systems make it easy for parents to bring the baby into the car and do their errands. 
• Choosing a travel system depends on your baby’s needs and your goals.  

[11:35] Single Strollers Versus Double Strollers 

• Home space is crucial in choosing between a single or double stroller.  

Melissa: “And realistically, most families will have more than one stroller throughout their kind of evolution. So I knew that even if we did have our second and if we did go to a double stroller that single stroller would still be very helpful.” 

• Every type of stroller has its unique function. 
• Plan for the present and buy only based on what you know. 

[15:47] Strollers for Small Spaces 

• A stroller with sturdy wheels is best for parents who live in tiny areas and take public transportation.
• A separate baby stroller with a broad canopy that doesn't need an additional bassinet or pram can broaden your options.

[19:11] Expandable Strollers

• There is no answer to which is the best expandable stroller. 
• It’s best to check options that suit you and your child’s needs. 
• Consider which style of expandable stroller you’ll be comfortable with, a side-by-side or tandem one. 

[22:14] Tandem Versus Side-by-Side 

• Side-by-side strollers allow for greater maneuverability. 
• Tandem strollers are great for small spaces, but it's sometimes difficult to use them uphill or in bumpy areas.  
• Consider the weight limitations of your baby stroller and how long you'll use it. 
• If you have twins, find a stroller with an equal weight limit on both seats. 
• Tune in to the entire episode to know how Melissa and Haleigh describe their favorite strollers in emojis! 

[29:43] Strollers for Airplane 

• Make sure you can fit a full diaper bag in the basket of your travel stroller to keep your hands free.

[33:33] On Running Strollers 

• Running strollers are suitable for everyday use as well as running.
• Consider where you’ll use the stroller and its weight. 
• Use running strollers only when your child has complete head control already. 

Haleigh: “There are strollers that check a lot of boxes, strollers that check various specific boxes, and, ultimately, it comes down to what you want. What feels right for you? What are you happy with? And you go from there.” 

About the Guest

Melissa Kriz is a proud mother of two. She is currently the Director of Marketing at Snuggle Bugz, where she demonstrates her experience in marketing and eCommerce.

Haleigh Ryan is the Social Media Marketing Manager of Snuggle Bugz. She's an experienced traveler who knows how to navigate an airport with a newborn in tow. She flew with her son for the first time at three weeks old! 

Melissa and Haleigh are both passionate about anything baby-related. You can connect with Melissa and Haleigh on LinkedIn if you want to reach out.

Resources

• Clek Liing
• Bugaboo Fox 3 | Bugaboo Donkey 3 | Bugaboo Donkey 5 | Bugaboo Bee | Bugaboo Butterfly
• UPPAbaby VISTA 2 | UPPAbaby CRUZ V2
• Nuna MIXX
• Baby Jogger City Select 2
• Cybex Gazelle
• Peg Perego YPSI 
• Silver Cross Wave | Silver Cross Jet Stroller
• BOB Gear Alterrain Stroller
• Thule Urban Glide
• Medela Breast Pumps
• Find Snuggle Bugz on our website. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram

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