With a huge selection of strollers available, purchasing one can be a tough decision. It’s all about which stroller will suit you, your little one, and your lifestyle.

What is a stroller?

A ‘stroller’ often refers to a model of pram with an upright seat.

Strollers are lightweight and compact, making travel a breeze. They are especially great for those living in the city and inner-city suburbs, since they are easy to manoeuvre when out shopping, strolling in the park, or going to cafes.For this reason, strollers are a great choice for an active lifestyle.

There are different types of strollers for different purposes:

• Layback stroller: These strollers are fully reclinable, giving the feel of both a pram and a stroller. Layback strollers are ideal for both babies and toddlers, as your child will be fully supported.Layback strollers are typically lightweight and are often used when travelling interstate, or overseas, with your little one.

• Jogger stroller: You can get three-wheeled strollers that are referred to as ‘joggers’. The jogger strollers that feature larger, fixed wheels are more suitable for physical jogging and running and are designed to accommodate fast movement.

• Double stroller: Perfect for two children or twins, double strollers are designed for multiple babies. They feature the classic upright seat but with side-by-side chairs.

• Convertible stroller: Convertible strollers allow you to attach an extra stroller seat, infant car seat, or a bassinet to convert from a single stroller to a double stroller. There are also convertible strollers which combine a bicycle with a pram.

It’s best to find a stroller with a seat that can recline, at least partially, as it can take time for babies to hold their heads up on their own. It’s also important to note that only strollers which can recline to a full-flat position are appropriate for a newborn – you can read more about what is appropriate for a newborn in our article here. Please note this article is tailored to a pram, but the same principles apply to strollers in terms of necessary support for your infant.

What’s the difference between a stroller and a pram?

The terms ‘stroller’ and ‘pram’ are often used interchangeably, however, the main difference is that prams are primarily designed to carry newborns and infants using a bassinet, such as the bassinets available with the Redsbaby JIVE² and the METRO², while strollers are more suitable for toddlers, or infants, who are able to sit up unsupported.

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing between a stroller or a pram – it comes down to what style, features and functionality you prefer and whether a stroller or a pram would work best in your lifestyle.

When it comes to safety, there’s no difference between the two. However, a survey has found that four-wheelers, in both strollers and prams, are preferred when it comes to stability.

What to consider when purchasing a stroller

There are a few questions to ask yourself before purchasing a stroller:

Is it suitable for airline travel?

If you’re going to be travelling on a plane with your child, you’ll need a stroller that’s easy to manoeuver and fold up. But this might not be the same requirement you have for an everyday stroller, and this is why most people will purchase a second stroller that’s more suited to airline travel. A stroller is usually able to be brought on most airlines without an additional fee.

What age is the stroller suitable from?

Your choice or stroller will vary based on the age of your child, as you’ll need different stroller functions for different ages. For example, a newborn will need a stroller that has a secure harness and a reclining seat so they can lie down, whereas a lightweight stroller that’s easy to fold up is good for adventurous 2-year-olds.

Does it recline?

Again, a reclining seat is an essential feature in a stroller, particularly for newborns. This is because newborns are unable to keep themselves upright and will spend a lot of time in the stroller sleeping, so you’ll need a seat that can recline to accommodate this. Reclining seats are also useful for older children for when they get tired and need a nap.

What age can it take up to?

As strollers these days are generally tailored towards the age of the baby, many strollers will have age recommendations and weight limits. This means when choosing a stroller you’ll need to consider the age of your child, and be careful to choose a stroller that will last your child a while.

Will it fit inside a car?

If you plan to hire a car when travelling, or even if at home you prefer to use your lightweight stroller when your child is a toddler, then you will need to select a stroller that can fit easily in your car, and is easy to stow, lift in and lift out.

The Redsbaby SKIP stroller weighs only 6.5kg, and folds into a compact size allowing for easy transportation no matter where in the world you are.

How heavy it is?

You’re going to be pushing and lifting your stroller a lot, so you’ll want to make sure when purchasing a stroller that it’s not too heavy for you. This is particularly important if you’re going to be running or exercising with the stroller, and keep in mind that you’ll be bearing the weight of not only the stroller, but your baby and baby supplies as well.

Does it have a basket?

When you’re out and about with your child you’re going to need to carry several supplies with you, including nappies, a blanket, tissues, toys, and many other things. Because of this you’re probably going to need a basket that’s big enough to hold everything you need, so make sure to check out if the stroller has a big enough basket.

What is my budget?

It’s important that you consider your budget carefully when choosing a pram, and make sure that the quality of the stroller you pick matches the price you pay.

The quality of a stroller can be determined in several ways, such as:

• Are the wheels puncture-proof?
• Is the fabric of the stroller soft enough for your child’s delicate skin, but hardy enough to stand up to the wear and tear of travel?
• Are the handles comfortable for you to grip? After all, you’re the one who has to push the stroller around!

All of these things should be taken into consideration when deciding on both your budget and your ideal stroller.

What terrain will I be frequenting?

If you are travelling to the inner-city or suburbs where you walk a lot from place to place, a stroller is a great choice since they’re very compact and lightweight. Most strollers come with an added basket which is handy if you are considering buying souvenirs, or have a daypack that you will be travelling around with.

What accessories do I need?

Key accessories to look out for include:

• An extra-large canopy to ensure your child is protected.
• A rain cover such as the SKIP Rain Cover to attach onto the stroller protecting baby from rain.
• Extra storage and organisers that can attach to the handlebar and hold essentials such as your purse / wallet, mobile phone and keys.
• A sleep-shade for when your little one wants to sleep while in their stroller.
• A foot cover that can be easily cleaned.
• An infant head pillow to provide a comfortable cushion when your baby is resting.

Other key features your new stroller should have

Other features to look for in a stroller include a practical brake that is easy to operate, and a wide base for preventing the risk of the stroller from tipping over.

In addition, even if your child is no longer a newborn, having a flat recline stroller is valuable when you’re out and about and your child falls asleep. The flat recline allows them to feel more comfortable while sleeping.

Does a stroller suit your travel needs?

When it comes to selecting a stroller, keep in mind there is no one ‘perfect’ option. The right stroller should be able to fit your travel and personal needs, making your holiday routine with your child smoother and safer.

So before deciding between a stroller or pram ask yourself: Where am I going to be using it the most? Do I need a travel system for a newborn, in which case a pram, with car capsule compatibility, may be more suitable, or if my child is older is a stroller suitable due to its versatile travel nature. And what accessories and attachments do I need?

Once you have answered these questions, it’s time to pick your stroller!

Are you looking to buy a Redsbaby SKIP Stroller?Or are you deliberating between which Redsbaby pram or stroller to buy? Attend a Demo Day near you, and see practical demonstrations of our range by our expertly trained team.