Not too long ago, I was setting up for a travel seminar at a Babies "R" Us store, and noticed a pregnant woman in the stroller aisle. She was pacing the aisle with a worried look, every now and then stopping to pull a stroller out and push it back and forth. She would fumble with the handles and the seat and then shove it back onto the display.

She sighed just as I was walking by, and since I had a few moments I asked if she needed some help. She said, "I have NO idea what stroller I need. My friend told me to get this jogging stroller, but I can't even lift it. How will I get it up and down stairs or in and out of my car? Will a newborn baby fit in it? It looks so big! Do I need one that has a front wheel that turns?"

I then asked her if she was a runner and she laughed. She said, "I don't even jog! But my friend swears by her jogging stroller."

Oh how confusing the world of strollers can be! But the right stroller (as every parent will tell you) is almost like having a good assistant at your side. Helping to carry your child, hold your bags, beverages, snacks, dirty diapers, blankets, toys, and whatever else you can stuff into it. It also is a "corral" to hold your child in one place while you tend to things like shopping, eating, sightseeing, walking, reading, etc. And a good stroller will even allow your child to nap on the go - very important for parents!

Your stroller becomes part of the family - choose it wisely. You will use a good stroller way more than you thought possible - and love it!

1. Listen to what friends and family advise but choose a stroller based on the needs of your family. Think about your daily life and where you will use the stroller.
   -Will you need to lift the stroller in and out of the car or on and off trains and buses regularly?
   -Do you run or walk? Is the terrain smooth, hilly, or bumpy?
   -What stores do you tend to frequent? Are they big malls or small markets?
   -Who will be caring for the child the most? Will you need to share the stroller with grandparents or other caregivers?
   
2. Visit the nearest child specialty store and ask someone who has been trained on the different strollers to help you with the selection. Test-drive the stroller in the store, asking questions specific to your situation. Even if you plan on purchasing the stroller online, it is best to see the stroller in person first.
3. Avoid flimsy strollers. Strollers take a lot of abuse. A broken stroller is useless, and the cheaply-made stroller may end up costing more if you have to keep replacing it.
4. Select a stroller that will last until at least 40lbs. I actually prefer the ones that last between 55-65lbs. Kids grow quickly. Look for a stroller that accommodates the newborn, but will last well beyond that early stage.
5. Ask around - what do people like about their stroller? Most parents will tell you what they love, hate, or wish they had thought of when purchasing a stroller.
6. Think twice about owning a stroller that doesn't fully recline. Children frequently take naps in the stroller, and will sleep better when comfortable.
7. What accessories are available for the stroller? Consider all seasons. Sun shades, mosquito nets, leg muffs, rain covers - all of these things can be very important based on the climate or season. Also consider if the price includes these accessories.
8. Consider adjustable handles. Are you tall or short? Have a tall or short spouse or caregiver? It can be very uncomfortable for the adult pushing the stroller if the handles are too high or low. Also make sure that your feet don't hit the stroller when walking. If the handles don't adjust and you are tall - this can be a problem!
9. Are you able to see your child without walking around the front of the stroller? It is best to be able to observe your child at all times. Many strollers now offer an "observation window" or reversible seats - you will use them!
10. The canopy should provide adequate shade. The shade is important to protect from the sun and wind. Make sure this feature is not for decoration only and is actually functional.
11. Wheels are the foundation - don't skimp. Do you have to inflate them? Do they make noise when you walk? Do they appear cheaply made?
12. Never underestimate the need for a one-hand stroller. MANY times hands are full with a crying baby, groceries, luggage, shopping bags, cell phone, etc. Reality is that you will need to steer and fold/unfold that stroller with one hand. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS! Whether in the parking lot or on the airplane jetway, you will LOVE the one-hand fold. And one=hand steering? Well - that simply is a must as we parents are multi-taskers!
13. Does the seat sit fully upright? Some strollers have a slight recline in the full upright position. This is annoying for kids who want to sit up and see what's going on. Even an infant will strain his neck forward to sit up without the support of the seat back if it's not upright.
14. Is the fabric easily cleaned? Spills and crumbs are part of kids - make sure the stroller will tolerate these accidents. Consider spills when choosing color as well.
15. Does the stroller fold and unfold easily or does it take an instruction book to figure out?
16. If there will be an older child around, is there somewhere for them to ride or sit?
17. Cup holders for kids are important. Not only can their sippy cups be stored within reach, these holders are also great for storing the toys that keep them entertained.
18. Is there a carrying handle when it is folded? If not, how do you lift it?
19. Does the stroller require effort to push or does it glide? Keep in mind that a child in the stroller will feel different than pushing an empty stroller in the store.
20. Do not look at name brand. Choose a stroller based on quality and features that fit your needs.