How to choose the best stroller to buy

When you’re having a baby, there are a number of purchases you don’t want to rush into. Car seats, prams, a stroller… these are all big commitments to make, and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

The most important thing is to consider which features are a priority for you based on your daily life. Do you need a double stroller for multiple kids? Do you want a stroller that can be easily taken on holidays?

Narrowing down exactly what you need out of your stroller will help massively when it comes to shopping around.

Compact, lightweight, double, jogging… with so many different strollers around, how do you figure out which one is right for you? As part of our dedication to make parenting easier, the team here at didofy has come up with some tips and advice for deciding which stroller to buy.

The Three L's

The stroller you buy largely depends on three L’s: lifestyle, location and longevity. When choosing your stroller, keep in mind where you’ll be using it, what you’ll be using it for, and what age range you’ll need it to support. Here are some of the questions you should keep in mind:

1. Best strollers for your lifestyle

• Is your day-to-day life very active?
• Do you need a stroller that can keep up with regular walks or jogs?
• Do you travel often, and need something that’s easy to fold away into a car boot, or take on an airplane?
• Will you be using it for daily outings? Or will it only be needed on the odd occasion?
• Do you often use public transport, and need a lighter option that can be easily lifted on and off buses and trains?

2. Location

• Do you live in a busy urban area, where you will need to have a pushchair that is easy to manoeuvre around crowded streets?
• Do you live in a house, or will you be carrying it up flights of stairs to your apartment?
• Do you live in the countryside and need a stroller that can handle tougher terrains?
• What’s the weather like? Do you need protection from the sun, or rain?

3. Longevity

• Do you need a stroller that can adapt as your child grows from newborn to toddler?
• Do you need a double pushchair that supports multiple kids at the same time?
• Are you using your stroller often and need it to be extra sturdy and long-lasting?
• What’s the most cost-effective choice in the long term?

These are just a few questions to ask yourself when stroller shopping. Other influences may include cost, storage, ease of use, and appearance. By considering these elements, you’ll find it a lot easier to sift through the overwhelming array of options available.

Stroller variations, styles and types

Now that you know what you need, it’s time to understand what options you have. Knowing your compact stroller from your jogging stroller will help find the right one for you.

The best strollers that are compact/lightweight

A popular choice for jet-setting parents who love to travel, or those who could benefit from a space-saving piece of kit, the compact stroller is a very practical choice. Often weighing under 7kg, these models are designed to be easy to carry, store and transport.

One example of a compact, lightweight stroller is the award-winning didofy Aster 2. Weighing in at just 6.2kg, the Aster can even be taken on planes as carry-on luggage, folding down to fit in most overhead compartments.

Double Stroller

If you’ve got two little ones at the same time, it’s much easier to opt for a double stroller than two singles. There are two types of double stroller: tandem, where the children sit one behind the the other, or twin, which is side-by-side. You can either purchase a standard double, or a single that can adapt into a double when needed.

Though these are a great way to take both children out at the same time, keep in mind that these strollers are often much larger and heavier as a result.

Jogging Stroller

The more physically active parents may find that a regular stroller is unsuitable for running or jogging. Not everyone wants a leisurely stroll when they’re going out with their little one, which is where jogging strollers come into play. Designed with sturdier wheels and better suspension, these strollers can handle the bumpier ride of an active parent without affecting your child.

Often, a jogging stroller will feature three wheels, with the single front wheel having the option to swivel for more flexibility. However, not all three-wheel strollers are suitable for running. If you are considering a jogging stroller, it may be a good idea to do a test-run before you buy to make sure it’s safe and fully functional.

Find your didofy stroller

At didofy, we offer a number of strollers and pushchairs to suit your needs. Check out the Lotus, Cosmos and Aster 2 strollers online on our website, or come and see them for yourself at one of our many stockists nationwide.

If you need further help on those important purchases, check out our guide for car seats. Or, for more parenting tips and advice, check out our blog.