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Choosing your baby's stroller is one of the most significant purchasing decisions you will make.

Over the next few years, your stroller is going to get quite a workout. You want one that is safe and comfortable for both you and your child...easy to open, close, maneuver, and store...and will hold up to tough everyday use.

But with so many strollers the market, how do you begin to choose?

At One Step Ahead, we've been evaluating strollers for more than a decade – and we're happy to share our experience with you. First, we'll tell you about the different types of strollers available, so you can decide which one (or ones) are right for you. Then, we'll tell you how to choose a high-quality, high-performance stroller that will serve you well, mile after mile.

Types of Strollers

If you've already begun looking at strollers, your head is probably spinning. These days, there are strollers for virtually every life style, from formal carriages to rugged "all-terrain vehicles." Before you choose, consider where you live-city, suburbs, cold or warm climate – and how you will be using your stroller.

You may find that a single stroller will not meet all your needs. In this case, you may want to select both a primary, everyday stroller, and a secondary stroller (such as a travel stroller or jogger) for special activities.

Although they are marketed under a variety of names, strollers fall under these major categories:

Carriage Stroller - This large, heavyweight stroller features a fully-reclining back, padded seat, full canopy, and large basket. It offers large wheels for a smooth, springy ride and may feature a reversible handle. As baby grows, the back adjusts to an upright seat. Ideal for young infants because it offers the greatest support and protection, but it can become cumbersome after the early months. Makes a great first stroller.

Umbrella Stroller -Lightweight, portable and inexpensive, it folds easily and fits in tight spaces. It consists of a pouch-like seat slung across a light metal frame, with two umbrella-like handles. It may not offer a canopy or basket. Handy for shopping and travel because it's easy to maneuver and transport, but lacks durability and does not provide baby with much back support. Some models tend to tip easily and should not be weighed down with diaper bags or purses. A good secondary stroller for jaunts and trips.

Standard Stroller - For many families, this will be baby's primary stroller. The standard stroller offers a partial or fully reclining seat and a well-padded seat cover for baby's comfort. It feature double wheels for a smooth, stable ride and front swivel wheels for better maneuverability. It may come equipped with a wide range of desirable features, such as a wide, adjustable sun canopy, bumper bar or tray, generous storage basket and adjustable handles.

Lightweight Stroller -This cleverly-designed stroller combines the convenience of the umbrella stroller with some of the luxury features of a standard stroller. Constructed of high-tech aluminum, it is at once lightweight and sturdy. Like an umbrella stroller, it is very portable and will fit into an airplane's overhead bin. But it may also offer a reclining seat, nicely-padded upholstery and large sun canopy, plus a bumper bar or tray, double wheels and adjustable handles. Generally, lightweight strollers are more expensive than their standard counterparts, but most parents find the 2-5 pound weight difference more than justifies the higher price.

Car Seat/Stroller Combos - These comprehensive "travel systems" feature an infant car seat that locks onto a sturdy stroller frame. Ideal if you live in the suburbs and drive everywhere, because you do not have to disturb baby with every stop. As baby grows, remove the car seat and you have a stand-alone stroller. An excellent choice if you're in and out of the car frequently, or if grow-with-me capabilities are important to you.

Jogging Strollers - Truly built for jogging, these lightweight strollers feature three large, bicycle-like tires and an oversized sun canopy. Very smooth rolling with excellent shock absorbers and brakes, but not intended for tight spaces (the front wheel doesn't swivel). A must if you plan on running or jogging with baby.

Tandem and Side-by-Side Strollers - If you have twins, triplets, or children close in age, a double or triple stroller is for you! Tandem strollers feature one seat behind the other; side-by-side seats are mounted next to each other on a single, wide frame. Some parents find tandems easier to maneuver, although traditionally, the baby in back has a limited view. (Some new models offer "stadium" seating or reversible seating to solve this problem.) If choosing a side-by-side model, be sure it fits through a standard 30" wide doorway. No matter which type you choose, look for individually adjustable seats and canopy protection for each baby.

What to Look for In a Stroller

Regardless of what type of stroller you choose, you'll want to make sure it's safe, comfortable and well-constructed. Look for these characteristics:

Sturdy, quality construction

• The metal frame should be strong and stable. Look for neatly welded seams and finished edges.
• All four wheels should touch the floor evenly – no tipping or rocking.
• The seat cover should be well-padded and securely stitched. Look for thick, even padding and plush, substantial fabrics. Removable covers/liners are a plus.
• Look for spring-action shock absorbers for a smooth ride.
• The canopy should be generously sized to shield baby from sun and other elements.
• Treaded pneumatic (i.e., air-filled) tires are best if you plan on using your stroller extensively over uneven terrain or city sidewalks.
• If you will be maneuvering your stroller through narrow aisles or crowded spaces, look for adjustable wheels that offer both swivel and fixed capabilities.
• All terrain wheels are ideal on all types of surfaces.

• A reliable restraint system is crucial. We prefer the five-point harness, which secures baby at the shoulders, waist and crotch. (A crotch strap is very important, since it will keep baby from slipping down.)
• Look for a secondary locking mechanism on the frame. This ensures that the stroller cannot fold while in use.
• To prevent rolling, check for reliable, rear-wheel brakes.
• Avoid models with sharp, unfinished edges and small pieces that might come loose.
• The frame should be tip-resistant, in both the open and folded position.

• Evaluate accessibility. You should be able to get baby in and out easily. Some models offer bars that open or remove for easy access to baby.
• An adult should be able to fasten and unfasten the harness quickly.
• Be sure to consider stroller weight – especially when buying a tandem or side-by-side stroller – because heavyweight strollers can become burdensome. Lightweight strollers (made of aircraft-quality aluminum) are a wonderful choice because they are both light and sturdy.
• The stroller should fold and unfold easily. Some strollers fold with just one hand-ideal if you're holding baby with the other.
• How maneuverable is the stroller? Look for dual, swivel front wheels and one-handed steering. (If your stroller has a reversible handle, all four wheels should have swivel capabilities.)
• How easy is it to adjust the stroller back or activate the brakes? Look for smoothly operating mechanisms.
• Adjustable handles are a necessity for parents who are tall (or petite). Padded, ergonomic handles are also a plus.
• Make sure that, when folded, the stroller will fit in the trunk of your car.

• Make sure the seat cover is both removable and machine washable.

• A generously sized seating area.
• A multi-position back that adjusts to recline or to a near-recline.
• An adjustable footrest for growing legs.
• Weight maximums of 40 lbs. or more.

• Look for a generously-sized storage basket.
• Some strollers offer a tray or cup holder located on the stroller handle-a nice convenience for parents. (You can also add these to you stroller later.)

Other Considerations

Here are some other features you might find desirable:

• Some canopies feature plastic viewing windows that allow you to keep tabs on baby.
• A play bar or tray that will help keep baby occupied while riding.

We Make It Easy!

At One Step Ahead, we've tested hundreds of strollers over the years. We review manufacturer's specifications and make sure they comply with ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials) Standard Consumer Safety Specifications for Carriages/Strollers. We keep abreast of new design innovations.

In addition, we subject every stroller to a vigorous workout. We push, turn and jostle them...fold and unfold them...and put harnesses, canopies and brakes to the test.

In other words, the strollers we offer have been carefully inspected for quality, safety and functionality. To view the strollers that have earned our approval, check out our Strollers and Joggers collection or our Stoller Accessories right now