The Great Stroller Debate and How I Decided Which Were Best for Us

One of the most important items you will need when you have a baby is a stroller. Whether walking the streets of Europe, or simply going around the block, a good stroller is something you’ll need and be using constantly for toting your little one around. But how do you choose? There are so many options out there and it can be totally overwhelming! I, luckily, was able to consult my friends and family and decided on three strollers that should take me from now until my youngest has grown out of them {we hope we are blessed with several children!} Below are three strollers that I registered for and why!

Doona Infant Car Seat/Stroller with Base

Any new mom will tell you that the Doona is a game changer. It is a car seat and stroller in one and makes moving your baby around so much easier. No more lugging your sleeping baby around in a super heavy/oversized/bulky car seat while moving to/from! The Doona attaches to a base in your car and then pops out and immediately becomes a stroller once ready to get moving. The wheels just from flip underneath as shown above! I can’t tell you how many of my mom friends say this is their number one baby must-have/splurge. I’ve also heard that it is amazing for restaurants (not as bulky; same height as typical tables, no need to place baby on the ground or flip over a highchair to place car seat in to get it to table height – this always looks so unsteady and makes me nervous!) It’s also a great options for travel (fits well in an airplane seat, and you don’t have to bring a stroller AND a car seat!) Make sure to buy an extra base for your significant other and/or anyone who will be driving baby often.

UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller {also here}

The Uppababy Vista is our ‘all-purpose’ stroller. It does it all, and will be perfect for everyday activities like visiting the doctor or walking to the park. The best thing about the Uppababy Vista is that it grows with your family – it conveniently converts to a seated double and even has an attachment for a 3rd to stand! So, if you are planning to have more than one child, the Vista stroller is ideal for you. This means that you won’t have to buy a second stroller once you’re ready for baby number 2 {or 3!}  It also comes with bassinet that attaches to the stroller, which is great for going on walks in the early months AND can also be used as a bassinet for next to your bed using this stand. You might also want to purchase the stroller organizer and the cup holder {these are sold separately but total must-haves IMO}

BABYZEN YOYO Travel Stroller {also here & here}

This is our lightweight stroller option. With how much travel we do, I know this stroller is a must have. The main reason why it is above and beyond the rest is because it folds up small enough to fit in the overhead compartment. You don’t have to gate check this stroller!!! My sisters-in-law swear by it and say it is a total travel game changer. Luckily for me, they also did some legwork and tried out the main travel stroller competitor, the pocket, and said the Yoyo was lightyears better and well worth the larger investment.

To summarize, below are some of the key features that you need to check off before deciding on the right stroller for you.

• Make sure your stroller can accommodate a newborn {many don’t} Even though the newborn phase lasts for such a short amount of time, it is still crucial to have a carrier that is suitable for an infant so this is something important to double check.
• Make sure it is easy to open/close. You’d be surprised how complicated a stroller can be – make sure you can easily collapse your choice before bringing it home.
• Babies are messy, so make sure you are choosing a stroller that has washable fabric. Whether it’s spit up or crushed up goldfish, you want to make sure you can remove it and clean it when needed.
• Make sure your stroller has a proper sun canopy – there is nothing worse than being on a walk and having the direct sunlight blind your baby. The sun canopy will provide ample shade, and also a little quiet if you decide to pull it all the way down.
• Stroller basket – where else are you supposed to put your purse?? Make sure the stroller you choose has a basket you’re happy with.
• Last but not least  – accessories! I registered for a clip on fan, the Uppababy organizer, the YOYO footmuff, and a cup holder. There is also the Uppababy stand {for toddlers}, the rain guard {for YOYO, for Uppababy}, and the YOYO travel bag that a lot of people love as well!

Ok! So that’s it, I hope that’s helpful for everyone! I know three strollers is kind of a lot, but I’m hoping that these are the only strollers I’ll ever need as we grow and transition as a family. Let me know in the comments which strollers you have used and loved and why! Always curious to hear other people’s experiences.