The New Mom's Guide to Strollers

Buying a stroller is almost like buying a new car for your little one. 

The amount of strollers I have owned is mildly insane. Seriously. I will say that I have my favorites now, and I definitely know a thing or two about strollers. Strollers are expensive, and sometimes you realize it really doesn't do everything you thought it would do. Think taking it to the beach or on a flight. Strollers have come so far since we were born or even 10 years ago. You walk in a store and there are no longer 3 options to choose from. It becomes overwhelming and you just purchase whatever one will go with your car seat.

Don't worry, I've done the research for you. These are my absolute favorite strollers--now all you have to do is decide. Which one will it be? 

1. Bugaboo Donkey

Pish Posh Baby

Ok, I saw this stroller one day at Busch Gardens and from that second on I was on the hunt for it. I had to have it. The basket on the side was pure amazing, and the fact that it can go from a single to a double in a matter of 3 seconds, sold me. It is the smoothest ride, and I never run out of space for anything we need on our trips. It fits most car seats that you would purchase for your little one, and also has a bassinet if you decide not to use the travel system. 

Another thing I love about the Donkey is how easy it breaks down. I can easily fold it up with both seats on it, or break it down quickly to fit in my husbands car. Breaking it down each time allows you to change the configuration each time you use it. 

2. City Mini GT

I would bring my Donkey on trips with me as it's just too expensive to be thrown around by the baggage handlers. I do however use my City Mini. When I was traveling a lot with Bennett last year by myself, I needed something that was a one handed fold. That's when I found the City Mini GT. I chose the GT model for the tires, and definitely would choose it again and again. I purchased this one on Craigslist as I knew it would be put through a lot of wear and tear going on flights. 

This strollers has a handlebar that moves up and down, rubber tires,  a seat that reclines, and can accommodate many different car seats. One thing to note, although the name of the company is Baby Jogger this is not a jogging stroller. 

3. Bob Jogging Stroller

Now this is a jogging stroller. This is a walk through the dessert stroller. We use this stroller when walking/jogging, and trust me you can tell the difference walking with this stroller on the road vs. other strollers. The ride in a Bob is so much smoother then non jogging strollers, and it has a perfect incline so your baby doesn't shake around. 

The Bob has car seat attachments, however they recommend that you not jog with baby until they are 8 months. There are so many little jars and bumps when running that it can be dangerous for baby. 

4. GB Pockit

c/o Oddity Mall

This is the only one on the list that I do not have, but right now I don't really have a need for an umbrella stroller. If I did need one for whatever reason. This one would be it. This amazing stroller actually won the 2014 Guinness World Records for the smallest stroller fold. It can go from a regular stroller to a backpack sized square in a few seconds. It also is self standing, which is amazing when you don't have a free hand to hold that and baby up.  

5. City Select

c/o City Select Strollers

I also do not have a City Select since I have the Bugaboo right now. This is another amazing stroller that goes from single to double in an instant. Unlike the Donkey, the City Select is an inline stroller. Some people love that, some say it gets heavy in the front to push. I can't tell the difference, but maybe if the child in the front was really big you'd have problems. 

The Littlest Adventures

The City Select folds up nicely, but like the Donkey it is actually easier to take it apart and put it away first. This stroller offers different attachments for car seats on the market, and also offers a bassinet option. 

Once you spent that money it's difficult to shell out some more for another stroller. My advice is to check your local Facebook groups and Craigslist for strollers you are looking for. Sometimes a little elbow grease can fix them up looking good as new!