5 Considerations to Make When Shopping For a Stroller:

Wondering how to choose the best stroller for your family?

You might feel overwhelmed when beginning to shop for a new stroller. You're not alone! Customers often tell us, “The internet is suggesting a different stroller every time I search for the best stroller." We've compiled a list of considerations to make in helping you find the “perfect stroller”. When you're ready you'll know what to learn as you visit our store and talk with our baby gear experts.

• Family Size and Lifestyle - What is happening now in your growing family or on the horizon? Your stroller should fit seamlessly into your daily routine, from newborn to about age 4 depending on your needs. When shopping for a stroller consider how it will integrate with your lifestyle. Reflect on: 
• Your daily activities: Where do you enjoy walking now? Where might you go for a change of scenery with your kid(s)?
• Transport needs: What basic transport needs do you have?
• Future changes: Are there any changes you anticipate making to your current living situation? If so, what are they and what might change for getting from Point A to Point B look or feel like?

Whether you need a single or double, travel system, compact or jogging stroller, the goal is to choose one that supports you and your family's needs.

• Terrain – Think about where you will be using the stroller most frequently. As industry experts, we recommend a quick evaluation of your daily environment to ensure you pick a stroller that meets your needs.  
• Plan your route: Walk the local neighbourhood and parks, coastal trails, the beach and those city and suburban sidewalks.  The goal is to ensure your favourite places are accessible with an active or sleeping child.
• Evaluate the terrain as you consider what navigating your regular destinations might include: arriving in parking lots, at doctor's offices, daycare centers, grocery stores, airports and other frequently visited places might be helpful to bring to mind.

• Compatibility and Functions - Consider how long you'll be using the stroller each day. Look for features that align with your needs, such as:

• Storage baskets
• Rain covers and sun shields
• Reclining seats for nap time on the go
• Options for a newborn (lying flat or using a bassinet)
• Honorable mention: a cup holder for your coffee or water bottle. We can dream a little the Stanley cup fits, no?

Aligning features can make outings with your child more enjoyable. If you plan to use the stroller from the newborn stage, ensure the straps fit and support a young infant. It’s great to note some bassinet options can double as an overnight bassinet for use at home. This is quite regulated in Canada, so be sure to ask!

• Safety, Durability and what you can expect from a Warranty - A typical warranty will be anywhere from a 1 year up to 4 years. Ask about the overall customer service and you will likely hear honest feedback.  Remember, like all baby gear, you will want to register it early on with the manufacturer (quite often this is 90 days) to claim any warranty coverage in years to pass. 

• The "IRL" touch and feel of the stroller - This ranks high on our customer's favourite shopping experiences when buying a stroller. We hope you have the time to time to touch, feel, and play as though you are going to walk a mile or fold up the stroller and put it in the truck of your vehicle and even pretend to tuck it out of the way at your neighbourhood coffee shop. Walk with it like you are late to daycare or pausing to let Fido sniff all while keeping the baby "moving". A stroller is meant to match your lifestyle, be it boarding a plane or taking a five minute trot to the mailbox.

Lastly, it can be hard not to fall in love with a colour. Save the feature of "the look" as one of your final decision factors. Take time to browse our store, both online and in-store when shopping for a stroller. Dialogue with us over the variety of consdierations your lifestyle may demand for making your baby gear easy to use and bring along in your day. Walking through the many aspects will help you find one that suits your family's needs, your lifestyle and it's likely even your fashion sense. 

You're invited! Shop at Nurtured in our Halifax, Nova Scotia based storefront. We offer fast, free shipping across Canada on most strollers. And remember, if you are choosing local pickup for your stroller take advantage of our complimentary assembly service. We’ll walk you through the open, fold and full details so you can feel confident, rather than clumsy, in your everyday use right away. 

Need to chat with us about your upcoming purchase? Reach out!