Smarty Guide to Strollers

One of the biggest decisions to make as an expecting Smarty Mom is what stroller to get. There are so many brands, models and styles to choose from. It’s not a small purchase, so when you do decide on the one you want, you want to make sure it’s the best for you and your baby.

Today’s strollers have many bells and whistles to help make your life easier. There are travel systems and even iPod accessories for those Smarty Fit Moms! Today, we’ll focus on the single strollers.

Below you will find some of the most common seen strollers around Charlotte:

Britax B-Ready

This is one stroller that this Smarty Mom can vouch for. This sturdy stroller offers many seated positions, from reclining to upright, and even foot rest adjustments. The adjustable handle makes it easy to push the stroller with comfort, while the cavernous cargo holder below the seat is a huge plus to keep any overflowing diaper bag. The Click & Go adapter system works with the Britax Chaperone and B-Safe infant seat, which makes traveling with newborns a cinch. Britax also offers a bassinet seat that clicks into the stroller that allows for a smooth, flat space to nap in while you’re on the go. Lastly, when baby number two comes, there is a second seat that attaches to the back so you can tote both of your kiddos around with ease. Available online and in most major baby stores, the stroller retails for around $400, but I’ve found it on sale recently for $340 at Babies R Us.

UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller

This newborn-through-toddler stroller is made to last. The SnugSeat add-on allows you to bring your newborn along for a ride and when they outgrow it, just remove add-on to keep your toddler along for the ride. This stroller is also car seat compatible, which is a huge plus! While outside, the canopy will keep those sun rays at bay with a SPF 50+ sunshade. The seat is reversible, so you can ride around with baby facing you or taking in all the sights looking out. This stroller also offers ample storage space in the basket below the seat. The stroller comes in a variety of color options and can be found locally at Shower Me With Love, retailing for around $460.

Graco FastAction

There are a variety of models under the FastAction line to choose from, all seem to be amazing. A few of the models I’ve looked at are lightweight and fold down easily which makes getting the stroller in and out of the car super convenient! Some of the more advanced models under this line allow for infant carriers to take the place of the original seat, allowing your wee-one the opportunity to grow up with the stroller. This is a more affordable option and can be found in major baby retailers ranging in price from around $90 – $230.

Phil & Teds Navigator

Coming in a variety of bight and fun colors, the Navigator stroller is super rough and tough, as it is stylish. They claim their strollers go from newborn to age five. I pray that I don’t need to use a stroller at age five, but I guess it’s nice to have the option. This is another stroller that can also grow with your family by connecting the double kit on the back so you can tote your toddler and infant. The stroller seat lies flat for those baby power naps and can also face you or face away. This stroller also promises a one-handed fast and compact fold for ease of stowing. A really neat feature is that the seat is countered and ventilated, which could be very nice, especially in the warmer months when out and about. The Navigator retails for around $500 and is available online, as well as at Buy Buy Baby.

Smarty Moms – here’s the newest scoop on a couple of up-and-coming strollers that you will start seeing on the sidewalks of the Queen City.

Bugaboo Cameleon

This modern spin on a nostalgic stroller is ideal for the newborn baby. The seat lies flat and covers like a bassinet. The canopy and apron are sold separately, but worth it for the extra coverage of your newbie baby. The stroller is very light and compact which is great for taking it in and out of vehicles. When your baby is older, the seat adjusts to set more upright. The seat is also reversible allowing your baby to get a view of you, as well as check out the world in front of them. With the car seat adaptor add-on, you can use your Graco car seat. The color selection for this stroller is so fun, too – lots of bold colors to choose from! The Cameleon retails for about $980 and can be found at Shower Me With Love.

4moms Origami

Holy smokes. This is by far, the coolest, most technologically advanced stroller I’ve ever seen. I’m told that it’s the newest, hottest stroller used by Giuliana Rancic and Bethenny Frankel. For the sporty Smarty Mom, it features daytime running and pathway lights at the front of the stroller. On the handle, a LCD screen keeps you aware of how fast you’re going, how far you’ve gone and the temperature. A neat feature is the iPhone plug-in so you and your baby can rock out, while also charging your iPhone. A major plus of this amazing stroller is the power-folding feature. At the touch of a button, the entire stroller (chair and all) will collapse. This stroller from the future can be found soon at Shower Me With Love for around $850.

Strolling Smarties, we want to hear from you! What features are you looking for in a stroller? What are you impressed with that’s out in the market? Dish it!

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