The system comes with an infant carrier, stroller and carrier base (which is installed into the car). This is Graco’s lightweight stroller travel system, they have a heavier system called the Quattro, but it is too heavy and clumsy compared to the Metrolite.
The carrier base uses the LATCH hooks that are available in nearly every car made in the last decade and is easy to install. If you are sharing drop-off and pick-up with a spouse, additional carrier bases can be purchased. The infant carrier snaps into the stroller frame so transfering between car and stroller can be done without waking up a sleeping baby.
The stroller is light weight but full featured. It has ample storage in the underneath basket. It folds up easily to put into the trunk or back of the van/SUV. Since this is the lightweight version, it is easy to lift.
There are drink holders for both the adult and the child, along with a snack tray for the child. The stroller reclines all the way to the flat position to allow a baby to sleep without using the carrier. As the baby becomes old enough to support their own head, they can be put in the sitting position of the stroller. The stroller uses a 5 point harness to keep the child safe and secure.
This stroller can be used until the child has reached a height of about 36 inches, at which point their head will no longer be well supported by the backing of the stroller.
Having this stroller travel system has greatly reduced the number of strollers we have needed over the first few years of our child’s life.
Double strollers have two seats and come with several seating arrangements. A traditional tandem stroller will seat the first child with a good view but the child behind can see very little. Tandem seating is like stadium seating where the rear seat is raised above the one in front and there is also face to face seating seating or a side by side twin stroller.
Running (or jogging strollers) allow you to bring your child or children along on a run. Jogging strollers have a triangular wheel base with two large wheels in the rear and one wheel in the front. An added safety feature is a wrist strap on the handle bar to prevent the stroller rolling away when you stop if you don’t get the brake on fast enough.
Triple strollers are unsurprisingly for three children. Seating arrangements can be side by side but most will have tandem or stadium seating.
Umbrella strollers are relatively inexpensive, lightweight and generally easier to fold and unfold and store in a car. They are terrific for short trips to the Mall or short walks but do not work well on all terrains. Umbrella strollers do have a tendency to tip back if anything is hung on the handles.
So called lightweight strollers also come with multiple seating but are slightly heavier than an umbrella stroller but slightly less than a standard stroller. Typically they fold in a single hand motion and look similar to a standard stroller.
Phil & Teds Vibe with Dbls kit
A convertible stroller is changeable from a lie-flat bed suitable for newborns to a sit-up stroller with a lie-back facility for naps.
A stroller travel system is also convertible and suitable for very young or newborns. Unlike the convertible stroller, it also comes with a car seat.
Bike strollers or trailers can also be found as two seated models and have 5-point harnesses to secure the child. They are attached to the rear wheel of the bike and easily converted from a trailer to a stroller.
If you have a very young baby and a toddler, you’ll need the type of stroller that will allow you to take them both out together in safety. Some of the twin side-by-side strollers or a double stroller travel system will do this. Not cheap, but you may be able to find one second-hand. We like the new Bugaboo Donkey, however, it can be difficult to get as it’s new. In the meantime, Phil and Teds Vibe with a doubles kit is pretty good. You can see that by clicking on the picture on the left.
Secondly, when you take your baby out, you need to carry changing bag, feeding bottles etc., so your baby stroller should be sturdy and have enough space to carry a bag or two and also plenty of storage space.
Thirdly, storage is something you need to consider as you will need to store your baby running stroller in the house, on a train or in a car, so go for an easy to fold and carry one. It should also be lightweight as if you buy a bulky baby stroller, later on it will give you problems.
To expand a bit, it may sound obvious, but the baby stroller should have a safety belt to secure the baby in place so that the baby doesn’t slip out (do make sure you use it!). The baby running stroller should have a good breaking system to control the movement on slopes and, as a safety mechanism; a stroller should also have a leash in case of a brake failure.
Different models are available on the market. When selecting a model you should keep in mind the weight and age of your child. A running stroller should be able to minimize the bumps and vibrations for your child and you must take the stroller for a test run before deciding on one particular model. The baby running stroller should give the child a smooth ride.
Go for a model where the front wheel will lock for jogging as this is easier, but for other times a swivel wheel may be easier. Hence it is suggested a wheel that will just lock when required is a useful feature. Also get an aluminium frame as these are lighter in weight for when you need to carry the stroller and the wheels should be larger since it gives least resistance when manoeuvring. Some people prefer a running stroller with larger front wheel but this will be down to personal preference.
