How to roll out with the right stroller

TheBump.com shares its favorite stroller picks

By Carley Roney, TheBump.com editor-in-chief

You know how they say shopping for a stroller is like shopping for a car? Well, it's true! There's so much to consider, it can be overwhelming! From gas-spring technology and eco-friendly upholstery to 360-degree rotation features, your baby's ride can be as tricked out as a BMW. We’ll tell you how to sort through all the bells and whistles (or in this case -- paparazzi shields and mp3 decks) and figure out what's the best stroller for you.

Key stroller-shopping tips
The first thing you need to do when stroller shopping is to consider your lifestyle. Choosing a stroller can depend on where you live. For example, a city-dweller may want a compact, lightweight one to navigate the public transportation system, whereas a suburbanite may opt for a travel system.

Secondly, test out the stroller in real-life situations. Wear flip-flops to see if those parking brakes really are as easy to set and release, or try holding a bag of groceries in one hand and unfolding and folding the stroller with the other -- if you can’t manage it, then it might not be the right one for you.

Shop around too! Do some research online, as some retailers may offer different price points on the same stroller. Also, ask the manufacturer when a new model may be coming out, since older models (from just last year!) could be significantly discounted.

Lastly, are you planning to have more kids? If so, you might want to consider a stroller that can also accommodate a toddler later on.

Favorite stroller picks
TheBump.com asked their community of moms what their favorite strollers are in each category and narrowed it down to the best of the best.