Hi! If, like me, the first time you ventured out with your toddler or baby stroller (other than just a jog around the block) you realised there is a lot to find out about prams or strollers. I bought one that I thought was great in the shop. It folded up with ease, had a bottle holder, the sales rep told me everyone was raving about it. Then we left and two weeks later I was on the footpath in Albany, trying to get the darned thing over a small bump while holding a coffee and nappies, the wheels kept getting caught and folding it to squeeze into the car with one hand was an interesting challenge! So what’s the moral of this story?
You are not alone, this is very common. For many parents in Auckland and throughout New Zealand you might end up with a stroller you got excited about but just doesn’t suit your lifestyle. It might only be for walks to the shops, the bus stop or day care. You might only need it to play in the shopping mall for a couple of hours or get to the beach by bus. Or you might be after something that is very light for the grandparents but does everything you need it to.
First, let’s get the obvious one out of the way: how much are you going to be folding and lifting it? Honestly, if you’re going to be taking your foldable in and out of the car a few times a day, then weight and fold style can be more important than you’d think. Just because a stroller is small when folded does not mean it is light or fiddly-if you need to use both hands to fold it, or the seat has to come off first, for example. When you’re also carrying a 10lb baby, a changing bag, and anything else thrown in for good measure, the right lightweight model that stays under a certain weight can make a big difference. Many apartment and public transit users prefer a quick, light fold that doesn’t take up half your trunk.
Next let’s discuss wheel size and suspension. You won’t make it through Auckland without encountering less-than-desirable footpaths, parks, beaches, and even dirt roads and gravel. Smaller wheels will seem okay if you mostly walk inside shopping malls, but they can be bumpy on uneven grounds, while bigger wheels and some suspension tend to feel better on bumpy paths for you and baby. Of course, you don’t need an all-terrain jogging stroller if you have no intention of jogging with your stroller. Simply test out how it feels to push the stroller over the terrain you walk most often.
Another feature that’s often underrated until you actually need it is storage. A basket capable of fitting a nappy bag, a lightweight jacket and some shopping can mean you don’t need to take to hanging everything over the handlebar. Some strollers have a basket that’s easily accessible when the seat is reclined, whilst others may require you to lift the seat or lean over at the waist. If you tend to carry a little extra around with you, have a look at the size of the basket and how accessible it is before you buy.
Now let’s be honest – when you are in a rush to get out the door, you will appreciate a harness that is easy to snap, that five-point harness is so easy to buckle and adjust. And if you want a stroller that will get you through those first couple of years, pick one with a seat that reclines all the way down, say baby asleep in stroller, not just nap time. And a travel system can also be worth having to lug the extra weight and bulk of extra gear.
Once you’ve entered the parenthood stage, you will realize you’ll need the durability and simple cleanability of the fabric to be one of its defining features. Seriously, you’ll be happy to find fabric that you can wipe clean, especially with solids! You will also want a fabric that resists staining so that life is just easier to get through. You will also want a stroller with a more solid-feeling frame when you push and turn it versus one that rattles, and you will want something far more solid than just the cheapest or lightest weight.
Trying before you buy still pays off – even when you’re buying online. So what does that mean for you? If possible, visit a store or see if you can find a model to try in real life – give it a push, see how easy it is to fold and lift, and check out the brake you’ll use to stop it moving when you’re on the go. Can you get a sense for the handle height and if the brake is really easy to brake with your foot? For those ordering online, take a look at the delivery policy and ease of returns. Free delivery in Auckland and a easy returns process means you’re more relaxed trying out your new stroller at home. Be sure to also read online reviews from other Kiwi parents – you might get some good tips about local conditions (thinking about how the wheels handle footpaths), easy cleaning and whether the fold has held in place after a few months of use.
Price is a consideration – but not the only one. Weirdly, a marginally more costly stroller that lasts 2-3 years and is used almost daily may work out to be less per push than a cheap stroller you replace or abandon because it doesn’t work with your life. And there’s no point splurging on options that will go unused. Truly, having a stroller that fits your life – your car, your walking patterns, your storage capacity at home, who else will be pushing it – often beats buying all the features.
Several other parents are looking farther forward. Strollers with an adjustable seat, good harness and a fully reclined position can be useful from newborn through the toddler years. Some strollers function more like a second stroller (lightweight stroller, back in the trunk) for when baby is up and sitting. Of course, the more you have in mind for lifespan the more focused you can get on exactly those factors. What we’re noticing is: if you’ll be expecting a second later on, then look at what might make it easier to handle with a toddler along as well.
Ultimately, the right stroller is the one you can use regularly without feeling annoyed. It folds down when it’s supposed to, moves easily on the terrain you actually encounter, carries what you need it to carry, and feels reliable. For many Auckland and New Zealand families, choosing a stroller that fits their lifestyle means those trips with the kids are less stressful and more fun. If you haven’t made up your mind yet, browsing for something more basic that was built for local use – compact and lightweight, straightforward to fold, and comfortable on New Zealand streets – could save you some time and doubt in the future.
Hopefully this gives you an idea of what stroller you should be going for to suit your lifestyle and your little one!
