by Tali Toland

Strollers are one of those must-haves for baby. They help make everyday chores more manageable. Baby can sleep while you walk around, and you can put bags in the stroller when baby needs your attention.

When choosing a stroller that is right for you and your family, there are a few important points to consider:

Price. It can be tempting to save money on a less expensive stroller, but quality counts. Get the best stroller you can afford and be a little flexible on your top price.

Activity. Will you be using the stroller mostly for jogging or walking? Active walks on bumpy trails, or jogging or running on any kind of surface, will require a jogging stroller. Try to find an all-aluminum frame that does not rust, especially if you vacation at the beach.

Maneuverability. Jogging strollers with huge wheels can deal with any bumpy surface, but they can’t turn on a dime. If you are going to be in stores a lot, you will want to consider a stroller that has smaller wheels that swivel for easy maneuvering; carriages and “umbrella” strollers are best for this.

Child’s age. An infant must be able to lay flat in a stroller, so a lot of strollers simply do not work for infants. A popular choice to ensure that your stroller can grow with your child is a travel system that can accommodate a bassinet when your baby is an infant and then convert to a sit-up stroller when she is older.

Number of children. Inline strollers in which the children sit front to back are generally easier to maneuver than side-by-side strollers. However, for jogging and running, most double/triple strollers are side-by-side models.

Now that you know how to choose the perfect stroller for your family, here are some great picks for pushing your little ones around town.

Twin Strollers. The Maclaren Twin Stroller (left) is equipped with everything you need for twins of any age – newborn to toddler. With fully reclining seats and an umbrella-style fold, this twin carrier is surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle. Quilted seats are comfortable for baby and removable for easy cleaning. Lockable, swivel front wheels, extendable leg rests and shopping baskets make this stroller a joy. $349.99. This well-known stroller company also manufactures lightweight strollers, carriages and more.

Travel Systems. The Peg Perego Pliko is the SUV of travel systems. It comes with a beautiful canopy, cushioned seat, rain shield and more. The frame is lightweight and extremely small when folded. The wheels on the Pliko work well on bumpy and smooth surfaces, allowing for a comfortable ride for baby. Two huge pluses: The handles are height adjustable, and the infant seat also fits into Pliko’s high chair frames. $270.

Another great travel system is the Passage 530 by Graco. This one is easy on your back; it’s one-hand ergonomic fold structure means it stands up when folded so you never have to bend over to pick it up. It is also great for the mom on the go; it has plenty of storage baskets, cup holders and organizer trays. The front wheels swivel for good maneuverability, and the seat lays down, so this stroller is perfect for infants. $180.

Jogging Strollers. The most maneuverable jogging stroller is by BOB (right). The Revolution model has a pivoting front wheel that provides a stable ride for baby and easy turning for you. A storage basket under the seat holds water bottles and anything else baby might need. This stroller also has adjustable suspension, so it’s great for bumpy or smooth surfaces, and it folds compactly. $349.

The Leisure Sport Jogger is great for jogging with an infant, but isn’t the easiest to maneuver. This all-terrain stroller folds easily and has a retractable canopy to protect baby from the sun and bugs. $199.99.

Lightweight/Umbrella Strollers. Usually weighing 15 pounds or less, they are great for running errands. The Tour Sport Reclining Umbrella Stroller by Kolcraft is the supreme umbrella stroller; it includes a cup holder and gear bag. It also has front swivel wheels and a swing-over canopy. $59.99.

The Cosco Deluxe Comfort Ride is a great deal. It is definitely for children that can sit up on their own, as it doesn’t lay back. A huge storage basket sits below the baby seat, and it has small wheels that are great for making your way between store aisles. $19.99.

Carriages. The Bertini 4x4 (left) has a three-level seat control that’s perfect for newborns and infants. Each wheel has independent steering that you can control with a foot lever in the back for fixed-wheel, locked or steering. The bassinet can be easily changed from front-facing to rear-facing, and the handle can be adjusted accordingly. $400.

Stroller Add-ons

Once you’ve picked your ideal stroller and used it a few times, you’re bound to find one or two shortcomings. No problem! There are tons of stroller accessories available to customize it to your needs.

Stroller handle too short? Try the Stroller Stretcher. This device fits onto stroller handles so parents don’t have to bend over to push. Easy to install and perfect for umbrella or standard strollers (not recommended for jogging and twin strollers), this product is available at www.strollerstretcher.com or 510-435-9424. $14.95.

Want more neck support for baby? Try the Toddler Coddler. This cushioned harness is adjustable and fits most car seats and strollers to provide head and neck support. The machine-washable product also comes in a variety of colors. Available at www.toddlercoddler.com. $29.99.

Too sunny for baby? Try the Protect-A-Bub Single Stroller Sunshade Attachment. This device easily ties to any canopied stroller or carriage and is made of specially woven 50+UPF rated breathable fabric. The sunshade attachment is ideal for parents who want both protection and complete visibility for their infants and toddlers. It can be left attached to stroller or folded away easily for storage. Available at www.protect-a-bubusa.com. $38.95.

Blanket always falling off? Try the SuperBlankie. It’s a squirm-, jostle- and bounce-proof blanket that keeps baby warm anywhere. The simple Velcro device is easy to attach and keeps the fleece blanket comfortably in place with even the squirmiest of babies and toddlers. The Sport model is great for joggers and is made of the same comfy fleece with a waterproof nylon shell. SuperBlankie is available at www.superblankie.com or 303-651-9234. $14.95-$20.95.

Another great new blanket, especially for newborns, is the Snuggle Bub by Protect-A-Bub. This lambswool insert is sure to keep baby warm, and feel great next to new skin. The all-natural material is breathable, so it will leave baby dry. The Snuggle Bub is available at www.protectabub.com. $78.00-$80.00.

Get out there!

If you’ve decided on a jogging stroller, we have some great ideas for where to give it a test drive. There are a few programs in Atlanta to meet fellow parents and get some exercise. The special summer Stroller Struts happen at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on the third Wednesday of June, July and August at 10 a.m. These walks allow children to explore the garden and get some fresh air at the same time. Regular admission prices apply. For more information, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

For year-round fun (and exercise), check out the fastest growing exercise program in the city: Stroller Strides. Stroller Strides classes consist of a power walk and body toning exercises using your stroller and your baby. In 50 minutes you will get a total body workout, improving your endurance, strength and flexibility. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert exerciser, Stroller Strides can provide you with an ideal cardiovascular workout. With classes all over metro Atlanta, you’re sure to find something to fit your needs. Monthly membership is $50, with single-class prices and
packages ranging from $15-$199; www.strollerstrides.net.