How to choose a stroller: what first-time parents actually need

Strollers are one of the biggest purchases on most baby registries and one of the most confusing. The most important factors are how and where you'll actually use it: for urban walkers, a lightweight, maneuverable stroller with a small fold matters most; for suburban car-seat-to-stroller users, a travel system (stroller + compatible infant car seat) offers maximum convenience; for active families who jog or do trails, a jogging stroller with fixed front wheel and suspension is worth the investment. Full-size strollers offer more features; lightweight umbrella strollers are better for travel once baby can sit up.

Avoid buying a double stroller before your first child is born — you may not need one, and stroller preferences often change after you've actually used one.