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Baby Strollers Buying Guide

Tags:  baby | strollers | jogging strollers | prams | double strollersWrite a guide!

The right baby stroller is a necessity, whether you’re going around the block or on an extended trip. Your baby's age is a primary consideration when baby stroller shopping, along with your lifestyle, budget, safety features, and, of course, baby’s comfort.

Get the Right Baby Stroller for You


Get the Right Baby Stroller for You

It’s likely that you’ll need more than one stroller in your child's first four years. eBay offers a huge selection of baby strollers, which makes it easy to find the right stroller at the right time—and even to sell your gently used baby stroller when your kid gets too big to be wheeled around.

Baby travel systems

As the convertibles of the baby stroller world, the versatility of an infant travel system fulfills the need for a car seat, a baby carrier, and a baby stroller, with just one purchase. Baby stroller makers like Evenflo and Graco offer baby stroller lines that recline fully and adjust to fit babies for years. Infant travel systems come in many shapes and sizes, so you can factor in portability and find a lighter, collapsible infant travel system if it suits your lifestyle.

You can expect to see a lot of extras on baby travel systems. The COMBI Ultra Savvy Travel System, for example, includes a built-in stereo to play music or stories. When shopping for travel systems on a budget, check out what features are included and prioritize your needs.

Full-size and mid-size baby strollers

Ironically, the smaller the baby, the larger the baby stroller often needs to be. Full-size baby strollers and mid-size baby strollers frequently come with shock absorbers, oversize wheels, and wheel breaks, so that baby gets a smooth, safe ride. They also can have plenty of features like extra padding, weather covers, storage baskets, and so on. Many larger baby strollers can be adjusted to carry babies from birth until they're old enough to want to walk on their own.

The bulkiness of full-size baby strollers can be an issue if your day-to-day life includes a lot of climbing stairs or navigating grocery aisles, in which case you should opt toward a mid-size stroller. Mid-size strollers can have aluminum frames and weigh as little as 15 pounds.

Lightweight baby strollers

Lightweight baby strollers are maneuverable and convenient for walks in the park, errands, even cross-country travel, as many models collapse for storage in a car trunk or even an airplane overhead bin. Lightweight baby strollers or "umbrella" baby strollers (named for their hooked handles) are also very affordable, so having one in addition to a sturdier model won't break your budget.

Though unbeatable for portability, lightweight baby strollers are less sturdy than full-size baby strollers or mid-size baby strollers. You’ll need to read the manual that comes with your lightweight baby stroller so that you can use it as safely as possible. For example, you won't want to hang purses, backpacks, or grocery bags on lightweight baby strollers or use a non-reclining baby stroller for a newborn under three months old.

Prams

Prams and European-style strollers really make a statement. This traditional baby carriage design is both sturdy and stylish. Silver Cross makes such a pram for fashion-forward moms.

The extra money you'll pay for a high-end baby carriage doesn't only get you good looks; however, Prams and high-end strollers by makers like Bugaboo, Silver Cross, Kelty, and Stokke’s Xplory are built to last. They typically convert from fully reclining strollers for newborns to upright strollers for kids up to 3 or 4 years old. You'll typically find extra-large wheels, removable weather protection gear, adjustable padding, storage baskets, dual wheel brakes—the works—on these larger, more expensive strollers.

Classy antique prams tend to be both wide and heavy, but newer deluxe models use sturdy aluminum frames to keep the overall weight manageable.

Jogging baby strollers

For athletic parents, jogging baby strollers with streamlined designs and very large wheels make it possible to bring infants on countryside outings. If you like going on long hikes or runs, your baby will be ready to go with you at about six months, thanks to these specialized jogging baby strollers.

Built with lightweight frames and large bicycle wheels, jogging baby strollers are made to roll easily over uneven surfaces and move at running pace. As three-wheelers, they're also streamlined and sporty. Note that some three-wheelers are not made for jogging, but for looks only, so if you are shopping for a true jogging baby stroller, make sure you get one intended for that purpose.

For jogging baby strollers, safety is top priority. Be sure to look for a 3- or 5-point seat belt. Some jogging baby stroller models include hand brakes and other features like storage pouches, all-terrain wheels, and shock-absorbing suspension.


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Stroll With Two or More Babies


Stroll With Two or More Babies

Having more than one baby at a time calls for a specially designed baby stroller. Double baby strollers and triple baby strollers let you walk two or three children with ease and comfort. And if one baby outgrows the stroller, or one of the twins is staying with grandma, the extra seat is great for carrying groceries or baby gear. Remember that newborn baby strollers need to allow the baby or babies to lie flat. The Maclaren Twin Traveller is a good example of a model that lets two newborns recline fully while out and about.

Double baby strollers

Double strollers come in two basic configurations: tandem baby strollers and side-by-side baby strollers:

  • Tandem baby strollers: Tandem baby strollers place the babies front-to-back, one in front of the other in bobsled formation. Some tandem strollers have "stadium seating," placing the baby in the rear higher up so both kids can enjoy the view. If your babies are different ages, you'll find some tandem baby stroller models that let one seat recline fully for a newborn while the older child sits up.

  • Side-by-side double baby strollers: Side-by-side double baby strollers place babies beside one another.

Both tandem and side-by-side strollers can come with the full range of stroller features, such as canopies and weather covers, wheel brakes, drink or grocery holders for parents, and a lightweight, collapsible design. Always be sure double strollers have matching safety straps, too. (See more on stroller safety.)

Triple, quad, and quint baby strollers

Triple baby strollers, quadruple strollers, and quint strollers are less common, but still readily available on eBay from manufacturers like Peg Perego, Runabout, and Inglesina.


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Choose Baby Stroller Accessories


Choose Baby Stroller Accessories

There are baby accessories for all types of baby strollers. You can use them to customize your baby's stroller, so that it provides the convenience and comfort you both need.

  • Baby stroller rain covers and hoods: Rain covers and hoods are plastic sheaths that make sure your baby doesn't get wet (at least from the rain). Some cover the entire baby stroller, down to the wheels.

  • Baby stroller parasols: Makers like Bugaboo offer parasols that attach to most baby strollers to shield babies from bright sun and glare.

  • Baby stroller insect netting: Keep bugs off your baby with fine mesh coverings that let in fresh air.

  • Baby stroller holders and baskets: Attachable trays, drink holders, and carrying baskets are available for many baby stroller models. These let you carry baby supplies, personal items, or provisions on long walks. Carrying baskets should attach low on the baby stroller frame to keep it balanced. As a general safety rule, never attach or place heavy items high and off-center or the baby stroller may tip.

  • Baby stroller toys: Dangling "activity arches" and snap-on play panels attach to baby strollers, placing colorful doings within reach of tiny passengers. Many of these travel toys use Velcro or clips and can also be used with car seats and cribs, as well as many models and types of strollers. Baby stroller toys from companies like Fisher-Price and Tiny Love are readily available on eBay.

  • Baby stroller cushions and padding: Many baby strollers come with removable headrests and padding. You can also find baby headrests specifically designed for use in baby strollers.

  • Adjustable baby stroller handles: If your baby stroller doesn't come with adjustable handle height, you can add handle extensions to accommodate different pushers.

  • Baby stroller mirrors: Attach a mirror to the baby stroller to keep an eye on your baby.

  • Tote bags: Tote bags make it easy to carry a collapsible baby stroller anywhere.


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Keep Baby Safe


Keep Baby Safe

When shopping for baby strollers, safety should be a top priority. Make sure the baby stroller you buy has all the safety features you need, and make sure that you use the baby stroller safely. Here are some tips to help keep both you and your little one secure and happy.

Baby stroller safety standards

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) tests and certifies many baby products, including carriages and strollers. If the JPMA seal is on the stroller, you can be sure it has passed stability and safety tests. Baby trend strollers, Britax baby strollers, Bugaboo baby strollers, Evenflo baby strollers, Graco baby strollers, Maclaren baby strollers, and Peg Perego baby strollers are all JPMA-certified. For more safety information, check out JPMA’s website.

Safety features

There is no substitute for your own research into safety issues when purchasing a baby stroller. It is up to you to understand the various safety features of products listed on eBay. When you read item descriptions and look at pictures on eBay, you should consider seeking out baby strollers that have these safety features:

  • Stability: Baby strollers and travel systems with a baby stroller mode should provide both stability and a smooth ride. The stroller should have a wide wheel base to prevent tipping. If there's a storage basket, it should be low on the stroller frame, just above the rear wheels.

  • Baby seat belts: Three-point baby seat belts that wrap around the waist and between the legs are better than waist belts, and for jogging strollers; a 5-point harness (adding shoulder straps) is even better. A 3- or 5-point safety harness system is a necessity for travel systems also used as car seats.

  • Rear-facing installation: Young infants in baby strollers should be positioned facing the person pushing the stroller, so they can keep an eye on their precious cargo. The ability to face the car seat of a travel system toward the rear of the car is also a necessity if you’re traveling with a young infant.

  • Fully reclining seats: Fully reclining seats are a must for baby strollers and travel systems used for newborn babies up to three months.

  • Wheel brakes: Good wheel brakes that can lock.

  • Locking parts: Moving parts should lock in place to prevent accidental folding or collapsing.

  • Good condition: No missing parts or worn spots. Removable, washable fabric: You'll want to be able to clean the stroller when needed.

  • Removable, washable fabric: You'll want to be able to clean the stroller when needed.

Basic baby stroller safety

Always read the instructions provided by your baby stroller manufacturer and consider these basic safety guidelines:

  • Strap baby in with the seatbelt every time you put him in the stroller.

  • Keep an eye on your baby at all times.

  • Keep little ones at a safe distance when you fold or unfold the stroller to prevent pinching.

  • Make sure to keep loose strings or exposed straps out of baby’s reach.

  • Do not allow children to play with the baby stroller.

  • Set the stroller’s brakes and lock the wheels when you stop for more than a few minutes.

  • Don't hang bags from handles or any part of the baby stroller not intended for carrying.

  • Maintain your baby stroller; regularly tighten nuts and bolts, replace missing or worn parts, and so on.

Product recalls

When you have your sights set on a specific baby stroller, check to make sure the product has not been recalled. You can either check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by visiting the Baby portal and clicking on the link in the right- hand column, or go directly to the manufacturer's Web site for product information.


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Find Baby Strollers on eBay


Find Baby Strollers on eBay

Once you know what type of stroller you want, go to the Baby portal, click Strollers, and start searching for item listings on eBay.

  • Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for Jogging Strollers, Standard Strollers, Travel Systems, and more.

  • Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find Emmaljunga prams, type "Emmaljunga" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.


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Buy Baby Strollers With Confidence


Buy Baby Strollers With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

  • Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

  • If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

  • Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

  • Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

  • What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

  • What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

  • Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that you don't receive your item or it is not as described, eBay Buyer Protection will cover your purchase price plus original shipping. Learn more.


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