Buying a stroller takes a lot of thought and probably a bit of browsing so you can get the one that is best for you and your baby (and falls within your price range).

So what's the best choice? Here are three questions you should have the answers to before you go shopping.

What type do you want?

There are a number of combinations of strollers: carriage/stroller or car seat/tandem stroller, for example. But here are the basics.

Carriage
Has a fully reclining back so baby can lie flat. Special standards about leg openings and warning labels apply to this type. Most have backs that adjust to an upright position for babies who can sit up and toddlers, too.

Standard stroller
Designed for babies who can sit up and toddlers. This type may have an adjustable back, but it doesn’t fully recline so it can’t be used for newborns.

Umbrella stroller
Small, lightweight, easy to fold, this kind of stroller is named after the type of handles it traditionally has. It doesn’t have many features, but that in itself is the main feature: it’s simple, a snap to push and easily portable. This type isn’t for infants; baby must be able to hold up his head. You should invest in one that has a supported backrest.

All-Terrain
This type is a little more rugged than a regular stroller and can take on rougher ground than the mall usually offers. All-Terrain strollers tend to be all-weather strollers, as well, with mud flaps and rain guards.

Jogger
These are specially designed, extra-sturdy strollers for parents who need their morning jog but want to take baby along. Regular strollers are not made to handle bumps and corners the way these babies (sorry)...these strollers are. These are for older babies who can sit up and enjoy the flashing scenery.

Twin stroller
Look for a type with two fully reclining seats, or wait until the children are old enough to use semi-reclining seats (which you may do, anyway). Twin strollers come in two varieties: side-by-side, which lets the driver see both babies more easily but doesn’t always make it through the door, and tandem, with seats one behind the other or facing each other, which may make it a little harder to see the child in front, but is easier to steer.

If you take your baby on a lot of outings (to Uncle Joe’s farm, Aunt Millie’s apple orchard, out to the state park), you may want a sturdier stroller, perhaps an all-terrain model. If you do a lot of shopping, you may want an umbrella stroller for use at the mall.

What extra features do you need/want?

The design of strollers has changed markedly over the years, and some may have more features than you really need; others may not have all the features you really want.

Reversible handle
This changes the stroller so you can either look at baby or baby can ride facing forward. A definite plus, since the parent doesn’t have to stop and lean around the stroller all the time to make sure baby is still covered up or see whether he has fallen asleep.

Removable extra pad
Ah, luxury. Not a must, but babies are babies and an extra pad removes as easily as it goes on, so it’s easier to clean. Of course, it provides extra comfort, too.

Swivel wheels
Umbrella strollers are so lightweight they can be manhandled around corners, but for other kinds of strollers, these are a necessity, especially for tandems. Strollers with reversible handles need swivel wheels front and back, so that whichever way the handle is, the front wheels swivel for better maneuverability.

Dual wheels
A very nice feature for a smoother ride and easier handling. If one wheel gets stopped, its mate moves on, so the stroller is easier to push. Extra wheels also distribute the bumps, so the ride is more comfortable.

Adjustable-height handle
If both parents are 5’10”, this isn¹t a requirement. But if one parent is 5’ and one 6’2”, this is a necessity. Dad just won’t volunteer for stroller duty much if he’s trying to steer something that stops at his knees.

Rocking/gliding
If you stop to talk frequently, or watch the ducks on the pond, or window shop at the mall, etc., this is the feature for you. This adjustment allows the seat to swing back and forth in a soothing motion so babies won’t be impatient that the walking has ceased.

Canopy
Another must. Some are bigger and do a better job keeping wind and sun from tender skin. Many have top or rear “windows” for parents to see through.

Dual brakes
You will need 2 sets of these if the stroller has a reversible handle, since you will always want one set of brakes at the rear. Dual brakes also add security; two locked brakes are much harder to dislodge than one is.

Suspension system
Not a must, but it does make the ride a little smoother. If you’re going to be walking mostly in shopping areas with good sidewalks, you may not need this. If you’re going to be out in the neighborhood crossing curbs and bumpier pathways, you should certainly consider strollers with this feature.

Large market basket
Pretty much a necessity, especially for shopping. Market baskets hold much more than market goods; they hold extra diapers, snacks, toys, bottles, blankets, jackets, pacifiers and maybe a purchase or two.

Compact fold
Almost every stroller folds; it’s just that the stroller sometimes takes up as much space folded as it does set up. Maybe you won’t be folding and traveling with a stroller if you just walk around the neighborhood, but you should still try the fold before you buy to make sure it’s easy enough to do.

Weight
Most strollers will hold a child up to about 40 pounds (except umbrella strollers). If the stroller weighs 10 pounds, you’ll eventually be pushing 50 pounds plus whatever is in the market basket. If the stroller weighs 50 pounds, you’ll be pushing 90+ pounds, and you may have a tough time getting the stroller in and out of the car. If you’re buying a tandem stroller, this is something you really need to think about; two 40-pound twins + 10 pounds worth of stuff + the weight of the stroller = a good workout.

Is it safe?

First, look for JPMA certification. Don’t consider a stroller that doesn’t meet the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association voluntary standards. These standards require a seat belt with a certain kind of lock, no pinch points, warning labels, wheel locks and more.

Second, determine how stable the stroller is. Strollers with sturdy steel or aluminum frames provide exceptional strength and durability, so they don’t wobble and fall apart.

Third, since most strollers today are imported, consider the name of the company marketing it. Do they make other juvenile products? Is there an 800 number you can call? There are many reputable companies that offer good strollers, so don’t just settle for the one that costs the least unless it’s the one that really meets your needs.

So congratulations! We wish you and your child a wonderful growing time together. We hope you will consider a Cosco stroller for your baby. If you have any questions, please call our Consumer Relations Department at 1-800-544-1108.

Two Ways® Tandem Stroller: A back-to-front/face-to-face reversible seat and big basket set this twin stroller apart. Some models also have a Cosco Arriva® infant car seat that snaps on and off.