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Pushy pushy

A guide to tuning out the hype and choosing the right set of wheels for your strolling style

Best Modern Pram

Bébécar Grand Style, $550

The Bébécar is a head-turner that demands attention, but it doesn't rely on looks alone. Thanks to 11-inch pneumatic (air-filled) tires and all-wheel suspension, it offers an ultrasmooth ride. Unlike old-school prams, the Grand Style has a bassinet that can be replaced with a seat suitable for toddlers up to 40 pounds. However, you'll probably want to supplement this with a lightweight stroller.

Features

The chassis collapses with a twist of the handle.
The bassinet handles make it easy to transport sleeping babies.
The seat has washable padding.

Best For

Keeping your baby comfortable, even on pebbly terrain
Carrying all your belongings (there's an embarrassment of storage space in the basket)

Downside

It turns like a tanker.
The chassis alone weighs 22 pounds.
White wheels don't look so spiffy after a few trips out.

Price Includes: Bassinet, toddler seat, and canopy

To Buy: buystrolleronline.com

Best Investment

Phil & Teds e3, $379

The e3 is the only stroller designed for a growing child and a growing family. It accommodates a single newborn or toddler, one newborn and one toddler, or two toddlers. The toddler-toddler setup offers a solution for parents whose oldest child is close to outgrowing strollers altogether. The e3 moves well, thanks to big swivel wheels.

Features

It lays flat (though the process is somewhat clunky).
It has a full reclining position, with a bassinet for infants.
The seat attachment fits in the back (for a toddler-toddler pair) or in front (for an infant-toddler combo).

Best For

Shuttling two kids without taking up the entire sidewalk
Active parents; it handles tight store aisles and rough roads equally well, and the front wheel can be fixed for jogging

Downside

At 27 pounds, it's not for the wimpy.
The toddler-toddler position isn't ideal—the kid on the bottom seat gets little sun protection, and his fingers are temptingly close to the back wheels.

Price Includes: Canopy, infant bed, sun cover, rain cover, and carry bag (second seat $90 extra)

To Buy: regallager.com

Best Value

Combi I-Thru, $200

Steering the Combi after using pricier strollers feels like driving an Accord after handling a Lexus. It's not as exciting, but it's a safe, sensible choice. That's not to say it lacks features. It has front swivel tires and lush, machine-washable padding. Best of all, it's easy to use. You won't even need a manual to figure out collapsing and reclining.

Features

The 16-pound frame has a simple collapsing mechanism.
The tray snaps off easily and stows in the basket.
It converts from a parent-facing position to a conventional one.

Best For

Running errands; you can lift the frame into the car with one arm while holding a bag of groceries in the other
Keeping all of your and your child's essentials at hand

Downside