No need to splurge on those snobby baby strollers

Cruising for baby strollers is a lot like shopping the car dealers: You hear the same hype about styling, braking systems and shock absorption. And if, like most parents, you want to avoid an inflexible-framed English pram in favor of a more practical collapsible stroller, you may be tempted to cough up for the Range Rover of the breed: the top-of-the-line, all-chrome, 32-pound Swedish-made Emmaljunga Jupiter (pictured on page 176) for around $350. Our advice: Skip it.

The Jupiter and other high-enders including the Maclaren Chamade ($499; 33 pounds) and the Inglesina Baby Classic ($300; 28 pounds) are combination carriages and strollers with reclining seats long enough so that an infant can lie flat. And the top-ticket carriage strollers do have one advantage: "better shock absorption for a very smooth ride," says Sami Bandaks, president of Emmaljunga's U.S. distributor. But that attribute comes at a cost--one measured in more than dollars and cents. "After carrying a stroller in and out of your car, you realize what a difference there is between 10 and 30 pounds," says Alan Fields, co-author of Baby Bargains (Windsor Peak Press, $11.95).

Unless you'll be making a habit of piloting Junior over particularly rough terrain, the pediatricians, baby-product experts and parents we interviewed say you needn't spring for a deluxe model to get safe, smart wheels for your tot. Lighter, well-made, less expensive makes will also go the distance--minus the heavy lifting. Worthy alternatives:

Lightweight strollers (10 to 19 pounds) are also adjustable, but the backs don't always go completely flat--many retain a 170 degrees angle. That's not a problem, says Dr. William Sears, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine and author of The Baby Book (Little Brown, $19.95). "A baby sleeps just as well at a slight incline," he points out. Like carriage strollers, these vehicles can accommodate a babe from birth through age four or five. Plus, they fold and can be carried more easily. They're usually made of lightweight aluminum. Look for one with a spacious underseat storage basket and reversible handles, so you can push the child while he or she faces toward you (best for infants) or away from you (better for curious toddlers). Two such models recommended by baby experts: the Peg Perego Puma ($200; 17 pounds) and the Combi Avid ($170; 18 pounds).

Umbrella strollers (five to 14 pounds), so named because they quickly fold up like umbrellas, are made of low-grade steel or aluminum. Adjustable only slightly or not at all, the fabric seats do not provide head support, so these fast-moving carriers are inappropriate for children under six months. But they're perfect as extra strollers for frequent travelers who want to jam them into an airplane overhead bin. Avoid the $25 cheapies in favor of more expensive, better-made models like the Combi Savvy IV ($139; seven pounds) or the Aprica Citimini ($179; seven pounds).

~~~~~~~~

By Elif Sinanoglu

--------------------------------------
Need more baby strollers resources, check it here right now!