Like most soon-to-be-moms, you’re probably spending a lot of time researching and reading baby buying guides and reviews. Sometimes it’s hard to know which baby items are essentials, and which ones are just too much.
It’s not just difficult to know what to buy, but it can also be challenging to determine when to start buying baby stuff and when to wait.
Before your baby is born, you’ll have to make a lot of decisions, like picking the color of the baby’s room, buying clothes, getting a crib, choosing the right newborn stroller and many other things.
Fortunately, you have nine months to prepare everything for your little bundle of joy, so you’ve got enough time to think before you start buying.
A stroller is one of the most crucial and adorable items of all the baby purchases. But when is the best time to buy a baby stroller and how to choose the right one? It is better to plan ahead!
This article is not a substitute for medical advice.
Best Time To Buy Baby Stroller
If you find a stroller you like during pregnancy, it is okay to buy it at any time. But, if you don’t want to buy a gender-neutral stroller or to purchase two strollers for twins, it makes more sense to postpone it at least until you know the gender of the baby or babies.
Moreover, If you wait until second or even third trimester, you’ll have more time to save enough money for your dream stroller as well as more time to make a well thought-out decision, check all options so there is lower risk you will later regret your purchase.
How Early Should You Buy Stroller?
You can buy the stroller at any time you like- there’s no such thing as too early or too late. However, it’s best to wait until after the first trimester, when you know that the pregnancy is going well, and you know the baby’s gender.
You may also find out later that you’re expecting twins, so waiting a bit could be a good idea.
Still, I think I’d better buy the stroller at the end of the pregnancy, as I’m afraid that if I buy one too early, I might later see another one that I like more.
The cost is an important factor to consider too, as baby stuff can be quite expensive. So, it’s best to try and find something of good quality at a reasonable price. In general, you should pick the time that works best for you and when you find the perfect stroller at the best price.
Best Time To Buy Infant Car Seat
Since you’ll be bringing the baby along with you wherever you go, it’s important to have an infant car seat. Most baby strollers have lots of features, and allow you to attach the infant car seat onto the stroller frame or onto the standard seat.
It’s best to choose a stroller and infant car seat at the same time to make sure they are both compatible with each other. Then you can simply transition baby from the stroller to the car. Just detach the baby car seat from the stroller and click it onto the car seat base, and put the stroller frame in the trunk of your car.
Special infant car seat is an essential thing to have when you have a baby, so it’s best to purchase it with the stroller during pregnancy, before baby’s arrival. You can look for stroller and car seat whenever you want, but you have time at least until the end of the pregnancy to buy it.
When Is It Too Early To Buy A Stroller And Infant Car Seat
It is too early to buy the stroller and infant car seat before the first trimester, or when you’re just planning to become pregnant, as a stroller can take up a lot of space, and it’s quite an expense.
You can begin your search for a good stroller and car seat early, but it’s not necessary to have it before you’re pregnant.
Start by buying small things like baby clothes and bottles, and then get the stroller and car seat later towards the end.
Is 22 Weeks Too Early To Buy Stroller?
Even though 22 weeks is not too early to buy a stroller, it is not very urgent to buy it at that time. So, if you can’t find one that you like, it’s alright because you still have time.
Yet, it is perfectly fine to buy one at 22 weeks if you want to, and if you’ve already find one that meets all your needs.
Most babies arrive between 37 and 411 weeks of pregnancy, so having both the car seat and stroller earlier gives you time to get used to how they work, maneuver, fold etc.
Can I Buy Baby Stroller Before 12 Weeks?
Typically, doctors arrange an appointment between weeks 18 and 222 to determine the gender of the baby. You can’t be so sure about the gender at 12 weeks.
Before this time, many moms prefer to buy gender neutral items for the baby. If you’re not sure about the gender and have specific preferences, it might be too early to buy gender specific items. So, it may be better to wait at least till the second trimester.
Making sure the pregnancy goes well and knowing the baby’s gender are two important reasons to wait a bit with the decision to buy baby stuff like strollers or car seats.
Some people hold off on buying baby stuff until after the baby shower, since they count on getting a bunch of baby gifts. Your family and friends may bring plenty of baby gear, so you’ll likely have many essentials covered.
So, if you’re planning a baby shower, there’s no need to rush into spending a lot of money beforehand.
Tips For Deciding What Is The Best Time To Buy Baby Stroller
What works for one mom, sometimes won’t work for another. A stroller may not necessarily be a top priority on your baby registry. You may have other baby stuff expenses or saving goals to prioritize over buying a stroller.
It is entirely up to your preferences, budget and personal style. But, if you prefer to have all the baby stuff prepared in advance, you might also consider getting a stroller earlier.
To avoid being hit with a big bill at the end of your pregnancy, you can start buying baby stuff earlier. Buying one big item per month until your due date is a great idea. This way you can feel like you’re getting things done, instead of just waiting, and you don’t have to spend huge amount of money at one time.
You can also wait and buy baby stuff during seasonal sales, such as Black Friday weekend or on a Memorial Day sale to get a good deal. Likewise, you can also watch out for random sales.
No matter how you plan to buy baby stuff, you can start saving money in the early stages of pregnancy and take your time to buy the baby stroller in the third trimester.
Reasons To Buy Stroller Before Your Baby Arrives
When you leave the hospital after giving birth, you’ll likely have many things with you. It is better to have a stroller to make it easier to carry your baby. Therefore, having it from the day one of your baby’s life is essential.
Moreover, short walks with your newborn baby are healthy not only for your little one, but also are a great way to keep your body moving during the postpartum period and are good for your mental health too.
During pregnancy, you’ll have plenty of time to think about adorable baby clothes, nursery furniture, baby car seat and stroller, and everything else you’ll need after the baby arrives.
So, when you’re exhausted after giving birth, it’s better to have already purchased it and other necessities instead of having to think about where and how to buy them.
Things To Consider When Buying A Stroller
It can be challenging, especially if you’re purchasing a stroller for the first time. Consider the possibility that you may use the same stroller for your future children as well. It is also one of the most expensive baby products. Therefore, it’s essential to select it carefully.
Types of Strollers
There are many different strollers, such as:
- Convertible strollers – they allow you to attach different seats (regular toddler seat, infant car seat, bassinet)
- Travel system – it’s a set of matching stroller and infant car seat (you don’t need any adapters to connect the car seat with stroller frame which is very convenient)
- Car seat stroller frame
- Bassinet stroller (pram) – this type comes not only with a regular upright seat but also a bassinet for newborn baby
- Lightweight and umbrella strollers – perfect for 6+ month old babies
- Jogging strollers – if you’re an active mama or live in area with lots of unbeaten roads it can come in handy
- Double strollers – must-have for twins
Features To Check
When selecting a stroller for your baby, it’s important to take many things into account, such as:
- Certification look for a sticker on the stroller that indicates it has been certified by the JPMA.
- Wheels big wheels for rough terrain, small wheels for the city. Swivelling wheels for manoeuvrability, locked wheels for stability.
- Amortization infants’ fragile spines and no head and neck control in early months make it crucial.
- Stroller frame you should look for a light frame.
- Brakes must lock both wheels simultaneously.
- Removable seat cover it’s great to be able to remove the seat padding and toss it in the washing machine.
- Canopy should fold and extend easily and have good ventilation for hot days.
- Adjustable handlebar makes easier to push the stroller for parents of different height.
- Reversible seat is my personal favourite. You can change the direction your baby is facing. The part where you put the baby can also function as a car seat.
3 or 4 Wheels?
It is commonly known that strollers with three wheels are much easier to maneuver and push, even with just one hand. However, strollers with four wheels are less prone to tipping as the child grows taller and heavier.
So, go ahead and try both of them before buying one, and see which feels better in your hands.
Folding & Ease Of Storage
The stroller you choose should be easy to fold. It should be easy to fit the stroller into the car trunk and store it in the garage or somewhere in the house without occupying too much space. It should also be lightweight and be easily manageable.
Underseat Basket
Having spacious underseat basket is very handy, as hanging heavy bags on the handlebar can reduce the stability of the stroller.
You should be able to fit everything in there: diaper bag, blanket, some snacks, bottle of water and even more.
Option To Expand For More Kids
Expandable strollers that grow with your children are a smart investment, as you can add another seat when your second baby comes.
It is often cheaper to buy a second seat than a whole stroller. Plus, a single-to-double-stroller takes up less space than two separate strollers, which is important when you have more than one child at home.
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
Resources:
https://www.babycenter.co.uk
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
https://www.littlebabygear.com
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂