In olden days, when you had a baby there were few choices in gear – a standard stroller, a few crocheted blankets and some glass bottles. But not anymore. Today it's all about limitless choices in colors, materials, designs and more. You can purchase a stroller for $30 – or $800. How is a new parent to know what's worth the hype and extra expense and what's not? Where should you splurge and where can you feel OK cutting back? We asked parents and experts alike to discern what's a must-have and what's a lust-have.

For Alex McCord, a mother of two and star of Bravo TV's The Real Housewives of New York, a sound investment is a really, really good stroller. "We chose well and have had only one stroller over five years," she says. "In that time we've replaced almost every part on it, so buy one that disassembles completely and for which parts are sold separately. For cold and snowy climates, get one with two small wheels and two big pneumatic tires that has the ability to have either set of wheels in the front. Another great feature is the ability to use an infant car seat with a stroller wheelbase so that you can easily move a sleeping child in and out of a car without disturbing them."

But be careful – a great stroller doesn't necessarily mean an expensive one. Do your homework and find out what wears well and what corresponds with your specific needs.

"There are so many great options out there right now for strollers and travel systems," says Jennifer Gurley, a mom and marketing manager for PoshTots, Inc., a company that's earned a reputation as the "designer of choice" for Hollywood moms. "All boast amazing bells and whistles designed to make parents' lives easier." Gurley's criteria for strollers are the following:

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