When preparing for the new baby, a baby stroller is high on the list of "must-haves." Strollers are a popular baby shower gift, where a group of family or friends chip in a few bucks to purchase this big-ticket item.

However, choosing and buying a stroller should be a purchase that involves a great deal of research and a few test drives. "Strollers, like cars, are highly personal buying decisions," says Sandra Gordon, author of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products (Consumers Union, 2004). "You'll probably use your stroller a lot, and your baby will spend a lot of time in it. You should love the one you buy."

Gordon recommends trying out strollers in the store to see how they open and fold and, importantly, how they maneuver when using only one arm (the other arm will likely be busy holding the baby). "If both mother and father are going to be using the stroller, both should try it out," says Gordon. "Several models have adjustable handles, an important feature if one parent or caregiver using the stroller is significantly taller than the other."

Jolie Fair of Owings Mills, Md., is a stay-at-home mom who uses her stroller frequently. She has learned first-hand the importance of finding a stroller that folds with little effort. Fair has another piece of advice for stroller shopping. "When purchasing a stroller a big part is the way the stroller compacts down for storage, car trunk or wherever you are planning to keep it the most," she says. "Since most of the time your stroller will be in the trunk of your car you want one that is compact enough that groceries or other cargo will still fit on or around the stroller."

If a stroller is expected as a gift, the new parents should be very explicit about what type of stroller they want, if they don't have a particular stroller model in mind. To do that, the parents need to give consideration to the reasons they'll be using the stroller. It is not uncommon for families to be a multi-stroller household. For example, parents may want a stroller specifically for jogging and exercising. However, they might want a more traditional stroller with lots of room for bags and packages to use on trips to the mall. Parents who plan to travel frequently with their youngster will want a stroller that is easy to use in airports.

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