Choosing a stroller is not an easy decision with so many potential uses (city walks, nature walks, errands in and out of a car, jogging, travel etc) and so many models on the market.  Here are the tips and information I share with all my newly pregnant friends.

(continue reading my stroller buying tips or skip to my stroller recommendations)

1. Don't Settle for One. You are probably better off buying several strollers to satisfy various needs than a single stroller that promises to do it all.  
   
   A typical mom might buy 1 full-featured, or "high end" stroller, 1 stroller base for the infant car seat (more on this below), and 1 basic umbrella stroller.
    
2. Take a Test Drive.  Do some online research and then go to a local baby gear store and spend some time test driving their different strollers.  Talk to sales people for their opinions and also talk to the other moms in the store for their opinions.
    
3. Use the Infant Carseat as a Stroller.  There are a lot of options for turning your infant carseat into a stroller.  Examples - Graco makes a stroller base called the a stroller base for its popular  SnugRide Infant Car Seat. Kolfraft has a universal car seat carrier which works with other brands. There are also various adapters that you can use to fit your Graco or Peg Perego carseat on your Bugaboo Stroller.
   
   "Why do I want to use my carseat as a stroller" the pregnant woman asks.  Let me explain.  For newborns you really only have two options in strollers: flatbed/bassinet/fully reclining strollers OR a carseat.  
   
   For lots of newborns sitting in the propped position the carseat allows is much for comfortable than lying flat on their backs.  So you will have LESS CRYING.  
   
   The carseat-as-stroller option is usually MORE COMPACT as well so if your outing involves navigating a crowded sidewalk, cafe or store you are better off.  
   
   And finally you can TRANSPORT A SLEEPING BABY from house to outside to car without having to disrupt him and wake him up.
    
4. Accessorize!  For cold months, outfit your stroller with the Bundle Me by J.J. Cole which is like a sleeping bag that fits on your stroller because baby blankets fall off and its easier than stuffing a baby into bunting. 
    
5. Make a Personal Decision.  Make your decision based on YOUR needs and not the latest trend.  
   
   Ask yourself these 5 Questions before you buy a stroller:
   
   1.  Does the handle adjust to your height (and your partners)?
   2.  Will it fit in your car trunk?
   3.  Can you strap your diaper bag to it?
   4.  Is it easy to push?
   5.  Can you carry it or roll it up stairs?

For what its worth, here are the 4 (egads!) strollers I own and fully endorse.  Like I said above, choose a stroller for your personal needs and do your research online and by talking to friends, salespeople, or any stranger you see pushing a baby in a carriage.