What features to consider when buying a stroller (a quick stroller-buying guide)
TL;DR: There's no straightforward telling you what to pick to fit you 100%. You need to ask yourself what you need and prioritize - in this order: 1 Consider the PRICE first; it limits you. 2 Think of (real) tackling of TERRAIN in your life -and terrain capability - meaning a heavier, bulkier stroller. This is strongly connected with 3 SPACE available in your home and car as well as your SIZE. Only then think of your own 4 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS (projections and wants), 5 LIFESTYLE and corresponding features, and then your 6 TASTE.
This is a topic for pages and pages of advice, thought processes, and features to consider. I may be writing it in that long - and it might then even become a book, for all I know. Instead, we decided to make a whole web page about choosing the right stroller for you ad your family - it's called Strollberry^^.
For now, and for this article's purpose, I decided to save you some time and create a quick course of thinking while picking a stroller - and sort the most important features and limitations to think about. Before making a stroller-related decision, please consider these things thoroughly, and give (not me, yourself) an honest answer about what is important for you and what is not. Pick one, two, three priorities at maximum, not more. From the results, pick some depending on which were attractive because of some secondary advantages, or their looks... up to you. Many things can be mended or "hacked" (like a short canopy with a universal sun shade you can buy separately, and even later), so truly think how important your priorities truly are - don't dwell on small details.
My last piece of advice before proceeding on to the ranked list of what to consider when buying the right stroller for you is: Don't try to save too much money on a piece of equipment you use daily, and with the most precious thing of your life. I am not saying to overspend - just don't buy the cheapest thing there is (just because it's cheap or colorful).
STROLLER FEATURES TO CONSIDER, in order of importance (what to consider preferentially):
1 PRICE
To limit yourself with your budget is the best first step. It doesn't really matter if a 1000,- stroller would be best for you if your budget is 500. And if it does to you, consider a pre-owned one.
2 TERRAIN
Don't buy a designer, small-size stroller with wishful thinking if you live in a place of rough terrain conditions. The same goes the other way - large, heavy wheels and chassis for an urban mom often loading the stroller in the car boot will only annoy you.
3 SPACE/SIZE
You might want to go to the forest every now and then, but if you're a petite person or have a very small apartment/or a tiny car boot, a bulky => sturdy pushchair needed for such a terrain won't work.
4 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
Think of what you absolutely, surely wish for and can't live without. Is a reversible seat a must for you after the bassinet? If not, a non-reversible one will be a lighter and possibly cheaper, longer-lasting option. You MUST have a four-wheeler? Sure, but count on it being less maneuverable in rough terrain. Do you insist on a large carrycot (your mom had you in it for a year)? OK, but it might just happen that the seat will be so much worse, quality and comfort-wise. Do you unconditionally need a pink pram? OK, but there are going to be BIG restrictions on other features - take it as a price to pay (since not all models are available in pink).
5 LIFESTYLE
A mom who goes shopping every other day will just need a large, sturdy basket (and ideally a larger weight capacity). A parent often jogging with the child necessarily needs to look at sporty three-wheelers, even if he or she like something different, design-wise. Honestly, think of things OFTEN happening in your life, and don't try to add those that maybe or very occasionally happen.
6 TASTE & STYLE
This feature, please, do take into account - but not too much, and not at the beginning. The price will limit you; then its functionality first; and from what will come out of it, then choose what looks good to you. The other way around would mean functions will be subordinate firstly to how the stroller (system) looks. And that's, I believe, not how you picked other things in your life (what about your partner? ;-) ).
And please, remember. If the pram or pushchair is "large and spacious and lightweight and compact and all-terrain and quick-folding and everything else" on paper, it's not the stroller unicorn you're looking for. Such a stroller doesn't exist; it's against the laws of physics. Don't let yourself be fooled by marketing luring you to baby-gear hell - think simple, straightforward, and with only a few priorities on your mind to make the best choice possible.