A Love Letter to My Stroller

Dear Stroller, 

I can’t let this month go by without sharing my love and admiration. Oh stroller, I love you! I love you, I love you, I love you! I want to scream it from the rooftop at The Citrus Club and from that beautiful brand-spanking-new pier at Folly Beach! I want to take you to the end of the longest path at Wannamaker Park. With you by my side, I’m sure we could handle every step of the Caw Caw Interpretive Center with ease. 

But let’s be real, not every day can be filled with those dreamy landscapes, which is why I’m so happy I get to spend Monday through Friday with you too. Everyone thinks we’re inseparable and they’re not wrong there. With you tucked away in my trunk, I’ve got the confidence to take on whatever the day throws at me. A trip to the mall? Sure. A stop at the doctor’s office? With your smooth wheels and tight turn radius, I know we’ve got this.

We work together, you and me, to keep our precious cargo safe. At first, I was just too weak to carry our sweet little bub. We’d slowly walk around the block together, soaking in the Vitamin D and the healing that came with each small step. Soon, my strength was restored and our little bub was learning to smile and coo, kicking his feet with delight whenever I’d bring him to you. With him buckled up in comfortable straps and the seat adjusted just so, we’d take off. Then it would be my turn to smile and take a big breath in and out as we all enjoyed some peace and quiet for just one teeny tiny toddler second.

Now our love knows no bounds, and thankfully, you know no weight limit. Okay, well maybe you do, but we’re nowhere near that yet — I made sure of that. Our little bub is now a full-size buckaroo. Our walks are filled with points and squeals and the occasional stop to pet every single dog we pass. Your wheels still turn without a squeak. And even as our days change (and you spend less time in my trunk and more time in my garage), our love grows even deeper. 

In the coming years, I know you will become laden with bikes and scooters our little nugget will be too tired to ride. He’ll climb aboard, toss his helmet into the basket below, grab a snack and drink from his tray, and pull the canopy far past what’s necessary as he settles in for a nap. And then it will be just you and me. I’ll smile to myself as I breathe in and I breathe out, and we’ll walk another step together into the great unknown of whatever lies ahead.

Thank you, dear stroller. Thank you a thousand times for being you — for showing up every day ready to rock and roll and take us wherever we need to go. 

Eternally yours,

me

A Note for New Moms:

With a thousand lists claiming to have the inside scoop on which stroller is the best stroller of the year, it can feel overwhelming. I get it; I’ve been there. I recommend thinking about what you already love doing and then finding a stroller that will allow you to keep doing those things. Buying a stroller secondhand can be a great option. Here are a few things to think about as you start your search.

• For the saver: Consider a travel system. Bundling the car seat and stroller into one purchase can save you money. In the same way we rock and pat and sway an unhappy baby, cheaper strollers usually strip away some of the over-the-top comforts and can be just the ticket for a fussy baby. Chicco, Graco, and Baby Trend all have great options.
• For the spender: Some of us love our glam. May I recommend something from UPPAbaby whose strollers include luxurious fabrics and fine leather details?
• For the runner: Something with a fixed front wheel will be your friend when speed is a top priority. Consider something from BOB or Thule.
• For the city slicker: If strolls on cobblestone streets and stops at cute boutiques are more your style, look for the skinniest strollers on the market. Many of the doorways downtown can be quite tight.
• For the traveler: While you can wait for the TSA to come and swab your stroller and let you through a larger gate, I prefer traveling with an umbrella stroller that can fit on the conveyor belt. I usually use a cheaper stroller for travel and check it at the gate. Some opt for a tri-fold option that can be stowed in the overhead bin.
• For the mom of multiples: Baby Jogger and Joovy make excellent models to transport a whole zoo of kids just about anywhere. Remember to keep an eye on the weight of these strollers, some can get quite hefty.

Do you have a stroller you love? What features do you look for when you’re shopping around? Tell me all about it in the comments below.