$950.That’s how much they wanted for the bright red, high-tech Bugaboo stroller my husband and I were admiring at the baby store. Back then, I was pregnant with our first child and we were out stroller shopping (back in the days when we took a full night’s sleep for granted). We ended up walking away and going with a cheaper option.
But it’s really easy to get lured into buying a designer stroller for your first baby — after all, you want everything to be perfect. And in some cases, splashing out on a stroller might be worthwhile — a friend of mine says her pricey jogging stroller was the best investment she made. She was able to run with her son in it until he was well over 40 pounds and insists it was cheaper than a gym membership for the years she used it.
But a $1,000 stroller is a big purchase and there are other ways to get more bang for your buck. Here are a few things to consider:
Get One Second Hand
Kijiji and craigslist are fantastic places to look for second-hand strollers (some barely used). And if you do end up buying a super expensive stroller, it’s a great place to unload it once your baby is ready for something new. This brings me to my next point.
Consider Your Future
Are you planning on a second child? If so, your single stroller is quickly going to become obsolete if you have two stroller-age kids. You’ll need to trade in for a double — and if that’s the case, you might want to go for something cheaper in the meantime.
Buy a Stroller After the Baby is Born
You might have a better idea of what you’ll need, and you can use a carrier or sling in the meantime.
Walk Away
Sure, that Bugaboo is gorgeous, but there are some much cheaper options out there that are just as funky but cost a fraction of the price.
Whichever one you pick, make sure it comes with a coffee holder: you’ll need it for those first few months with the baby!
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