I’ve been using the same baby stroller for 10 years and it’s still running smoothly!
As a mother of four, I fully understand the importance of buying a good quality stroller for an affordable price. Whether you are expecting your first baby, or your fifth, you want a stroller that meets your needs and will hold-up for years.
Not everyone has hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars to spend on a stroller. However, there are definitely ways to save money so you can afford a great stroller for your baby.
In this article, we’ll look at options such as shopping during seasonal sales, finding a used stroller online, searching consignment stores, and purchasing a stroller that serves multiple functions.
Here are 6 practical money saving tips about how to save money on a stroller.
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How Much Should You Spend On A stroller?
There is no single type of baby stroller that is best for every new parent. The best option is a stroller with the features that work with your lifestyle, at a price that works with your budget.
Prices can range from $100 to well over $1000.
When shopping for a baby stroller, Consumer Reports advises that “styling, lightweight materials, and added features boost the price, but our tests found you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good, safe stroller.”
Is It Worth It To Buy An Expensive Stroller?
In my experience, yes! I’m not suggesting you need to purchase a top-of-the-line, deluxe model stroller but there is value in buying a stroller that will last as your child grows. If you can afford it, a stroller is one piece of baby gear to spend money on.
Ten years ago I bought the BOB Revolution jogging stroller for my first baby girl and I’m now still using it with my fourth. So, even though the stroller cost me around $500 at the time it was a great long-term investment.
See Bob Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller on Amazon
If however, you aren’t planning on using your stroller often or you only need it to last for a year, purchasing a less-expensive stroller may work just as well.
Read our article, Best Baby Strollers On A Budget, for a list of 6 great strollers for $500 or less.
Remember, high-quality strollers can be resold at a good percentage of their original price so you can always re-coop some of you money later.
Read: Newborn Baby Essentials On A Budget
6 Tips To Afford A Baby Stroller
Strollers are a required purchase for nearly all parents – you need some way to transport your baby from here to there.
Tip: My babies also loved being walked in a baby carrier. Resting all comfy in a carrier helps to calm a fussy baby and allows them to observe the world from a different perspective. Plus, using a baby carrier is great (hands-free) exercise for mom or dad.
Paying premium prices for a baby stroller is totally optional. If you’re looking for ways to get discounts, here are our top 6 tips for getting the best deal on a stroller.
Read: 6 To 12 Month Baby Essentials On A Budget
1) Time your purchase
If your baby has already arrived in the world, you may just need to purchase a stroller ASAP! You don’t have much control after all about when your newborn will be born.
If however, you are shopping for a stroller during the 9 months before your baby arrives, buying one can be timed to coincide with retail sales.
You can maximize your chances of getting a great price by purchasing your stroller in November. According to Consumer Reports, this is the month of the year to find the best sales on all baby products, including strollers.
Read: How To Budget For A New Baby: First Year Checklist
2) Make the most of your purchase
When deciding on a stroller, think about all the ways your will want to use this baby product. You can maximize it’s efficiency by choosing one that performs a variety of functions.
For example, if you are planning to have another baby in the future consider buying a stroller than can seat multiple children so you don’t have to buy a double-stroller later on.
Some strollers are sold in travel systems, which include both a stroller and car seat. If you also need car seat for your infant, consider this option.
Price these out to see if buying a travel system will be more affordable than purchasing a stroller and car seat separately.
If you do buy your car seat separately, know that most infant car seats are compatible with any stroller even if they aren’t made by the same company.
Similarly, if you are an active parent and plan on taking your baby on long walks or jogs, consider just buying a jogging stroller instead of purchasing both a standard stroller and a jogger.
That is what I did and my jogging stroller is all I’ve ever needed. It came with a bar attachment to accommodate any model of car seat. A good jogging stroller is very easy to steer and the sturdy rubber wheels make it a smooth ride for baby.
Features To Look For In A Stroller
- A solid frame that will stand-up to repeated use.
- Easy to use brakes and locking mechanisms. Check if the handles are comfortable and that your feet don’t bump the wheels when you walk.
- Lift the stroller to ensure you can carry it into the trunk of your car or up stairs.
- Check maneuverability by steering it around tight corners with some weight on it.
- Adjust the backrest and determine if the safety harness is easy to fasten.
- Open and close the stroller. Could you do this easily while carrying a diaper bag and, perhaps, your baby?
- Check if there is enough storage space.
- All strollers sold in the Canada and the U.S. must comply with the mandatory federal safety standards.
3) Shop At consignment Stores
Consignment stores are a great place to buy brand name items at a fraction of their original price. Most consignment stores only sell items that are in good condition and aren’t damaged so you can find quality items with lots of life left in them.
I’ve even seen all types of strollers at these stores – umbrella strollers, lightweight city strollers, and even double jogging strollers.
Shopping at consignment or thrift stores will help you save money so that you can afford the stroller you really want.
Read: How To Prepare Your Finances For A New Baby In Canada
4) Purchase A Used Stroller Online
Using the internet allows you to shop around for a stroller without having to visit multiple stores. Websites such as Amazon, Craigslist, Kijiji and eBay allow you to shop secondhand, brand name strollers at affordable prices.
New parents can save a lot of money by purchasing a stroller used.
For our readers in the United States, The Stroller Store is a buy and sell online platform that helps families find certified pre-owned strollers. On their website you can find UPPA Baby, Nuna, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, B.O.B., and other premium strollers for more than 1/2 their original price.
The company will provide a safety check, professional cleaning, and 120 day warranty on any stroller you purchase through their store. They also resell Happiest Baby Snoo Bassinets too.
5) Mom To Mom Sales
Mom-to-Mom sales offer families a place to buy gently used children’s clothing, games, books, baby and children’s toys, and strollers for a fraction of the retail price. They are like a huge, indoor garage sale for parents who want to stock up on gear for their kids.
There you will find experienced moms who are looking to sell baby & children’s products they no longer need.
These sales are normally held in the spring and fall, and are advertised in your local paper, on Facebook, or through websites such as The Parent Bazaar.
And when your children out-grow their clothes or toys, these sales provide an opportunity for you to make some money!
6) Ask For Hand Me Downs from Friends & Family
Since my sister had 2 daughters before my girls were born, I had the benefit of getting a lot of baby clothes and items from her. She handed-down to me plenty of barely worn newborn clothes, a baby swing, bouncer chair, play mat, and valuable new-mom advice!
Although I didn’t get our stoller from her, the savings she provided helped us to afford the stroller we really wanted.
Even if you don’t have family members with children, I guarantee you know someone who is ready and willing to part with their used baby stuff. Ask around at work or with friends to see if any moms are wanting to resell or give away their baby items.
Who knows, you may find a great stroller looking for a new home.
I hope you found How To Save Money On A Stroller helpful. If so, please share.
We bought one a few years ago and it has held up well. We bought a combo one that came with the car carrier to save a little on the cost.
You have shared with us great information about baby strollers. I think a stroller should generally be durable, soft, and comfortable. Thanks