Magic Beans Buying Guides
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Overview: Some things are really easy to purchase. You look, you like, you buy. Baby gear isn’t usually so simple. Expectant parents face the unprecedented task of evaluating hundreds of different products considered essential for modern child rearing. It can be daunting, but we’ve done a lot of research in these areas, both as parents using these products and as shopkeepers concerned with offering the very best. Our buying guides are a synopsis of our research and recommendations, and they are a great place to start.
In addition to our stroller buying guides fill out our Stroller Matchmaker for personalized one-on-one help with choosing your stroller, or take a look at our Top 10 Baby Gear List.
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Call or e-mail us any time.
Shopping for a double stroller: When the time comes for pushing two, there are slightly fewer options, but the selection process is still pretty confusing. There are a lot of factors to consider when making your choice.
Narrowing down your options : There are three different ways that you can accommodate two children on a stroller.
True Double Stroller (All ages)
This is a stroller with two full seats, either side by side or tandem (one in front of the other). There are many varieties of these (more on that later), but all will comfortably accommodate two children, asleep or awake.
Our favorites: Mountain Buggy Urban Double
Adapted Double Stroller (Best for age difference of 2 years or more)
This is a stroller with one primary seat and a removable second seat. There are great advantages to this type of setup. They are the size of a normal stroller, so the fold and handling are excellent. But, some of the toddler seats are not designed to allow for napping.
Our favorites: Valco Trimode with Toddler Seat, Phil & Teds Sport Buggy with Doubles Kit
Wheeled Board (3 years +)
This is like a skateboard that can attach to the back of your stroller. The child can not sit, but will ride on the board and hold onto the stroller.
Our favorites: Lascal's Buggy Boards
If you need a true double stroller, there are three types to choose from:
Lightweight Side-by-Side
Basically two strollers stuck together, these are the most compact-folding and lightweight double strollers, though most varieties are actually over 20lbs.
Our favorites: Maclaren Twin Techno
All-terrain/Jogging Side-by-Side
For a more active family, these large-wheeled strollers are great for long walks or jogs. They are very comfortable to push (and ride in, so we hear), but they also tend to be heavy, and some are too wide to fit through a doorway. Look for the types with two front swivel wheels; the handling on this design is completely outstanding.
Our Favorites: Mountain Buggy Urban Double, Valco Twin Trimode
Tandem Strollers
These front-to-back double strollers are somewhat deceptive. It seems ideal to have something that is narrow enough to negotiate doorways and store aisles, but pushing one of these is akin to driving a semi. The length makes it very hard to maneuver, especially in tight spots.
For personalized one-on-one help with choosing a stroller check out our Stroller Matchmaker form.
Shopping for single strollers: A singularly perfect stroller simply does not exist. There are lots of great options, but your specific needs should ultimately decide which one you choose. Consider your lifestyle, your space constraints, your budget and the age of your child(ren), and then buy something you will love to push.
Also, realize that most parents end up with a minimum of two strollers. You will probably want to pair a compact-folding, lightweight stroller that will stay in the trunk of your car with a larger, heavier stroller for neighborhood strolls (and snowy sidewalks).
Here are a few pointers for first-time parents: A stroller or lightweight frame designed to accommodate your infant car seat is the first thing most parents will need. There is nothing more convenient than moving a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back to car without any disturbance.
Our favorite: Maclaren Easy Traveler
Lightweight strollers are a must for parents on the go. If you want your child to be able to sleep in this stroller, be sure to get something that reclines.
Our favorite: Maclaren Quest
Mid-size and large strollers are heavier, but are usually more fully-featured and comfortable to sit in (and push). They will certainly take more abuse on rough terrain.
Our favorites: Bugaboo Bee, Maclaren Techno
Jogging strollers are a must if you plan to do serious running with your child. And even if you don't, those enormous wheels are terrific in the snow and mud.
Our favorite: Bob Revolution
All-terrain strollers are the new trend in stroller design. Outfitted with large tires and swiveling wheels, these models offer outstanding handling, durability and comfort on sidewalks and trails, as well as in sand or snow.
Our favorites: Mountain Buggy Urban Single, Valco Trimode
Hybrid strollers are fully-featured models that are great for city walking. They are not as sporty as an all-terrain or jogging stroller, but are typically more durable than a mid-size stroller. Many hybrids offer excellent maneuverability, a bassinet option, and infant car seat compatibility.
Our favorites: Bugaboo Cameleon, Stokke Xplory
Things to look for:
How much does it weigh?
How compactly and easily does it fold?
How far does it recline?
How large and accessible is the basket?
Does it accommodate an infant car seat?
Does it have cup holders and/or a snack tray?
At what weight will my child outgrow it?
Are the handles at a comfortable height?
Do you kick the wheels when you walk?
What accessories are included or available (rain-covers, carrying bags, etc.)?
For personalized one-on-one help with choosing a stroller check out our Stroller Matchmaker form.
Choosing the Safest Car Seat
Basically, your safest car seat is any properly installed car seat that fits your car, your child and your budget. But despite the fact that all car seats sold in the
USA must meet strict government safety requirements, not all car seats are created equal. Ease of use can vary tremendously, and this is a very important consideration. Choosing a car seat that is easy to use will help prevent some very common mistakes with installation and day-to-day usage.
Different Types of Seats
Infant Carrier Car Seats are popular for a reason. They snap into a wide variety of strollers, making them extremely convenient for parents. They are only used in the rear-facing position and most babies will outgrow them well before their first birthday.
Our favorites: Orbit Infant System, Graco Snugride
Convertible Car Seats can be installed in either the forward- or rear-facing position. Most will last from infancy through toddlerhood, depending on the size of your child and the seat you choose. Infants must be rear-facing until they weigh 20 lbs. and have passed their first birthday.
Our favorites: Orbit Toddler Car Seat, Britax Boulevard
Forward-facing Car Seats can be used from the time a child is approximately 1 year old until he or she is ready for a booster seat. Many of these car seats can convert to booster seats when the child reaches a certain weight.
Our favorite: Britax Frontier
Belt Positioning Booster Seats may be used for children over 30-40 lbs, depending on the model and the manufacturer. These are essential for keeping older children (usually over 4 years old) properly restrained in the event of a crash, and they should be used until your child is 8 years old and taller than 4’9”.
Our favorites: Sunshine Kids Monterey, Clek
Things to Look For
• Will it fit in my car?
• Will it fit my child?
• Does it have a five-point harness?
• Does it have wide, twist-free straps?
• Does it have a built-in locking mechanism for a shoulder belt?
• Are the LATCH and Tether straps easy to adjust?
• Will it be comfortable to sleep in? Does it recline?
• At what weight/height will my child outgrow it?
And especially for infant carrier seats:
• Will it install into a car without the base?
• What is the height/weight limit as compared to other models?
• Is the fabric breathable?
• How heavy is it?
• What strollers is it compatible with?
Consider this...
73% of car seats are being used improperly. Please have your car seat inspected regularly at a certified inspection station.
Choosing a Baby Carrier: Wearing your baby can be a gratifying experience for everyone involved. Babies really enjoy the sense of closeness and the natural motion, and parents appreciate the convenience of the hands-free hold, as well as the added support a good carrier can provide. Also, strollers do have limited access, so a carrier is ideal for mass transit, airports, hiking, and apple orchards (take our word for it).
There are so many different kinds of carriers, and many are multifunctional, but we’ll try our best to break it down.
Slings & Pouches
The carriers are worn across the body and over one shoulder to create a pocket for the baby to sit in. They can be used from birth through toddlerhood in a multitude of different positions, both front and back (though back positions take some practice to master). They are the easiest for nursing on the go.
Wraps
A long strip of fabric that can be twisted, wrapped and tied into hundreds of different wearing positions. Wins the prize for flexibility, but is somewhat intimidating to the novice user, and not very practical for putting on and taking off while on the go. It must be said that this is the most comfortable and supportive type of carrier we have ever tested. From birth through toddlerhood.
Front Carriers
The most popular variety of baby carrier, these have a soft front pocket, and babies can usually be positioned facing either in or out. The baby is upright, and arms and legs are exposed. The straps usually come around the parents’ shoulders and criss-cross on the back for added support. Birth to about 6 months.
Backpacks
For older, heavier babies, backpacks are much more comfortable and convenient than front carriers. Especially as babies start to develop better dexterity, everyone will be better off there isn’t much within reach (other than your hair, your ears and your hat). There are two basic types of backpacks. Soft backpacks are quite compact and lightweight, and are generally deceptively comfortable to wear. Frame backpacks are much more adjustable and have more pockets and other bells and whistles. They are excellent for prolonged outdoor activities.
Gift Registries: You’re having a baby. And, to celebrate this new arrival, people will buy you things. Gift registries were created in an attempt to channel all that good will into getting the things you really want. Detractors will claim that they are too blatant and some worry that they stifle the creativity of loved ones. But, these days, gift registries are really mainstream, and the relatives who desperately want to get you something unique will probably just ignore your registry. For better or for worse.
So, you’re starting a gift registry. And the real question is, what will you actually need? We’ve created a list, and broken it down into three categories, to help with prioritizing. The “must-haves” list is just what it sounds like. Items you really should have either before or immediately after the baby arrives. The “should-haves” are things you could probably live without, but would be put to good use. The “for later” category contains items that you won’t use right away, but that will be completely necessary before you know it.
Must-Haves
• Nursery furniture and bedding
• An infant car seat
• A wheeled car seat frame (converts an infant car seat into a stroller)
• A stroller
• A baby carrier
• If breastfeeding, a pump of some sort
• Cloth diapers/burp cloths (8-12)
• Cotton onesies (6-``10)
• Terry bibs (3-6)
• Baby washcloths (3-6)
• Flannel receiving blankets (6-8)
Should-Haves
• A play-yard
• A bouncy-seat
• A nice hooded towel or two
• A really soft, small blanket to be used as a lovey
• A baby monitor
• Baby skincare products
• A warm sleeping bag for the car seat/stroller
• A floor gym with hanging toys (Gymini or other)
• A selection of toys and teethers
For Later (but quite useful to get)
• A high chair
• An exersaucer and/or doorway bouncer
• A really lightweight travel stroller
• A convertible car seat
