Your buggy or stroller is one of the most expensive items you will purchase, and also one you will get the most use from. At Baby On The Move we have the experience and knowledge to help you choose the right one for you.

New Zealand parents are fortunate that we have manufacturers and importers of superb quality buggies and strollers for every budget. In fact you are spoiled for choice, that's why it can be hard to decide which to buy.

RANGE - Layback strollers price range from $140.00 up to $500.00, while buggies range from $300.00 up to $1400.00. Look at the accessories available and decide what you will need for your baby and your lifestyle. A selection of short term accessories can be hired from Baby On The Move.

FAMILY PLANS - If you plan to have your children close in age, you are very likely to have a stage when two need to be transported together. This is very common, and your solution from Baby On The move are:

1. Hire a double buggy, great for short term eg. 1 to 6 months, but can get costly longer term.
2. Buy a double buggy, then on sell when finish. This can be expensive for some families to do.
3. Our best solution is to start with a buggy that can have a doubles kit fitted. The type of doubles kit and fitting method very between brands.

At Baby On The Move we offer a wide range of buggies that can have a doubles kit added. Followed are some options to choose from:

Mountain Buggy can be fitted with a 'kiddyboard' that clips on behind the buggy for your toddler to stand on.

1. The Phil&Teds buggy range carries a newborn in a lay-flat position. The doubles kit for your toddler clips on front on the buggy. When your newborn is ready to sit up, you remove the doubles kit off the front and clip behind the buggy. Make sure the heavier child seats in the front.
2. The Baby Jogger Elite fits a toddler seat on the front.

All the above set ups have the option of being a single or double buggy, and it's still only single width, so shopping and outings are easy even with two on board.

HANDLE HEIGHT AND SHAPE - At Baby On The Move we make sure that the handle height is comfortable for you, your partner, or anyone who may use the buggy regularly. It's also very important the grip feels comfortable while pushing your buggy. You need to check that the handle is adjustable and easy to do, in case you need to change the height frequently a lot.

SWIVEL OR FIXED FRONT WHEEL - Most buggies have a swivel wheel that can be fixed for off-road (eg. down the beach) and jogging. However, if you describe yourself as a serious runner, The Mountain Terrain Buggy is your best choice. A lot of strollers have swivel wheels and many are lockable, but they are not suitable for really rough terrain or jogging.

WEIGHT & FOLDED SIZE - You need to be able to fold the buggy/stroller easily - if you find it difficult to fold, in the long term this will become very annoying. You also need to be able to comfortable lift it in and out of your vehicle. The heavier ones can be cheaper in price, but petite women or those with back problems may find it difficult.

Some buggies will fit more easily into certain boot sizes and shapes. If you are not sure, at Baby On The move we will try it in your boot before you buy.

Check whether the wheels come off easily, for those holiday trips when the car is full. You'll be pleasantly surprised how much more can fit in if the wheels are separated for the trip. Many strollers/buggies have easy-release wheels and this is a good feature if your boot is on the smaller size.

LYING FLAT - We at Baby On The Move & ante-natal educators stress the importance of this for newborns, especially when it comes to time spent in buggies/strollers and infant car seats. Good posture support is very important - it is safe for a baby to be at a gentle angle, but they must be well supported so that their spine lies in a straight line and their breathing is not impeded by being hunched up.

Most buggies/strollers have built-in recline, and some use carrycots or bassinets to lie your baby completely flat. Check that the sling has good support. You can add padded liners or lambskins for extra comfort if you like; these also help your buggy/stroller keep clean for your child, and keep in good condition for the next baby to use it, or for when you on sell your buggy.