The Best Strollers of 2013

Suggested Price: around $749 at Baby Rama Canada
(babyramacanada.com)

Like the name suggests, the outdoorsy Mountain Buggy's +One is a highly durable, all-terrain stroller that accommodates growing families.

The Buggy is one seriously solid selection, which explains why it’s a tad on the heavy side, at almost 30 lbs. That said, with rear-wheel suspension and 12-inch rubber tires offering the ultimate stability, it’s packing the perfect goods for both city strolls and rugged, off-road rides.

The Buggy works for newborns up to age five, and if a second baby is on the horizon, it will deliver, comfortably seating two little ones. The amazing design allows both kiddies to face outward, while maintaining the slender form of a single stroller, which means easy navigation in tighter spaces.

Take note that while the price may seem steep, it does include a bassinet—or ‘cocoon,’ as the company calls it. Other fantastic features include: an adjustable handle, quick-release wheels, large storage basket, and generous sun canopy. It’s also car seat compatible and easy to fold.

Adventurers will love the hearty Mountain Buggy, but because the company is based in New Zealand, some accessories may not be available at stores in Canada, though many can be ordered online.           

“After tons of research and trial runs, we went with the Mountain Buggy +One stroller. Our top reasons for choosing it were: 1) It has an attachment for a second child, so we won't need to buy a new stroller for baby number two, 2) The attachment lets both kids face forward with unobstructed views, 3) It's a three-wheeler, so we'll be able to keep going for our weekend hikes and rural strolls, 4) It allows newborn baby to lie completely flat, and
 5) It allows baby to sit in the front- or rear-facing position.

Basically it met all of our really important must-have requirements." - Kristen Thompson, soon-to-be mom

Suggested Price: around $1,659.99 for twin model; $1,499 for duo style, accommodating children of different ages; and $1,199 for single at Crocodile Baby
(crocodilebaby.com)

It has stylish good looks for sure, but while the Bugaboo Donkey is a high-end luxury stroller, it doesn’t sacrifice function to fashion.

For those with one child, two children of different ages, or even twins, with just a few simple clicks, the Donkey transforms to suit your needs. Yep, it can go from a single stroller to a side-by-side double in a flash!

Double strollers are often wide, and the Donkey is no exception—though it is considered one of the leanest duo luxury strollers at 74 cm.

It’s compatible for one or two car seats, and with air-filled, 10-inch swivel wheels and 12-inch rear tires, it handles mixed surfaces with ease.

It also boasts an adjustable handlebar and a generous basket.

Watch out for sunny gold and jewel blue—the two new punchy colours arriving in March, with sleek black-and-white stripes lining the inside.

Noteworthy: Earlier this year, the company announced a voluntary recall on the carry handle used on both The Bugaboo Donkey and Cameleon, due to a button that can come off, and is offering free replacement handles. Visit bugaboo.com for more info.

“Our initial research involved stopping parents of twins on the streets and basically interviewing them on the stroller they had. What most parents of twins told us is that they had to buy multiple strollers for their twins ... one for the newborns and another for the toddlers. The ‘Donkey,’ as we fondly refer to it, is four strollers in one. We started with the bassinets, you can put the car seats onto it when you're out, it also has seats, and it transitions to one seat if you're ever out with one kid. It wasn't the cheapest but we're hoping we won't have to buy another stroller!” - Lindsey Coulter, mom of twin baby girls