Make no mistake, a stroller is a time-saving, strength-saving, sanity-saving tool that every parent will cherish. With a stroller, you can move baby around easily while shopping, visiting, or touring the neighborhood – especially helpful as your little one grows. Unfortunately though, a stroller is only one item on a long list of big-ticket baby essentials that can strain a family’s finances. Here are a few tips to finding a great stroller on a budget.

Stroller shopping can be confusing, and it may take time to find the best stroller, but there's no need to panic! Strollers and other baby merchandise are big business, and manufacturers have loaded the market to encourage you spend more money. Don't be overwhelmed by the variety of stroller offerings, or be fooled into thinking your child will somehow be shortchanged by a lower-cost stroller.

Defining your stroller needs will narrow the field of appropriate stroller options to help you choose the right stroller.

Brand-name strollers or generic strollers?

Not all strollers are created equally, but expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. Some shoppers are drawn to brand-name stroller products even though they cost more than similarly constructed generic models. Parents looking for a dependable, budget-wise stroller should bypass brand-name stroller products in lieu of a generic stroller. Potential savings: $100-$300.

Size matters

If you’re looking to buy a stroller without busting your bank account, think about how you will be use the stroller.  A simple folding stroller might be best for light or indoor-only use. This type of stroller is widely available, and is a bargain at less than $20, including sun shade!

Many parents prefer the versatility of a more substantial stroller. Mid-size stroller models can accommodate an infant carrier if part of a 'travel system', and have several stroller extras like cup holders, snap-shut compartments, and storage baskets. Look for a stroller that offers sturdy wheels, multiple reclining positions for baby, and adjustable handle height for adult comfort. If possible, purchase a stroller with reversible handle, but be aware this may increase the cost of your stroller.

Stroller portability

A great stroller is solidly built for safety and will move your baby around easily, but it should also be simple to transport. Most modern strollers offer one-handed collapse/expansion – this is a must-have stroller feature! Ideally, your stroller should also stand on its own when collapsed, and be small enough to fit in your vehicle unless the stroller will be kept at home.

Picking a stroller pattern

A navy or grey stroller may not seem like the most exciting backdrop for your baby's outings, but dark fabric hides stains well (and there will be stains!), and is appropriate for both girls and boys. If the stroller is part of a travel system, darker fabric in a simple pattern is also more likely to coordinate with your vehicle's interior.

Specialty strollers

Active parents might want an exercise stroller, with large rubber wheels to handle rough terrain or snowy conditions. This type of stroller comes in three- and four-wheel stroller configurations, and usually offers lightweight, aluminum frame construction, and weather protection for your child. Those are the pros of an exercise stroller. On the negative side, an exercise stroller can cost several hundred dollars more than a traditional stroller, so be sure this is what you want before making the investment.

If you have more than one child, a double or triple stroller is useful. When looking for a double stroller or a triple stroller, it is wise to try before you buy. A side-by-side stroller may steer easily, but can be cumbersome when manoevering the stroller in crowded spaces. An in-line stroller is the same width as a single stroller, but can be awkward to handle when going up a step or over curbs. Before buying, consider the use a multiple stroller will get: will an older child soon grow out of the stroller? How often are you out with both/all children in the stroller? Sticking with a single stroller will save $100-$150 if you don't really need a double/triple stroller.