The differences between the prices of the most expensive baby products and affordable ones are huge, and the gap is noticeable if you are buying a stroller. Especially if you’re a first-time parent, chances are, this question, “Are expensive strollers worth it?” will pop up.
I was in the same dilemma in my early days of motherhood. I solved it by extensive research and trying different strollers to see what I am getting for my money. If you wonder whether the price difference is justified and if you should invest in an expensive stroller, keep reading to find out the answers!
Why Are Strollers So Expensive?
The baby gear market is developing and the brands do the research, come up with distinctive practical solutions, use various materials, and offer different warranties.
The luxury stroller price range is broad, from $500 to $7,000+. Within the price range, you can find anything you want. For example, the Silver Cross Balmoral Pram is one of the most luxurious strollers on the market, with a price tag of $4,000+.You can use it from infant age, and it has hand-crafted details on the bassinet.
Some of the factors that increase the stroller cost are the following:
Use of Premium Materials
Cheaper strollers are made from plastic for the frame and various cloth for the upholstery. Premium strollers feature lightweight and sturdy frames made from aluminum, and soft, but easy to clean fabric.
Extended Warranty
The warranty is an important factor in determining stroller price. Cheaper strollers usually offer a 1-year warranty for parts, while most expensive strollers come with 3+-year warranties for legs, parts, frames.
Brand Exclusive Technology
Some manufacturers developed a two-point folding mechanism and made a practical collapsible design. But, you can find excellent budget-friendly strollers with one hand folding mechanism, such as Baby Jogger models.
Brand Name
Let’s face it – with designer’s luxury items, you are paying for the brand name as a guarantee of quality and social status.
Also read: Uppababy vs Bugaboo
Product Features
Fancy baby strollers feature practical design solutions, such as an adjustable handlebar, suspension system, more storage space, less weight, compactness without comfort sacrifice, etc. For example, the Bugaboo Lynx stroller costs nearly $900, but only weighs around 20 pounds. It is also suitable for all-terrains and easy to steer and navigate with one hand!
Are Expensive Strollers Worth It?
When it comes to the cost of stroller most parents wonder whether giving more money will make their kids more comfortable and safer during rides.
Some of the most expensive stroller brands focus on advanced features and practical add-ons. Others invest in stroller appearance.
For example, the Stokke Trailz stroller is an exceptional stroller that glides on all terrains and has a good list of accompanying accessories, including a high-quality sleeping bag and winter kit. Adventurous parents who like to travel to various locations with baby gear might appreciate the sturdy build and practical features.
On the other hand, the Bugaboo Retrospective stroller designed in collaboration with Andy Warhol Foundation seems a bit overpriced. But, if you like the unique fabric pattern, go for it! For the nearly $3,000 price tag, you would expect more.
Similarly, the Roddler stroller with alligator skin and pods for DVD and iPod seem a bit unnecessary. You’ll have to invest more than $3,000 for this unique stroller, with a design that might be impractical for everyday use.
The toddler offer on the market has it all – from ridiculously priced luxurious, gold-plated stroller frames that are too bulky to be used every day, to expensive and sturdy, long-lasting modern strollers great for daily walks or outings.
When it comes to the most expensive double strollers, the functionality raises the costs. Logically, double strollers are heavier and more difficult to maneuver than single strollers. Therefore, some parents don’t mind spending a lot of money to get a high end double stroller that will simplify handling two babies in a ride.
I would rather spend $600+ on a double stroller with a convertible design and easy access to both babies, sturdy frame, good wheels, more storage space than on a single stroller from some limited edition.
Bottom line, if you have extra money to spend and you enjoy some premium benefits, there are some excellent expensive strollers for you to consider. You might enjoy the features and functional design!
But, if your baby hates strollers don’t be too confident that a 1000 dollar stroller will calm the baby.
The Stroller Workshop gave some insights on the four expensive strollers worth the bucks, you can watch the video below:
Why Some Parents Prefer High-End Strollers Over Inexpensive Baby Gear?
Some parents who decide to invest in expensive strollers have solid reasons. Here are some of them.
Certain Expensive Strollers Last for Years
Some pricey strollers feature outstanding construction that keeps the stroller operative for years.
Even though the recommended stroller age limit is three years [1] most parents use it for longer. Therefore, they invest in expensive strollers and expect them to last for years.
Also, if a family plans multiple children, the parents might decide to purchase expensive stroller accessories like attachment boards, additional adapters and so on. They will keep them for younger kids.
Have a Higher Resale Value
Other parents might plan to sell the stroller after they don’t need it anymore. Because premium strollers have higher resale value, they are easy to sell and get a good price. It might be a less common reason for giving more than $1,000 for baby gear, but it certainly is a reasonable way of thinking.
Comfort
Let’s face it, babies are more comfortable in the soft, organic fabric than cloth made from recycled materials. Some parents don’t want to compromise when it comes to comfort.
On the other hand, convenient features featured in some pricey strollers are appreciated by parents. For example, if you wonder why are Bugaboo strollers so expensive, the answer is in the convenience the stroller by Bugaboo provides to baby and mom or dad, apart from the solid overall structure.
Let’s mention the puncture-proof wheels that ensure you never have to worry about terrains and wheel replacement, or having a flat tire in the middle of the park.
Additionally, extended warranties provide peace of mind to overly worried parents.
Promotes the Motivation to Exercise
The design and the stability of some stroller types like jogging strollers play a vital role in effective exercising and ease of use. Athletes might prefer expensive jogging strollers because they will use them often, so they need a reliable stroller to withstand everyday jogging and different terrains.
Additionally, unique premium jogging strollers like Thule Urban Glide or the Bob Revolution jogging stroller are so practical to use that these strollers might increase your exercise motivation!
Doesn’t Want to Spend Time Researching
Choosing the best stroller for the baby for the first time can be quite a challenging task. Even though all strollers sold on the US market, no matter the price tag, have to comply with national quality and safety standards [2] some parents decide to get an expensive stroller from reputable brands without previous research.
In some way, parents believe that a high-price tag means better attention to detail and better overall performance. As I explained before, it is true for some expensive stroller brands.
What About Budget Strollers? A Look at Expensive vs Cheap Stroller
As I already covered some of the features of the pricey stroller, let’s take a short look at low-priced alternatives. Unless the stroller has been recalled for faulty construction, it is safe to buy a cheap stroller.
There isn’t a rule when it comes to cheap strollers. Sometimes, it is a hit or miss, and I feel like it really comes down to extensive analysis and reviews.
Also, with budget strollers, you have a better chance of success if you analyze your needs and buy the stroller accordingly. It applies to expensive strollers too, but those are more versatile in terms of terrains like beach sand or hiking trails.
First of all, try to answer the question:-
- Where would you push the stroller?
- Do you prefer outdoor walks around the city center or in nature?
- What kind of wheels are best for the terrain where you would spend the most time?
- How many items do you need with you?
- What stroller accessories are included?
- Do you need a jogging stroller with air-filled tires or the classic stroller with a reversible seat?
Then, find an inexpensive stroller that has been manufactured specifically for those needs.
Let’s say you only need a second stroller to have when you’re in the mall. A cheap, $50 umbrella stroller will do the job just fine.
Check the Wheels
If you are wondering whether to buy an expensive or cheap stroller, the wheels are an important factor to consider. Some budget strollers have wheels that easily get stuck when you go on less than a perfect pathway, the wheels can get squeaky soon and require often oiling, and, worst-case scenario, the wheels can break in a couple of months.
Therefore, if you opt for a budget-friendly stroller, do analyze the quality of the wheels and get other people’s reviews. There are plenty of excellent brands that make cheaper strollers with excellent performance, such as Evenflo and Baby Trend.
Refer to the table for a quick comparison between two popular jogger stroller models with a huge price difference – the pricey Bob Gear Revolution Flex Jogging Stroller (even more so if it’s a Duallie stroller) and the more budget-friendly alternative Baby Trend Expedition jogger stroller.
- Frame - 5-year
- Fabric and parts - 1-year
- Frame - 5-year
- Fabric and parts - 1-year
You will notice that for the extra price paid for a Bob jogger, you get more comfort features to make stroller rides more enjoyable. However, this doesn’t mean the Baby Trend stroller is any less functional – it goes down to your preference and budget allowed, plus perhaps, your brand perception included.
Mid-Range Strollers for Parents Who Want the Best of Quality and Price
What you’re getting in a mid-priced stroller, between $150 and $300 depends on the brand. But, in most cases, the mid-priced strollers are solid and have good construction, and come with the add-ons the cheap models lack. Those can be adjustable handlebars, removable trays, cup holders, weather cover, etc.
If you are looking for a decent, mid-priced brand of baby strollers, you can check Graco.
Graco strollers are popular for their quality, and functionally. The child can sit in multiple positions in Graco strollers, they are easy to fold and lightweight, and include parent and children tray and cup holders.
FAQs
If you are still in a dilemma about whether to buy an expensive stroller, here are the answers that might help you decide!
What is the most expensive stroller brand in the market?
Silver Cross makes luxurious strollers within a price range of $800 to $1,400+. Strollers from limited editions from collaboration with designers and with luxurious materials are priced more than $3,000.
How much should I pay for a stroller?
It depends on your budget and the way you plan to use the stroller. For example, if you are looking for a durable and quality stroller to use for years, you might want to spend between $200 and $300. If you need a second stroller to use occasionally, you can get cheaper strollers priced at $50 or $70.
Should I splurge on a stroller?
If your budget allows you, there is no reason not to splurge on the stroller. But, if you are buying on a budget, you might want to consider getting a cheap to mid-priced stroller and save money you can use to invest in other items, such as a crib or diapers.
Surprisingly, diapers are on top of the list of expensive baby items, because an average parent spends around $2,500 before potty time, according to ConsumerReports.org.
Conclusion
As you can see, some expensive strollers are worth it, because of better construction and practical features. Some ridiculously expensive strollers are designed for whimsical parents with money to waste. The brand logo on the stroller won’t make the baby more comfortable, but the quality pneumatic tires and suspension system on premium strollers will make the walk smoother, no matter what the terrain is.
The most important thing when buying a stroller isn’t the price tag as a guarantee of quality. You can find excellent affordable strollers for double or triple the price of some premium strollers.
Did you find the answers you were looking for? I hope you find this useful! If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to ask them!
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
