Whether you’re headed to the park for a leisurely stroller or to Paris to see all of the sights, gear is a must-have for life on the go with a baby. So the right type of stroller not only gives the baby a safe place to sit or snooze, but it also provides a place for you to stash all of those must-have essentials, from wipes and diapers to a change of clothes and an extra pacifier.

Finding the right type of stroller isn’t easy. The market is saturated with all different types of models and prices that vary widely from as little as $30 to upwards of thousands of dollars. So when you begin your hunt, first consider your budget. Then, think about how you plan to use your stroller to narrow down your options. Ask yourself some key questions, like how you will use the stroller and your own lifestyle. Where are you going to use it? Where are you going to store it? How many babies will be using it? And how much stuff do they have? What brand and design do you like?

Most parents look to a lightweight stroller when they need a simple, compact stroller for travel or urban living when a standard stroller's size and weight won't work. These products are smaller than other strollers, easier to fold and carry, and relatively lightweight. Most of these products collapse in on themselves like an umbrella, but a few fold in half or thirds, which often makes a more compact package for easier storage in smaller spaces.

In general, this kind of stroller lacks the features of a standard model, which results in a lighter, more compact stroller that is not off-road friendly. They are intended primarily for flat surfaces without many obstacles so they can be easy to handle in a crowded environment. Most parents purchase this kind of stroller for travel, visiting grandparents, or quick day trip commutes.

Parenting in the city has so many benefits, but it also comes with its own unique challenges. Finding the right city and park stroller to meet your needs is one of them. This quick guide covers the major types of city gear, what to keep in mind as you shop, and the features parents appreciate the most.

• Travel systems

A travel system comes with a stroller and a car seat that attaches right to it. It has two main benefits: you can use them right from birth, and you don’t have to wake your baby to move them from the car to the stroller. They can also be more economical since you’re buying both items together. (Keep in mind that if you’ve fallen in love with a separate car seat and stroller, you can often make your own travel system—even if they’re different brands.

• More storage rooms

If you don’t drive a car to go out, your stroller is going to become your mode of carrying all the things—think your diaper bag, water bottles, groceries, toys for the park, etc. The city stroller has a large enough storage basket and is easy to access.

• Easy fold

If you’re tight on space, you’re not alone; many families who live in city apartments don’t have much storage area to spare. Don't worry; most city strollers are also easy to fold or unfold. Do you have an elevator in your building, or do you need to climb stairs? If you live somewhere with elevator access, the size and weight of your stroller won’t matter as much. But if you’re trudging up and down stairs every time you walk out your door, you’ll want a stroller that’s lightweight, compact, and manageable for you to carry.

• Comfortable

Most city strollers allow babies to be comfortable on long walks. Families do a lot of walking, and city sidewalks can be bumpy and uneven. So the city stroller is enough to handle this type of terrain. They have a special suspension system, and it is easy to push, steer, and turn.

For trail/running application scenarios, parents should consider a long-distance walk and trail for the baby's comfort while also running. Very good performance on bumpy surfaces, easy to fold (can be stored in a car trunk), and storage, with the size of the space being an important consideration.

There are some trail or running stroller types for nearly every situation—from hiking to taking a run around the block, park, or bench. Here’s a breakdown of what’s what: