The Best Baby Strollers for Under $200

Let's face it: in these economic times, money is tight. And if you have (or are expecting) a baby, you know that money is even tighter. Just browse through some parenting magazines and look at all the baby supplies the "experts" recommend. You need them, right? Each and every one of them. Like a baby wipe warmer - ranging from $15-$25? Seriously? I've survived one child without a baby wipe warmer, and I think I can survive another. All I have to do is rub the wipe between my hands for a few seconds to warm it up if I need to. Free and easy. No problem!

However, I've found that a stroller is definitely a necessity - especially if you have more than one young child (mine are almost exactly two years apart). I'm still debating on whether I actually need a double stroller or not. After all, I usually only go anywhere I need a stroller when I'm with my husband, and we both have arms to push individual strollers, and since we already have one, we could just get another single one. Our older daughter is still of an age where she doesn't want to give up any of her stuff to the new baby. She's very jealous!

But this hub isn't really about my stroller needs. It's about the stroller needs of parents everywhere. You need a stroller, and you don't want to have to spend a fortune to get one. So here's a list of some of the best ones I could find for under $200.

This lightweight stroller is surprisingly cheap, considering all it offers. The First Years is a well-trusted baby brand, and the popularity of this stroller shows why. Here is more information about this stroller.

Pros:

• Stroller holds toddler up to 50 pounds.
• Handles are taller, for more comfortable steering.
• 5-point harness safety.
• Fully reclining seat.
• Includes parent tray and cup holders.
• Storage basket underneath holds a lot of stuff.
• Stroller is amazingly lightweight - only 14 pounds!

Cons:

• Canopy is not adjustable.
• Storage is sometimes difficult to access.

This cute stroller is a great value. It's a really popular choice of Amazon.com buyers, and for good reason. It's really that good. Here are a list of some of the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
• Folds down easily.
• Has a removable snack tray in front for baby.
• Seat reclines in multiple positions.
• Canopy shields baby from rain and sun.
• 5-point harness for safety with strap sleeves for added comfort.
• Basket on the bottom large enough to store everything you will need.

Cons:

• No parent cup holder.
• Stroller does not fold completely flat.

This little stroller is heads and tails above comparable umbrella strollers, and it costs only a little bit more. Here are the details.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Holds children up to 55 pounds
• Cloth seat is removable and washable
• Folds down to fit easily into a small space

Cons:

• Storage basket under the stroller is a little small.
• Safety harness gets uncomfortable for children.
• Seat does not recline

Chicco is a really good brand to buy because they have terrific customer service. If you have any problem at all, you just call or email them, and they fix it promptly. This stroller is one of the cheaper ones in their line of baby strollers, but its price doesn't really reflect its great quality. Here's a brief overview.

Pros:

• Fully reclining seat.
• Sturdy enough to hang a purse or diaper bag on the handles without the risk of tipping.
• Smooth ride, unlike some competitors in this price range.
• 5-point safety harness.
• Removable tray.
• Canopy has a see-through window, so you can keep an eye on baby while you're on the move.

Cons:

• Parent cup holder is prone to falling off.
• Sunshade does not block the sun adequately when baby is in an upright position.

Graco is a leading name in baby products, and it's not hard to see why. Their products are generally of superior quality, and their customer service isn't bad, either, given the company's quick response to safety concerns regarding other versions of this stroller. This Metrolite stroller is not one of the ones that was involved in the Graco stroller recall. It is perfectly safe, and it is a great lightweight stroller that will easily go anywhere you go. Here are the details:

Pros:

• Parent handles are actually adjustable, unlike many competing strollers.
• Stroller easily folds down with one hand.
• Baby's eat reclines fully.
• Fits all Graco Snugride car seats.

Cons:

• When baby is in upright position, sometimes the tray gets in the way of the baby's sight if it is not moved.
• It is not always easy to get things in and out of the basket underneath the stroller.

Another great stroller by Chicco, although it is a little more expensive than the Trevi. This stroller won BabyGizmo.com's highest rating because of all its features and its price.

Pros:

• Fits all Chicco KeyFit car seats.
• Easily folds with one hand and latches securely once closed.
• Seat reclines fully.
• Has both parent and child cup holders and storage/snack trays.
• Storage basket is large enough to hold even the largest diaper bag.
• Adjustable leg rest for baby.
• Adjustable, padded handlebar.
• See-through window in canopy lets you keep a close eye on baby.

Cons :

• Canopy is a little on the small side.
• Storage basket can be a little difficult to access when seat is fully reclined.

This is, obviously, the highest-priced stroller on our list. But at just under $160 on Amazon for the whole travel system - stroller and car seat - the Graco Spree is a steal!

Pros:

• Weight limit is 40 pounds for the stroller and 22 pounds for the car seat.
• The SnugRide car seat is well-tested and highly recommended by major consumer publications.
• This stroller has a parent storage tray and cup holders.
• Stroller folds easily with one hand.

Cons:

• Rear attachment of the car seat to the stroller may prove difficult for some users if in a hurry.
• Headrest is not as cushioned as some other car seats/strollers.

As you can see, there is a wide range of wonderful strollers you can buy for much less than $200. All of these mentioned here will work really well for anyone who is budget-conscious (and who isn't when you have a baby?).

And, if you're willing and able to spend more on a stroller, check out my hub about The First Years Wave Stroller. It's got everything these strollers have and more (that's why it costs more).

There are so many things to think about when you're buying a stroller. Just try to focus on what features best fit your family's needs and what prices best fit your family's budget. Have fun shopping!