Your Toughest Baby Product Questions—Answered!

Several things drive up the price tag. Higher-end strollers tend to be made of high-grade, lighter-weight aluminum, which makes lifting them in and out of a car easier. The seat also tends to be cushier, with more back support and feature high-quality fabric.

"And because they often feature large, shock-absorbing, swivel wheels, higher-end strollers are typically easier to push, especially over rough terrain, which includes anything from uneven sidewalks to sand and snow, so babies get a smoother ride," says Rob Portnoy, owner of Stollerworld.com.

Bigger-ticket strollers also tend to offer comfy amenities, such as adjustable handles, which can save your back if you're tall, and a reversible seat so your baby can face toward or away from you. They also tend to be more durable, lasting your from child to child. But that doesn't mean a lower-end stroller won't serve you well.

"A lot depends on where and how much you'll be using the stroller," says Portnoy. For infrequent travel or trips to the mall, a lower-end umbrella stroller (less than $100) may be all you need. But if you're going to be strolling more often and through all kinds of weather and conditions, consider spending more.

For all baby gear, beware of the return policy and the warranty, which vary per retailer and product, in case you decide to return it for any reason.