Juggling diaper bags, baby wipes and toys, not to mention a squirming youngster, is no easy feat for a new mom. That's why a stroller is a basic necessity.

Since your baby will spend a lot of time in a stroller - usually up until he or she is 3 or 4 years of age - and you will spend a lot of time pushing it, carefully consider your needs and compare them with a stroller's key features before making a purchase.

While there are many styles and types to choose from, the following key points will make it easier to narrow down your choices and make your shopping experience far less confusing than it could be.

- Consider your lifestyle.

Active parents will need a sturdy model with good suspension and fixed-position, oversized wheels.

Make frequent shopping trips? Choose models with fully independent wheels for the best maneuverability in malls and supermarkets.

Do you usually travel by public transportation? Consider the stroller's size, weight and portability.

- Be aware of your space limitations.

Avoid struggles with the doorways of your home or the trunk of your car by measuring a stroller's length, folded and unfolded, before you buy.

City dweller? Look for compactness and ease in maneuverability.

- Your child's age is a big factor.

For children under 3 years, look for strollers that fully recline. Lightweight models are the right choice for toddlers who can sit up on their own.

Think about features you absolutely need, and shop around with a budget in mind, but never sacrifice quality or safety when it comes to your baby.

- Full-size/carriage - These are the largest, heaviest and most sturdy of all strollers because they provide the utmost in convenience and comfort.They convert from a carriage into a full-size stroller by reversing the handle, so they remain suitable for newborns and children up to 3 or 4 years old.Ideal for parents who walk outdoors year-round with their newborns, they offer a full-recline position and a removable weather boot for rain and cold-weather protection.- Midsize - Designed for portability, these models fold easily and compactly, and are perfect for city dwellers and those who enjoy longer walks outdoors. They feature a canopy, roomy storage basket, fully reclining seat, extendable handle and larger, all-terrain wheels.- Lightweight/umbrella - These inexpensive strollers are great on maneuverability, store easily and are a breeze to move in and out of a car.Perfect for parents who love to shop, they are lightweight and easy to maneuver between narrow and overcrowded aisles and up and down stairs.Although they are ultralight, umbrella strollers are best when used as a second stroller because they are not that sturdy.Made of fabric, they offer little padding and most models do not feature fully reclining seats or head and neck supports so they are not recommended for newborns or infants.- Travel system - A convenience stroller and infant car seat in one, this compact stroller folds quickly and easily and is ideal for parents who drive frequently.The car seat features a stay-in-car base so it doubles as a carrier, allowing you to take it from the car and snap it into the stroller (and vice versa) without disturbing your baby.The car seat provides head, back and neck support for newborns, while keeping them in a comfortable, reclined position.Once your baby outgrows the car seat, it can be removed, converting the system into a stroller suitable for children up to age 4.