Shopping For Strollers Stressed Me Out — Until I Tried the Direct-to-Consumer Options

The biggest advantage of these products, as far as I'm concerned, is never having to set foot in an overwhelming big-box baby store! But there are lots of other pros. First and foremost, they all pass ASTM standards, so you can strap your babe in and feel confident that he or she is safe. Like any other DTC product, because these strollers sidestep traditional retail stores, the price tags can be quite a bit less shocking. And while it's not available quite yet, Mockingbird is working on a financing option, so you can cover the cost of your gear in installments.

Unless you live near one of the few showrooms for these new companies, you can't test drive DTC strollers in person. However, Mockingbird offers a 30-day trial period and Colugo a 100-day trial, during which you can put them through the all the paces with your little one — and still send them back if you're not totally happy. And Lalo has customer support experts on tap to answer any questions via text, call, or video chat. While all three companies do have great, responsive customer service, getting one repaired if you have an issue might not be as convenient as a big-name brand, since you can't just drop it off at the shop where you bought it. And while most established brands sold in regular retail stores have extended lines with travel strollers and other gear included, direct-to-consumer companies are so new, their lines are limited. Take note, though: I talked with all three companies and found out that they all have big plans to expand!

It debuted this spring and has already attracted major buzz; Mockingbird won Best in Show at this year's New York Baby Show. Great suspension and large back wheels mean it rides like a dream, even when I challenged it over crooked, craggy NYC sidewalks. Folding down this 26-pound stroller is super-duper simple — you truly can do it with one hand and barely any practice — and it locks in place once collapsed. One way the start-up keeps the cost reasonable ($350) is by making all the extras (like a rain cover, car seat adapter, infant seat insert, and parent organizer for holding your phone, wallet, etc.), well, extra; you pick and choose exactly and only what you need. But always included are a UPF 50+ all-weather canopy with a large peekaboo window, a multiposition reclining seat, a footrest that unzips underneath to make it easy to clean out snack crumbs, adjustable handlebar, and a giant storage basket below the seat (go for it — grocery shop with baby in tow!).

The lightweight (we're talking only 16 pounds) Colugo Compact Stroller is small enough for travel and a breeze to pick up when I hauled it up and down stairs, but also feels sturdier than some other light models I've tested. It has a smooth, stable ride and basket that's big enough to take on everyday errands. It boasts a rain cover, travel backpack, and a shoulder strap for carrying on the go. One of my favorite features: the machine-washable liner for easy cleanup that comes in new shades and patterns every season — so you can update your stroller's look whenever you feel like it (or whenever your toddler picks a new favorite color). Colugo also makes it oh-so simple to get exactly what you want and need: you can buy the stroller alone ($285, plus $85 for the newborn bassinet) or opt for a bundle with extras like an on-the-go organizer, which doubles as a messenger bag.

The most luxe of current DTC options, the 24-pound Lalo Daily comes in a pretty array of jewel tones and with everything you'll need from the get-go: the frame, tot seat, newborn bassinet, car seat adapters, an all-weather cover, two washable seat liners, and two stroller hooks for hanging shopping bags or keeping essentials within arm's length. Buy it with a bassinet for $715 or without for $100 less. When I gave it a spin in person, I couldn't get enough of the parent organizer, which connects straight to the back of the seat for a super-sleek profile — I didn't even notice it at first! (You can also detach it and let it hang from the handlebar instead if you prefer.) Bonus: the pouch stashes a removable phone charger, so you'll never lose juice on the go.