Being a Mother is hard work; sometimes I am surprised I can even make it through the day. Let’s face it, just getting out the door in the morning with 2 kids can, at times, seem like an impossible feat. I must present a reasonably solid facade as, people often ask me how I manage day in and day out without going crazy or looking like a complete mess (I stress facade as I often do feel like a complete mess).

I have to be truthful, I am no super-mom. I recognize that I am lucky to be a mother in this day and age; there are so many products out there that make my life easier. I thought I would share my top Mommy Must Haves for those fellow Mommies or Mommies-to-be out there who are interested. I have some great friends that helped me find certain products and I thought I would continue the favour in a series of posts highlighting some of my favourite products.

I cannot stress this enough, pay the extra money and get a good stroller! I made the mistake of having complete price tag shock when we bought our first stroller. Consequently, we ended up with a Graco Travel system that did not match our lifestyle at all. It was bulky, difficult to push and rickety on rough terrain. Basically, totally useless for an outdoorsy family with a dog. After going through a few strollers and spending more money in the long run, I now have 2 strollers that I absolutely love. A single B.O.B. Revolution and a Double Chariot Cougar which also doubles as a bike trailer.

When you hit the stores to stroller shop, have a good idea of what you want out of a stroller. What is the terrain in your area like, does it snow or rain often? Do you plan on strolling only on pavement or on grass, sand or gravel? Even if you don’t think you will be doing much rough terrain strolling I still recommend purchasing something with the following features:

1) Air Tires: This generally means a smoother ride, longer lasting tires and a stroller that is easier to push.

2) Easy to Push and Turn: when you are going here, there and everywhere, the last thing you needs is a clunky heavy, stroller, that is difficult to push and maneuver. You should be able to push a good stroller with one finger (seriously) and turn it in a full circle in one spot. As well, ensure you can push the stroller and maneuver it with one hand. This may not be important with one child but, when a second baby comes along, you often find yourself holding your toddlers hand while pushing a stroller.

3) Easy Fold-Ability: You want a stroller you can fold quickly and easily and is compact. These features are essential for everyday running around and, if you ever fly and have to gate check your stroller, you will be very grateful for these features.

4) A Good Amount of Storage: You will not believe the amount of stuff you will load into that stroller and the last thing you want is to be short on storage. You will never have more stuff with you than when you are out with children.

5) A Well Known and In demand Brand Name: Getting a highly coveted stroller means you will feel good pushing it and anything that makes a Mommy feel good post baby is a great thing! As well, if you have the stroller everyone else wants, chances are you are going to get a great return on your investment when it comes time to sell your stroller. Top strollers can sell for 50-75% of their original value.

I hope these tips help. Happy Stroller Shopping!