Did you read this article?
Which stroller are you choosing and why?
I am definitely leaning toward getting a very versatile stroller that
can face both ways as I have NO IDEA what our little one will really
like. It will be more expensive but I think the ability to change will
be nice instead of going out and purchasing a new stroller.
Re: front v. rear facing strollers?
we used our travel system for a LONG time so DD was facing us til like 3-4 months or a little longer and then put on the regular foward facing after that. although my mom continued to use the travel system with the carrier until she was 20 lbs we quickly got a umbrella stroller. it just depends on how much you use it...hardly ever for DH and I but my mom all the time and what your child prefers. like now at age 2 we NEVER use a stroller but my mom does...forward facing, she would go nuts rear facing. for baby #2 we wll be getting the combo stroller that has the option for the older child to sit or stand behind the infant. that way when she's tired she can hop on but if not walk like usual.
Our stroller can face either front or rear. That was important to me, not necessarily because of stress to the baby (I didn't even realize that was a factor) but because for the 1st few months I know I'll want to see the baby at all times. I already know I'm going to be the paranoid mommy and the more I see the baby, the better!
I wanted a rear facing stroller so I could interact with the baby more while he's a newborn. I remember with DS, we would go walking every day, and I always wished that I could see and interact with him more while he was in the stroller. Also, he liked to be able to see me, and would cry sometimes when he couldn't. When he got a little older and more interactive he enjoyed forward facing more. So this time I bought a Micralite fastfold with a carrycot. That way, I can use the carrycot rear facing while he's a newborn, and then turn him forward facing when we're both ready. It's also a travel system.