Strollers are essential for every new parent. Whether you're an active parent who likes to go on long jogs with your baby or just like the convenience of a stroller when taking a stroll around the park, having a stroller can make life easier and help provide your little one with a comfortable ride.
The task of finding the best possible baby stroller for your family can be overwhelming. With hundreds of strollers on the market, it can be hard to choose. That's why we've created a list and in-depth comparison of the best baby strollers for a variety of different parents and lifestyles.
What different types of strollers are there?
There are different types of strollers for an array of different needs. Whether you prefer to be active or just like the convenience of a stroller when you're running errands around town, there is a perfect style and type of stroller for everyone.
- All-Purpose Strollers. These are the most commonly bought strollers and they are good for everyday activities like going out for a walk or visiting the mall. 7 out of 10 strollers that you frequently see fall in this category.
- Lightweight Strollers. Lightweight strollers are significantly lighter than standard strollers, as the name implies. They're sometimes known as travel strollers or compact strollers. They're fantastic for traveling or for parents who need a lightweight stroller that's easy to carry when broken down (going up and downstairs, packing it in and out of car trunks, riding public transportation etc.).
- Travel Stroller Systems. A travel system is a stroller that has an infant car seat attached to it. Parents like travel systems because you may use them from the start and don't have to disturb your baby during the transfer from car seat to stroller. You may get a travel system that comes with both a stroller and a car seat from the same manufacturer, or you might mix and match different manufacturers to construct your own. (You'll only need to ensure that your stroller and car seat are compatible and purchase any necessary adaptors.)
- Runner's Strollers (Jogging Strollers). These are the Jeeps under the strollers and are perfectly designed for rougher terrain with specific suspension systems for a smooth ride. If you like being outdoors and want to go hiking or running with a stroller, this is your best category of choice.
- Double Strollers. Just as the name suggests, these strollers handle two children at once. They come as either in-line or side-by-side configurations and are a lifesaver if you have children close in age or twins.
- Convertible Strollers. This is the Transformer among the strollers. A convertible stroller is a single stroller that transforms into a double. Convertible strollers are ideal if you're expecting to have two children who will be close in age. Convertibles are available in both in-line and side-by-side models, exactly like double ones.
- Reversible Strollers. Reversible strollers are a type of modular stroller that allows you to face your baby in either direction. Reversible strollers have the ability to face your youngster towards you (ideal for tiny babies) or outward (letting bigger kids see more).
- Stroller Frameset. This is simply a naked skeleton of a stroller that becomes a complete system when you attach a compatible infant car seat. A budget-friendly solution with the downside that you need to unmount your car seat every single time.
Do you need a stroller at all?
A stroller is the most popular piece of baby equipment. It's possible to go without and utilize a baby carrier instead, but many parents prefer the convenience of a stroller for walking, jogging, and going out and about with their child.
You may use your stroller from birth if it can support an infant car seat, a bassinet, or if the seat reclines completely flat. If not, you may typically start utilizing a stroller when your baby is around six months old and can sit up with support.
Although the weight capacity varies by model, most strollers can carry kids weighing up to 50 pounds. As a result, although investing in a stroller is a significant decision, you'll get your money's worth.
How to choose the right stroller for you
The best stroller for your child will be determined by the demands of your family. Here are some things to think about:
- Family Size. Take into account your present — and future — family size. If you only have one child or will space children several years apart, a single stroller may suffice. However, if you have multiples or intend to have siblings close in age, a convertible or double stroller is a good idea.
- Price. Sometimes, it all comes down to price. Strollers may be rather costly. If you're shocked by the prices of strollers, look for low-cost alternatives that meet your needs. However, if you spend a little money on a high-quality stroller upfront, you could save a lot of money in the long run — especially if you intend to have more than one child.
- Living Area. Do you live in the city and use your stroller to get you from place to place? Or do you simply want something to put in your car's trunk so that if you have to dash into a store with the baby or go someplace special, you'll have it? The characteristics of your everyday existence influence what type of stroller is appropriate for you.
- Preferred activities. Do you like to go running spontaneously or don't like to call over a babysitter to look after your kids when you're on the run? Your stroller should match your lifestyle and adapt to your activities.
- Convenience. Look for strollers that suit your needs and lifestyle, as well as the safety and ease of use you desire. If you're always juggling a million things, search for a stroller with a one-handed fold. Look for adjustable handlebars if you're tall — or have a partner who is significantly shorter than you. Washable fabrics are typically a good thing to have as well.
The best strollers by category
We asked thousands of customers and readers of our blog posts, newsletters and on social media about their experiences and products they love the most. Then we had an in-depth look at most shared products and did our own additional research. And here are the results:
The best All-Purpose Strollers
KidsBaron Winner: The City Mini GT2
The City Mini GT2 is a parent favorite, and it's easy to understand why. This popular stroller offers an unrivaled balance of price and performance. It's not cheap, but it won't break the bank either. It has all-terrain air rubber wheels and all-wheel suspension, a near-flat seat recline, and a simple one-handed fold. It's also compatible with a wide variety of infant car seats if you want to make your own travel system. The GT2 is ideal for city and suburban dwellers alike, and it can be stored easily.
The best Lightweight Strollers
Kidsbaron Winner: Babyzen YOYO2
You don't always want (or need) a full-size stroller when you're traveling, taking a day trip, or knowing you'll be somewhere with lots of people and little space. It's those events that demand a lightweight stroller—and the YOYO2 is one of the finest.
With a capacity of less than 14 pounds, this popular lightweight option takes up little room when folded and assembles quickly and easily with one hand. It's meant to be stored in the plane's overhead compartment and comes with a built-in strap so you may sling it over your shoulder and carry it when it's not in use. This versatile seat also works from the newborn stage into toddlerhood, as it is compatible with a wide range of car seats and strollers (sold separately). And you may replace the seat fabric whenever you choose for a different color, which is a really nice feature.
The best Travel Stroller Systems
KidsBaron Winner: Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
A travel system is all about value and convenience, and this one from Chicco does it all. It includes the popular KeyFit 30 infant car seat (and its base), as well as a stroller with a one-handed self-standing fold, height-adjustable handle, and parent tray. You may click the car seat right on top of the standard seat or remove the standard seat and use the included adapter to save weight. When your youngster is riding in the KeyFit 30, both canopies from each seat come together and overlap, forming a completely relaxing naptime cocoon.
The best Convertible Strollers
KidsBaron Winner: Uppababy Vista V2
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a high-end stroller that comes at a significant cost, but it's well worth the money — and parents all over the world seem to agree.
The upgraded version of the original Vista is smoother, more comfortable, and has a bigger storage basket beneath — making it totally adjustable. Use it with the included bassinet, which was updated from previous versions to feature a longer mattress, from birth. When your child is a newborn, use it with the bassinet that came with it. To get a better view of the world around her, move her to the toddler seat — which faces forward or backward — as she grows up.
There are several options for multiple youngsters and bigger toddlers, too. For example, add a Rumble Seat for a second kid and a PiggyBack Ride Along board for older siblings to stand on. Yep, that means you can carry three children in one baby stroller without breaking your back.
The best strollers for a budget
KidsBaron Winner: Graco Modes Stroller
The Modes lacks in terms of pricing, but it makes up for it with a plethora of features. It's virtually the same amount of configurations as other three times more expensive strollers, with a built-in bassinet, the ability to snap in a Graco car seat (facing either direction), and a standard baby and toddler seat that can face rearward or forward. There are cup holders and a snack tray, as well as a parent tray to keep your keys, phone, and water bottle. The big basket has plenty of space for a diaper or shopping bag, as well as an adjustable footrest to accommodate your child's expanding legs.
Best Strollers for Newborns
KidsBaron Winner: Bugaboo Donkey3
A super-sleek double convertible stroller that can be customized in a variety of ways for parents who want versatility at all costs. Use it as a single bassinet, or transform it into a side-by-side double — or go crazy and place one seat facing in. Switching configurations isn't hard; all you have to do is three quick clicks. (Note: The baby stroller comes with one bassinet and one seat, so if you're expecting twins, you'll need to purchase a second.)
It's also a nice ride, as it should be for the price. The stroller's puncture-proof foam tires can handle curbs (even when the cart is overloaded) and are nearly impossible to damage, so you'll never have to worry about having a flat while out and about. Furthermore, a small frame makes it simple to maneuver around doors and tight areas without using your hands.
There are a few more features to have a look at: two spacious storage baskets — one on the side and one underneath — each capable of holding up to 22 pounds, a huge sun canopy, air vents to keep baby comfortable, and a self-standing fold.
Best Hybrid Stroller – Car Seat + Stroller all in one
- FROM CAR SEAT TO STROLLER IN SECONDS - Whether you’re running errands or traveling by car, train, or plane, Doona is the complete travel system....
- EASY TO USE - With an adjustable handlebar, washable materials, and an intuitive design, Doona’s one-click, secure mechanism ensures correct...
- ERGONOMIC SUPPORT - Doona is designed to ensure your baby’s body is properly supported. The Doona Infant Insert’s near-flat ergonomic design...
- SAFE - Includes 3-layer side impact protection, anti-rebound bar crash technology & a 5-point safety harness. It’s TUV and FAA aircraft approved for...
- MADE TO LAST - Doona is made from premium-grade fiber-reinforced polymers, rust-free aluminum, and durable wheels. It’s the only car seat to have...
The Doona is one-of-a-kind. With the press of a button, this hybrid design transforms from an infant car seat to a stroller, combining elements of both. When it's time to get in the car, the stroller legs and wheels retract underneath the automobile seat. It's just as useful for a family who travels frequently as it is for someone who lives in the city or uses a rideshare or a rental car. It's also ideal for those who are minimalists and want to reduce the amount of baby gear they require, especially during the first year.
Best Travel Strollers
KidsBaron Winner: Babyzen YOYO 6+
The Babyzen Yoyo2 6+ was one of the first luxury strollers with travel in mind. With just one hand, you may fold and unfold its incredibly tiny design, and it even fits in an airplane's overhead bin.
Umbrella strollers are designed for babies weighing 16 pounds to 40 pounds, although you may use this model with newborn bassinet attachments sold separately to suit infants who are flat and facing you.
The flexible two-position pop-up canopy shields your infant from the weather, and the four-wheel suspension ensures that she never encounters bumps on the road. The stroller weighs 13 pounds, so it won't be difficult to carry around. The seat and canopy cloth are also available in a different color pack (not included).
Best Jogging Strollers
KidsBaron Winner: BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0
Jogging strollers are a popular choice among KidsBaaron families who like to go off the beaten path, whether you're a casual or competitive runner or simply someone who enjoys getting outside with their child. BOB is a well-known name that has earned great reviews for durability, ride quality, and a plethora of useful features.
The Revo Flex 3.0's mountain-bike suspension system allows it to operate on almost any surface. (The big tires also assist.) Despite this toughness, the frame of the stroller is made of aluminum, so it isn't much heavier than other full-size strollers on our list. The Flex is a versatile, multipurpose stroller that can be used with an infant car seat and includes a big storage basket for all of your belongings. The adjustable handlebar also comes in handy; it has nine distinct settings so it'll fit runners (and walkers!) of many different heights.
Best Double Strollers
KidsBaron Winner: Baby Jogger City Mini Double
The City Mini 2 has shown that double strollers don't have to be uncomfortable. While it is 31.8 pounds — which isn't much, but lighter than previous versions of the famous stroller by almost five pounds — it has a number of features that make it a little easier to push, including a one-handed fold, an adjustable handlebar, Forever Air rubber tires, full-time suspension and a hand-operated parking brake. This stroller provides an excellent ride, even if you're pushing two kids.
You'll also get some nice-to-haves, like peekaboo windows to keep an eye on your infants and an adjustable leg region to ensure that small children are comfy as they develop. It has a sleek profile when compared with other doubles, fitting through standard 36-inch doors. A glider board can be added for older siblings, but needs to be purchased separately.
The most important stroller features
When it comes to strollers, most parents suggested that convenience was the most important criteria. “Bringing the baby home is already stressful, and planning can make this transition much smoother,” one customer added. So, with that in mind, here are some factors to consider depending on your demands.
- Seating configurations. Although not all strollers allow you to change the seating arrangement as your child grows or your family expands, I'm a big supporter of reversible seats. “Reversible seats are fantastic because they offer the option of having your kid face you or face out,” Grayson concluded.
- Wheels. The type of wheels can affect your ride significantly. Front-wheels swivel, which allows you to steer with ease, or more reliable and durable non-swivel rear tires that provide a smoother ride for your baby as well as a stylish look for the stroller itself.
- Handlebar. We observed that a handle on the top of the stroller makes it easier to push one-handed. However, since most umbrella strollers have two handles, this generally implies that it will not fold as flat as an umbrella stroller with two handles.
- Brakes. We highly recommend seeking for “flip-flop-friendly” brakes if you like to wear sandals. If engaging the brakes causes discomfort, you're less likely to use them and brakes are designed for a purpose.
- Weight. When purchasing a stroller, think about who will be pushing it. Will your grandma and grandpa help you with the kid? Can they lift the stroller?
- Storage and equipment. The basket, the height of the handle, and the canopy size are all things to think about when choosing a baby stroller. Other characteristics to consider include undercarriage basket capacity, adjustable handle height, canopy size, rain shields (they're for more than just rain), cup holders, and infant car seat compatibility.
Takeaways
While you probably don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a stroller, it's worth your while to invest some money in a reliable model. You also shouldn't needlessly scrimp on features that are best for your baby – and perhaps most importantly of all, you get what you pay for. So if the cheap umbrella stroller collapses on your sleepyhead, don't be surprised if you're the one who gets woken up. This is why it's worth spending a bit more before buying an ultra-cheap stroller!
Don't forget to share this article with your friends and family. We just want everyone looking for the perfect baby stroller to find what they're looking for!
