Strollers are available in a plethora of sizes and prices. A stroller is an expensive investment, and there are numerous models on the market. So, how to find the best baby stroller? The good news – our experts will tell you how; right here, in this comprehensive guide.
You need a stroller that will keep your baby comfortable, safe, and suit your pocket. But, what all factors add up to make one stroller worth $150 and the other $800? Several factors such as the manufacturer, materials, durability, modern styling, construction, etc, come together to define the price of a stroller.
Nevertheless, you don’t need to spend a fortune to buy a premium-quality stroller. It’s all about how you’re planning to use it, and what more important to you – the safety of your baby, the features of the stroller, or the price? We’ll discuss how to find the best baby stroller in this guide. Read on to know more.
Types of strollers on the market
The first and most important thing you need to know before you buy a stroller is the types of strollers available on the market, and their pros and cons.
All in all, there are 6 types of strollers that you’ll find on the market. These include:
- Umbrella or lightweight stroller
- Full-sized stroller
- Car seat carrier
- Jogging stroller
- Travel system
- Double stroller
Let’s look at them one by one, in a little more detail.
Umbrella or lightweight stroller
If you’re looking for an easy to use and lightweight stroller, the umbrella stroller can be a good option. They are inexpensive, and that’s another good thing about them. However, make sure you check the JMPA certification (we’ll cover it in a later section of the guide).
The good:
- Typically weigh 15 lbs. or less.
- More portable.
- Easy to fold and convenient to store.
- Many lightweight strollers come with remarkable features such as a storage basket, partial seat recline, expandable canopy, built-in snack tray or cup holder.
The bad:
- Lightweight strollers are not suitable for newborns. Most of them are designed for babies above 6 months.
Check here the best Umbrella or lightweight strollers on the market:
- Nuna Mixx Review
- Babyzen YoYo+ Stroller Review
- The Maclaren Volo Stroller Review You’ll Love
- The Full Maclaren Globetrotter Stroller Review
- The Ultimate Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller Review
- Made for Life on the Go: The Maclaren Volvo Stroller
- You’ll Love The Graco Verb Click Connect Stroller
- Thule Urban Glide Review
- Britax B Ready vs UPPAbaby Vista – Which is the Best Lightweight Stroller?
- UPPAbaby Vista vs City Select Battle – Which is Best?
- Mountain Buggy Nano vs Babyzen Yoyo
- Nuna Mixx vs Mixx2: Which is the Best Stroller?
- Nuna IVVI vs MIXX
- The GB Pockit Plus Review
- The Safety 1st Riva Ultra Lightweight Travel System Review
- Summer Infant 3D Mini Convenience Stroller vs Jeep North Star Stroller
- Nuna Mixx vs UPPAbaby Vista
- Nuna Mixx vs UPPAbaby Cruz
- Ergobaby 180 Review
- The Ultimate Chicco Liteway Stroller Review
Full-sized stroller
If you’re planning to invest in a stroller that’ll help your baby comfortably sail through the toddler years, look nowhere else because a full-sized stroller is all you need. It is bigger, stronger, and typically more durable. Moreover, most full-sized baby strollers come with incredible features to make your baby’s and your life easier.
The good:
- Comfortable, wide, and well-padded seats.
- Multiple seat recline options.
- Option to mount the seat rear-facing or forward-facing.
- Option to add a car seat.
- Expandable canopy.
- Convertible designs to accommodate the growing age and body of your baby.
- Sturdier wheels with good suspension to absorb sudden impact.
- Telescope handlebars for tall parents.
- Other useful additional such as a snack tray or cup holder.
The bad:
- Can be heavy and bulky.
- Can be difficult to carry while traveling.
- Not suitable for small spaces that have limited storage.
Check here the best Umbrella or lightweight strollers on the market:
- Britax B Ready vs B Agile
- Britax Affinity
- City Mini vs City Mini GT Ultimate City Mini Stroller Battle!
- The Ergobaby 180 Stroller Review
- The Ultimate Quinny Moodd Review
- The Full Chicco Bravo Stroller Review
- Chicco Bravo vs Bravo LE
- Bugaboo Bee vs UPPAbaby Cruz – Comparing Two of the Finest Strollers!
- Nuna Tavo vs UPPAbaby Cruz: Which is Best for Your Baby?
- UPPAbaby Cruz vs Vista: Everything Else You Need to Know
- The Veer All-Terrain Cruiser Wagon Review
- Nuna Pepp vs Nuna Tavo
- Nuna Tavo Review
Car Seat Carrier
A car seat carrier is a wheeled frame that can transform your baby’s car seat into an easy to carry stroller in a matter of minutes.
The good:
- Lightweight and compact.
- Easy to carry your baby on a vacation.
- Convenient to use.
The bad:
- Suitable for short-term use.
- Missing baby stroller features such as snack tray and cup-holder.
Check here the best Umbrella or lightweight strollers on the market:
- UPPABaby Vista Stroller Review
- The Chicco Urban Stroller Review
- UPPAbaby Vista Stroller Review
- Doona Car Seat & Stroller Review
Jogging stroller
Jogging strollers are not recommended unless you’re actually going for a jog or run. Even though they look cool and stylish, they’re bulky, difficult to turn, and even more difficult to fold.
The good:
- The premium-quality suspension allows you to walk, or hike while keeping your baby comfortable.
- Maximum maneuverability on the trail.
- Front wheel for stability during high-speed and greater flexibility.
- Compatible with car seats.
- Suitable for use right from birth to toddler years.
- Generous storage baskets.
- Telescope handlebars for tall parents.
- Multiple reclining positions.
- Integrated safety features such as five-point harness, a hand brake, and wrist strap.
The bad:
- Difficult to assemble
- Bulkier and difficult to turn.
- Not suitable for small spaces with limited storage.
Pro tip: Not all strollers with 3 wheels are suitable for joggers. Some 3-wheel strollers are also known as hybrid strollers that don’t have hand brakes and other safety features.
Check here the best Umbrella or lightweight strollers on the market:
- Bugaboo Cameleon3 Classic Review
- Joovy Zoom 360 vs. Bob Revolution SE
- Thule Urban Glide 2.0 Jogging Stroller vs. BOB 2016 Revolution FLEX Jogging Stroller
- Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System Review
- Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller Review
- Baby Jogger Summit X3 Review
- The Ultimate Stroller Battle: Bob Revolution Pro vs. Bob Revolution Flex
- Burley Solstice Jogger Review
- Bugaboo Fox vs Cameleon – Which is the Best Stroller?
- Bugaboo Fox vs UPPAbaby Vista
- Chicco Active3 Review
- Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Review
Travel system
A travel system is a sturdy combination of a car seat and a stroller. On the market, you’ll find full-sized, jogging, and umbrella travel systems. The pros and cons of each are the same as those of the individual strollers. So, you can choose the travel system that best suits your requirement.
The good:
- Easy to move your baby from the car to the stroller using a built-in adapter.
- By purchasing a set instead of purchasing a car seat and stroller individually, you can save more money.
The bad:
- Even though the stroller will last through the toddler years of your baby, they will outgrow the car seat pretty fast.
Check here the best Umbrella or lightweight strollers on the market:
- Safety 1st Riva 6-In-1 Flex Modular Travel System vs. Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
- The 5 Best Graco Travel Systems
- Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System Review
- The Chicco CX Cortina Travel System
- The Full Graco Modes Stroller Review
- Evenflo Pivot Xplore Review: Is This Wagon Stroller Good Enough for You?
Double stroller
A double stroller is perfect for parents with twins. Double strollers are available in 2 variants: side-by-side seating, or tandem where one child sits behind the other.
The good:
- One stroller for multiple children.
The bad:
- Bigger and bulkier.
- Difficult to carry and store.
Check here the best Umbrella or lightweight strollers on the market:
- Mountain Buggy Duet V3 Buggy Review
- The Joovy Scooter X2 vs. ZOE XL2 BEST v2
- Best All-Terrain Double Strollers
- 4 of Our Top Double Stroller Picks
- Bugaboo Donkey2 Duo Review
Types of strollers – A quick recap
| Stroller type | Price Range | Who is it suitable for? |
| Umbrella and lightweight | $50 -$500 | Parents who’re frequent travelers or don’t have ample storage space at home |
| Full-sized | $250 – $2500 | For parents who’re looking for a stylish baby stroller with a plethora of features and have no budget constraints |
| Car seat carrier | $50 – $150 | For parents on a shoestring budget or those who don’t wish to buy a traditional baby stroller for a few months |
| Jogging | $200 – $800 | For parents who’re into running and jogging |
| Travel system | $150 – $1200 | For parents who often drive with their baby and prefer using a baby stroller with an infant car seat |
| Double | $200 – $1200 | For parents with twins or two babies with almost similar ages |
Check other options on the market:
- 6 of the Best Bassinet Strollers You Just Have to See
- Top 4 Best City Strollers to Keep You All Moving!
What makes a perfect baby stroller?
First things first, there is nothing such as a “perfect baby stroller.” Many parents like our expert new moms and dads generally look for baby strollers that have:
- Sturdy wheels suitable for all kinds of terrains
- A reversible and reclining seat
- An adjustable footrest
- A big or an expandable canopy
- A large storage basket
- Easy foldability
- A pocket-friendly price
The baby stroller you buy would completely depend on your requirements and choice. So, there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to buying baby strollers. As parents, you’re free to exercise whichever options you like.
What to look for when buying a baby stroller?
A critical aspect of “how to find the best baby stroller” is “what to look for when buying a baby stroller.” Without enough information and knowledge about baby strollers, you cannot make an informed choice.
In this section, we’ll discuss 16 things you need to consider while buying a baby stroller.
Usage
On the one hand, many baby stroller models with mid-range prices can be large and bulky which makes them unsuitable for narrow passages, markets, and other crowded areas.
On the other hand, smaller and lightweight strollers such as the umbrella stroller may not serve the purpose if you need a large storage basket that can store baby essentials such as diaper bags, extra clothing, feeding bottles, etc. Therefore, it’s important to know where you’ll go with the stroller and how you plan to use it.
Certification
All baby strollers being sold in the U.S. must adhere to the federal safety standards: 16 CFR Parts 1112 and 1227. For greater assurance, look for a sticker on the stroller that validates the manufacturer’s participation in the certification program conducted by Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
JPMA certified strollers are tested for stability, properly functioning stroller brakes, locking mechanisms, restraint system, leg openings, and absence of sharp objects that can hurt your baby.
If you’re not sure about the JPMA certification of the stroller you want to buy, you can check JPMA’s official website for more information.
Newborn friendliness
Many strollers these days come with seats that have multiple recline options and bassinet modes. However, there are several models that come with neck control features to support the anatomical structure of a newborn.
Frequency of use
While you may pay higher prices up front for particular models, it would make sense to buy a baby stroller that can be used from infancy to the toddler years. How long do you plan to use the baby stroller? Are you planning to use it for multiple kids? Shop for the baby stroller keeping in mind the long-term value.
Ease of use
Once you’ve performed thorough research and selected a few models, it would be a good idea to test the products before you buy any of them. And, don’t test the products only on an even surface, make sure you try it on rugged terrains too. Can you steer it easily and smoothly? Can it be maneuvered using one hand? Can it handle a sharp turn?
Wheels
Air-filled and large wheels are great for bumpy grounds and long walks, while smaller wheels are more suitable for running errands and use in the city. Swivel-type front wheels offer better maneuverability, whereas locked wheels add stability to the stroller.
Suspension
Make sure you check the suspension system of the baby stroller. A solid suspension system will ensure your child doesn’t get exposed to impact. This is something very important as infants have a very delicate spine structure.
Frame
If you go for a heavier frame, the stroller will become bulky. So, buy a baby stroller with a lightweight frame. However, make sure the frame is sturdy and durable.
Brakes
Both brakes of the stroller should come into play together. When the brakes are on, the stroller should not move at all.
Canopy
Never live under the assumption that you won’t need a canopy to save a few dollars. A canopy can help a great deal during the hot summer days. However, make sure the canopy is foldable and large enough to cover your baby from all sides and protect them from strong winds and the sun.
Adjustable telescope handles
This is a critical factor that you cannot afford to skip if you’re tall. Handlebars that can be adjusted basis your height can help a great deal in making the stroller handling time comfortable for taller parents. It’s really annoying to push a stroller that requires you to stoop.
A reversible seat
A reversible seat provides you with the ability to modify the direction of your baby based on your requirement. Many parents prefer that their babies should face them. Nevertheless, curious babies always want to face the world around them.
Storage basket
Just like the canopy, many parents underestimate the significance of a storage basket underneath the stroller and end up carrying heavy bags on their shoulders. If you don’t want to carry baby bags all around you, buy a baby stroller with a large storage basket. It’s very handy for carrying baby essentials such as diapers, towels, baby food, and a lot more.
Ease of storage
How easy is the baby stroller to fold and unfold? How conveniently can it be stored in your bedroom? Can it be tucked away in your baby’s wardrobe? Many baby strollers come with a single fold which makes it a little cumbersome to store them.
Harnesses
A stroller is incomplete without a restraint system. The safest restraint system is a 5-point harness that safely wraps around the baby’s waist, through the legs, and comes down from the shoulders. Check for a buckle that’s easy to open, but secure for your baby.
Weight
A lightweight stroller is easy to push, carry, travel with, and so on. These days, you can even find ultra lightweight baby strollers weighing around 8 to 10 lbs. But, they’re typically umbrella strollers for older babies. An ideal for a newborn’s stroller would be around 11 to 15 lbs.
Heavy-duty baby strollers weigh more than 40 lbs. and are inconvenient to carry and push. Some parents hold a misconception that lightweight baby strollers are cheap and low-quality. That’s not true; there’s no relation between the quality and weight of a baby stroller.
How to buy a baby stroller according to the baby’s age?
Are you looking for a stroller for your newborn or toddler older than 6 months?
0 to 6 months
During the first 6 months, your baby cannot sit upright and doesn’t have any neck or head balance. Therefore, during this period, you should either use an infant car seat, a completely reclined seat or a bassinet. The first option is the best as you can use you can easily transfer your sleeping infant from the car seat to the stroller, without waking them. However, if you want a completely flat base, we recommend you use a bassinet.
6 months on
When your baby develops neck and head control and strength, you can drive them in a lightweight umbrella stroller. However, with the growing age of your baby, you may new a full-sized stroller with a large storage basket and other useful accessories to meet their demands. Also, don’t forget to check the durability of the stroller’s fabric, as well as the ventilation and protection features such as the canopy.
How much would a baby stroller cost?
Even though we’ve provided you with a rough idea about the price ranges of baby stroller based on their type, it’s important to note that a traditional stroller with a simplistic design can cost as low as $60, and high-end models can cost as high as $1300. However, the price of the baby stroller would depend on the following factors:
- Type of baby stroller
- Storage space
- Fabric
- Frame material
Many parents end up purchasing costlier baby strollers as they firmly believe that inexpensive baby strollers are low-quality and cheap. If you’re one of them, it’s time you change your thought process. These days, online marketplaces such as Amazon provide hefty discounts on baby strollers during special sales and promotions. So, you never know when your luck may favor you.
Top baby stroller brands on the market
Best-selling baby strollers on the market
Now that you know almost everything about baby strollers and how to find the best baby stroller on the market, it’s time we throw some interesting options at you to help you pick the best baby stroller for your little one. Our experts have tested all products mentioned in this section and have shared their personal experiences to make your purchase process easy. We’ve covered each type of baby stroller in this section. Read on to know more.
Best umbrella stroller – 2018 UPPA Baby Vista Stroller
General specifications
| Product dimensions | 24 x 17 x 34 inches (60.96 x 43.18 x 86.36 cm) |
| Product weight | 49.6 lbs. (22498 g) |
| Model no. | 0318-VIS-US-JOR |
| Minimum recommended baby weight | 4 lbs. |
| Maximum recommended baby weight | 50 lbs. |
| Average Customer Rating | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Price | Check out the latest rates here |
| Available colors | Silver, Charcoal Melange, Black Leather |
2018 UPPA Baby Vista Stroller is the latest gem in UPPA’s collection of durable and premium-quality baby strollers. You can use it for two or three kids too. All you need to do is try different permutations and combinations. If you want to seat a toddler and an infant, you can use the accompanying bassinet and RumbleSeat attachment.
If you’re proud parents to twins, you can add another bassinet to carry both your babies at a time. And, if you want to seat 2 toddlers at once, you can make the most of the upright seat and attach the RumbleSeat to accommodate both kids. Sounds great, doesn’t it? You’ll be stunned to know that you can even seat 3 babies at once.
Overall, the stroller is versatile, value for money, easy to maneuver, and convenient to fold and store.
Best full-sized stroller – Graco Modes Stroller
General specifications
| Product dimensions | 27.5 x 22 x 41 inches (69.85 x 55.88 x 104.14 cm) |
| Product weight | 23.4 lbs. (10614.06) |
| Model no. | 1963977 |
| Minimum recommended baby weight | 5 lbs. |
| Maximum recommended baby weight | 50 lbs. |
| Average Customer Rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Price | Check out the latest rates here |
| Available colors | Gotham |
If you’re looking for a full-sized baby stroller with optimum comfort and some great features, Graco Modes Stroller is all you need. It’s affordable, durable, safe, and value for money.
It’s suitable for an infant as well as a toddler. So, with Graco Modes in your house, you won’t need to buy a new baby stroller with the growing age of your baby. Believe us or not, Graco Modes is 3 strollers in 1, and 10 riding options for newborns and toddlers. You can also use all Graco Click Connect Infant Car Seats with the help of a single step attachment.
Best jogging stroller – Baby Jogger Summit X3
General specifications
| Product dimensions | 53.2 x 32.5 x 40.6 inches (135.12 x 82.55 x 103.12 cm) |
| Product weight | 37 lbs.(16782 g) |
| Model no. | 1959592 |
| Minimum recommended baby weight | 15 lbs. |
| Maximum recommended baby weight | 50 lbs. |
| Average Customer Rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Price | Check out the latest rates here |
| Available colors | Black with Grey |
Baby Jogger Summit X3 is a jogging stroller; however, it can also be used as a daily-use stroller. The product comes with an easy-to-use lever that can be used to lock the frontal wheel when you’re ready to use it as a regular stroller. You can simply unlock the frontal wheel to use it in the swivel mode.
You can quickly fold the stroller and easily store it in your room. When it comes to using the stroller as a normal stroller, it works for all types of terrains. And, when it comes to using the stroller as a jogger to go uphill or downhill, the all-wheel suspension arrangement and convenient to use brakes stop the stroller in no time.
Best travel system – Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
General specifications
| Product dimensions | 25 x 34 x 47 inches (63.5 x 86.36 x 119.38 g) |
| Product weight | 38.5 lbs. (17463.31 g) |
| Model no. | 56011993 |
| Minimum recommended baby weight | 4 lbs. |
| Maximum recommended baby weight | 35 lbs. |
| Average Customer Rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Price | Check out the latest rates here |
| Available colors | Sandstone |
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of a car seat and stroller, Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System is all you need.
The SafeMax Infant Car Seat is durable and comes with a stable base and robust handles. If you want to carry your toddler, you can use the stroller without the car seat. Overall, there are numerous ways of using Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System.
You can use the travel system in 6 modes. The Cruiser Tires provide your baby with a smooth ride and allow you to push the stroller without applying much force.
The Evenflo Pivot System is definitely the most valuable from all the choices listed as it comes with a car seat, has a great price and also the brand exists for more than 100 years.
Best double stroller – Mountain Buggy Duet V3 Double Stroller
General specifications
| Product dimensions | 12.5 x 25 x 35 inches (31.75 x 63.5 x 88.9 cm) |
| Product weight | 32.4 lbs. (14696.39 g) |
| Model no. | DUET_V3_5 |
| Minimum recommended baby weight | 4 lbs. |
| Maximum recommended baby weight | 50 lbs. |
| Average Customer Rating | 3.9 out of 5 stars |
| Price | Check out the latest rates here |
| Available colors | Black |
The Mountain Buggy Duet V3 Double Stroller is a side-by-side double stroller suitable for all terrains. It is compact, fully-featured, and perfect for new parents. Whether you’re looking for an ultimate ride for your twins or a pair of siblings, there’s no double stroller more innovative than Mountain Buggy Duet V3 on the market. From busy city streets to mountains, you can use the stroller wherever you go.
The width is 25-inches, i.e., the same width as a regular stroller. The new hand-operated brake allows you to handle the double stroller as you want and keeps it stable even on steep slopes. No problem if you’re holding multiple bags in your hands, the automatic fold lock and one hand fold functionality makes it easy for busy parents to wrap up the stroller when not in use.
The 10-inch air-filled tires can easily absorb bumps across a variety of terrains. The stroller seat comes with different sitting positions including “lie flat” and “upright.” Another excellent feature of Mountain Buggy Duet V3 Double Stroller is the clip-on tote bag which transforms the baby stroller from a double stroller to a regular stroller. It provides you with 44 lbs. of storage.
Explore more all-terrain double strollers>
Useful tips on how to find the best baby stroller by expert moms and dads
You ask 20 parents what they think about the best baby strollers on the market, and you’ll hear 40 different options an opinions. Our expert moms and dads have several years of experience with baby gear, especially strollers. Let’s read their expert tips on how to find the best baby stroller.
- Invest only in quality – Stay away from cheap, low-quality baby strollers. Higher handles, storage baskets, canopies, etc., are extra features that are worth paying for.
- A 3-wheel jogger is always a better option – Even if you’re not a jogger or runner, 3-wheel jogger strollers are way easier to maneuver as compared to traditional 4-wheel strollers.
- Add accessories for convenience – If you’re buying a stroller, especially for the first time, you can add some interesting accessories to make the experience more convenient and stress-free. Some accessories you can explore are cup holders, child tray, parent tray, footmuffs, protective leg coverings, etc.
- Watch the weight of the stroller if you’re a C-section mom – If you’ve undergone a C-section, avoid lifting bulky baby strollers. If you need to carry the baby stroller up a flight of stairs every time you get back home, buy a lighter model.
- Always use the safety harness – A baby stroller with a 5-point safety harness is the best option.
- Make sure you’ve properly unfolded the stroller – Partially unfolded strollers can collapse and injure your baby.
- Don’t run with a regular stroller – Firstly, don’t run with a stroller that is not a jogger stroller, and secondly, don’t run or job with a child younger than 6 months. Shocks and bumps experienced during running or jogging can damage your baby’s delicate spine and neck bones.
- Avoid hanging anything on the handlebars – Hanging heavy bags on the handles of the stroller can enhance the risk of tipping over. Get an underneath storage basket instead.
- Planning another baby – Get a double stroller. It is more cost-effective than buying two baby strollers. If the age gap between both your children is too much, you can buy a highly durable, premium-quality baby stroller for your first baby so that you can use the same for your second child.
It is always good to check if the choice you have in mind has been recalled. Check here some Baby Stroller Recalls:
Final thoughts
In this guide, we’ve covered each and every aspect of how to find the best baby stroller. We’ve discussed the types of baby strollers, listed 16 factors that you should consider while buying a baby stroller, discussed the average cost of baby strollers, listed top-rated baby strollers on the market, and featured useful tips on baby strollers by our expert new moms and new dads.
If you’ve gone through each section, by now you probably have a clear choice in mind. Nevertheless, don’t worry if you haven’t been able to decide yet. There are plenty of options out there on the market, and you can choose the one that suits your requirements the best.
We hope you found the guide useful. If you have any questions on how to find the best baby stroller, please share them in the comment section below. Our expert parents are always ready to help you. Also, if there are any other baby products that you’d like us to review, let us know, and we promise we’ll get back to you with all the information you may need.
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