The Best Strollers for Every Need
A new baby means a new set of wheels—so let’s talk strollers. This essential item is one you’ll use everyday, but they also happen to be a big investment (no pressure). Strollers range in price from $100 for a basic model to over $1000 for a top-tier travel system. The good news? You can add big-ticket items like a stroller to your baby registry. Before you create your baby shower wish list, take the time to research the different options on the market and get to grips with stroller specifications. Overwhelmed already? Take a deep breath. The Bump editors have over ten years experience vetting the best strollers—and we’re here to help. Keep reading to discover a breakdown of the different types of strollers and key features to look out for—then browse our picks of the best baby strollers for every need.
In this article:
Best overall stroller
Best stroller for newborns
Best jogging stroller
Best umbrella stroller
Best lightweight stroller
Best convertible stroller
Best double stroller
Best stroller wagon
Best all-terrain stroller
Best affordable stroller
Best travel system stroller
Thought all strollers were pretty much the same? Think again. There are many different types of strollers on the market. And with so many options stroller shopping can feel daunting for first-timers and experienced parents alike. To help you on your journey, here are the main categories to choose from:
-
Full-size strollers. Full-size strollers are the workhorse of the baby gear world. Ready to roll from day one, these strollers have tons of storage, can be used with all sorts of attachments and all the safety features you’d expect. Some full-size strollers feature reversible seating or handlebars. This gives you the flexibility to position baby towards you in the newborn stage or sit them facing outward once they grow older.
-
Bassinet strollers. A bassinet stroller is essentially a bed on wheels. This type comes with a stroller frame and a built-in or removable bassinet that allows baby to lie completely flat, making it a great choice for the newborn stage. Most inclined stroller seats are not recommended for use until at least 3 months of age, which is why many new parents opt for a bassinet stroller.
-
Umbrella strollers. These basic strollers are affordable, compact and lightweight. They typically weigh under 20 pounds (with most weighing less than 15 pounds). And true to name, it folds up vertically just like an umbrella.
-
Travel strollers. Like an umbrella stroller, travel strollers are lightweight and compact. The main difference is that travel strollers tend to be slightly higher spec with plenty of pockets and optional add-ons. The best travel strollers offer a compact fold, can be stored in the overhead bin of an airplane and are FFA approved for travel.
-
Double strollers. Expecting twins or expanding your family? A double stroller is a solid choice. This stroller type allows you to transport multiple children at once, either side-by-side or one in front of the other (AKA tandem). One thing to note is that not all double strollers can accommodate twin babies, so do the research to find one that meets your needs.
-
Jogging strollers. Jogging strollers are designed for exercise rather than the daily grind, and cannot be used until baby is at least 6 months old. These agile models come with three large, roadworthy wheels, a front wheel lock and a suspension system. Want to bring more than one child along for the ride? You can find double jogging strollers too.
-
Travel system strollers. A travel system is a full size stroller that comes with an attachable infant car seat. This type is cost-effective and practical, as you can easily transfer baby from the car to the stroller.
-
Stroller wagons. Need a mode of transportation for multiple kids? Consider a stroller wagon. These four-wheel wagons offer all the perks of a regular stroller (think: safety harnesses and sun shades) but have higher weight limits and extra storage space.
Strollers are strictly regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to ensure they meet the highest safety standards. With that said, it’s important to keep the following safety features in mind when choosing a stroller.
-
Easy-to-operate brakes. Anytime you stop walking, the stroller breaks must be activated. While easily accessible brakes are a must, be sure your child can’t reach the release lever. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brakes that lock both wheels rather than just one provide an extra measure of safety.
-
Safety harness. A five-point safety harness is the gold standard when it comes to strollers. This type of harness safely restrains your child at the shoulders and hips, for added security while you roll.
-
Stable base. Select a baby stroller with a wide base, to reduce the risk of it tipping over.
Before making any final decisions on a stroller, here are some key questions to ask yourself:
- What’s my budget?
- How many children will I need to fit in it now and in the future?
- What kind of terrain and environment will I be using this stroller on and in?
- What will our lifestyle look like with kids?
- Where will I be storing the stroller?
Once you’ve fleshed out those broad strokes, it’s time to hit the stores. Testing strollers in person can be helpful to give you a feel for the handling, maneuverability and folding and unfolding (which isn’t always as intuitive as you might think). Here are some more questions to keep top-of-mind during the testing stage:
- How easy is it for me to push, pull and pivot?
- Is there a storage basket, and how large is it?
- What are the steps for folding and unfolding? Do any parts need to be removed to collapse the stroller?
- Will this fit in my trunk or storage space?
- What type of accessories are available?
- Where is the brake, and how easy is it for me to engage?
Even with this information in hand, making the final call as to which is the best stroller for your needs can be tough. That’s where this list comes into play. Check out these editor-approved strollers (many of which are Best of Baby award-winners)—from lightweight everyday options to newborn-friendly picks and more.
Best overall stroller
Getting around with a little one in tow has never been easier—or more stylish—thanks to the Uppababy Cruz V2. The all-wheel suspension and lightweight design make it easy to navigate almost any terrain. Meanwhile, an extendable UPF 50+ canopy keeps your little one safe from the sun, while the multiposition recline allows your child to lie comfortably for naps or sit upright to take in the sights. Folding and unfolding happens in a single step, and the stroller stands upright when folded for easy storage. Oh, and let’s take a moment to pay tribute to the stroller basket of all stroller baskets: It holds up to 25 pounds of groceries or baby gear, making it one of the roomiest on the market. With modern design elements and endless functional features it’s easy to see why the Cruz V2 was voted the top everyday stroller in this year's Best of Baby awards.
- Weight capacity: Up to 50 pounds
- Folded dimensions: 16.5" x 22.75" x 33"
- Stroller weight: 25.5 lbs.
- All-wheel suspension
- Reversible toddler seat
- UPF 50+ sun canopy
- High price point
- Bassinet attachment and infant insert sold separately
Best stroller for newborns
Newborns can safely ride in strollers that have a bassinet attachment or are compatible with an infant car seat—and the Joolz Hub+ bundle offers both options. The stroller system comes with a reclining toddler seat, newborn bassinet and infant car seat adapters that fit Clek, Maxi-Cosi and Nuna infant models. It’s also incredibly narrow and easy to maneuver, whether you're hitting the city streets or traversing the grocery store aisles. Plus, the petite stroller has a compact fold and is light enough to carry over your shoulder.
- Weight capacity: Up to 50 pounds
- Folded dimensions: 12" x 21" x 24.8"
- Stroller weight: 24 lbs.
- Lightweight and narrow frame
- All-wheel suspension
- Bassinet and car seat adaptors included
- High price point
Best jogging stroller
The best jogging strollers help make the miles fly by—and none do it better than the BOB Gear Allterrain Pro. The Best of Baby award-winner lives up to its name, tackling any terrain and distance with ease. Bumps in the road don’t stand a chance, thanks to this stroller’s SmoothShox suspension system, air-filled tires and stainless-steel ball bearings. It can be steered with one hand and the handlebar features an easy-to-reach handbrake for downhill control. Better yet, it doesn’t skimp on storage: Snacks, toys, diapers, water, keys, cell phone—it all has a secure place, thanks to the stroller’s five pockets and zip-top cargo basket. Whether you’re running on a dark stormy morning or a hot summer's day, the all-weather reflective canopy will keep your little one safe and dry. Plain and simple, it’s a runners’ (and baby’s) dream.
- Weight capacity: Up to 75 pounds
- Folded dimensions: 39.25" x 25.5" x 17"
- Stroller weight: 32 lbs.
- Air-filled tyres
- Ergonomic handbrake
- Reflective strips on the canopy and wheels for safety
- Infant car seat and adaptors sold separately
- This stroller can only be used for walking until baby is 6 months old
Best umbrella stroller
By definition, umbrella strollers are lightweight and no frills. But that can be limiting. Fortunately, this minimalist set of wheels from Summer Infant gets the job done while still leaving room for versatility. The 3D Lite+ is the lightest option on our list and requires little effort, whether you’re pushing, lifting or storing it away. It has a multi-position reclining seat for naps on the go and plenty of pockets for all your essentials. Even on such a lightweight frame, safety isn’t sacrificed. Strap baby into the five-point safety harness and tap the rear wheel locks with your foot to anchor them in place.
- Weight capacity: Up to 50 pounds
- Folded dimensions: 10" x 12" x 43"
- Stroller weight: 14 lbs.
- Lightweight
- Affordable price-point
- Anti-shock front wheels and lockable rear wheels
- High handlebars may be difficult for petite parents to maneuver
Best travel stroller
Next up on our list of the best baby strollers is the Bugaboo Butterfly. With an intuitive one-second fold and unfold, the ultra-compact stroller is lightweight and adjustable for baby’s comfort. Plus, it’s car-seat compatible, meets the International Air Travel Association (IATA) requirements and can be easily stored in a plane’s overhead compartment (or in a narrow hallway at home). Other smart features, like the no-thread harness straps and an integrated footrest ensure this stroller stands out from the crowd. While we’ve pegged it as a top travel stroller, it’s sturdy enough for everyday use. So it’s no surprise that the Butterfly was a winner in our most recent Best of Baby awards programme.
- Weight capacity: Up to 66 pounds (48.50 lbs. on the seat and 17.64 lbs. in the basket)
- Folded dimensions: 17.72" x 9.06" x 21.26"
- Stroller weight: 16 lbs.
- One-second fold and unfold
- Tons of storage space
- Fits in airplane overhead compartments
- More expensive than your average travel stroller
Best convertible stroller
The Doona is the first of its kind as a safety-rated infant car seat and stroller combined. With the press of a latch, the wheels drop down and you’re ready to roll. The same lever is used to collapse the wheels back underneath. This car seat-stroller combo is a dream for car-less parents tired of fumbling with a separate car seat, adaptors and stroller frame. It has all the safety features you’d expect in a car seat and stroller, including side impact protection and a five-point harness. Plus, it can be safely used with or without the LATCH base—a great feature for parents who take taxis or Ubers. Oh, and did we mention that it’s a Best of Baby winner too?
- Weight capacity: Up to 35 pounds
- Folded dimensions: 17.3" x 23.6" x 26"
- Stroller weight: 16 lbs.
- All-in-one travel system
- Adjustable-height push handle
- Extendable sun canopy
- Lower weight limit than other strollers
- No storage basket
Best double stroller
Searching for the best stroller for two children? The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 checks a lot of boxes. Ability to roll over any terrain on rubber tires? Check. All-wheel suspension? Check. A compact one-step fold? Check. Space for two kids? Double check. Even with two in tow, this stroller won’t slow you down thanks to the lightweight frame. It fits through standard doorways and even meets Disney theme park size requirements. Adjustable calf supports, a UPF 50+ sun canopy and near-flat reclining seats, means tots can sit back and snooze while you walk. Other great practical features include an adjustable handlebar, hand-operated parking brake, and extra-large storage basket.
- Weight capacity: Up to 50 pounds per seat—plus 15 lbs. in the storage basket
- Folded dimensions: 32" x 30" x 13.3"
- Stroller weight: 36.5 lbs.
- It can accommodate a baby and a toddler
- Rubber tires with all-wheel suspension
- One-step compact fold
- Accessories sold separately
- Not suitable for jogging
Best affordable stroller
The best baby strollers don’t have to come with a budget-busting price tag. Case in point: The Chicco Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller. At under $300 it’s one of the most affordable full-size strollers out there. The versatile option can be used with any Chicco car seat, and there’s no need for an adaptor. It also boasts a one-handed fold, auto-swivel wheels and a reclining seat. Bonus: Get $75 off any order of $299 or more with code BUMP2023.
- Weight capacity: Up to 50 pounds
- Folded dimensions: 15" x 22.8" x 36.8" (with child tray attached)
- Stroller weight: 20 lbs.
- One-hand fold
- Treaded tires and all-wheel suspension
- UPF 50+ sun canopy with peek-a-boo window
- Infant car seat sold separately
Best travel system stroller
Planes, trains or automobiles—this travel system from Nuna will get you where you need to go. The TRVL is a self-folding stroller that opens, folds, steers and reclines at the touch of a button. It can be used from day dot when paired with the car seat and infant insert. Once baby grows older the reclining toddler seat offers supreme comfort while you stroll. The travel system comes with the PIPA urbn, which is the only baseless infant car seat with a rigid latch that installs in two seconds flat. Better yet there’s no need for adaptors, making transitions to the car quick and simple (a must when you’re on the road with littles). In terms of safety this travel system sets the standard with a magnetic five-part harness (that automatically buckles into place), shock-absorbing Aeroflex foam and side impact protection that provides the ultimate security.
- Weight capacity: Up to 50 pounds
- Folded dimensions: 11" x 24" x 20.25"
- Stroller weight: 13.6 lbs.
- Lightweight
- Self-folds at the touch of a button
- Magnetic safety harness buckle
- High price point
Best stroller wagon
Stroller wagons are a great option for outings with more than one child. Why? As the name suggests, wagons have tons of storage space and plenty of room for your precious cargo (AKA the kids). They also offer unobstructed views for curious kiddos and appeal to both stroller-resistant toddlers and bigger kids who need a lift. Now that you’re on team stroller wagon, check out the Best of Baby award-winning Veer Cruiser. Suitable for rough terrain and city streets alike, the Veer cruiser can be pushed like a stroller or pulled like a wagon. It has two toddler seats—complete with three point safety harnesses—that hold up to 55 pounds each. With the right adaptor you can attach almost any car seat, meaning you can use it in the newborn stage too. Other cool features include a tray with cup holders and a compact fold when the wagon is collapsed.
- Weight capacity: Up to 55 pounds per seat
- Folded dimensions: 37" x 20" x 14"
- Stroller weight: 32.6 lbs.
- Compact fold
- Easy to maneuver
- Push it like a stroller to pull it over rough terrain
- Accessories sold separately
- Stroller wagons are not allowed in some theme parks
Plus, more from The Bump:
