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The Best Full-Size Strollers for Every Lifestyle, Tested by Parents

When you need a sturdy set of wheels to see you through your day, turn to one of these full-size strollers, tested and approved by parents and their kids.
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profile picture of Christine Carpenter
Updated July 29, 2025
two moms pushing stroller outside during autumn
Image: Kate Ames | Stocksy United
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In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from our independent product testers and a survey of 300 parents from The Bump community, we selected the UPPAbaby Vista V3 as the overall best full-size stroller. It stood out for its smooth maneuverability across a variety of terrains, exceptional build quality, stylish design and ability to grow with your family.

A new baby means a new set of wheels—so let’s talk strollers. If you’re looking for a robust stroller that will support everyday use from the newborn days through toddlerhood (and possibly beyond), a full-size stroller is a smart place to start. Built for both comfort and versatility, these are your all-purpose, everyday strollers designed to grow with your child and stand up to consistent use. As a mom of two, I can tell you firsthand just how much use you’ll get out of a full-size stroller; I used mine nearly every day, between getting my newborn to nap while I ran errands with my toddler and, eventually, with a stroller board attachment so my toddler could hitch a ride!

The best full-size strollers typically offer a sturdy frame, a roomy seat with a deep recline, ample storage space, durable wheels with decent suspension and compatibility with infant car seats or bassinets. Most will have adjustable handlebars and extendable sun canopies, while some will also offer the option to add a ride-along board or second seat. They’re ideal for families who want one stroller that can do (almost) everything: long walks, grocery runs, naps on the go, daycare drop-offs and more. The downside of this feature-heavy robustness is that full-size strollers are often relatively bulky and some parents choose to purchase a lighter, more compact model, especially once their babies become toddlers (read our in-depth reviews of the best travel and lightweight strollers).

For this article we’ve focused on all-purpose long-lasting strollers that are designed to use from birth, offering either a bassinet option or a near lie-flat recline that is safe for a newborn, as well as being car seat compatible. We’ve spent the past three years testing strollers, with a variety of parents, babies and toddlers in a range of real-life situations, to identify which full-size stroller will best suit your needs.

If you’re specifically looking for strollers for multiple children, we’ve tested the best double strollers and the best wagon strollers. If you’re after a stroller you can run with (including an everyday jogger), our running moms have tested the best jogging strollers.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Strollers

Image: Sarah S., Amber B., Krysten G.

The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify the 28 top full-size strollers on the market, as well as pinpoint what parents need out of their everyday strollers, including considerations like price, child’s age and the type of environment where caregivers will be using their stroller. We then selected a shortlist of 16 full-size strollers best suited to meet families’ specific needs and arranged to test them. From there:

  • We enlisted the help of 16 independent product testers. These were real parents who used the strollers with their own children in real-life settings. Their firsthand experience allowed us to assess how each model performed under everyday conditions, evaluating everything from ease of pushing and steering, folding and unfolding and overall usability to features, style and design and value for money.
  • We surveyed over 300 parents in The Bump community for additional insight into the pros and cons of top stroller brands and models.
  • We examined expert guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to gain a deeper understanding of the safety requirements for full-size strollers.
  • We watched dozens of in-depth video reviews and tutorials, helping us understand how key features work and why they matter. This allowed our team to build a deeper knowledge of what makes a great full-size stroller and how specific design details can positively impact everyday use.
  • We scoured forums, message boards and read customer reviews to learn how these full-size strollers performed for parents across the country in a wide range of environments and scenarios.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.

Best Strollers for Every Lifestyle

Overall best full-size stroller

What We Love
  • Smooth ride on a variety of terrains
  • Big basket
  • High quality stroller
  • Can transform into double
Things To Consider
  • Expensive
  • Bassinet generally sold separately
  • Not a one-handed fold
  • A bit bulky when folded

The UPPAbaby Vista series is a perennial favorite among parents. The newest version, the Vista V3, strengthens this stroller’s reputation as a luxurious, smooth-riding option with great storage, which grows with your family by transforming into a robust single to double stroller. Our product tester Dani tested the Vista V3 over the course of three months, starting when her youngest child was 2 months old and her oldest was 3 years, and she raves about almost every aspect of this stroller. She loved how well it handles on a variety of terrains, how comfortable the ride is for both babies and toddlers, how easily it transforms into multiple configurations, how big the basket is, how generous the hood is–the list goes on! This stellar performance and enduring popularity earned the Vista V3 a Best of The Bump award for overall best full-size stroller. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

The Vista has long had a great reputation for handling uneven terrain with its solid 11-inch rear wheels and impressive suspension. The V3 now comes with improved shock absorption, and one of Dani’s favorite things is how easily it maneuvers on both even and rough ground, earning it a 10 out of 10 score for ease of pushing and steering. “The dual-spring suspension system is a great touch—that, paired with the quality wheels, makes the entire stroller feel like it's gliding. It rolls SO easily. It’s also really simple to take into stores, since the turning radius is spot on,” she tells us. You can count on that smooth ride regardless of the terrain—Dani pushed this stroller through dirt, rocks and snow, “and it still rolled great,” she says. “I’m honestly impressed.”

Image: Dani W.

While the V3 improvements also include a higher weight limit on the rumble seat (now up to 40 pounds), a magnetic buckle and enhanced ventilation for warmer climates, it was the much-loved big basket (which hasn’t changed) that was a huge hit with Dani. “The basket underneath the stroller is a great size,” she says. “It’s huge and can hold so many things–up to 30 whole pounds. I put the diaper bag under there, two water bottles and some bags from our shopping trip, and I still had room in there to put other things if needed.”

Dani also loved the spacious reclining toddler seat and adjustable footrest, as well as the infant bassinet (usually sold separately), rating this stroller a 10 out of 10 for comfort. The bassinet offered a roomy, safe space for Dani’s newborn and is even rated for overnight sleep when used with the UPPAbaby stand (sold separately)—in fact, eight percent of parents in our 2025 stroller survey reported using their Vista bassinet for overnight sleep.

However, the positioning of the bassinet in double mode was a frustration. “In double mode, the bassinet needs to be on the bottom,” explains Dani, “which is the furthest away from you. I like to have a close eye on my baby and have to keep stopping on our walk to peek in the bassinet up front. It's the only thing that bugged me about this stroller,” she tells us. Still, as a full-size single stroller, the V3 turns in an impeccable performance, with Dani concluding, “This stroller is amazing in so many ways.

Read our full review of the UPPAbaby Vista V3 stroller.

Dimensions (open): 36.5" (L) x 25.7" (W) x 39.5" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 16.3" (L) x 25.7" (W) x 33.8" (H) | Weight: 27.6 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Car-seat compatible: Yes | Converts to a double: Yes | Stroller board accessory: Yes

Our product tester says:
“It's such a smooth ride and feels almost effortless to push—yes, even with two kids in it. My husband even mentioned how easy it was to push and that it felt like it was hovering because it rolled so nicely.”

Buy Now

Best budget-friendly full-size stroller

Mompush Meteor 2
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Affordable
  • Easy to push, steer and turn
  • Good quality bassinet transforms to seat
  • Cup holder, adaptors and rain cover included
Things To Consider
  • Not a one-handed fold
  • Mixed reviews on size of seat
  • Not as ventilated as some strollers

Finding a reliable full-size stroller on a budget can feel like a challenge, but the Mompush Meteor 2 defies expectations in all the right ways. This smartly-designed stroller offers features typically found in midrange or premium options, at a wallet-friendly price point. At under $200, it’s the least expensive option we’ve tested—and that combo of high performance and low price earned it a Best of The Bump winner for best budget-friendly full-size stroller.

Our product tester Krysten, mom to a 3-month-old, was immediately impressed by the build quality. “For the price, this stroller feels like an absolute steal,” she says. “It’s sturdy, smooth to push and honestly looks like a luxury model.” She also appreciated the unique bassinet-to-seat conversion—instead of using two separate attachments, the Meteor 2 includes a single 2-in-1 unit that transforms from a bassinet to a seat in a few simple steps. Krysten tells us the transformation is “simple and intuitive,” adding, “It saves space and keeps things streamlined. Especially helpful if you don’t have room to store extra parts.” The bassinet itself is spacious and well-padded, that kept her baby content during warm-weather walks. “The bassinet fabric felt soft and smooth to the touch, but also durable,” says Krysten. “It was well-padded and felt cozy enough for a newborn. On a 76-degree sunny day, my baby didn’t sweat or overheat, so the breathability felt just right.”

Image: Krysten W.

While it’s not designed for rugged trails, the Meteor 2 handled neighborhood sidewalks, grassy parks and bumpy paths with ease. Krysten reports it was “so light and easy to steer, I could push it forward with just two fingers.” Even with a diaper bag loaded in the underseat basket, it remained stable and responsive, making it a strong choice for parents navigating everyday terrain. “I had no trouble maneuvering through curves or tighter spaces, even through narrow entryways or along neighborhood sidewalks,” says Krysten. “The turning radius is tight enough to pivot easily without having to back up and readjust.”

One downside to note: Our tester felt that while the large hood offered excellent sun coverage, it could benefit from mesh side panels for better airflow and visibility. (It has only one magnetic flap opening at the top of the canopy with breathable mesh.) But this was a small negative for Krysten who loved the fact that this affordable stroller also comes with car seat adaptors, a cup holder and rain cover—items that often have to be purchased as additional extras. “It’s ready for city life and feels just as at home in the suburbs or at the park,” Krysten enthuses.

Dimensions (open): 38" (L) x 23.6" (W) x 43.3" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 25.2" (L) x 33.9" (W) x 6.7" (H) (with seat); 25.2" (L) x 33.9" (W) x 9.4" (H) (without seat) | Weight: 23.2 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Car-seat compatible: Yes | Converts to a double: No | Stroller board accessory: Yes

Our product tester says:
“I would absolutely recommend this stroller, especially to new parents looking for a stylish, budget-friendly option that still feels high quality. [] It handles well across different terrains, folds easily and looks great out and about. For the price, it truly exceeded my expectations.”

Buy Now

Best mid-priced full-size stroller

What We Love
  • High quality features for mid-price cost
  • 360 degree wheels
  • One-handed fold
  • Moisture-wicking fabric
Things To Consider
  • Fold isn’t super compact
  • Carrycot sold separately

The Graco Premier Modes Merge delivers the kinds of features you usually see on premium models—like moisture-wicking fabric, a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckles and one-handed fold. It also features its own unique innovation: the 360-degree rotating wheel system, which means both the front and rear wheels can pivot like a high-end suitcase when activated. This makes tight turns and repositioning in crowded areas incredibly smooth, which proved a “top-selling point” for our product tester Amber. “We used this feature to easily rotate the stroller between two lounge chairs at the pool to get the best shaded angle for our baby,” explains the mom of two.. “It’s fun to use and surprisingly practical when you remember it’s there.” What’s impressive is that these premium details come at a midrange price. This Best of The Bump winner for best mid-priced full-size stroller is a great choice for parents who want versatility and quality without a luxury price tag..

For her baby, Amber appreciated the quality and padding of the carrycot (sold separately). “My 12-week old fit comfortably in the bassinet and has taken multiple naps in it,” she reports. Amber also had high praise for the stroller’s smooth push and steering, saying it handled well across different terrains. “The stroller worked just fine through grass, pine straw and gravel,” she shares, adding, “We took the stroller over some pretty thick grass and it wasn’t too bumpy for my toddler riding, and I didn’t feel much resistance at all while pushing.” The one-handed fold is another convenience highlight—while it took Amber a couple of tries to get the hang of it, she then found it to be quick and easy, and she loved how the stroller stands upright for easier storage.

One of the big standouts for Amber is the style of the stroller. “It has a really sleek design,” she says, specifically singling out the luxurious toddler seat for praise. With generous padding, soft fabric, a deep recline and an oversized canopy for excellent sun protection, “the toddler seat is made of really high-quality materials,” she says, adding, “My two year old fit very comfortably in the stroller seat. He loved the deep recline it offered and also the adjustability of the calf support/foot rest.” Indeed, the seat was one of Amber’s favorite things about the Merge; as she says, “[it] really makes it feel like a luxury stroller compared to my other Graco stroller.”

Dimensions (open): 32" (L) x 21.5" (W) x 42" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 23.6" (L) x 12.8" (W) x 37.7" (H) | Weight: 22 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Car-seat compatible: Yes | Converts to a double: No | Stroller board accessory: No

Our product tester says:
“I would recommend this stroller as a great single stroller option that comes with a high-end look and feel without the crazy high price point.”

Buy Now

Best full-size stroller for newborns

Nuna MIXX Next stroller
Image: Nordstrom
What We Love
  • Newborn-friendly near-flat recline
  • Responsive suspension
  • Easy to push, steer and turn
  • Very sturdy, according to our survey
  • Good sun protection and ventilation
Things To Consider
  • Not a one-handed fold
  • Some find the springy suspension too bouncy

Many full-size strollers require you to buy a pricey additional bassinet in order to provide a safe space for your newborn to sleep and relax while strolling. Thanks to the newborn-friendly near-flat recline, the Nuna MIXX Next can be your go-to set of wheels from the very beginning without the extra expense. Furthermore, the large 11” foam-filled rear wheels and well-loved springy suspension mean that your newborn will get a smooth ride, even on bumpy terrain. Our product tester Sarah, mom of a 2-month-old, found that it provided a smooth ride for her newborn even on, rolling seamlessly over both sidewalks and bumpy ground. “We went on walks that included turns and going over bumps and curbs, as well as uneven grassy fields, and this stroller handled it all great,” she enthuses.

Image: Sarah S.

Not only do you want to avoid jostling a newborn, but you also want to avoid sun exposure. The MIXX’s water-repellent UPF 50+ canopy is deeper than the average stroller hood (although the bounciness of the suspension means it doesn’t always stay in place). Sarah particularly appreciated the built-in ventilation panels “so baby can get good air circulation,” she says, which is another important feature for newborns who can’t yet regulate their body temperature. With so many newborn-friendly features, the Nuna MIXX Next earned our Best of The Bump award for best full-size stroller for newborns.

Sarah was also very impressed with the stroller’s maneuverability, another bonus of the responsive suspension system. “It's easy to steer one-handed, and the turn radius is fantastic,” she enthuses. The fold was easy enough for Sarah, though it can’t be done with one hand, and she appreciated the self-standing feature once folded. The Next MIXX’s folded shape is a little unusual for a full-size stroller, transforming into a fairly compact cube, which can be a bigwin for smaller car trunks or tighter storage spaces. But the cuboid shape can also make it a little unwieldy when picking up with the seat folded in.

Image: Sarah S.

And while looks are secondary to functionality, the Nuna MIXX definitely delivers in both areas, earning it another perfect score for style and design. “The stroller looks really modern and sleek in its design,” Sarah reports. “I like the leatherette handles; they make the stroller feel really luxe.” And while a new or expectant parent is likely focused on babyhood, the Nuna MIXX can be used through the toddler years and into early childhood. As Sarah notes, “you'll get a lot of use out of this—quite possibly from birth until 4 or 5 years old.”

Read our full review of the Nuna MIXX Next stroller.

Dimensions (open): 34.8" (L) x 27.3" (W) x 45.8" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 27.5" (L) x 23.6" (W) x 19" (H) | Weight: 28.3 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Car-seat compatible: Yes | Converts to a double: No | Stroller board accessory: No

Our product tester says:
“The two features I love most about the stroller are the [near flat] recline for babies under 6 months of age and the fact that you can face the seat either way. The suspension is also really good and helped make it a pretty smooth ride for my baby, even on bumpy terrain.”

Our community says:

It's easy to fold, feels sturdy, offers great sun coverage and has great style [and] design. – Steph*, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best full-size stroller for city life

Joolz Hub2 Stroller
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Lightweight, narrow frame maneuvers easily
  • Compact fold
  • Built-in carry strap
Things To Consider
  • Not suitable for rough terrain
  • Bassinet sold separately
  • Cupholder not included

Full-size strollers can sometimes feel too large for weaving around tight city streets. Instead you need a stroller that’s compact, nimble and easy to stash in small spaces, yet still comfy, robust and practical enough for daily life with a baby. The Joolz Hub2, the latest and slightly lighter version of the popular Joolz Hub+, certainly delivers on these needs. Its sleek and lightweight frame packs in a surprising amount of functionality, making it our Best of The Bump winner for best full-size stroller for city life. Our product tester Tandra, who used this stroller with her 2-month-old and 4-year-old, was seriously impressed: “This stroller exceeded my expectations. Based on its size, I thought it would be harder to push, much like an umbrella stroller, but it was such a smooth ride for my baby.” Tandra says it looks cool enough for a city mom too: “The style is great and very sleek looking,” she shares. “I love the design and think it would be appealing to other parents.”

Image: Tandra H.

The Hub2 has the smallest fold of any full-size stroller on our list, and once folded, it’s easy to carry using the built-in crossbar handle or the included stretchy shoulder strap. We love these thoughtful features that make navigating stairs or hopping on public transit a whole lot easier. The folding mechanism was a bit of a learning curve but Tandra found it “easy to do” once she’d got the hang of it. It is a one-handed fold but it can be a bit stiff and Tandra felt she wouldn’t be able to fold the stroller while holding her baby. However, Tandra appreciated how simple the seat recline and handlebar height adjustments were, both of which could be done with one hand.

Image: Tandra H.

The bassinet (sold separately) is roomy and plush. “My baby had a smooth ride and enjoyed the stroller. The bassinet provided plenty of room.” reports Tandra. “The fabric and lining on the bassinet was great quality but it is a bit thick,” she notes. “It is great for a newborn but I do worry about using it in hotter areas, such as where we are in Texas.” The Hub2 seat was also roomy enough to just about fit Tandra’s 4-year-old, who found it comfortable and fun to ride in, although his head did touch the canopy. It also featured a good upright position, important for inquisitive toddlers. “The quality of this stroller is great,” concludes Tandra, “and the easy to use features, such as the recline in the stroller, makes it match the price.”

Dimensions (open): 32.2" (L) x 20.7" (W) x 42.5" | Dimensions (folded): 11.5" (L) x 20.7" (W) x 26.2" (H) | Weight: 19.4 lbs. | Capacity: 48.5 lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Car-seat compatible: No | Converts to a double: No | Stroller board accessory: No

Our product tester says:
“The size of the stroller is very compact, which I appreciate because most strollers tend to be heavy and bulky… [It] has a narrow base, which makes it ideal for outings and shopping trips with your baby.”

Buy Now

Best all-terrain full-size stroller

Thule Urban Glide 4 stroller
Image: Pottery Barn Kids
What We Love
  • Large, air-filled tires and good suspension
  • One-handed fold
  • Handbrake
  • Wheels pop off for easier storage
Things To Consider
  • Heavy
  • Big-sized stroller takes up space
  • Seat is not reversible
  • Bassinet sold separately

While most full-size strollers work across a range of terrains, they fall short when faced with off-road conditions. The Thule Urban Glide 4-wheel handles the toughest and roughest terrains while also being designed to smoothly navigate busy sidewalks and shopping malls, making it our Best of The Bump winner for best all-terrain full-size stroller. The Urban Glide 4-wheel’s oversized 16-inch air-filled rear tires and a rugged suspension system deliver an ultra-smooth ride across nearly any terrain. The four-wheel design adds extra stability, which is convenient for curbs or uneven ground, and the twist-handbrake on the handlebar offers better downhill control (a feature typically found on jogging strollers). The Urban Glide 4-wheel offers a shorter length compared to its three-wheeler sister version, the Urban Glide 3, and with a slightly more compact fold too, the Glide 4-wheel is a better fit for handling urban as well as rural environments.

Image: Kayla P.

Our product tester Kayla, a mom from a rural area, was impressed by the stroller’s durability and versatility. “Despite its lightweight design, it felt sturdy and balanced, making it easy to push even with additional bags in the basket,” she tells us. “Even on bumpy ground, the stroller's suspension and tires absorbed shocks effectively, ensuring a smooth ride for my baby without any discomfort.” Kayla also found the Glide 4-wheel offered comfort for both her 5-month-old baby (bassinet sold separately) and her 2-year-old. “It was well-designed for newborns, featuring a cozy bassinet option which provided a snug space and a comfortable recline tailored for young babies' needs,” reports Kayla. “Transitioning to toddler use, the stroller remained practical and comfortable. It was easy to push, and the seat accommodated my toddler well, with ample space for them to rest their feet comfortably.” It’s worth noting, though, that you need to remove the seat fabric in order to attach the bassinet, which can be fiddly and time-consuming.

Image: Kayla P.

The Thule Urban Glide 4-wheel has an intuitive folding and unfolding mechanism, which Kayla describes as a “game-changer.” According to her, “I could fold it effortlessly, even while holding my baby with one hand.” She also praised this stroller’s ease of use, giving it a full 10 out of 10. “Setting up the stroller from the box was a breeze and took me around five minutes,” Kayla reports. “It was just a few pieces and—BAM!—it was all set up.” One caveat: Like any stroller designed to handle rough terrain, this is a large stroller with big wheels and a heavier frame, so it’s best suited for spacious cars, homes with storage space or parents who prioritize performance over compactness.

After taking it for test spins, Kayla noted the well-placed, easily engaged handbrake that gives greater control on rough ground, the telescoping handlebar and easily adjustable seat, telling us, “The stroller exceeded my expectations in terms of durability, functionality and comfort.”

Dimensions (open): 34.8" (L) x 27.3" (W) x 45.8" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 34.8" (L) x 22.8" (W) x 11" (H) | Weight: 28.7 lbs. | Capacity: 49 lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Car-seat compatible: Yes | Converts to a double: No | Stroller board accessory: No

Our product tester says:
“The stroller was an absolute delight in terms of ease of pushing and steering. I took it on various terrains, including smooth pavements, grassy parks and rugged paths. When transitioning from flat ground to uneven surfaces, such as gravel or cobblestones, the stroller maintained its smooth maneuverability, providing a stable and comfortable ride for my baby.”

Our community says:

Great aerodynamics; good storage and quality. – Meike*, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent

I love it! We're active people, and the stroller didn't disappoint, even in the sand or the snow! It's very lightweight, [can] fold with one hand, and the wheels can be removed easily for storage. – danjoly, The Bump forum member

Buy Now

*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

Full-Size Strollers Comparison Chart

Overall best full-size strollerBest budget-friendly full-size strollerBest mid-priced full-size strollerBest full-size stroller for newbornsBest full-size stroller for city lifeBest all-terrain full-size stroller
Overall Best
UPPAbaby Vista V3 stroller
Mompush Meteor 2
Graco Premier Modes Merge Stroller
Nuna MIXX Next
Joolz Hub2
Thule Urban Glide 4-wheel
Price$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Folded dimensions16.3" (L) x 25.7" (W) x 33.8" (H)25.2" (L) x 33.9" (W) x 6.7" (H) (with seat); 25.2" (L) x 33.9" (W) x 9.4" (H) (without seat)23.6" (L) x 12.8" (W) x 37.7" (H)27.5" (L) x 23.6" (W) x 19" (H)11.5" (L) x 20.7" (W) x 26.2" (H)34.8" (L) x 22.8" (W) x 11" (H)
Open dimensions36.5" (L) x 25.7" (W) x 39.5" (H)38" (L) x 23.6" (W) x 43.3" (H)32" (L) x 21.5" (W) x 42" (H)34.8" (L) x 27.3" (W) x 45.8" (H)32.2" (L) x 20.7" (W) x 42.5"34.8" (L) x 27.3" (W) x 45.8" (H)
Weight27.6 lbs.23.2 lbs.22 lbs.28.3 lbs.19.4 lbs.28.7 lbs.
Can be converted to double
One-handed fold
Car seat compatible
Basket capacity30 lbs.18 lbs.10 lbs.10 lbs. 22 lbs.22 lbs.
LIe-flat recline
Buy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full Review

How to Choose the Best Stroller for Your Family

Choosing the right stroller for your family’s needs depends on several key factors. Think about how many children you need to transport and how old they are, where you expect to use the stroller most often, how much space you have for storage and, of course, your budget. All of these considerations will factor into your decision. Every family is different, and what works for one may not be the right fit for another. As a parent of two boys, I rely on our stroller mostly for bike trail walks, grocery runs and when we go on vacation, so things like maneuverability on uneven paths, storage space for shopping bags and a compact fold for travel have been key.

Also consider how often you travel, whether you’ll be using public transportation (subway stairs are no joke if you live in the city), who else will be using the stroller (grandparents may appreciate something intuitive to fold and buckle) and what accessories are available.

Stroller usability

Testing strollers in person can give you a better sense of how they feel to push, fold and maneuver. When you handle a stroller in person, remember to ask yourself these questions:

Stroller safety features

According to the AAP, the best strollers for infants feature a five-point harness, reliable brakes and a wide base to help prevent tipping. All strollers sold in the US must meet safety standards from the CPSC, but you’ll also want to look for these extra safety features when choosing a stroller:

  • Easy-to-operate brakes. Anytime you stop walking, the stroller brakes should be activated, so make sure you have easy access. According to the 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strollers do I need?

How many strollers you need largely depends on your lifestyle, preferences and budget. At minimum, you’ll need one solid stroller to help you and baby get from point A to point B with ease—but the type you choose is totally up to you. A full-size stroller, a car seat/stroller combo, a compact stroller or even a basic umbrella stroller could serve that everyday purpose. That said, many families (including me!) find it helpful to have more than one. I used two strollers for my boys: a full-size stroller for long walks, errands and daily use, and a lightweight umbrella stroller for quick outings and travel. A second, specialty stroller—whether it’s a jogger, travel stroller, wagon stroller or double configuration—can make life easier depending on your family’s needs and your day-to-day routine.

Can I buy a used stroller?

Buying used baby gear can be a great option for families on a budget—but be sure you know what to look for to ensure your little one is as safe as can be. When it comes to strollers, you’ll want to inspect each model thoroughly before purchasing. In particular, you’ll want to double-check that its wheels, brakes, straps and seat recline features are all functional. Last but definitely not least, do some research on the CPSC website or at Recalls.gov to see if it’s been recalled at any point and to make sure it complies with the latest stroller safety requirements.

About the writer:
Christine Carpenter is a writer and mom of two young children. With a background in product development and real-life parenting experience, she brings a practical lens to evaluating baby gear. Christine understands what to look for in a full-size stroller, like durability, ease of use and comfort for both parent and child, and helps parents make confident, thoughtful choices through her writing for The Bump.

Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.

Sources

HealthyChildren.org (AAP), How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller, August 2022

US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Carriages and Strollers Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide

American Academy of Pediatrics, Tips for Keeping Infants Safe During Sleep From the American Academy of Pediatrics, February 2020

HealthyChildren.org (AAP), How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, October 2023

The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 new and expectant parents from among The Bump community, and asked what type and brand of stroller they used.

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