A stroller can make your life easier as you bring baby along your errands-running, jogging, or simply walking down a crowded city street. That is, on the premise that your baby stroller is a good one.
Finding the best stroller though can be a daunting task. As technology and design continue to advance, so too do the options available. Just the many different types alone (think lightweight, double, convertible, car seat and stroller combo etc.) can be overwhelming in itself. Not to mention it also tends to be one of the most expensive baby items you’ll own (and use daily, potentially for years to come) so understandably, you’d feel the pressure finding the best stroller for your child.
In this article, we help you do just that by finding all the top models of different categories – we test and evaluate them, shortlist the good ones and filter out the inferiors, then weigh up the comparable ones again – to bring you: our best baby stroller picks.
In this article:
The Best Baby Strollers - A Quick Summary
Based on our expertise and also taking into account real-life consumer feedback, the best baby stroller all-around is the UPPAbaby Cruz V2. Nevertheless, here’s a quick roundup of the best baby stroller in every major category:
Find out more information about how to choose the best stroller for you, as well as things to consider when shopping for one at the end of this guide.
Also, for the distinctions between the different types of strollers available on the market!
Best Baby Strollers - Reviews
Weight limit: 50 lbs.
Age: From 3 months up
Dimensions: 37.5 x 22.75 x 40 inches
Stroller weight: 25.5 lbs.
Storage: under carriage basket (maximum 30 lbs.)
- Lightweight and compact (one-handed folding mechanism)
- Smooth manoeuvrability
- Adjustable handlebar
- Travel system compatible
- Premium build quality
- Roomy seat, no-rethread harness, extendable canopy
- Quite expensive
- Limited expandability
Why We Love It
It takes a lot to be crowned the “best baby stroller overall” but we think the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is every bit deserving with its remarkable blend of style, functionality and convenience.
One of its biggest standout features is its compact size and lightweight construction. This is quite the rare scene amongst full-size strollers, which is what the Cruz V2 is. The narrow silhouette and ultralight aluminium frame give solid manoeuvrability even in tight and narrow spaces so essentially, you’re getting the many benefits of a lighter-weight model from a full-size stroller. This includes a one-handed fold up system which makes loading or storing quick and hassle-free (it stands up when folded!).
Speaking of manoeuvrability, the larger front and rear tires create a smoother ride over tough terrain while the all-wheel suspension system provides a smooth and comfortable ride for both parent and child. Adding to that is an adjustable handlebar so parents of different heights can have an ergonomic push all the time.
The toddler seat is roomier with increased back height and the multi-position recline can be adjusted single-handedly. It uses a no-rethread harness which can be tightened or loosened in a singular motion and the whole seat can be taken down to clip onto the brand’s MESA infant car seat. Yes, the Cruz V2 is travel system-compatible – direct attachment, no adapters necessary.
Things To Take Note Of
The Cruz V2 is considered expensive given it is essentially a single stroller (albeit full-size), but its value is evident in its quality and performance – premium fabrics and materials are used to increase its durability. That said, we can understand it may not be what budget-conscious parents are willing to spend on a stroller.
Also, it is primarily designed for single-child use so if you are planning for multiple children in quick succession, the Cruz V2 may not be the best fit. For that, you may want to consider the Vista models – often compared by parents between the two, it would be a better investment long-term if you see your family growing in the near future.
Weight/height limit: 50 lbs. or 43 inches
Age: From 6 months up
Dimensions: 27 x 18 x 43 inches
Stroller weight: 13 lbs.
Storage: under carriage (max 10 lbs.), rear pocket, cup holder
- Lightweight
- Near-flat 4-position recline
- Super affordable
- Large storage basket
- Compact fold with carry strap & auto lock
- Not suitable for newborns
- Tip-prone if load on handles (don't hang bag/stuffs on handlebar)
Why We Love It
A full-sized stroller may have all the bells and whistles but there are times when all you need is a simple umbrella stroller. Lightweight and smaller than the former, they are great for quick errands or travels and in that regard, the Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller has won our hearts.
Weighing a mere 13 pounds, it is definitely one of the lightest strollers on the market. Together with an easy-to-fold auto lock design and shoulder-carry strap, its portability and easy-storage capacity is second to none. Best of all, it is super affordable with a price point of under a hundred bucks which makes it a clear favourite in this category.
Despite the lighter weight and slimmer profile, it still delivers many of the features you’d find in bigger strollers – anti-shock front wheels, lockable rear wheels, 5-point harness, a large storage basket for all your essentials… the 3Dlite has them all. The increased back height and 50-pound weight limit also means you can use it well into the toddler years easily.
While most umbrella strollers cannot recline, this one here offers four different reclining positions (with the last being at a near-flat angle) so you can see why it is a parents’ favourite. For an umbrella stroller, we think it takes on sidewalks and slightly bumpy terrain in stride but any tougher than that we’d avoid – it is, after all, not a full-sized stroller designed for such use.
Things To Take Note Of
Do not hang bags (or anything of weight) off the handlebars to avoid tipping the stroller over. This is not just for the 3Dlite Convenience Stroller only – the AAP has warned against such act across all strollers – but with umbrella strollers, this is of particular importance as they’re so lightweight (hence more tip-prone).
Weight/height limit: 75 lbs. or 44 inches
Age: From birth (when used with compatible adapter and infant car seat); 8 months and up (jogging)
Dimensions: 46 x 25 x 45 inches
Stroller weight: 28.5 lbs.
Storage: under carriage basket, 6-storage pocket, cell phone pocket
- Large wheels and great suspension
- Safety strap and locking front wheels for fast runs
- Adjustable 9-position handlebar
- Infinite recline, lays near-flat
- Ultra-padded compression seat
- Travel system compatible
- No rethread harness design
- Ample storage
- On the expensive side
- Heavy and bulkier than other models (quite large even when folded)
Why We Love It
Pretty sure no one is going to object to us when we say the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller is the best jogging baby stroller on the market.
With a mountain bike-style suspension system that absorbs all shocks or jolts, its manoeuvrability is truly unmatched. Glides around like butter, it works on almost any type of surface including the roughest of terrains. Lock the front wheel for runs, and unlock it when running errands (pun intended) – the air-filled oversized tires make it a breeze to navigate anything from the beach to the boardwalk and mountain trails.
The pinnacle of durability, we have parents reporting they have clocked hundreds of miles in the Revolution Flex 3.0. The adjustable 9-position handlebar contributes to that, as it gives parents of different heights an ergonomic grip while running for maximum comfort. And it works with most major brand infant car seats too with the use of the brand’s car seat adapter.
Other features to love include a UPF 50+ canopy with peek-a-boo window, padded and reclinable seat, five-point no rethread harness and ample storage with the extra-large basket underneath and a variety of pockets across.
Things To Take Note Of
While you may never want to use any other baby stroller ever again once you’ve experienced the ease of manoeuvring a BOB jogging stroller, keep in mind that it is on the heavier side and is really big and bulky compared to others so make sure you’re okay with that first before making it an everyday stroller, too.
The two-step fold will give it a smaller footprint at the end of the day but it doesn’t go as flat as some other strollers. Incidentally, it is not as easy to get it in and out of a car but for longer-term storage, the wheels can be removed to make it even more compact.
Weight limit: 50 lbs.
Age: From birth (bassinet); 3 months up (toddler seat)
Dimensions: 36 x 25.7 x 39.5 inches
Stroller weight: 27 lbs. (bassinet 8.8 lbs.)
Storage: under carriage basket (maximum 30 lbs.)
- Large wheels and great suspension
- Safety strap and locking front wheels for fast runs
- Adjustable 9-position handlebar
- Infinite recline, lays near-flat
- Ultra-padded compression seat
- Travel system compatible
- No rethread harness design
- Ample storage
- On the expensive side
- Heavy and bulkier than other models (quite large even when folded)
Why We Love It
The Vista V2 is all about expandability to accommodate growing families. Its modular design allows it to adapt to various configurations to accommodate up to three children, including twins or siblings of different ages.
Start as a single, use the included bassinet for your newborn right from birth before switching it out for the front or rear-facing toddler seat when baby gets older. Convert it into a double with the brand’s RumbleSeat or PiggyBack Ride-Along Board when baby no.2 comes along, or snag a second bassinet if you have newborn twins.
The convertibility doesn’t stop there. You can turn it into a travel system too by pairing it with the brand’s Mesa V2 (or any other compatible car seat), directly without any adapters. You get the idea: this baby stroller can easily adapt to your changing family with a few accessory combinations installed.
Performance-wise, the Vista V2 is packed with high-end features that parents love. The most notable is the all-wheel suspension system – the superior shock absorption gives it smooth manoeuvrability over various terrains. Another is the one-handed folding which is a pleasant surprise as you wouldn’t expected it with a stroller of this size and weight.
Other things to love include a height-adjustable canopy, no-rethread harness, adjustable handlebar for parents of different heights, 100% full-grain leather accents, and a huge storage basket which really, is one of the roomiest we have ever come across.
Things To Take Note Of
Due to its expandable features, the Vista V2’s fold is bulkier than some other strollers so it will take up more space. On the same note, it is heavier so it may not be as convenient for frequent lifting or transport. This is pretty unavoidable though with convertible strollers which is why if you are only planning to have one child, the Cruz V2 may be a more suitable option as you don’t need the extra seating options.
Also, the Vista V2 is definitely one of the more expensive strollers on our list so it may not be budget-friendly for some families. However, you’ll be able to use it with multiple children so this makes it a solid long-term investment. Its durability will hold up through the years for that, don’t worry.
Weight limit: 48.5 lbs.
Age: From birth (with newborn bassinet attachment); 6 months up
Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 8 inches
Stroller weight: 13.67 lbs.
Storage: under carriage basket, zippered back pocket
- Lightweight and extremely compact
- One-hand fold (and unfold)
- Smooth manoeuvrability across different terrains
- Easy to get through narrow/tight spaces
- Can be used from birth (with newborn attachment)
- Accommodates car seats
- Expensive
- Non-adjustable handlebar
Why We Love It
Designed with urban life and travel in mind, the Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller redefines what a compact stroller can offer.
Less than 14 pounds, it is so lightweight that you may get it mistaken as an umbrella stroller. Indeed, this is probably as far as lightweight travel strollers go but this is a full-feature stroller that you can use from newborn well into the toddler years.
Exceptional compactness is probably its most distinctive feature though. So compact, it fits in the overhead bin of a plane so it eliminates the hassle of checking in a stroller. The unique folding mechanism also sets it apart from the competition. With a single hand motion, you can collapse it into a remarkably small package so together with the included carrying strap, it makes transporting it a breeze. See why it is the best travel stroller now?
While being a travel stroller is where the YOYO2 truly shines, many families use it as a regular everyday stroller too. Despite its lightweight, it is incredibly sturdy and well-built to handle various surfaces. The swivelling front wheels and streamlined frame make navigating narrow spaces and busy streets a breeze, which is why it is incredibly popular particularly among city-dwellers who need to navigate public transportation or busy city streets.
Things To Take Note Of
The under-carriage storage basket is on the small side (given the overall compact size of the stroller) so if you intend to use it as a regular stroller, you may find it tricky to store all your baby gears and essentials.
Also, it is expensive especially if you compared it with other lightweight strollers but we think the benefits it offers are well worth the investment for families who prioritize portability and convenience.
Weight/height limit: 35 lbs. or 32 inches
Age: From newborn or 7 inches
Dimensions: 39 x 17.3 x 32.2 inches
Stroller weight: 16.5 lbs.
Storage: no
- Car seat and stroller combo
- Adjustable handlebar that acts as an anti-rebound safety bar inside the car
- Premium, hypoallergenic, breathable and washable fabrics
- FAA Aircraft Approved for travel
- 5 reclining positions
- Expensive
- Limited usage time
- No storage compartment
Why We Love It
It is the world’s first infant car seat and stroller in one, and it is a ground-breaking and innovative travel solution that has completely transformed the way parents approach on-the-go transportation for their infants.
This is the Doona Infant Car Seat/Stroller we’re talking about, an all-in-one fully integrated travel system that seamlessly combines the safety of an infant car seat with the convenience of a stroller. With a simple push and lift mechanism, it allows you to move from car seat to stroller in seconds i.e. the wheels will fold in for car rides, then fold back out again to stroll. Incidentally, there is no need to transfer baby from a car seat to a separate stroller like the usual travel systems, so no more struggling with assembling or attaching components.
Being the only car seat to have been tested and certified as an infant car seat, a stroller and an infant carrier, it is packed with safety features like anti-rebound protection, side impact protection, vehicle seat protector, infant insert and head support to keep delicate newborns safe. Not only is it designed to mimic the feeling of being held in a patient’s arms, it was also designed by medical and engineering experts to support baby in the correct ergonomic position.
Things To Take Note Of
Keep in mind that the Doona is specifically designed for infants up to a certain weight limit so the usage time you’ll get out of it will be shorter than standalone travel systems or strollers. For that, its price tag is also considered to be on the high side but with such innovative design and pioneering convenience, that’s not too unexpected.
Also, it doesn’t have a storage compartment.
Weight/height limit: 35 lbs. or 32 inches (50lbs. forward-facing)
Age: From birth
Dimensions: 34 x 25.5 x 47 inches
Stroller weight: 38 lbs.
Storage: under carriage basket
- Versatile and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
- Car seat exceeds industry standards
- Limited suspension
- Bulkier fold, less compact
Why We Love It
Quite different from the Doona above which is essentially a car seat/stroller hybrid that cannot be separated, a travel system is a full-size stroller and a compatible infant car seat that can be clipped onto the stroller when removed from the car – two pieces of baby gear, purchased at once in a more economical way.
Needless to say, parents love such car seat stroller combo as getting both items separately can be pretty pricey. Baby can use it from infancy right up through the toddler years so really, a travel system is all about value and convenience. In that regard, the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System fits the bill by delivering reliable performance and adaptability at an affordable price point.
The stay-in-car base allows for a quick and safe infant car seat connection from stroller to car so it is very easy to take baby from car to stroller and back again. It is worth mentioning that the SafeMax car seat exceeds industry standards, specifically, its structural integrity is tested at energy levels approximately 2x the federal crash test standard. Also side impact tested, it takes safety further up a notch by having an anti-rebound bar to absorb and dissipate crash forces.
The Pivot has features we’ve come to expect from much pricier strollers, such as a reversible stroller seat that can face forward or toward you, a removable child tray, a large adjustable canopy, oversized cruiser tires with tread and removable bumper bar. There are 6 modes that you can take advantage of including converting the infant car seat to carriage mode for baby to lie flat and parents love that it stands up on its own when folded.
Things To Take Note Of
This stroller isn’t quite as shock-absorbing and smooth as some of the pricier models out there when it comes to rougher surfaces. On the same note, the materials used may not feel as premium as their higher-end counterparts but that is reflected in a more affordable price that doesn’t break the bank.
Also, it is heavier than standard strollers but that is to be expected with travel systems. Nevertheless, this impacts on its portability and the bulkier fold does not help when it comes to storage in smaller spaces or transportation in smaller vehicles.
Weight limit: 50 lbs.
Age: From birth to 48 months
Dimensions: 25.6 x 34.6 x 42.5 inches
Stroller weight: 20.8 lbs.
Storage: under carriage basket, cup holder, phone holder, child’s tray with cup holder
- Versatile 3-in-1 configuration
- Reversible and reclinable seat
- Compatible with all Graco infant car seats
- One-hand, self-stand fold
- Plenty of storage
- Bulkier design
Why We Love It
When one talks about the best affordable stroller, many would think of umbrella strollers. Indeed, they are probably the cheapest type out of all but what we’re looking at today is the best affordable full-size stroller – one that you can use every day, for all occasions, and doesn’t break the bank. We have the Graco Modes Pramette Stroller for you.
With a seat that can be converted into an infant pramette, you can use this stroller right from birth to the toddler years. This is probably our favourite feature as you don’t find this often in other models. Further, the stroller seat is reversible so baby can ride either parent or forward facing as they grow.
The flexibility doesn’t stop there – it is travel-system-compatible, too. Snap it in onto any Graco infant car seat and you have a versatile car seat stroller combo that gives you easy transition from car to stroller (and vice versa). You do have to get the car seat separately though, but we like how there is this option available.
Despite the lower price point, the Modes Pramette Stroller has many features that rival those of many higher-end strollers. To name a few, a large canopy with peekaboo window, removable child’s tray with cup holders, parent cup and phone holder etc. are all included. The basket underneath the seat is generously sized so there is ample storage space and the whole unit swiftly folds with one hand to leave your other free to care for baby.
Things To Take Note Of
Weight limit: 50 lbs.
Age: From birth
Dimensions: 30 x 24 x 72 inches
Stroller weight: 27.6 lbs.
Storage: under carriage basket (maximum 44 lbs.), side luggage bag
- Incredible expandability
- Premium quality
- Fits through most doorways even in double mode
- Excellent manoeuvrability - one-hand steering
- Travel system compatible
- Plenty of storage
- Expensive
Why We Love It
If your heart is set on a luxury stroller and your bank account agrees with it, the Bugaboo Donkey 5 Mono Complete Stroller is the one for you. The best luxury stroller that has everything you can possibly think of (and then some), its incredible expandability is one that sets it apart from the rest.
Convert it into a side-by-side twin or sibling stroller if you have twins or baby no.2 is here, and you can have both seats facing either in or out, or one in/one out. All it takes is just 3 clicks to go from Mono to Duo mode and the incredible thing is, it can still fit through most standard doorways in twin mode – see why it is regarded the best double stroller for twins now?
Despite its expandability, it remains surprisingly easy to manoeuvre with one-hand steering possible, all thanks to the all-wheel suspension system and puncture-proof large wheels that are able to handle various terrains effortlessly. The new and improved self-standing fold also makes it easier to store and transport compared to other strollers, especially double ones.
The ample storage space offers parents the luxury of an extendable side luggage bag for all the essentials (and groceries), and that is in addition to the large underseat basket (which expands when your stroller expands to Duo mode). Of course, a Bugaboo stroller is not short of luxurious materials – leatherette handlebar, high-quality fabrics and finishes, colour/accessories customization are just some of the basics you can expect from this top-tier stroller.
Things To Take Note Of
Weight limit: 50 lbs.
Age: From birth (when used with infant car seat)
Dimensions: 25.75 x 35.5 x 47 inches
Stroller weight: 22 lbs.
Storage: under carriage basket
- Newborn-ready with built-in bassinet
- 3-in-1 configuration
- Travel system compatible
- Lightweight
- One-step fold for compact storage
- Plenty of storage
- Bulkier design
Why We Love It
The Graco Modes Next Baby Stroller may sound a tad familiar as you read on, that’s right, it is awfully similar to the Pramette model from the same brand which we talked about above.
The biggest difference, and also the main reason we chose this as the best stroller for newborns, is that it has a height-adjustable seat. With a newborn, you would want to be as close to baby in the stroller as possible so that you get to observe any needs or stirs quickly and attend to it. The seat of this one here slides up and down in 3 positions so you can do just that precisely, and it is reversible.
Such adjustability is applicable on the infant car seat mode also which is one of the three configurations available (you’ll have to buy the car seat separately though). The stroller accepts all Graco car seats so you can easily transition it from car to stroller and vice versa.
Another reason it ticks our ‘best newborn stroller’ box is that it comes ready with a bassinet. Many strollers aren’t built to accommodate newborns right away (because they don’t have the features in place to give them proper support) so if you want to use a stroller right away, you’ll need to buy a bassinet. The Infant Pramette mode eliminates this need – it’s essentially a bassinet where baby gets to lie comfortably flat in the cosy ‘nest’ right from day one.
Things To Take Note Of
Weight/height limit: 65 lbs. or 44 inches
Age: From 6 months up
Dimensions: 41.3 x 25.6 x 43.1 inches
Stroller weight: 22.4 lbs.
Storage: under carriage basket (maximum 10 lbs.), rear pocket
- Holds a child up to 65 pounds
- Smaller footprint than many three-wheelers
- Easy to push and steer
- Quick, easy one-handed fold
- Travel system compatible
- Adjustable handlebar
- Hand-operated parking brake
- Heavier
- Limited storage space
Why We Love It
We have the best baby stroller for newborns, naturally, we need to do one for the toddlers too. If you have a big pre-schooler, a kindergartner or an early elementary kid who still needs some wheels occasionally, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Stroller will be a good choice to consider.
Weight limit is our primary concern when it comes to choosing the best stroller for toddlers and in that regard, the City Mini GT2’s 65-pound capacity fits the brief. The adjustable calf support and near-flat reclinable seat provide greater flexibility for a growing child and if you get an extra glider board, it provides another option for your toddler. to ride
Despite it being on the heavier-duty side, it is considerably smaller than many traditional three-wheel strollers and it can be compact folded with one hand (it auto locks too). It comes with infant car seat adapters too so if you already own any Baby Jogger infant car seat, you can turn it into a travel system easily.
Being essentially a jogging stroller, the City Mini GT2 is equipped with forever-air rubber tires that will never go flat and an all-wheel suspension system. It glides with complete agility on any terrain and the front wheel can be locked for added stability on off-road adventures (the adjustable handlebar and hand-operated parking brake add to the ease of navigating).
Things To Take Note Of
While the City Mini GT2 is considered small for a jogging stroller, it is still slightly heavier compared to other stroller models. The basket underneath the carriage is also on the small side so there is limited storage space but you can always purchase an additional parent console to overcome that.
Weight limit: 50 lbs.
Age: From 6 months up (or from birth with infant car seats – bought separately)
Dimensions: 25.63 x 48 x 47.38 inches
Stroller weight: 26 lbs.
Storage: under carriage basket, cup holder
- Affordable price point
- Compact fold for transportation and storage
- Travel system compatible
- Bench seat and standing platform included
- Smooth manoeuvrability
- Heavier
- Different seat weight limit
Why We Love It
Choosing the best double baby stroller is not easy for us – tandem, side-by-side, sit and stand, stroller board…you get the idea (click here to find out more). The decision very much comes down to personal preferences and in picking our favourite, we decide on the one with features that we think most parents would love – the Graco Ready 2Grow LX2.0 Double Stroller.
One thing with double strollers is that most have a bigger footprint inherently so they are trickier to steer and difficult to store. The LX2.0 stood out to us with its small-folding ability while still riding like a double so you don’t struggle as much when transporting or storing it in your car. The one-step self-standing fold makes it even easier during the process.
We also chose the LX2.0 for its tandem configuration as it is easier to manoeuvre through doorways and tight spaces unlike the side-by-sides. It comes with two stroller seats (with full-size canopies) and the rear seat is removable to attach either a bench seat or a standing platform – both included in the package too. That makes it one best value baby stroller as you get plenty of options in just one purchase, speaking of which, you’ll love its price.
Compatible with all Graco infant car seats, it can accept two at once so it makes a great twin stroller during the newborn stage too. You do have to purchase them separately but everything else such as parent cup holder, child belly bar with cup holder and large storage basket are all included.
Things To Take Note Of
Despite being a double stroller, the LX2.0 may not necessarily be the best stroller for twins growing up as the seats have different weight capacity – up to 50 lb for the front seat, and 40 lb for the rear.
Because of that, we think it is more suitable for families with children close in age as the older sibling can sit in front while the younger one sits closer to you at the back. The back seat faces you anyway so it’s easier to connect with baby that way.
Weight limit: 55 lbs.
Age: From 6 months up
Dimensions: 45 x 27 x 39 inches
Stroller weight: 34.7 lbs.
Storage: under carriage basket, basket at one end of the wagon
- Fits two kids
- Pull or Push option
- Works on all terrains including sand and snow
- Plenty of storage
- Can be converted into a stroller (with attachments)
- Largest and heaviest of them all
Why We Love It
Wrapping up our best baby stroller review is the Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon. This is a stroller wagon, a type that has been taking the baby gear market by storm due to its combination of all the features necessary for a dream ride.
This wagon makes for the best stroller for multiple kids as it can sit two kids comfortably. Two older kids at that, up to 5 years old. They can face each other and share a snack tray and footwell in the middle while having their own UPF50+ canopy each to keep harmful rays away. If the need calls for it, you can add a toddler seat or car seat at the top too for other seating arrangements.
One thing that we really like about the Pivot Xplore is that you can push and steer it just like a stroller, or pull it like a wagon when you feel like it. All at the flip of a 3-position telescoping handle, which adjusts easily to suit different parent’s height. The all-terrain wheels let you navigate all sorts of terrains with ease and there are plenty of storage space both inside the wagon and out at the bottom and the end to keep everything you need within arm’s reach.
Things To Take Note Of
Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Baby Stroller
The best baby stroller is one that provides a safe mode of transportation for your baby. It should be well-designed, functional and most importantly, work with your family’s lifestyle. The definition of the “best” therefore depends very much on individual preferences, needs and priorities.
With that said, there are some general key attributes that often define the best stroller – these are the basis that form our evaluation when selecting our top picks, and are also the factors parents look at most when deciding on the perfect stroller:
1. Safety Features
- Harness system: five-point with straps over both shoulders, hips and between the legs
- Brakes: reliable and easy-to-operate brakes that lock two wheels instead of one
- Stability: a wide base that is stable and well-balanced and can’t easily be tipped over
2. Manoeuvrability and Handling
- Wheel design: front wheels that swivel gives better manoeuvrability in tight spaces, large wheels provide better stability on uneven surfaces
- One-handed operation: strollers that can be folded, unfolded, and adjusted with one hand gives flexibility for the other to hold baby or other items
- Adjustable handlebars: essential to have if parents are of a much different height
- Foldability: compact, easy-to-fold for storage, travel and fitting into car trunks
3. Versatility
- Adaptability: one that can accommodate different ages and stages through reversible seats, bassinets and infant car seat compatibility
- Multiple configurations: strollers that can be converted into different configurations (single, double, or even triple) are valued by parents with growing families
4. Comfort
- Recline options: multiple recline positions allow infants to lie flat or older children to sit up comfortably
- Padding and cushioning: well-padded seats, headrests and adjustable leg rests
- Suspension: a good suspension system provides a smoother ride, minimizing vibrations and bumps for baby
5. Budget and Value
- Affordability: strollers can be incredibly expensive but there are some really great ones at budget-friendly price. Parents often look for a balance between quality and cost.
- Longevity: value is also assessed in terms of the stroller’s durability and how well it can adapt to a child’s changing needs. Making an investment in a quality stroller will save you money in the long run, especially if you intend to have multiple kids.
6. Additional Features
- Storage space: ample storage baskets, pockets and compartments for the essentials
- Removable and washable fabric: easy-to-remove and machine-washable fabric are appreciated for the inevitable messes
- Canopy: a large, adjustable canopy shields baby from harmful UV rays
- Parent console: cup holders, smartphone holders, storage pockets etc. for the parents
Which Type Of Baby Stroller Is The Best?
The different types of strollers available on the market are designed to cater to different needs and preferences. The best type is therefore the one that matches your lifestyle and requirements in every way.
Full-size strollers: these are the most common options suitable for everyday use. They typically come with multiple recline positions, large storage baskets, adjustable canopies, and compatibility with infant car seats. Put simply, full-size strollers do it all.
Travel systems: this type consist of a stroller frame that accommodates an infant car seat for easy transition of baby from car to stroller. Simply remove the car seat from the stroller and snap it into a car seat base in your vehicle (and vice versa). They also tend to be a budget-savvy way to get both a stroller and a car seat.
Umbrella strollers: also referred to as “lightweight” or “compact” strollers, these ones fold up like an umbrella for portability and easy storage. While they are ideal for travel and quick outings, they usually aren’t as sturdy as full-sized strollers and do not offer much storage space.
Jogging strollers: these are designed for active parents who want to run/jog with their baby. They provide a smooth ride even on uneven terrain thanks to features like a lockable front wheel, large air-filled tires and a great suspension system. Note: they are not suitable for newborns.
Double or Triple strollers: these strollers are designed to accommodate multiple children (twins/triplets/toddler + infant) either side by side or one in front of the other. Some of them allow for various seating configurations and adjustments as children grow, for example, “ride on” boards where toddlers can stand while you push.
Convertible strollers: they offer modular designs that can be adjusted to accommodate different seating options. You can rotate the bassinet or seat so that baby faces you while you push or out toward the world. With the addition of extra seats or attachments, they can also often be converted from a single stroller to a double or even triple stroller.