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The best stroller is the Uppababy Cruz V2, according to testers from the What to Expect staff and user community, who praise the full-size stroller's maneuverability, large storage basket and versatility. When choosing a stroller, experts and parents say the most important factors to consider are versatility, ease of use, maneuverability and essential safety features.
Buying a new baby stroller isn’t all that different from buying a new car. You’ll want to ask yourself some of the same questions: How good is the suspension? What kind of terrain can it handle? What kind of storage does it have? You’ll also want to consider your family’s lifestyle, taking into account how often you’ll be using a stroller, where you’ll be using it and whether you’ll need it to grow with your family. With all the available models, buying a baby stroller can seem like you’re making a decision that’s just as weighty as a visit to the dealership, too.
As a mom of two children under 3, buying a stroller (okay, strollers) was a decision I agonized over. After all, strollers are expensive and one of just a few new-baby purchases that you use daily — and potentially for years to come. How we chose the best strollers
In the end, the best stroller is the one that safely gets your baby from Point A to Point B and works with your family’s lifestyle. (An umbrella stroller won’t exactly cut it for a family of three-under-3.) Still, if you're looking for help narrowing down your choices, here's why you can trust our recommendations:
First, the choices on this list were tested and reviewed by me and eight members of the What to Expect staff, with 13 children total: Melissa Bykofsky, Executive Editor, mom of a 2-year-oldKaren Sly, Finance Director, mom of a 3-year-old and 6-month old Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director, mom of a 1-year-oldLisafe Carreon, Senior Project Manager, mom of a 7-month-oldKimberlee Beck, Engagement Marketing Manager, mom of a 1-year-oldJamison Hermann, Senior Video Producer, dad of a 3-year-old and 6-month-oldChristine Mattheis, VP of Content, mom of 4-year oldRobin Hilmantel, Senior Director of Editorial, mom of 4-year-old, 3-year-old, and 7-month-old
We also analyzed results from the 2023 What to Expect Mom Must-Have Awards, in which more than 770 parents in the What to Expect community voted for and provided feedback on their favorite strollers.
Finally, we referenced stroller guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to ensure our recommendations are safe and sturdy.
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
“In love” is a phrase parents in the What to Expect community often use when talking about the Uppababy Cruz V2, a stroller that checks all the boxes and then some. Although the Cruz V2 is a full-size stroller, it’s surprisingly streamlined, with an ultralight aluminum frame, a narrower silhouette (ideal for navigating tight spaces) and solid maneuverability. The result is a full-size stroller that delivers many of the benefits of a lighter-weight model.
This is a single stroller, so you can’t convert it to a double. But it still offers plenty of versatility. The seat is reversible and removable: You can take it down to clip in the brand’s Mesa infant car seat (the stroller frame works with most Chicco, Maxi-Cosi and Nuna car seats, too, though you’ll need to buy separate adaptors). With a newborn, you can use a compatible car seat or purchase it with the bassinet.
Parents rave about how easy the Cruz V2 is to use. There’s a generously-sized storage basket that can hold up to 25 pounds), one-handed fold (and it stands up when folded!), UPF 50+ canopy and luxurious leather handlebars. The large wheels make navigating bumpy or uneven sidewalks a non-issue, so it’s simply enjoyable to push.
Parents often find themselves deciding between Uppababy’s Cruz and Vista models. If you’re having this debate yourself, you’ll want to think about your needs as a family and how you envision the next few years unfolding. Because it’s lighter and more streamlined, the Cruz is better for city dwellers, those who travel often or families who don’t intend to have another child anytime soon. If you see your family growing in the near future, the Vista would be a better longer-term investment.
The only downside is the cost. At $700, this is on the high end for a single full-size stroller. Purchasing it as part of the brand’s travel system, using a registry completion discount or waiting for a sale can save you money.
Dimensions: 37.5 x 22.8 x 40 inches
Weight/Age limit: From 3 months up to 50 lbs.
“Just got the Cruz with the Mesa car seat! So in love. Definitely worth it, easy to use and take apart which was HUGE for us. Rides super smooth and the new V2 has a great sized basket!”
“I love my Uppababy stroller! I bought it in 2019 and used it with the infant seat for my first and will use it for this one as well. It definitely lasts if you plan on having more than one within five years. We bought an extra base for my husband's car so we could take either car whenever. To save money, we added the stroller and car seat to our Amazon registry and used the 20 percent off coupon to finish our list and purchase it then.”
“We bought the V2 model of the Cruz. Though it's a bit heavier than previous models, we felt like the bigger wheels and added suspension were crucial for us. As far as comparing the Vista and the Cruz — we like that [the Cruz] is more compact and has a smaller fold than the Vista. For our urban city living, it works perfectly. If we have another child, we plan on waiting at least a few years, so we didn't need a double.”
The Chicco Bravo Quick-Fold is one of the more popular strollers in the What to Expect community, and parents love how versatile and generously sized it is given its lower price point. The forward-facing seat is appropriate for babies 6 months and older, but if you have a newborn, you can easily snap in any Chicco infant car seat to create a versatile travel system — no adapter needed. (If you’re also in the market for a car seat, know that the Chicco Bravo travel system is also very popular and you can save by buying both together.)
The Bravo’s features are impressive and rival those of many higher-end strollers. Think: a UPF canopy, multi-position seat recline, adjustable handlebar (ideal for taller parents), mesh peekaboo window, cup holder and parent tray with plenty of storage for a phone (an underrated feature for long walks). The whole thing swiftly folds with one hand and a single motion which, true to its name, is incredibly easy to do.
Parents say the Bravo works very well on smooth surfaces, though it can be harder to push on bumpier ground. Also, keep in mind that this is a single stroller, so it can’t convert to add more seats in the future, if flexibility is important to you.
Weight limit: Up to 50 lbs.
“I used the Chicco for with my first child and LOVED it — it’s very user friendly and everything clicks into place very easily. The only con I had was that it didn’t come with a toddler tray (you can get it separately but it’s pretty plain), but besides that I love it. It’s also waterproof which is a nice bonus when you get stuck on a walk with the baby.”
“I had the Chicco Bravo travel system for my now- 16-month-old. Super easy to use, pretty lightweight, no complaints. We keep the Chicco Bravo in one of our cars at all times so we can use it on the go.”
“We just got the Bravo Travel System. I LOVE IT! The stroller is so smooth on flat surfaces.”
For parents on the go, you can’t beat the flexibility and convenience of the Doona, which is actually a hybrid car seat and stroller that weighs just 16.5 pounds.
Simply click a button, and the Doona goes from a stroller to a car seat. The wheels fold in for car rides, then fold back out again to stroll. Use it on planes, trains and automobiles — this system works no matter where the wind takes you.
Don’t expect it to perform quite as well as dedicated strollers, though. The wheels won’t take bumps quite as easily. And because it’s not a true stroller, it’s not the best place for baby to sit for prolonged periods of time. Still, many parents find the convenience of going from car to sidewalk is well worth it.
The biggest downside is longevity — or lack thereof: Once baby hits 35 pounds or 32 inches — somewhere around 1 year old, though often sooner for some children — and outgrows the car seat, you’ll need to spring for both a new car seat and a new stroller. So while it can be an incredibly convenient option, some parents dislike how short a lifespan it has, especially considering that for the price ($550) you could also buy a full-size stroller that would last for a number of years.
Weight/Age limit: Up to 35 lbs. or 32 inches
“100 percent I love it! It’s the best purchase I have made. I do also have the Uppababy Vista for growing the family and longer walks. But for convenience, travel and ease of use, the Doona is the best!”
“The Doona is amazing for travel! My husband is obsessed with it, it’s so easy and you don’t need to lug all kinds of baby stuff. I also like it for when it’s just me running into the grocery or a quick errand vs, putting his car seat on the stroller. The convenience and small footprint are a winner for us!”
“I love my Doona, very convenient. I’m 5’6”, my husband is 6’3” and he felt that the length of the stroller handle is bad for his back when he pushed our daughter, I was fine with the height. My daughter used the Doona until she was a little over a year, maybe 14 or 15 months. The stroller is heavy, I have to admit. Overall, I’m planning on using it again for baby number two.”
Sometimes you need a heavy-duty stroller with all the bells and whistles. Other times, you just need an umbrella stroller. Lightweight and smaller than a full-size stroller, umbrella strollers are ideal for on-the-go families. And the 13-pound Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller is one of the most popular options within our What to Expect community.
Many umbrella strollers don’t recline, so parents love that the Summer Infant 3Dlite has four different reclining positions, which can help ensure your baby can sit and even sleep comfortably. (Just remember that strollers should not be used for routine sleep, and you should keep a close eye on your little one while she snoozes.) Despite its lighter weight and slimmer profile, this stroller still delivers many of the features you’d want in a stroller of any size — anti-shock front wheels, lockable rear wheels and a large storage basket for anything you need to tote. It's also offered at a lower price point than other strollers.
The Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller is also quite sturdy, despite its flexibility, so it takes sidewalks and slightly bumpy terrain in stride. At the end of the day, this stroller is a great way to transport babies who weigh as much as 50 pounds — that’s well into toddlerhood. Because of this, many parents say this is one of the best options for traveling as well as for quick errands.
The AAP warns against hanging bags off the handlebars of any stroller, since the extra weight can cause them to tip backwards. But that’s especially important with an umbrella stroller, because they're so lightweight and, therefore, more tip-prone.
Dimensions: 18 x 17 x 43 inches
Weight/age limit: 6 months up to 50 lbs. or 43 inches
"My mom got the Summer Infant 3DLite for us to keep at her house when we visit. I really liked using it and we bought it because they live on dirt roads and it worked really well on them. I’ll say I found it a little cumbersome to fold up, but honestly I only tried a couple times and I’m sure I’d get the hang of it using it more. I thought it was a good stroller for the price especially. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for pushing on uneven terrain."
“I got this at Walmart after wanting to get rid of our bulkier stroller. I am tall and the regular umbrella strollers are too short for me and I have to hunch and walk to push them. This is a bit taller but still folds down to compact size. It also has a small area underneath for storage. My only complaint would be that the wheels are bulky when folded but it helps it be sturdy on the go. It fits easily into my hatchback.”
Parents agree that if you’re expecting your first baby but hope to continue expanding your family in the year ahead, the Vista V2 is a great investment. That’s probably one of the reasons why the Uppababy Vista V2 has won Best Stroller in our What to Expect Mom Must-Have Awards four years in a row.
A convertible stroller, the Vista V2 starts as a single but can be easily converted to a double with the addition of the brand’s RumbleSeat V2 (sold separately). It can also accommodate up to two infant car seats with adaptors (also sold separately) as a travel system. “I invested with this stroller for my first kid because I liked that it could convert to a double stroller,” says Karen Sly, What to Expect’s finance director.
The Vista V2 has the high-end features you’d expect from a luxury stroller, including one-handed folding (“It’s shockingly easy to set up with one hand, which you wouldn't expect from a stroller of this size and weight,” says What to Expect’s associate commerce director Leah Rocketto), a height-adjustable canopy and 100 percent full-grain leather accents.
Another plus is the superior shock absorption: Lisafe Carreon, What to Expect’s senior project manager, calls it “the Land Rover of strollers.” Leah adds that “I’ve used this on smooth sidewalks, cobblestone streets and muddy fields, and it provides a smooth, seamless ride every time.”
Parents also rave about the under-carriage storage, which is on the roomier side compared to many other stroller on the market. “I love the size of the basket,” Karen says. “It can carry everything we need.”
The bigger frame, ability to add extra seats and roomy storage basket do add bulk: Like many other double and convertible strollers, some reviewers say it can feel a bit heavy to push and is on the larger side when folded. And while the wheels are very responsive, they’re also wide, and some parents find it tricky to maneuver the Vista V2 through tight spaces.
The Vista V2 is also one of the more expensive strollers on our list, although many parents say they’ve been able to use the same model with multiple children, making it a solid long-term investment. “Almost three years later, it's still in great shape,” Karen says.
Dimensions: 61.2 x 41.3 x 36 inches
Weight/Age limit: From birth to 20 lbs. (bassinet); from 3 months to 50 lbs. (toddler seat)
“I have one. Really happy with it — so smooth to push even when the basket is full. Don't find it heavy and it fits in my dual cab ute behind the driver's seat. We got it because we knew we would have more than one baby and didn't want them too far apart.”
“I love the Vista as a double and a single. It makes life so much easier with two under 2. It fits in grocery store aisles like a dream and it maneuvers super well. The basket on the bottom is large and great for shopping. Cons: It is super cumbersome and hard to push if you go off pavement.”
“We love ours. Totally worth every penny. Customer service is amazing when we had to repair a piece!”
Once you experience the ease of maneuvering a Bob Jogging Stroller, you may never want to use any other baby stroller ever again. The beloved jogging stroller is incredibly durable and has unmatched suspension (it has a mountain bike-style suspension system!) for a super smooth ride, whether jogging down a trail or taking a stroll around the neighborhood. The model also has oversized tires and an aluminum frame that makes maneuverability a breeze. It truly glides around like butter. What to Expect parents say this stroller has held up over hundreds of miles and navigates different types of terrain with ease.
There’s plenty more to love, including convenience features that rival those of your everyday stroller — think things like adjustable handlebars, large undercarriage storage, a magnetic “peek and chat” window and a UV 50+ sun canopy. The only downside is that 28.5 pounds, this stroller is on the heavier side and can be harder to get in and out of a car.
When you’re done for the day, the two-step fold quickly gives it a smaller footprint. It doesn’t go quite as flat as some other strollers, but you can remove the wheels to make it even more compact if you’re storing it long-term.
Dimensions: 46 x 25 x 45 inches
Weight/age limit: Up to 75 lbs.
"We love our Bob and it can be pushed through almost anything! It’s worth the price tag! A comfortable ride for babe also."
“The Bob is awesome! I stopped running after babies but literally could take it on a hiking trail, it’s so smooth!”
“I’ve put well over 1000 miles on my Bob. It’s not an all-terrain but I don’t hesitate to take it on trails. I use it nearly everyday so the price is well worth it to me.”
The Baby Jogger City Select 2 Double Stroller is a popular choice among parents of multiples in the What to Expect community. This is a convertible double stroller, meaning it can be used as a single stroller initially then changed to a double by adding a second seat. You can also use the City Select 2 with two seats and a back glider board, allowing you to push three children at once. (Just note that the second seat and glider board are sold separately, so if you intend to use this as a double stroller from day one, make sure to purchase the second seat, too.)
Reviewers appreciate how compatible this stroller is with a variety of car seats — an especially helpful feature for parents of multiples who drive often. It can be much easier to attach a car seat into a stroller as a travel system than unclip and re-clip two babies every time you make a stop. Baby Jogger, Britax, Chicco, Cybex, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Peg Perego and UPPAbaby infant car seats all work in this stroller (you’ll have to purchase adapters separately, however). And because it’s narrower than most side-by-side double strollers (and many convertible doubles, too), you’ll likely find it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, making it an equally good choice for families who live in cities.
Other nice features include reclining seats, a UV 50+ canopy with a peekaboo window (helpful to easily check on baby when she’s forward-facing), a telescoping handlebar and one-handed fold.
Weight/Age limit: Birth to age 5, up to 45 lbs. per seat
“I love my City Select Double by Baby Jogger. You can snap in two infant seats and both kids can go up to 45 pounds each.”
“We have the Baby Jogger City Select Double and love it! Was great with our infant seats (Chicco Keyfit 30s) and at 15 months old, our boys still do great in it and it fits everywhere, is easy to maneuver and does well on all types of terrain.”
“I have the Baby Jogger City Select Double I use all the time except when I'm taking cabs. If you have your own car, then City Select is a great option. It is sturdy and has so many different seat configurations. Worth every penny. I also have a single stroller (Baby Jogger City Mini) I use for times when I want to go out with just one baby and don't want to lug around the heavy double one.”
Most strollers designed for multiples have just two infant or toddler seats with an optional rider board for an older child. But families with triplets or three under 5 have a much harder time finding a stroller that can fit their whole brood. One of the few options on the market that can accommodate larger families is the Zoe The Trio+. (If you have four kids, the brand also has its Tribe+ stroller that starts as a quad and can be downsized to a double.)
The Trio+ would be an excellent stroller regardless of how many children it could seat. Although it’s not designed for newborns, it reclines 165 degrees and is safe for babies 3 months and older who have good head control. Strollers that accommodate multiple children are often on the bulky side, but this one manages to be as sleek as possible: It has a lightweight aluminum frame, a slim profile and can fold up easily. If you have twins and a toddler, you’ll also appreciate that it can convert down to a double when your older child outgrows the stroller years.
There are also a number of nice-to-have features included, such as a parent cup holder, two child cup holders, a snack cup and adjustable footrest (notable, since those are often add-ons you pay extra for with other strollers). Many families also appreciate that it’s approved for use in Disney.
More kids typically means less maneuverability, so it’s not very surprising that The Trio+ isn’t the easiest to push on tougher terrain. But on pavement, parents say it works well. And you can’t beat the price and design for larger families.
Weight/Age limit: 3 months up to 45 lbs. per seat
“We have the Zoe stroller. We have 3-month-old twins and a 2.5-year-old toddler. So I got the triple stroller. It’s not great on gravel, but not an issue for everyone. I love how easy it is to fold/unfold/attach. The extra long canopies are nice too! The triple with all the kids (toddler in front) isn’t the easiest to push, but still not bad for a mile or two walk. I wish it had the option of bigger tires! It does fold down and fit in our car’s trunk, so that’s a major bonus, too.”
“I have the Zoe Triple which I love. It is lightweight and folds up small.”
“My friend with triplets said she’s been through quite a few strollers and has liked the Zoe The Trio+ stroller the best.”
A travel system is a full-size stroller and a compatible infant car seat that clips into the stroller when you're on foot or into the car. Many parents appreciate that these seat-stroller combos allow you to travel with your baby from infancy right up through the toddler years. They can also be a more economical way to purchase two pieces of essential baby gear at once that can otherwise be pretty pricey.
When it comes to value, few travel systems deliver quite like the Graco Modes line. And the brand’s 3 Lite DLX model is particularly great. The price for both the stroller, compatible infant car seat and car seat base is $320 — car seats alone can cost that much, and quite a few of the standalone strollers on this list top that price, too. You can fit any Graco infant car seat directly into the frame or seat with a one-step attachment, making it incredibly easy to take your baby from car to stroller and back again.
Graco is a trusted name in the baby world, so you can feel confident that you won’t be sacrificing quality either. “This travel system offers a great price point, and I think you get good quality for that price point,” says Kimberlee Beck, What to Expect’s engagement marketing manager. She loves the stroller’s one-handed fold and the fact that it stands up on its own when closed, as well as its versatility — there are nine seat configurations you can take advantage of.
The Graco Modes 3 Lite DLX is technically the line’s jogging stroller, which Kimberlee says helps make it so easy to maneuver. The two front wheels, which are close together, make turning corners a breeze. “It’s not too heavy to handle, either,” she says.
While the stroller is uncomplicated to fold, Kimberlee does wish it was easier to open. “You have to hold the lock feature open while maneuvering the handle and then it opens toward you,” she says. Reviewers also say that this stroller isn’t quite as shock-absorbing and smooth as some of the pricier models out there, so if you’ll be navigating bumpy terrain often, it may not be the best stroller choice for you.
Dimensions: 34 x 25.75 x 41 inches
Weight/Age limit: Up to 30 lbs. or 32 inches
“I have a Graco Modes and loved it. The bassinet got a lot of use. Tons of basket space and I love how far the hood goes out.”
“We have this one, I would 100 percent recommend it, I love how the two wheels in the front are together for easy maneuverability, you can close it up with one hand, the stroller has tons of room for a baby to grow into and can be used for a few years.”
As far as lightweight travel strollers go, few brands have as loyal a following as the Babyzen Yoyo 2 Stroller. This stroller is incredibly popular, particularly among city-dwellers and frequent travelers, who love its sleek design and travel-friendly features.
You can fold and unfold its extremely compact design with just one hand, and it even fits in the overhead luggage bin on a plane. The two-position pop-up canopy protects your baby from the elements, and the four-wheel suspension makes sure she never feels the bumps of the road. The stroller itself weighs about 14 pounds, so if you do need to haul it anywhere, it won't be too cumbersome.
While the Yoyo 2 really shines as a travel stroller, some families do use it as their regular everyday stroller. For a lightweight stroller, the Yoyo 2 is incredibly sturdy and well-made. “Our Yo-Yo is a workhorse,” says Jamison Hermann, What to Expect’s senior video producer and father to a 3-year-old and 6-month-old. “We have probably put a few hundred miles on it walking to the park, preschool and all around our neighborhood, and overloaded it with diaper bags and groceries, and it’s still going strong.”
But there are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to use the Yoyo 2 as your regular stroller. First, the under-carriage storage is significantly smaller than the baskets you’ll find on most full-size strollers — that can be tricky if you’re often running errands and need a place to stash bags or extra baby gear. What to Expect editors are also mixed on its maneuverability. Jamison has found it “easy to steer one-handed and handles cracked sidewalks decently well,” though Melissa Bykofsky, What to Expect’s executive editor, notes that the wheels can be tough to get over broken curbs.
I used the Yoyo 2 as my full-time stroller for two years while living in Brooklyn, New York (when my second son was born, we invested in a double stroller). There are definitely pros and cons in terms of the Yoyo’s ability to navigate city streets. On the one hand, it’s ultra narrow and nimble, a breeze to maneuver through tight doorways or cramped shopping aisles, and light enough to bring onto the subway. If you, like I did, live in a smaller apartment with limited storage, you’ll likely appreciate how easy it is to fold up the Yoyo 2 and put it in a closet when you get home.
But the wheels are indeed small. I’d sometimes get stuck in a cobblestone or crack while I watched my neighbors with full-size strollers effortlessly glide by, so you’ll definitely want to take your local streets into account. And while our Yoyo 2 has generally held up very well — we’re now going on 3.5 years of heavy use — I’ve found it slightly annoying that the foam handlebar is peeling a little.
The forward-facing seat accommodates a 6-month-old baby up to a toddler weighing 45 pounds, but Babyzen also has a newborn bassinet attachment that allows you to use the stroller from birth. (I used the newborn attachment with my firstborn and loved it, although because it’s a travel stroller, the bassinet is a bit lower than the ones on most full-size frames.) The stroller frame can also accommodate a number of infant car seats with attachments.
"We used the Babyzen YOYO+ for the second time and love love love love it! We see it more and more all over Europe and even on the West coast slowly using it more and more. It’s 12.8 pounds and fits easily in the overhead compartment. We live in Hamburg, Germany and accessibility is not given all the time. It’s easy for me to carry the stroller up and down stairs in subway stations without waiting for help. Thanks to a lightweight board, I can even transport my toddler easily."
“I’ve had mine for three years and love it. We have the backpack case as well as the umbrella, rolling bag and car seat adapters. It’s great for airline travel because it can be carried on in the case so there’s no risk of them breaking it. It’s very convenient to fold/unfold and takes up way less space in the trunk than my larger strollers do.”
“We've used one from birth, baby is now 10 months old. It's been a godsend as we live in a walk-up. Biggest pros are one-handed fold and the weight, of course. Low profile for subway and crazy city life. Cons are low clearance for bad weather and small storage capacity, and the sun shade is kind of a joke. We mostly babywear but this has been super useful.”
While a stroller wagon probably wouldn’t be your main stroller, it does offer some undeniable benefits. Although big, bulky, and harder to push than a regular stroller, families with multiple children find that stroller wagons are ideal for for shorter, more leisurely walks — think around the neighborhood, trips to the zoo or walking to the beach on vacation
Many stroller wagons, however, only have a three-point harness, which the AAP considers less safe. So the Jeep Deluxe Wrangler Stroller Wagon by Delta Children stands out in that it can fit up to two kids in safe five-point harness seats. It can also accommodate an infant car seat with adaptors (sold separately) and has tons of storage space.
At 50 pounds, this stroller wagon is definitely heavy — you wouldn’t want to be taking it in and out of your car very often. But for certain situations, parents love the flexibility it offers.
Weight/age limit: Up to 110 lbs.
“I have a Jeep brand wagon which I love, but a couple of comments and considerations as you shop around. Pros: 5-point harness so we started using it when my son was just around 1 with no worry, can hold two kids, ample pocket and side storage, detachable sun shade, handle on both sides so can push from either direction, great on any terrain (dirt, grass, even sand, though still tough because well it's wheels on sand but definitely better than a stroller). I couldn't live without it going to the beach, I sit my son in it, pack everything in and around him and off we go! Cons: BULKY for everyday use, I don't like going for walks in the neighborhood or to the park. I feel like I'm pushing a bus. Doesn't fit through standard doorways when opened, not so easy to move when closed so I store it in my garage.”
“This is quite pricey but it works awesome. You can put a newborn in a car seat on top of the wagon, and then you can have a toddler ride in the wagon. It has a harness to strap them in, comes with a cooler, cup holders, a canopy and the canopy has screens that roll down. I've used it at a flea market and had plenty of room to put the goods in. Only downside is that it's LARGE. It does fold in half but trying to find a home for it when not in use is a challenge.”
Leading experts, as well as What to Expect staffers and community members, recommend evaluating strollers based on the following criteria:
Safety features: All strollers sold in the United States must adhere to the safety standards set forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) so you don’t have to worry about purchasing a stroller that’s not safe. There are, however, some features that may add an extra level of security or, at the very least, peace of mind. Per guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and CPSC, all of the strollers on this list have:Easy-to-operate brakes that lock two wheels instead of just one to provide an extra measure of safety.A wide base that can’t easily be tipped over.A five-point harness with straps over both shoulders, hips and between the legs.One footrest that extends across both sitting areas (for a side-by-side double stroller).
Ease of use: If you’re always juggling a million things, look for a stroller with a one-handed fold and large storage basket. If you’re tall — or have a partner who is a much different height than you are — look for adjustable handlebars. Washable fabrics are always a pro, too.
Number of kids to accommodate: Consider your current — and future — family size. If you only have one child or plan to space children multiple years apart, a single stroller might be just fine. But if you have multiples or plan to have siblings in close proximity, you’ll want to consider a convertible or double stroller. We selected a variety of strollers to accommodate different family sizes.
Your location: Families who live in urban areas may appreciate a narrower stroller with good maneuverability to help them navigate smaller doorways and busy streets. Those who live in the suburbs and tend to drive more than they walk might prefer a travel system that allows you to attach your baby’s car seat directly into the stroller frame. We selected strollers of varying sizes — both when in use and when stored — to accommodate different locations.
Cost: Strollers can be incredibly expensive, but you can get seriously great strollers at a more budget-friendly price. And if the timing is right, lots of retailers offer huge rollbacks on shopping holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day, which can sometimes offset cost. Just note that making the upfront investment in a quality stroller may actually save you money in the long run — especially if you intend to have multiple kids.
Versatility: The best strollers are the ones that can grow with your family over time and adapt to changing circumstances over time, whether that means accommodating an infant car seat or adding on a bassinet attachment, second seat or rider board.
When stroller shopping, you'll want to keep in mind the different types of strollers on the market.Full-size strollers: Put simply, full-size strollers do it all. They have a newborn bassinet attachment that lets you transport your little bundle from day one and have plenty of storage to hold all of baby's gear.Travel systems: Some full-size strollers are also travel systems, meaning they can attach to an infant car seat (often included as part of a set) to easily transition baby from car to stroller. This also tends to be a budget-savvy way to purchase both a stroller and a car seat.Umbrella strollers: Many parents prefer lightweight umbrella strollers for travel or quick errands around town. True to name, they fold up like an umbrella, making them portable and compact. The downside? Umbrella strollers are usually not as sturdy as full-size strollers and don't offer tons of storage space. They usually also don’t have a newborn bassinet attachment, so you’ll have to wait to use them until baby is around 6 months or older and meets the minimum weight requirement.Convertible strollers: Some full-size strollers are convertible, meaning they can accommodate one, two or even three children using additional seating configurationsReversible strollers: Also sometimes called modular strollers, reversible strollers offer the option to face your baby towards you (ideal for smaller babies) or facing out (letting bigger infants and toddlers see the world around them).Jogging strollers: If you'd like the ability to run with baby, you'll need a jogging stroller for its increased stability and shock absorption. Just note: These options aren’t suitable for newborns — usually baby can’t safely sit in a jogging stroller until about 6 months. Double strollers: Have twins, or a toddler and an infant? A double stroller is a good choice for your family. These baby strollers let you comfortably transport multiple children with two (or sometimes more) seats, either side by side or one in front of the other. Some of these strollers also offer “ride on” boards where older children can stand while you push.
To make the process even more confusing, many strollers fit into multiple categories — for example, some full-size strollers can be convertible, reversible and even used as a travel system.
According to the AAP, the safest way for a baby to sleep is on her back on a firm, flat surface such as a crib, playard or bassinet. Your baby should always be alone in her sleep space (no stuffed animals, toys or blankets, and no bumpers if she’s in a crib). She should also never be inclined at an angle.
It’s okay to let your little one fall asleep in a stroller for short stretches of time when you are watching her closely. But, as with car seats, strollers shouldn’t be used for routine sleep. Many stroller seats are set at an incline, which can increase your baby’s risk of breathing difficulties. Strollers are also often padded, and babies can become trapped in the padding and subsequently unable to breathe fresh air. And should the stroller straps become loose, a baby could become tangled up, causing strangulation, or flip over if she’s not buckled in correctly.
The bottom line is that it’s fine to let your baby fall asleep in her stroller if you’re on the go. But don’t rely on your stroller for regular sleep, and always move her back to a safe sleep space as soon as you’re able.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, July 2022.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller, August 2022.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Carriages and Strollers Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide, 2023.
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