Many parents welcome the mobility they get from using the best baby strollers. It’s much easier to take walks, go shopping, run errands, travel or go out to lunch when baby and gear are tucked safely in the stroller.
You can also benefit from new technology and design improvements that are built into today’s best-rated baby strollers. Choose from traditional strollers, joggers or multi-use transport systems that can transition from stroller to car seat to carrier.
This buyer’s guide answers many questions commonly asked by parents getting ready to purchase a stroller. Since no two strollers are the same, these reviews can help you decide which one will work best for you and your baby.
The useful life of the stroller varies depending on the type of stroller. Some are safe for infants who can’t sit up, while others work through preschool. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for age and weight restrictions.
From my perspective, strollers are an essential piece of parenting gear that makes getting out into the world significantly easier. Not only do you free up your hands, but you don’t have to carry the child everywhere. Plus, accompanying snacks, bottles, diapers, and other child and parent necessities can be transported in storage compartments.
Many companies offer limited warranties against manufacturing defects, but not malfunctions. Warranty periods vary, and proof of purchase or product registration may be required to qualify for coverage. Some suppliers may accept returns and give a full refund if the unit has not been used. Review the manufacturer’s terms before buying the stroller.
While wiping down strollers is quick and easy, sometimes they need a thorough cleaning. Use a hand-held vacuum to remove crumbs and other residue from the seating area. Clean the seat and canopy with a soft cloth, mild soap and water, and use a cloth brush for sticky spots. Towel dry after cleaning. Remove outdoor debris that may be stuck in brakes or wheels. Once the unit is dry, fold and store for the next usage.
Most strollers are gate-checked as luggage before boarding the plane, although airlines typically don’t charge additional luggage fees for strollers. Some umbrella strollers can fit in overhead compartments and may be allowed on planes. Airlines typically have standard procedures for handling strollers, so it’s best to check with your airline before your flight.
Newborns can’t use strollers that only accommodate upright seating. Some strollers, including travel systems, come with attachable bassinets for use during infancy until the child can sit without assistance.
Jogging strollers are more difficult to maneuver in crowds or tight spaces and not recommended for those environments. If you typically have more room to work with and you choose to purchase a jogger, be sure it has a swivel front wheel that can be unlocked for normal use and locked in place while jogging.
Most parents can find a stroller that is usable while maintaining a proper posture. For the most flexibility, purchase a stroller with an adjustable handlebar, especially if there is a significant height difference between the two parents.
The ease of folding and storing varies depending on the stroller. Some can be folded with one hand, while others require practice before taking them on the road. In general, smaller and lighter strollers are easier and take less time to fold than units with detachable bassinets, car seats and their respective adaptor devices.
While some strollers include detachable car seats that fit directly into the stroller frame, others allow for attaching the car seat to the stroller using an adaptor. Smaller strollers, such as travel or umbrella strollers, do not work with car seats.
Considered the workhorse of strollers, these carriers can often be used from birth through preschool or later. Features can include reclining seats, car seat compatibility, and maneuverability. Traditional strollers such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT run in the medium price range.
Also referred to as car seat carrier strollers, frame strollers can attach to compatible infant car seats. Frames are lightweight, consisting mainly of handles, storage baskets, and wheels. They fold easily and make moving around simpler during the baby’s first year. Frame strollers like the Graco Snugrider Elite Stroller and Car Seat Carrier often run in the lower price range.
The combination stroller, car seat and base create a full-service travel system. Move babies from car to stroller without waking them. Adjustable backrest helps older children lie or sit in comfortable positions. The Britax B-Agile 3/B-Safe 35 Travel System is a popular option, usually priced in the medium to high range.
Umbrella strollers, such as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller, are for children over six months old. Rides may not be as comfortable as other options due to less suspension, less seat support and smaller wheels. Parents often use these low-priced strollers for short trips when a full stroller isn’t needed.
Parents who often travel by air will love this lightweight option. The GB Pockit Stroller folds easily to fit in airline overhead compartments or under seats. Use after children can sit upright without help. Travel strollers typically run in the low to medium price range.
To maintain your daily walking or jogging exercise routine, a jogger like the Thule Urban Glide can work perfectly. These specially-designed, three-wheel strollers feature all-terrain wheels, hand brakes and adjustable handlebars to accommodate short or tall parents. Depending on features, prices run from low to high.
Also known as a stroller/jogger hybrid, this option is for parents who want to purchase one stroller for multiple types of uses. Hybrids have front wheels that lock while jogging and unlock for regular use. The Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single Stroller features a swivel lock mounted on the handlebars for changing modes without having to touch the wheel. Prices generally run in the higher range.
When you have two children under four, double strollers can be a lifesaver when you’re on the move by yourself. Side-by-side seating, featured on the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie Stroller, is easier to maneuver in turns and over curbs when children are close in height and weight but can be a tight fit through standard doorways. This model typically runs in the medium to high price range.
Double tandem strollers are designed with one seat directly behind the other for a narrower footprint than side-by-side strollers. The front seat typically doesn’t recline. Some models have seats facing each other, while others set the seats back-to-back at different heights. Often in the medium price range, select models, such as the Graco DuoGlider Click Connect Stroller, can fit two car seats.
Many parents, myself included, consider a baby stroller to be a critical piece of equipment for maintaining an active lifestyle for the following reasons:
Strollers allow parents to conveniently transport children and the items needed to care for or entertain them while performing other tasks, such as shopping or running errands.
Spend more quality time with your children outside the home. Enjoy long walks, shopping, traveling or running errands as a family.
Choose the right stroller so both you and your child will be comfortable. Different strollers support children of different sizes, while adjustable handlebars can add to the parent’s comfort.
Many strollers come with safety features, such as UV protection canopies, bug netting, insulation and weather protection, locking brakes, and safety belts. There are fewer places safer for your baby than in the stroller.
Many strollers can be pushed or folded with one hand. Car seats and bassinets clip in and out quickly to move children without waking.
Safety is the first consideration when choosing between best-selling baby strollers. Review safety features, including any certifications, before making a purchase. Then think about how you’ll be using the stroller to fit into your lifestyle. Will it be mostly used outdoors, for longer time periods during travel, or mainly for shopping trips and errands?
Check out different features, such as seating comfortability and positioning options, snack trays, and storage. Finally, make sure you’ll be comfortable using the stroller by evaluating weight, handlebar height and ease of folding. Whenever possible, test drive the stroller before making this purchase you’ll be using for years to come.
These five contenders for top baby stroller brands offer a variety of options to choose from:
BOB Gear, a subsidiary of Britax, specializes in baby strollers and travel systems for active parents, including both single and dual strollers.
Graco designs strollers with safety, comfort, convenience, versatility and style in mind. They offer strollers for many ages and types of uses.
Baby Jogger offers strollers for parents who want to be active in urban, suburban or rural settings. They offer a wide variety of accessories to make moving around comfortable for baby and parent.
Britax offers strollers and travel systems with the baby’s safety and comfort at the forefront. They offer full-size, compact and modular strollers.
Bugaboo strollers offer parents style, comfort and safety. Strollers come in a variety of colors with convenient accessories.
Winning the 2014 Guinness World Record for the lightest stroller, the GB Pockit Lightweight Stroller helps busy parents move quickly throughout the day’s activities. This easy-to-use stroller has swivel-lock wheels and up to 11 pounds of storage. Once folded, it fits in airplane overhead compartment bins.
When you're moving with two, the Thule Urban Glide 2.0 Double Jogging Stroller makes it easier to get around. From reclining seats to advanced suspension to side windows, children are comfortable whether awake or asleep. Provides enough storage space to carry supplies for two children plus yourself.
Bang for your buck
The UPPAbaby Vista Stroller leads the way with options for the growing family. The bassinet carrier makes the perfect bed for infants. Compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat, the stroller becomes a fully functional travel system. Toddlers can sit either forward or backward. Can accommodate up to three children with accessories.
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller is a budget-friendly option that comes with both a parent and child tray, reclining seat, and peek-a-boo windows. It maneuvers well and is compact once folded.
Using the Baby Jogger Citi Mini GT for errands around town will seem easier than ever. Simply lift a strap and the stroller folds on its own. Set the front wheel on swivel mode for crowded or tight areas or lock the front wheel for longer strolling lanes. The padded seat and front-end suspension give children a smooth, comfortable ride.
For on-the-go parents, the top-ranked jogging stroller is the Baby Jogger 2016 Summit X3 Single Stroller. With excellent performance and maneuverability on all types of terrain, this durable jogger can double as a standard stroller with a flick of the wheel-locking lever. Its padded seat reclines to a nearly flat position and has an adjustable canopy with side windows and ventilation panels. Safety features include a five-point harness, shoulder pads, and rear parking brake.
Travel in style and comfort with the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System. A large canopy, large wheels, extra storage compartments, adjustable handlebars and multi-position recline are just some of the features you’ll enjoy. The integrated system of Safe Cell Impact Protection components protects children beyond federal safety standards.
Hitting the road, beach, trail or park is easy when you travel with the BOB Revolution SE all-terrain jogging stroller. The adjustable suspension system and larger, wider wheels deliver a smooth ride. Add accessories such as car seat adaptor, snack tray, and handlebar console.
The best overall baby stroller is the Baby Jogger Citi Mini GT. Its compact, lightweight frame folds quickly with just one hand. This versatile option works wherever you’re going.
The front wheel locks for longer strolls or unlocks to maneuver through crowds or tight spaces. All-terrain wheels with front-wheel suspension give your child a comfortable ride, while the protective canopy and restraint systems keep your child safe.
As a mom with kids, I know what features work well when I’m on the move with a stroller and children in tow. I also poured over baby stroller reviews and considered a combination of features, including safety, comfortability for both children and parents, weight, storage capacity, ease of folding and carrying, options for accessorizing, and price. No stroller will be perfect for every type of outing, but some are more flexible and can be used longer as the child grows.
Related Post: The Best Sit-and-Stand Strollers
One of the most important accessories to consider is the five-point restraint system that secures children above the shoulders, at the waist, and between the legs. It can be used with most strollers as long as the straps can be attached through and around the seat. This feature may be included or purchased separately.
For comfort and protection from inclement weather, consider purchasing a weather cover. Some have clear or mesh side windows so that the child can look out or you can look in. Those in colder climates may choose an insulated cover for additional warmth. Weather covers are not typically needed in dry, sunnier regions.
If you head outdoors on a regular basis, consider adding a bug net to protect children from mosquito bites, bee stings, or other annoying insects. If you live in a colder climate without bugs or are outside mainly in colder months, this accessory is typically not needed.
Choosing a baby stroller is like buying a car that you’ll be driving for several years. Find one that feels comfortable and fits your lifestyle. Watch online videos to see how other parents interact with the stroller, and whenever possible, take a test drive.
Try placing a sample into your vehicle’s trunk and walk around with it to make sure the handlebars lock in a comfortable position and your legs or feet don’t hit the frame or wheels. Once you’ve made your decision, you’re on the way to enjoying the flexibility and freedom of moving around with your child.
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