To save time, scroll below for a summary list of the Best Baby Strollers.
To save money, buy your stroller on Craigslist (we had multiple Craigslist strollers for different purposes over the years e.g., jogging, double, city streets, and then re-sold after use.)
Do I need a stroller?
A baby stroller is a “must-have” item for most parents, for power walks, runs, shopping, and strolling about the town, or city. Baby will love her stroller, too, appreciating the movement, change of scenery, and fresh air in getting outside.
What are the Different Types of Strollers?
There are several different types of strollers to choose from, including:
- Regular, all-purpose strollers: These mid-weight strollers are great for everyday activities.
- Lightweight strollers: These weigh less for families on-the-go, and they are great for travel.
- Travel systems: These come with an infant car seat that attaches to the stroller, which is handy when baby is an infant.
- Double strollers: If you have twins or siblings close in age, a double stroller can make strolls in the city or running errands much easier.
- Jogging strollers: These strollers are built with wheels and suspension systems that handle rougher terrain.
What kind of stroller do I want?
What qualities do you desire most in a stroller? Does it need to be lightweight and compact? Do you want a jogger? What is your budget? Remember that your priorities, terrain, and climate may be different from other parents touting their chosen stroller. For example, your sister in Houston may love her stylish, affordable Graco travel system. She nestles her infant carrier into the stroller frame and off she goes. Plastic wheels are fine for smooth terrain; however, navigating cobblestone streets in the snow in Boston will require a lighter stroller with all-terrain wheels and weather protection.
Be sure to test different strollers in a store before your purchase. Break them down, pull them out, lift them, and test-drive them with weight in the seat. You may love the look and style of a stroller online and then discover through testing that it is nearly impossible to break down and lift into your car.
Different Strokes…and Strollers for Different Folks
- Fitness Buffs. Some new parents may be unaware of initial restrictions when buying a jogging stroller. The minimum age recommendation for the BOB Revolution is six to eight months for jogging or off-road use, though some contend that jogging strollers are best for children over one year of age, due to developing neck muscles.
- Urbanites or city dwellers. Check to see if your compact stroller has a minimum age limit for use, such as three to six months (no newborns). Also, when shopping for lightweights and compacts, consider not only the weight of your stroller but also the rear wheel width. A wide wheelbase may not be able to squeeze through tight entryways, restaurants, and grocery aisles. Look for rear wheels less than 23” to clear narrow 24” doors.
- Tall Parents. Most stroller handlebars are manufactured for women of average height, or about 5’6”. If you or your spouse is taller, you should consider a stroller with an adjustable handlebar that goes to at least 42 inches. Here are some stroller models that are friendlier to tall parents: Mountain Buggy Terrain (48.6”), Stokke Xplory (45.5”), Bumbleride Indie (45”), Bugaboo Cameleon3 (44”), Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle (44”), Britax B-Ready (44”), Baby Jogger City Mini GT (43.8”), UPPAbaby Vista (42.8”), City Versa (42”), Bugaboo Bee (42”), and for umbrella strollers, UPPAbaby G-Lite and G-Luxe (42”), Joovy (42”), and Maclaren Techno (42”). Other popular stroller handle heights less than 42” are: Baby Jogger City Select (41.8”), B-Agile (fixed: 40”), BOB Revolution SE (fixed: 40.5”), Graco LiteRider (fixed: 39.3”), Graco FastAction Fold (fixed: 39.5”), and most Maclarens (41.5”).
- Petite Parents. Combi, a Japanese brand, is well-known for low handlebar heights, and many petite moms love easy-to-fold lightweight options, such as the City Mini or UPPAbaby G-lite.
- Coffee Connoisseurs. If you are planning to drink your cup of java and drive baby at the same time, you may want to consider a single handlebar stroller rather than one that requires two hands for pushing.
- Matchy-Matchy Moms. Blame the pregnancy hormones; many new moms regret buying the large, matching-fabric travel systems (the ones that could mow down small brush). Shortly after birth, this type of system may become too cumbersome for everyday use and a lighter stroller must be purchased. Remember: lighter is always better.
- Frugal Folks. Stroller companies, like cars, update models annually, so you may find deep discounts for last year’s models. Also, consider buying a stroller used on Craigslist and then re-sell it after use. Also, If your children are spaced more than two to three years apart, you may not need a double stroller at all. Supermarkets and warehouse stores often have double carts or special carts for multiple children, and so do popular children’s parks and zoos. For the first year, baby can remain in a front carrier for errands, while your toddler or preschooler uses the stroller. Also, you may consider using a wheeled board that attaches to your single stroller (an older sibling stands on a rolling board behind the stroller) to streamline your profile and save money.
- Accessory Aficionados. Beware of racking up excessive stroller accessory purchases. Rather than a $35 snack tray, try a $4 Munchkin snack cup. Skip the rain shield unless you live in the city, or need it for regular outdoor use, and remember you do not have to buy brand name accessories. Search for cheaper generic alternatives and read reviews for fit with your stroller. A few stroller accessories that are worth the cost:
- A hard, plastic drink holder (soft, canvas ones let your drink tip)
- Parent console or pouch for keys, cell phones, and tissues
- Toy bar for attaching toys, books, and sippy cups
- Warm bunting for cold weather, if required
- A clear wind and rain shield, if required
- Stroller hooks: Try the Mommy Hook for heavier shopping bags and smaller Think King Mighty Buggy hooks for your diaper bag
Summary of Best Strollers for 2019
(click on the Babylist, Mommyhood101, Working Mother, The Bump, and BabyGearLab links to compare)
Babylist.com
- High-Rise Hero: Baby Jogger City Mini GT Single Stroller
- Splurge Worthy: UPPAbaby Vista Stroller – Jake
- Luxurious Versatility: Bugaboo Cameleon³ Stroller
- Nap Champ: Nuna 2019 Mixx Stroller
- Jogger Light: Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller
- The Small Wonder: Babyzen YOYO+ 6+ Stroller
- Functional Favorite: Baby Jogger City Select Stroller
- Easy Install: Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
Mommyhood101.com
- Britax B-Lively 3 Stroller
- Graco Breaze Click Connect
- Baby Jogger City Tour Stroller
- Summer Infant 3D Lite Stroller
- Joovy Groove Ultralight Umbrella Stroller
- Summer Infant 3D One
- UPPAbaby G-Lite Stroller
- Chicco Capri Lightweight Stroller
WorkingMother.com
- Summer Infant 3Dlite+ Convenience Stroller
- Graco Modes2Grow Travel System
- Chicco Bravo Primo Quick-Fold Stroller
- BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 in Lunar
- Britax B-Lively Stroller
- Nuna DEMI Grow
- Doona
- Thule Sleek
- Safety 1st RIVA Travel System
- Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel System with SafeMax Infant Car Seat
- Nuna PEPP Next
- Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2
- Maxi-Cosi Lila
- Diono Traverze Twin
The Bump.com
- BEST CITY STROLLER: UPPABABY MINU
- BEST UMBRELLA STROLLER: SUMMER INFANT 3DFLIP CONVENIENCE
- MOST VERSATILE STROLLER: UPPABABY VISTA
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER: THE GB POCKIT
- BEST TRAVEL SYSTEM STROLLER: BRITAX 2017 B-AGILE 35 /B-SAFE ELITE TRAVEL SYSTEM
- BEST STROLLER UNDER $100: KOLCRAFT CLOUD PLUS
- BEST CAR SEAT/STROLLER COMBO: DOONA INFANT CAR SEAT
- BEST ALL-TERRAIN STROLLER: BOB REVOLUTION PRO
- BEST JOGGING STROLLER: THULE GLIDE
- BEST DOUBLE STROLLER: COUNTOURS OPTIONS ELITE TANDEM
- BEST SIT & STAND STROLLER: JOOVY CABOOSE ULTRALIGHT GRAPHITE STAND-ON TANDEM
- MOST STYLISH STROLLER: MOUNTAIN BUGGY COSMOPOLITAN GEO
- BEST STROLLER FOR MULTITASKING MOMS: JOOLZ HUB
- BEST LUXURY STROLLER: SILVER CROSS WAVE
BabyGearLab.com
- UPPAbaby Cruz: best overall baby stroller
- BOB Rambler: top all-terrain stroller
- Baby Jogger City Mini: best bang for the buck
- UPPAbaby Vista: top high-end stroller
- Doona Combo: big city taxi master
- BabyZen Yoyo+: top umbrella stroller
- ZOE XL1 BEST v2: budget-friendly lightweight stroller
- Thule Urban Glide 2: top jogging stroller
- Baby Trend Expedition: budget-friendly casual jogger
- Chicco Shuttle: top car seat frame
- Thule Urban Glide 2 Double: best double option
- Thule Sleek Double: best inline double
- Baby Trend Expedition Double: economical trike for two
- Joovy ScooterX2 with Tray: best double bang for the buck
- ZOE XL2 BEST v2: top lightweight two-seater
UPKiQ Picks
**Look on Craigslist for these strollers, if available**
Affiliate links are used below.
Best Overall: Baby Jogger City Mini GT Stroller
- Quick one-handed fold
- Lightweight
- Small footprint
- Great for city dwellers
- Parents like the hand-operated brake vs. foot brake
- Great for parents with bad backs
Best for Doubles (twins, close in age siblings): Baby Jogger City Mini GT Baby Double Stroller
- Quick one-handed fold (honestly, we had this double stroller)
- Lightweight
- Comfortable seat for both kids
Best Luxury Stroller with Versatility: UPPABaby Vista Stroller
- From birth, use the bassinet or pair with the UPPABaby Mesa or a compatible car seat
- As baby grows, switch the bassinet to a toddler seat
- Add a Rumble Seat for a 2nd child, or a PiggyBack Ride Along Board
- Heavier, sturdy stroller that requires space in your trunk or home
Best Jogging (All-Terrain): Bob Revolution PRO Jogging Stroller
- Air filled tires and mountain bike style suspension system
- Locking swivel front wheel
- Adjustable handlebar with hand brake provides downhill control
- One hand near flat recline
- Travel system ready with BOB or Britax car seats (with adapter)
Best Jogging (Lightweight): Thule Urban Glide 2
- Better jogging stroller for city dwellers (the BOB is best for trails)
- Reclines, small enough to use as an everyday stroller
- Swivel front wheel locks in place for jogging
- One-handed, compact fold to easily store and transport
- Large storage basket
Best Travel Stroller: BabyZen Yoyo+
- Rain Cover & Storage Bag Included
- Removable & washable fabric
- 4 wheel suspension
- Easy to clear in crowded spaces with 140 degree recline
- Fits most aircraft overhead compartments
Best Lightweight (affordable): Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
- Sturdier and more durable than 7-8 lb. umbrella strollers
- Reclines to sleeping position
- Better for taller parents than Cosco umbrella strollers
- Larger canopy than cheaper umbrella options
- Storage basket and 5-point harness