The Stroller You Need Depends on Your Life
There is no single "best stroller" — there's the best stroller for your lifestyle, terrain, budget, and car. Before browsing models, answer these questions: Will you use it mostly for neighborhood walks or travel? Do you have stairs to navigate? How big is your car trunk? Will you need to fold it one-handed? Do you jog? Will you have a second child soon?
Types of Strollers
Full-Size Strollers
The all-rounders. Sturdy, feature-rich, with large storage baskets, adjustable handlebars, multiple recline positions, and smooth rides. Many accept infant car seats with adapters, creating a "travel system." Downsides: heavy (20–30 lbs), bulky fold, and pricey ($300–1,200).
Best for: Daily neighborhood walks, shopping, families who drive everywhere.
Lightweight / Compact Strollers
Weigh 12–18 lbs with a compact fold. Many are now full-featured despite the smaller frame. Great for travel, public transit, and tight spaces. Trade-offs: smaller wheels (bumpier ride on rough terrain), less storage, and some don't fully recline for young babies.
Best for: Urban families, frequent travelers, public transit users.
Umbrella Strollers
The lightest option (8–12 lbs) with a simple umbrella-fold. Minimal features — usually no recline, minimal storage, basic sun canopy. But unbeatable for travel and quick errands.
Best for: Secondary stroller for travel and errands, toddlers 6+ months.
Jogging Strollers
Three-wheeled with air-filled tires, suspension, and a hand brake. Designed for running on roads and trails. They're large and heavy but provide the smoothest ride on any terrain. Most aren't suitable for babies under 6–8 months due to the fixed front wheel and lack of head support.
Best for: Running parents, rough terrain, gravel paths.
Double Strollers
Side-by-side or tandem (front-to-back). Side-by-side models give both kids equal views but are very wide. Tandem models are narrower but heavier, and the back child has a limited view. Consider a sit-and-stand model if your older child is 2.5+.
Best for: Twins, or siblings close in age.
Features That Actually Matter
- One-hand fold — when you're holding a baby, one-hand fold is not a luxury, it's a necessity.
- Recline — if using from birth, you need a near-flat recline. Upright-only strollers work for 6+ months.
- Sun canopy — large, extendable, UPF 50+ canopy is one of the most-used features. Don't compromise here.
- Storage basket — needs to hold a diaper bag. Test access from both front and back.
- Handlebar height — adjustable is ideal, especially if parents are different heights.
- Weight — you'll be lifting it into and out of your car multiple times a day.
Before You Buy
Test it in the store — fold it, steer it, load the basket, adjust the recline. Check YouTube for real-parent reviews (not sponsored ones). Measure your car trunk. Consider buying lightly used — strollers depreciate fast but hold up well physically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of stroller is best for a newborn?
A full-size stroller with a near-flat recline or one that accepts an infant car seat as a travel system is best for newborns. Umbrella and jogging strollers are generally not suitable until baby is 6+ months with good head control.
Do I need more than one stroller?
Many families find two strollers useful: a full-size for daily walks and a lightweight or umbrella stroller for travel and errands. However, some compact strollers now offer full-featured functionality at a lighter weight, making a single stroller possible.
What stroller features matter most?
One-hand fold is essential when holding a baby. A large UPF 50+ sun canopy is one of the most-used features. Also prioritize a storage basket that fits a diaper bag, adjustable handlebar height, and a weight you can comfortably lift into your car.
