When it comes to gearing up for a newborn, there’s no shortage of stuff that people insist you’re going to need. But to be honest, you could probably do without more than half of those things. (Skip the wipes warmer—trust us on this one.) There is one item, however, that you’re definitely going to want: a stroller. It’s one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make, and with so many options, it’s also one of the most confusing. That’s why we talked to parents, tested strollers firsthand and tapped the experts at Buy Buy Baby to uncover the top picks for your every need. Here, the seven best strollers.
The 6 Best Strollers for Every Need (and Budget)
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Published Sep 30, 2022
The Best Strollers at a Glance
- Best Overall: UPPAbaby Vista 2 Stroller
- Most Lightweight Stroller: Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller Frame
- Best Jogging Stroller: Bob Rambler Jogging Stroller
- Best Double Stroller: Contours Options Elite V2 Tandem Stroller
- Best Bang for Your Buck: Chicco Bravel Le Trio Travel System
- Best Compact Stroller: UPPAbaby Minu Stroller
It may be one of the pricier options on the list, but parents love this luxury stroller and how great it is for a growing family. That’s because the Vista includes a bassinet and toddler seat, and with the extra purchase of a Rumble Seat and PiggyBack board, you can fit up to three kids on this one stroller. Pretty cool, right? It also folds in one step, with or without the seat attached.
What parents say: “This stroller has been a lifesaver! Our baby is about to be one and we have used the stroller along with the UPPAbaby car seat since the first week. The bassinet was so practical the first few months for taking her on walks almost every day. The best benefit is how easy the car seat fits into the frame. ... The basket at the bottom is huge and awesome."
Planning on taking a lot of trips with your mini? This travel-friendly umbrella stroller is lightweight, coming in at just over 13 pounds, ultra-compact and folds down into a bag-like form to fit into most airplane overhead compartments. That means you can use it from the moment you step off the plane (no more lugging your own carry-on and a squirming toddler around the airport). Parents also love that it comes with the ability to recline and can hook on to car seat adapters, making it one of the most flexible travel options around. It also has some upgrades on the beloved Yoyo+ that's since been discontinued, including a more luxe handlebar and all-wheel suspension, making for a smoother ride. But keep in mind that there's a minimum weight requirement of 5 pounds.
What parents say: One mom gave a glowing review of an older model of this stroller, the Yoyo+. “I purchased this for a solo trip to visit family with my 2 1/2-year-old and 3-month-old. It was perfect for maneuvering through the airport and I appreciated not having to wait for my stroller once I got off the plane. (I was able to carry the stroller onboard and tuck it under my kid's seat). It's super easy to use. Stylish. And offers a smooth ride for my baby. Now my husband keeps it in his truck. The compact size allows him to have a stroller safely tucked behind his seat.”
Whether you like to do a brisk lap around the park or have a full marathon under your belt, there’s no reason to stop running once you have kids. Just make sure you get a stroller that can absorb all that bouncing on uneven surfaces. This all-terrain option boasts extra-large tires to smoothen bumps and an all-wheel suspension for stability (lock the front wheels when running to keep the stroller going straight). It also features an extra-large canopy—great for those summer runs. It works with major car seat brands (adapter sold separately) to create a complete travel system. But know that although this stroller is suitable for newborns with the use of an infant car seat adapter (again, sold separately), it's not recommended you use it for running until baby is eight months. Roll on.
What parents say: “I wanted a high-quality stroller that I could use for everything. This is it. I live in Montana so I wanted a stroller that could get through snow, over bumpy gravel roads, a nice leisurely walk, hiking, shopping, and to all the local events. This stroller is perfect. I have had no problems with it.”
Whether you need a double stroller right away or you’re just thinking long-term, investing in one that gives you options is never a bad idea. And this one offers up to seven different seating configurations for two children and two infant car seats (each seat can accommodate up to 40 pounds), giving you maximum flexibility, depending on what mood your kids are in. And while you’d think that with everything going on up top, it would mean less space down below, parents rave about the large storage basket. Other favorite features include the lightweight aluminum frame and sandal-friendly brake pedals.
What parents say: “We have been so pleased with this stroller. ... We love how you can adjust the seats and fold it down nicely. It was a little hard to figure out how to smoothly open and close it, but we eventually got the hang of it! We are able to fit it in our Honda Civic trunk as long as we take the two seats off. Overall, we are pleased with it and will recommend it to others who have young children close in age!"
This is a great budget-friendly option since the three-in-one travel system comes with an included infant car seat, taking your kid from the hospital to toddlerhood. It also comes with an adjustable canopy, a child tray with two cupholders and a parents’ tray with two cup holders.
What parents say: “I bought this recently for my 2-month-old. I went through a few strollers and one 3-in-1 system before and it was not easy to use. This system has been a breeze. I'm not frustrated getting my baby in and out. It breaks down with one simple click. Easy to assemble and very stylish as a bonus!! I love it and would recommend it to all my mom friends.”
When space is at a premium, you need a stroller that’s compact and can easily be folded up and tucked away. (Bonus points for one that can be carried up a three-story walk-up.) With its one-hand fold so that you can hold baby in the other arm and convenient carrying handle and shoulder strap, this lightweight stroller clocking in 15 pounds fits the bill. One extra-nice feature? It stands up when folded so that you can store it wherever you need. The leather handlebars aren’t bad, either.
What parents say: “This stroller is perfect for people who live in walk-up buildings like me. me. I live on the sixth floor, and this makes it convenient to walk up and hold my baby instead of asking for help.”
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Alexia Dellner is a senior editor at PureWow who has over ten years of experience covering a broad range of topics including health, wellness, family, culture and identity. In her writing, she seeks to inspire, illuminate and inform.
