Having a good stroller is a must for many parents. Not only are strollers convenient, many babies thoroughly enjoy going for a ride. With so many different brands and types of strollers to choose from, you might get a little overwhelmed. We completed quite a few stroller reviews and have the low down for you about some of the best strollers on the market and the things you should look for when picking a stroller.
As I said in our post about the best baby products, navigating the world of baby gear can be a challenge. I was clueless when I filled out my Amazon Baby Registry but I was lucky enough to select a BOB jogging stroller that worked with my infant car seat. I was familiar with the mainstream brands of baby gear, but I didn't know anything about the world of high-end strollers.
I've learned so much since starting this blog in 2012 and have been fortunate enough to do a lot of stroller reviews. I'm excited to share what I've learned so you can figure out the best stroller for your needs
What are the things to consider when buying a stroller?
First, you need to determine your budget. Strollers can range in price from $50 up to $1300+ so you need to figure out what your max budget is.
Next, you'll want to think about how many children you plan to have. If this is your first baby, you might want to think about getting a stroller that can convert to a double down the road. Or, if you plan to sell your single stroller and buy a double down the road, you'll want to choose a single stroller that will retain its value.
You'll also want to decide if you're going to have one (and ONLY one) stroller, or if you're okay with having 2-3 strollers that have different uses. I've had up to six strollers at one time for my two children since they all served different purposes. I had a simple umbrella for quick trips with one baby, a single jogging stroller for exercising with one child, a double jogger for when I had both kids, a side by side double stroller, a tandem stroller, and a single stroller travel system. Sure, I could have gotten by with only 1 or 2 of those, but I'm glad I had them at different times.
Where you plan to stroll is also important. If you live in Boston with cobblestone streets, you'll need an all-terrain or jogging stroller to handle those bumps. If you live in the suburbs then a standard stroller will probably suit your needs just fine.
Another thing to consider is the size of your car. If you've got a small hatchback, a large double jogging stroller is probably not going to work for you.
What are the different types of strollers?
There are special considerations you have to take into account when buying a stroller. If you're shopping for a brand new baby, you'll likely want a stroller that accepts an infant car seat that locks into the stroller frame. Or, if you'll be using a convertible car seat from day 1 (like the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit or Diono Radian RXT), you'll need a stroller that can accommodate a newborn in a flat position. Since newborns have no head and neck control, an upright position isn't safe for them.
- Car seat stroller frames. These are basic frames that you can use with your infant car seat to create a stroller. You'll only be able to use it as long as your child is in their infant seat (usually no longer than 13 months or so).
- All in one travel system. This is a set that comes with an infant carrier and a stroller that accepts the infant car seat, but also has a traditional seat for the baby once he or she has outgrown the infant seat. An example of this would be the Britax B-Agile travel system.
- Single, traditional stroller. This is a stroller meant for one baby. They can range in price and can be simple or super decked out. Strollers have come a long way in the past several years and now you can find features like reversible seats, huge canopies, and more on most mainstream brands.
- Umbrella stroller. A simple and very lightweight stroller for babies 6 months and up. They usually have a small canopy and can be folded to carry easily.
- Modular stroller. These strollers can accept an infant car seat or might have a removable seat that you can replace with a bassinet to create a pram. A popular version of this is the Britax B-Ready. The B-Ready also converts into a double stroller as your family grows with the purchase of a second seat.
- Jogging stroller. These strollers are specially designed for running. They're usually all-terrain and have special air-filled back tires and a lockable front wheel. Some of these strollers may accept an infant stroller with a special adapter, but it's not recommended to actually jog with an infant until they're around 6 months old.
- Double stroller. A double stroller can accommodate two children are either tandem (front and back) or side-by-side.
- Triple strollers and up. For families with multiple children, there are specialty strollers available.
Stroller Reviews
Single stroller reviews:
- Baby Roues Le Tour II
- Britax Affinity
- Britax B-Agile
- Britax B-Ready single to double stroller (older model from 2013 Britax B-Ready also reviewed) (Best all-around stroller)
- Delta Children Max Ultimate Stroller
- gB Pockit Stroller (BEST travel stroller)
- Joovy Qool
- Joovy Scooter
- Joovy TooFold
- Mamas and Papas Urbo2 (also check out the Urbo2 in Atticus print)
- Quinny Buzz Xtra
- Stokke Scoot
- Summer Infant 3L Lite
Double stroller reviews:
- Britax B-Ready single to double stroller (older model from 2013 Britax B-Ready also reviewed) (Best all-around stroller)
- Joovy Caboose VaryLight
- Joovy Cocoon X2
- Joovy Twin Groove UltraLight
- Thule Urban Glide 2 Double Stroller
Jogging stroller reviews:
- Baby Jogger Summit X3
- Joovy Zoom 360
- Thule Urban Glide 2 Double Stroller
Which stroller do you have your eye on?
I hope these stroller reviews are helpful!
Be sure to also check out our ultimate car seat guide with tons of car seat reviews. Our post about the best baby products might also come in helpful on your quest for the perfect stroller.
Casey Horseman says
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked
submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr...
well I'm not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say
wonderful blog!