How to Buy the Best Strollers

The Best Strollers

The highlights:

  • Let’s take a moment to pay tribute to the stroller basket of all stroller baskets: Its ability to hold up to 30 pounds of groceries, baby gear and the like makes it one of the roomiest on the market.
  • Folding and unfolding happens in a seamless single step, and the stroller stands when folded for easy and compact storage.
  • The all-wheel suspension and lightweight design (it clocks in at just 25.5 lbs) make it easy to navigate almost any terrain.
  • With leather accents and multiple fabric options, the Cruz V2 is equally as fashionable as it is functional.

Ages: From 3 months to 50 pounds

Buy it: $700, BuyBuyBaby.com

  • This is a stroller that can truly grow with your family: The Mockingbird offers more than 13 different double-seating arrangements, allowing for two infant car seats, two stroller seats or one of each. Need room for three? A kick-board option is on the horizon, as well.
  • The design allows for unobstructed views for each child—and keeps the storage basket accessible as well.
  • The all-weather canopy provides both protection from the elements (with UPF 50+ coverage) and visual stimulation (thanks to high-contrast, black-and-white pattern on the interior).
  • It can be folded with one hand and both seats attached.

Ages: Up to 45 pounds per seat

Buy it: $395, HelloMockingbird.com

  • It’s a complete travel system in one unit.
  • If baby is sleeping, no need to risk a wake-up by taking them out of the car seat. Simply remove the entire thing, drop the wheels and roll wherever you need to go.
  • It can be safely used with or without a base—a great feature for parents who take taxis or Ubers.

Ages: from 4 to 35 pounds and 32 inches

The highlights:

  • Strollers often need to be folded at the most inopportune times (like before entering airport security, Disney World buses, subway stairs and more)—but the Metro+ collapses in just seconds and with one hand.
  • Hidden flaps can be used to create a “newborn nest,” making travel possible (and comfortable) from the get-go.
  • Achieving naps on the go has never been easier, thanks to an ergonomically padded seat, flat recline and footrest and spring suspension, which helps to smooth over bumps and terrain.
  • Prepare for all weather and climates with the UPF 50 sun-canopy and rain shield.

Ages: Newborn to 50 pounds

Buy it: $299, Ergobaby.com

  • Bumps in the road don’t stand a chance, thanks to this stroller’s SmoothShox suspension system, air-filled tires and stainless-steel ball bearings.
  • The handlebar features a handbrake for downhill control, but its off-center placement still allows for one-handed steering.
  • Snacks, toys, diapers, water, keys, cell phone—it all has a secure place, thanks to the stroller’s five zippered pockets.
  • Whether you’re running in the dark, heat or rain, the all-weather reflective canopy will keep your little one safe and dry.

Ages: 8 weeks (walking only) to 75 pounds

Buy it: $680, BuyBuyBaby.com

  • Weighing in at just 12 lbs, the 3DFlip requires little effort, whether you’re pushing, lifting or storing it away.
  • You can shift it into six different recline positions with one hand.
  • Even on such a lightweight frame, safety isn’t sacrificed. Tap the rear wheel locks with your foot to anchor it into place.

Ages: From 3 months to 55 pounds

  • The Pipa Lite’s dream drape feature creates an ideal environment for naps and offers almost complete protection from the elements (which means no more draping a swaddle over the car seat).
  • Forget fumbling with a five-point harness: The Tavo Next has a self-guiding, magnetic buckle that automatically locks into place.
  • The underneath storage basket features a secret zippered compartment to keep your important belongings secure while you’re on the go.

Buy it: $900, PotteryBarnKids.com

  • For a lightweight stroller (10.5 lbs!), it sure can hold a lot: It has the capacity for up a child up to 55 pounds.
  • It’s so ultra-compact when folded that you can fit it into a tote bag.
  • Lightweight strollers can be notoriously tricky to steer, but the Pockit’s one-handed push and front swivel wheels make maneuvering crowded airports and sidewalks a breeze.

Ages: 6 months to 55 pounds

  • The Vista V2 comes with a bassinet (it’s not sold separately), which is the perfect space for a sleeping newborn on the go. As a bonus, the Vista’s bassinet also connects to a separate stand for overnight sleep.
  • No adapters are needed to connect the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat to the stroller, making for easy transfers from car to stroller and back again.
  • Leaving the house with a newborn also means leaving with lots of stuff (bottles, diapers, wipes, outfits)—but the extra-large basket has room for it all (and then some).

Ages: Bassinet from birth to 20 pounds, toddler seat from 3 months to 50 pounds

Buy it: $1,000, BuyBuyBaby.com

  • With a weight capacity of up to 64 pounds, this stroller will grow with your little one until they’re not-so-little anymore.
  • A step-in footrest makes it easy for toddlers to climb into their seat on their own.
  • At 30 percent smaller than traditional three-wheel strollers, the Spring is easy to maneuver, fold and transport—key for keeping up with a busy toddler.
  • A fun bonus: It meets Disney World’s stroller-size requirements.

Ages: Up to 64 pounds

Buy it: $400, BuyBuyBaby.com

  • The best compact strollers are portable, and an elastic shoulder strap makes it easy to tote this one on-the-go while keeping parents hands-free.
  • It’s not sorcery, but it’s close: Folding and unfolding the Joolz Aer takes just one hand, one button and, most impressively, one second.
  • This stroller arrives fully assembled. We repeat: Fully. Assembled.

Ages: From birth (with bassinet attachment (sold separately), 6 months without) to 50 pounds

Buy it: $429, PotteryBarnKids.com

  • The availability of elevated and reclinable seats, all with magnetic five-point harnesses, means everyone has a secure spot (and makes loading and unloading a breeze).
  • The Wonderfold is truly multipurpose: All the seats are removable if you need it to function solely as a wagon; a bassinet attachment transforms it into a crib on-the-go; pop the one-step foot brake and it becomes a pack-and-play.
  • The slidable canopy and adjustable canopy rods keep all passengers shaded and protected from the elements.
  • With a total weight capacity of a whopping 300 pounds, the W4 Luxe is built to carry all of your belongings.

Ages: 6 months+(99 pounds per bench seat)

Buy it: $899, Nordstrom.com

  • The FlexCore suspension system can be adjusted with a simple push from your foot, optimizing the stroller’s ride for smooth or rugged terrain.
  • The Activ3 Air puts the controls for the front-swivel wheel and rear-wheel brakes right at your fingertips on the handlebars, meaning you won’t miss a step to adjust pace.
  • The stroller is also compatible with all Chicco car seats, allowing you to hit the road—any road—from day one.

Ages: 6 months to 50 pounds

Buy it: $300, Walmart.com