Gear

The Best Baby Strollers for Your Family’s Needs

by Bethany Braun-Silva


The Best Baby Strollers for Your Family’s Needs
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One the most essential items you will need when welcoming a new baby is a baby stroller. Even if you plan on spending those first few months in voluntary hibernation, you’re going to have to leave the house sometimes. Whether it’s for doctors appointments, a trip to the park or even getting a bit of exercise, a baby stroller can make life as a new parent that much easier. Although it might not seem that way at first. With hundreds of stroller brands and their subsequent models to consider, choosing the best baby stroller can be daunting to first-time parents. And if you’ve already got a little one and have another baby on the way, you’ll want to decide between a double stroller or a sit-and-stand (yes, there’s a difference). Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be, because we’re breaking down the best baby strollers to meet your family’s needs.

 

 

 

What Are the Different Types of Strollers for Baby?

 

        • Travel Systems

Travel systems include an infant car seat and a stroller that you can easily snap the car seat onto. Because you have to leave the hospital with baby secured in an infant car seat, a travel system is a great baby stroller option. A travel system is also perfect for those early days of transporting a newborn to and from the car without waking them up (trust us, this is important!). Not surprisingly, travel systems are the most popular pick among first-time parents.

 

        • Lightweight Strollers

These strollers are great as a secondary stroller, as they can’t accommodate babies younger than 6 months old. Once your little one grows, a lightweight or umbrella stroller is a more affordable option that’s especially good for parents on the go. You can easily carry your child up and down subway station stairs in one, or fold it up for air or car travel.

        • Jogging Strollers

If you want to stay active with your baby, a jogging stroller can provide that opportunity. Jogging strollers are the most souped up of the lot and usually come with air-filled tires, suspension systems and hand-activated breaks. They are typically more bulky, but can be a great asset if you enjoy outdoor activities.

 

        • Double Strollers

These strollers can come in two variations, either double wide (seats are side by side) or tandem (one seat is behind the other). Either is a good option based on your specific needs and the ages of your children — are they twins or do you have a newborn and a toddler? The latest double strollers are even customizable, meaning you can change your children’s seating positions, either forward facing or backward, or even have kids face each other in a tandem.

 

        • Sit-and-Stand Strollers

These are great for parents who have children that are a few years apart in age. Older kids can sit or stand in the back of the stroller, while the little one rests comfortably in the front, either in a car seat or the stroller seat. Getting around with two kids just got easier!

 

Why You  Need a Stroller

Most baby strollers on the market will accommodate children from birth until they are 50 lbs. That means that for the first three years of your child’s life, you have the ability to easily move with them from place to place. Even if baby wearing is your thing, a stroller is still a great investment and an essential piece of gear that families will definitely want to have handy as baby grows.

 

What to Consider When Buying a Baby Stroller

When trying to decide the best baby stroller for your family, ask yourself the following questions:

 

        • What is your budget?
        • Do you need a double or single stroller?
        • Will you need to lift and fold the stroller often?
        • Will you be driving with baby regularly?
        • Will the baby stroller grow with your child?
        • Will you be buying more than one stroller?
        • What stroller accessories will you need/want?

 

Since strollers are usually an investment, it’s best to do your research. Here we break down the best baby strollers of 2019, including customer reviews.

 

Image Credits: Amazon

Best Stroller for Everyday Use

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

Price:$380.00

This travel system easily folds down to a small, convenient size and stands on its own when folded. It acts as a car seat carrier, a travel system and a toddler stroller, so you are essentially getting three strollers in one. The canopy, when paired with the car seat, provides a fully enclosed cover for your baby, which is great for naps or protection from the wind or sun.

Specifications:
Can accommodate a child from birth to 50 lbs.
Stroller weighs 23 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
It is easy to use and to transport, with a single hand you can collapse the stroller and have it ready to stow away.

The stroller folds up super easily and nicely and remains standing on its own (others fall down if you don't hold onto them).

We absolutely love this stroller combo. Easy to assemble. If you are a mom that needs something that isn't complicated to fold or move this is what you need.

Image Credits: Amazon

Best Jogging Stroller

BOB Revolution Flex Lunar

Price:$409.00

This all-terrain stroller is great for any environment. It has reflective material to make sure you and baby are seen and safe, an ultra-padded seat, ventilation and parent wrist straps for an added safety measure. It’s also available as a double stroller and travel system. The handlebar is also fully adjustable, which makes it great for parents or caregivers of different heights, and the front wheel can lock, which is very important for jogging on rougher terrain. Outdoorsy types swear by the BOB Revolution Flex, but it’s just as good for a quick trip to the grocery store, too!

Specifications:
Can accommodate children 5-70lbs.
Stroller weighs 26.2 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
It's very comfortable to go on walks/runs with! I feel like my child is very safe while I'm running. Very easy to access the brakes!

I love that the handlebar is so comfortable and adjustable. I am 5'2" and my husband is 6'3" - we can both use this stroller without any issues.

In general, I love this stroller. I would have given it a fifth star if I didn't have to inflate the tires so regularly. I bought a portable bike pump for it and the pump always stays with the stroller because the tires are so often low or flat.

Image Credits: Target

Best Affordable stroller

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller

Price:$108.00

This more affordable jogging stroller features large bicycle tires that can be locked or unlocked for easier maneuvering. It also has a long canopy to block baby from the sun, rain and other elements, as well as a padded reclining seat and 5-point safety harness. The Baby Trend Expedition also features dual chrome suspension, which means you don’t have to worry about baby bouncing around during your jog. Parents love that despite its size, the stroller can easily fold down and open again, with a trigger release.

Specifications:
Can accommodate children 15 - 50 lbs.
Stroller weighs 27 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
It has everything you could want in a stroller. I have used this on the hiking trails and at the beach. It even does well in the snow!

The ups are that is pushes very easy and has little resistance. Tray for baby and drink holder for parent are good.

It's very comfortable to run with, nice and light and the handlebar is comfortable to hold on to. I LOVE that the sun shade can be pulled all the way down, so no matter where the sun is I can make sure my daughter isn't getting blinded.

Image Credits: Amazon

Best Double Stroller

Baby Jogger City Select

Price:$369.00

The Bay Jogger City Select has been the go-to pick for city folk for quite some time. It has all-terrain wheels, an adjustable handlebar, hand-operated brake and wheels that make navigating through your city or town a breeze. It can operate as a single or double stroller, with 16 configurations for one or two children. Parents of twins will appreciate the double bassinet option, which is great for napping on the go. You can also add a Glider Board to accommodate a third child, standing. This stroller is one stroller that can definitely grow with your family. But keep in mind that despite its name, it’s not actually a jogging stroller.

Specifications:
Can accommodate children up to 45 lbs. in each seat.
Stroller weighs 34 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
Folds easy and can be stored without consuming much space in your car.

A little on the heavy side, but the stroller works well and appears very well constructed. Functionally, it is easy to push, easy to lock the wheels, and fairly easy to maneuver.

We live in a very hilly area and have taken this stroller on the streets and sidewalks. Wheels and frame are very sturdy and handle the street smoothly. We appreciate the easy open and locking of the stroller.

Image Credits: Amazon

Best Versatile Stroller

Graco Ready2Grow LX

Price:$148.00

This car seat has 12 variations and can accommodate two children of the same or different ages. You can use it to take twins home from the hospital, as this stroller can accommodate two car seats with a simple snap. Or use it to hold a smaller child while the larger one sits or stands — the second seat can be removed, which leaves a bench seat and standing platform. The Graco Ready2Grow LX also has a one-handed fold with an automatic close latch, which comes in handy while wrangling your two kids.

Specifications:
Front seat, bench seat and standing platform each hold child up to 50 lbs., rear seat holds up to 40lbs.
Stroller weighs 34 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
It's really versatile. I tried a couple different seating configurations with a two year old and a five year old, and they were both comfortable.

I chose this stroller for my 2.5yr old and 2 week old. We drove to a store who had it in stock and tried it out before purchasing. With a head and body support insert I feel safe using it with my newborn.

It’s very heavy, as expected, but in combination with length it is a hassle to get in the back of my car. It does fit but requires some muscle.

Image Credits: Amazon

Best Splurge Stroller

Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus

Price:$1,100.00

For those wanting to combine safety and style, the Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus is a top pick. It’s designed to tackle any terrain with the push of a button — switch the hand positioning to allow smaller wheels to face forward for easier city maneuverability. It also comes with a UPF 50+ sun canopy and large storage basket. This is essentially the Rolls Royce of strollers, so try not to freak at the first spill or scratch. With its stylish design and fully loaded features, the Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus is perfect for strutting your stuff—and, OK, your little one—around town.

Specifications:
Can accommodate a child from birth to 37.5lbs.
Stroller weighs 21 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
I would highly recommend this stroller to any parent. Yes, it’s expensive but if you factor in that you won’t have to repair it and you can use it for multiple children or pass it down to a relative, it’s worth it. Not to mention, it’s insanely beautiful!

Great for tackling both the streets of NYC, and off roading in central park. Most importantly, our child loves it. Whenever she is cranky and doesn't want to nap, we take her for a spin and she passes right out.

It is bulky and very heavy to lift for dismantling. Takes up lots of room when it’s packed up in the car. Suspension is great, great storage underneath takes heavy groceries well.

Image Credits: Pottery Barn Kids

Best Stroller for Long Trips

Nuna MIXX

Price:$680.00

This stroller reclines to a completely flat position, which gives you the option of a bassinet without an added accessory. The UPF 50+ canopy also extends to give baby some extra protection. The stroller can be switched to a forward-facing or parent-facing position and also has a large storage basket. In fact, the storage basket has two compartments, which is ideal for packing up a ton of stuff or for trips to the grocery store — no more cumbersome grocery bags on hooks! The Nuna MIXX features all-terrain wheels that provide a smooth and comfortable ride for babies.

Specifications:
Can accommodate a child from birth to 50 lbs.
Stroller weighs 25 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
Super easy to put together and the quality of the materials are far superior to the competitor brands. I seriously researched for months and tried out every single brand of stroller and this was by far the best I found.

“The stroller has a lot of little well thought out details, and I love the dream drape on the carseat and on the bassinet. The storage basket is large and has a zipper on the outside with a pocket on the inside. The stroller is easy to push.

The materials are excellent and very sturdy. The weight is fabulous and much lighter than most out there.

Image Credits: Amazon

Best Travel System

Graco Modes Travel System

Price:$300.00

You get three different rides in one with the Graco Modes Travel System. It comes with the popular Graco SnugRide Click Connect car seat and a reversible stroller that allows baby to face in or out. It also features a one-handed fold, and a swivel snack tray and parent’s storage tray. Bonus: The three-position leg rest will adjust with baby as she grows. Parents will especially love the deep cup holders — no need to worry about spilling hot coffee if you hit a bump.

Specifications:
Can accommodate a child from birth to 50 lbs.
Stroller weighs 21 lbs., car seat weighs 7.5 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
So easy to put together. Everything just clicks right into place. I love that you have several options of pushing baby around.

The best part of this stroller is the seat. It has several smart features that I haven't seen in any other stroller.. The first one is that, to recline it has an easily accessible handle that you pull up and then bring the seat down (4 reclining positions

the lowest one is almost flat).

Very pleased. The car seat is sturdy and keeps baby secure. The stroller is easy to use

fold open and closed. I love how the seat can turn different ways so baby faces in or out.

Image Credits: Amazon

Best Sit-and-Stand Stroller

Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double Stroller

Price:$148.00

This stroller can accommodate two car seats or children can ride in tandem, sitting down. Older children can — you guessed it — sit or stand in the back, while the younger one rides up front. When both seats are installed, two canopies provide extra protection. The stroller also features a one-handed fold and a covered parent organizer, making drinking your coffee on-the-go or multitasking, a breeze.

Specifications:
Can accommodate a child from birth to 40 lbs. in the seat or standing.
Stroller weighs 32.5 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
For the money, this was our favorite double stroller. Easy to fold and we love the sit and stand feature.

This stroller is an amazing bargain and a perfect size for everyday tasks like grocery shopping and errands.

Great stroller! Just really bulky, do not buy if you do not have a SUV or truck obviously.

Image Credits: Amazon

Best Lightweight Stroller

Baby Jogger City Tour

Price:$200.00

This stroller weighs only 14 lbs. and comes with a carry strap and bag, making it perfect for travel. It also includes a UV 50+ extended canopy and padded seat. It folds down and can be placed into many carry-on bins, no need to check it at the gate, which means no waiting for it when you land. Durable tires, a one-handed fold, and a hand brake that locks the wheels in a pinch are just a few of the features that make the Baby Jogger City Tour one of the best lightweight strollers.

Specifications:
Can accommodate a child from birth to 45 lbs.
Stroller weighs 14 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
I like that you can put the seat forward and backward, it is compact when folded, the underneath basket is big, easy to clean, it lies flat and it has a big canopy.

What I love the most is that it comes with a bag in which you can neatly pack it up and carry it on your back. I have travelled and taken long flights and the stroller has come to my rescue at the airport, malls and all terrains.

I love how light and portable it is but there are things that really make it hard for me to want to recommend this to others. The first is the seat depth. I had to buy the bar so that my kids don’t feel like they are about to fall out every second.

Image Credits: Amazon

Best Umbrella Stroller

BabyZen YoYo

Price:$499.00

This luxurious lightweight stroller comes in at just under 13 lbs. and is suitable for air travel, as it folds up small enough to fit in an overhead bin. In fact, it folds up to the size of a purse and can also be carried like one. Despite its lightweight, the stroller is sturdy enough to hold a child up to 40 lbs. It includes a travel bag and under-seat storage, as well as a custom rain cover.

Specifications:
Can accommodate a child from 4-35 lbs.
Stroller weighs 13.6 lbs.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
This is easily the best compact umbrella stroller. It easily fits in the foot area behind the seats, the trunk of the car with plenty of room to spare, and even an airline overhead compartment. It's shockingly light and wheels around easily with one hand.

Great stroller! It's is ideal for traveling, its super light weight. The basket is big enough to fit a small changing bag and other loose items

This stroller does have it's plus. Small, lightweight, fits anywhere and it's beautiful BUT it doesn't have a foot rest. I didn't realize how important that was until my 11-month-old was sliding down the stroller.