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A baby stroller is an absolute necessity for your family. But finding the right baby stroller may take a bit of research as they come with different expandability for multiple kids, compactability for storage, tires for different terrains, and of course price points. How to choose a stroller comes down to determining the most important features for you and your family.
Regardless of what type of stroller you choose (lightweight stroller, double stroller, jogging stroller), make sure it is safe and follows the basic stroller safety guidelines determined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
How to choose a stroller for your littlest ones: Best strollers for infants
Many of the best strollers for infants seamlessly integrate car seats. They are often compatible with certain types of car seats, so you’ll want to make sure that the two can work together before you commit to either. Others convert into a mobile bassinet. Remember that you want to be able to let your baby sleep in the stroller, whether that’s in their car seat or a bassinet attachment.
Our picks for the best strollers for infants are:
- Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System: This system has both the stroller and the infant car seat for compatibility. It is good for newborns at 4 pounds to 35 pounds when used with the car seat. You’ll appreciate the super-sized canopy to help block out the sun when your baby is asleep and has extra large storage underneath so you won’t be without any necessities.
- Graco Modes Travel System: This system comes with the stroller and infant car seat as well. The car seat is good for infants 4-35 points. The stroller has 10 riding options, converting from various levels of angle for comfort and safety at different ages and stages. The infant seat is reversible so you can have baby forward or rear facing while out and about.
- UPPAbaby Vista V2 and Mesa Travel System: This travel system allows you to use the infant car seat or you can use the comfortable bassinet for long days out where your baby will want to rest. This stroller can grow with your family, adding a second seat for a second child as they grow older. It even has an attachable glider board for a third child.
How to choose a stroller as they grow: Best strollers for toddlers
Strollers become more streamlined once you don’t need to add a car seat to the system. That being said, toddler strollers come in various levels of simplicity with some offering more storage than others.
Our picks for the best strollers for toddlers are:
- Graco NimbleLite Stroller: A lightweight stroller weighing 12 pounds. Features both a child cup holder and a parent’s tray with cup holder for convenience. The large canopy features a peekaboo window so you can check on your child without much fuss. Parents will like the large storage basket to keep essentials on hand for a day out at the park or zoo.
- Chicco Bravo Air Quick-Fold Full-Size Stroller, Q Collection: This is a full suspension stroller designed for your child’s comfort when riding it. The backrest moves into several positions so that your child can sit up or recline for a nap. There are two cup holders with a large adjustable canopy to keep the sun out when you want. It’s got a simple, one-handed folding mechanism that also makes it easy to carry.
- Nuna PEPP Next: Stylish and functional. This stroller is designed for easy maneuverability with all-wheel suspension while out and about and compact, flat storage when not in use. It’s one hand folding feature makes it a favorite for moms who are often multitasking while transitioning from stroller to car or house. That’s exactly why Ali Van Straten, who is expecting a newborn and is also mom to a toddler, has chosen the Nuna. “With two little ones, I need a stroller that I can single handedly open and set up with ease,” she told Mom.com.
Other types: Best travel, umbrella and jogging stroller
Some strollers are designed for specific purposes such as travel or jogging. While these strollers may sacrifice some good qualities, they’ll fulfill the need of particular situations. For example, a travel stroller might not have a lot of storage while a jogger might not be compact.
Our picks for specialty strollers are:
- Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller: This stroller is designed to zip through an airport and folds quickly to fit into an overhead bin. But it’s also versatile enough to use around town. Has a bassinet-like mode for those who want to make this their baby’s stroller that converts into a toddler stroller. This stroller is known for maneuverability, being able to steer safely with one hand.
- Summer 3DLite Convenience Stroller: This is an umbrella stroller that folds quickly and is transported with ease. The backrest reclines to a nearly flat position for days when your child just needs a nap while out. It weighs only 13 pounds with a built-in shoulder strap.
- BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller: A stroller designed for runners of all sizes with a 9-position adjustable handlebar for ergonomic handling. This stroller holds kids up to 75 pounds and even has adapters to hold an infant car seat. The all-weather canopy is rated UPF 50+ and has a magnetic peekaboo window so that you can check on your little one.
The Bob Gear Revolution is what running expert and mom, Whitney Heins used with her kids. “Having a wheel that swiveled or locked to match the terrain I was on was crucial to being able to navigate the stroller and keep them asleep," She told Mom.com. "It also has shock absorption which is key to not letting the bumps spoil the fun.”
