How To Pick A Stroller That Is Right For You

What to Consider When Choosing a Stroller

Table of Contents

Selecting the right stroller for your family is a big decision — and with prices ranging from $30 to over $1,000, it’s one that deserves some thought. To help you choose the best stroller for your needs, here are the key factors to consider:

What’s Your Budget?

Stroller prices vary widely. The good news? There’s something for every budget. Generally, higher-priced strollers offer more features and better quality — but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great option at a lower cost. Decide what you’re comfortable spending, then prioritize features that matter most to your family.

Where Will You Use It?

Will you be strolling over bumpy sidewalks or uneven trails?
Do you need something compact and travel-friendly?
Do you want lots of storage space for errands?

Your lifestyle will help guide which stroller design — from all-terrain to lightweight travel models — works best for you.

Do You Have a Newborn?

Newborns must lie flat or ride in a safety-approved infant car seat. Look for a stroller that:

Has a deep recline
Comes with a bassinet
Allows for infant car seat attachment

This ensures your baby is safe and supported from day one.

How Long Will You Use the Stroller?

Planning to grow your family? Consider a stroller that:

Converts to a double stroller
Offers long-term durability

Investing a bit more upfront may save you money in the long run.

What Features Matter Most?

Every family has different priorities. Ask yourself:

Is easy folding a must-have?
Do you need a lightweight model for daily use?
How important is smooth maneuvering?

Defining your must-have features can simplify the decision process.

Top Stroller Features to Look For

When comparing strollers, here are some standout features to keep an eye on:

Safety First

Five-point harness
Reliable brakes
Wide base to prevent tipping
Check weight and height limits for each seat.

🤲 Easy Foldability

A stroller with one-handed fold functionality is a game-changer — especially when you’re holding your baby in the other arm.

🛞 Quality Wheels

Planning lots of walks? Opt for air-filled or foam-filled rubber wheels — they’re more durable and better suited for outdoor use than plastic wheels.

🧼 Washable Fabric

Babies are messy! Look for removable, machine-washable fabric. If it’s not removable, be sure cleaning instructions are easy and practical.

🧺 Stroller Basket Storage

Think about how much gear you’ll be bringing along. Choose a stroller with the following:

A large, easy-to-access basket
A wide opening for hassle-free loading and unloading

🌞 Sun Canopy

If you’ll be out and about often, a sun canopy offers protection from the elements. Look for one with:

UV protection
Peekaboo windows to check on your baby

By considering your daily routine, your baby’s age, and the features that make your life easier, you can confidently choose the stroller that’s the right fit for your family.

🛒 What to Consider When Choosing a Stroller

A Real-Life Checklist for Picking the Right Stroller for Your Family

Choosing a stroller is a major parenting decision — and with options ranging from $30 to $1,000+, it’s worth getting it right. Below is your complete guide to help you navigate all the practical, lifestyle-based, and feature-related considerations so you can choose the best stroller for your family.

🏠 2. Do You Have to Lug It Up Stairs?

If you live in a walk-up apartment or need to lift the stroller up steps regularly, weight and foldability are essential.

Try this: Visit a store and test how easily you can lift and carry different models — especially if you’re still recovering postpartum.

🚪 3. How Wide Are Your Regular Spaces?

Do you visit tight coffee shops or narrow grocery aisles? If so, a slim-profile stroller will make maneuvering in tight spaces much easier.

🏙️ 4. What Are Your Sidewalks Like?

Smooth sidewalks or uneven terrain?

For city streets, opt for air-filled tires or sealed ball bearings
For indoor or smooth use, rubber wheels will do just fine

👶 5. Are You Shopping for a Newborn?

Newborns need full spinal support. Look for:

A stroller that reclines flat
Compatibility with an infant car seat or bassinet attachment

👨‍👩‍👧 6. Are You Planning More Kids Soon?

If baby #2 may arrive in a few years, consider a stroller that:

Converts to a double
Supports add-ons like a second seat, bassinet, or ride-along board
This saves you from buying a whole new system later

🎒 7. How Much Storage Do You Need?

Baby gear adds up — think diaper bags, snacks, shopping bags, and personal items.

Look for:

A large basket with a wide opening
Easy access, even when the seat is reclined

🧋 8. Will You Be Pushing With One Hand (Coffee in the Other)?

If yes, go for a stroller with one-handed steering for smooth navigation while multitasking.

🚗 9. Do You Drive Often?

A car seat and stroller travel system makes it easy to move your sleeping baby from car to stroller.

✔ Check if the car seat can be used without a base for rideshares or taxis.

🚕 10. Use Rideshares or Taxis Often?

If you rely on Ubers or cabs, your travel system should be:

Compact
Have a car seat that’s easy to install without a base
This reduces gear overload when you’re constantly on the move.

🚙 11. Does It Fit in Your Trunk?

If you plan to stow your stroller in your car:

Check its folded size
Make sure it fits with room for groceries, pets, or other cargo.

🧳 12. Where Will You Store It at Home?

Limited space? Choose a stroller that:

Folds compactly
Stands on its own when folded
This is also helpful if you’re taking it on airplanes.

🧼 13. Do You Have Access to a Washing Machine?

Spills, drool, and dirt are inevitable.

If you go to the laundromat, consider:

A darker fabric to hide stains
Removable seat covers for easy spot-cleaning or machine washing.

📏 14. Are You and Your Partner Different Heights?

An adjustable handlebar is a must if one partner is significantly taller or shorter. It’ll make pushing more comfortable for both of you.

Types of Strollers

There are six main types of strollers:

Full-size: A traditional, standard-size stroller is the most common type. These full-featured products offer ample storage, comfortable seats, bigger canopies, more maneuverable wheels, and weigh 16-37 lbs. Most offer a car seat adapter, and a minority offer a sufficiently flat, fully reclined seat (less than 10 degrees) that can be an alternative to a bassinet (all recline, but most end up too steep to be safe for infant sleeping). Some higher-end products include a bassinet for infants.
Car Seat Frame: Less well-known, but a frame stroller is one of our favorite options for the first 6-12 months while your baby is in an infant car seat. These products provide a frame that the car seat can click in. This seems like an odd approach for a first-time parent, but many second-time parents wish they knew about them earlier. A car seat frame is inexpensive, compact, and light, with the average weight being 11 to 16 lbs. This lighter weight can be good for moms who’ve just had a baby or a C-section and may be limited to what they can carry.
Lightweight: Lightweight strollers, sometimes called umbrellas or travel strollers like those found in our best umbrella stroller review, are great for travel. These options have a smaller folded shape and are light and more compact, usually weighing 8-17 lbs. But, they cut some corners compared to full-size strollers. Most don’t offer car seat adapters and are only usable once your baby is at least six months old. They also use smaller wheels, which makes them less maneuverable and more difficult to push on rough surfaces.
Jogging: Outfitted with large air-filled tires and shock absorbers, top-ranked jogging strollers are specially designed to roll smoothly and straight while running and reduce the impact of bumps and curbs on your baby. Most weigh anywhere from 23 to 38 lbs.
Double: A double stroller provides two side-by-side seats and is essential with twins. A double can also work for two kids, such as a baby and an older sibling, but using a baby carrier and a single one is often more convenient. Most are in the 21-36 lbs range and narrow enough to fit through most doorways. If you expect twins, remember that car seat frame strollers come in double versions and could be a better option in the first year. Plus, some top-ranked double strollers will only accommodate two infant car seats, making them virtually unusable once your babies are at least six months old.
Travel systems: Travel systems are sets that include a stroller and a car seat that can be used together. These sets are perfect for parents who want to avoid buying a separate stroller and car seat. They typically cost more than purchasing a stand-alone stroller and car seat, but the convenience is worth it for many parents.

✨ Final Tips

✔ Think lifestyle first. City living? Stairs? Travel often? Your daily routine should guide your pick.

✔ Try before you buy. Visit a store to test its weight, steering, and folding.

✔ Read the reviews. Look for patterns — consistent complaints (like broken cup holders or poor customer service) are a red flag.