Whether it's your first baby or your last, buying a stroller can be a seriously daunting task. There are so many brands out there to choose from and so many styles and types. The sole purpose of a stroller is to get from point A to point B with relative ease and safety. For many parents, what's in between those points will help determine which stroller they choose.
After spending more than 20 hours researching review sites, retailers and more, we think the best stroller for most people is the Baby Jogger City Mini 2. It's neither the least nor the most expensive, but it’s a reliable, all-around full-size stroller for parents who need to run a few errands on foot or who like to take their daily walk with baby in tow. We loved it because it's the lightest of the full-size strollers included here. Its one-handed folding mechanism is convenient when you're juggling your baby and a million other duties. We also like it because it's compatible with several third-party car seats. The stroller and car seat combination are two essential purchases for your child. You shouldn't have to compromise because of a proprietary fit that makes the two incompatible.
There are other types of strollers mentioned below, including ones that are best for those who put versatility, outdoor activities or the budget first. We'll help you choose which stroller is best for your baby.
The Baby Jogger City Mini 2 is one of the best strollers for both new and veteran parents. It's one of the lightest strollers available and offers a quick and convenient folding mechanism. Its three-wheel design makes it maneuverable around corners and sharp turns, and its peekaboo windows let you see how your baby is doing. The City Mini 2 is also compatible with a variety of car seats, including the Baby Jogger City Go and third-party car seats like the Britax B-Safe and the Chicco KeyFit 30.
The only drawback is that the storage bag is a bit small compared with other strollers, and it's hard to access when it's filled up with stuff. But if you don't mind carrying an extra bag on you, or you don't plan on using the stroller as a grocery cart, the Baby Jogger City Mini 2 is a surefire choice for getting baby from point A to point B without much fuss.
The Uppababy Cruz is a splurge, but the extra cash will get you a smoother ride that can handle a variety of surfaces, including bumpy city streets. It has extra-large storage space, something to consider if you're prone to go grocery shopping with your little one.
The Cruz is a four-wheeler stroller, though the wheels are small and extra-durable, and the front-wheel suspension makes for a smooth ride. The Uppababy Cruz offers an adjustable handlebar for parents of all heights and allows for reversed seating, so you can stare at your baby while picking through bushels of broccoli. The Cruz is compatible with a range of car seats, making it easy to transfer baby from car to home.
While the higher price may net you more storage space and a smoother wheelbase, consider that the Cruz is a bigger, more cumbersome stroller that requires you to use two hands when folding it up. It's also bulkier when folded up compared with our top picks, which may make storing it in tight spaces and smaller trunks a bit of a doozy.
The Uppababy Vista sports many of the Uppababy Cruz's features and is also a bonafide transformer for every stage of your child’s life, making it the best stroller for parents who want something that will grow with their kid. When your baby is an infant, you can transport them in the bassinet, which will support the baby until he or she is 20 pounds. Then, you can switch to the toddler seat, which will last until your child reaches a weight equaling the maximum capacity of 50 pounds. In addition to being compatible with your child's growing body and working for growing families, the Vista also accepts up to two infant car seats or toddler seats at the same time. Or, you can add the PiggyBack Ride Along board for a sibling who wants to stand and ride. The Vista's foam-filled rubber tires are also great for handling changing terrains, whether you need to trudge through rain, gravel or snow.
The extremely high-end price of the Uppababy Vista might make it less of an option for you, however, and the entire kit may be more stroller than you need if you plan on having just one little tyke. The Vista and its different accessories also take up a lot of space, and it's not the most intuitive when you're opening and closing it.
If you're operating within a tight budget, or maybe you need a second stroller to keep with the grandparents, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus features everything you need. It's lightweight, not too hard to push forward and around corners, and has enough storage space for a diaper bag and then some. The Cloud Plus also quickly folds up, and it comes with both a parent tray and a child tray, which is often considered an extra accessory on other stroller models.
The Mountain Buggy Nano is a lightweight travel stroller, making it the best stroller for jet-setting parents who want to bring baby along. When it's folded up, it's small enough to fit into an overhead airplane luggage bin, so you don't have to worry about constantly gate checking it. However, you will have to contend with its complicated folding mechanism. It comes with a travel bag equipped with a handle and strap for ultimate portability.
This Nano has a narrow front wheel for a smooth swivel during quick turns. It's compatible with infant car seats, so you can start using it with your newborn until the child is up to 4 years old. There's also an adapter available to make it work with third-party car seats, which is helpful if you're renting a vehicle at your destination and leaving the car seat at home.
