One of the biggest purchases you buy as a new parent is likely going to be the stroller. After the crib and bassinet, it's the biggest-ticket item as far as baby gear goes. And the cost can be pretty high. That being the case, you want to make sure that you choose the best model to fit your family. Fortunately, there are a ton of great choices on the market right now, and there is something for every taste and budget.
The Best Baby Strollers
It is possible, even probable, that you will buy more than one stroller to suit different purposes. For example, if you're a runner, you may want a jogging stroller that's separate from your everyday model. Or, perhaps, you start with a basic click-in car seat stroller and then upgrade to something with different features once your baby grows out of the infant car seat.
Alternatively, many parents find that they like a bigger stroller or a travel system for going on all-day outings or visiting amusement parks, but they want a more compact stroller when they're heading out for a quick jaunt.
What to Look For
First, make sure that the stroller that you're considering fits all of the requirements put forth by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). They have guidelines for safe hinges, wheel locks, seat belts, fabrics — everything. While all new strollers sold in the United States must conform to these regulations, secondhand retailers and certain imports may not, so you won't find any of those on our list.
You'll also want a stroller that is made with sturdy materials that is lightweight and easy to transport. Babies can get hot quickly, so you'll want to make sure that the stroller provides ample ventilation for breathability. Even though a stroller is open, their little canopies can really hold in the heat, and that can be dangerous.
The stroller's height is also an important factor for your own comfort. For parents who are either extra petite or tall, the height of that handlebar is going to be a big deal. Finding a stroller with a handlebar that adjusts could make or break the stroller (and your back).
Finally, you will need to consider what you'll be doing with the stroller and where you live. Do you live in a city with sprawling sidewalks and plenty of room to navigate? Or, do you live in an area where sidewalks aren't as plentiful, and you're mostly going to use your stroller for grocery shopping? In general, consider its use.
How We Chose
I spent weeks testing strollers, meeting with manufacturers, and talking to parents about their needs and what they love in a stroller. I used my own experience as a parent and a researcher and considered criteria like manufacturing, sustainability, availability, budget, repair options, and materials. I made sure that if something goes wrong with the stroller, there is someone ready to help — and a solid repair chain.
I tested to determine that these strollers were roadworthy, comfortable for both babies and toddlers, and easy to assemble. And while very few strollers are going to be the simplest things to put together, I made sure the instructions were clear and concise, providing ample direction for new and expecting parents.
While strollers can very much be a personal choice item, the following picks meet my criteria (which is based off of 5 years as a parenting journalist and 13 years as a parent) and will suit a broad range of needs. Here are the best baby strollers of 2021.
1
Best Travel System
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
Chicco
amazon.com
$379.99
This stroller system has it all, and Chicco has really put in the effort to make it as parent-friendly and baby-safe as possible. It features a folding child tray, a contoured reversible seat cushion (for support and unexpected messes), and large UPF-rated canopy with pull-out visor and flip-open mesh panel. The stroller is designed for maximum comfort, having a multi-position reclining seat and large foam-filled rubber tires that glide across the pavement like a sports car.
Folding the stroller is a breeze. I have a partially paralyzed left hand, and I had absolutely no problem putting in or removing the car seat or collapsing the stroller. It will work equally well for urban and suburban families.
However, the stroller struggles to roll easily on sand and cobblestones, but honestly, most strollers struggle there.
More: Get Outside With Your Kids, and Take These Toys With You
2
Easiest Jogger
Thule Urban Glide 2 Stroller
Thule
bloomingdales.com
$599.95
This jogging stroller is one of the easiest to collapse and assemble. Suitable to use from your baby's infancy with the addition of a bassinet, the stroller is a delight to jog with.
The front wheel can be locked in the straight position for long runs, and the air-filled tires are easy to refill with any standard bicycle tire pump. The canopy gives tons of cover in the sun without blocking circulation, and the one-hand recline feature makes gently reclining a sleeping baby so much simpler.
3
Best Lightweight Stroller
Britax B-Lively Lightweight Stroller
BRITAX
amazon.com
$239.99
Reviewers rave about this Britax stroller, and for good reason. Made by a company known for sturdy quality, this stroller stands out even among other models from the same brand.
It is light, easy to fold, easy to assemble, and it can really take a beating on city streets or country roads. Britax's legendary service also means that if something goes awry, you can get it fixed without a problem and without spending a fortune.
4
Best Long-Haul Stroller
Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Double Stroller Wagon
Evenflo
buybuybaby.com
$279.49
It is difficult to describe just how impressive this double stroller wagon really is. This is the best stroller for long-haul trips if you have multiple kids, live in a city, or are a sports coach.
For starters, it is car seat-adaptable. You can even buy an additional stroller seat to go on the top that makes it more like a traditional stroller. It's large enough to hold an IKEA bag full of groceries and laundry, and the mesh on the wagon is breathable and comfortable. Plus, the wheels practically float off the ground, and the extra bag in the back holds an entire meal from 5 Guys plus an Oreo shake.
5
Best Small Frame
Larktale Chit Chat Single Stroller
Larktale
buybuybaby.com
$199.99
Larktale makes one of the lightest and easiest-to-fold strollers on the market. It has a narrow frame, solid wheels, a large under-stroller basket, and the cupholder is standard.
It's not as well-known as the Britax, but thanks to its dynamic style and affordable price, it's just as appealing.
6
Best All-Around Jogger
BOB Gear Alterrain Pro Jogging Stroller
BOB Gear
buybuybaby.com
$599.99
As a marathon runner who trains in the city, I love running behind this jogging stroller. Though it weighs 30 pounds, it's as light as air once it's in motion. Plus, the handlebar adjusts to allow for a wider range of comfort for parents of almost all heights. The stroller does adapt to most infant seats, so if you're looking for a one-and-done stroller, this might be it for you.
The tires and wheels make this stroller. Yes, the storage capacity is killer, and kids love the seat, but the wheels are everything. The air-filled tires run on BOB’s smooth-speed suspension, making it the Ferrari of running strollers.
7
Best for Active Kids
Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stand-On Tandem Stroller
Joovy
buybuybaby.com
$193.99
Active toddlers aren’t known for wanting to just hang out in a stroller. That’s where this affordable double-ish stroller comes in.
The Joovy Caboose ride-on stroller lets toddlers and small children hop on and of the backside of the stroller as they feel the need. The front of the stroller is much like any lightweight stroller seat — it's equipped with a reclining chair and generous under-basket storage.
8
Best Starter Double Stroller
Baby Trend Universal Double Snap-N-Go Stroller
If you are expecting twins, put this on your registry right now. For the first several months of your children's lives, this is the only stroller you will need.
It is just a frame that holds two infant car seats with a basket beneath, but when those twinners are little, this is all you will want. It's simple, you can assemble it while barely awake and alert, and it collapses in a snap.
9
Best High-End
UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller
UPPAbaby
bloomingdales.com
$929.99
I can remember a time in New York City where you'd only see one fancy stroller everywhere. Nowadays, you never see that model — instead, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller is the preferred baby-toting machine of the schmancy people of the Upper East Side.
And, it’s for good reason. If you can swing the price, this is a heck of a travel system. The bassinet is luxurious and soft, equipped with a breathable canopy and easy click-and-go attachments. The seat is cushy and gorgeous without being fussy. The undercarriage storage holds up to 30 pounds of stuff.
Plus, it has a ton of reclining functions, seat configurations (parent- or front-facing), and a telescoping handlebar. It has a vented base for maximum breathability, and the aluminum and magnesium frame is lightweight and durable.
It might cost more than your crib, but it is worth every penny.
10
Best Standard Double Stroller
Baby Jogger City Mini 2 Double Stroller
Baby Jogger
buybuybaby.com
$499.99
When you're ready to move beyond the double stroller frame, this is the best standard double stroller. It folds down smaller than others on the market, it's not overpriced, and the fabric is one of the easiest to clean. It also fits through standard door frames, which is a big deal when you're out and about alone.
It is car seat-adaptable as well, so if you need to use it with a car seat, you can.
11
Best Budget Luxury
Graco Modes 3 Lite DLX Stroller in Pierce
Graco is legendary for its affordable luxury. This stroller is no different. What I love about this stroller is that it's easy to put your children in multiple reclining positions, and it's simple to collapse. The basket underneath is huge, and there are multiple cupholders for both parent and child.
This is the minivan of strollers: It's not flashy, but it has everything you need.
12
Best Luxe Double
Contours Element Single-to-Double Stroller
Contours
buybuybaby.com
$899.99
Contours Element is a luxe single-to-double stroller with 35 seating positions, a telescoping handlebar, and a UV 50+ sun canopy. The fabric wipes off extremely well, the frame is deep, and the ability to collapse it with one hand is a real bonus.
But where this stroller really sets itself apart is the accessories. The bags and the basket are top-of-the-line, well-designed, and oh, so useful.
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