Gear Guides
How to choose a stroller for your life (not the showroom)
The best stroller is the one that fits your car trunk, your front door and your daily walk. Start with how you live.
Start with five questions
- Where will you push it? City sidewalks, suburban paths, gravel trails or mostly malls and airports.
- How will you travel? Car every day, public transit, lots of flights, or walking.
- Where will you store it? Measure your car trunk and your entryway.
- Will you use it from birth? Newborns need to lie nearly flat or ride in an infant car seat or bassinet attachment.
- Are more children likely soon? Some strollers convert to double strollers.
The main types
- Full-size stroller: a comfortable ride, large basket and deep recline. Heavier and bulkier to fold.
- Travel system: a stroller sold with a matching infant car seat that clicks in. Convenient for the first year of car trips.
- Compact or travel stroller: light and folds small. Many fit airline overhead bins. Often less recline and smaller wheels.
- Jogging stroller: large air-filled wheels and a locking front wheel. Most makers recommend waiting to jog until your baby has strong head and neck control, often around 6 to 8 months. Check the manual and ask your pediatrician.
- Double stroller: side-by-side or tandem (one behind the other).
Features that matter day to day
- Fold: can you fold it with one hand while holding a baby? Try it in the store.
- Weight: you'll lift it into the car and up steps, often many times a day.
- Recline: for newborns, look for a near-flat recline or a bassinet or car seat option.
- Brakes: easy to set with your foot, and locking both rear wheels.
- Harness: a five-point harness that adjusts easily as your child grows.
- Canopy: large enough for sun protection.
- Basket: big enough for a diaper bag.
- Handlebar height: adjustable if parents are different heights.
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What we mention
Safety checklist
- Always use the harness, even for short trips.
- Set the brakes whenever you stop.
- Don't hang heavy bags on the handlebar, which can tip the stroller.
- Keep fingers clear when folding and unfolding.
- Check the CPSC recall list, especially for secondhand strollers.
- Strollers are not for unsupervised sleep. If your baby falls asleep for a long stretch, move them to a flat, safe sleep space when you get home.
Consider a carrier too
Many families use a soft carrier for the newborn weeks and short trips, and a stroller for longer outings.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different. Ask your pediatrician about your own child.
