Strollers are helpful for navigating life with your new baby. They make getting out of the house with your little one easier, so although they’re often one of the most expensive items on a registry, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Stroller, Jet Baby Jogger Store
UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller – JAKE black UPPAbaby
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System – Camden Chicco Store
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller BOB Gear Store
Joovy Zoom X2 Double Jogging Stroller the Joovy Store
Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller Summer Infant Store
What Types of Strollers are There?
There are several different types of strollers to choose from, including:
All-purpose strollers: Strollers that are great for everyday activities like walking around the neighborhood or strolling through a store.
Travel systems: A travel system is a stroller that comes with an infant car seat that attaches to it. Parents like travel systems because you can use them from day one and you don’t have to disturb your baby during the car-seat-to-stroller-and-back transfer. You can buy a travel system with a stroller and a car seat from the same brand, or mix and match different brands to make your own. (You’ll just need to make sure your stroller and car seat are compatible and purchase adapters; more on that here.)
Lightweight strollers: As the name implies, lightweight strollers weigh a lot less than traditional strollers. They’re sometimes referred to as travel strollers or compact strollers. They’re great for travel or for parents who need a stroller that’s easy to carry when broken down (think going up and down stairs, taking it in and out of car trunks, riding public transit, etc.).
Double strollers: Double strollers hold two children at once. If you have twins or little ones close in age, a double stroller can make your life a little easier. Double strollers come in two configurations: in-line (front to back) or side-by-side.
Convertible strollers: A convertible stroller converts from a single stroller to a double. Convertibles are a good choice if you’re planning on having two children relatively close in age. Like double strollers, convertibles come in either in-line or side-by-side configurations.
Jogging strollers: Runners take note: these strollers are built to handle rougher terrain and have souped-up suspension systems for a smoother ride.
Stroller frames: A skeleton of a stroller (think: handle, storage basket and wheels), these are made complete when you attach a compatible infant car seat.
Do You Need a Stroller?
Most parents choose to register for a stroller. It is possible to skip it and use a baby carrier instead, but many parents like the convenience of a stroller for walking, running, and getting out and about with baby.
When Do You Need a Stroller?
If your stroller accommodates an infant car seat or a bassinet or if the seat reclines completely flat, you can use it from birth. If not, you can typically start using a stroller when your baby is around six months old and can sit up and has neck control.
Though it varies by model, most strollers can hold kids up until they weigh about 50 pounds. So although a stroller is a big investment, it’s one you’ll get a ton of use out of.
How We Chose Our Best Strollers
We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the baby products they love the most, then took the top products they shared with us and added our own research and insight to tell you about the best strollers.