Buying your first stroller can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it helps to focus on what matters most—how you’ll use it, what features you need, and which stroller fits your lifestyle and your baby best.
Doing some research before you buy can help you understand which models are well reviewed, which meet your expectations, and which ones might not be the right match after all.
What are your needs?
Start by thinking about how and where you’ll use your stroller:
- Will you take long walks on trails or in parks?
- Do you live in an area with snow or rough terrain?
- Will you travel frequently?
- Will you need to fly with your stroller?
- Will you mainly use it for errands in the city or on gravel paths and suburban roads?
- Will you use public transportation often?
- Do you have a small trunk the stroller needs to fit into?
- If you live in an apartment—will you need to carry the stroller upstairs or fit it into an elevator?
Types of strollers
One of the biggest differences between strollers is the wheel design. There are strollers with four fixed wheels, strollers with two swivel wheels in front and fixed wheels in back, and three-wheel strollers with a large swivel wheel in front.
Traditional four-wheel strollers with fixed wheels are usually very stable and comfortable. They often have good suspension and handle uneven surfaces and snow well. The downside is that they’re often heavier and bulkier, making them harder to maneuver in tight spaces or lift into a car.
Three-wheel strollers are popular for parents who want a balance between agility and performance on different surfaces. They’re easy to steer but slightly less stable than four-wheel strollers and may not perform as well in snow.
Four-wheel strollers with swivel front wheels are lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially in urban settings. However, small wheels can struggle on gravel, snow, and uneven ground.
Wheel types
There are four main wheel types:
Air-filled tires provide great suspension and traction but can puncture and need occasional inflation.
Foam-filled rubber wheels don’t puncture and require little maintenance, though they’re firmer and heavier.
EVA wheels are lightweight and puncture-proof but tend to wear out faster.
PU wheels are durable, puncture-proof, and softer than EVA wheels, though slightly heavier.
Handlebar types
Strollers typically come with three handlebar styles:
- Fixed handlebars that don’t adjust
- Pivoting handlebars that move up and down
- Telescoping handlebars that extend outward, making them ideal for taller parents
If you frequently use public transportation, a pivoting handlebar can make the stroller more compact when folded.
Bassinet, seat, and stroller systems
To use a stroller with a newborn, you’ll need a bassinet or a stroller that allows the baby to lie fully flat. Many parents choose a travel system, which includes a stroller frame and an infant car seat.
Separate bassinets tend to be more spacious and breathable, while soft carry inserts are easier to lift and transport, especially if you need to leave the stroller in a shared space.
Parent-facing or forward-facing?
Many babies start wanting to sit up and look around around 4–5 months of age. Even so, many parents prefer keeping their baby parent-facing longer, as young babies can become overstimulated and often feel more secure when they can see their caregiver.
If this is important to you, look for a stroller with a reversible seat.
Folding and portability
Strollers fold in many different ways. Some require removing or repositioning the seat before folding, while others fold with the seat attached. Folding with a bassinet attached is uncommon. Think about how easy the folding process feels and how compact the stroller needs to be for your car or storage space.
Infant car seat compatibility
Many strollers allow you to attach an infant car seat directly to the frame using adapters. This is especially helpful for short trips and errands, as it lets your baby continue sleeping. For longer periods, however, babies should lie flat in a bassinet rather than staying in a car seat.
Storage basket
If you’ll be carrying groceries or other items, check the size and weight limit of the storage basket. Fabric baskets are good for keeping items clean, while metal baskets tend to hold heavier loads more securely.
Narrowing down your choices
After testing strollers in-store, try narrowing your options down to one to three models. Some parents prioritize style, others specific features. Size, weight, and resale value may also influence your decision.
There’s no single right choice—the best stroller is one that’s safe for your baby and fits seamlessly into your daily life.