A stroller is an essential piece of baby gear that your little one will spend a lot of time in, so it’s important to find one that fits your family’s needs. My list includes everyday strollers, options budget-friendly models, luxury picks, and more.
When shopping for a baby stroller, take into consideration your lifestyle, how many kids you need to accommodate, how much storage space you prefer, and how much you want to spend. Many types of strollers are designed to fit unique needs, so you’ll want to evaluate your family’s lifestyle before making your purchase. Consider whether the stroller needs to be compatible with your child’s infant carrier—if the answer is yes, you can choose a travel system, which comes with a compatible car seat and stroller, or you can purchase a stroller that is car seat-compatible using a separate adapter. Also, factor in your family’s activity level to determine if you need a jogging stroller with a lockable front swivel wheel for exercise, or if you’re frequent travelers, a super compact model that makes family vacations easier may be a better fit.
Best Overall : UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller
Assembly 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Overall Value 4.5/5
The Uppababy Vista V2 is truly a best-in-class stroller. It impresses across the board, from its attractive.
Assembly. Putting the stroller together is surprisingly easy—all you have to do is attach the wheels, which is an intuitive process. Similarly, attaching the rumble seat to this convertible stroller is a breeze, too, and it feels as solid and sturdy as a single and double stroller.
Design. It has a clean design. The thick, ergonomic handlebar is covered in the brand’s signature full-grain leather detailing, and there’s clear branding on the sturdy aluminum frame. Underneath the reclinable seat is a generous storage bin—it can hold up to 30 pounds, and it was spacious enough for us to fit in two bags—yet it’s high enough that taller parents didn’t kick it while pushing the stroller, which happens with some other strollers. (Taller caregivers will also appreciate the height-adjustable handlebar.) While it takes two hands to fold and you may need to read the instructions closely, you can fold it in just one step once you get the hang of it.
Features. Extendable UPF 50+ canopy, which has a peekaboo slit so you can check on your kiddo during your stroll. Older, taller kids can outgrow the canopy, so you’ll want other sun and rain protection options. But no matter their size, kiddos can be securely fastened thanks to the seat’s five-point no-rethread harness. Plus, the bassinet has a perforated mattress pad and vented base for breathability and is removable for cleaning.
How it drives. Steering the Uppababy Vista V2 is a cinch. It performs well over several terrains, including carpet, gravel, and hard flooring, and navigating it around our obstacle course was enjoyable with its all-wheel suspension.It’s a bit tricky to pull the stroller up a flight of stairs due to its size and safety locking mechanism, which sometimes engages when the stroller bumps over a stair.
Durability. The durable frame withstands tons of use, experts report.
Value. The stroller comes with a bassinet and a full-size toddler seat; the rumble seat is sold separately, as is an optional ride-along board for an older sibling. $1,000 is a big investment, but ultimately, you’re getting so much for your money.
The top-of-the-line stroller makes life easier for busy parents since it’s simple to steer, folds quickly, and looks luxurious—it’s not an eyesore in family vacation pictures. Plus, there’s no need to purchase a separate bassinet attachment, though accessories like a snack tray and cup holder are sold separately.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 36 x 25.7 x 39.5 (unfolded), 17.3 x 25.7 x 33.3 (folded with seat attached) | Weight: 27 pounds (frame and seat), 8.8 pounds (bassinet) | Child Age/Weight Requirements: Birth up to 20 pounds or until infant can push up on hands and knees (bassinet), 3 months to 50 pounds (toddler seat)
Best Overall Runner-Up : Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System
Assembly 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Portability 4/5 Maneuverability 3.8/5
The Graco Nest2Grow Travel System has a sturdy, spacious stroller at a more accessible price point than the Uppababy Vista V2. Plus, since it’s a travel system, a compatible infant car seat and car seat base are included in the $500 cost. But much like the Vista V2, this stroller has lots of configuration options so it can grow along with your family. The travel system itself can function as a single toddler stroller, a single infant stroller, or a double stroller for a toddler and infant using the included infant car seat. It also converts into a regular double stroller with the purchase of a second stroller seat, giving you over 15 possible configurations.
Design. It’s important to note that the stroller is built like a tank, which makes it a bit tricky to turn, and it’s large when folded (though it’s easy to fold). However, the hefty construction makes it feel sturdy and stable. The foot brake engages and releases smoothly, and the faux-leather handlebar adjusts to two different heights to accommodate taller caregivers.
Assembly. Assembling the travel system is pretty straightforward. Connecting the car seat to the base is a smooth process, and there’s an indicator that tells you when it’s in the correct place. Attaching the car seat to the stroller requires you to carefully guide it into place, though detaching it is simple with the push of a button. It’s also effortless to install the car seat base into the car with the LATCH system—however, it’s so secure that detaching takes a good bit of effort, so it may not be the best choice if you plan to move between cars frequently.
Value. The Graco Nest2Grow Travel System is one of the more affordable picks of the best travel systems, and it also comes with a removable cup holder for the adult and a removable kids’ snack tray for added value. While it’s not perfect, it’s one of the best stroller deals around.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 43 x 26.4 x 44.5 inches (unfolded) | Weight: 30.6 pounds | Child Age/Weight Requirements: Up to 50 pounds (stroller), 4 to 35 pounds, up to 32 inches (infant car seat)
Best Travel : Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller
Assembly 4.8/5 Design 4.9/5 Portability 4.5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5
Traveling with kids isn’t a picnic, but with the Bugaboo Butterfly, going through TSA or loading the family into the car is much more manageable.
Fold and unfold. The lightweight stroller is a cinch to fold by pressing two buttons and pushing the frame down—and when it’s folded, you can stand it upright or carry it using the shoulder strap or the handle on the leg rest. Plus, unfolding it is just as intuitive and uses the same buttons.
Design. The best travel strollers fit into an overhead bin and can endure getting tossed around. This stroller can also fit a good amount of travel gear—up to 17 pounds—in its cargo space, which has a flexible back wall to help you load everything in. There are plenty of other impressive design features, too: It has an adjustable canopy with a mesh panel, a five-point no-rethread harness, a wrist strap on the handlebar, and an adjustable fold-out footrest.
The fabric comes in black, forest green, or slate blue, and the buckle and wheels feature white accents. And in case of spills, the seat inlay is removable and machine washable, so the stroller will continue to look good as new.
Assembly. The seat inlay is the only part you need to attach during assembly, too (the stroller comes with the canopy and wheels already attached). If you’d like to use the included rain cover, you may need to refer to the manual, but it’s straightforward once you’ve gotten the hang of it.
How it drives. Whether you’re in the airport or on a road trip, you’ll likely need to maneuver around various obstacles and over different terrains. Luckily, the Bugaboo Butterfly’s suspension helps it navigate wonderfully over grass and up curbs. Like most strollers, it’s a little bumpy over gravel, but not so much that it would disturb a baby. Taking it up the stairs isn’t difficult, though you’ll want a second pair of hands if you want to take it down the stairs.
Value. With a price tag of $449, it has not many accesories, but ultimately, this stroller is a compact, lightweight, and high-performing option for travel. (You can buy accessories separately, like a cup holder, an organizer, and a wheeled board with a toddler seat.)
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 inches (folded), 36.42 x 17.72 x 40.31 inches (unfolded) | Weight: 16.1 pounds | Child Age/Weight Requirements: Birth up to 48.5 pounds
Best Car Seat Stroller Combo : Graco Modes Pramette Travel System
Assembly 3/5 Design 4.5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Maneuverability 5/5
Travel systems can be tricky, which is why the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System stands out. It comes with a stroller, infant car seat, car seat base, and toddler seat, which converts into an infant bassinet (what the brand calls a “pramette”), giving it an impressive number of configurations.
Assembly. Attaching and detaching the different parts of this travel system is pretty straightforward: Attaching the infant car seat to the stroller is simple once you’ve located the slots, and detaching is doable with one hand. Clicking the seat into the base and removing it are similarly easy, and installing the car seat base via the LATCH system is user-friendly even if you’re new to travel systems (you’ll just need to use some force), though you can also install it using the car’s seat belt.
Design. While it’s not the sleekest option, the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System has plenty of great design features. It has an intuitive one-step fold, an adjustable canopy with a peekaboo window, a roomy cargo space, and a reclinable seat. The material on both the toddler seat and infant car seat doesn’t feel as soft as we’d like, but this may not be a big deal depending on your kid’s sensory preferences.
How it drives. When we took it over several terrains in our obstacle course, this stroller performed well—even over curbs—and it turns corners like a dream, even when it’s loaded up.
Value. For $330, this travel system gives you so much more than just a stroller, and it makes transferring your little one in and out of the car less of a hassle.
Stroller Key Specs:
Dimensions: 34.7 x 25.6 x 42.5 inches (unfolded) | Weight: 21 pounds | Child Age/Weight Requirements: Up to 50 pounds
Car Seat Key Specs:
Dimensions: 27.5 x 17.5 x 25.5 inches | Weight: 17.2 pounds | Child Age/Weight Requirements: 4 to 35 pounds, up to 32 inches tall
Best Budget Car Seat and Stroller Combo : Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System
Assembly 2.5/5 Design 3.6/5 Portability 4.4/5 Maneuverability 4.3/5
Car seat and stroller travel systems are super convenient for parents of infants. However, since they typically only include an infant car seat, they don’t have the longest shelf life, so some families may not want to invest in an expensive, tricked-out model. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pick.
Assembly. The initial assembly is pretty straightforward—just pop in the two back wheels—though attaching the snack tray takes some elbow grease. Attaching the car seat (it clicks in over the snack tray) is more complicated due to confusing instructions and tabs that were difficult to unlock, so it may take two sets of hands to accomplish. Thankfully, it’s much easier to install the car seat base with the LATCH system or the car’s seat belt, and the infant car seat slides right into the base with an audible click. The same button attaches the seat to the stroller and the base, so it’s pretty user-friendly.
Design. The Baby Trend Expedition may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, but it does have a one-step, standing fold, and two carrying handles for hoisting it into the trunk. However, its overall design is basic and doesn’t offer as much as the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System. Though we appreciate that it has cup holders and a phone compartment, they were a little too small to fit a standard-sized water bottle and an iPhone 12, respectively. Like the Graco Modes Pramette, the seat material didn’t feel the nicest. We do like that the toddler seat is reclinable, though.
How it drives. A major factor to consider when you’re shopping for a car seat and stroller combo (or a jogging stroller) is smooth steering, and the Baby Trend Expedition delivers in that department: It’s great on different terrains, turns well, and has a handy spot to put your foot on when you need to get it up a curb.
Value. Though it could benefit from upgraded features, $250 is a great price for a stroller that’s nice to drive—especially since it’s a jogging stroller and travel system in one.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 47 x 21 x 41 inches (unfolded) | Weight: 25.5 pounds | Child Age/Weight Requirements: Newborn up to 50 pounds
Best Umbrella : UPPAbaby Jordan G-Luxe Stroller
Design 4.5/5 Portability 3.9/5 Maneuverability 4.7/5 Durability 5/5
In the world of umbrella strollers, which are typically pretty bare bones, the Uppababy G-Luxe is a sleek, sturdy, and surprisingly affordable option.
Design. Its compact frame and all-wheel suspension help it navigate crowds at the zoo or the airport, and a comfortable padded shoulder strap makes toting it around a breeze. Conveniently, it stands upright when folded, though learning how to use the folding triggers takes some practice.
Features. Even with its simple build, this umbrella stroller has plenty of features, including a cup holder that’s large enough to fit a travel mug, an adjustable footrest, and an extendable UPF 50+ canopy. The brakes are easy to operate, too: There’s one green pedal to engage them and one red pedal to lock them. It has a seat’s one-handed recline and ample cushioning, but it doesn’t have an adjustable handlebar.
How it drives. The G-Luxe maneuvers well and turns on a dime.
Value. The $200 price point is worth it for a sturdy, tricked-out umbrella stroller, and it’s one of the most affordable picks on the list.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 19.2 x 12 x 41.8 inches (folded), 28.8 x 18.8 x 43 inches (unfolded) | Weight: 16.3 pounds | Child Age/Weight Requirements: 3 months old to 50 pounds
Best Compact : Contours Itsy Lightweight Stroller
A small, lightweight stroller is a must-have when you’re traveling (and it lets you fit more suitcases in the trunk).
Design. At just 12.3 pounds, the Contours Itsy is one of the lightest travel strollers, which comes in handy when you’re packing up the car or heaving your stroller into an overhead compartment on a plane. Plus, it has an impressively small footprint (it’s just 10.5 x 11 x 19.5 inches when folded), so it doesn’t take up much space, either. And thanks to its intuitive one-handed standing fold, you won’t need to scramble to fold it at the gate.
One tradeoff for this stroller’s compact size is that storage space is super limited: The cargo bin can barely fit a diaper bag. And, the finicky brake requires a good stomp to get it to engage. On the other hand, it has an adjustable UPF 50+ canopy with a peekaboo window and a nicely padded crotch strap on the five-point harness.
Portability. While its size and weight give it points when it comes to portability, but it doesnt have shoulder strap or any another convenient carrying method.
Durability. The Contours Itsy comes with a heavy-duty bumper bar and is the only thing you need to attach to set up the stroller since the Contours Itsy comes assembled right out of the box.
Value. The $170 stroller is one of the most affordable on our list, making it a great budget pick, too.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 10.5 x 11 x 19.5 (folded), 32 x 18 x 39 inches (unfolded) | Weight: 12.3 pounds | Child Age/Weight Requirements: Birth up to 40 pounds
Best Toddler Stroller : babyGap Classic Stroller
Assembly 5/5 Design 4.8/5 Portability 4/5 Maneuverability 4.8/5 Durability 5/5
When you have a lively toddler bouncing around, a small but sturdy stroller is a necessity.
Durability. Though it may not look that strong at first glance, it has a durable steel frame and puncture-proof tires that helped it traverse various terrains in our test, and it’s even a pleasure to take over curves and up a flight of stairs.
Assembly. Time is of the essence when you’re looking after kiddos, so we appreciate that this stroller is so intuitive to put together (assembly took us under four minutes!), and it also has a quick fold. However, this stroller doesn’t stand up when folded.
Portability. Though it’s lightweight at 14.5 pounds, there is no carrying strap, which makes toting it around somewhat of a hassle.
Design. Beyond its stylish faux leather handles, padded seat, and canopy, this stroller’s fabric is designed entirely from recycled plastic bottles. No matter which fabric colorway you choose, the stroller comes with a matching caddy for the caregivers.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 31.5 x 20.7 x 42.9 in (unfolded), 44 x 12 x 11 inches (folded), 31.5 x 20.7 x 42.9 inches (unfolded) | Weight: 14.5 lb | Child Age/Weight Requirements: 9 months old to 50 pounds
Best Bassinet Stroller : Bugaboo Fox 5
Assembly 5/5 Design 4.3/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5
Experts agree that babies under 6 months old (or when they can consistently keep their heads up) should not sit up in strollers, so what should parents of infants do on the go? There’s always the option of buying an infant car seat that’s compatible with your stroller, but for a more seamless experience, a bassinet stroller like the Bugaboo Fox 5 is the way to go.
Assembly. This stroller comes with a bassinet attachment with the fabric already assembled, so there’s no extra setup. And if you’d prefer the compatible car seat option, this stroller comes with adapters for Bugaboo’s Turtle by Nuna car seats.
Removing the bassinet and replacing it with the seat is not a simple task, but you’ll only need to do this once unless you use it with another baby down the line. Since you’ll probably be looking at this stroller for years to come, it’s good that the brand offers over 10 colorways to choose from, including neutrals and fun hues.
Design. It comes with an adjustable handlebar (made from vegan leather) and the reclining seat, which help give the caregiver and kiddo alike the comfiest ride. Plus, the canopy and footrest are both extendable, so the stroller can grow along with your little one. The fabric is also made from sustainable, bio-based material rather than fossil fuels, so you can feel good about your environmental impact, too.
Fold and unfold. Collapsing this stroller isn’t as easy : It takes two hands to push the buttons on the handlebar, then you have to pull it all the way up and push it all the way down (the latter two steps are doable with one hand). It’s not difficult once you get the hang of it, but it’s true that it should have one-handed fold for the price.
How it drives. The Bugaboo Fox 5 drives like a dream. With the handy pedal by the front left wheel, you can engage the brakes, and we were able to wheel it around our office building with just one hand—even through doorways and around turns.
Value. At just under $1300, the Bugaboo Fox 5 is one of the priciest picks on our list, but it covers all the basics with simplicity and precision. It also comes with the bassinet attachment, and with the included toddler seat, it’ll last well into their preschool years.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 17.3 x 23.6 x 35.4 inches (folded) 36.6 x 23.6 x 41.3 inches (unfolded) | Weight: 22.9-26.9 lbs | Child Age/Weight Requirements: Birth (using bassinet) up to 50 pounds
Best Lightweight : Joolz AER Baby Stroller
Design 4.6/5 Portability 4.9/5 Maneuverability 4.9/5 Durability 5/5
Made with travel in mind, the Joolz Aer weighs just 14 pounds so it’s easy to bring on trips.
Design. Parents and kids alike will enjoy its clever design: The comfortable seat padding provides a comfy ride for the kiddo, and caregivers will appreciate that the zippers on the adjustable canopy and seat reclining mechanisms are hidden by fabric for a clean look.
Fold and unfold. This stroller folds right up with the push of two buttons. When it’s folded, it’s truly compact (just 9.2 inches tall) and convenient to carry around with the elastic strap. It also comes with a rain cover and a travel bag—no need to purchase them separately—and a water-repellent UPF 50+ canopy.
How it drives. The Joolz Aer handles many terrains well, including gravel and turf, thanks to its four-wheel suspension. While the Joolz Aer isn’t the most feature-packed option, for a small, light stroller, it pulls its weight. Bonus: It comes with a lifetime warranty, and the brand plants a tree in Colombia for every stroller purchased.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 20.25 x 16.25 x 9.2 inches (folded), 25 x 17 x 42 inches (unfolded) | Weight: 14.1 pounds | Child Age/Weight Requirements: Birth (with car seat adapter) to 50 pounds
Best Lightweight Full Size : Inglesina Electa Stroller
Assembly 4.5/5 Design 4.4/5 Maneuverability 5/5
For active people who need a lightweight and uncomplicated stroller to move around or travel with, the Inglesina Electa Stroller is as lightweight as it gets for a full-size stroller. This Italian-made stroller is designed to be carried with one hand when folded, making it possible to carry while holding your baby. Plus, when folded, it’s ultra-compact, which helps it fit into even the smallest car trunk or narrow elevator. At only 19 pounds, this is one of the lightest full-size strollers on the market.
The seat is reversible, and the protective canopy is adjustable and features a mesh peekaboo window, so you can see into the stroller and keep an eye on your baby. The seat’s high backrest ensures that your child is supported as they grow, which is handy because the stroller can carry a weight of up to 55 pounds.
While not included with the stroller, there is also an excellent quality bassinet that you can purchase separately if you want your little one to lay flat to nap. As with all Inglesina products, this stroller is free of regulated BPA, lead, and phthalates.
How it drives. This stroller performs good on brisk walks, pushed up and down steps and curbs, and rode it on different surfaces. It has a stop-and-go brake on the rear wheels easy to press, but the buttons to lock the front swivel wheels (located on the front of the wheels) are a little less visible and hard to reach.
Design. The lightweight design of this stroller doesn’t mean there’s any skimping on the quality of the materials. It’s sturdy and the fabric feels soft, well-made, and comfortable for your little one. The seat is effortlessly reclinable (near-flat at a recline of 170 degrees), and the handlebar is height-adjustable in four positions. The canopy can also be pulled open and closed according to the level of shade you want, with an extendable UPF 50+ hood for extra sun protection if required.
The safety belt is uncomplicated and locks into place by connecting the ends of the waist straps to the back harness and then inserting the end pieces into the central buckle; the straps can then be pulled to adjust the tightness of the harness. One minor inconvenience is that the adult cup holder sits slightly low and is not adjustable.
The one-handed mechanism to collapse the stroller and open it back up is the main design feature that we think will make your life easier. You fold over the seat just by pushing it forward, then pull on the lever behind it to snap it closed. While it didn’t feel as intuitive to us at first during testing, it’s definitely very comfortable to hold once closed.
While there is a decent amount of space in the storage basket under the stroller, it has a collapsing bar which runs across it in the back, making it pretty inaccessible from that angle. It’s not as convenient to fit your diaper bag from the front if your child’s feet are in the way.
Assembly. It’s painless to assemble this stroller, with the base system opening up smoothly with just one hand. Without many extra parts, the seat and wheels click into place with no tools needed. The whole assembly process takes under 10 minutes.
Value. This is a great stroller given its quality, how well it maneuvers, and the ease of use while open or closed, but it is certaintly an investment.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 11.81 x 19.69 x 28.94 inches (folded) 32.68-37.81 x 19.69 x 42.13 inches (unfolded) | Weight: 19 pounds | Child Age/Weight Requirements: Birth up to 55 pounds
What to Look for in the Best Baby Strollers
Weight and Age Requirements
Before buying a baby stroller, it’s incredibly important to consider the stroller’s weight limits and age requirements, in addition to your baby’s development. Check the maximum and minimum weight limits for the seat and cargo basket to determine how well the stroller will work with your child. For the most part, baby strollers that do not hold infant carriers are not safe to use directly after birth, and if you need a long-lasting stroller, you’ll want to opt for one with a higher maximum weight capacity.
Plus, consider any age guidance given by the brand and your baby’s pediatrician: Babies should not be placed sitting up in a stroller until they have stable head control, which typically occurs around 6 months old, says Dr. Garbi. However, all babies are different, she notes, so you’ll want to observe your kiddo’s development.
For babies that can’t support their heads yet, a bassinet stroller is a handy (and safe) solution. A bassinet allows them to lie flat on their backs on a firm surface, following the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines.
Safety
In addition to weight and age requirements, there are other important safety factors to consider when choosing a stroller for your little one. Always pick a stroller with a five-point harness to ensure that they’re secured properly when you’re out for a spin, and select one with a wide base so it will not tip over, the AAP advises.1 Additionally, the AAP cautions parents to open and close a stroller at a safe distance from children to prevent their fingers from getting caught in the hinges, and do not hang bags or other items on the handlebars, as this can cause the stroller to tip backward.
Lifestyle
You’ll want to consider how often and where you’ll be using the stroller: Will you use it mostly for walks around a subdivision, jogs in the park, or on the go around a city? City families may want to opt for a narrower frame and compact fold, so it’s easy to navigate around crowds and public transportation. However, a larger stroller with sturdy wheels that navigate several terrains may be preferable if you live in a more suburban or rural area.
And for families who love to travel, finding a stroller that’s lightweight, compact, and has a large storage basket would be a great place to start. . However, if you only need a compact stroller every once in a while on a trip to the zoo or children’s museum, an umbrella stroller is ideal:
Additionally, you’ll want to take family planning into account when purchasing a baby stroller. If you’re considering having more children in the future, a single-to-double stroller is a smart investment since it can be converted to accommodate an infant and a toddler or two toddlers.
Features
Not all strollers have the same features, attachments, and accessories. The best features for you will depend on your family’s needs, but some important things to consider include how roomy the cargo space is, whether or not your handlebar can be adjusted for height, if there’s an adjustable footrest, and how much coverage the sun canopy provides.
You can also look for extras like an included ride-on board for an older sibling or a snack tray and cup holder for the kid (or adult). These features can make a world of difference when you’re out and about with your baby.
Also, consider the terrains you’re most likely to use your stroller on to determine the best type of wheels for your needs. If you’re planning on going on long walks, jogs, or hitting the trails with your stroller, durable tire-like wheels, like those on the three-wheeled BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Jogging Stroller, are ideal. On the other hand, a four-wheeled stroller with suspension and smaller wheels offers a smooth ride for daily use on the sidewalk. (We like the small but sturdy wheels on the Joolz Aer and babyGap by Delta Children Classic Stroller.)
Car Seat Compatibility
When you’re in the market for a baby stroller, you’ll need to consider the stroller’s compatibility with your infant car seat. Babies who can’t yet hold their head up on their own (typically under 6 months old, says Dr. Garbi) cannot safely sit up in a stroller seat, so a bassinet attachment—like the one that comes with the Bugaboo Fox 5—or a compatible car seat is a must-have. Car seats are not universally compatible with all strollers, even when they’re from the same brand, so we recommend checking with the stroller’s manufacturer on their compatibility guidelines for car seats.
You can also opt to purchase a travel system, which typically comes with a baby stroller and a compatible infant carrier, as well as a compatible car seat base. Baby strollers that connect with infant carriers can often be used immediately after birth and for many months after that, so they’re convenient to have, but note that their weight limit may not be as high as strollers that are not compatible with infant carriers, so you may not be able to use it as long.
There’s also the option of checking with the stroller’s manufacturer about a car seat adapter. Even if a baby stroller is designed as a traditional stroller, it’s always worth checking to see if you can add an adapter to fit your infant carrier inside your stroller.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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- What type of baby stroller is best? From bassinet strollers for infants to those for traveling or jogging with your baby, there’s no shortage of stroller options on the market. While there are lots of great choices on the list, the best type of baby stroller for your family ultimately depends on your lifestyle and needs.
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- When am I able to put my baby in a stroller without a car seat? The best age to transition your baby from an infant car seat into a stroller seat depends on each child’s development, but you should always wait until your baby can fully keep their head up. This often happens around 6 months old, but it occurs earlier or later in many babies. When you do make the transition, select a stroller with a five-point harness for their security. To ensure your kiddo’s safety, keep an eye on how they’re hitting their milestones, and it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician before making this change.