The Single Stroller Buying Guide
What kind of stroller do you want? Are you looking for a full-featured stroller? Or something lightweight? Maybe a compact stroller? It’s not uncommon for parents to own more than one stroller. We’ll help you navigate through the limitless world of strollers with our “How-to choose a stroller” article.
Stroller Considerations
Will you need bassinets, infant car seats, or toddler seats?
Do you use public transportation (subway or buses)? Do you travel regularly? Or is it just when you’re at home?
Do you expect to encounter a lot of rough terrain or smooth surfaces?
How much weight are you willing to push?
What to Keep in Mind
Stroller Weight: Strollers have a wide range of weights. Regardless of the listed weight, try to go to a store and pick them up. Let’s say a stroller weighs 20-pounds, but it’s bulky. That 20-pounds may feel much heavier because the stroller is unwieldy.
Weight Limitation: Search for strollers with the highest weight capacity possible. It will ensure the stroller will last you a long time. Furthermore, a high weight capacity often is a good indicator of high-quality materials.
Folding: The ideal stroller would have a quick one-handed fold. However, most parents have no problem dealing with a two-handed fold.
Compactness: Strollers fold in many different ways resulting in varied folded dimensions. Umbrella strollers fold narrow and also very long. Mid-size and full-featured strollers tend to fold in half or fold in thirds. The bottom line, you want a stroller that can fold easily and quickly.
Pushing Ability: If your stroller tracks straight and feels effortless to drive, it’s a sign of a well-balanced and well-engineered stroller.
Adjustable Handlebar: If you have multiple people using a stroller, you might want to gravitate toward one with an adjustable handlebar. Shorter users tend to have more of an issue with the height of the handlebar versus taller individuals.
Test Drive: When it’s possible, get your hands on the stroller you have your eye on. Feel how the stroller glides, check out all the features and try folding it.
Travel System: Is a travel system something you’re considering? Thankfully, nowadays, almost every brand offers a travel system option for its strollers. Do you love a car seat of one brand and a stroller of another brand? There’s a good chance they may be compatible.
Lightweight Strollers
Lightweight and umbrella strollers are the ultimate portable and convenient strollers of them all. Below we list the pros and cons of this stroller:
Pros
- It can easily pack into a trunk with plenty of room to spare
- Very agile and can turn on a dime
- Easy folding and unfolding
- Many lightweight strollers are travel systems
Cons
- Some lightweight strollers lack many amenities
Best For:
- Parents who often travel via public transportation
- You don’t often encounter rough terrain
- Moms and dads who travel frequently
Our Favorite Lightweight Stroller
The original Babyzen® YOYO took the stroller world by storm! The YOYO’s signature is its compactness and folding. The YOYO2 is a much-improved version; it’s now more durable and functional. The YOYO2 is super lightweight at 13.6-pounds (6.18-kg), unfolds in seconds, has an all-wheel suspension, generous storage basket, and is a travel system.
Our Runner-up
The UPPAbaby® Minu is a close second behind the YOYO2. Although it doesn’t unfold and fold nearly as quickly as the YOYO2, it folds simply with one hand. The Minu is slightly heavier at 14.8-pounds, but I’m sure you wouldn’t notice the 1.2-pound difference. This stroller also has an all-wheel suspension system and is a travel system. The Minu gets a slight nod in the travel system department due to the available accessories.
Mid-Size Strollers
Mid-size strollers have many features found on full-size strollers but in a lighter package. Below we list the pros and cons of this stroller:
Pros
- Mid-size strollers are capable of handling uneven surfaces
- They are somewhat compact when folded
- Does not have problems fitting in small trunks
- Some models will have reversible seats
- More strollers available with an adjustable handlebar
Cons
- None really- mid-size strollers do a great job of blending the lightweight and full-featured stroller attributes.
Best For:
- Parents who want a light stroller but must-have creature comforts.
- Those who travel and require more than what a lightweight stroller offers
- A parent who needs a stroller that can handle rougher and bumpier surfaces
Our Favorite Mid-Size Stroller
The UPPAbaby® Cruz V2 is one of the more popular mid-size strollers on the market. The versatility of the Cruz V2 is what parents favor as well as not having to compromise. From birth to toddler age, this stroller will get the job done.
Our Runner-up
The Nuna® Tavo Next stroller is loved by parents for its style and ease of use. The Tavo Next has received a facelift, making an exceptional stroller even better. The one-handed fold and recline features are impressive! With the introduction of the Fold-Away Axel™, the stroller folds more compactly than the previous model.
Full-Size Stroller
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Pros
- Way more comfort features and ergonomic
- Smoother ride due to the enhanced suspension and larger wheels
- Reversible seating (bassinet, car seat and toddler seat)
- Some full-size strollers have an option to carry two children
- Large storage basket
Cons
- Heaviest of the single strollers
- Some full-size strollers do not fold compactly
Best For:
- If you are planning to have multiple children
- If you would like various seating options
- Parents who plan to walk long distances
Our Favorite Full-Size Stroller
The UPPAbaby Vista V2 seemingly came out of nowhere and became hugely popular overnight. The stroller is stylish as well as versatile. The bassinet that comes with the stroller has you covered from Day 1. Want a travel system or double stroller? The answers are yes and yes! The Vista V2 has all your requirements covered.
Our Runner-up
The Nuna Mixx was a family favorite. With the Nuna Mixx Next stroller- I’m sure it will be a favorite for even more families. The notable changes are the new safety harness and the improved compact folding system. Your child is now safer, and life just got a little uncomplicated for you. You can read the full review for the Nuna Mixx Next stroller.
Honorable Mention
The Bugaboo Fox2 stroller can easily stand toe-to-toe up against the UPPAbaby Vista V2 and Nuna Mixx Next, but it's the price tag that takes it down a notch. It does the same as the other two strollers and has many of the same features; however, the Fox2 is pricier.
Travel System
The neverending stroller wars; have greatly benefitted parents. There was a time not too long ago if you were in the market for a travel system, your only option was a full-size stroller. Incredibly, there are so many lightweight strollers that can now handle the duties of a travel system. It just makes life so much easier for the parents who are always on the go.
Test Drive Checklist
We know some stores will not let you take a stroller out of the store. Here’s what you can test in the store:
- Push the stroller around the store and get a sense of how it feels to you.
- If possible, take your kids to the store with you.
- Fold and unfold the stroller. Is it easy or difficult?
- Pick up the folded stroller. How heavy is it?
Final Words
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the choices available. It can be challenging deciding from price points to features. Always keep in mind, there aren’t “perfect” baby products. We suggest you take your time making your decision and when it’s possible, see the strollers in the store. All the pictures and videos in the world will never substitute the ability to see, feel, and try a stroller.