Types

Your first decision is which type of stroller you want to buy. You might want more than one—such as a traditional stroller and a lighter-weight model for traveling—though you might be able to get along fine with just one, depending on what you select as your main set of wheels. (Learn how we test strollers.)

Stroller classifications are largely for marketing purposes. But there is often some overlap between categories, making it difficult to classify some models.

Here are types of strollers, listed in order of age appropriateness.

Seat-carrier frames

Because newborns can't sit up without support, they can't ride in a standard stroller—that is, one that doesn't fully recline. These lightweight frames have no seat of their own. Instead, you attach an infant car seat for strolling.

Pros:They're compact and convenient, also inexpensive because your car seat does double duty. They let you smoothly get a sleeping baby in and out of the car. When you move a baby in an infant car seat to the stroller frame, you're less likely to wake her.
Cons:The car seat and the frame can no longer be used as a stroller once your child outgrows the seat (at about 1 year).

Combo strollers

These are a combination carriage and stroller. Before your baby can sit up, you can use the stroller's bassinet, snap an infant car seat into the stroller chassis, or, depending on the model, fully recline the seat and close the leg holes. After that, use the stroller seat attachment to wheel around your baby.

Pros:Can start using the stroller from Day 1, and because it's designed for infants through toddlers (to 40 pounds or so), you might not have to buy more than one stroller.
Cons:Combo strollers tend to be costly. For example, Bugaboo, which is a popular brand of combo stroller, costs from $680 (the Gecko model) to $880 (the Chameleon). That price includes everything—the chassis, bassinet, and reversible seat, which weigh a total of about 17 to 20 pounds (an average stroller weight), plus a canopy, rain cover, tire pump and pressure gauge, bug net, under-seat bag for storage items, and maintenance kit. But you'll still need to buy a car seat.

Travel systems

Travel systems combine a stroller and an infant car seat; the baby is in the car seat snapped into the stroller until she can sit up, after which you use the stroller without the car seat.

Pros:Like an infant seat with carrier frame, a travel system allows you to move a sleeping baby in the seat undisturbed from car to stroller. Some also allow you to fully recline the seat and have a means of closing off the leg holes, so you can use it as a carriage.
Cons:If you select the car seat first, you have to live with the stroller it works with (and vice versa). An alternative is to choose a stroller that can hold car seats from a number of manufacturers. You have to push around a car seat and a stroller, which can be bulky and unmanageable on stairs.

Carriages

These models provide sleeping space for infants. Some have large, spoked wheels and compartments, or "carry cots," that can be removed and used as a bassinet.

Pros:They can be used for newborns and they're convenient for sleeping.
Cons:They're not very portable or user-friendly. If you get the kind with large, spoked wheels, it'll be nearly impossible to maneuver on public transportation, and you'll still need a car seat. Traditional prams, the kind that don't convert to a regular stroller, aren't very popular and few manufacturers produce them. If you want your baby to lie flat when strolling, consider a combo stroller.

Traditional strollers

This category runs the gamut from lightweight, 11-pound strollers to heavy-duty models that weigh 35 pounds—and prices reflect that range. Heavy-duty strollers are somewhat bulky but stable, deep, and roomy. Higher-end models may have shock absorbers on all wheels, as well as many other features, while others are bare-bones. Many strollers have a two-step, one-handed release for folding. Some models are available as part of a travel system, and some may fall into the combo category as well.

Pros:Many are lightweight and convenient. They have more features than umbrella strollers, such as a snack tray and a roomy storage basket, and some may accommodate an infant car seat or fully recline and have a wall around all sides above the retention space, so it's possible to use this type of stroller from Day 1.
Cons:Heavier models are difficult to carry on public transportation and to lift into car trunks or minivan cargo areas. And you might still need a car seat. Small wheels don't perform well on uneven sidewalks or rough terrain. The compact size of lighter-weight models might cramp some toddlers, especially when they're dressed in heavy winter clothes.

Umbrella strollers

These are named for their curved, umbrella-like handles, and often weigh less than 12 pounds. They may have a one-handed release for folding, and often have a carrying strap. They often overlap with traditional strollers. They’re for babies who can sit up on their own, around age 6 months and older.

Pros:They're lightweight and convenient.
Cons:The compact size of umbrella strollers may cramp infants and toddlers, especially when they're dressed in heavy winter clothes. Because these strollers lack suspension and seat support, they don't provide a cushy ride. The seat rarely reclines fully, and some don’t recline at all.

All-terrain strollers

These three-wheel strollers (or traditional-style strollers with larger, air-filled tires) let you push your child on a variety of surfaces, from mall floors to off-road. They have a rugged, outdoorsy look. Many all-terrains have bicycle-type air-filled tires, and larger wheels than a traditional stroller. The larger wheels make the stroller easier to push. All-terrain strollers have a three-wheel design that mimics jogging strollers, but they should not be used for running unless the user’s manual specifically says you can. (Our testers have seen strollers in stores displayed in the “jogging/running” section that are not meant for running.)

All have a front wheel that swivels for easier maneuvering on smoother surfaces but can be locked for use on rougher surfaces. With few exceptions, most all-terrains are not suited for babies under 6 months old, though some are infant car seat-compatible.

Pros:They're good for off-road use and provide a relatively smooth ride over rocks, potholes, or uneven sidewalks. Some all-terrain strollers can accommodate heavier children than other strollers can. Several companies offer double or triple all-terrain strollers with a total weight limit of up to 100 pounds or 150 pounds, respectively.
Cons:Three-wheel designs might be unstable when the rear wheels are rolled over a curb. Many all-terrains are not suitable for infants younger than 6 months. They are often large and heavy; some may require you to remove the front and/or rear wheel to fit in a car trunk. Air-filled tires can go flat and require re-inflating with a bicycle pump or a gas-station hose.

Jogging strollers

These three-wheel strollers, with hand brakes, non-swivel or lockable front wheel for serious runners, and large, air-filled tires, let you push your child while you run or jog. Larger wheels make it easier for the runner who's pushing, and the air in the tires helps provide a smoother ride for the little passenger. The long, high handlebar is designed to give running feet and legs more space to avoid bumping into the stroller's frame.

A wrist strap should be attached to your wrist and the stroller at all times when you are running with a child in the stroller; that will give you some control and keep the stroller from getting away from you if you fall or trip. On some brands, the large front wheel does not swivel; on others, it swivels but can be locked into place.

The appropriate minimum age for a child to ride in a jogging stroller is a matter of debate. Most manufacturers suggest a child should be 8 weeks old or older, but our medical consultants say that a baby should be at least 6 months old, able to sit up, and have some head support to withstand the potentially jarring ride. Some jogging strollers are made to accommodate the youngest babies, but that doesn't mean you should sprint with your newborn. Brisk walks are a better idea.

Pros:Jogging strollers can also be used for off-road walks. Many jogging strollers have a longer life than traditional strollers, because they can accommodate heavier children. Several companies offer double or triple strollers with total weight limits of 100 or 150 pounds, respectively.
Cons:The fixed (nonswiveling) front wheel is good for running but can make maneuvering difficult. Some three-wheel designs might be unstable when the rear wheels are rolled over a curb, or if a child tries to climb into the stroller. Jogging strollers are often large and some are heavy; you might need to remove the wheel(s) to fit the stroller into your car trunk. Bicycle-type air-filled tires can go flat and require re-inflating with a bicycle pump or a gas-station hose.

Tandem strollers

These strollers have one seat directly behind the other. They're the same width as single-passenger strollers and easy to fit through doorways and store aisles.

But while, on some models, the rear seat can recline, the front one usually can't without limiting the space of the rear passenger. On some tandems, you can set the seats so the passengers face each other. Others have a "stadium seat" that allows the child in back to see over the one in front.

Pros:Tandems easily fit through standard doorways and narrow elevator doors. A folded tandem takes up just a little more space than a folded standard midsized stroller. Many tandem models accept an infant car seat in one or both stroller seats (but check which brands of car seats are compatible before you buy).
Cons:Steering can be difficult, and it can be tricky getting over curbs. Some models have limited leg support and very little legroom for the rear passenger. They're often quite heavy, which can make them difficult to manage if you're small.

Side-by-side models

The other configuration of multiple strollers, the side-by-side, has two seats attached to a single frame or a unit resembling two strollers bolted together. You can create your own side-by-side by joining two umbrella strollers with a set of screw-on brackets—available at baby discount chains and specialty stores.

The features on side-by-side strollers are similar to those on single-passenger models. This type of stroller works best for children of about the same weight, such as twins. Each seat has an independent reclining mechanism.

Pros:A side-by-side model goes up curbs more easily than a tandem. Some side-by-side models accept an infant car seat, though some brands limit it to one seat only. That might be fine if you're shopping for a newborn and an older child. If you're shopping for infant twins and you want a side-by-side, look for one in which both seats recline and use the infant boot that comes with the stroller for both seats.
Cons:If children of different weights ride in the stroller, it can veer to one side. Most side-by-side models can't be used with infant car seats. A folded side-by-side stroller typically requires twice as much space as the equivalent single-occupant version. Although manufacturers might claim that a stroller is slender enough to go through a standard doorway, it can be a tight squeeze, and the stroller might not fit through some doorways.

See also:

Car seats

Bouncer seats

Backpack carriers

Baby monitors