Choose the Right Stroller for Your Family

Finding the best stroller is a bit of a Goldilocks conundrum: The one that’s “just right” for your family depends on your needs. That might be a jogging stroller that can easily handle off-road jaunts, a lightweight stroller to bop around the neighborhood, a modular stroller that can be reconfigured as your family grows, or a travel system that can take you from child car seat to stroller and back again. Here’s what to consider as you make your decision. 

• If you regularly use a car to get around: Try a travel system, modular stroller, traditional stroller, lightweight stroller, or child car seat frame stroller.
• If you’re navigating city sidewalks and public transit: Try a lightweight stroller or modular stroller.
• If you have plenty of storage space: Try a modular stroller, travel system, traditional stroller, stroller wagon, or jogging stroller.
• If you have stairs to your front door: Try a lightweight stroller.
• If you have more than one child: Try a double stroller, stroller wagon, or modular stroller.

For a newborn up to 6 months old, you’ll need a stroller seat that reclines to a near-flat position or can accept an infant car seat or separate bassinet attachment. That’s because babies under 6 months lack the head and neck control needed to sit more upright in a stroller seat. Some strollers even convert into pop-up bassinets. Another option? Choose a car seat carrier to safely support your strapped-in infant until they develop neck and head control and can sit up on their own. We note in the full view of our stroller ratings which models are suitable for infants 6 months and younger. A stroller that comes with a car seat, or one that’s compatible with an infant car seat you already own, can make traveling a lot easier.

In our tests, we rate strollers based on three primary factors: safety, maneuverability, and ease of use, which can help make your shopping decision easier. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. (One of our tests in our onsite stroller lab involves lifting and placing a folded stroller into a car’s trunk to check the fit.) Learn more about how we test strollers.

Our ratings also consider the following: 

• Whether a stroller is suitable for a baby under 6 months old.
• If it can be used for running or jogging.
• If it meets most size requirements at theme parks.
• How big it is once folded.
• If it stands on its own once folded.
• If it can be folded one-handed.
• If it has one-touch brakes.
• If it has an adjustable handle.

Try filtering CR’s stroller ratings by the features you’re most interested in. We also examine features like canopy and onboard storage, as well as the restraint system. It’s all in an effort to determine which strollers in each category offer you the best value for your money. 

Yes. Many of the top-rated lightweight and travel strollers in our tests can also double as great everyday strollers, thanks to their versatility. As a category, lightweight strollers tend to fold easily and quickly, and have a small footprint, making them a smart choice for everyday errands and jaunts, and especially for public transportation or cars with smaller trunk space. Once your child outgrows their infant car seat, a lighter, more compact stroller can offer them a smooth ride while being easier for you to maneuver around without the bulk and weight of a traditional stroller. 

Quality materials and easy maneuverability make for a safe ride, but an effective restraint system and good brakes are key. Here are some of the stroller safety features we look for in our tests:

A sturdy restraint system. A five-point harness is the safest option and is found on most strollers. Securing your baby at or above the shoulders, at the waist, and between the legs, this system keeps children from sliding or falling out if the stroller tips, or from climbing out if you happen to turn away. Check to make sure the buckles are simple for adults to operate but difficult for little ones to unfasten. The straps should be easily adjustable for proper fit and be securely anchored.

Easy-to-use brakes. Most strollers have parking brakes that are foot-activated. Some of these are one-touch or linked brakes that you activate with a single stroke of your foot on a bar at the rear of the stroller frame, while others have a brake pedal above each rear wheel. Some models have a single hand-operated lever that activates both rear-wheel brakes. Avoid models that can hurt your feet when you use the brakes with light shoes or bare feet. In our testing, we look at whether brakes are flip-flop friendly. 

Wheels that fit your lifestyle. Some strollers offer large wheels that are great for navigating curbs and rougher terrain. But big wheels take up a lot of trunk space. Many travel strollers have smaller wheels that allow them to fold up small, but they don’t do as well over gravel or rougher roads. 

Sufficient leg enclosures. Strollers that can be used with infants or young babies must have the ability to fully recline and an enclosure around the foot area to prevent an infant from slipping down. Manufacturers can use a raised seat frame, a bassinet-style enclosure, mesh or fabric shields, or hinged, molded footrests that raise and clamp over the leg holes.

A spacious canopy. A good canopy is essential for protecting your baby, especially in direct sunlight or inclement weather. Some have a mesh or clear peek-a-boo window that lets you keep an eye on your little one from above. You’ll use it more than you think. 

We’ve tested hundreds of strollers in our ratings, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a great, safe model. The best stroller for your family is the one with features that fit your child and lifestyle, at a price that matches your budget. 

While many models on our list of CR Recommended single strollers cost several hundred dollars, a few can be had for $250 or less while still offering a variety of features, such as one-hand foldability and car-seat attachment. 

Strollers can start to look and feel similar to each other, but CR’s experts say there are some important safety features to look for in any stroller, including easy-to-use brakes, a sturdy restraint system, and a roomy canopy for shielding your child from the sun 

If you’re able, try to test-drive your stroller before you buy. Here’s a stroller test-drive punch list: 

• Inspect the frame. It should feel solid, not flimsy.
• Push the stroller, and assess the handles. Do they feel comfortable? Can you reach them without slouching? Are they placed in such a way that your feet won’t hit the wheels as you walk? 
• Check the brakes and the swivel lock mechanisms. Are they responsive and easy to use?
• Check the maneuverability. Do this by adding weight, such as a heavy handbag, to the stroller seat, then push and make a few turns. Does it feel seamless?
• Adjust the backrest. Is it easy to do? And is the harness easy to open and close?
• Fold and unfold the stroller. Is it an intuitive, smooth process? Can you (bonus!) do it with one hand? 
• Lift and carry the stroller, both opened and folded. Does it feel manageable?
• Note the storage space—basket, zippered pockets, consoles, and any other storage the stroller might have. Does it suit your needs?
• Consider your car’s trunk. Some retailers might let you take the stroller out to your car to ensure that it fits in your trunk when folded. If you can’t do that, measure your trunk’s capacity and the stroller’s dimensions.
• Check both the stroller warranty and the return policy. Both can vary widely.
• Check safety certifications. All strollers sold in the U.S. must comply with the mandatory federal safety standard 16 CFR 1227, which incorporates the ASTM (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) F833 stroller safety standard. For added reassurance, check our stroller ratings to find out how each stroller performed in our safety tests.