“Keep in mind that some travel strollers run on the smaller end, so it’s worth checking dimensions to ensure a good fit, especially for taller or lightest double stroller older children,” says Brown. Putting a child in a stroller when they’re too small or too big is a safety risk. Travel strollers often sacrifice on features to save on weight and size, but you do get some extras with the Yoyo3. It has a nicely sized storage basket, a small zippered compartment behind the seat and a wrist strap, which is a helpful safety feature when you’re potentially less familiar with your surroundings. While we love the convenience of this stroller and how comfortable it is for babies, there are a few other trade-offs.
Even beautiful strollers can become the wrong buy if they are simply too much for the job. Shopping for a stroller can be overwhelming, with so many types and styles available. You want your child to be safe and comfortable, and you also want the stroller to be easy to maneuver, easy to fold, and light enough for you to get it in and out of your car. If you just need a very lightweight stroller for quick trips to the store or for when your toddler gets tired and cranky, then an umbrella stroller is ideal. These small, collapsible strollers are little more than a fabric seat and back over a lightweight frame, and they usually weigh less than 12 pounds. This is the most popular type of stroller and one of the most requested by moms-to-be.
When it comes to value, few travel systems deliver quite like the Graco Modes line. The price for both the stroller, compatible infant car seat and car seat base is $400 — car seats alone can cost that much, and quite a few of the standalone strollers on this list top that price, too. You can fit any Graco infant car seat directly into the frame or seat with a one-step attachment, making it incredibly easy to take your baby from car to stroller and back again. The stroller stands on its own when folded, fits into tight spaces and feels far more polished than most compact options.
Jogging strollers also have a handbrake for safety, good suspension to keep your child comfortable, and large, sturdy wheels for a smooth and easy ride. Lightweight strollers — similar to full-size strollers but smaller and with a lighter frame — are perfect for older babies or toddlers. They recline enough to keep a sleeping child snug and provide a secure, comfortable ride for a child sitting upright. They include an adjustable handlebar, adjustable leg rest, enormous sun canopy, one-handed seat recline, and faux leather bumper bar. The downside is that there is NO storage, which is a big bummer.
It’s not enormous, but it’s a convenient option for thin, lightweight items. In our at-home testing, we found the right back wheel sometimes still spun when the brake was locked, meaning the stroller could pivot but not move forwards or backwards. Unlocking and relocking always fixed the problem, but we’ll keep an eye on it as we long-term test the stroller.
Lightweight, stylish and cabin-friendly, it’s designed for effortless adventures from airport terminals to everyday outings. The Bugaboo Dragonfly combines premium city strolling comfort with an innovative compact fold designed for modern urban life. Lightweight, stylish and packed with smart storage solutions, it delivers smooth manoeuvrability without compromising on comfort or convenience. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is the best stroller under $400, offering features and performance typically found in strollers costing $500+. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality stroller that will last for years—similar to how the Graco Extend2Fit offers excellent value in car seats. The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is ideal for families who want one high-quality stroller for everyday use.
For growing families who need to fit multiple kids in car seats, Chicco’s slim model lets you fit three in the back seat of most vehicles. Two cupholders fold in to maximize space, and the cushy headrest adjusts to 12 positions. It grows from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing one to a booster seat.
The conversion between pramette and toddler seat is one-handed and took both testers around a minute—and it got easier each time. The reversible seat can be turned parent-facing or world-facing in around 15 seconds, Kira found, and reclining the seat could be done just as quickly and one-handed. And once baby's down, the canopy provides generous coverage and a peekaboo window for easy check-ins. Families with smaller homes or cars, or those who stroll less frequently and never venture off-road, may be happy with a travel stroller.
For off-road capability, the Veer Switch&Roll has it in spades - large wheel diameter, puncture-free tires, high-end adjustable shock absorbers, a large storage bin, and adjustable handlebars. Jogging strollers typically have larger, air-filled tires and a fixed front wheel to ensure a smooth ride on various surfaces. Many models also come with extra cushioning and a hand brake for added control while running or jogging. They are perfect for parents who want to take their little ones along for a run or a brisk walk. While it doesn’t have the convertible benefits of full-size strollers, it’s a great day-to-day pram, not just for jogging. The underseat storage area has plenty of room for my diaper bag and other must-haves, and the sunshade provides solid protection.
Everything needed for a first baby—infant car seat adapters included—comes in the box. Both seats are identical with equal 50-pound weight limits, meaning no one gets the “smaller” sibling seat. The Maxi-Cosi Mali is another great budget-friendly pick for parents who still want a stylish, practical pram with plenty of everyday features. We love that it’s a 2-in-1 design, with a lie-flat bassinet that transforms into a comfortable seat, so you don’t need to swap between separate pieces as bub grows. The Uppababy Vista V3 is a beautiful choice for growing families, especially if you’re looking for a pram that can take you from newborn days through to toddlerhood and beyond.
Test how smoothly the stroller turns, how it handles curbs or uneven surfaces, and whether the wheels provide a stable, controlled ride. Swivel front wheels and quality suspension can greatly improve ease of movement. If you love to stay active, a jogging stroller is a great investment. Designed specifically for parents who want to maintain an active lifestyle, these strollers are built for stability with safety features. When you need to pack it, the seat is easy to remove before folding the bottom half of the stroller, or you can collapse it all as one piece. In early 2024, we tested the updated Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0, which includes an updated frame as well as some improvements on the harness, canopy, and fold.
From the best strollers for a budget to versions that can grow with your family, here are Truly Mama’s top picks for strollers. Wade Elliott is the founder of Stroller Workshop with many years of experience repairing strollers. Since 2011, he has worked with manufacturers, retailers and thousands of parents, and uses his mechanical experience to provide up-to-date, unfiltered stroller reviews.
In the past, this stroller type was known as an “umbrella stroller” because it collapsed in on itself, much like a full-size umbrella. Nowadays, this breed of stroller is lightweight, folds compactly (often in thirds), and is designed for small spaces or travel, hence the moniker. Some are ridiculously small when folded, which is cool, but they often (though not always) lack impressive features like significant storage or large canopies. We chose our favorite strollers across the range of stroller types.
A higher seat also means kids can sit in it longer, prolonging its longevity. Comfort and safety are central to the Cruiser City’s design, with a spacious interior, secure harnesses, and smooth handling that parents appreciate on longer outings. Despite its sturdy build, it folds compactly, making storage and transport easier than many traditional wagons. With a 250 lb total weight capacity, it’s built to carry kids, gear, and everything in between. For added flexibility, separately sold infant car seat adapters allow the Minu Duo to pair with one UPPAbaby infant car seat, creating a convenient travel system. UPPAbaby also supports traveling families through its TravelSafe program—when used with the Minu Duo Travel Bag, damage caused during air travel is fully covered.