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How to choose a stroller in seven steps

Short answer: Choose a stroller by asking, in order: where you will push it most days, how your newborn will ride, whether a second child may follow, whether it fits your trunk and home, how much weight you can lift, and what it really costs with accessories. Then compare your top two side by side.

By The Best Baby Buy teamUpdated October 2026

Step 1: Where will you push it most days?

  • City sidewalks, transit and stairs: weight and fold size matter most. Look at compact and travel strollers, or a light full-size like the Nuna SWIV (21.8 lb).
  • Suburbs and a car: a full-size stroller with a big basket, like the UPPAbaby Cruz V3.
  • Trails, grass and gravel: an all-terrain stroller with big wheels and suspension. If you'll run, choose one its maker approves for running: see the best jogging stroller.
  • Lots of flights: a travel stroller. See the best travel strollers.

Step 2: How will your newborn ride?

Young babies need to lie flat or ride in an infant car seat. Decide which you want: a bassinet, a seat approved from birth, or a car seat that clicks onto the stroller. Many strollers need a bassinet or adapters sold separately. See when a baby can sit in a stroller seat and strollers you can use from birth.

Step 3: Will a second child come along?

If a sibling is likely within a few years, a single-to-double stroller saves buying a double later. For twins or children close in age, a side-by-side double is usually better. See single-to-double strollers, explained.

Step 4: Will it fit your car and your home?

Measure your trunk's depth, narrowest width and opening height, and compare them with the folded size. Our trunk-fit calculator does it for you. Check where it will live at home too, and the width of your narrowest door.

Step 5: Can you lift it, and fold it with one hand?

You'll lift your stroller thousands of times. Most full-size strollers we review weigh about 25 to 29 lb; our lightest strollers ranking starts at 13.6 lb. A one-hand fold helps when you're holding a baby.

Step 6: What's your real budget?

Add the bassinet, car seat adapters, second seat and rain cover you'll need to the list price. See how much a stroller costs for the price ranges by type.

Step 7: Narrow it down

  1. Take the 60-second Stroller Match quiz for three matches.
  2. Read the full reviews, especially the "skip if" list.
  3. Put your final two side by side in our comparisons.
  4. Check the maker's site for the current price and what's in the box.

Choosing a stroller FAQ

What should I look for when buying a stroller?

Start with where you'll use it, how your newborn will ride, and whether a second child may follow. Then check the folded size against your trunk, the weight you'll lift, the basket size and the full price with accessories. A one-hand fold and a big canopy are useful extras.

When should I buy a stroller?

Many parents buy in the second or early third trimester, which leaves time to compare, check it fits the car and learn the fold before the baby arrives. If you'll use an infant car seat on the stroller, choose the two together so they're compatible.

Do I need a travel system?

No. A travel system, a stroller plus an infant car seat that clicks on, is handy if you drive a lot in the first year. If you mostly walk, a stroller with a bassinet or a seat approved from birth may suit you better.

How many strollers do I need?

Most families start with one. Some add a light travel stroller later for flights, the car or grandparents. Buy the stroller you'll use most days first, and add a second only if you find you need it.

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