How we rate strollers

Where our information comes from

We don't run a test lab, and we don't pretend to. What we do is the slow, careful reading most parents don't have time for, for every stroller we cover:

• Manufacturer specs and manuals. Weights, folded and open dimensions, child weight and height limits, basket capacity and list prices come from each brand's own US product pages and manuals.
• Safety standards and recalls. We check certification claims and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall list.
• Expert reviews. We read long-term and hands-on reviews from established baby-gear reviewers and note where they agree.
• Owner reviews. We look for the issues owners raise again and again after months of use, not one-off complaints.

When a maker doesn't publish a figure, we leave it out or say so, rather than guess. Specs and prices change, so every review shows when it was last updated.

The six criteria

Each stroller gets a score out of 10 on six criteria. The overall score is a weighted average, with the weights set by how much each one shapes an ordinary day with a baby.

• Maneuverability (20%): steering, wheel size and suspension, turning in tight spaces and handling curbs.
• Fold & portability (20%): weight, folded size, one-hand or two-hand fold, and whether it stands when folded.
• Comfort & safety (20%): seat size and recline, canopy, harness, brakes, options from birth and safety certification.
• Storage & practicality (15%): basket capacity and access, and the everyday details that save time.
• Build & durability (15%): frame and fabric quality, wheels, warranty and recall history.
• Value (10%): what you get for the price over the years you'll use it, including add-ons you'll need.

What the scores mean

• 9.0 and up, Exceptional: the best in its category with few real compromises.
• 8.5 to 8.9, Excellent: a great choice for the right family.
• 8.0 to 8.4, Very good: solid, with trade-offs worth knowing about.
• Below 8.0, Good or Fair: worth a look only if it fits a specific need.

A high score doesn't mean a stroller is right for you. A 15 lb travel stroller and a 27 lb single-to-double are built for different lives, which is why every review says who it's best for and who should skip it.

How we choose category winners

Each category winner is the stroller we'd point a friend to for that job, weighing its scores against its price and the alternatives. Brands can't pay to be included or to change a score.