Welcome to Strollers 101. As you tick off the list of must-have baby gear, the stroller is one of the big ones — and with so many styles, models, and price points available, it’s fair to wonder how you possibly choose just one. Relax, we’ve got you covered. Buckle your seatbelt, raise the sunshade, and grab a sippy cup of your favorite drink, as we cruise through how to choose the stroller that best suits your needs. When you’re ready for specific picks, our Best Strollers 2026 guide names the winners by category.
List Your Priorities
You can check out your favorite blogs and ask your friends for advice, but the choice boils down to one thing: How do you plan to use your stroller?
- Do you plan to take long walks downtown, hit the trails often, or simply use your stroller for short trips through the mall?
- Will you be using your stroller for travel and bringing it to the airport?
- Do you have a large trunk for storage, or is space a factor? Measure your trunk before you buy — plenty of parents find out too late that their stroller doesn’t fit without taking it apart.
- Will you be out in different types of weather?
- Do you need a stroller to accommodate a growing family for years to come?
- Do you want to splurge, or are you seeking a budget-conscious model?
Consider these types of factors as you begin to explore your options.
Special Stroller Features to Consider
You may not need all the bells and whistles, but a few never hurt. Think about your desired features so you know what to watch for while shopping. Here are some options you might encounter:
- Snack trays for eating on the go
- A seat that reclines flat (or nearly flat) for naps
- A five-point harness for safety
- A canopy to protect from sun, wind, and/or insects
- A storage basket
- Locking wheels and sandal-friendly brakes for safety
- Removable cushion for easy washing
- A peekaboo window so you can check on baby on the go
- An adjustable handlebar for comfort — especially helpful when caregivers are different heights
- A reversible seat
- Magnetic, no-rethread harness: the buckle snaps shut with a magnet, and the harness height adjusts as your child grows without un-threading and re-threading the straps.
- One-handed, self-standing fold: folds with one hand while you hold the baby and stands on its own instead of toppling over.
- Air-filled or rubberized wheels with suspension: smoother over cracked sidewalks, gravel, and grass; small hard-plastic wheels are best for smooth surfaces only.
Types of Strollers
Like cars, strollers come in a range of models to suit virtually every lifestyle.
Full-size strollers
A typical standard stroller, though it comes in many variations, generally features a comfy seat that reclines virtually flat. Usually, babies face forward, but some models offer the option to face backward. Options range from basic models to top-of-the-line rides equipped with fancy features.
Lightweight strollers
For quick trips, sometimes a simple lightweight stroller (often called an umbrella stroller) is all you need. Generally, they don’t come with many features, but they fold up quickly, they’re easy to carry, and they’re small and compact so you can tuck them in virtually any closet or trunk. If you’re flying, the spec that actually matters is whether it folds small enough to fit in most airline overhead bins. One caveat: many don’t recline or offer much head support, which means they are definitely geared to toddlers rather than infants.
Double strollers
If you’re going about your day with two little ones in tow, a double stroller might be your ideal option. Consider the ages of your children: Do you have twins, a baby and a toddler, or simply a big kid who likes to rest those tired feet once in a while? Double strollers come in various styles, including side-by-side, tandem (front and back), and sit-and-stand.
Travel systems
Sometimes you want the whole shebang — a travel system that pairs a matching infant car seat with a stroller that carries it. Then, when your baby is too big for the infant car seat, the stroller is still suitable for years to come. Travel systems are a bit more spendy, but for good reason. (Pairing a stroller with the right seat? See our Best Car Seats 2026 guide and Car Seats 101.)
Jogging strollers
These sporty strollers are sturdy enough to keep baby comfy while you get some exercise. Keep in mind these are generally made for babies 6 months and older and they’re not compatible with car seats. You’ll want to consider factors such as comfort for both you and your passenger. Look for a five-point harness, a reclining seat, reliable brakes, and a safety tether to prevent runaway-stroller situations.
Pro Tip: Take It for a Test Drive
You wouldn’t buy a car without first taking it for a spin — and if at all possible, you should do the same when you’re considering a stroller. Can you steer it easily? Is the handle a comfortable height (or adjustable) so you’re not forced to stoop over or reach too high? Is the harness easy to use? Can it collapse easily — and does it stand on its own once folded? Does it have a spot to carry your essentials? Is it easy to clean? Take your time so you choose a stroller you’ll be happy with for the next few years.
