Which Stroller Is Right for You? The Ultimate 2025 Buyer’s Guide
Updated April 24 2025 • 12‑min read
Walk into any baby store—or open Amazon—and you’ll find hundreds of stroller options. Newborn carriage, travel system, jogging, umbrella… it’s enough to make even veteran parents dizzy. The truth is there’s no single “best” stroller; only the one that matches your lifestyle, budget, and terrain.
This guide breaks every model into seven clear stroller types. We’ll cover pros, cons, price ranges, and real‑world tips so you can shop with confidence. Skip ahead with the quick‑glance comparison table, or dive deep into each category. Stick around for the FAQ section where we answer the questions parents Google most.
Jump to the Quick Comparison ⇩Quick‑Glance Comparison Table
| Type | Age / Weight Range | Key Perks | Perfect If You… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (Full‑Size) | Birth – ≈22 kg (4 yr) | Flat recline, bassinet‑ready, sturdy frame | Need one stroller from day 1 to preschool |
| Travel System | Birth – ≈12 mo (car‑seat phase) | Clip‑in infant car seat, zero sleep disruption | Drive daily & hate waking baby |
| Compact / City | 6 mo + | Cabin‑approved fold, ≤7 kg weight | Live in an upstairs flat or tiny apartment |
| All‑Terrain / Jogging | 9 mo + | 16‑inch air‑filled wheels, shocks, hand brake | Jog or stroll gravel paths weekly |
| Double | Birth – ≈22 kg × 2 | Seats two kids (side‑by‑side or tandem) | Have twins or close‑aged siblings |
| Convertible / Modular | Birth – ≈22 kg per seat | Expands from single ➜ double | Plan baby #2 soon |
| Umbrella | 6 mo – ≈4 yr | Super‑light, budget‑friendly | Need a grab‑and‑go backup stroller |
1. Newborn (Full‑Size) Stroller
A full‑size—or “newborn‑ready”—stroller has a seat that fully reclines to 170–180 degrees, safe for a fragile spine. Most accept a carry‑cot bassinet or infant car seat, so you can create a makeshift pram or travel system.
- Pros: all‑in‑one solution, big storage basket, smooth suspension.
- Cons: 10–13 kg weight, trunk‑filling fold.
- Price Range (2025): $300–$1 300.
Top picks: UPPAbaby Vista V2, Cybex Priam 4, Nuna Mixx Next.
See our full newborn stroller rankings »
2. Travel System
A travel system is simply a stroller chassis sold in a bundle with a Group 0+ infant car seat. Clip baby out of the car, click onto the frame, roll into the café—no unbuckling, no tears.
- Pros: seamless car‑to‑sidewalk transfer, cheaper than buying separate.
- Cons: infant seat outgrown by ≈12 months; stroller sometimes lower quality.
- Ideal for: suburban parents who drive daily.
Popular bundles: Chicco Bravo Trio, Graco Modes Nest, Britax B‑Free Gen2.
3. Compact / City Stroller
Apartment dwellers rejoice: compact strollers fold down to airline cabin size and weigh as little as 5.9 kg. Think of them as the MacBook Air of baby wheels.
- Folds under 22 × 18 × 10 in (IATA cabin standard).
- Often one‑hand fold + carry‑strap.
- Smaller wheels ≈ less comfy on cobblestones.
Crowd‑favourites: Babyzen YOYO², Joolz Aer+, Bugaboo Butterfly.
4. All‑Terrain / Jogging Stroller
Planning to run a 10 K or tackle forest trails? You need a jogging stroller (3 wheels, fixed or lockable swivel front) or all‑terrain stroller (4 sturdy wheels).
- Key specs: 12–16″ pneumatic tires, adjustable suspension, wrist strap, hand brake.
- Safety: Wait until baby has strong neck control (≈9 mo) before jogging.
- Weight: 11–15 kg.
Top performers: Thule Urban Glide 2, BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0, Cybex Zeno (multisport).
5. Double Stroller
Twin magic—or toddler plus infant—means double wheels. Choose between side‑by‑side (equal view) or tandem (narrow doors).
- Measure doorways: Side‑by‑side max 30 in fits standard U.S. doors.
- Tandem length can make kerbs tricky.
- Expect 12–15 kg chassis weight.
Best‑sellers include Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double and Joovy Caboose RS.
6. Convertible / Modular Stroller
A convertible (a.k.a. modular) stroller morphs from single to double by adding a second seat or ride‑along board—perfect if baby #2 is on your 5‑year horizon.
- Pros: future‑proof, premium build.
- Cons: Heavier, pricier, folding can be puzzle‑like.
Flagship models: UPPAbaby Vista V2, Bugaboo Donkey 5, Silver Cross Wave 3.
7. Umbrella Stroller
Umbrella strollers earn their name from the scissor‑fold and hooked handles that resemble—you guessed it—an umbrella. They’re cheap (<$150), weigh 4–7 kg, and live in the car trunk until duty calls.
- Not newborn‑safe: seats don’t recline flat.
- Minimal suspension; good for malls and Disney queues.
Great value: Summer Infant 3Dlite+, Maclaren Quest Arc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best stroller for a newborn?
Newborns need a fully reclining seat or bassinet to protect spinal development. Look for strollers certified from 0 months or pair a travel‑system frame with an infant car seat.
When can I switch to an umbrella stroller?
Most paediatricians recommend waiting until 6–9 months, once baby can sit without support. Always use the 5‑point harness.
Which strollers fit in an airplane overhead bin?
Models like the Babyzen YOYO² (20.5 × 17.3 × 7.1 in) and GB Pockit+ meet IATA cabin limits, but each airline sets its own rules—double‑check before flying.
Three wheels or four wheels—what’s better?
Three‑wheel joggers carve turns smoothly on rough ground; four‑wheelers offer extra stability for everyday sidewalks and escalators.
How much should I budget for a stroller in 2025?
Expect $100 – $1 300. Average spend among U.S. first‑time parents in 2024 was $480, according to JPMA.
Do I really need a bassinet attachment?
Not mandatory, but bassinets let newborns lie completely flat and are overnight‑sleep approved in many regions—handy for travel.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a stroller is like choosing shoes—you need the right pair for your terrain and lifestyle. Map out your daily routine, measure your trunk and doorways, and then match specs to reality. The good news: today’s market is brimming with excellent options in every category and price point.
Ready to dive deeper? Explore our Best Travel Systems of 2025 or download our free PDF checklist below.
Download the Stroller Checklist PDF
(We’ll also send you price‑drop alerts—spam‑free guarantee.)