How to Find the Best Stroller for Your Family: A Comprehensive Guide

Many single-to-double strollers cost a small fortune: But the Mockingbird stroller is the solution to that expensive problem. Beloved by What to Expect parents, the Mockingbird is often compared to the Uppababy Vista V3 and touted as a more affordable yet just as convenient option.

The Mockingbird delivers so much at a fraction of the price of many luxe strollers. It converts to a double stroller with the 2nd Seat Kit for families planning on having more than one (and can even accommodate three with the Riding Board), but also is ready for use right after bringing baby home if you use the additional bassinet, a car seat adapter or infant inserts to the toddler seat. 

As far as the ride goes? Leah Rocketto, What to Expect’s Associate Shopping Director, says that the Mockingbird glides smoothly, even over bumpy pavement. She also loves the one-handed fold that “actually works,” unlike some other strollers that end up requiring two hands to push the frame down. “Many parents may write this off as unnecessary, but it comes in handy if you’re holding a child while also storing your stroller,” she says. It also comes with added bonuses like an extra-large storage basket that can hold an impressive 25 pounds.

The Chicco Bravo Quick-Fold is one of the more popular strollers in the What to Expect community, and parents love how versatile and generously sized it is given its lower price point.  The forward-facing seat is appropriate for babies 6 months and older, but if you have a newborn, you can easily snap in any Chicco infant car seat to create a versatile travel system — no adapter needed. (If you’re also in the market for a car seat, know that the Chicco Bravo travel system is also very popular and you can save by buying both together.)

The Bravo’s features are impressive and rival those of many higher-end strollers. Think: a UPF canopy, multi-position seat recline, adjustable handlebar (ideal for taller parents), mesh peekaboo window, cup holder and parent tray with plenty of storage for a phone (an underrated feature for long walks). The whole thing swiftly folds with one hand and a single motion which, true to its name, is incredibly easy to do.

Parents say the Bravo works very well on smooth surfaces, though it can be harder to push on bumpier ground. Also, keep in mind that this is a single stroller, so it can’t convert to add more seats in the future, if flexibility is important to you.

At $900, the Nuna TRVL lx + PIPA urbn Travel System is an investment — but if you're going to splurge on one stroller setup, this might be the one. It’s sleek, folds in seconds with one hand, installs easily without a car seat base and grows with your baby well into toddlerhood. (That’s a major win over the Doona, which doesn’t offer that kind of longevity.)

Liz Buxton, What to Expect’s Shopping Director and a first-time mom, keeps this stroller in her trunk at all times:

“I used this for my daughter Lou’s first flight, and it handled everything — security, gate checks, car transfers — without stress or struggle," she says. "I can collapse the stroller while holding her and a diaper bag, then pop the car seat into an Uber without dealing with a base. It’s intuitive, compact and actually pretty sleek looking.”

Two standout features Liz swears by: the pull-tab recline that drops the seat to a nearly flat position (perfect for Lou’s naps before she could sit up) and the genuinely impressive one-handed fold. It’s the kind of flexibility that lets you skip the bulky extras and still feel ready for anything from day one.

The stroller stands on its own when folded, fits into tight spaces and feels far more polished than most compact options. While the PIPA urbn car seat tops out at 22 pounds, the TRVL lx stroller holds up to 50, making this system a smarter long-term choice than many infant-only setups. For parents who want style, simplicity and smart design all in one, this travel system checks all the boxes.

When it comes to value, few travel systems deliver quite like the Graco Modes line. And the brand’s 3 Lite DLX model is particularly great. 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.

Graco is a trusted name in the baby world, so you can feel confident that you won’t be sacrificing quality either. “This travel system offers a great price point, and I think you get good quality for that price point,” says Kimberlee Beck, What to Expect’s engagement marketing manager. She loves the stroller’s one-handed fold and the fact that it stands up on its own when closed, as well as its versatility — there are nine seat configurations you can take advantage of. 

The Graco Modes 3 Lite DLX is technically the line’s jogging stroller, which Kimberlee says helps make it so easy to maneuver. The two front wheels, which are close together, make turning corners a breeze. “It’s not too heavy to handle, either,” she says. 

While the stroller is uncomplicated to fold, Kimberlee does wish it was easier to open. “You have to hold the lock feature open while maneuvering the handle and then it opens toward you,” she says. Reviewers also say that this stroller isn’t quite as shock-absorbing and smooth as some of the pricier models out there, so if you’ll be navigating bumpy terrain often, it may not be the best stroller choice for you. 

For parents on the go, you can’t beat the flexibility and convenience of the Doona, which is actually a hybrid car seat and stroller that weighs just 16.5 pounds.

Simply click a button, and the Doona goes from a stroller to a car seat. The wheels fold in for car rides, then fold back out again to stroll. Use it on planes, trains and automobiles — this system works no matter where the wind takes you.

Don’t expect it to perform quite as well as dedicated strollers, though. The wheels won’t take bumps quite as easily. And because it’s not a true stroller, it’s not the best place for baby to sit for prolonged periods of time. Still, many parents find the convenience of going from car to sidewalk is well worth it.

The biggest downside is longevity — or lack thereof: Once baby hits 35 pounds or 32 inches — somewhere around 1 year old, though often sooner for some children — and outgrows the car seat, you’ll need to spring for both a new car seat and a new stroller. So while it can be an incredibly convenient option, some parents dislike how short a lifespan it has, especially considering that for the price ($550) you could also buy a full-size stroller that would last for a number of years.

For more details on this hybrid piece, read one mom’s honest review of the Doona stroller. 

Looking for a stroller that can handle the newborn days and keep up as your family grows? The UPPAbaby Vista V3 is up for the challenge. This premium convertible stroller is sturdy, smooth and thoughtfully designed for the long haul. It starts as a single stroller, works from day one with the compatible bassinet (sold separately), and later converts to a double — or even a triple — with the RumbleSeat or PiggyBack ride-along board. For families who plan to use their stroller every day, this one’s a smart and flexible investment.

Liz has used the Vista V3 daily since Lou was born, deeming it, "the SUV of strollers: luxe, sturdy and smooth."

"I use it for neighborhood walks and trips into town, and it glides so easily over sidewalks, curbs and even rough park terrain," she says. "The bassinet was amazing for newborn strolls — so cozy — and now we love flipping the toddler seat to face in or out, depending on Lou’s mood.”

The Vista V3’s Smooth FlexRide Suspension helps absorb bumps and makes steering feel almost effortless, even with one hand. The oversized underseat basket (holds up to 30 pounds) fits everything from diaper bags to dinner ingredients. You’ll also get a height-adjustable handlebar, an extendable UPF 50+ canopy with mesh panels for airflow and a one-step fold that stands on its own.

It’s not the most compact pick — the bulkier frame takes up trunk space and can be a tight squeeze indoors. But for daily adventures, especially outside, the Vista V3 shines.

Bonus points for the style: The newest Vista V3 models come in fresh, eye-catching colors. Mystic Aqua, in particular, is a standout — bold, elevated and a refreshing break from the sea of strollers in black and gray.

Sometimes you need a heavy-duty stroller with all the bells and whistles. Other times, you just need an umbrella stroller. Lightweight and smaller than a full-size stroller, umbrella strollers are ideal for on-the-go families. And the 13-pound Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller is one of the most popular options within our What to Expect community.

Many umbrella strollers don’t recline, so parents love that the Summer Infant 3Dlite has four different reclining positions, which can help ensure your baby can sit and even sleep comfortably. (Just remember that strollers should not be used for routine sleep, and you should keep a close eye on your little one while she snoozes.) Despite its lighter weight and slimmer profile, this stroller still delivers many of the features you’d want in a stroller of any size — anti-shock front wheels, lockable rear wheels and a large storage basket for anything you need to tote. It's also offered at a lower price point than other strollers.

The Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller is also quite sturdy, despite its flexibility, so it takes sidewalks and slightly bumpy terrain in stride. At the end of the day, this stroller is a great way to transport babies who weigh as much as 50 pounds — that’s well into toddlerhood. Because of this, many parents say this is one of the best options for traveling as well as for quick errands.

The AAP warns against hanging bags off the handlebars of any stroller, since the extra weight can cause them to tip backwards. But that’s especially important with an umbrella stroller, because they're so lightweight and, therefore, more tip-prone.

If staying active with your little one is part of your post-baby game plan, the Thule Urban Glide 3 just might be your new favorite running buddy. This high-performance jogging stroller glides like a dream — thanks to its rear suspension and air-filled tires — and looks sleek and sporty without feeling bulky. Whether you’re strolling sun-dappled sidewalks or jogging bumpy trails, this stroller keeps the ride smooth for both you and your tiny copilot.

What to Expect Community member and contributing creator Gabriella Barrera has been putting the Urban Glide 3 through its paces with her 14-month-old son, Louie. “I can push this stroller with just the tips of my fingers, even on bumpy terrain,” she says. “Louie always falls asleep during walks or runs, and I’ve been able to keep him comfortably in the stroller for much longer stretches of time.”

Her favorite features? The generously sized canopy (a must for mid-jog naps and shielding that sweet face from the Texas sun), the built-in hand brake for extra control, and the zippered undercarriage storage that actually fits more than just a diaper and a dream. The suspension is ultra-smooth, and the wheels pop off easily for storage. One note: While the fold isn’t exactly one-handed as advertised, Gabriella says the thoughtful design more than makes up for the extra step.

Any downsides? The price tag might give you pause — it’s definitely a splurge. And for a stroller in this higher range, Gabriella notes a couple of surprising misses: “There’s no cup holder, which feels like a big oversight for something built for movement. And no snack tray for Louie is kind of a bummer.”

Still, she says the performance and thoughtful design justify the investment: “Compared to my previous jogging stroller, this one feels like a major upgrade. It makes me feel more confident running on different terrain — which is probably more fun for Louie, too.”

The Baby Jogger City Select 2 Double Stroller is a popular choice among parents of multiples in the What to Expect community. This is a convertible double stroller, meaning it can be used as a single stroller initially then changed to a double by adding a second seat. You can also use the City Select 2with two seats and a back glider board, allowing you to push three children at once. (Just note that the second seat and glider board are sold separately, so if you intend to use this as a double stroller from day one, make sure to purchase the second seat, too.)

Reviewers appreciate how compatible this stroller is with a variety of car seats — an especially helpful feature for parents of multiples who drive often. It can be much easier to attach a car seat into a stroller as a travel system than unclip and re-clip two babies every time you make a stop. Baby Jogger, Britax, Chicco, Cybex, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Peg Perego and UPPAbaby infant car seats all work in this stroller (you’ll have to purchase adapters separately, however). And because it’s narrower than most side-by-side double strollers (and many convertible doubles, too), you’ll likely find it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, making it an equally good choice for families who live in cities.

Other nice features include reclining seats, a UV 50+ canopy with a peekaboo window (helpful to easily check on baby when she’s forward-facing), a telescoping handlebar and one-handed fold.

Most strollers designed for multiples have just two infant or toddler seats with an optional rider board for an older child. But families with triplets or three under 5 have a much harder time finding a stroller that can fit their whole brood. One of the few options on the market that can accommodate larger families is the Zoe The Triov2, the updated version of the brand’s Trio+. (If you have four kids, the brand also has its Tribe+ stroller that starts as a quad and can be downsized to a double.)

The Triov2 would be an excellent stroller regardless of how many children it could seat. Although it’s not designed for newborns, it reclines 140 degrees (in twin mode) or 120 degrees (with the third add-on seat) and is safe for babies 3 months and older who have good head control. Strollers that accommodate multiple children are often on the bulky side, but this one manages to be as sleek as possible: It has a lightweight aluminum frame, a slim profile and can fold up easily. If you have twins and a toddler, you’ll also appreciate that it can convert down to a double when your older child outgrows the stroller years. 

There are also a number of nice-to-have features included, such as a parent cup holder, two child cup holders, a snack cup and adjustable footrest (notable, since those are often add-ons you pay extra for with other strollers). Many families also appreciate that it’s approved for use in Disney.

More kids typically means less maneuverability, so it’s not very surprising that The Triov2 isn’t the easiest to push on tough terrain. But on pavement, parents say it works well. And you can’t beat the price and design for larger families. 

Once your toddler is toddling more than strolling, your stroller needs shift. You might no longer need a newborn bassinet or a full-on travel system — and you may not want to haul around a giant set of wheels for quick outings or airport adventures. What you do want? A compact stroller that folds like a dream, fits just about anywhere, and still has space for your little explorer’s must-haves (snacks, stuffies, and a sippy cup or two). Enter: the Bugaboo Butterfly.

The Butterfly is beloved by parents for its super simple one-second fold (yes, really), light weight (a smidge over 16 pounds), and carry-on-compatible size when folded. It’s easy to store in a closet, car trunk or even an airplane overhead bin — and just as easy to maneuver through tight spaces or busy sidewalks. Bonus: The roomy underseat basket fits all the essentials (and then some).

What to Expect staffer Steph Fisher put the Butterfly to the test during family trips — including a whirlwind week at Disney World. It quickly became her favorite travel companion. “It handles surprisingly well on uneven terrain for a travel stroller,” she says. “The fold and unfold was key — we had to break it down fast for buses, but could roll it right onto the Skyliner.”

She also raved about the storage: “The underseat basket gave us tons of space for all our gear and souvenirs on long park days.” Her toddler napped soundly thanks to the deep recline and extended canopy — and when her 6-year-old’s legs gave out, he climbed in too. “He’s tall but still under the 50-pound limit, and it was spacious enough for him.”

Yes, the Butterfly is on the pricier side — but for many parents (Steph included), the quality and long-term use are more than worth it. With one of the highest weight limits in its category and a tall backrest for growing kids, this stroller can go the distance. As Steph says, “If you can swing the price, every bit of it feels worth it.”

For a stroller wagon that offers a few more bells and whistles without taking up more space, consider the Larktale Caravan Coupe. Though only slightly bigger than competitors, this luxe stroller wagon offers a slew of features that make it worth the more expensive price tag. To start, there are five — yes five! — storage units that help you bring everything you need in an organized fashion. This includes a rear- or front-attaching storage basket; an inner storage console and interior mesh pockets so riders have easy access to snacks, drinks and more; an exterior mesh pocket; and a removable handlebar console to keep your necessities within reach. 

The stroller wagon features a large, foldable sun canopy with a mesh panel to ensure proper air flow, and comes with a rain cover to keep kids dry during drizzly adventures. Plus, it’s easy to fold flat for convenient storage in cars and closets. 

The Larktale Caravan Coupe can comfortably fit up to two kids, with individually reclining seats to enhance comfort. The one downside is that it’s pretty heavy at 40 pounds, but Leah says that’s a small price to pay for what the Larktale provides. 

“I was shocked that, despite being heavy, the Larktale stroller wagon is super easy to maneuver,” she says, adding that she recently used the wagon on a trip to the zoo and had no trouble weaving in and out of crowds or moving through doors. “My 2-year-old daughter and her 3-year-old friend were securely seated and had plenty of room to stretch their legs, and they were able to take in the views even with the canopy up. I especially loved and appreciated the console which held each of their water bottles and snack canisters. It gave them a sense of independence and gave me a break from constantly fetching food.”

Leah adds that the break can be a little difficult to operate when you first use the wagon, but after a few pushes it loosens for easy foot operation.