Best Affordable Strollers Under $400
Shocked by stroller price tags? You're not alone. These favorites won't break the bank.
By Babylist Team
A stroller is a must-have baby item for most families and one of the most popular registry items. You can easily spend upwards of a thousand dollars on one—but do you need to? We don’t think so.
Do You Need a Stroller?
While it’s definitely doable to wear your baby in a carrier—especially when they’re very young—we’ve never met a parent who has regretted buying a stroller.
Depending on the type you choose, you can use a stroller from day one all the way until around kindergarten. Having a comfy spot to sit and rest, eat a snack or take a nap means your child can stay out longer and do more. Plus, if you want to be able to do certain things like go for a run with your little one or travel frequently, you’ll likely want a stroller that can help out along the way.
What’s the difference between a luxury stroller and a more affordable option?
When it comes to strollers, the saying “you get what you pay for” proves to be (mostly) true. Strollers with higher price tags tend to be a bit more durable, have better suspension systems, can expand to hold more than one child at a time and offer different riding positions for kids. Many also have higher-end features like fancier seat and canopy materials, telescoping handles and more streamlined open and close processes.
BUT—and this is a big but!—there are plenty of strollers on the market that will more than meet you and your baby’s needs and won’t cost you one month’s rent. Frequently, you can find inexpensive options within the travel stroller and umbrella stroller categories.
Before you buy, think about what’s most important to you. Are you a city parent who’s going to be putting a lot of mileage on your stroller, or a suburb-dweller who’s more concerned about hoisting a stroller in and out of the car? Are there features you’re set on, like large wheels or a big undercarriage storage space, or are there certain things you can live without?
Prioritizing the features you need (and the ones you don’t) in a stroller can help you decide on one that works for you and your family’s lifestyle—and one that’s within your targeted price range. Here are our favorite top rated strollers that won’t break the bank.
Best Affordable Stroller
The Scoop
- Quick, easy one-handed fold
- Compact and lightweight
- Near-flat seat recline
What Our Experts Say
Compact, lightweight, great maneuverability and a one-handed fold, all for under $300—you simply cannot beat the City Mini GT2, making it one of our all-time favorite affordable strollers. It more than holds its own when compared to pricier strollers, too, boasting lots of high-end features like a near-flat seat recline, adjustable calf support and an extra-large storage basket. The Citi Mini GT2 is compatible with tons of infant car seats and is an excellent option if you’re looking for expensive stroller features at a more affordable price point.
What’s Worth Considering
You’ll need to purchase car seat adapters separately, as well as add-ons like a cup holder or a snack tray.
Want to shop around? Check out the Thule Spring Stroller. It’s another one of our favorite three-wheel strollers that features a one-handed fold and is 30% smaller than other similar strollers. Just note it will cost you more than the City Mini.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This stroller is lightweight and sturdy, a breeze to unfold and fold, and looks great. The seat lays all the way back—great for newborns—and is easily adjusted to sit upright. We go for many walks around town with it.” - S.D.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Newborn to 54 months; up to 65 lbs |
| Product Weight | 22 lbs |
Best Affordable Luxury Stroller
The Scoop
- Compares to UPPAbaby Vista
- Great suspension
- Lifetime warranty
What Our Experts Say
If you’re in love with the UPPAbaby Vista, but not with its one thousand dollar price tag, then meet the next best thing for a third of the cost: the Mockingbird. This direct-to-consumer brand launched with the mission to create well-designed products that offer real value. The stroller mirrors many of the features that parents love most about the Vista like big wheels and a great suspension system, a modular seat with a full recline, a huge UPF 50+ all-weather canopy and a generously-sized undercarriage basket. It’s compatible with a wide variety of the best infant car seats, and it can be folded with one hand and stands upright when not in use. And if you’re concerned about the lower price tag equalling less durability, don’t be—the Mockingbird comes with a lifetime warranty.
What’s Worth Considering
Taller parents may kick the back botton crossbar of this stroller while pushing it. This is a heavy stroller and still pretty bulky even when folded. And while the suspension system is good, it’s not as good as the Vista’s.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Omg! This stroller is the BEST one that I have ever owned. I have 6 kids and have tried so many different strollers and joggers and this one is everything I have ever wanted. It’s not too bulky for being a jogger, it drives smoothly, my baby is always comfortable as it lays or sits depending on if she is napping or not. I don’t really ever leave reviews and was very skeptical about this stroller, but once I actually opened it up and used it, it literally took my breath away as it was more than what I expected.” -Giovanna
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 50 lbs |
| Product Weight | 26 lbs |
Best Affordable Side By Side Double Stroller
The Scoop
- Narrow design
- Independent seat recline
- Good storage and large canopies
What Our Experts Say
Side-by-side double strollers are generally easier to maneuver than most tandems and are a good choice if you prefer your children to ride next to each other. They can sometimes be tough because of their width, but that’s not the case with Jovvy’s Scooter X2. This affordable double stroller was designed to fit through standard doorways, a huge plus. The other standout features are independently adjustable reclining seats, a one-hand fold, a large storage basket and a really big sun canopy.
What’s Worth Considering
You can’t attach car seats to this stroller, so you’ll need to wait about three months to use it. The wheels are plastic, which makes for a bumpier ride than many higher-end strollers with rubber wheels.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | 3 mos and up; up to 90 lbs |
| Product Weight | 32 lbs |
Best Affordable Double Tandem Stroller
The Scoop
- Multiple configurations
- Accepts two infant car seats
- Removable rear seat
What Our Experts Say
A tandem stroller (a stroller with a front-to-back seating configuration rather than a side-by-side) can make navigating tighter spaces easier with two children along for the ride. They can also be expensive. This tandem pick, however, won’t break your budget. The Ready2Grow LX comes packed with two stroller seats, a bench seat and a standing platform so you’ll have multiple ways to ride. (There’s also a removable parent cup holder and a child cup holder included.) The stroller is super easy to fold, an especially great feature for a tandem double. Other features to love include a close-to-you rear seat and two full-size canopies.
What’s Worth Considering
This stroller does accept two infant car seats, so it can work for twins, but it’s probably better suited for children of two different ages. Also be aware that taller parents find this stroller tougher to push and tend to kick the rear bar.
What Babylist Parents Say
“The under basket is HUGE I love that it has so much storage room. Love that it comes with interchangeable toddler seat and other pieces which most other strollers do not, worth the money. Best value and it is smooth while pushing, easily folds up also.” -Natalie
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Front seat up to 50 lbs; rear seat up to 40 lbs |
| Product Weight | 26 lbs |
Best Affordable Travel Stroller
The Scoop
- Ultra compact
- Easy one-hand fold
- Fits in most plane overhead bins
What Our Experts Say
Travel strollers have come a long way over the last few years, and the Colugo is one of our standout favorites. It gets major points for style right off the bat; it comes in stylish colors and prints (hello, leopard) and has a sleek, modern design. It’s ultra-compact, a must for travel, weighing in at about 16 pounds and featuring a quick one-handed fold that turns the stroller into the equivalent of a small bag you can sling right over your shoulder. It’s also perfect for air travel, fitting into most airlines’ overhead bins when folded. Other features to love include a wipeable, machine washable seat layer, a full recline (perfect for naps on the go), roomy storage and a rain cover included.
What’s Worth Considering
You are able to use the Colugo from birth, but you’ll have to purchase the Infant Kit separately in order to do so, which does drive the price up a bit. The handlebar isn’t height-adjustable, which may pose an issue if you’re on the taller side.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | 6 months to 55 lbs |
| Product Weight | 16 lbs |
Best Affordable Travel System
The Scoop
- Very versatile
- Self-stands with toddler seat attached
- Car seat packed with safety features
What Our Experts Say
What’s better than a stroller for under $350? A stroller and a car seat, that’s what. This travel system includes a stroller, infant car seat and bassinet attachment all rolled into one and at a price that’s way lower than other comparable options. Versatility is the name of the game with the Pivot. There are six different modes that allow you to use the stroller from day one until well into toddlerhood and beyond, including forward- and parent-facing options. The Safemax infant car seat far exceeds industry standards and features a base made from impact-absorbing materials with a roll bar to deflect the force of a crash.
What’s Worth Considering
Attaching the car seat to the stroller may take a bit of finesse.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System is another affordable travel system option that converts from a single to a double stroller.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I used to nanny and now have my own child, an eight-month-old son. Out of all the travel systems I’ve used this is by far the best. It is easy to operate, the stroller rides very smooth, and as an added bonus it looks great. I love the bassinet feature as well.” -Ashton
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Stroller, newborn up to 50 lbs; car seat, 4-35 lb and up to 32” |
| Product Weight | 38.5 lbs |
Best Affordable Convertible Stroller
The Scoop
- Grows with your family
- 15+ different configurations
- Can add a car seat, a bassinet and second seat
What Our Experts Say
A convertible stroller converts from a single to a double and works well if you have two children close in age. This Babylist parent favorite from Graco boasts so many impressive features for the price. There are so many customizable seating options (over 15, to be exact), including configurations like one or two toddler seats, a bassinet or car seat plus a toddler seat, a seat plus a storage basket and lots more. The seats are also modular (reversible) for an even more custom ride. There’s also a height-adjustable seat option with three different height positions to bring baby close (and make extra room for the second seat) and a one-step, self-standing fold.
What’s Worth Considering
The car seat, Carry Cot and second stroller seat are all sold separately, which will bump up the cost of this stroller quite a bit.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I bought this for my third child. I figured I would go all out and get nice stuff for my last one. And wow I absolutely love it. Easy to figure out unlike my last one. Light and works amazing. She’s going on 3 and I just don’t think I’ll ever give it up. Extremely worth it!” -Kelsey
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Newborn (with compatible infant car seat) to 50 lbs; stroller seat on its own can be used around 6 mos |
| Product Weight | 30.6 lbs |
Best Affordable Lightweight Stroller
The Scoop
- Can fit in a large diaper bag or under a plane seat when folded
- Two-step fold
- Reclining seat
What Our Experts Say
This ultra-light stroller weighs in at under 13 pounds and under $300, a pretty impressive combination. It’s a good option if you’re a family who travels a lot or if you need a space-saving, compact stroller on the regular. (Think riding the bus or walking to daycare, stashing in a corner of a small apartment or stowing away in a tiny car trunk.) It even folds down small enough to fit into a large diaper bag! It’s compatible with Cybex infant car seats and otherwise can be used around six months or so.
What’s Worth Considering
This stroller is amazing for what it is, but you won’t want to make this your everyday pick. The wheels are pretty tiny, the canopy is small and there isn’t much storage underneath.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | 6 mos and up; up to 55 lbs |
| Product Weight | 12.34 lbs |
Best Affordable Stroller Wagon
The Scoop
- Folds similar to a stroller
- Lots of accessories included
- Works well on different terrains
What Our Experts Say
Been eying a stroller wagon but don’t want to part with a ton of cash? This one doesn’t come cheap, but is much easier on the wallet than some other popular options that cost upwards of $700 (or more!). It’s a two-person ride with large tires that work on all types of terrain and a flip handle that lets you push or pull it depending on what’s more comfortable. The fold is similar to a stroller, making it fairly quick and easy. And there are lots of accessories already included, like canopies, a snack tray and a storage basket.
What’s Worth Considering
The Pivot can accommodate an infant car seat, but only if it’s made by Evenflo. It doesn’t handle sand as well as some other stroller wagons.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This is such a great wagon! It has definitely become one of our go-to strollers/travel systems. We used it with the infant seat attachment when my son was a newborn and it was very sturdy. My son now sits in the wagon and loves being in it. It folds down to a great size and doesn’t take up the entire trunk. I love the push and pull options of the handle.” -Jessica
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | 6 mos to 5 years (120 lb total weight limit with storage) |
| Product Weight | 34.7 lbs |
Best Affordable Sit and Stand Stroller
The Scoop
- Good for kids of different ages
- Lightest tandem on the market
- Compact fold
What Our Experts Say
A sit and stand stroller is a great choice when you’re out and about with two kids of a different age and the older one isn’t quite ready to walk on their own. The Caboose is the lightest weight tandem stroller on the market, which is an important feature when you’re pushing around two kiddos at once. This one lets the younger child sit in the front (in either a seat or a car seat, with adapters) while your older kiddo can access a bench or a stand-on board in the back.
What’s Worth Considering
Some older kids won’t love the idea of a bench seat or a stand-on board. And if you’re riding with two kids at once, it’s tough to access the storage basket.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This is the best double stroller! It is compact enough to fit easily in the back of my vehicle without taking up every inch of space, it easily folds and isn’t heavy to lift into the back of the car. I love that I can fit through every doorway and easily maneuver through any store.” -Peyton
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Front seat: ages 3 months+ or 0 months+ with infant car seat adapter, up to 40” and up to 45 lbs; Rear seat: 2.5 years+, up to 44” and up to 45 lbs; Maximum stroller weight: 90 lbs total |
| Product Weight | 23.5 lbs |
Best Affordable Umbrella Stroller
The Scoop
- Lightweight
- Great price point
- Four-position recline + easy fold
What Our Experts Say
With over 11,000 glowing Amazon reviews and a price point under $100, it’s easy to see why the Summer 3D Lite checks the box for the best affordable umbrella stroller. It boasts a lightweight frame and an easy fold, a reclining seat that lays nearly flat (making it great for naps on the go) and a good amount of undercarriage storage considering the stroller’s size. It’s a great option for a day trip when you don’t feel like lugging along your full-size stroller or when you’re traveling with your little one.
What Our Experts Say
The 3D Lite doesn’t have a one-handed fold, but it does fold up in three simple (we promise) steps—and there’s a carry strap for easy portability.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Up to 50 lbs and 43” |
| Product Weight | 13 lbs |
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