Why Mid-Size Strollers Are Having a Moment—and the Best Picks
Not too big, not too small, and with many of the same features you’d find in a full-size stroller.
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As a gear editor who’s covered the baby industry since 2016, it’s not often that a whole new category of gear emerges. But lately, one has been impossible to ignore: the mid-size stroller. Much like rotating car seats—the last new category to make a big impact in the industry—it's been quietly building momentum for a few years, and now it's having a real moment, with established favorites like the Nuna SWIV and the Silver Cross Breez picking up steam and exciting new entries like the UPPAbaby Kona coming soon.
The concept is simple. Mid-size strollers hit the sweet spot between a full-size stroller and a lightweight, travel-friendly option: not too big, not too small. The best ones are loaded with the same features you'd find on a full-size, just in a smaller, lighter package. And for a lot of families, that's exactly what they need.
What is a mid-size stroller?
A mid-size stroller is designed to give you the best parts of a full-size stroller—smooth handling, lots of storage and everyday comfort—without the extra bulk and weight. Think of it as the “in-between” category: more capable than a lightweight travel stroller, but easier to lift, fold and maneuver than a traditional full-size option.
Most mid-size strollers weigh somewhere around 18 to 22 pounds, compared to full-size options that can easily land upwards of 30. Mid-size strollers also have more compact frames than their full-size counterparts. But unlike many lighter-weight strollers, they’re still built for everyday use. Many include features like all-wheel suspension, roomy storage baskets, extendable canopies, adjustable handlebars and newborn-ready seating options.
The bottom line: these “in between” strollers make daily strolling easier, whether that’s lifting a stroller into your trunk, carrying it up a flight of stairs (without dreading it) or navigating tight coffee shop aisles. For many families, they can be their one-and-done option—something that was hard to come by before now. They’re the stroller equivalent of a good crossover SUV: practical, versatile and easy to live with.
What sets a mid-size stroller apart from other strollers?
Smaller, lighter frame. Most mid-size strollers are noticeably lighter and more compact than traditional full-size options, which can easily weigh 30 pounds or more. This makes them easier to carry, store and lift in and out of a car.
Full-size stroller features. Despite the smaller footprint, many still include premium features like large wheels, suspension systems, spacious baskets, modular seating and deep reclines.
An easier fold. Almost all mid-size strollers fold quickly, compactly and with one hand. This is the hallmark feature of most mid-size strollers, and probably the one parents rave about the most.
Better everyday versatility. Mid-size strollers are designed for families who want one stroller that can handle a little bit of everything: neighborhood walks, errands, coffee runs, pediatrician appointments and travel around town.
Who is a mid-size stroller best for?
Because they’re so versatile and share many of the same features as full-size strollers, mid-size strollers are a solid option for many types of families. But there are a few situations where they really shine.
Families who are in and out of the car often. Mid-size strollers are often marketed to city families, as their smaller footprint makes them well-suited to crowded spaces. And they are a good option in cities—but they really shine for families who drive frequently, which often means suburban families. That’s because many suburban parents want the comfort and performance of a full-size stroller for neighborhood walks and everyday outings—think good suspension, larger wheels and plenty of storage—but don’t want to wrestle a 30-pound stroller into the trunk multiple times a day. A mid-size stroller offers a much more manageable alternative without giving up the features that make everyday strolling easier.
City families, especially if you’re short on space or live in a walk-up. For urban parents, especially those living in apartments or walk-ups, a smaller, lighter stroller can make a huge difference. Mid-size strollers are easier to maneuver through crowded sidewalks, tight store aisles and busy restaurants, and many fold compactly enough to stash in small entryways or closets. The lighter weight also makes them much less cumbersome to carry up and down stairs.
All that said—you don’t have to fit neatly into one of these categories to justify a mid-size stroller. Other than for frequent travel, where you may find them a bit heavy and bulky, there really isn’t a scenario where you can’t make a mid-size stroller work for your family.
The Best Mid-Size Strollers
This category is growing and changing quickly. Here are a few favorite picks and some mid-size strollers releasing soon that we have our eye on.
With its streamlined frame, 21-pound weight and quick, one-handed fold, Nuna’s Swiv is one of the best (and most popular) mid-size strollers on the market. It shares many of the same features parents love about Nuna’s full-size strollers: a modular seat that holds up to 50 lbs, oversized wheels with all-wheel suspension, a height-adjustable handle, an all-season seat and more. The frame is made from lightweight carbon fiber, so it’s light but durable, and the wheels swivel 360°, making it even easier to navigate crowded spaces.
👀 A quick Nuna note: If you’re currently researching mid-size strollers, you’ve likely come across the Nuna Triv lx + Pipa Urbn Travel System. The stroller is loved for its light weight, lay-flat, newborn-ready seat and easy fold—but it’s currently out of stock (and has been for a while), and is only sold as part of a travel system. (Our Babyist editorial team has fielded a lot of questions about this one!) But we have good news! As of the time of this writing, it looks like the travel system will be back in stock on Babylist late June/early July, and the Triv lx will be sold as a standalone stroller (👏), available in August.
Silver Cross is known for its full-size luxury strollers, and the Breez brings many of those same premium features to a lighter, more compact frame. At just under 20 pounds, it’s easier to maneuver, carry and lift in and out of the car than many traditional full-size options. It’s newborn-ready from day one thanks to its lie-flat, reversible seat, and it’s also compatible with an overnight sleep-approved bassinet and infant car seats. (The bassinet and car seat are sold separately.) Other standout features include four-wheel suspension, an oversized storage basket, an extendable UPF 50+ canopy and a one-handed fold with the seat attached.
Joolz Hub² Stroller - Sandy Taupe
From $848.99This mid-size stroller was designed specifically for city life, but it works just as well for suburban families, too. It combines a compact frame with many of the features parents want in an everyday stroller, and, at just under 20 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry up stairs or lift into the trunk but still feels sturdy and comfortable for daily use.
The stroller features a reversible seat with multiple recline positions, including a near-flat recline suitable from birth, along with four-wheel suspension, an adjustable handlebar and a large storage basket. One standout feature is the compact one-hand fold and built-in shoulder strap, which makes carrying the stroller especially convenient for apartment dwellers or parents navigating public transit.
Bugaboo Dragonfly Seat Complete Stroller - Graphite/Grey Melange-Grey Melange
From $934.15The Bugaboo Dragonfly stands out for its innovative compact fold, which works with the seat or bassinet attached—something that’s surprisingly rare in this category. Designed for urban living, it folds down small enough to fit in tight spaces while still delivering the smooth push and premium feel Bugaboo strollers are known for.
The Dragonfly also packs in thoughtful everyday features, including full suspension, a large underseat basket with flexible storage pockets and a one-handed fold. It’s compatible with infant car seats and can be used from birth with the bassinet attachment, making it a versatile option for families who want a stroller that feels full-size without the bulk.
