The Best Strollers You Can Use from Birth
These strollers are safe for newborns and ready to roll—no car seat, bassinet or insert needed.
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🚨New Parent PSA: Not all strollers are newborn-friendly!
Don’t stress—most new and expecting parents are surprised to hear this. But it’s true: many traditional stroller seats aren’t safe for newborns until your baby has strong head, neck and core control, usually around six months old.
If you want a stroller to use from day one, you’ll need one that’s newborn-ready. You have a few options. An infant car seat attachment works, but you’ll need to ensure your stroller and car seat are compatible, and even if they are, you may still have to wrangle with adapters. (Infant car seats also aren’t safe for sleep or for prolonged use.) A bassinet is a possibility, but it comes at an added cost—and it’s one more piece of gear to deal with and eventually store.
The easiest option is a stroller with a seat that lies flat or one that transforms into a bassinet. And we’re taking the guesswork out of finding you one. Every stroller on this list is safe to use straight out of the box—no car seat, bassinet or extra accessories required. Most will take you from day one well into the preschool years.
We’re recommending five strollers in total (and two honorable mentions!), but our top pick for most families is the Joie Ginger LX. The seat converts to a lie-flat bassinet, so you’re good to go from day one. And the stroller is a great value, offering many high-end features at a more accessible price point than many similar strollers.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
Firsthand and professional experience. I’ve used a lot of strollers over the last decade, both in my role as a mom of two boys and as Babylist’s gear editor since 2021, so I understand firsthand the importance of a stroller that works from birth. I’ve also tested or personally used almost every stroller on this best-of list.
Expert POV. For this guide, I spoke to two experts. Jennifer Walker, RN, BSN, is a pediatric nurse, co-founder of Moms on Call, author, podcast host and mother of three. Tokunbo Akande, MD, MPH, MS is a pediatrician and pediatric hospitalist at Sanford Health.
Stroller data. I regularly analyze which baby products our users are adding to their baby registries the most (and which ones they aren’t) and what our team of merchandising experts—our buyers who are responsible for ensuring the Babylist Shop is stocked with the best and newest gear—is excited about. Studying this kind of data helped us choose which strollers to narrow in on and which ones to recommend to new and expecting parents.
Feedback and reviews. I reviewed comments and feedback from Babylist’s annual product survey of thousands of parents, read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on our staff about their real-life product experiences.
How We Judged the Best Newborn-Friendly Strollers
Best Stroller for Newborns
Pros
- Seat converts to a lie-flat bassinet
- High-end features, affordable price
- Quick, easy fold
Cons
- Hard wheels = sometimes bumpy ride
- Only compatible with Joie car seats
In two quick steps, the seat on the Joie Ginger LX transforms to a lie-flat bassinet—so you’re ready to stroll from day one with your newborn. Combined with this stroller’s long list of other impressive features, it easily grabs the top spot if you’re looking for an option you can use right out of the box.
I’ve tested a lot of strollers, and had to do a double-take the first time I pushed the Ginger. It’s such a great value: sturdy, well-constructed and packed with high-end features you’d expect on strollers that cost much more. Standouts include an oversized storage basket, an extendable canopy and an adjustable leg rest. I also like the modular seat (it flips easily from parent-facing to world-facing) and that the seat is height-adjustable.
My biggest gripe with the Ginger is the wheels. While not plastic (they’re made from a type of foam), they’re very hard, which can lead to a bumpy ride over rougher terrain. The all-wheel suspension helps, but it’s still not the smoothest option out there. And note while the stroller is compatible with all Joie infant car seats using the included adapters, it’s not compatible with other brands.
Additional Specs:
Age Range: Birth up to 50 lbs
Stroller Weight: 24 lbs
The Joie Ginger LX Stroller in pramette mode. (Photo: Joie)
Best Affordable Stroller for Newborns
Graco Modes Pramette Stroller - Pierce
From $223.99Pros
- Seat converts to a lie-flat bassinet
- One-handed fold
Cons
- Handlebar isn’t adjustable
- Plastic wheels + no suspension = bumpy ride
- Time-consuming assembly
Graco’s Modes Pramette is the newborn-friendly stroller with the best value. For around $200, it functions as an infant car seat carrier, a lie-flat pramette (AKA a bassinet) and a toddler stroller.
Like the Ginger, the Pramette features a built-in bassinet. The stroller seat fully flattens and the sides drop down to create a newborn-safe space, so you can start strolling straight out of the box. One parent in our favorite products survey called it a “fourth trimester game changer.” “It allowed me to get out for a stroller nap with a newborn,” she said.
Other perks include a modular seat that switches easily between parent- and forward-facing, a one-handed fold and thoughtful extras like a built-in cup and phone holder.
Also like the Ginger, this stroller’s handling is my biggest complaint. The Pramette has plastic wheels and no suspension, so while it handles well indoors or on smooth pavement, it’s a bumpy ride once you deviate from those surfaces. It also takes about 30 minutes to assemble, and the handlebar is fixed rather than adjustable, which can be a challenge for taller parents and caregivers.
Additional Specs:
Age Range: Birth up to 50 lbs
Stroller Weight: 20.86 lbs
The Graco Modes Pramette Stroller in pramette mode. (Photo: Tonya Baker, Babylist Director, Brand and Visual Design)
Best Mid-Range Stroller for Newborns
Baby Jogger City Mini GT3 All-Terrain Stroller - Frosted Ivory
From $299.99Pros
- Newborn-friendly near-flat recline
- Quick, easy fold
- New, improved design
Cons
- No modular seat (outward-facing only)
- Short canopy
You don’t need a bassinet to stroll with a newborn. As long as the seat reclines fully or near-flat, and the brand approves it, many strollers are suitable for use right out of the box. That’s the case with the Citi Mini GT3. The seat reclines near-flat, making it newborn-friendly from day one.
The newly updated version also fixes some of the pain points I had with the previous GT2 model. The GT3 model has a more accessible storage basket (no awkward metal bar to maneuver around 🙌), a telescoping handlebar in place of a pivoting one and a magnetic buckle. And Baby Jogger kept the GT3’s most-loved signature feature: the one-handed, one-second fold. “It’s a lifesaver when I’m juggling a baby and bags,” said one parent we surveyed.
Despite its name, the Baby Jogger isn’t a jogging stroller, so you can’t run with it. Other cons include the always-outward-facing seat—it’s not modular—and the relatively short canopy.
Additional Specs:
Age Range: Birth to 65 lbs
Stroller Weight: 27.7 lbs
The seat on the Baby Jogger City Mini GT3 lies nearly flat and can be used with a newborn. (Photo: Baby Jogger)
Best Premium Stroller for Newborns
Pros
- Newborn-friendly near-flat recline
- Optional infant insert for added support
- Thoughtful features + luxe design
- Compact fold for a full-size stroller
Cons
- Expensive
- Unfolding is awkward
- No modular seat (outward-facing only)
- Storage basket is hard to access
Pricier strollers often have more functional and convenience-oriented features, which is definitely the case with Nuna’s Tavo Next. Combined with the near-flat recline, it’s a top newborn-friendly option if you’re working with a larger budget.
The Tavo Next seat has four different recline positions, including a nearly flat option that’s ideal for newborns. The stroller also comes with an optional infant insert for extra cushioning and support, a helpful add-on. “My baby was born with torticollis [when a baby’s neck muscles cause their head to tilt to one side] and we needed a stroller that could lie flat,” said one parent in our survey.
Other features include everything you’d expect from a premium stroller: super-luxe fabrics, an XL canopy with ventilation, an all-season seat with breathable mesh, magnetic buckles and an impressive all-wheel suspension system. I also like that the Tavo Next folds down smaller than many similar full-size strollers, thanks to a fold-away axle.
The one thing I don’t love about this stroller is the lack of modular seating; at this price point, it’s a disappointing miss. And while the fold is easy and fairly compact for such a large stroller, unfolding it is a bit awkward.
Additional Specs:
Age Range: Birth to 50 lbs
Stroller Weight: 26.4 lbs
The seat on the Nuna Tavo Next lies nearly flat and can be used with a newborn. (Photo: Nuna)
Best Compact Stroller for Newborns
Pros
- Newborn-ready with bassinet-style foot barrier
- Compact, one-handed, self-standing fold
- 4-wheel suspension + large basket = a stroller built for travel & everyday use
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the easiest to push one-handed
- Fold isn’t as smooth as some other compact strollers
There are many amazing travel strollers on the market, but the Minu is my hands-down favorite for a family who wants to use a more compact option from day one. This newly updated stroller features a fold-up foot barrier and enhanced recline, making it newborn-friendly right out of the box.
The Minu is also super versatile. It’s a standout for city living, everyday use and travel, all in one light and compact package. Thanks to features like a roomy seat and high seat back, an easy-access basket, improved suspension and a compact fold, parents love that it as an all-in-one solution.
“This has been our primary stroller since day one,” one parent told us. “It’s so versatile.”
If you’re comparing it to other compact travel strollers, just know it’s on the heavier side at about 17 pounds. The fold can take a few tries to get just right, and the carry handle isn’t the most comfortable. But for a newborn-friendly stroller that covers both everyday and travel needs, it’s one of the best.
Additional Specs:
Age Range: Birth to 50 lbs or 40”
Stroller Weight: 16.7 lbs
The seat on the UPPAbaby Minu V3 lies nearly flat and can be used with a newborn. (Photo: UPPAbaby)
Best Convertible Stroller for Newborns
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Stroller - Ayrshire Black
From $365.99Pros
- Seat converts to a nearly-flat bassinet
- Converts to a double stroller
- Large storage basket
Cons
- Rides best on smooth surfaces
- Heavy
- Some parents report issues with wheels
If you’re looking for a newborn-friendly stroller that expands for a growing family, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand is a smart pick. It’s newborn-ready out of the box with a toddler seat that converts to a nearly-flat newborn seat. As your family grows, you can add on a second seat (sold separately) and even a rider board for older kids.
“I love my Evenflo Pivot Xpand,” one parent said in our annual survey. “My son and I use it almost every day and he naps so well in the bassinet feature. The stroller rolls nicely, has an adjustable handle for taller people like me, and since it is already set up for a second seat, I don’t have to worry about a big purchase when his next sibling comes along.”
Although it does have rear-wheel suspension and larger wheels, the tires are made from a mix of foam and plastic and are quite hard, so it doesn’t roll well on uneven surfaces. It’s heavy, and fairly bulky when folded, and, like many inline strollers, can be tough to maneuver in double mode with heavier riders. Some parents also report quality issues with the wheels like swivel malfunctions, locking issues and squeaking.
Additional Specs:
Age Range: 4-55 lbs
Stroller Weight: 30.2 lbs
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand stroller in bassinet mode. (Photo: Evenflo)
Honorable Mention
These three strollers aren’t newborn-friendly right out of the box, but they’re pretty close—most require either an (included) bassinet or the addition of an infant insert that’s sold separately. They’re definitely worth a look 👀.
Fairly new to the brand’s stroller lineup, Zoe’s entry into the convertible stroller market is a huge success. This single-to-double stroller does require a bassinet to be infant-ready, but it’s included when you purchase the stroller, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Parents praise the Journey’s luxe look and feel, the cushy suspension, the extra-high adjustable handlebar and the zip-close storage basket. It looks and feels a lot like a Bugaboo, but at a more affordable price point.
Zoe's The Journey stroller with the bassinet attached. (Photo: Zoe)
Mockingbird Single Stroller 2.0 - Black/Windowpane Canopy With Penny Leather
From $380.00Named a top pick in our best strollers guide, the Mockingbird is both a parent and editor favorite. There are two add-on options to make it newborn-friendly: the Infant Seat Stroller Insert or the bassinet. The stroller is most loved for the value it delivers, offering high-end looks and function at a more affordable price point than similar competitors.
The Mockingbird Infant Seat Stroller Insert accessory (sold separately) makes the stroller newborn-friendly from birth, as shown. You can also purchase a bassinet. (Photo: Mockingbird)
Another Babylist favorite, the Cruz is similar to the Mockingbird in that you can add on either the brand’s bassinet or Infant SnugSeat insert if you plan to use it with your baby from birth. The Cruz is extremely durable, packed with premium features (incredible suspension and maneuverability, cushy fabrics, XL storage basket, telescoping handlebar, etc.) and high-end finishes. It’s also more compact than the Vista, the brand’s popular convertible stroller.
The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Infant SnugSeat accessory (sold separately) makes the stroller newborn-friendly from birth, as shown. You can also purchase a bassinet. (Photo: UPPAbaby)
What is a newborn-friendly stroller—and why does it matter?
Not all strollers are safe for newborns. In fact, most standard stroller seats aren’t approved for use until your baby has enough head, neck and core control—usually around six months old.
If you’re using a travel system—a stroller and an infant car seat that fit together—your baby can ride in the stroller while strapped into the car seat from day one. However, a car seat isn’t safe to use for sleep or for extended periods of time.
“Car seats are not designed to keep babies in an ideal position for sleep,” explains Jennifer Walker, RN, BSN, a pediatric nurse, mom of three and co-founder of Moms on Call.
“Babies do not have a well-developed core and their neck muscles are still developing. They can often lump over the straps that are used to keep them in position, thus cutting off their airway,” she says.
“The safest way for a baby to sleep is on their back, alone, in a crib or bassinet, with no soft items or loose bedding,” adds Dr. Tokunbo Akande, a pediatrician and pediatric hospitalist at Sanford Health. “Extended positioning in the semi-recumbent position, which occurs in a car seat, can put some babies at risk of experiencing oxygenation and breathing problems,” he says.
If you plan to stroll from day one, a lie-flat stroller or a stroller with a built-in bassinet mode is a safe solution.
What to look for in a newborn-friendly stroller
In order for a stroller to be safe to use from birth right out of the box, it either needs:
A seat that lies completely or near-flat (and is approved for newborn use by the manufacturer)
A built-in bassinet mode (also called a “pramette mode” by some brands)
A bassinet attachment
If your stroller offers a full recline, some manufacturers also recommend adding an infant insert to the stroller seat to provide extra support and cushioning for younger babies. Always use the insert that either came with your stroller or is sold separately by the same brand—this ensures it’s been tested for safety and compatibility. Avoid aftermarket products (an item sold separately that is not made by the original manufacturer), as they haven’t been tested with your stroller and aren’t a safe option.
It’s also important to remember to always practice safe sleep. Whether your baby falls asleep in their stroller or their car seat, “the best and safest situation is to monitor your child when they are sleeping on any surface other than their crib environment,” reminds Walker.
