Best Strollers Under $300
Best Strollers Under $300
Shocked by stroller price tags? You're not alone. These great strollers won't break the bank.
Once you get past the initial new-baby exhaustion, how-do-we-do-this phase, you’ll be dying to get out and about.
Taking walks and going jogging with your little one bobbing along is a great way for you to get some “me” time, and for your child to get her first glimpses of the world. A stroller will serve you during this stage and for many years to come.
Do you need a stroller?
While you could put your mini-me in a carrier - and many parents do choose to use a carrier too, especially to snuggle in the early months - or simply tote your baby around in your arms (if they’re made of steel), we’ve never met a parent who regretted purchasing a stroller.
Depending on the type you choose, you can use a stroller from day one all the way until kindergarten. Having a place 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 go running with your kiddo, a jogging stroller is the only way to do it.
Many first-time expectant parents are shocked by stroller price tags. You certainly can spend more than a month’s rent on a luxury stroller. But there are great options that won’t bust your budget, too.
How we chose our best picks
We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the baby products they love the most. We took the top products they shared with us and added our own research and insight to tell you about the best strollers under $300.
For Errands & Everything Else
Why We Love It
Built for the urban environment (not for jogging, despite the brand name), this stroller has a three-wheel design that makes it nimble for those times when people stop right in front of you or when you’re pushing your way through a crowd. You can also quickly fold it, and its compact size makes it great for smaller trunks and public transportation.
Keep in Mind
You can turn this into a travel system, but you’ll need to purchase an adapter to make it work with a car seat. Amenities like parent and child cup holders and trays are all extra too.
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.
“Only stroller we found with a long enough stride for a tall mom. I bumped my feet with the rest!” - Sarah S.
ADDITIONAL SPECS
Stroller weight: 18 lbs.
Child guidelines: Up to 50 lbs.
Best for Exercise
WHY WE LOVE IT
The Relay is a best-kept secret among runners. It’s a features-laden stroller at a great price falling squarely between expensive mack daddy jogging strollers, and cheapie ones that aren’t really meant for serious runners.
It has a fantastic suspension system for a smooth ride over all kinds of surfaces, a safety tether that attaches your wrist and the stroller together, and a reflective strip for early morning jogging sessions. Unlike a lot of other jogging strollers, the Relay has a child cup holder and a hanging pouch where you can store your phone, keys and even a small bottle of water.
You can even attach a Graco car seat to it (but no running until your baby can sit up in the regular stroller seat unassisted).
KEEP IN MIND
The Relay is heavy and bulky when folded down. And, if you have an open drink (think: Starbucks coffee) in the parent cupholder it’s bound to spill since the stretchy pocket holds everything at a tilt.
WHAT BABYLIST PARENTS SAY
“This is a great jogger stroller that I’ve been using from the start with my little one. This is my one stroller because it was my goal in registering and prepping for baby to keep things to a minimum. I shop with this stroller. I walk and jog with this stroller, and even go on trails with this stroller! It is holding up great so far! The storage underneath is enough and comes with a good-enough pockets and cup holders.” - Kandice F.
ADDITIONAL SPECS
Stroller weight: 28 lbs.
Child guidelines: Up to 50 lbs.
Like Pushing a Cloud
WHY WE LOVE IT
Say bye-bye to bulk and weight when you get the G-Lite. Not only is it easy to lift, it also has a simple fold. You just squeeze two triggers near the handlebar. Once collapsed, it locks in place and self-stands so it’s easy to store in the closet or your favorite bagel shop. When your little one gets cream cheese smeared all of the stroller seat, you’ll be so grateful that the fabric is removable and machine washable. A carrying strap makes it convenient to sling the folded G-Lite over your shoulder and tote home too.
KEEP IN MIND
The seat can be an issue for some parents. It doesn’t recline for nappers, and it’s not padded (although that can be a good thing in humid climates).
WHAT BABYLIST PARENTS SAY
“The G-Lite is so durable. It’s been tossed around on almost 20 flights, and been to three continents without a single malfunction. The light weight was our primary reason for buying it, but we’ve been happy in every other respect as well.” - Alex S.
ADDITIONAL SPECS
Stroller weight: 11 lbs.
Child guidelines: Up to 55 lbs.
Travel Buddy
WHY WE LOVE IT
When you need a stroller that can traverse narrow downtown sidewalks and crowded airports, but is small and light enough to take on trolleys and buses too, the Capri stroller shines. It’s basically a more convenient umbrella stroller. It’s ultra lightweight and scaled down (read: no cup holders or trays) similar to an umbrella stroller, but has two different seat positions and all-wheel suspension to cushion your little one from bumps along the way. To pack it up, just shove it in the carryall bag it comes with and carry it over your shoulder.
KEEP IN MIND
The Capri has virtually no storage space and is only good for kids who sit up well on their own up (around six months). At 37 pounds (about three years old), your kiddo will be too big to ride in this - which is a much sooner than most strollers.
WHAT BABYLIST PARENTS SAY
“It is very easy to use and pushes well.” - Samantha A.
ADDITIONAL SPECS
Stroller weight: 11 lbs.
Child guidelines: Up to 37 lbs.
Choosing What’s Right for You
We’re all for keeping kid gear to a minimum if you can, and several of these strollers could be your one and only. But many parents prefer doubling up so they can get the best stroller for specific needs. Babylist users often purchase an everyday stroller and a specialized one for either jogging, traveling or keeping at grandma’s house. With the budget picks on this list, being able to purchase more than one is much more doable.
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
