The Best Strollers of 2026

No one stroller is going to check every box for every family, but the Cruz is about as close as you can get.

In addition to being a parent favorite (almost one-third of the thousands of Babylist parents who took our Best Baby Products survey voted UPPAbaby as their favorite stroller brand, ranking the Cruz as their number one choice for a single stroller), the Cruz is also a personal favorite and a stroller I've been recommending to families for years—and even more so after its recent V3 upgrade. It's ready to use from day one thanks to the lay-flat, modular seat and included infant insert. It has incredible suspension for tight turns and all types of terrain, a huge storage basket, countless parent- and baby-friendly features and an easy fold. “The Cruz is perfect,” said one parent in our survey—and I couldn't agree more.

The suspension system on this stroller is a true standout. Combined with the Cruz's durability (I've known families who've used it for five+ years), it’s an especially great choice for urban families who don’t own a car and use their stroller multiple times a day for all the things (“It handles so well on city streets," noted one parent). And it's just as great for suburban families who do a lot of walking.

Other features I love are the Cruz's reversible seat with magnetic buckles, the no-rethread harness, the telescoping leather handlebar, the all-wheel suspension with independent shocks on every wheel and the nearly full-coverage extendable canopy. You can use either of UPPAbaby's infant car seats, the Mesa or Aria, directly with the Cruz, or add adapters to pair it with a selection of popular seats from brands like Nuna and Chicco. (If you prefer to go the bassinet route, that's also an option.)

Worth noting:

• The fold is easy, but it does require two hands.

• Like many traditional full-size strollers, the Cruz is heavy and fairly bulky when folded. It's smaller than the fold on the brand's convertible stroller, the Vista V3, and will fit in most car trunks, but it's by no means a compact or lightweight stroller.

• It's expensive, especially if you add on the bassinet and other accessories—but it's an investment that will last for years.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 27.6 lbs

• Age Range: Birth up to 50 lbs

• Car Seat Compatibility: See list

“The best bang for the buck,” “not only cute but well built so well,” an “awesome” product and “very nice and half the price of some other strollers” are just some of the raves Babylist parents have about the Mockingbird, one of my two honorable mention picks. And they’re right; the Mockingbird does have a lot going for it. I've been pushing and testing various iterations of this stroller since it first launched way back in 2019, and I'm thrilled to say it's currently better than ever.

The Mockingbird is packed with features you’re more likely to find in strollers with a much higher price tag: all-wheel suspension, a reversible, fully reclinable seat, a huge storage basket, a no-rethread harness, an extendable canopy with a peekaboo window and a one-handed fold. Also, like many higher-priced strollers, it's a pleasure to push and steer, easily navigating bumps, sidewalk cracks and off-the-beaten-path terrain.

The Mockingbird is compatible with about 40 different infant car seats (using adapters, sold separately) if you’d like to use your stroller from birth. If you prefer a bassinet, that’s an option too, or you can skip any add-ons and use the stroller as-is with the addition of the Infant Seat Stroller Insert for the tiniest riders. It’s also covered under a lifetime warranty.

And while they may not seem like a big deal at first, the thoughtful features on the Mockingbird are really nice to have—and really helpful, too. I love the black-and-white pattern on the inside of the canopy (cute and perfect for visual development) and the hidden seatback pocket, which is perfect for phone storage.

Need to stroll with multiple kids, or prefer to invest in a stroller that will grow with your family? Check out the Mockingbird Single-to-Double 2.0 convertible stroller. It features everything we love about the single model but expands to hold two+ children. (It’s also a Babylist editor favorite.)

Worth noting:

• The Mockingbird is comparable to the Cruz in size and weight, which is to say it's pretty heavy and fairly bulky.

• The handlebar rotates rather than telescopes (it pivots up and down instead of extending in and out). As a taller parent (I’m 5’10”), I occasionally kick the crossbar at the bottom of the stroller if I’m not paying attention.

• I don’t find the stroller quite as easy to turn and steer as some other slightly more expensive competitors—but I'm being pretty picky. I'm not sure the average parent (AKA, someone who doesn't test strollers for a living) would notice a significant difference.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 26 lbs

• Age Range: Birth up to 50 lbs or 42”

• Car Seat Compatibility: See list

More affordable strollers are surprisingly hard to get right. In my nearly ten years of testing baby gear, I’ve found that many less expensive models compromise on features that really matter, like smooth handling, good suspension and long-term durability. The Joie Hazel is one of the few that doesn’t.

A popular European brand that hit the US market in 2024, Joie’s car seats, strollers and other baby products are beautifully designed, perform well and are extremely durable. The Hazel is all of these things and more; it truly feels and maneuvers like a stroller triple its price, earning it my second honorable mention pick. 

The oversized wheels, all-wheel suspension and ease of pushing and steering are my favorite Hazel features. It effortlessly handled all the different types of terrain I tested it on, from smooth pavement to bumpy sidewalks, grass and even packed dirt and gravel. It turns easily, and I was able to steer it with one hand. And while not quite as smooth, the push isn’t that far off from much pricier strollers from brands like UPPAbaby and Nuna—a pretty impressive feat at this price point.

Other standout features include a giant storage basket (it holds an oversized diaper bag with lots of room to spare), a reversible seat with three different heights and a telescoping leatherette handlebar. The canopy also extends quite a bit (and has a peekaboo window), a feature I always appreciate for privacy or for those extra sunny days.

Worth noting:

• The recline goes nearly flat (a must-have for me in any full-size stroller), but it’s controlled by a squeeze handle on the back of the seat, which I found a bit awkward to use.

• You'll need to manually reroute the harness straps as your child grows.

• The brake isn’t flip-flop friendly.

• Folding and unfolding are straightforward, but the stroller feels bulky and heavy once folded.

• It’s only compatible with Joie infant car seats. (Adapters are included, though.)

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 25.1 lbs

• Age Range: Birth up to 50 lbs

• Car Seat Compatibility: See list

A travel system is a car seat + stroller combo that attaches. Travel systems are convenient, eliminate some decision fatigue and guarantee that your car seat and stroller will work together. This pair from Nuna is one of the best around.

The Mixx Next stroller features all-wheel suspension, a reversible seat with a fully flat recline and thoughtful features like magnetic buckles and a full-coverage canopy. The fold is also pretty unique. While not super compact, the stroller does fold flat, and you can use the handle to pull it behind you (like a suitcase) when you're on the go. I also appreciate the stroller's high-end fabrics and overall design.

The urbn is a lightweight, baseless car seat that features built-in rigid LATCH. Installing the seat with rigid LATCH is as straightforward as it gets and, once you've done it a few times, takes just a few seconds. It also creates an extremely secure steel-to-steel installation (the car seat's steel anchors click directly into a vehicle's steel lower anchors). Size is another big pro of this seat; because there's no base to deal with, it's pretty compact, so it works in a wide range of cars, even smaller ones.

Worth noting:

• You'll need two hands to fold down the stroller. The storage basket is amply sized, but only holds up to 10 pounds.

• Baseless car seats have many perks, but keep in mind that you will have to reinstall the seat every time you put it in your car. (It's quick, though.)

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: Stroller: 28.3 lbs; infant car seat: 7 lbs

• Age Range: Stroller: newborn to 50 lbs; infant car seat: 4-30 lbs, up to 29”

There's a lot of value in the Pramette, part of Graco’s Modes stroller line. It's three strollers in one, all for just over $250: an infant car seat carrier, an infant pramette (AKA a bassinet) and a toddler stroller. This versatility means you can use the stroller from birth right out of the box and is why I recommend the Modes line above the brand’s (many) other models.

“Most babies are not able to ride in standard strollers until at least six months,” says Pediatric Occupational Therapist Courtney English, something many first-time parents don’t realize. “It all depends on their core, trunk and head control,” she explains. In Pramette mode, the sides of the toddler seat drop down and the seat flattens completely, transforming it into a newborn-friendly space—which means you can skip purchasing a bassinet separately. (You’ll also save space, since a bassinet is yet one more thing to store when the newborn days are over.) The seat on the Pramette is modular, another big pro for a stroller in this price range. There’s also a one-handed fold and a parent cup and phone holder included.

Worth noting:

• The stroller lacks the suspension found in many higher-priced options, so the ride is a bit bumpier according to many parents and our own testing. It also doesn’t turn as effortlessly as some pricier models.

• The stroller's handlebar isn't adjustable.

• The Pramette takes some time to assemble, usually about 30 minutes.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 20.86 lbs

• Age Range: Newborn up to 50 lbs

• Car Seat Compatibility: See list

Nearly 30% of the thousands of Babylist parents who completed our Most Loved Baby Products survey named the Vista their favorite stroller, often calling its quality “unmatched” and even the best item on their entire registry. I count myself among its biggest fans—it’s the stroller I pushed multiple times a day for years while raising kids in New York City.

The Vista’s biggest strength is its flexibility for growing families. From birth, you can use it with the SnugSeat or add a bassinet (sold separately or as part of a bundle). The bassinet works for both strolling and overnight sleep and includes a foam-free air mesh mattress with plenty of ventilation. “A bassinet is a great option because it allows baby to continue to move freely on their stroller ride,” says English. “I also love bassinet stroller rides for newborns because it stimulates their visual and vestibular systems as they explore looking at trees, clouds or a mobile as their body moves in space. This is all great for their development.”

If you prefer a car seat setup, the Vista pairs with UPPAbaby’s Mesa or Aria infant car seats—or other compatible seats with adapters. As your child grows, swap in the toddler seat, and if a second baby joins the picture, you can add a Rumble Seat or the PiggyBack ride-along board for older kids.

Performance and durability-wise, the Vista shines. “It’s lasted through all three of my kids and held up great,” one Babylist parent shared. The V3 boasts an even better suspension system than the brand’s previous versions (something I didn’t think was even possible), called FlexRide, that holds up to just about anything you throw at it, including high curbs, bumpy sidewalks and off-road terrain. I’ve pushed a lot of strollers, and the Vista handles like no other.

Thoughtful details round things out. The telescoping handlebar works for parents and caregivers of different heights (I’m 5’10” and find it comfortable to push). The huge storage basket is also a plus. When I lived in the city, I easily fit a few days’ worth of groceries in it; now, in the suburbs, I pack it full of park toys, my diaper bag and whatever else I need for the day. The full-recline seat and extendable canopy are good kid-forward comfort features. And speaking of seats, the V3 now features an all-weather option: there’s a mesh back for warmer days and a seat liner for cooler days. UPPA also added magnetic buckles, something I’ve been hoping for on this stroller for years. They’re just as great as I imagined they’d be, making getting your squirmy baby or toddler into or out of the seat quicker and easier than ever before.

Not a dealbreaker, but:

• This stroller is large and heavy, even when folded.

• Like many tandem (also called inline) strollers, the Vista is tough to steer when it's loaded with two (or more) kids.

• It's expensive, especially when you start adding on accessories. But, like the Cruz, it's a worthwhile investment if you're looking for a durable stroller that will hold up through multiple kids.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: Frame + seat: 27.6 lbs

• Age Range: From birth (with infant car seat or SnugSeat) up to 50 lbs; with toddler seat only, from 3 mos up to 50 lbs

• Car Seat Compatibility: See list

“Makes everything easier,” “so convenient for our lifestyle” and “once you have the Doona, you don’t need anything else,” are just a few things paremts told us about this innovative car seat + stroller hybrid when we asked them what they loved about it in our Most Loved Baby Products survey.

The Doona transforms from an infant car seat into a stroller with the click of a button. When it’s time to get in the car, the stroller legs and wheels pull up and fold under the car seat. For some parents, this ultimate convenience feature is a really big deal.

The Doona is ideal for parents who travel or fly with baby frequently, who are in and out of the car often (think a suburban parent of multiple kids who’s doing daily preschool dropoff, sports practices, etc. with a baby in tow) or for a city family who uses rideshares or rental cars regularly. It’s also great if you’re a minimalist who’s trying to cut down on the amount of baby gear you need, especially during the first year.

The Doona isn’t for everybody, though. The Doona is first and foremost a car seat, not a stroller. And as with any car seat, it's important to take regular car seat breaks. (It's not safe for baby to sleep in a car seat for long stretches of time, and if you're taking a long road trip, the AAP recommends taking baby out every few hours for a break.)

Not a dealbreaker, but:

• The Doona is very heavy, clocking in at over 17 pounds—almost a full ten pounds heavier than some other popular car seats. It gets tough to lift the Doona in and out of the car, especially as baby grows.

• There’s no storage basket.

• The seat sits quite low to the ground, making it tough to push if you’re a taller parent (🙋🏻‍♀️).

• The suspension and steering aren’t nearly as good as you’ll find in traditional strollers.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 17.2 lbs

• Age Range: 4-35 lbs, up to 32”

A travel stroller is a good investment if you plan on flying or traveling frequently with your family, but it’s also something to consider if you need a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller to keep in your car or to use when you don’t want to deal with a larger stroller. The Joolz Aer2 is my top pick, as it packs a big punch in a small package. It’s been my go-to travel and keep-in-the-trunk stroller for over three years, and I constantly recommend it to anyone who asks. (Or doesn’t, truly.)

The three things I love the most about this stroller are the push, the compact size and the easy fold. Strolling with it doesn’t feel much different than pushing many larger, more expensive and much heavier strollers. (That’s because of the four-wheel suspension system, a feature that’s not that common in travel strollers.) It steers easily and even handles uneven surfaces well, which is notable considering its 14-pound size. The flat recline is great for resting on the go. I also love that it’s newborn-friendly. It’s compatible with Nuna and Clek car seats (adapters sold separately) or a bassinet (also sold separately) so you can use it from birth if you’d like.

Fold-wise, it’s amazing. It breaks down in about two seconds with one hand, and it’s just as easy to open. When folded, it’s compact enough to fit in an overhead bin of most airlines or tuck away in any other small space. And there's a comfy carry strap attached so you sling it over your shoulder and be on your way.

Not a dealbreaker, but:

• The storage basket is fairly small. (But big enough for a small diaper bag or backpack.)

• It's an expensive option if you don't travel frequently or have a regular need for a lightweight stroller.

• The handlebar doesn't adjust (which is common for travel strollers), although I'm tall and don't have any issues pushing it.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 14.5 lbs

• Age Range: Birth to 50 lbs

• Car Seat Compatibility: See list

BOB strollers are a longtime favorite of running parents. The Wayfinder is a newer addition to the lineup and a home run for me; the overall functionality, performance and profile make it the best choice for parents who run frequently but also want a jogging stroller for day-to-day use.

The Wayfinder features independent, dual suspension and air-filled tires, so no matter what type of terrain I tried it on (dirt path, sandy road, bumpy sidewalk), it provided a smooth ride every time. It checks all the feature boxes I look for in a jogger: a swivel-locking front wheel, a hand brake, a wrist strap, an adjustable handlebar and a large cargo basket. The fabrics and finishes look and feel high-end, there’s a great canopy and the seat reclines all the way back. And it’s compatible with many popular infant car seats with the addition of adapters.

The biggest plus of the Wayfinder, though, and why I think it stands above other BOB joggers, is its slimmed-down profile. While not small by any means, this jogging stroller is narrower and more compact than many of its competitors. And when you fold it (which is also easy to do), it gets even smaller; the Wayfinder is only about 22 inches across, so it’s easier to store or load in your trunk than other joggers.

Not a dealbreaker, but:

• The slimmer profile does take some getting used to when running, especially if you’re used to a lower, wider jogger like I was, but it only took me a few runs to get the hang of it.

• Although the stroller’s weight limit is 75 pounds, the height limit is 44 inches, so the odds are pretty high that your little one will grow out of it height-wise long before they come close to the stroller’s max weight capacity.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 31.1 lbs

• Age Range: 6 mos up to 75 lbs or 44”; from birth with car seat, but do not jog or walk fast with a child that does not have sufficient head and neck control, usually around 6 mos

• Car Seat Compatibility: See list

Veer was one of the first stroller wagons to hit the market—and I still think it’s the best. With the functionality of a stroller and the fun factor of a wagon, the Veer is a hybrid that offers the best of both worlds. Its oversized tires and front-wheel suspension mean it can easily tackle all sorts of rugged terrain, sand and snow included. (The Beach Wheel Kit is a great add-on if you'll be lugging it through the sand regularly.) You can even attach an infant car seat using adapters, along with tons of other fun accessories. When it gets dirty—and it will—just hose the entire thing down and be on your way. I prefer this City version over the classic Veer as it features swivel wheels that make it easier to push and steer.

Not a dealbreaker, but:

• While not as large as some stroller wagons, there's no getting around its size: it's big, heavy and takes up a lot of trunk space. (It does fold down easily, though, and the wheels pop off for better storage.)

• It's pricey. If you plan on using it frequently, I think it's 100% worth the cost, but if you're looking for a stroller wagon to use occasionally, the Veer isn't it.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 32.6 lbs

• Age Range: 55 lbs per seat (two seats total); Cargo-only or pet weight capacity: 250 lbs

Finding a twin-friendly double stroller is tricky. Many are bulky and unwieldy to push, don’t fit through doors and don’t accommodate two bassinets or two car seats at a time. The Donkey does all this and (much) more. Its slim profile means it makes its way through most standard doorways easily. It holds two bassinets, two car seats and two toddler seats at the same time. And it converts from a single to a double in three easy clicks. It’s easy to push and steer even when fully loaded and has an incredible suspension system for a cushy ride.

Not a dealbreaker, but:

• The Donkey is expensive. If your stroller is your primary mode of transportation and you use it multiple times a day (think, an urban family that doesn't own a car and walks everywhere), it's worth every penny. If you're looking for a less expensive side-by-side, check out the Valco Baby Duo Trend.

• It's a huge pain to break down, which is why I generally recommend it to city families who can leave it unfolded in their hallway or apartment entryway or for suburban families who can park it in their garage and don’t plan on frequent car loading and unloading.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 26.9 lbs in Mono configuration

• Age Range: 0 mos-4 yrs; Bassinet: birth until 20 lbs, stop using when baby can push up on hands and knees or rollover; Max child weight 50 lbs per seat

• Car Seat Compatibility: See list