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Hot Take: The Perfect Stroller Doesn’t Exist
Hot Take: The Perfect Stroller Doesn’t Exist

Hot Take: The Perfect Stroller Doesn’t Exist

One stroller can’t do everything. Here’s why many families end up with 2—and why that’s a smart move.

author-Jennifer LaBracio
By Jen LaBracio, CPST
Updated On
Updated On
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In This Article

Why One Stroller (Probably) Isn’t Enough
Why Many Families End Up with Two Strollers
👯‍♂️ Our Favorite Stroller Pairs
The Workhorse + Travel MVP
The Smooth Ride + Easy Errand Runner
The Outdoor Adventure Pair
The Growing Family Duo
Value-Forward with Lots of Features
The Practical Everyday Combo

Bottles, burp cloths, bibs and blankets—registry decision fatigue is real. And it’s never more real than with strollers. As Babylist’s gear editor (and someone who spends a lot of time talking to new and expecting parents), I can tell you that strollers are one of the most high-stakes baby gear purchases out there. Most parents go into the process trying to find the one: a stroller that can do all the things.

But want me to let you in on a little secret 🤐? The perfect stroller does not exist. (Funny advice coming from a baby gear expert, right?) 

That’s because every stroller is designed with certain priorities in mind. Which also means every stroller comes with trade-offs. The lightweight stroller that folds tiny enough to fit in an overhead bin probably won’t handle rough terrain like a jogging stroller. And the giant full-size stroller with the huge storage basket and amazing suspension may not be the stroller you want to lift in and out of your trunk six times a day.

And honestly? That’s okay. Once you understand that different stroller types are built for different jobs, a lot of things suddenly start to make sense. It becomes much easier to understand why so many families eventually end up owning more than one. And the pressure to find “the” perfect stroller lifts.

We’re breaking down the biggest stroller give-and-takes, why stroller disappointment happens so often and how to think about choosing one—or two—strollers that actually fit your real life.

Why One Stroller (Probably) Isn’t Enough

If you’re down the rabbit hole of stroller research and can’t seem to find your way out, here’s something that can make the entire process feel a whole lot simpler: 

There is no perfect stroller. 

Every stroller is a series of trade-offs. A stroller that’s amazing at one thing is usually giving something up somewhere else—and that’s completely normal.

Once you understand that, stroller shopping becomes much less stressful. Instead of trying to find one magical stroller that does absolutely everything perfectly, you can focus on figuring out which features matter most for your actual day-to-day life.

Stroller Trade-Offs (full-size strollers vs. lightweight strollers).

Why Many Families End Up with Two Strollers

Most families naturally discover that different strollers work best in different situations.

They may start with one primary stroller, then later realize they also want:

  • Something lighter for errands

  • Something compact for travel

  • Something sturdier for outdoor walks or jogs

  • A double stroller for a growing family

  • A stroller wagon for older kids and gear

That doesn’t mean you need to register for two (or more) strollers right away. Many families start with one primary stroller, then add another a few months later once they have a better sense of their daily routine and what they actually need.

If you do want to register for multiple strollers upfront, the most common combination is a full-size stroller paired with a lightweight travel option. The two complement each other well: one handles longer outings and everyday comfort, while the other makes quick trips, travel and trunk-loading much easier. 

Another popular combination is a mid- to lighter-weight stroller + a jogging stroller. If you plan on running with your baby, you’ll need a stroller specifically designed for jogging—it’s not safe to run with your baby in anything else. But since joggers are bulky and heavy, most families also opt for a smaller, lighter option, even if they plan to use their jogger as an everyday stroller. 

And if you’re committed to being a one-and-done stroller family? That’s completely doable, too. Most families find that a mid-size stroller—a stroller that hits the sweet spot between a full-size and a lightweight—is the best solution.

TL;DR: Stroller shopping gets a lot less overwhelming once you stop searching for one stroller that does absolutely everything.  

👯‍♂️ Our Favorite Stroller Pairs

Once you stop thinking about strollers as a one-size-fits-all purchase, building a stroller “team” starts to make a lot more sense. These pairings combine strollers with different strengths so you’re covered for everyday life, travel, errands, outdoor adventures and everything in between.

And if you want to dive into more in-depth stroller research, check out our most comprehensive stroller guides:

The Workhorse + Travel MVP

UPPAbaby Cruz + Joolz Aer2.

The Cruz V3 is the kind of stroller that handles daily life beautifully. It has a roomy seat, a large storage basket, excellent suspension and an easy push that makes walks, errands and longer outings smooth and comfortable.

The Joolz Aer2 fills in the gaps the Cruz leaves behind. It’s lightweight, compact and much easier to carry, fold and toss into a trunk or overhead bin when you’re traveling or constantly in and out of the car.

Together, they make a great match for families who want a sturdy, comfortable everyday stroller without having to lug that larger stroller everywhere they go.

The Smooth Ride + Easy Errand Runner

Nuna SWIV + Bugaboo Butterfly 2.

Because of its 360° wheels that make maneuvering in tight or crowded spaces easy, the Nuna SWIV is a popular urban stroller, but it works just as well for suburban families, too. It’s closer to a mid-size stroller but with a full-size feel, with a sturdy frame, large wheels and lots of storage. 

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is all about convenience. It’s light, folds down incredibly compactly, is easy to carry and makes quick errands, travel days and frequent trunk loading dramatically easier. It also has a high seat back, so it works well for growing toddlers and preschoolers.

This pairing makes a lot of sense for families who drive often and want the flexibility of both a comfortable, full-featured stroller and a lighter grab-and-go option.

The Outdoor Adventure Pair

BOB Gear Revolution + Veer Cruiser City Wagon.

If you’re a runner or frequently stroll on uneven terrain, a jogging stroller like the Bob Revolution Flex is an excellent choice. Its huge, air-filled tires and suspension system make it ideal for running, trails and rough sidewalks.

The Veer Cruiser City Wagon complements it nicely by handling situations where a traditional stroller may not shine—think hauling multiple kids, sports gear, snacks or picnic supplies for longer outings.

This duo is perfect for active families who spend weekends outside and need gear that can keep up with everything from jogs to soccer games to zoo trips.

The Growing Family Duo

Mockingbird 3.0 + Zoe Twin Double Stroller.

If you’re planning on siblings close in age (or already need a way to push around two+ kids), a convertible stroller like the Mockingbird Single-to-Double is designed to adapt as your family grows. It works beautifully as a single stroller early on, then converts to a double when a second child arrives, making it a practical long-term investment. But it’s heavy and bulky, and not ideal for quick errands or travel.

The Zoe Twinᵛ² balances things out with a much lighter, more compact side-by-side design that’s easier to manage for travel, quick outings and everyday use with two kids.

This pairing works especially well for families juggling kids at different ages and stages who want flexibility without relying on one heavy double stroller for every situation.

Value-Forward with Lots of Features

Joie Ginger DLX + Bombi Bēbee V3.

This pair brings together two strollers—a full-size, everyday option and a lightweight stroller—that both perform well above their price point. 

The Joie Ginger DLX offers many of the same features as strollers double the price: lots of comfort and convenience features, a built-in bassinet, great suspension and maneuverability and lots of storage. 

The Bombi Bēbee V3 adds the lightweight convenience factor at an incredible value with a compact fold and easy portability that’s especially useful for errands, restaurants and travel.

The Practical Everyday Combo

Graco Modes Pramette + Joie Nutmeg.

Graco’s Modes Pramette is a value-forward full-size stroller with a few standouts. The seat converts to a bassinet, so you can use the stroller from birth. It also features a large storage basket and a one-handed fold. 

The Nutmeg is an excellent lightweight companion, featuring a super-compact fold and the ability to use the stroller with a newborn if you’d like.

This pairing is a great fit for practical families who want reliable gear without a lot of fuss.

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