The Best Strollers of 2025

Unlike many baby products where affordable alternatives exist, there aren’t as many great budget strollers. Based on my near-decade of gear-testing experience, most inexpensive strollers compromise on important features like suspension and maneuverability and don’t hold up well over time—but not the Joie Hazel.

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. 

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.

There are a few things parents have noted about the Hazel that they wish were different. (And I’d agree, based on my testing.) While the recline is near-flat (a must-have feature in any full-size stroller for me), it’s operated via a squeeze handle on the back of the stroller seat, and I found it both awkward and a bit tricky to engage. The harness straps have to be manually rerouted as your child grows, and the brake isn’t flip-flop friendly. While folding and unfolding is easy, many parents note the stroller is bulky and heavy when folded. And the Hazel is only compatible with Joie infant car seats (and you’ll need adapters—but they are included).

For another budget-friendly option, check out the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. It maneuvers well over all types of terrain and has a quick and compact fold. 

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 25.1 lbs

• Age Range: Birth up to 50 lbs

“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, our pick for the best mid-priced single stroller. And they’re right, as the Mockingbird has a lot going for it.

Like the Joie Hazel, this stroller is a pleasure to push and steer, easily navigating bumps, sidewalk cracks and off-the-beaten-path terrain. Also like the Hazel, it’s packed with features that 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. 

With its slightly higher price tag, you’ll get a bit more style (so many great colorways 😍) and a lot more functionality than you would with some lower-priced strollers. 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.

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.

In terms of cons, the stroller is easy to fold but does take up a fair bit of real estate. (It’s also fairly heavy, at about 26 pounds.) The handlebar rotates rather than telescopes, which means it pivots up and down rather than extending in and out, and 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 as easy to turn and steer as some other slightly more expensive competitors. And the cost can add up if you start adding accessories like the bassinet and the snack tray.

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.)

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 26 lbs

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

Almost a third of the thousands of Babylist users who completed our Best Baby Products survey voted UPPAbaby as their favorite stroller brand, with the Cruz as their number one choice for a single stroller. (The brand’s popular Vista stroller was the top pick for a stroller that converts to a double—more on that later in this guide.)

“It’s an incredible stroller,” said one parent. “The Cruz is perfect,” said another. “It fits in the car, is comfortable for baby, drives smooth on most terrain and has a huge basket. It’s sturdy and good quality.”

The Cruz has a luxe price tag, but if it’s within your budget, it's one of my favorite strollers to recommend, especially since you’ll get years and years of use out of it. (Many parents use a stroller well into the preschool years.) As many parents noted throughout our survey, the suspension and maneuverability on the Cruz are unparalleled. Combined with its durability, it’s especially great for urban families who don’t own a car and use their stroller multiple times a day for all the things. “We use it constantly,” one parent noted. “It is high quality and handles so well on city streets.”

The Cruz has all the high-end features you’d hope for on a pricier stroller, like a reversible seat, a telescoping leather handlebar, all-wheel suspension with independent shocks on every wheel, a full recline, an extendable canopy with a peekaboo mesh panel and a large storage basket. And you can use it from birth with the addition of the Infant SnugSeat or add on a bassinet or infant car seat. (It’s directly compatible with UPPAbaby’s Mesa or Aria car seats and with a selection of other brands’ seats like Nuna and Chicco with the addition of adapters.)

Folding the Cruz does require two hands, but it’s easy and straightforward. However, like many of the larger strollers on our best-of list, it’s fairly bulky when folded. It’s also an investment, especially if you add on the bassinet and other accessories. 

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 25.5 lbs

• Age Range: Birth up to 50 lbs

A travel system (a car seat + stroller combo that attach) can range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand. The Corso sits squarely in the middle and has a lot to offer, making it my top pick and my favorite out of all of Chicco’s travel system offerings thanks to its quality and functionality.

The car seat, the KeyFit 35, is a popular parent favorite—and our pick for the overall best infant car seat—that’s easy to install, packed with safety features and fits babies of all sizes well. (It also works well for extended rear-facing use.)

The stroller stands out for its high-end features, many of which you’d find on more expensive options. It pushes smoothly and steers easily thanks to the large, foam-filled tires and rear-wheel suspension. I also appreciate the modular seat (and its many recline options), the adjustable canopy and footrest and the one-handed, self-standing fold. These convenience extras make the stroller easy to use and comfortable for both parents and babies.

One unique thing about this stroller is that the seat pops off completely to turn it into a skeleton frame when you’re using it with only the infant car seat. This isn’t the case with all travel system strollers; some require the infant seat to attach over the toddler seat, adding weight and making the stroller tougher to push. And while the handlebar on the Corso isn’t adjustable, I was still able to push it comfortably even though I’m tall.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: Stroller: 24.8 lbs; Infant car seat: 8.5 lbs

• Age Range: Stroller: 6-60 mos or from birth with infant car seat, up to 50 lbs; Infant car seat: 4-35 lbs, up to 32”

The Pramette, part of Graco’s Modes stroller line, is three strollers in one, all for just about $200: 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 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.

The stroller does lack 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. Parents also mentioned that the Pramette took a bit of time to assemble, usually about 30 minutes or so. And the handlebar isn’t adjustable.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 20.86 lbs

• Age Range: Newborn up to 50 lbs

“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 moms told us about this innovative car seat + stroller hybrid when we asked them what they loved about it in our Best 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, as there are a few downsides. 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.) It's also 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, and the seat sits quite low to the ground, making it tough to push if you’re a taller parent (🙋🏻‍♀️). It’s pricey, and suspension and steering aren’t as good as you’ll find in traditional strollers.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 17.2 lbs

• Age Range: 4-35 lbs, up to 32”

Almost 30% of the thousands of Babylist users who completed our Best Baby Products survey voted the Vista as their favorite stroller, describing the quality as “unmatched” and many going a step further and naming it the best product they added to their entire baby registry. I count myself among one of this popular stroller’s biggest fans; it’s the stroller I used multiple times a day for years as a mom in New York City.

The Vista is all about options to accommodate growing families. From birth, you can use the stroller + SnugSeat or opt to add on a bassinet. (You can purchase the stroller and the bassinet separately, or together in the V3 Stroller + Bassinet Bundle.) The bassinet works for both strolling and overnight sleep, and includes a foam-free air mesh mattress and plenty of ventilation in the bassinet’s base and side panels. “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, you can pair the Vista with the brand’s Mesa or Aria infant car seats or other compatible top-rated infant car seats with the addition of adapters. When your child gets older, switch out the bassinet for the front or rear-facing toddler seat. Adding baby number two? Add on the multi-directional Rumble Seat or the PiggyBack Ride-Along Board for a big kid who wants to stand and ride.

Performance and durability-wise, the Vista shines. “It’s lasted through all three of my kids and held up great,” one Babylist parent commented in our Best Baby Products survey. 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.

Features-wise, there’s also a lot to love. The telescoping handlebar means it 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 the basket after a walk to the store; 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.

This stroller is on the larger side, even when folded. It’s also expensive, and some parents say the inline design makes it tough to push when it’s loaded with two (or more) kids. (To clarify, that’s true of all inline strollers, not just the Vista V3.)

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 three months up to 50 lbs

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 Aer 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 almost three years, and I constantly recommend it to anyone who asks. (Or doesn’t, truly.)

The two things I love the most about this stroller are the push and the compact size/easy fold. Pushing 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 13-pound size. 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.

The storage basket isn’t huge, but it’s big enough for a small diaper bag or backpack, and the near-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.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 13.2 lbs

• Age Range: 6 mos up to 50 lbs; from birth with car seat or bassinet

BOB strollers are a longtime favorite of running parents. The Wayfinder is the brand’s newest addition 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. The slimmer profile overall does take a bit of 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. Also know that 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

This luxury car seat + stroller combo is one of the best around. The Mixx stroller features all-wheel suspension, a reversible seat, tons of storage and thoughtful features like magnetic buckles and a compact fold. The urbn is a baseless car seat that installs in your vehicle in seconds (rigid LATCH is built right in) and is as foolproof as it gets, meaning a safe, secure install every time.

Additional Specs

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

• Age Range: Stroller: newborn to 50 lbs; infant car seat: 4-32 lbs, up to 32”

Veer was one of the first stroller wagons to hit the market—and we 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. You can even attach an infant car seat using adapters, along with tons of other fun accessories.

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.

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

Umbrella strollers fold into a slender, vertical shape and while lacking some features, they’re lightweight, convenient and a good choice for on-the-go or travel. The Summer 3D Lite combines a great range of features with a price point of under a hundred bucks. The aluminum frame lightens the load—this stroller weighs about 13 pounds—and there’s a built-in shoulder strap for portability. I also appreciate the near-flat seat recline, a large, adjustable canopy and an XL storage basket.

Additional Specs

• Stroller Weight: 13 lbs

• Age Range: 6 mos up to 50 lbs