Best Standard Strollers

Standard Strollers Buying Guide

The “One-and-Done” Standard Stroller

If you’re looking for one stroller that will wheel a child from infancy right through the toddler and pre-school years, look no further than a full-size (or standard) stroller. These strollers typically have a wide range of features such as:

• Compatibility with an infant car seat or bassinet
• A fully reclining and reversible seat
• A quick and convenient fold
• A large retractable canopy
• Roomy storage basket
• Sturdy wheels with a suspension system
• Nice-to-haves like a parent organizer, cup holders and snack tray

Shopping for a Standard Stroller

Here are some things you need to consider:

Budget. Our best overall full-size, the Baby Jogger city mini 2, retails for about $280. If you don’t have the budget for any of our recommended strollers, you might want to consider looking for a used stroller on eBay or Craigslist. (We provide eBay links for all our featured strollers – just click on the “Check Prices and Availability” link on any of the product pages).

Size and Weight. Full-size strollers tend to be heavy and bulky. If you need a lightweight stroller to carry up and down stairs, or use for quick trips or travel, consider a pared-down version of the full-size stroller. You will not get many of the features of the full-size stroller, but the relatively less expensive and compact lightweight strollers may be just what you need without sacrificing quality or convenience. City dwellers take note!

Terrain. If the stroller will be used predominately on unpaved surfaces (such as gravel, grass or sand) you’ll need an all-terrain stroller like our best-in-class Baby Jogger city mini GT2.

Features. If you want a full-sized stroller with all the bells and whistles such as modular (reversible) seating and all-wheel suspension, be prepared to pay up. Also, accessories can be budget-busters. Our budget stroller, the Graco Modes Click Connect, comes with a parent organizer and child tray; however, these nice-to-haves are not included with our other recommendations and must be purchased separately.

Plans for another Baby? Consider getting a convertible stroller that converts to a double stroller with the purchase of an additional seat or bassinet.

Still unsure what to buy? Check out our recommendations for lightweight strollers, jogging strollers, double strollers and frame strollers, or contact us.