The stroller (also known as a pram, buggy, or pushchair) is usually the first of the ‘big’ purchases couples tend to make when they’re having a baby. It certainly was for me and my wife!
It is probably the most expensive purchase you’ll make for the baby, and one that will probably be with you well into their toddler years.
It’s important to take your time and really think about what’s best for you, your partner, and your baby for the next two, three or even four years. That's why it has become a key part of preparing for fatherhood.
We’ve put this guide to help you understand the different types of stroller, what to look out for when buying a stroller, and finally, we suggest some of the best strollers on the market.
Types of baby strollers
Pram, stroller, buggy, pushchair… they’re all probably pretty familiar terms to you, and they’re all interchangeable names for pretty much the same thing. Sometimes they’re literally different names for the same product, other times there are slight differences in what the product is and its purpose.
Newborn pram
Prams are effectively moses baskets on wheels. Designed specifically for newborns, suitable from birth to around 6 months (or when baby can hold their head up). They have a high-sided carrycot with a padded, built-in mattress and sunshade. Babies can only lie down in a pram - there is no upright seating position.
Because babies come with a lot of stuff, there’s usually a large storage basket underneath the carrycot and/or some hooks to hang your bag.Travel system
Travel systems have become arguably the most popular and common type of stroller. With a carrycot, car seat and stroller seat, they’ve become the versatile stroller of choice for many parents who want one stroller system from birth to toddler years.
Most travel systems (sometimes referred to as ‘3in1’ prams, pushchairs, strollers or buggies) will transform from carrycot to stroller seat, with the ability to attach an infant car seat - perfect for when baby falls asleep in the car.
Related: The 10 best travel system strollers (2023 buying guide)
Some travel systems will allow you to switch the stroller seat from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child gets a bit older, and nearly all will allow you to adjust the backrest from an upright to lying position.
Confused? The Discount Pram Centre has you covered...
Running stroller
As you might have guessed, a running stroller (also known as a ‘jogging stroller’) is specifically designed to allow parents to jog while pushing their little one in a seated position. They’ve become increasingly popular in recent years alongside the spike in popularity of running, providing the ideal solution for parents to keep (or get) fit after having children.
Related: The 10 best jogging strollers (2023 buying guide
Unlike most traditional strollers, they sit on three wheels and most are fitted with all wheel suspension to ensure the smoothest ride possible. For that reason, they also have air-inflated rubber tread tyres (more like a bike tyre) with provide greater traction and stability; although they are at risk of puncture unlike most stroller wheels.
Most running strollers have the ability to be used as a newborn pram, but the carrycot and car seats are often optional extras, making them more costly.
It’s important to note, most manufacturers recommend that the stroller is not used for running until your baby is roughly nine months old to support head and neck movement and prevent impact.
Umbrella stroller
Umbrella strollers are probably what you would picture if I said ‘toddler pushchair’. They’re a single stroller, with an upright, forward-facing toddler seat, and hood (or ‘canopy’, or ‘umbrella’) to protect them from the sun. You’ll often find the hood has a small flap that allows you to check if your child is asleep.
As they’re typically used for older babies and toddlers, umbrella strollers are usually lighter and less bulky in size than travel systems, and lower in price too!
Double stroller
If you’ve got twins - or have two children quite close together - you’re going to need a double stroller. Double strollers either come side-by-side or one in front of the other. Side-by-side double strollers are naturally very wide and tough in tight spaces, but allow you to see both of your children easily (and allow them both to see out, if they’re in toddler seats). One in front of the other makes the whole thing thinner, but can make it trickier to see one child (and gives one of them a view of the back of the front seat).
Most double strollers are designed for children who are the same age - ie a double travel system that has two carrycots or two infant car seats side-by-side, or two toddler seats sitting next to each other. However, there are some that recognise you might have two young children at different ages, and offer plenty of options to suit you and your children’s needs.
Baby stroller features
Now that we know the main differences between stroller types, let’s look at some of the features you can expect to see on most, if not all, strollers.
The chassis is the stroller’s frame, usually made out of metal. Strollers at the lower end of the market are likely to be made from steel, while more expensive options tend to be made from aluminium which is lighter.
Traditional strollers will sit on four wheels, although some modern ones use three. Most use hard-rubber wheels but larger, air-inflated and treaded tyres are becoming more popular. They offer great stability and traction, but can puncture and be costly to replace.
There are certain situations where we will need to let go of the stroller for a few seconds, and we want to be sure it won’t roll away. All strollers have brakes of some sort. These are usually either a small foot pedal near the back wheels or a twistable section on single handlebars.
All newborns will lie down in their stroller carrycot until around the age of six months (or until they can hold their own head up). Once they are in the upright position, strollers will allow you to change their seating position - tilting the backrest to allow them to lie back, or adjustable leg rests.
Whether your child is a newborn baby lying down, or a three-year old sitting upright, they must be strapped into the stroller with a harness. Three-point, padded harnesses are usually used for babies under six months lying down, while five-point harnesses are used for children in the upright position.
Strollers will have one, continuous handlebar or two, separated handlebars. But nearly every single stroller in the world has adjustable handlebars - essential for tall dads! Most simply extend, while some single strollers with single handlebars will allow you to change the angle of the handlebar itself.
You’d be hard pressed to find a stroller that doesn’t have some sort of storage basket underneath where your baby is lying or sitting down. These really do vary in size from stroller to stroller.
Sometimes called a ‘canopy’ or ‘umbrella’, the retractable hood provides protection against the sun. Some of the more expensive strollers will have fully adjustable hoods, allowing you to keep the sun out of their eyes no matter whether they’re sat up or led down.
A few decades ago, difficulty collapsing their stroller was one of parents’ biggest frustrations. Sometimes it could feel like a two-person job. In recent years, however, brands have made a point of making their strollers easier to fold away. Many still need two hands but are much easier than they used to be, while some go as far as offering the convenience of one-handed collapsing.
This is one to be wary of. Many parents-to-be assume that all strollers will come with a rain cover, but this isn’t always the case. Some will include them as part of a bundle, while others they are an optional extra. So make sure to check before you buy.
I’ll admit, not every stroller or travel system has a cup holder, particularly at the lower end of the market. But they should. And it’s definitely something to look out for. You can get universal clip on ones, but they probably won’t match the aesthetic of the stroller and won’t fit perfectly. All strollers should have cup holders. Period.
Our top picks
Best overall Mamas & Papas Ocarro
Editor's Review
“The best choice I could make for the pram! Big wheels, easy and light to move around even in the most uncomfortable places. Comfy carrycot, comfy and spacious buggy, and an amazing & extra warm foot mat!! Very good car seat also. It’s just a great choice for your little ones.”
The Ocarro is Mamas & Papas’ complete travel system that offers all of our travel essentials from newborn to toddler. Everything about it screams quality, from the modern slate colour palettes and herringbone weaves to the sheepskin pushchair liner. The ride is smooth and comfortable for little one thanks to dual suspension on all four wheels and padded seats, while the ergonomic design of the chassis itself helps it to tackle rougher surfaces.
You’ll pay a premium for it, though. The standard stroller alone (no carrycot or accessories) will set you back £899 ($1,112). If you want a carry cot, you need the 5 piece bundle which costs over £1,200 ($1,500). And if you want the complete 9 piece bundle, you’re talking about £1,700 - £1,900 ($2,100 - $2,350) depending on which colour and car seat you opt for.
Wheels: Four puncture-proof wheels
Suspension: All wheel dual suspension
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Weight: 13.7kg
Size: 39.7 x 23.2 x 39.7” (101 x 59 x 101cm)
Frame: Gunmetal (aka red brass)
Key features
Ergonomic chassis
Sheepskin liner
One hand fold mechanism
PROS
CONS
Best budget travel system Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
Editor's Review
“It’s a great option for parents looking for a safe and convenient way to transport their little one. The car seat is easy to install in the car and clicks in easily. The stroller is also very easy to manoeuvre, even with one hand. The car seat is well-padded and comfortable for baby, and the stroller has a large canopy that provides shade from the sun. The stroller also has a large storage basket, which is perfect for storing essentials.”
Our pick as the 'Best Budget Travel System', the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System offers incredible value for money. A growing trend among stroller brands, it doesn't come with the separate carrycot, opting for a toddler seat that can lie-flat for newborns. Each of the three seating modes (carrycot, car seat and toddler seat) can be positioned forward or parent-facing, giving you great flexibility.
The SafeMax car seat is one of the safest around, having been tested to twice the minimum requirements of US federal safety standards. And the ISOFIX base has an 'anti-rebound' bar, offering greater protection to side impacts.
Wheels: Four puncture-proof tyres
Suspension: No suspension
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Weight: 9kg (20lbs)
Size: 34 x 25.5 x 47" (86 x 64.7 x 119cm)
Frame: Alloy steel
Key features
Six modes of use
Car seat tested 2x above US federal crash test standards
Easy lie-flat conversion
PROS
CONS
Best budget stroller Graco TraveLite
Editor's Review
“It's practical, lightweight and easy to use, while not too sturdy and it's also not meant for everyday or heavy use.”
If you’re looking for a lightweight stroller for occasional use, the Graco TraveLite offers excellent value for money. It has its problems, but at this price point you’re likely just looking for something that ‘does the job’. At just 7kg, it’s still super lightweight and easy to move around, though. It features a large sun canopy, four-point seat recline including a lie-flat position, and an adjustable leg rest.
Graco does claim that it can be used from birth. However, experts recommend babies travel in high-sided, padded carrycots until around 6 months.
Wheels: Eight standard rubber wheels (four sets of two)
Suspension: No
Suitable from: 6 months to 15kg (3-4 years)
Weight: 7kg
Size: 15.3 x 19.2 x 40.5” (39 x 49 x 108 cm)
Frame: Alumnium
Key features
Adjustable leg rest
4-position seat recline
Lightweight and compact fold
PROS
CONS
Best jogging stroller Thule Glide 2 Performance
Editor's Review
“The price is somewhat high for our budget but the quality and versatility of the product make it worth the investment.”
If you’re ever seen a parent using a running stroller, chances are it was a Thule. It’s easily the most popular brand for active parents because of its smooth ride for runner and child, and its ease of use. It has a brilliant one-hand folding mechanism, and a brake integrated into the handlebar meaning you can bring the stroller to a stop immediately (rather than having to wait until you stop running).
Unfortunately, carrycot, car seat, car seat adapters etc aren't included, so it's likely to set you back over £1,000 ($1,200) if you want to use it from birth.
Wheels: Three inflated wheels, 18” rear wheels and a 16” front wheel
Suspension: All wheel
Suitable from: 6 months to 22kg (4-5 years)
Weight: 10.4kg
Size: 49.6 x 27 x 40.9” (126 x 68.6 x 103.9cm)
Frame: Alumnium
Key features
Brilliant suspension thanks to all-wheel suspension and tyres
Reflective canopy and wheels
Plenty of storage
PROS
CONS
Best lightweight travel system Ickle Bubba Stomp V4
Editor's Review
“A truly universal travel system from newborn through toddler to pushchair. The quality overall is very good, and I’d say this is at least on a par with the top end iCandy system- which costs about $400 more. Very happy to recommend this travel system.”
The Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 is easily one of the most stylish strollers on the market, available in a range of colours and chrome or copper frame combinations. It’s easily one of the lightest travel systems, and is really nimble to manoeuvre. However, the tiny front wheels do mean it struggles on bumpy surfaces. It comes with tonnes of stuff, too. Not only do you get the 3in1 travel system, you also get an ISOFIX base, foot muff, a rain cover, a matching changing bag with mat, car seat adapters, and two car sun visors.
And all that for just over £500 ($620).
Wheels: Four air-inflated wheels, 6.6” front wheels and 11.8” rear wheels
Suspension: All wheel
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Weight: 6.5kg
Size: 37.4 x 24 x 41" (95 x 61 x 104cm)
Frame: Chrome
Key features
Multiple colour options
Six accessories included
Quilted carrycot liner and double layer contrast-lined hood
PROS
CONS
Best lightweight stroller Kolcraft Cloud Plus
Editor's Review
“I don't normally do reviews but I felt like I needed to on this one. It was incredibly hard finding a stroller that had everything we wanted without paying $500 for one. My little boys already love it.”
Like other budget strollers, you’re looking for two things: low price and low weight. The Kolcraft Cloud Plus does have its pain points, but it certainly ticks the boxes for price and weight. Weighing less than 12lbs (5.5kg) it’s easily one of the lightest strollers available anywhere, but there’s still plenty on offer including a large sun canopy, and detachable drinks trays for you and baby.
Wheels: Eight plastic wheels (four sets of two)
Suspension: Front wheels only
Suitable from: 6 months to 22kg (4-5 years)
Weight: 5.4kg
Size: 17.6 x 29.9 x 41.7" (44.7 x 76 x 106cm)
Frame: Aluminium
Key features
Detachable drink and snack tray for baby, tray for you
Large capacity storage basket
Extending sun canopy
PROS
CONS
Best double stroller Kolcraft Cloud Plus Double
Editor's Review
"The easy cleaning feature makes this a parent’s dream!."
The double version of the Kolcraft Cloud Plus offers a lightweight, side-by-side option for carrying two children at a reasonable price. The seats are independent of each other, meaning the sun canopy, leg rests and seating angle can be adjusted to suit each child - however, the reclining angle is quite limited compared with other strollers. Just like the single stroller version, it comes with a detachable drink and snack tray for each child, and a storage tray near the handlebars for you.
Wheels: Four air-inflated wheels, 6.6” front wheels and 11.8” rear wheels
Suspension: Front wheels only
Suitable from: 6 months to 18kg (4 years) per child
Weight: 10.4kg
Size: 36 x 31 x 38" (91 x 78 x 96.5cm)
Frame: Chrome
Key features
Large, independent sun visors
Lightweight design
Adjustable leg rests
PROS
CONS
Best double stroller for different aged children Bugaboo Donkey 5
Editor's Review
“I absolutely LOVE how this stroller has the ability to have my two little ones side by side! The versatility of this stroller is everything. This stroller is all you will ever need having multiple kids and I’m obsessed.”
If you’re planning to have two children in quick succession - and you’ve got a big budget - you won’t go far wrong with the Bugaboo Donkey 5. Totally unique on the market, this one converts from a single stroller to a side-by-side double stroller in a few simple clicks. As a single stroller (Mono), there’s a large storage basket that sits next to the carrycot or toddler seat.
You can either purchase the Mono and then the Duo extension set when baby No.2 comes along, or go straight for the Duo.
The Twin packages is designed for...you guessed it, twins.
Wheels: Four puncture-proof wheels, 12” rear wheels and 10” front wheels
Suspension: All wheel
Suitable from: 6 months to 22kg (4-5 years) per child
Weight: 15kg in the Duo configuration
Size: 41.7 x 23.6 x 43.7” (106 x 60 x 111cm)
Frame: Aluminium
Key features
3 click extension
Room for two
Unique side storage basket
PROS
CONS
Best travel stroller gb Pockit Air
Editor's Review
"It has its drawbacks and limitations (and definitely isn't suitable as your everyday stroller), but the Pockit Air is an absolute no brainer if you do a lot of travelling. I used to hate having to take our stroller to the oversize luggage drop-off at the airport. So being able to take this on the plane with us, and it being so light and easy to carry around has been a game changer for me."
Many parents opt to buy a super cheap stroller to take on holiday with them, rather than taking their day-to-day one which might be a bit bigger and bulkier. However, if you’re a frequent traveller, you’re probably going to want something a bit more specialised.
The gb Pockit Air is a no-frills, ultra light and ultra compact stroller designed to fit in airplane overhead compartments. It weighs just 4.6kg and folds down to the size of a handbag, making travelling with a stroller stress-free. The seat itself is made with a breathable mesh fabric, designed to keep your little one cool on hot days, while there’s a small, flat sun visor that offers limited sun protection.
Wheels: Eight standard rubber wheels (four sets of two)
Suspension: No
Suitable from: 6 months to 22kg (4-5 years) per child
Weight: 4.6kg
Size: 28 x 17.5 x 39.8” (71 x 44.5 x 101cm)
Frame: Aluminium
Key features
Compact fold mechanism
Lightweight design
Breathable mesh backrest
PROS
CONS
How to choose the right baby stroller for you
There are probably two main factors to consider when choosing your baby stroller - price and convenience. As with any big purchase, budget is a huge (and often only) factor in your purchasing decision. But when you consider that you’ll be using the stroller most days for the next few years, it has to suit your needs when it comes to ease of use and convenience.
Budget
Strollers range massively in price - anything from £100 to £1,000 ($125 - $1,250). And typically the more features and complexity you want, the higher the price.
Umbrella strollers or pushchairs are usually the cheapest, because they’re often the most basic. They typically range from £50-200 ($60-$240).
Travel systems cost a bit more because they almost always include the separate car seat as well as the stroller itself. Most travel systems tend to fall between £350-600 ($430-$740), but can cost even more for the most premium products. Some systems might come in bundles that include the ISOFIX base, which pushes up the price but reduces the overall cost of buying them individually.
Because they don’t normally come with the carrycot and car seat as standard, running strollers tend to be the most expensive of the single seat category. There are some budget alternatives, but most running strollers tend to cost at least £400 ($500) with the additional cost of a carrycot and car seat on top, so you can expect to spend around £800 ($990) or more if you want to create your own running stroller travel system.
You may have assumed that double strollers cost more because they’re built for two children. However, most double strollers tend to fall into the £200-400 ($250-$500) range.
Height
This is usually a dad-only consideration when it comes to picking a stroller. The last thing you want is to be hunched over every time you push your child around. You need to check it has adjustable handlebars and that they extend high enough to allow you to walk up straight, and that you can walk your normal stride.
That’s a mistake I made. I’m 6ft 4” - and when we picked our stroller I tested the extension while stood still. It seemed fine. But when it came to using the stroller when our son was born, I was too close to the stroller, couldn’t walk my normal stride and ended up having to hunch over slightly to give my legs enough room.
Size
For most parents, a stroller is fairly useless if they can’t fit it in the boot. So the size is an important factor, but how the stroller folds might be a consideration, too. Some strollers fold into a long, thin shape while others fold in half, sitting shorter and wider.Weight
You should also pay attention to the stroller’s weight. It’s a bit of a balancing act to get right. Extra weight offers more stability, but reduces manoeuvrability, and vice versa.
You need to be sure you can easily lift the stroller around, in and out of the car for example. And you don’t want something slow and cumbersome to push around.
Smooth ride
Naturally we don’t want our children bouncing around over hard, bumpy surfaces. Although all-wheel suspension and air-inflated tyres are always found on running strollers, you can get them on some travel systems and umbrella strollers, too.
More than one child?
If you’re having twins (or more), you’re obviously going to need to get a stroller that can accommodate more than one child. However, even if you’ve only got one on the way, you also need to consider your plans for future children. If you’re planning to have a 3 year-plus gap between children, you can probably recycle and reuse your stroller for baby No. 2. If, however, you’re planning to have a couple of babies in quick succession, you may want to consider a stroller that can expand from a single to double stroller. There are fewer of these on the market, and as a result, they do carry a premium. But it saves having to buy another stroller a when your second baby comes along.
Warranty
The warranty is definitely something to keep an eye out for. Let’s say you were to use a stroller until your child is four years olds, and you plan to use the same stroller for your second baby or even third baby - you want to know it’s going to be in good condition for at least a decade. Some brands will offer limited lifetime warranties with their strollers, but others can be a bit more stingy with as little as one-year warranties.
So if you’re hoping to use it for future children, aim for something with a longer warranty.
FAQs
How much does a good stroller cost?
This is one of those ‘how long is a piece of string?’ questions. It’s all about what you need and what you’re looking for in a stroller. If you’re looking for a travel system to take your baby from birth to the age of four or five, you’re looking at at least £400-500 ($495-620) for something good. But you can pay much, much more.
If you’re looking for a lightweight stroller for occasional use, you can easily get a good one for less than £100 ($125).
Can I use an ordinary stroller for jogging?
No, while there’s nothing wrong with the odd dash to the bus stop with an ordinary stroller, they are never recommended for regular use as jogging strollers. Jogging strollers are designed specifically for that use - usually coming with better suspension, three wheels with treaded tyres (with the ability to fix the front wheel) and a chassis designed to allow for your running stride.
Can I take a stroller on a plane?
Yes, you can take a stroller on a plane. Most airlines will allow you to take a stroller and car seat free of charge for children under the age of 2. You will usually have to drop of the stroller at the oversize luggage check-in after you’ve checked in your suitcases, but some compact strollers like the gb Pockit Air are designed specifically to be carry-on luggage complaint (just check how many carry-on items you’re allowed to take onboard with you before arrive at the airport).
How many strollers do I need?
This all depends on your budget and what you might need other strollers for. Looking specifically at everyday use, if you go for a 3in1 travel system you will probably never need more than one because it will adapt to your child from birth through their toddler years and often until they’re even four or five.
If you’re a frequent traveller, you may want to consider getting a lightweight, compact stroller that might not otherwise be suitable for everyday use. And similarly, some parents choose to buy a cheaper stroller to keep at the grandparents house for when they babysit.
Are all double strollers suitable for twins?
Most, but not all. Most double strollers allow you to carry two children of the same age, while also allowing parents to adapt the stroller in case one twin grows faster than the other. However, there are some double strollers on the market that are designed specifically for children of different ages.
Stroller safety tips for newborns
Carrycots should be used for newborns until around the age of six months (or when they can hold the weight of their own head). This gives them a safe, padded and flat environment to lie down and sleep in, offering the correct support for their back, neck and head.
They can also go in the car seat on the stroller, but experts warn against prolonged use (2 hours). There are several studies showing a link between extensive time in car seats and breathing difficulties.
You should also use the sun canopy to protect them from the sun, particularly during late spring and summer when the sun is stronger.
Many of the more expensive strollers feature ventilation and breathable materials to help regulate babies temperature, but you should always check on their temperature yourself.
