Tips for picking a stroller that keeps your little one safe and comfortable while staying within your budget.
Traveling with your little one can be a struggle, which is why a stroller is a must-have. The problem is that there are so many strollers on the market, with prices ranging from very affordable to ridiculous. So how do you pick one that has the features you want, safety standards that are current, and a price that’s reasonable for you?
We understand the confusion picking a stroller can create, that’s why our team of ShopOwl researchers put together this quick guide to help you choose a baby stroller that’s just right for you.
The best baby strollers give you quick-folding convenience, a smooth and easy-to-push experience, and loads of safety and comfort for your baby. But there are other things to consider when buying a stroller.
First of all, your child will grow quickly. Not all parents want to keep buying a new, bigger stroller as their child outgrows them. Convertible strollers give you the flexibility to go from newborn to toddler with some modifications along the way. On the other side of the coin, though, these strollers also add some weight and have heftier price tags.
Your lifestyle is another important consideration when buying a stroller. Are you an avid runner? Then you’ll want a jogger stroller, but these can be a beast to maneuver and collapse—they’re best left as is and taken from the home on a run and directly back home. If you live in the city, then you want a lightweight, compact umbrella stroller for quick movement on the go.
There are a lot of things to consider before making this big purchase.
It’s very tempting to buy a used stroller or get a hand-me-down from a friend whose children have outgrown theirs. The problem is safety guidelines on strollers can change, sometimes frequently.
To stay on top of current stroller safety, check with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) website for the latest stroller buyer’s guide.1 Then crosscheck your options with the U.S. federal government for current safety standards for strollers.2
Finding the right stroller for you and your baby takes some research and careful budget consideration. The above information will help you narrow down your options, but it’s also important to consider the following:
The first luxury stroller you see with all the bells and whistles is typically very tempting. It’s high-end luxury, safety, all the convenience you could ever imagine, and it’s probably ridiculously heavy.
By the time you’ve moved out of the stroller phase, you want to be a one-armed expert. Holding your little one and their diaper bag in one hand while you flip out and open the stroller with the other is the dream. But an extremely heavy stroller makes this dream an impossibility.
Make sure to check with the ShopOwl algorithm before purchasing a stroller, so you can get a clear understanding of what other customers liked and didn’t like about it. This will help you make a more informed purchase.
A removable seat cushion may seem like something that’s not a necessity, but a nice-to-have feature. However, you need to consider what that seat cushion is going to go through.
Not only will your little bundle of joy be spilling food and tracking in dirt. There’s a very good chance that they’re also going to have accidents and blowouts in their stroller.
Now it’s easy to see why you’ll want a removable, washable seat cushion—so you can clean and sterilize it on a pretty regular basis.
94/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, the Schwinn Interval Jogging Stroller received a high score for its quality.
100/100
Our algorithm didn’t detect any potentially fraudulent or suspicious reviews.
94/100
Considering these different variables and the moderate price point, we determined that this product has a good purchase value.
95/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, the Baby Jogger 2016 City Mini 3W Single Stroller received a high score for its quality.
97.2/100
Our algorithm took a deep dive into the reviews and determined that only about 3% of the reviews were considered to be suspicious.
90/100
Considering the both high quality score and strong review rank as well as the mid-range price point, we’ve determined this product has a good purchase value.
94/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, NatureWise Ashwagandha received a B grade for its quality.
87.8/100
Our algorithm flagged about 14% of the reviews as potentially fraudulent or suspicious. It’s a bit higher than our top 2 picks, but also not too bad.
88/100
Considering the somewhat strong quality rank and the strong review rank, our algorithm has determined that this product has a B+ value rank.
87/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, the BOB Revolution Flex Jogging Stroller received a high score for its quality.
85/100
Our algorithm flagged 15% of reviews as being suspicious and potentially fraudulent.
86/100
Considering the somewhat strong quality rank and the lower than average review rank, we've determined that this product has a B value rank.
84/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller received a mediocre score for its quality.
80.4/100
Our algorithm determined that about 20% of the reviews left for this product were fraudulent or suspicious.
82/100
Considering the average quality rank and low review rank, we’ve determined that this product has a B- value rank.