Enelio in Middletown, NY Bambi Baby Store

How To Choose A Stroller

April 21, 2026

Stephanie Giustino

You’re having a baby! Congratulations! You’re overwhelmed—we get it. We know where you are: settling into your pregnancy, creating a birth plan, reading about your baby’s first year… anticipating it all. And then it hits you—all the stuff you need. Most importantly, you know you need a stroller—a set of wheels to carry your baby.

As you start to dive in, you quickly realize there are just too many options: Bugaboo, Cybex, Nuna, Silver Cross, UPPAbaby. What’s the difference? Your neighbors have an UPPAbaby Vista, and they love it. Maybe you should just throw that on your registry and call it a day—but your sister keeps telling you the Nuna MIXX is the way to go. You stare at the computer screen trying to make sense of it all.

What’s the best stroller?

It’s wheels with a seat… does it really matter?

We’re here to tell you that it does. And more importantly, the question isn’t, “What’s the difference between Nuna and UPPAbaby?” or “What’s the best stroller?” It’s actually much simpler than that. The questions that matter are: “What’s the best stroller for you?” and “What does your everyday routine look like?”

Once you shift from the “what’s the best” mindset to “what do I actually need,” the features start to make sense, and the differences become obvious rather than overwhelming.

How to Pick the Right Stroller

Envision your day-to-day life within the environment you’ll be bringing your baby home to. The goal is to maintain your routine and hold on to your identity as you step into your parenting journey. A smart stroller choice allows you to seamlessly integrate your baby into the life you loved before becoming a parent.

Do you love daily beach walks?

Do you frequently fly to visit family?

Do you walk out of your city apartment down a steep flight of stairs to your favorite coffee shop every morning?

Do you navigate urban life on foot every day?

Do you rely on public transportation to get where you need to go?

Is your trunk space small?

Do you have an attached garage with plenty of storage space—and a neighbor you enjoy strolling every evening?

These are the questions that matter. Evaluating what you’re already doing—and what you want to continue doing after your baby arrives—is the first step to identifying what your stroller needs actually are.

Let’s start by diving into premium stroller features that truly make a difference.

Premium Stroller Features

Infant car seat compatibility: The ability to click a car seat onto your stroller, creating a travel system for on-the-go use. Most strollers offer this and can be mixed and matched with various car seat brands using either included or separately sold adapters.

Full recline: The stroller seat reclines to a fully flat position, allowing use from birth. This is an important consideration—not all stroller seats are approved for newborns. From birth to six months, babies should be in a flat position for the majority of the day. This promotes proper spine development and helps ensure open airways. Clicking a car seat into your stroller is one way to transport a newborn, but for longer periods of use, you don’t want to rely on that setup. Selecting a stroller with a newborn-approved recline means your system comes out of the box ready to use from day one—no additional accessories needed.

Bassinet: Some strollers include a bassinet, while others offer it à la carte. A stroller bassinet is another way to provide a newborn-friendly environment. It also offers a level of convenience that a lay-flat seat cannot: you’re coming off a walk mid-day and your baby is peacefully sleeping—mission accomplished. A bassinet allows you to remove your napping baby from the stroller without disruption. Simply click it off and carry it inside with your baby still resting. Several bassinets even come with a stand—better yet, you can walk inside and pop it right into place. Effortless.

Undercarriage storage basket: All strollers come with an undercarriage basket, but weight limits vary significantly, ranging from 10 to 30 pounds. If you anticipate long outings that require a lot of “stuff,” this is an important spec to pay attention to.

All-terrain wheels: The size of your stroller wheels should reflect where you plan to use it. If you stick to smooth, paved surfaces, smaller wheels will suffice. If you prefer to venture off pavement—hiking trails, beach walks, gravel paths—you’ll want to narrow your search to models with larger wheels, rubberized tread, and advanced suspension.

One-hand fold: A one-hand fold has become a top must-have feature. In recent years, many premium brands have redesigned their folding mechanisms to meet the needs of modern families. Where this feature becomes non-negotiable is typically for city families navigating walk-ups or public transit. Imagine lifting your baby out of the stroller, bus doors opening and then trying to fold your stroller with two hands—it’s simply not realistic. A one-hand fold allows you to hold your baby and collapse your stroller at the same time.

Height-adjustable handlebar: You’ll be behind your stroller daily, sometimes for long stretches. If you’re on the taller side and choose the wrong stroller, your back will feel it quickly. Look for models with higher handlebar settings to prevent hunching—your comfort matters too.

Reversible seat: Modular strollers allow components to be removed, added, and reconfigured. Not all strollers offer this. A reversible seat lets you switch between parent-facing (ideal for newborns or fussy toddlers) and forward-facing (perfect for curious older kiddos who want to explore the world).

Convertibility: Single-to-double strollers are in a category of their own. These are purchased as a single stroller for baby #1, with a sibling seat sold separately to convert into a double when needed. They’re a smart investment for families planning to grow quickly.

To learn more about Convertible Strollers, refer to our article: Best Convertible Strollers of 2026

Overhead bin compatibility: This is the smallest stroller category—compact, lightweight, and travel-friendly. Ideal for frequent flyers who want to store their stroller in the overhead bin. They’re also convenient for quick errands and keeping in the car. Even if travel isn’t immediate, an overhead bin-compatible stroller is a valuable piece of gear to have.

Size: A stroller’s size reflects its capabilities. Larger strollers typically offer bigger wheels, a smoother push, and higher storage capacity. Smaller strollers sacrifice some performance but are easier to manage, more portable, and take up less trunk space.

Weight: Stroller weights range from just over 10 pounds to well over 30. Weight matters—but not always. If you’re primarily strolling around a suburban neighborhood and storing your stroller in a garage, you may not lift it often. In that case, a heavier stroller can be a worthwhile trade-off for better performance. However, if you’re dealing with stairs, public transportation, or frequent in-and-out of the car, aim for something under 22 pounds.

Stroller accessories: Each brand offers a different range of accessories—some include essentials, others offer extensive add-ons. Accessories are often an afterthought, but they shouldn’t be. You may not realize what you need until you’re in the moment. A cup holder clipped to the handlebar keeps your coffee within reach. A child tray keeps snacks and drinks contained for your toddler. These small additions significantly enhance your everyday experience and should be considered early on.

Must-Have Stroller Features

So, what features are must-haves? That depends entirely on your needs and priorities.

In every scenario, infant car seat compatibility and a newborn-friendly setup should be at the top of your list. Beyond that, size, weight, and premium features should align with your lifestyle, neighborhood, daily routine, and budget.

Top picks with a lay-flat seat:

Top picks with a bassinet option:

Bugaboo Fox (bassinet included stand sold separately)
Maxi Cosi Tana 360 (bassinet sold separately)
Nuna SWIV (bassinet sold separately with stand)
Nuna Demi Next (bassinet sold separately with stand)
UPPAbaby Vista (bassinet and stand sold separately)

To learn more about Newborn Strollers, refer to our article: Best Newborn Strollers of 2026

Best Strollers for City Families

City families typically fall into two categories: walkers and transit navigators.

If you walk everywhere, your stroller becomes your primary mode of transportation. Prioritize a sturdy, reliable push and a high-capacity storage basket.

Top picks for city walkers:

To learn more about City Strollers, refer to our article: Best City Strollers of 2026

If you rely on public transportation, your priorities should include a one-hand fold, compact size, and lightweight design.

Top picks for public transit:

To learn more about Mid-Size Strollers, refer to our article: Best Mid-Size Strollers of 2026

Strollers for Suburban Families

Suburban families often have more flexibility and may benefit from having two strollers that together cover all needs.

Top picks for active, outdoor-loving families:

To learn more about All-Terrain Strollers, refer to our article: Best Jogging Strollers of 2026

Top picks for an everyday “car stroller”:

To learn more about Compact Travel Strollers, refer to our article: Best Travel Strollers of 2026

How to Choose a Stroller

Start by honing in on your needs—not what your sister loves, not what you see your neighbor pushing every day. Prioritize the features that will make your new life easier and more enjoyable, so you can focus on being present with your family instead of struggling with a cumbersome fold, limited storage, or an uncomfortable push.

If you can, visit a Bambi Baby store. We have showrooms in New York, New Jersey, and Miami, Florida. Many families travel from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, and Pennsylvania because being able to touch, feel, and push a stroller makes all the difference. Connecting with our team of experts—who take the time to understand your unique needs—is an invaluable part of the process.

If you can’t make it in-store, our expert advice center, YouTube channel, and Instagram are great places to start your research. From there, you can schedule a personalized virtual consultation—we bring the showroom experience right to your home.

Where your stroller search shouldn’t start is by locking into a trending brand, choosing what everyone else has, or picking a model just because it comes in your favorite color.

Brand and aesthetics may ultimately help you decide—but first, you need a shortlist built around what truly fits your life. And that starts with envisioning how you’ll move through the world with your new baby.

Enelio in NYC stroller with Nuna stroller

FAQs About Choosing the Right Stroller

What type of stroller do I actually need?
The right stroller depends on your lifestyle. City parents may prioritize compact size and easy folding, while suburban families often benefit from a larger, more durable stroller with better suspension.

Do I need a stroller that works from birth?
Yes. Your stroller should either have a fully flat recline, a bassinet, or infant car seat compatibility to safely support your baby from day one.

Is a travel system necessary?
A travel system isn’t required, but it’s extremely convenient. Being able to click your infant car seat onto your stroller makes quick errands and transitions much easier.

What’s the difference between full-size and travel strollers?
Full-size strollers offer better performance, storage, and comfort for everyday use, while travel strollers are lightweight, compact, and ideal for quick trips or flying.

How important is stroller weight?
It depends on how you’ll use it. If you’ll be lifting your stroller frequently—into a car trunk, up stairs, or onto public transit—lighter weight becomes very important.

Should I get a single-to-double stroller?
If you plan to have another child close in age, a convertible single-to-double stroller can be a smart long-term investment.

Do all strollers fit in a car trunk?
No. Stroller size and fold vary significantly. If you have a smaller trunk, it’s important to check folded dimensions before choosing a model.

Are stroller accessories really necessary?
They’re not essential, but they can make a big difference in your day-to-day experience. Items like cup holders, organizers, and child trays add convenience over time.

Can one stroller do everything?
Sometimes—but not always. Many families find that having two strollers (a full-size and a compact travel stroller) better supports their daily routine.

When should I buy a stroller?
Most parents purchase a stroller during the second trimester, giving plenty of time to research, test models, and add the right one to their registry.

Why should you trust Bambi Baby?

At Bambi Baby, our decades-long commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has established us as a trusted authority in the baby products' industry. With over 40 years of experience, we have developed a deep understanding of what parents require when choosing the perfect gear. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through this important decision with personalized recommendations, ensuring that the gear you pick perfectly matches your lifestyle and needs.

Still have questions?

Bambi Baby experts are ready to connect! If you have any more questions about choosing the right stroller, you can reach us at cs@bambibaby.com or chat with us on our website. We would love to hear from you!

We would also love to see you in store! Feel free to visit any of our store locations in New York, New Jersey, or Miami if you prefer personalized assistance from one of our experts. We're here to ensure you find the perfect gear for your baby with confidence and ease.