Baby stroller buying guide: What to look for
.png?sw=1502)
Baby stroller buying guide: What to look for
All adventures are unique, and so are strollers. They come in all shapes and sizes, each built for a different kind of journey. We’re here to break it down so you can find the right one that suits your family’s needs.
FAQs
Watch: How to pick the best stroller for you
Not sure where to start? This short video breaks down key things to look for, based on your lifestyle, storage space, and your baby’s age.
.jpg?sw=1920)
Main types of strollers
Before diving into features, here's an overview of the most common types of baby strollers.
Newborn strollers
Includes both a bassinet for newborns to lie flat and a seat for when they can sit upright.
.jpg?sw=294&sfrm=png&bgcolor=e2e1dd)
Compact strollers
Lightweight and easy to fold, ideal for city parents, frequent travelers, or anyone short on storage space.
Double strollers
Perfect for growing families, these can start as a single and expand to a double as your family grows.
The lines between categories often blur. For example, many strollers offer both all-terrain performance and newborn-ready features in a single package.
Stroller features to look for
1) Bassinet and seat
A stroller that supports both a bassinet and a seat — sometimes called a 2-in-1 — grows with your child from day one. The bassinet lets newborns lie flat, which is important for their spinal development, while the seat takes over once they can sit upright on their own.
Bugaboo newborn strollers come with both, and the bassinet supports up to 9 kg (20 lbs) — typically around 6–9 months. That said, every baby develops differently, so the right time to switch is when your baby can sit without support, not at a specific age.
2) Reversible seats
Reversible seats let you choose whether your baby faces you or the world. Younger babies often benefit from facing you for reassurance and connection, while curious toddlers tend to prefer facing forward to take everything in. Our double strollers also let siblings sit facing each other, encouraging interaction and playful moments together.
3) Brakes
Safety always comes first. Make sure to test the brakes in person to ensure they’re easy to use and comfortable for you. Look for flip-flop-friendly pedals, such as those found in the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew, for added convenience.
4) Durability
A quality stroller should last through multiple children and thousands of kilometers of use. Look for puncture-proof wheels, washable fabrics, and replaceable parts. Bugaboo strollers are tested beyond industry standards and built to handle over 7,000 km (4,349 miles) of use. Strollers purchased through Bugaboo.com or registered online come with a 4-year warranty for extra peace of mind.
5) Maneuverability
A stroller should be easy to use and navigate in your everyday life. Look for adjustable handlebars (especially if you and your partner have different heights), wheel suspension for comfort over varied terrain, and a steering system that handles tight corners. The Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew, for example, is designed for one-handed steering.
6) Measurements
Make sure your stroller of choice fits your space. Double check your doorway and car trunk dimensions against the stroller’s measurements, which are published on our product page. Even better, see if you can bring home a demo for a test run. Think about how you'll store it when it's not in use — if you have limited closet space at home, a compact stroller might be a better pick.
7) Weather protection
Good strollers work year-round. Make sure the stroller you’re considering comes with rain covers and sun canopies that can easily be attached and removed. Easy-to-clean or water-resistant fabrics are a plus, too, for those messy moments during outdoor adventures.
8) Storage space
Babies need a lot of stuff. Choose a stroller with plenty of storage, like a roomy underseat basket or attachable organizer. The Bugaboo Donkey 6 single, for instance, comes with a side luggage basket that brings its total storage capacity to 20 kg (44 lbs) — more than plenty for any adventure.
9) Car seat compatibility
If you drive regularly, a stroller that works with your car seat makes it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them up. Many strollers are sold as travel systems, meaning they can fit popular infant car seats or have a built-in system for easy attachment. For example, Bugaboo strollers can work with many infant car seat brands when used with an adapter.
10) On-the-go snacks and drinks
A snack tray for your child and a cup holder for you can genuinely improve daily outings. Bugaboo’s trays and holders attach and detach easily, fit a range of snack sizes, and are dishwasher-safe for extra convenience.
11) Washable parts
Strollers can become susceptible to spills, dirt, and everyday messes. Pick a stroller with fabrics that are easy to wipe down for quick cleanups. Bugaboo stroller fabrics are also easily removable, so you can toss them in the washing machine for a more thorough cleanse. Make sure to follow the washing label for exact instructions.
Key factors to consider
Your family size
If you have only one child and have no plans for another, then a single full-size stroller is your best bet. If you've got a baby on the way and are thinking of growing your family later, begin your journey with a convertible stroller that can switch to a double later — like the Bugaboo Donkey 6 single or the Bugaboo Kangaroo single. And of course, if you already have two kids or are expecting twins, opt for a double stroller from the get-go.
Double strollers come in two main options: Tandem and side-by-side. Tandem models, like the Bugaboo Kangaroo, have one seat in front of the other and are as narrow as a single stroller — which means they're great for navigating tight spaces. Side-by-side strollers, like the Bugaboo Donkey 6, have both seats next to each other and let your babies bond next to each other. This also gives you equal accessibility to both children, and they can have the same view of the world.
For older kids who want to hop on occasionally, you can also add an attachable ride-along board, like the Bugaboo wheeled board.
Your lifestyle
Your stroller should match how you actually live. Ask yourself:
- Where do you stroll most often? City pavements, parks, or forest trails?
- Do you deal with snow, cobblestones, or steep hills regularly?
- How often will you fold and transport the stroller?
- Will it ever need to fit in an overhead bin or checked luggage?
City dwellers tend to do best with compact and lightweight models, such as the Bugaboo Dragonfly Plus. If you're more outdoorsy or live somewhere rural, an all-terrain stroller with durable wheels and good suspension, like the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew, is a better fit. For globetrotting parents, consider getting a travel stroller, like the Bugaboo Butterfly 2, as your second stroller.
Ready to stroll
When choosing a baby stroller, it's important to consider your lifestyle and needs. It's always a good idea to go for a test drive in person to get a feel before making a final decision. With the right stroller sorted, you're ready for whatever the day brings — rain, mud, or a toddler with strong opinions about which direction to go.
Want to know more? Browse our stroller range, compare models, or take our quiz to find your perfect match.
