The Ultimate Stroller Guide: Pros & Cons of the Ones I’ve Tried (+ Must-Have Accessories!)
The Ultimate Stroller Guide
When I first started looking for a stroller, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed by all the options. There are so many features to consider... weight, size, versatility, storage, and travel-friendliness—so finding the “perfect” one can feel impossible. After trying several different strollers, I’ve realized that no single one is the best; it truly depends on your lifestyle and what you need most. In this post, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of the strollers I’ve personally used, sharing what I loved about each and what might make them a better (or not-so-great) fit for you. While I can’t speak for every stroller on the market, I hope my experience helps make your decision a little easier.
If you’re looking for more motherhood must-haves, I’ve documented my entire pregnancy and postpartum journeys, including plenty of my go-to essentials, in the Motherhood section of my blog!
Click the image or title for details and to shop the stroller.
Best for: Newborns, parents on the go, travel, convenience
The Doona is truly a game-changer if you’re looking for a seamless car seat-to-stroller transition. It’s compact, easy to maneuver, and eliminates the need for a separate car seat and stroller for quick outings. The one-click fold makes it ideal for travel and everyday errands, especially in and out of the car.
Pros
It was worth it for those first few doctor’s appointments alone, not having to lug everything in while you’re freshly postpartum.
The 2-in-1 design saves space and hassle
Perfect for travel and TSA-approved for airplanes
Fairly lightweight and easy to fold once you get the hang of it
Great for quick errands, keeping them contained without transferring to a stroller for going in and out of places
Cons
Only works for infants, with a weight limit of 4-35 lbs and a height limit of 32 inches, whichever milestone they hit first. It was a sad day when Conrad outgrew it because we became so accustomed to daily life with it.
No storage compartments but attachments are sold separately.
Handlebar positioning can feel a bit low for taller parents. I’m 5’9” and it was short but fine.
Best for: Growing families, versatility, smooth rides
The Uppababy Vista V2 is an investment, but it’s one of the most versatile strollers out there. It transitions from a single to a double seamlessly, making it a great long-term option. The ride is smooth, the storage basket is massive, and the quality is top-notch.
Pros
Can be used from newborn to toddler (if you purchase the bassinet attachment)
Converts to a double stroller with additional attachments
Huge undercarriage basket for storage
High-quality, smooth suspension for a great ride
The wheels are really smooth, and I find this pretty lightweight overall
Cons
Bulky and takes up a lot of trunk space
Expensive, especially when adding accessories
MOCKINGBIRD SINGLE-TO-DOUBLE STROLLER 2.0 (option with Bassinet Attachment)
Best for: Budget-friendly alternative to high-end strollers, growing families
Often compared to the Uppababy Vista, the Mockingbird offers a similar look and function at a lower price point. It can be used as a single or double stroller, and the bassinet attachment makes it newborn-friendly. The ride is smooth, and the storage basket is spacious, making it a great everyday option.
Pros
Budget-friendly alternative to high-end strollers
Converts from single to double with attachments
Large storage basket
Smooth ride and easy to push
Has a third kid attachment so they can ride along
Cons
Can be harder to steer when fully loaded
Accessories (like the second seat) add up in cost
Slightly bulkier when folded
Very heavy-duty—I would never want to travel with this. I ended up letting my in-laws borrow it because they watch all three grandkids at once, and it works well for them since they don’t need to collapse it or travel with it at all.
BABY JOGGER CITY SELECT 2 (Single-to-Double Stroller)
Best for: Active families, growing families, multi-use stroller
The Baby Jogger City Select 2 is a sturdy, heavy-duty stroller that offers flexibility for growing families. It starts as a single stroller but converts to a double with ease, making it a great option for parents who want a long-term solution. While it’s not the most travel-friendly option, it excels for everyday use, especially on various terrains. The ride is smooth, and the stroller feels durable without being overly bulky.
Pros
Modular design allows multiple seat configurations
Smooth ride with great suspension
Large storage basket
Folds relatively compact for a double stroller
Heavy-duty in a good way—feels sturdy and durable for everyday use
Handles different types of terrain well. We ended up bringing this to my dad’s place in Florida, and it was decent on streets, the beach, and rocky areas.
Cons
On the heavier side, not ideal for travel
Additional accessories can add up in cost
Can be tricky to fold if unfamiliar
Best for: Travel, compact storage, everyday use
If you need a lightweight travel stroller that doesn’t skimp on comfort, the Silver Cross Jet 5 is a great pick. It folds compactly, is TSA-approved for overhead bins, reclines fully for naps on the go, and has all-terrain wheels for a smoother ride than many other travel strollers.
Pros
Super lightweight and compact (fits in airplane overhead bins, so you don’t need to gate-check it and can use it promptly upon landing).
Full recline for naps
All-terrain wheels make for a smoother ride
One-handed fold for convenience
Cons
Smaller or almost nonexistent storage basket
Not as durable as full-size strollers
Can be tricky to unfold with one hand if you’re not used to it, slight learning curve but is similar to most travel strollers.
Best for: Outdoor adventures, multiple kids, all-terrain use
For families who love outdoor activities, the BOB Renegade Wagon is a fantastic option. It seats up to three kids, has a five-point harness for safety, and handles various terrains with ease. The push-and-pull design makes it extra versatile, whether you’re at the park, the beach, or a festival.
Pros
Seats up to three kids (we put Conrad and our dog, Walter, in it and there’s still space for another).
All-terrain wheels make it great for rougher surfaces.
Push-and-pull handle for versatility
Spacious and comfortable for kids
Cons
Bulky and heavy to transport
Not ideal for tight indoor spaces
Not cheap
DOONA LIKI TRIKE S5
Best for: Toddlers transitioning from strollers, compact portability
The Doona Liki Trike is a great next-step option once your little one outgrows their stroller but still needs a bit of help on long walks. It folds compactly, is easy to transport, and gives toddlers a fun, independent ride while parents maintain control. It’s also travel-friendly, apparently, you can use it in the airport, and it packs down small enough to fit in an overhead bin.
Pros
Folds super compact for easy transport
Grows with your child (multiple riding stages)
Fun and engaging for toddlers
Great alternative to bulky strollers for short trips
Travel-friendly and fits in airplane overhead bins
Cons
Not ideal for naps (no recline)
Pricey
Steering can take some getting used to
stroller accessories I love
No matter which stroller you choose, the right accessories can make a huge difference in functionality and convenience. Whether it’s a cup holder for your much-needed coffee, a stroller fan for warm days, or an organizer to keep everything within reach, these little add-ons can make everyday outings smoother. Below, I’m sharing some of my favorite stroller accessories that have made life on the go with a little one much easier.
Thanks for reading!
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all stroller... each one has strengths depending on your lifestyle and needs. Whether you’re looking for something compact for travel, a heavy-duty option for rough terrain, or a stroller that grows with your family, I hope my experience helps make your decision a little easier. Every stage of parenthood comes with new challenges, and finding the right gear can make all the difference.
If you’re looking for more insights on pregnancy, postpartum, and my favorite must-haves for motherhood, be sure to check out the Motherhood section of my blog, where I’ve shared everything from newborn essentials to toddler must-haves.
Do you have a stroller you love that wasn’t mentioned here? I’d love to hear about your experience! If you have a favorite and want to share more about it, let me know... I’d be happy to add it to this post to make this guide even more helpful for other parents.
xx CMK
