How to Choose the Right Stroller for Your Growing Family

A family walks out of a teal house with a baby in a stroller.

In This Article

Choosing a stroller can feel overwhelming, especially as a new parent trying to balance your lifestyle, your baby’s comfort, and all the features people say you should care about. The key to choosing the right stroller is not finding the one with the most features, but finding the one that fits how your family actually moves through daily life.

Here at Kidsland, we’ve got you covered. As your trusted baby gear industry expert, we’re excited to share our stroller decision guide to help you find the ideal stroller for your family. We're here to support you every step of the way!

When you’re ready to compare models, you can explore our full collection of baby strollers to see features side by side and find the option that fits your needs.

Step 1: Start With Your Everyday Lifestyle

Your daily routine is the most important factor in choosing a stroller. Before looking at brands or designs, picture a typical week with your baby.

City living: Easy steering, maneuverability, and compact size matter more than trunk fit.
Driving often: Look for a stroller with a simple, one-handed fold and a trunk-friendly footprint.
No car: Durability, suspension, and a roomy storage basket become essential.
Frequent travel: A lightweight frame and quick fold make airports, hotels, and tight spaces easier.

Expert insight:
Your stroller should match your real movement patterns. The way you move through your day determines which features matter most.

Step 2: Think About Your Baby’s Age and Stage

Gemini

said

A

happy

baby

sits

on

a

rug

holding

a

stuffed

elephant,

next

to

a

stroller

in

a

bright,

modern

living

room.

Your stroller needs will change depending on whether you’re preparing for a newborn or planning for toddler comfort.

Newborn needs

Full recline or bassinet-style seating
Infant car seat compatibility
Strong neck and spine support
Deep canopy for naps and shade

Toddler needs

Sturdy seat frame with room to grow
Adjustable footrest
Secure five-point harness
Comfortable upright seating

Knowing your baby’s current stage helps eliminate options that won’t work safely or comfortably.

Step 3: Decide if You Need Car Seat Compatibility

Not every family needs a stroller that works with an infant car seat, but for some, it’s a major convenience.

A travel system is helpful if:

Your newborn naps in the car
You want easy car-to-stroller transitions
You prefer one newborn-ready purchase

Adapters are helpful if:

You already own a specific infant car seat
You want flexibility across brands

This decision alone can significantly narrow your options.

Step 4: Plan for Family Size and Long-Term Use

A

parent

choosing

between

two

strollers.

If you plan to grow your family in the next few years, it’s worth thinking beyond the baby stage.

Consider a stroller that supports:

Higher weight limits
Stronger frames
Multi-stage seating
Modular seat directions
Optional second seat or ride-along board

If your children will be spaced farther apart, a single stroller may be all you need. For closer age gaps, expandable designs can offer long-term value.

Step 5: Understand the Main Stroller Types

Once you know your lifestyle, baby stage, and future needs, stroller types become much easier to understand.

All-purpose stroller: A reliable everyday option with smooth handling, solid storage, and comfort for longer outings.
Lightweight or umbrella stroller: Easier to carry, fold, and maneuver in tight spaces.
Travel stroller: Compact and convenient, often folding small enough for overhead bins.
Jogging stroller: Built with large wheels and suspension for rough terrain or faster movement.
Double stroller: Designed for twins or siblings close in age, available side-by-side or front-and-back.
Convertible single-to-double stroller: Starts as a single stroller and expands as your family grows.
Travel system stroller: Designed to work seamlessly with an infant car seat.

At this stage, most families naturally gravitate toward one or two categories.

Step 6: Prioritize the Features That Matter Most

Features should support your daily routine, not complicate it. Use this table to focus on what will actually make life easier.

Feature	Why It Matters	Good For
One-handed fold	Helpful when your hands are full	Drivers, travelers
Self-standing fold	Keeps stroller upright when folded	Small homes, city living
Suspension	Smoother ride on uneven ground	City walking, parks
Storage basket or XL basket	Space for essentials or groceries	All parents
Recline options	Comfortable naps and feeding	Newborns and toddlers
Adjustable handlebar	Easier pushing for different heights	Shared parenting
Washable seat fabric	Easier cleaning	Everyday use

Step 7: Set Realistic Budget Expectations

Stroller prices vary widely. Higher-priced models often include premium fabrics, stronger suspension, modular seating, and smoother handling. However, budget-friendly strollers can still meet everyday needs.

A good stroller does not need to be expensive. It needs to fit your lifestyle and feel easy to use.

Step 8: Use This Simple Checklist

Before deciding, ask yourself:

Does it match our lifestyle?
Is the fold simple and comfortable?
Does it support both newborn and toddler stages?
Is it easy to lift and maneuver?
Is the storage roomy enough?
Is it comfortable to push?
Will it last more than a year?
Does it fit our home or trunk?

If most answers are yes, you’re on the right track.

Choosing the Stroller That Truly Fits Your Family

The right stroller should make daily life easier, not more complicated. Once you understand how your routine, your baby’s stage, and your long-term plans shape your needs, choosing a stroller becomes far more manageable.

When you’re ready to explore options, browse our curated selections of single strollers, double strollers, and lightweight strollers designed for families that value comfort and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing A Stroller

What should I look for in a stroller as a new parent?

Focus on steering, fold style, weight, canopy size, and storage. These matter most during daily use.

How do I choose a stroller that fits my lifestyle?

Think about your weekly routine. City families need maneuverability, driving families need easy folds, and transit families benefit from lightweight designs.