The Ultimate Guide to the Best Strollers of 2025

Introduction

Ah, the stroller. Like a miniature chariot for your little one, but you’re the horse, and your baby doesn’t know they’re royalty (yet). It might feel like a relatively modern invention, but the first baby carriage was actually patented in 1889. These days, thanks to technological advancements, you can push your baby around town with more ease and style than ever before.

Shopping for a stroller can be overwhelming. The sheer number of choices, the endless lists of features, and the fact that this may be your first time using one— how do you even know what you want? Welcome. You’re in the right place

Our Picks for Best Strollers of 2024

Strollers have come a long way in the last few years. A number of new contenders that didn’t even exist when our first kids were born 10 years ago are now leading the pack. Let’s dive into the best strollers of 2024.

Overall Best Stroller — The Nanit Cruiser Pro

The Nanit Cruiser Pro is an intuitive, yet powerful stroller that’s taking the parenting world by storm. It leverages smart technology for great maneuverability and features sleep insights and suggestions that can actually improve your child’s (and your) comfort during strolls. And, it keeps getting better. In the last year, Nanit has added adjustable suspension, height-adjustable handlebars, and more.

With its quick-fold functionality and compact design, the Nanit Cruiser Pro is also our pick for the best travel stroller. It wins in the category of best all-terrain stroller due to its awesome wheel system and shock absorption capabilities.

Best Stroller Without Smart Features — The Eufy Glide

It’s no secret we think there’s a lot to love about smart strollers. But, they’re not for everyone, so we’ve been testing non-smart options recently. And, the Eufy Glide is our pick for the best stroller without smart features. It’s cheaper than some other options, offers great maneuverability, and has an impressive weight capacity. The Summer Infant Cruise Control is another good pick (our review below).

Best Smart Stroller: The Nanit Cruiser Pro

Hold on, you say, Nanit Cruiser Pro is a double-winner? Yep. Our pick for overall best stroller is also our pick for best smart stroller. Why? Well, consider 3 common complaints in smart stroller reviews: 1) finicky electronics, 2) battery life, 3) over-complication of basic functions. Nanit answers all 3. 1) In all our testing, Nanit’s smart features were almost always reliable, and it features a manual mode as a fallback. 2) Over years of testing, we’ve rarely experienced battery issues lasting more than a day of heavy use. 3) Again, we’ve been using this stroller for years. The smart features enhance the experience without overshadowing the basic functionality of a great stroller.

These Are Popular Strollers, But Beware

It feels like there are hundreds of options for strollers on the market, and nearly all of them claim to be the “best-rated” in something, have the highest reviews, top maneuverability, comfort, or make many other boasts in their marketing materials. We think it’s important to share a few strollers that might be near the top of the sales charts, but we, along with many others, have had issues with.

Infant Optics Rover-8

The Infant Optics Rover-8 loudly proclaims to be the “best selling stroller on Amazon” and does get high reviews there. We’ve had a really poor experience with these strollers: we tested 2 review units, both of which ended up with wheel alignment issues. Maneuverability is poor compared with smart-strollers, and the weight capacity is limited. We will note that some reviewers disagree with us, and Infant Optics does allow you to attach additional accessories. The Infant Optics Rover-8 Pro, on the other hand, is a big upgrade. Notes in our review.

The Arlo Buggy

When a stroller is as cute as the Arlo Buggy undeniably is, it’s hard to critique it. But, unfortunately we have to. When testing the Arlo Buggy, we experienced severe issues with the folding mechanism, instability at higher speeds, and later, complete failure of the adjustable handlebar. We heard similar concerns from a Fathercraft reader, and after poking around on the internet, saw that we weren’t alone. Arlo appears to have discontinued support for this model, so buy with extreme caution.

The Evolution of Strollers: More Than Just a Push

The modern stroller is a far cry from its 19th-century predecessors. Today’s models are marvels of engineering, designed to make parents’ lives easier while ensuring maximum comfort and safety for babies. Let’s explore some of the innovative features that are redefining the stroller landscape in 2024.

Smart Technology Integration

Smart strollers like the Nanit Cruiser Pro are leading the charge in technological integration. These strollers often come equipped with built-in sensors that can monitor your baby’s comfort levels, track your walking speed and distance, and even suggest optimal routes based on terrain and weather conditions. Some models even offer sleep tracking capabilities, helping you maintain your baby’s sleep schedule even when you’re on the go.

Adaptability and Growth

Modern strollers are designed to grow with your child. Many models now offer modular designs that can be easily reconfigured as your child grows from infant to toddler. The Adaptix Duo, for instance, can transform from a single to a double stroller, making it an excellent choice for growing families.

Enhanced Safety Features

Safety is always a top priority for parents, and stroller manufacturers have taken note. Advanced braking systems, five-point harnesses, and improved stability are now standard on many models. Some strollers even incorporate anti-tip technology and impact-absorbing frames for added protection.

Eco-Friendly Materials

As environmental consciousness grows, so does the demand for eco-friendly baby products. Many stroller manufacturers are now using sustainable materials in their designs. Look for strollers made from recycled plastics, organic fabrics, and other environmentally friendly materials.

Choosing the Right Stroller: Factors to Consider

Selecting the perfect stroller involves more than just picking the most popular or expensive model. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Lifestyle Compatibility: Consider your daily routine. Do you live in a city with lots of stairs? You might want a lightweight, easily foldable stroller. Frequent traveler? Look for travel-friendly options.
2. Terrain: If you enjoy outdoor activities, an all-terrain stroller like the Nanit Cruiser Pro might be ideal. For mostly indoor use, a lighter urban model could suffice.
3. Baby’s Age and Growth: Some strollers are designed specifically for newborns, while others can accommodate children up to preschool age. Consider how long you plan to use the stroller.
4. Storage Needs: If you often carry lots of baby gear, look for a stroller with ample storage space.
5. Budget: Strollers can range from budget-friendly to luxury price points. Determine your budget, but remember that a good stroller is an investment in comfort and convenience.
6. Additional Features: Consider what extra features matter most to you. This could include cup holders, adjustable handlebars, or a large canopy for sun protection.

The Future of Strollers: What’s Next?

As we look beyond 2024, the future of strollers seems bright and innovative. We’re likely to see even more integration of smart technology, with strollers that can autonomously navigate obstacles or automatically adjust to changes in terrain.

Sustainability will likely play an even bigger role, with more strollers made from biodegradable or easily recyclable materials. We might even see the rise of shareable or rentable smart strollers in urban areas, similar to bike-sharing programs.

Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: strollers will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of parents and babies alike.