THE inevitable question we get asked at Charlotte and Charlie: "What is the best stroller?" Our answer: The one that best suits YOUR needs. It is essential to identify your usage habits and the type of activities you plan to do. In addition to the comfort of your little one, YOU are the one who will have to handle the beast and endure the hazards of your walks. Following the guide below will allow you to know which product to go for and, like Cinderella and her shoe, find the one that fits you perfectly.
Who are you and what do you do?
Urban type:
You do a lot of walking and even some shopping, both in winter and summer.
You need a stroller with larger diameter wheels to comfortably tackle rolling conditions that are not always easy. Also opt for a more robust chassis and a more spacious basket under the stroller. You will also be well served by a modular stroller that will accommodate the development of your little one, in particular by offering a pram, an interesting alternative to using a car shell for extended outings!
Our favorite picks: the Bugaboo Fox , the Thule Sleek , and the UPPAbaby Vista .
(Sleek of Thule)
(View from UPPAbaby)
Suburban type:
Your preferred mode of transportation is the car, the most traveled path by your stroller will be the one between the trunk of the car and the parking lot of your destination. Your stroller is more utilitarian although you do not say no to an occasional stroll in the well-cleared streets of your neighborhood.
3 or 4 wheels, it doesn't matter, your stroller must be light, fold easily and take up little space when folded, car trunks are often already cluttered. Also make sure that your car shell is compatible with it!
Our top picks: UPPAbaby Cruz , Babyzen Yoyo+ , Bugaboo's all-new Bee5, and our latest additions, Valco Baby's Snap Ultra Trend and Snap Duo Trend .
(Babyzen Yoyo+)
(Bugaboo Bee5)
Active type:
To run effectively, your stroller's front wheel will need to be locked outward. This gives you more stability and control, but it's hard to maneuver through grocery store aisles! So first, consider whether your sports stroller will be the only one you'll own; if so, make sure you have a front wheel that you can unlock if needed. Other things to look out for include wheel size (which should have inner tubes), suspension, and handle height adjustment.
Our winners: Thule Urban Glide and Bugaboo Base Runner .
(Thule Urban Glide)
When baby #2 arrives
Most companies on the market offer double versions of their most popular models. If you are planning to expand your family, you can be proactive and opt for a convertible stroller like the UPPAbaby Vista , the Bugaboo Donkey and the Thule Sleek . These last ones start out as a single stroller and can be enhanced with a second seat.
Pro tip: two kids don’t necessarily equal a double stroller! In fact, several brands offer a skateboard accessory that attaches to the back of your stroller. In addition to giving your older child the opportunity to keep up with you at a slightly faster pace, he or she will love his or her vantage point! It does the job perfectly and saves you the hassle of a larger stroller… and the cost of buying one!
(Bugaboo Donkey)
The famous Umbrella!
For a slightly older child or as a booster stroller, this is a must! Lightweight and compact, it's perfect for a city outing or to leave on hand. It's generally not suitable for newborns and its small diameter wheels don't offer the smoothest ride. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe continues to prove itself. If you're on a budget, the Summer Infant 3D Lite is the answer for you.
(UPPAbaby G-Luxe)
(Summer Infant 3D Lite)
