This post is brought to you by Samantha (Ko) Vlasceanu from Traveling Munchkin.
When it comes to choosing the RIGHT stroller, you often go through a strollercoaster of emotions (HA!). It’s like picking a new car! Feelings of- Excitement, confusion, overwhelm, indecisiveness and then finally you land on THE ONE.
Buying a stroller is a big investment, both time and money. This is something you’re going to use for years to come so it’s definitely worth that investment. But do your research mamas! Compare your options and even “test drive” your top picks. You can totally do that by renting for a few days from companies like Traveling Munchkin.
OR you can let Traveling Munchkin take the guess work out of this big decision, by following the tips below!
A few questions to ask yourself first.
Do you have a budget?
-If small - you can go the used market route. Confession* I’ve bought 8-10 strollers on the used market, not because I needed them, but because I have a stroller addition. I can teach you what to look for, mistakes I’ve learned from and questions to ask when shopping on the used market.
-If unlimited. Well, let the confusion begin!
Do you have a car seat constraint?
What type of stroller are you needing?
-Full size/Everyday use stroller
-Lightweight/travel/Umbrella stroller
-Jogging
-Double stroller
-Convertible stroller
Who is the primary user of the stroller?
-Newborn
-Newborn and Toddler
-Newborn Twins
-Toddlers
-Toddler Single
What are some of my top picks and why?
*please note everyone’s needs and priorities are different.
Best Overall Single Stroller
Valco Snap Ultra Trend
Why we love it
This stroller checks off all the boxes for most things including being lightweight, large 4 panel canopy for kids, so smooth to push and has the highest limits for tall toddlers.
High quality fabric that’s liquid resistant. *and coffee spill resistant!
For very tall toddlers
Parents can use from birth
This 18 lb stroller is the ultimate stroller in our opinion and it’s only $675 CAD.
What to watch out for:
If you plan on having another on soon, you’ll need to invest in a double.
Unlike the UPPAbaby, in order to adjust the height of the handle bars, you’ll need two free hands
Small basket in comparison to the large basket in the UPPAbaby Vista.
Best Grow With Your Family Stroller
UPPAbaby Vista
Why we love it
Adaptable for one, two or THREE Kids! Technically it can fit 4 using the humongous basket with a capacity of 30 lbs.
HUGE basket - if you’re a soon to be mom don’t underestimate the need for a large basket.
The UPPAbaby Vista also has adaptors to fit 17 different car seat models, which is unheard of for any other stroller.
9 different configurations to fit any child from newborn to 4 years old.
High quality fabrics
Offers 3 year warranty (the standard is 2 years!)
Combine the cool seating options with top quality material and the versatility to adapt to a growing family, it’s not a wonder this stroller out performs the competition!
What to watch out for:
Higher price point. Starting at $1,300, it includes bassinet, frame and toddler seat (no option to remove the bassinet). That’s not including accessories, assuming you’re like me and think you need it all. You’re looking at spending anywhere between $500-$1000 just for accessories and add ons.
It may not be the heaviest but it’s still pretty heavy. Can you imagine loading a large 26lb stroller into your car after a c-section?
It doesn’t have the greatest maneuverability either due to the width depth perception (back wheels are much further out than the front wheels, so you tend to hit things in the stores).
The rumble seat (which goes is for the older child and goes on the bottom font) has a lower weigh capacity at 35lbs (yikes! That’s like a small 3-year-old!) and usually gets outgrown quite fast.
The Best Bang For Your Buck Stroller
City Mini GT
Why we love it
This is for the ultimate city goer who uses public transportation on a daily basis, this stroller moves with ease and fits through the crowd while still having the durability of a full-size stroller.
Easy to maneuver, because it’s a 3 wheeler it turns on a dime with the slightest push.
Built for big and tall toddlers with a max capacity of 65 lbs and a bum to canopy height of 26”.
Easy to fold and folds down to a compact size.
This simple yet mighty stroller is built to last without breaking the bank at $500.
What to watch out for:
This stroller is quite tipsy when the child decides to climb upwards or when you decide to hang bags off the stroller.
Smaller basket and not easily accessible from the sides.
Modular seat does not face you but away from you.
The Best Luxury Stroller
Bugaboo Donkey
The push on this stroller is unforgettable!! One hand or two fingers, this stroller goes smoothly wherever you need.
This stroller is STYLISH! So many different ways to accessorize from canopy fabric, liners, leather handles, seat fabric, accessories for parents and kids.
Only side by side stroller to convert from single with a side basket to double for any age kids in a simple 1-2-3 click. You also have the option to add a third seat/board for your older kids to join.
No other stroller design has made it this easy AND modern! Heads will turn, and it’s not just cause of your cute babes with you.
What to watch out for:
People either love owning the donkey or hate it, and it’s mainly due to the fold. It’s not a simple one-two fold, more like a one-two-three-four fold. You’ll need both hands, and then lift with your legs to move the 29 lb (frame only) in and out of your trunk. It’ll also take up all of your trunk, so say goodbye now.
While you do have the stylish side basket, your underneath basket is quite small as well.
If you’re not bothered by the weight and fold, maybe the price will make your jaw drop. Assuming you purchased the duo mode (two toddler seats, one bassinet and side basket) you’re looking at $1800 already. Next add the fancy breezy summer canopies, cup holder, parent organizer, two winter muffs, two liners, a parasol, two snack trays easily $700-$1,200 additional.
Best Lightweight Jogger
Thule Urban Glider 2
Why we love it
If you’re looking for a hybrid of a jogger stroller that can be used from birth to a full-size stroller the this stroller is for you!
Amazing on all terrain - including snow (Canada eh?)
Can handle even the largest kids with a weight capacity of 75 lbs!
Easy to maneuver
One handed folding mechanism
Large canopy
Compatible with many types of car seats
Made of high quality material and built to last!
What to watch out for:
Even though it’s considered a lightweight at 24 lbs, it’s still on the heavier side for a full-size stroller.
Tires are large, which is great for all terrain use, but it makes it hard to store in your trunk.
Also don’t wear flip flops when using this stroller, it’s painful to unlock the break while not in sneakers.
Best Travel Stroller
UPPAbaby Minu
What we love
The offspring of a UPPAbaby Cruz and UPPAbaby G-Luxe in one fine creation!
Can fold using one hand
Fit into most overhead compartments
One of the few travel stroller compatible with a bassinet or car seat.
While most travel strollers sacrifice quality for the lightweight features, the UPPAbaby minu does not follow suit.
Weighing only 14.5 lbs, it comes with luxury leather handles and high quality fabric, setting a new bar for travel strollers.
It’s also one of the few travel strollers that can handle up to 50 lbs with a head clearance of 26” (more than some full-size strollers).
What to watch out for:
Price. This stroller starts at $560 which is a hefty price to pay for a travel stroller.
The seats do not fully recline and the wheels are small, it’s not ideal unless you’re on a smooth surface (not the best for cobblestone cities).
Best Side by Side Stroller
Valco Snap Duo Trend
What we love
This 24 lb double stroller scored high across the board both for functionality and design
So smooth to push and maneuver around
Large seat capacity makes it so comfortable for the taller toddlers. Head capacity of 28” from bum to canopy and a 4-panel size canopy, your kids will never want to leave this stroller
One handed fold
Folds into a compact standing position, making it easier to load and unload from the trunk
Good size basket
Fabric is liquid resistant
What to watch for:
Not many car seats compatible with this model
No snack tray can clip in
The seats are modular seats so they face outward and not in
Price: Starts at $800 without adaptors and bassinets
Best Tandem Stroller
UPPAbaby Vista with Rumble Seat
What we love
While I’m not a huge fan of tandem strollers mainly because of the maneuverability, mot of the tandem strollers scored quite evenly across the board.
The biggest difference is that the UPPAbaby Vista offers a 3 year warranty, instead of the industry standard of 2 years.
Modern and sleek looking
You can’t compare the basket size with any other stroller
Compatible with 17 other car seat models
What to watch out for:
Rumble seat only has the capacity of 35 lbs instead of the regular 50 lbs.
Lower bum to canopy clearance at 23”
Price
Best Double Travel Stroller
Mountain Buggy Duo
What we love
Second lightweight double stroller
Smallest compact fold
High quality material, making limited flex in the frame (unheard of in travel strollers)
Large basket for your travel needs
Perfect weight distribution on this stroller, no matter if you have a toddler and an infant, you won’t veer to one side.
What to watch for:
Small tires. Make it hard to go over anything that isn’t smooth.
Price. Expensive for a travel stroller with a price tag of $550
Seats do not fully recline
Folding takes time to get used to, but it’s designed to have a multifold to get the compact size.
So as you can tell, no matter what you’re looking for there is a stroller for you! Happy Shopping! Have questions? Message me your top 3 priorities in a stroller and I’ll tell you which strollers you should look at.
About Traveling Munchkin: We are a proud Canadian Peer-to-Peer Marketplace for baby gear rental operating first in the GTA. This means when travelling families come into Toronto/ Mississauga/ Vaughan/Oakville etc.. they can find the baby gear they need from local families on Traveling Munchkin’s platform. We are the Airbnb for Baby Gear Rental – hopefully throughout Canada eventually!
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Why rent from us?
When it comes to renting baby equipment, Traveling Munchkin has got you covered! Traveling Munchkin is unique in its' service by offering a wide variety of baby gear brands with affordability, convenience and quality in mind. Our team inspects all our products for cleanliness, safety, & condition and only accepts the best of the best.
Why should you become a host?
Meet the ultimate side gig for parents! With Traveling Munchkin, you're your own boss. You decide on equipment availability, the price, and even how the products gets delivered. You can be in charge of it all on your own schedule, and no need to invest in products, as chances are, you already have it all! Whether you're waiting to have more kids, saving the gear for otherfriends/family members or have spare ones at grandparent's house, take this opportunity to rent it out.
