In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Finding the perfect primary stroller for your new baby can feel daunting. But a fantastic stroller can make outings easier and longer-lasting, increasing opportunities for fun, bonding, and getting things done.
The most impressive full-size stroller for most families is the UPPAbaby Cruz v3. This quality option has ample storage, an adjustable handlebar, and versatile seating that can hold a bassinet or infant car seat. Plus, the frame folds flat enough to cosplay as a travel stroller. If you need something bigger, the UPPAbaby Vista v3 can seat two and has a similar style and features.
If you like to go off-road or plan to run, a crossover stroller like the Guava Roam might be a better fit. This jogger folds up small and is reasonably priced for what you get. The Joie Ginger is an impressive choice with a significantly smaller price tag that could be everything most families need.
We've tested more than 180 different strollers, including jogging strollers, double strollers, and travel strollers. Our extensive side-by-side tests assess ease of use, maneuverability, quality, weight, and more to give you the details you need to find the right stroller for your family. If you are unsure where to start, check out our stroller review for more information that can help you decide which type is right for you.
Editor's Note: We updated this review in August 2026, with new strollers from UPPAbaby, Joie, BOB, Baby Trend, and Guava.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Full-size Stroller recommendations.
The UPPAbaby Cruz v3 is a high-quality, beautifully designed stroller that is easy to use and full of features. The deep, padded sling seat is reversible with a 50 lb weight limit. The canopy coverage is second-to-none, and the storage area holds up to a whopping 30 lbs, making it ideal for running errands and carting groceries. It features an adjustable leatherette-wrapped handle and belly bar, an easy two-hand fold, and a four-position adjustable leg rest. It works with the UPPAbaby bassinet and a variety of infant car seats from different brands. Thanks to its all-wheel suspension, locking front wheels, and larger back wheels, the Cruz v3 maneuvers with ease in town and on more rugged terrain. It is relatively lightweight, folds flat, and is easy to store and transport.
The Cruz is not designed for jogging or long off-the-beaten-path adventures. If those are part of your strolling goals, the Guava Roam could be a better fit and save you money. The Cruz is also spendy, and the price could be a no-go for many. For less than half the price of the Cruz, the Joie Ginger offers many of the same features and is a good, budget-friendly replacement that doesn't disappoint. In the end, we think the Cruz v3 is an exceptional stroller perfect for urban life, where errands and fun on flat, well-worn terrain are the name of the game.
Thanks to its larger three-wheel design, independent suspension, and lockable front wheel, the Guava Roam is a phenomenal cross-over cruiser. It easily handles flat terrain and narrow spaces, and transitions seamlessly to rugged landscapes without sacrificing ease of use or passenger comfort. If transporting or storing it is a concern, we can't rave enough about the impressively petite 8,880 cubic-inch folded size. One parent noted, “I really didn't have the space for a large folded stroller in my trunk or my home, but the small folded size of the Roam fits perfectly.” This capable stroller also won an award in our jogging stroller review, earning a top rank against some tough competition.
As much as we love the Guava Roam, the price could be too high for some. If you love to go off-road occasionally but the price is daunting, the Baby Trend Expedition offers 3-wheel maneuverability suitable for jogging, but the quality is lower. It also doesn't work with any infant car seats. If you were looking to create a travel system, something like the UPPAbaby Cruz v3 could be a better match. Overall, anyone looking for a great 3-wheel stroller will love the Guava Roam's never-flat tires, compact fold, and impressive quality.
The Guava's 3-wheel design makes it great for navigating obstacles. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Guava Roam has a good-sized canopy for most needs, even if it isn't the biggest in the bunch. Credit: Matt Lighthart
It is hard to overstate just how small the Guava folds for any stroller, and it is by far the smallest jogging stroller. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The front wheel on the Guava can be locked in place or made to swivel with a quick wheel rotation on the handlebars. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Do not run with younger babies
It is not safe to run with babies who lack the muscle control to support their head and neck. Even in their infant car seat carrier attached by way of an adapter. We encourage parents to consult with their pediatrician and the jogging stroller manufacturer's manual for more information before setting out for adventures faster than strolling.
The Cybex Balios S Lux is a modern-day traditional stroller with the style and seating versatility parents want, including compatibility with some Cybex infant car seats and a capacity range up to 55 lbs. This quality option has a large UPF 50+ canopy and bigger foam-filled plastic wheels for easy pushing on flat surfaces. It is often priced lower than other popular strollers and has easy-to-use features like an adjustable handlebar. It also offers exceptional passenger comfort, with a 3-position recline that is comfortable for napping. The Cybex is smaller and lighter than others, with a weight of 25.3 lbs and a measured folded volume of 11,904 cubic inches.
The Cybex is not the best mover when you head off-road; pushing on grass and gravel isn't as easy as some competitors. The similar UPPAbaby Cruz v3 also has foam-filled plastic wheels, but the wider wheel width and bigger size make them easier to push off flat surfaces. While less expensive than some models, its price could still be a deal breaker for a tighter budget. The Evenflo Xpand Pivot is an inexpensive choice with a similar look but lower-quality materials. We think the Cybex is a great choice for those who want better quality without the top price tag and who usually stick to the sidewalk and indoor spaces. Our tester says, “As long as you stay on the beaten path, we think you'll be pleased with the Cybex and its overall functionality.”
The Cybex can potentially save you a little money and still provide a high-quality and comfortable strolling experience that is lighter weight. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Thanks to its budget-friendly price, the Joie Ginger dlx is an excellent choice for families looking to save money without sacrificing great maneuverability, quality, or comfort. During testing, it was easy to push and turn on almost any surface with all-wheel suspension helping the effort. As one tester noted, “I was shocked that when it came to off-road travel, it felt almost as smooth as on flat surfaces in town.” The adjustable seating options, including the popular bassinet mode and dual recline system, allow for more customization than most. We appreciated the attention to passenger comfort, including soft materials, adequate padding, a detachable arm bar, and a large canopy.
The Joie Ginger is not the right choice for all families. While it is good on uneven terrain, it isn't a jogger. To get a great jogger or crossover, you'll need to spend more, and our favorite is the Guava Roam. If money is tight, the Baby Trend Expedition is inexpensive and could be a good one-and-done stroller or an add-on to the Ginger, which together are still less expensive than many competitors. The Ginger is a great choice for many families seeking affordability, better quality, durability, and good maneuverability.
The Baby Trend Expedition is an inexpensive jogging stroller that does well on flat surfaces and rugged terrain. This stroller offers all the basic features most parents want. The comfortable seat offers infinite recline settings, and the new canopy is bigger than the previous generation. It has a parent console and a kid tray for cups, snacks, and small items. Its rubber pneumatic tires easily glide across all surfaces and nimbly navigate tight turns, curbs, and doorways, for a smooth passenger experience. One tester said, “I love that I can transition smoothly across sidewalks and gravel paths with ease, without it becoming harder to push.”
The Expedition is affordable, but you get what you pay for, and the quality is only so-so; none of the features are exceptional. It lacks suspension, and the leg rest and handlebar are not adjustable. The parent console and the kid tray have shallow, narrow cup holders that don't hold many standard-size bottles. For parents looking for a quality option that handles uneven terrain better and don't plan on jogging, the Joie Ginger is a good option. It's more expensive, but its focus on design and detail is comparable to that of more expensive strollers. If you want a crossover stroller and your budget can stretch considerably, the Guava Roam is a favorite. However, for those on a tight budget, looking for all kinds of adventures, the Expedition fits the bill. While it won't ever be a high-ranking option, it can be all that many families need, and the savings make up for anything it lacks.
The UPPAbaby Vista v3 is an impressive, high-quality choice for growing families looking. The versatile Vista can accept bassinets, infant car seats, toddler seats, or any combination of the three, making it an excellent choice for twins and multiple children. The easy, fold-to-flat design and self-stand feature make it easier to store and transport than man doubles, but it is larger than most single strollers. It features premium materials, an enormous storage basket with a 30 lb capacity, larger wheels, an adjustable handlebar, and a huge canopy with impressive protection. We love the attention to detail and think it has the features you need without a bunch of useless fluff.
The Vista is expensive, which could be a deal-breaker for some. If you only need to push one, choosing the UPPAbaby Cruz v3 offers a similar experience in a smaller, lighter package at a lower cost. It is also large when folded, especially if you leave the seat on. However, if you plan to use the Vista for many years through multiple kids, the price can feel more reasonable. If you like the look but want to tread easy on your bank account, the Evenflo Xpand Pivot has similar styling and is cheaper, but it lacks the finesse and ease of use we see in the Vista. We love the Vista v3 and think that for growing families, if you can afford it, it justifies the price for long-term use and multiple passengers.
The Vista shows nice attention to detail in its design, like this leather-wrapped kid bar. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Vista seats recline flat for superior napping capabilities. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Vista has one of the largest canopies in the group. It opens even further than what is shown here! Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Vista harness buckle is magnetic, and once you get the hang of it, it is one of the easiest we've ever used. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Product Comparison Table
All strollers reviewed are tested against each other in a variety of categories. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
Our testing protocol for strollers is extensive and involves 50 individual tests to inform our ratings. We've purchased and tested more than 195 strollers since 2014, including more than 60 strollers that fit our criteria for everyday-use “full-size strollers.” We buy each stroller ourselves, accepting no freebies from manufacturers to ensure complete independence.
We test all our cruisers off-road in a variety of weather to see where they succeed and where they fail to measure up. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Precise measurements are key to giving readers the most accurate information out there. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our testing of full-size strollers is divided across five rating metrics:
Ease of Use tests (40% of overall score weighting)
Maneuverability (25% weighting)
Transporting and Storing (15% weighting)
Quality (10% weighting)
Kid's Comfort (10% weighting)
We tested each stroller in tight spaces, doorways, and on different surfaces to determine which options are the easier to push and turn. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our testing occurs in the GearLab in-house lab and in the real world during daily use with little ones. The full-size stroller reviews use real-world performance data to compare the contenders. We handle each stroller from unboxing through in-house testing and hours of use to determine which are the easiest to use, have the most useful features, are the most maneuverable, and are high-quality compared to the competition.
We perform a myriad of tests in our quest to find the best strollers. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Testing includes pushing strollers in a designated test path over various surfaces and thresholds. We measure the weight and size of folded strollers and put them into and take them out of cars. We lift, carry, open, and close each stroller to compare it to the competition. We analyze materials, quality, design, and more to determine performance metrics and scores.
Lining up some of the competitors to check on the coverage of each sunshade. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Our experienced stroller testers are overseen by our BabyGearLab founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier, Board Certified Pediatrician, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and totally awesome mother of two. She uses her education and experience as a pediatrician and her expertise as a mom to define the BabyGearLab safety standards. The lead for the hands-on stroller test team is Senior Review Analyst, Bob Wofford, father of 7, who has been the stroller testing development and execution leader since 2013. It's safe to say Bob has pushed, pulled, and assembled more strollers than anyone on the planet.
The Guava Roma comes ready to stroll for the most part. Credit: Austin Palmer
The stroller team also includes Graham Faulknor, a father of one and GearLab Senior Review Analyst. Graham has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado and over 15+ years of experience designing, building, and testing everything from race cars and medical devices to consumer goods. The team is rounded out with Senior Review Editor and mother of two, Wendy Schmitz, who has reviewed and researched over 160 strollers since joining BabyGearLab in 2014, including hundreds of hours of hands-on use. Overall, the team has over 20 years of combined experience using and testing all types of strollers.
The compact fold of the Guava Roam is one of the smallest folds we measured. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The unigue magnetic buckle on the UPPAbaby Cruz v3 is easy to secure and unbuckles with one hand. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Analysis and Test Results
We selected 20 finalists for our side-by-side testing, including everything from maneuverability and ease of use to quality and weight. We consider the features and functions we believe parents are looking for.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The value of a full-size stroller depends on how often and for how many years you plan to stroll, and whether you plan to grow your family. Strollers come in a wide range of prices, and we see no need to spend more than you need to meet your goals. The Baby Trend Expedition is an excellent occasional adventure stroller, perfect for parks and easy pushing. At one of the lowest prices in the group, it offers smooth maneuverability and the option to run as the baby gets older. However, if you are a serious runner or live in a busy city, it is less ideal and might lead to a second stroller purchase. If a more traditional stroller is your jam, we love the new Joie Ginger dlx, which sells for less than half the price of the big dogs but still offers impressive quality and performance. Value can also mean a reasonable price tag, and a versatile product that limits future purchases and daily frustrations. If you run or hike off-road, we think the Guava Roam is a fairly priced jogger that folds compact enough to be your everyday ride and meets almost every stroller need with grace and quality.
The Ridge v2 has easy-to-use, thoughtful features that make strolling easier and less frustrating. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The features you use frequently that impact everyday functionality can influence your overall experience. A stroller's ability to perform well on demand is the difference between a successful outing and a parking lot meltdown.
Ease of Use Performance Ratings
Product
Storage
Fold/Unfold
Harness
Brakes
UPPAbaby Vista v3
10.0
6.0
9.5
10.0
UPPAbaby Cruz V3
9.0
6.5
9.5
10.0
UPPAbaby Ridge v2
7.0
5.0
9.0
9.0
Guava Roam
3.5
7.5
8.5
10.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
8.0
6.5
8.0
6.0
Nuna Mixx Next
4.5
7.0
7.5
7.5
Thule Spring
3.0
9.0
5.0
8.0
Bob Wayfinder
3.0
9.0
5.0
8.0
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
2.5
8.0
5.0
9.5
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
5.0
4.5
7.0
8.0
Mockingbird
8.5
7.0
1.0
7.5
Thule Urban Glide 3
4.0
2.5
9.0
8.0
Joie Ginger dlx
4.0
5.0
5.5
8.0
Britax Brook +
4.5
7.5
3.0
6.0
Baby Jogger City Select 2
6.5
3.0
4.0
7.0
BOB Alterrain Pro
2.5
8.5
2.5
7.0
GRACO Modes Nest
3.0
7.5
5.0
4.0
Mompush Wiz
4.0
6.5
2.5
6.0
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
3.0
3.0
2.5
7.0
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger
1.5
7.0
3.5
3.0
The Vista v3 has a relatively easy folding/unfolding design, but it does require two hands. Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Individual functions and features, such as fold/unfold, storage, harnesses, and brakes, can affect your user experience. We provide comparison details and additional information to help you make a purchase decision based on what matters most to you.
Folding a full-size stroller has a lot of moving parts and little ones can get injured if not kept at a distance when folding. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fold and Unfold
We prefer strollers with few steps that fold smoothly without complications. However, not every stroller is lucky to have an easy-fold design. We lined up the competition side-by-side to test various aspects related to folding: how easy it is to do, can you do it with one hand, does it automatically lock in place, does it self-stand, can it roll like luggage, is there a handle or a strap.
The easiest strollers to fold are the Thule Spring and the BOB Wayfinder. The BOB Alterrain Pro and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 come in close behind. All of these options have a one-handed fold that is super simple. The hardest options require two hands, need adjustments before folding, or are best folded with accessories removed. The Thule Urban Glide 3 scored the lowest for folding, due to how difficult it was to initiate the fold, how bulky and cumbersome it was to complete it, and the added step of having to manually lock the stroller half the time. Also more challenging are the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 and the Baby Jogger City Select 2.
The Cruz v3 fits so much stuff, and with a 30 lb capacity, you can even take it grocery shopping. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Storage
The amount of stroller storage space differs from stroller to stroller, with some designs being less thoughtful or functional. If you live in the city and hope to get groceries while strolling, this could be a super important consideration. If you only take short adventures to the park, perhaps less so. Things to consider are the basket size, the weight capacity, and how easy it is to access.
The storage bin on the Vista v3 is ginormous and holds multiple bags. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Expedition has a parent tray, but it isn't as useful as we hoped, with shallow cup holders and a center compartment too small for most smartphones. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The UPPAbaby Cruz v3 and the UPPAbaby Vista v3 have the largest under-seat baskets and the highest weight limit of 30 lbs. They are truly remarkable, with easy access from most sides and ample space for baby supplies and other items. The smaller bins with 10 lb limits were somewhat disappointing, but should be enough to carry your baby's supplies, depending on where the day takes you. The Baby Trend Expedition has the lowest basket limits at 5 lbs. The Baby Trend does have additional storage features like a parent console and child's tray, but they aren't as useful as we'd like, and items either didn't fit or fell out of the cup holder during testing. The 5 lb limit means you might not even be able to carry your whole diaper bag. The Guava Roam holds only 11 lbs, but it offers some pocket organization with a zipper pouch. The BOB Wayfinder storage bin features a full-zip cover.
The BOB Wayfinder harness works well, but it has a lot of parts and could easily be frustrating to connect with a tired child in the seat. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
All of the strollers in our review have 5-point harnesses, with some offering padding or safety buckles or requiring two hands to operate. Others have an adjustable crotch strap and shoulder-height adjustment, with some non-rethread harnesses. We value harnesses that are smooth and quick to operate, with fewer parts to juggle when your little one is having a tantrum.
The harness on the Thule Urban Glide v3 is one of our favorites thanks to its secure buckle, easy adjustability and quality webbing that is soft to the touch. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger's harness has a difficult rethread for shoulder adjustment, weird hook attachments, and scratchy webbing that is not skin friendly. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The best harnesses are on the UPPAbaby and Thule strollers. These options have easy-to-use buckles and adjustments, as well as soft straps and padding for comfort. The new Ridge v2, Vista v3, and Cruz v3 buckles sort of snap together with a two-part magnetic system that was a breeze to operate once we figured it out. The Cybex Balios is also easy to adjust and features soft webbing, with infinite shoulder-height adjustments that slide up and down an exposed strap. The lowest-scoring harnesses in the group belong to the BOB Revolution, BOB Alterrain, Mompush Wiz, and the Mockingbird. They require tricky tightening and have stiff buckles.
The Cruz features dual brake pedals, one to set (red) and one to release (green). Credit: Matt Lighthart
Brakes
Not all brakes are foot-friendly, and some are trickier to employ or disengage. Our lineup even features some strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 that sports a hand parking brake. We prefer pedals that do not require lifting from underneath to release, as it can be difficult, damage footwear, or injure bare feet.
The Expedition has dual brakes, which means you must press both pedals down to fully engage the brakes. We don't love this style as we worry parents will forget or forgo setting the second pedal. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 has a color-changing window on the brake to let you know if they are set or ready to roll. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger and the Graco Modes failed to impress with their double-action brakes, which require setting and releasing two pedals. We worry that parents will forget or grow complacent over time and end up pressing only one pedal. This would result in the brake being improperly set and could result in injury or death. The best brakes in the lineup are those on the UPPAbaby Vista v3, UPPAbaby Cruz v3, and the Guava Roam and their press-to-engage/disengage pedal(s) with color-changing indicator. The UPPAbaby Ridge v2 follows close behind.
Having an easy-to-fold stroller can be a game changer if you need to perform this function on a regular basis. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Ease of Use
The ease of use final score is the culmination of test results from multiple sub-metrics detailed above.
The easiest options to use are the UPPAbaby Vista v3, and the UPPAbaby Cruz v3, with the Cybex Balios S Lux and UPPAbaby Ridge v2 coming in next. It is as if UPPAbaby took all the hassle out of strolling with thoughtful designs to solve real problems. Each UPPAbaby stroller has features that are intuitive and easy to use, many of which can be operated with a single hand. They have larger storage bins with bigger capacities, adjustable handlebars, smooth harness webbing, and color-coded brake pedals. You have to try to find a hard-to-use feature on a UPPAbaby. Alternatively, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger performs very poorly in our ease-of-use tests. This stroller isn't prohibitively difficult to use, but it is harder than the competition because it lacks some features, and the ones it does have are lower quality and more challenging, like double-action brakes instead of single. The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 was the hardest to use, and we can't help but wonder if it is a result of a design that hasn't been updated in more than 5 years.
The Cruz has several easy-to-use features like a giant canopy, telescoping, adjustable handlebar, and an easy fold. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The UPPAbaby strollers lack amenities like a parent or child console, but you can purchase these accessories. We believe these conveniences can be useful depending on your lifestyle, and we recommend considering the additional cost when making your decision if you find them valuable. However, we don't believe these features are mandatory. In fact, we found that many of these features weren't that useful. Many were poorly designed and only checked a box, adding no real benefits, like shallow cup holders that didn't hold water bottles.
Many strollers can be paired with a stroller by purchasing an adapter or using a native brand seat to create a travel system of your choice. This photo shows the UPPAbaby Vist v2 paired with an UPPAbaby car seat. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Car Seat Compatibility
Most full-size strollers are compatible with at least one infant car seat (sometimes more), and a few are light enough to serve as a stand-in for a car seat frame stroller. Some strollers are restricted in the brands they are compatible with, or they don't accept infant carriers at all. Other strollers have significant cross-brand compatibility when an adapter is purchased.
If you hope to combine your stroller with an infant car seat, we encourage you to choose your car seatfirst, as car seat safety is critical. We also think some parents should consider a car seat frame stroller for the first 6-9 months instead of a traditional stroller. The frame options are easier to use with an infant car seat carrier, lighter, cheaper, and can give you a better idea of how you'll use a full-size stroller going forward, so you can make a better buying decision. While you'll end up buying two different strollers, it could still save you money if it prevents you from buying one that doesn't meet your needs.
Another alternative is to skip the stroller and carry your baby in a baby carrier. These wearable devices allow you to carry your little one, often hands-free, in a close, bonding position that eliminates the hassle of a stroller entirely. Many babies love being held close, and it can reduce fussiness and crying. More than one GearLab editor chose this option and loved it.
This is an example of a click-in car seat adapter seen on the BOB Alterrain. Credit: Abriah Wofford
This image shows a car seat adapter with a secondary strap setup used on the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0. We have concerns that parents might skip the step, creating the potential for injuries. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Some car seats use a click-in attachment, while others click and strap the carrier in place. We prefer the click-only options because they are more straightforward, relatively foolproof, and usually feel more stable. The strap method isn't challenging, but it is a second step, and we worry that parents will skip it (accidentally or intentionally), which could create safety issues and increase the risk of injury. If you choose a strap combination, we encourage you to always use the straps as the manufacturer recommends to avoid safety risks.
The Mompush was harder to set up than most of the competition. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Setup
Assembly is a one-time job (theoretically), but if you lack assembly prowess or loathe “build it yourself” projects, it could be important to you. We consider the setup time, potential challenges, required tools, and manual usefulness. None of the strollers were hard to assemble, and almost none require tools. Most require just snapping on wheels, seats, or canopies. While we don't score this test anymore, we still think it can help any parent worried about the process.
The Mockingbird is one of the easiest options to assemble. Credit: Matt Lighthart
One of the easiest options to assemble is the Mockingbird, and the company even sent us an email with a video before the stroller arrived showing us exactly how to do it. The Guava Roam was even easier, requiring zero assembly, aside from clipping it onto the handlebars and removing the packaging. The Baby Joggers, BOBs, and the UPPAbaby Ridge v2 were also super easy and mostly just unpacking. The hardest options to set up are the Cybex Balios S Lux and the Mompush Wiz. Both had harder-to-understand instructions that lacked written components or provided more information than necessary.
We test each stroller in various environments for maneuverability on flat surfaces, uneven terrain, and tight spaces like doorways and turns. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
Our maneuverability tests include a convoluted pathway of turns and corners over various surfaces, including hardwood, pavement, gravel, grass, snow/ice (when the weather allows), and dirt. We also created a crowded-supermarket simulator, a multi-surface obstacle course containing tight corners and real-world challenges.
Maneuverability by Surface Type
Product
Hard Surface
All-terrain
Curbs
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger
8.0
8.5
9.0
UPPAbaby Ridge v2
7.5
8.5
9.0
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
6.5
9.5
8.5
Thule Urban Glide 3
5.0
10.0
9.0
Guava Roam
7.0
8.0
8.0
BOB Alterrain Pro
6.0
8.5
7.5
UPPAbaby Vista v3
9.0
6.0
7.0
UPPAbaby Cruz V3
8.5
6.0
6.0
Bob Wayfinder
6.0
7.5
6.5
Joie Ginger dlx
7.5
5.5
5.5
Baby Jogger City Select 2
7.0
5.5
5.0
Britax Brook +
6.5
3.5
6.0
Mockingbird
6.0
5.0
5.0
GRACO Modes Nest
5.0
5.0
5.5
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
4.0
4.5
6.0
Nuna Mixx Next
5.5
5.5
3.0
Thule Spring
4.0
2.5
5.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
6.5
2.0
1.5
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
3.0
1.5
5.5
Mompush Wiz
4.0
3.0
3.0
We push each stroller through it all and then compare their results for ease of pushing, turning, and performance.
Weaving in and out of obstacles is just part of the maneuverability testing process at GearLab. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Most high-scoring strollers perform well on both paved and unpaved surfaces. The bigger wheels and rubber tires make for effortless pushing and single-handed turning on pavement, and they excel in smaller spaces with tight turning radii. Their advantages were even more pronounced when going over grass or gravel in the park. Smaller-wheel products with solid or plastic tires got bogged down on rough surfaces, often to unworkable depths. The plastic wheels also transmit jarring shocks directly to the baby because they do not absorb the energy and frequently lack suspension.
The best strollers are those that allow you to push on various surfaces and through standard doorways with ease. The Cruz is shown in this image. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Hard Surfaces
Pushing and turning on flat, hard surfaces like pavement and concrete, or those you encounter indoors, is the bread and butter for a full-size stroller. Being able to push a stroller with minimal resistance or turn with a single hand can make pushing a child hither and yon easier. The top performer on flat surfaces for maneuverability was the high-quality UPPAbaby Vista v3. Thanks to its narrower, in-line design and shorter wheelbase, it can navigate turns and clear threshold changes with ease. The UPPAbaby Cruz v3 and Baby Trend Expedition Jogger are close runners-up. The Cruz v3 largely mimics the Vista, but with a shorter wheelbase, and the Expedition's 3-wheel design helped it turn in tight places. The worst in the group is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand. Its smaller-diameter wheels and flexing frame require more time to respond, making it hard to make tight turns without pre-game planning.
The small wheels on the Thule Spring wheels are foam-filled rubber and the size seemed to hurt its ability to move over grass and off-road. Credit: Matt Lighthart
While the Baby Jogger brand has the word “Jogger” in its name, most of their products are not suitable for jogging. This applies to all of the Baby Joggers in this review. You should not jog with any stroller not designed for jogging, as they lack the proper features to provide a safe jogging experience with a baby. Seriously, don't do it!
The rubber tires and three-wheel design with a locking swivel front wheel help it navigate all kinds of surfaces with relative ease. Credit: Matt Lighthart
All-Terrain
Before you have children, you might think all-terrain strolling isn't in your future. It could feel like a non-issue if you don't hike or run. But wait! Don't fall into that trap. You will likely need to use your stroller on various terrains, so its performance on these surfaces should not be overlooked. Even a quick trip to an urban park will have you pushing over grass and gravel. Headed to the zoo? Many have uneven pathways and odd thresholds. Even your local strip mall could be surrounded by cobblestone or carpet.
Plastic wheels like those on the Evenflo are not the best for easy maneuverability. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The rubber, air-filled tires on the BOB Alterrain make it easy to push and turn over almost any surface you'll encounter. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Smaller plastic wheels can become dented or deformed over time, depending on the terrain you regularly traverse. Our test shows that rubber or dense foam-filled wheels are better for moving on uneven surfaces. If you need to stroll frequently over grass, gravel, or dirt, maneuverability should be an essential consideration in your decision-making process, and those with rubber tires should be at the top of your list, with foam-filled, dense wheels coming in next.
The all-terrain mobility of the Guava Roam is stellar thanks to its three-wheel jogger design and quality craftmanship. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The small wheels of the Thule Spring struggle on any terrain that isn't completely flat and debris free. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The highest-scoring for all-terrain maneuverability were the jogging strollers, including the Thule Urban Glide 3, and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0. The rubber tires, three-wheel design, and optional front-wheel locking make these strollers super nimble when moving off-road. They have the design and features required for smoother sailing and easier pushing, like suspension and larger, more robust wheels. Equally impressive for maneuverability on uneven terrain are the BOB Alterrain Pro, the Baby Trend Expedition, the Guava Roam, and the UPPAbaby Ridge v2. For non-jogger-style strollers, the best performance was observed in the UPPAbaby Cruz v3, UPPAbaby Vista v3, and Joie Ginger. The hardest to push and turn off-road are the Evenflo Pivot Xpand, Cybex Balios S Lux, and the Thule Spring. Their smaller wheels and flexible frames struggled on uneven terrain.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 was a little wobbly during our maneuverability testing with a significant flex in the frame. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Maneuverability
Only you know the areas you plan to stroll, and depending on your location, lifestyle, and plans, there is much to consider. Having an easy-to-push-and-turn stroller could make all the difference between a great outing and a frustrating experience. We cannot overstate the importance of assessing your potential terrain with your eyes wide open.
The top performers for maneuverability are the UPPAbaby Vista v3 and the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger. The Expedition is a jogging stroller with larger rubber wheels and a 3-wheel design. These features make it easier to push and turn, often with one hand on almost any surface. The UPPAbaby Vista v3 was our top scorer thanks to the narrower width, shorter wheelbase, and built-in suspension. The UPPAbaby Ridge v2 and the Cruz v3 come in close behind the leaders. Overall, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand earned the lowest score. The Xpand has smaller wheels, and the frame feels sluggish and heavy, making it a significant effort to turn or push. The Mompush Wiz and Thule Spring are also challenging.
Being able to roll your folded stroller, like the UPPAbaby Vista v3 seen here, is a game-changer depending on your situation. Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Transporting and Storing
We perform our own measurements to test each stroller's weight and folded size.
Weight and Folded Size Ratings
Product
Weight
Folded Size
Thule Spring
8.5
9.0
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
8.0
8.1
Guava Roam
6.0
8.4
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger
7.5
6.6
Britax Brook +
7.0
5.9
Mompush Wiz
7.0
5.5
Nuna Mixx Next
5.0
7.3
UPPAbaby Cruz V3
6.0
6.3
Baby Jogger City Select 2
4.0
8.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
4.5
6.8
UPPAbaby Vista v3
4.5
6.0
GRACO Modes Nest
6.0
4.2
Joie Ginger dlx
5.5
3.7
Thule Urban Glide 3
2.0
5.4
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
2.0
5.4
Bob Wayfinder
2.5
4.7
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
2.5
4.4
UPPAbaby Ridge v2
2.5
3.5
BOB Alterrain Pro
1.5
4.1
Mockingbird
2.0
3.0
We discovered that some manufacturers provided weights or measurements that excluded components such as wheels or detachable seats, so their stated stroller weight appeared much lighter on paper than when set up for actual use. Our measurements include wheels and seats but not accessories such as bassinets or rain covers.
The Bob Alterrain folds relatively easy but its large size and very heavy weight will make transport and storage more challenging than other options. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Measured Weight
Because you will likely need to lift and carry your stroller at some point, its weight could be a concern. Especially if any user is particularly petite or has weight restrictions after childbirth.
The BOB Alterrain Pro is the heaviest option at 34 lbs. However, we expect a jogger to be heavier than the average full-size stroller. But in fairness, it is still heavier than the other joggers. The BOB Wayfinder is also a beast. The heaviest traditional strollers are the Mockingbird and the Evenflo Xpand, both sitting at around 30 lbs. The average weight for the group is about 26 lbs. The lightest in the group are the Mompush Wiz, GRACO Modes Nest Stroller, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, but none of these scored well overall, and you could be trading one problem for another by selecting a stroller based on weight alone.
The Mockingbird Stroller is a beast and leaves very little space left over in a standard size trunk. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Thule Spring stows in standard size trunks with room to spare. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Measured Size
We measured the folded size of the strollers for both individual dimensions and overall folded volume. This gives you enough information to determine if your favorite stroller fits in your life, literally.
The largest option is the Mockingbird, which, when folded, measures 23,432 cubic inches. For comparison, the average folded option is around 13,500 cubic inches. Even the largest jogging stroller, the UPPAbaby Ridge v2, is smaller than the Mockingbird, at 18,504 cubic inches. Impressively, one of the smallest folded options is the Guava Roam, which is possible to be a jogging stroller and not be an absolute beast at only 8,880 cubic inches.
This image includes the smallest folded option (second from the left) and other options, including one of the largest (second from the right). Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Transporting and Storing
The easiest stroller to transport and store is the Thule Spring. This smaller option's folded size is only 7,650 cubic inches, and it comes in at only 23 lbs, so it is easy to pick up and carry or lift into a trunk.
However, its poor performance in almost every other test makes it a less compelling option than competitors that weigh more or are larger. We recommend considering features like carry straps and the ability to roll when folded as more useful guides related to transporting than size alone. If you want to balance an easy-to-transport or store option with higher performance, it is hard to find something that folds smaller and offers as much as the Guava Roam. We recommend it to almost everyone (unless you want to pair your stroller with a car seat) and think it is a reasonably priced option that fits almost anywhere and does almost everything. While it weighs about 2 lbs more than the average stroller, it is fairly lightweight for a jogger and smaller when folded than almost any traditional stroller we've ever seen.
The Vista V3 looks and performs like a high-end luxury stroller. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Quality
Many believe that quality is directly related to price, and while this is somewhat true, we find that some mid-range products offer quality on par with, or better than, the more expensive options.
The color-coded braking system of the UPPAbaby Cruz v3 reflects the designers attention to detail, quality, and ease of use. Credit: Matt Lighthart
This observation is good news for anyone hoping to find a high-performing, quality product that won't break the bank.
The Evenflo is a good stroller for the price, but the quality does not stand out in this group. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fabric
Fabric quality encompasses comfort and a skin-friendly feel, durability, how well it fits the frame, and how easy it is to clean or wear over time. The fabrics on the strollers we tested were all over the place. Some were rough, somewhat abrasive, and stiff, and didn't fit the frames well, while others were soft, smooth, easy to wipe clean, and wrapped nicely around the frames. The UPPAbaby Cruz v3, UPPAbaby Ridge v2, and UPPAbaby Vista v3 have some of the highest-quality materials in the group, and their look and feel surpass most of the competition. The roughest, stiffest fabric is on the Britax Brook +; it reminded us of an old-school Jansport backpack with a tighter weave. It isn't terrible, but it isn't as good as the competition.
The Guava frame is sturdy, firm, and with little flex or connectors to speak of. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Frame
A good frame should be fairly flex-free, with few folding or connection points that feel solid. We look for rattle, sturdiness, design, and lack of defects when assessing frames. Those that score high tend to have limited fold points, a lack of visible connectors, and a design that doesn't bend or flex when under pressure from the passenger or when pushing. The nicest frames were seen on the BOB Alterrain Pro, BOB Wayfinder, Guava Roam, Cybex Balios, and all UPPAbaby strollers.
The wheels and tires on the UPPAbaby Ridge v2 are some of the finest in the group. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Wheels
The best-quality tires and wheels are largely found on jogging strollers, at least in part due to their design and activity needs. These options have rubber tires and larger wheels designed for more adventures than a standard stroller. The highest scoring were the UPPAbaby Ridge v2, and the Guava Roam. Both have dense plastic wheels and foam-filled rubber tires that give you stability and bounce without worrying about flats or keeping the tires inflated. Next were Joie Ginger and the Nuna Mixx Next, with the Joie being foam-filled rubber and the Nuna offering a rubber-coated wheel. The worst wheels were on the Thule Spring, Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, and the Britax Brook+. The Britax wheels were particularly offensive and felt like cheap plastic, while the Thule and City Mini offer faux-rubber wheels with what seems to be coated plastic, but both manufacturers list them as foam-filled rubber.
The Vista v3 is a high-quality option with better materials and attention to detail than most competitors. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Overall Quality
The top-quality options in this review are the UPPAbaby Vista v3, Guava Roam, and the UPPAbaby Cruz v3. These strollers combine quality components and high-end materials with a fit and finish that stands out in the crowd.
The lowest-scoring option is the Mompush Wiz. Most low-scoring strollers have plastic wheels, stationary handlebars, and a lot of flex, with multiple, often visible, connection joints. The Baby Trend Expedition also performs poorly for quality, but it does combine some nicer features like rubber pneumatic tires and larger wheels, which give it excellent maneuverability and the ability to run. It suffers from problems such as a small, virtually useless canopy and a low weight capacity.
The Cruz v3 has a comfortable sling-style seat with a flat recline and adjustable leg rest. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Kid's Comfort
Finding a stroller your child will ride in without complaint is a big deal; finding one they can nap in uninterrupted is the dream. Not all strollers offer seating arrangements that allow for true comfort.
The Cruz v3 adjustable seating options includes the ability to recline fully to bassinet style travel with a pull-down visor to block the sun. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Guava Roam features an easy to use recline system, huge canopy and quality materials and kid comfort design features. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Seat
Several of the strollers in this review offer adjustable leg rests; some even adjust in both length and angle, and almost all have some degree of recline. Finding a comfortable napping position can be important when keeping little ones happy. Both UPPAbaby traditional strollers have padded sling seats on an oval frame that allows for lay-flat recline, adjustable leg rests, and excellent canopy coverage.
The Balios canopy extends exceptionally far for full coverage and features a peek-a-boo window. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger's canopy is one of the smallest and offers zero adjustability for rain or sun protection, but it is significantly better than the prior version. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sunshade
A stroller's sunshade can vary in design, and we appreciate sunshades that provide ample coverage and sun protection through SPF or UV fabric, have peek-a-boo windows, and function well with a car seat. The best canopies in the group are on the Cybex Balios S Lux, and all of the UPPAbaby strollers. These are large sunshades with peek-a-boo windows with SPF 50+ ratings. They cover out and over the knees of most passengers and create a cozy pod-like environment for private napping. Those on the BOB strollers, the Guava Roam, Nuna Mixx Next, and the Thule Urban Glide 3 are also impressive. The worst is the Baby Trend Expedition, with a ridiculously small canopy that covers almost nothing and features zero adjustability; it's either open or closed.
The Mompush had some of the best performance in our tests at helping little ones stay asleep with less vibration and fewer jolts from the ground, making it to the passenger in the seat. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Continuous Sleeping Comfort
Many new parents use their stroller for nap time or love the peace when a long day out ends with a napping child heading home. Keeping them asleep can feel like defusing a bomb, with any jolt likely to wake them and trigger a tantrum.
To assess passenger sleeping potential, we ran a vibration/startle test to calibrate how smooth a ride little passengers would experience over average terrain, including asphalt, bumps, and cracks. We assumed that, above a certain vibration level, it could potentially startle a child awake from a sound sleep. We used a vibration app to handle the hard work of tracking vibration levels on our test course and compared the recordings from each stroller. The higher the perceived vibration or G-forces on the meter in the stroller seat with our 30 lb dummy, the more potential wake-ups we considered possible.
The best performer in terms of the fewest potential wake-up events for passengers was the Mompush Wiz. We assume this is because the stroller's inexpensive quality allowed for a great deal of flex in the frame; this, combined with the suspension, absorbed most of the vibration on our course. This was closely followed by the Cybex Balios S Lux for continuous sleep comfort. The worst stroller for potential wake-ups was the Graco Modes Next. Due to a lack of suspension and hard plastic wheels, this stroller transfers upward jolts from everything it rolls over onto the passenger seat, resulting in an incredibly rough ride.
The single front wheel on strollers like the Ridge v2 resulted in more vibration and jolts being felt by passengers in the seat. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We originally assumed that the rubber tires on the jogging strollers and the increased suspension most of them have would make them excel in this test. However, after testing, we realized that the single-point contact on the front wheel, hitting any uneven portion of the test course, resulted in a much bigger jolt than for 4-wheel strollers, which hurt them in this test. All that being said, most tired kids can sleep anywhere, and your mileage may vary with any one stroller and any specific kid.
The Cruz v3 offers all the bells and whistles in the kid comfort department including adjustability in the seat, leg rest, and canopy. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Mockingbird stroller features a comfortable seat, fantastic canopy coverage and great suspension for a smooth passenger experience. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Kid Comfort
We prefer seats with an adjustable deep recline, large sunshades, adjustable leg rests, and more. Fewer potential wake-ups of sleeping babies is also a plus. These features should be easy for parents to use and, if possible, not disturb sleeping little ones.
The Cybex Balios S Lux offers the most passenger comfort. The UPPAbaby Cruz v3, Mompush Wiz, BOB Revolution Flex 3.0, and the Nuna Mixx Next follow close behind. The lowest-scoring option in the group is the Graco Modes Nest.
We purchased and tested every full-size stroller in our review side-by-side. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Pick the Best Full-Size Stroller
Choosing a stroller doesn't have to be frustrating if you keep a few key considerations in mind.
Many infant car seats can be paired with popular strollers by purchasing an adapter or using adapters included with your stroller. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Pairing with a Car Seat?
If you hope to pair your stroller with a compatible infant car seat, we recommend choosing your car seat first. Because car seats are so important and safety-critical, we think this choice takes precedence over a stroller. Luckily, many strollers work well with infant car seats from popular brands, including the award winners from our infant car seat review.
Where you plan to stroller can be a deciding factor in the style of stroller you choose. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Where are You Strolling?
Where you plan to use your stroller the most and the kind of terrain you'll be traversing are significant factors in overall stroller satisfaction. A jogging stroller might be a no-go if you are a city dweller strolling on crowded city sidewalks or in small cafes. However, if you plan to visit parks, go hiking, or like to run, a standard traditional stroller is less likely to meet your needs. We recommend paying close attention to maneuverability and the kind of tires on each stroller to find the one that is right for your plans.
The Expedition has a child's tray, but it isn't super useful. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Features to Consider
Which features are important to each family will vary, and it is hard to say that any one feature is a must for all. However, we think having as much storage as possible and a comfortable seating area are important. Carrying your supplies or adding items when running errands can make a stroller more useful. Keeping little passengers comfortable can make strolling more enjoyable or last longer. Other parents might be looking for accessories like a parent console or a child snack tray. Looking at the features and functionality can help you narrow the field.
The full-size strollers in this review come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and weights, and these could impact their usability. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Size Matters
Size matters. Once you've narrowed your options based on the above factors, the last thing to consider is size. The strollers in this category range from 21-33 lbs and from around 7,600 cubic inches folded to over 20,000, giving a huge size range to choose from. If you have limited space in your home or car or limitations on the weight you can lift or carry, then the size of your stroller matters. If you plan to stroll straight from your front door and have less need to put your stroller in a car or carry it, then it might be less important. We measured each stroller and tested them in a compact SUV to give you comparable information.
Other Notable Full-Size Strollers
The strollers we buy for testing are largely highly regarded or new, up-and-coming, compelling options we think parents will be curious about, or products that will provide an exceptional experience for real parents. Not all strollers make the cut. Some of those we chose not to test and why are outlined below:
Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew 2-in-1 stroller — This is one of the most expensive single rider strollers we've seen. While Bugaboo typically creates high-quality products, its full-size strollers have not performed well against the competition in the past. While we like the larger storage basket with a 22 lb limit and the reasonable size and weight, the price feels excessive for a single stroller, especially since some high-end double strollers are less expensive.
Silver Cross Reef 2 — With a price of almost $1600, the Reef is a spendy, recently released single stroller. The price alone gives us pause, but the brand's and model's limited track record means we will take a beat before considering testing.
We purchased and tested popular strollers for everyday use in our full-size stroller review. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
All families are unique, with unique lifestyles and strolling needs. We think it is unlikely that one stroller is perfect for every need or family. Add on travel plans, home location, family size, and budget concerns, and you have too many variables to say that any single stroller will work for everyone. However, we do think finding “the one” perfect option for your family's goals and needs is possible. In our review, we share our experiences, observations, and test results to provide our insight and details so you can make an informed buying decision. Our information can help narrow the field to a handful of products to find the perfect stroller for your family.
Meet Your Review Team
Wendy Schmitz Senior Review Editor Wendy is a mother of two who has been a leading member of BabyGearLab's Review team since 2014. She brings a combination of skills and talent to the team that translates into well written, thought-provoking, easy to understand reviews that provide the parents with the information necessary to make a well-informed decision regarding products for their children, as well as, entertain and encourage readers to read more articles on the site. Wendy has a BA in Biology and brings a scientific and... read more
Juliet Spurrier, MD Mom-in-Chief Dr. Juliet Baciocco Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), mother of two, and founder of the Baby section of GearLab. Juliet earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Anthropology and Italian Literature from the University of California at Berkeley and her Medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington DC. She completed her pediatric residency at the Doernbecher Children's Hospital at Oregon Health & Science... read more
