10 Best Single Strollers - Ultimate Buying Guide
Choosing the perfect stroller for your little one can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market.
You want a stroller that is safe, comfortable, and convenient for both you and your baby.
In this buying guide, we'll break down the best single strollers available, comparing top brands like Nuna, Chicco, Bugaboo, Graco, UPPAbaby, Mockingbird, Ergobaby, Baby Trend, and Cybex.
We'll evaluate each types of strollers based on key criteria to help you find the ideal fit for your growing family's needs.
Best Overall: Orbit Baby G5 Stroller
The Orbit Baby G5 Stroller is a standout choice for parents seeking a luxurious, versatile and user-friendly full-size stroller.
Its innovative SmartHub base allows for seamless transitions between strolling, car travel, and more by accommodating the included stroller seat, bassinet attachment, or Orbit Baby infant car seat.
The 3DRotation feature enables easy 360-degree rotation and reclining with a single motion, while the Quadshock front-wheel suspension ensures a smooth ride on various terrains.
The G5 folds compactly to fit in small car trunks and features a durable, lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum frame. The stroller seat offers comfort for babies from birth up to 50 lbs, with a reversible infant insert, memory foam cushioning, and a full-coverage UPF 50+ sunshade.
Parents will appreciate the adjustable handlebar, one-hand folding, and ample seat storage space.
While the stroller seat is not suitable for use as a car seat, the G5 is a top choice for everyday use for discerning parent looking for high-end strollers.
Pros:
- SmartHub base for easy attachment of stroller seat, bassinet, or infant car seat
- 3DRotation for smooth rotation and reclining
- Quadshock suspension for a comfortable ride
- Compact folding design for portability
- Lightweight and durable aluminum frame
Cons:
- Stroller seat cannot be used as a car seat
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Best for Urban Living: Nuna ivvi™ Totl
The Nuna IVVI Totl is a versatile four-wheeled stroller system that offers a range of features for parents seeking adaptability.
With four modes, including a bassinet mode, car seat compatibility, and rear and forward-facing seat options, the IVVI Totl can accommodate your child from birth to toddlerhood.
The all-season seat keeps your baby comfortable in various weather conditions, while the one-hand recline and adjustable calf support provide added convenience.
The IVVI Totl also features a UPF 50+ canopy with a zip-out extension and a peek-a-boo window, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one while providing sun protection.
The stroller's progressive suspension technology ensures a smooth ride, while the simple, one-touch rear-wheel braking system offers easy stopping power.
However, some parents may find the stroller bulkier and less compact when folded compared to other options on the market.
Pros:
- Three or five point harness, featuring quick click release button
- All-season seat for comfort in various weather conditions
- One-hand recline and adjustable calf support
- UPF 50+ canopy with zip-out extension and peek-a-boo window
- Progressive suspension technology for a smooth ride
Cons:
- May be bulkier and less compact when folded compared to other strollers
Best for Growing Families: Chico Corso LE Modular Stroller
The Chicco Corso LE Modular Stroller combines versatility and convenience, making it an excellent choice for city-dwelling families.
This stroller offers adaptable parent-facing and forward-facing modes, along with an exclusive infant insert for newborns. The Corso LE is compatible with all Chicco infant car seats, allowing it to convert into a lightweight travel system.
The stroller features a multi-position reclining seat and an adjustable footrest to ensure your child's comfort as they grow.
The adjustable FlexCore rear suspension and large treaded rubber tires provide a smooth ride, even on bumpy city sidewalks.
The Corso LE's one-hand, quick-fold design is compact and self-standing, making it easy to store and transport.
Pros:
- Adaptable parent-facing and forward-facing modes
- Exclusive infant insert for newborns
- Compatible with Chicco infant car seats for travel system use
- Multi-position reclining seat and adjustable footrest
- FlexCore rear suspension and large treaded rubber tires for a smooth ride
- One-hand, quick-fold design for easy storage and transport
Cons:
- The fixed, ergonomic push handle may not be adjustable to accommodate caregivers of different heights
- This full-size stroller weight (24.8 lbs) may be heavier than some other city strollers, potentially making it less convenient for frequent use on public transportation or navigating stairs
Best for Compact Portability: Bugaboo Dragonfly
The Bugaboo Dragonfly is part of the lightweight strollers category that offers a smooth ride and easy maneuverability. Its one-hand fold design allows for quick and convenient folding, even with the bassinet or seat attached.
The stroller features full suspension and a new, flatter wheel design to ensure a comfortable ride for your little one.
Weighing between 17.4 and 21.8 lbs, the Bugaboo Dragonfly is lightweight and easy to carry or pull like a trolley when folded.
The stroller comes with a padded 5-point safety harness that can be adjusted for height, providing a secure and comfortable fit for your growing child.
The underseat basket offers ample storage space (22 lbs capacity) for your essentials, with an extra rear pocket for additional storage.
Pros:
- One-handed fold design for easy folding, even with the bassinet or seat attached
- Full suspension and new wheel design for a smooth ride
- Lightweight (17.4 - 21.8 lbs) for portability
- Adjustable 5-point harness for a secure fit
- Large under seat accessible storage basket with extra rear pocket for plenty of space to carry your essentials.
Cons:
- Recurring issues with wheel design getting stuck on urban terrain despite being advertised as a stroller for city use.
Best Expandable Stroller: Graco Premier Modes Nest2Grow 4-in-1 Stroller
The Graco Premier Modes Nest2Grow 4-in-1 Stroller is an excellent choice for growing families, as it can easily expand from a single to a double stroller with the addition of a second seat, infant car seat, or carry cot (sold separately). This stroller offers over 15 seating configurations to accommodate your family's changing needs.
The Nest2Grow features a multi-position reclining seat, ensuring your child's comfort during rides. The stroller's Slide2Me height-adjustable seat allows you to bring your baby closer while making room for a second seat when needed.
The expandable canopy with a mesh panel provides sun protection and airflow, while the removable child's snack tray with a cup holder and the parent cup holder offer convenience for both child and caregiver.
Pros:
- Expandable design, converting from a single to a double stroller
- Over 15 seating configurations for versatility
- Slide2Me height-adjustable seat for growing families
- Multi-position reclining seat for child's comfort
- Expandable canopy with mesh panel for sun protection and airflow
- Removable child'snack tray and parent cup holder for convenience
Cons:
- Difficulty maneuvering, especially on uneven surfaces. The front wheels tend to get stuck or hang up easily
- The car seat lever/button to remove from the base and stroller does not work consistently.
- The toddler seat is described as very stiff and uncomfortable, with a rigid back and limited recline options.
Best for All-Terrain: UppaBaby Vista V2
The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a versatile stroller designed to accommodate growing families.
The stroller comes with a bassinet suitable for infants from birth up to 20 lbs, and a toddler seat that can accommodate children up to 50 lbs. The Vista V2 can be expanded to carry up to three children with the addition of a RumbleSeat and PiggyBack accessories (sold separately).
The stroller features a full-size reversible toddler seat with a one-handed, multi-position recline, ensuring your child's comfort.
The extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection and a zip-out fabric and mesh panel provides ample sun coverage and ventilation.
The Vista V2 also boasts all-wheel suspension, a large easy-access basket with a 30 lb weight limit, and a one-step fold that stands on its own when folded.
Pros:
- Includes a bassinet suitable for infants from birth up to 20 lbs
- Expandable to carry up to three children with additional accessories
- Full-size reversible toddler seat with one-handed recline
- Extendable UPF 50+ canopy with zip-out fabric and mesh panel
- All-wheel suspension for a smoother ride even in bumpy terrain
- Large easy-access basket with a 30 lb weight limit
- One-step fold that stands on its own when folded
Cons:
- Not easy to carry when folded making it difficult to be an everyday stroller
- In the heavier strollers category as it is heavy to lift.
Best for Flexibility: Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0
The Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0 is an excellent choice for parents who value convertibility and adaptability.
This stroller can easily transform from a single to a double stroller with the addition of the Mockingbird 2nd Seat Kit 2.0 (sold separately), offering over 22 seating arrangements to accommodate your growing family.
The stroller is suitable from birth when paired with the Mockingbird Carriage or Car Seat Adapter (sold separately).
It features all-wheel suspension and shock-absorbing, never-flat tires for a smooth ride, as well as an extendable UPF 50+ canopy with a mesh panel for airflow and a peek-a-boo window.
The extra-large basket holds up to 25 lbs, and the stroller's one-hand fold, auto-lock, and self-standing features make storage and transport a breeze.
Pros:
- Converts from a single to a double stroller with the 2nd Seat Kit (sold separately)
- Over 22 seating arrangements for adaptability
- Suitable from birth with additional accessories (sold separately)
- All-wheel suspension and shock-absorbing, never-flat tires for a smooth ride
- Extendable UPF 50+ canopy with mesh panel and peek-a-boo window
- Extra-large basket with 25 lb capacity
- One-hand fold, auto-lock, and self-standing features for easy storage and transport
Cons:
- 2nd Seat Kit and other accessories must be purchased separately for full functionality
- Some customer found the stroller heavy, bulky and difficult to maneuver.
- Folding the stroller can be challenging
Best for Compact Comfort: ErgoBaby Metro+ Deluxe Compact Stroller
The Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe Compact Stroller is a top choice for parents seeking a compact stroller with premium features.
This stroller offers a comfortable and convenient experience for both the child and the caregiver, thanks to its plush padding, adjustable handlebar, and near-flat recline.
The Metro+ Deluxe boasts upgraded materials for enhanced durability and a luxurious look, as well as an expandable storage basket to hold more essentials.
The stroller comes with a range of included accessories, such as a cup holder, support bar, and weather shield, adding to its overall value and convenience.
Pros:
- Extra padded seat for enhanced comfort
- Adjustable handlebar height to accommodate caregivers of different heights
- Near-flat recline for naps on the go
- Upgraded materials for durability and a luxurious look
- Expandable storage basket for increased capacity
- Included accessories (cup holder, support bar, weather shield) for added value and convenience
Cons:
- Small storage basket
- Less suited to uneven terrain
- No safety strap
- Outward facing only
Best for All-Weather Versatility: Baby Trend Sonar Seasons Stroller
The Baby Trend Sonar Seasons Stroller is an excellent choice for parents looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on key features.
This stroller offers a unique design that allows the seat back to roll up, converting into a mesh air-flow seat with a pillow for added comfort during warm weather.
The Sonar Seasons comes equipped with a parent tray featuring two cup holders and a center storage compartment, as well as a child tray with cup holders and a center storage area.
The stroller's large basket provides ample storage space and can be accessed from both the front and the rear. The one-hand, in-seat center fold makes it easy to collapse the stroller for storage or transport.
Pros:
- Seat back rolls up to convert into a mesh air-flow seat with a pillow for added comfort
- Parent tray with two cup holders and center storage
- Child tray with cup holders and center storage
- Large basket with front and rear access for ample storage
- One-hand, in-seat center fold for easy collapse and storage
Cons:
- According to user review The stroller's folding mechanism seems to be difficult to operate, with reports of it being hard to close and open securely
- Quality concerns were raised, with customers mentioning the stroller feeling cheaply made and some experiencing broken or malfunctioning parts after a short period of use
Best for Design and Style: Cybex Priam
The Cybex Priam is a top-of-the-line luxury stroller that combines timeless design elements with innovative features to meet the highest expectations of discerning parents.
The Priam offers a one-hand fold, height-adjustable handlebar, lightweight frame, bumper bar, all-wheel suspension, and more.
The stroller is designed to be used with the Priam Lux Carry Cot, CYBEX infant car seat, or the Priam Seat Pack (each sold separately), providing a customizable travel system that grows with your child.
The Priam's seat unit can be easily folded away with the frame into a compact, flat package, making it easy to store and transport.
Pros:
- One-hand fold for easy storage and transport
- Height-adjustable handlebar for comfortable pushing
- Lightweight frame for maneuverability
- All-wheel suspension for a smooth ride
- Customizable travel system with various seating options (sold separately)
- XXL sun canopy with UPF50+ protection
- Compact fold for convenient storage
Cons:
- Quite tricky to assemble
- Too bulky for public transport and small living spaces
- The brake doesn’t feel very strong
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How To Choose a Single Stroller?
Choosing the right single stroller for your family involves considering various factors that impact your daily life and your child's comfort.
From safety features to size and weight, compatibility, and ease of use, it's essential to evaluate your specific needs and priorities when making a decision.
Safety Features
When selecting a stroller, safety should always be a top priority. Look for strollers that meet or exceed safety standards set by organizations like ASTM (F2050 and F833).
Key safety features to consider include a sturdy frame, a reliable braking system, and a five-point harness to securely hold your child in place. Ensure that the stroller has been tested for stability and has locking mechanisms to prevent accidental folding.
Additionally, check for any potential pinch points or sharp edges that could harm your child. By prioritizing safety, you can have peace of mind while enjoying walks with your little one.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of your stroller can greatly impact its maneuverability and ease of use. Consider your lifestyle and the spaces you'll frequently navigate, such as narrow sidewalks, public transportation, or crowded stores.
A lightweight and compact stroller may be more convenient for those living in urban areas or frequently traveling. However, a larger, sturdier stroller might be necessary for those who need more storage space or plan to use the stroller on various terrains.
Keep in mind that a stroller's weight can also affect how easily you can lift and transport it, especially when folded. Strike a balance between your needs and the stroller's size and weight to ensure a comfortable experience for both you and your baby.
Compatibility
Compatibility is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a single stroller, especially if you plan to use it as part of a travel system with an infant car seat.
Many strollers are designed to accommodate specific car seat brands or models, so it's essential to check if the stroller you're interested in is compatible with your preferred car seat. A car seat and stroller combo might work best in this case.
Some strollers come with built-in adapters, while others may require separate adapters for different car seat brands. Ensuring compatibility will make transitions between the car and stroller seamless and hassle-free.
Additionally, consider the stroller's compatibility with other accessories you might need, such as bassinets, second seats, or ride-along boards, to accommodate your growing family's needs.
Ease of Use
A stroller that is easy to use can make a significant difference in your daily life as a parent. Look for features that simplify your routine, such as one-handed folding mechanisms, adjustable handlebars, and accessible storage baskets.
A stroller with smooth maneuverability and swivel wheels can make navigating tight spaces and crowded areas much easier.
Consider the ease of adjusting the seat's recline, as well as the process of switching between different seating configurations if the stroller allows for it.
Additionally, evaluate the stroller's folded size and whether it can stand independently when folded for convenient storage. A user-friendly stroller will make your outings with your little one more enjoyable and less stressful.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you convert a single stroller to a double?
Yes, many single strollers offer the option to convert into a double stroller by adding a second seat or infant car seat adapter. For example, Orbit Baby offers the "Helix" attachment, allowing you to expand your G5 Stroller to accommodate a second child.
Should I get a single or double stroller?
If you have one child or plan to have children spaced out, a single stroller is a practical choice. However, if you have twins or two children close in age, a double stroller can be more convenient from the start. Consider your family's needs and future plans when making this decision.
Do I need two strollers?
While having two separate strollers can be convenient for different situations, many versatile single strollers can adapt to various needs, eliminating the necessity for multiple strollers. However, if you have specific requirements, such as a lightweight umbrella stroller for travel and a more robust all-terrain stroller for jogging or outdoor adventures, having two strollers may be beneficial.
What is the main difference between the Orbit Baby G5 and other single strollers?
The Orbit Baby G5 stands out from other single strollers due to its innovative SmartHub base, which allows for easy attachment and rotation of the stroller seat, bassinet, and car seat. It also features a unique 3DRotation and Quadshock suspension for superior maneuverability and a smooth ride.
What age is best for using a stroller?
Strollers can be used from birth up to several years of age, depending on the child's size and the stroller's weight limit. Many strollers are designed to accommodate newborns with the use of a bassinet or compatible infant car seat. As your child grows, they can transition to the stroller's regular seat.
What should I look for in terms of stroller safety features?
When evaluating stroller safety, look for features like a five-point harness, sturdy frame, reliable brakes, and locking wheels. Ensure the stroller meets safety standards set by organizations like ASTM. Additionally, check for a smooth recline function, adjustable handlebar height, and the absence of sharp edges or pinch points.
How important is stroller weight and folded size?
Stroller weight and folded size are crucial factors to consider, especially if you have limited storage space or frequently use public transportation. Lightweight and compact strollers, such as the Bugaboo Dragonfly and Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe, are easier to carry and maneuver in tight spaces. However, they may have less storage capacity or fewer features compared to larger, heavier strollers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right single stroller is a crucial decision for parents as it can greatly impact their daily routines and their child's comfort and safety.
With the wide range of options available, from compact and lightweight models to versatile and adaptable designs, there is a perfect stroller for every family's needs.
By considering factors such as safety, versatility, maneuverability, and comfort, you can find a stroller that not only meets your current requirements but also grows with your family.
Remember to prioritize quality, durability, and brand reputation to ensure a long-lasting and reliable investment.
With this comprehensive guide, you now have the knowledge to make an informed decision and embark on countless adventures with your little one in tow.
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