5 Best Strollers for NYC Parents : Our Top Picks
While suburban parents might prioritize a car seat, parents in places like New York City lean on their stroller to do the heavy lifting when it comes to transportation.
But it’s not just about prioritizing the stroller—what they need from the stroller can also look different.
City environments are also often more crowded and involve maneuvering through tighter spaces.
You’ll want to consider the stroller’s storage capabilities as well as how well it shields from the weather since you may be on the go for hours at a time.
The portability of the stroller also matters—does it collapse easily?
Can you carry it one handed up or down stairs (while balancing an infant in your other arm)?
How To Choose The Best Stroller For New York City?
Choosing the right stroller to navigate an urban environment like NYC means you need to address some very specific needs and concerns.
You’ll need to consider maneuverability through narrow doorways/stores and over uneven sidewalks.
A stroller’s size and weight come into play when you’re talking about small hotel rooms and apartments.
You’ll also want to consider storage, comfort, and adaptability.
- Best Overall: Orbit Baby G5
- Best for Rideshares: Doona+ Car Seat and Stroller
- Best for Small Spaces: The Zoe Tour
- Best for Running Errands: Joovy Qool
- Best for Customizing: Cybex Priam
Best Stroller for New York City Overall - Orbit Baby G5
A stroller fit for NYC needs to check a lot of boxes, and few do it better than the Orbit Baby G5.
Its unique stroller design offers 360 degree rotation, ensuring the perfect seating position for your little one, while the premium suspension system and no-pump tires offer a seamless ride over any terrain.
You’ll love the roomy storage compartment for stashing bags during errands, while its compact folded design means it takes up minimal space in your home.
The G5 comes equipped to accommodate your child from 5 lbs all the way up to 50 lbs, making it one of the most adaptable options right out of the box.
Best Stroller For Rideshares in New York City - Doona
As a combined car seat and stroller in one, the Doona can make transitioning between pedestrian and car travel more simple.
It also streamlines the amount of “stuff” you’re taking with you every time you leave your home, which is a boon for new parents.
The Doona downside?
There’s no storage basket, the handlebar isn’t adjustable, and its suspension isn’t really designed for navigating bumpy sidewalks or high curbs well.
Babies also tend to outgrow the Doona more quickly because of its lower weight and height limit, so it’s a good fit for a smaller window of time.
You can also read our guide on what stroller and car seat to get after a Doona.
Best Stroller For Small Spaces in New York City - The Zoe Tour
The Zoe Tour is lightweight, can be opened or closed with one hand, and folds down to just be 8 inches in diameter, making it a great choice if you need your stroller to be highly portable and easily stored.
You’ll want to make note that it's only intended for babies three months and older, though.
It’s storage capacity is also a bit smaller than some other options.
Best Stroller for Running Errands in New York City - The Joovy Qool
The Joovy Qool has a roomy storage basket with a 25 lb capacity, offering plenty of space to stash your shopping bags.
With multiple configuration options, you’ve also got a better chance of finding a seating position your little one is content with through all your errands.
The Joovy Qool’s default design only works for babies six months and older. You will need to purchase a separate attachment for younger infants.
Best Stroller for Customizing in New York City - The Cybex Priam
Type A parents, form an orderly queue—if you want to handpick every part of your stroller, from the frame color to the seat configuration, meet the Cybex Priam.
You’ll need to keep an eye on the bottom line, though, since all those optional features and accessories come at a cost.
FAQs:
Is the NYC subway stroller-friendly?
The short answer is yes, although keep in mind that you may need to fold your stroller during peak travel times when space is at a premium.
Are baby strollers allowed on NYC buses?
Until recently, strollers were only allowed on NYC buses if they were folded.
However, in 2023 the MTA began experimenting with “open stroller” busing routes.
Those options continue to expand; you can check the MTA’s website to see if your route allows for open strollers.
Should I bring a stroller to NYC?
Yes, a stroller can be very important in a highly walkable city like NYC.
Do airlines allow baby strollers?
Yes, airlines will allow you to gate check a stroller.
Conclusion
For city dwellers, the right stroller can be one of the most important baby gear decisions.
Walking is a big part of daily routines, so if you have a small child with you, you'll have to rely on your stroller often.
The stroller should be easy to maneuver, comfortable for your child, and convenient to fold and store.
With these features, navigating NYC will become a breeze.
