How Much Does A Stroller Cost: 4 Factors to Consider

Key Takeaways

Stroller costs can vary widely from budget options to high-end ones.
Features, fabrics, maneuverability, durability, and name brands can all affect the cost.
Depending on family size and usage, some strollers may be used for the better part of a decade and become a worthwhile investment.

Introduction

Along with a car seat and crib, a stroller is one of the items of baby gear most researched by parents. With so many options on the market offering a variety of features, it can become overwhelming. Even trying to determine a budget can be difficult, since prices can range dramatically from around $100 to $1,000 or more.

If you find yourself struggling to choose a stroller or even decide on the features and price points you want to consider, read on as we walk you through the different types of strollers and the four factors that influence their cost.

How Much Does a Stroller Cost: Types and Their Price Range

If there is no “one size fits all” approach to how much a stroller costs, where do you even start? It can be helpful to first understand the types of strollers on the market and how that affects their pricing.

Compact Strollers: Also known as “umbrella strollers,” these are the lowest cost options with several under $200. They’re typically lightweight and easy to travel with and store, but they usually offer limited storage and reclining options and aren’t as comfortable as their full size counterparts.
Full Size Strollers: These can be used independently or together with a car seat as part of a travel system. Some also offer a bassinet attachment for newborns. This stroller category can vary widely in price, from the $200-$300 range to more than $1,000.
Jogging Strollers: Typically come with a three wheel configuration that’s designed to navigate uneven terrain with ease. Their larger wheels and bulky frame provide a smooth ride. Most jogging strollers aren’t for use until babies can sit independently, unless they are used with a car seat attachment. Like full-size strollers, jogging strollers can also span a pretty wide range in pricing.

Four Factors Affecting Stroller Cost

There are four factors that heavily influence the cost of a stroller. When budgeting, it can be helpful to consider each of these factors and weigh their importance to your own needs and lifestyle.

Factor #1: Type of Stroller

Strollers that are part of a travel system or jogging strollers will cost more than simple umbrella strollers. The type of stroller that best suits your needs will determine how this influences your budget. For example, if you need a travel system, that automatically raises the price range that you’ll need to consider.

Factor #2: Features

The features a stroller offers can vary widely and influence the price accordingly. Lower cost, budget strollers are simple with few frills. As you go up in price, you’ll find features like full recline, expansive sun canopies and storage solutions, superior handling and suspension systems for a smoother ride, and others. T

Factor #3: Materials

Higher-end strollers come at a higher cost because of the materials they use. Frames are built from aluminum or steel to offer sturdy support while remaining lightweight and collapsible. Tires are larger and more durable to offer a smooth ride. Seat fabrics are a higher quality and handlebars might use leather or other higher-end materials that enhance both the comfort and style of the stroller.

Factor #4: Durability

While it can often be overlooked in deference to its flashier counterparts, durability should be a key factor when choosing a stroller. Strollers can be used for years—and families with multiple children may even use the same stroller for a decade or more—which means how they hold up over time matters. It can be more cost effective in the long run to spend a little more on one stroller with staying power than to buy an inexpensive stroller that has to be replaced after a couple of years.

Factor #5: Name Brand Value

Of course, in addition to tangible value-adds like features or premium materials, stroller costs can also be affected by the value of the brand name itself. Brands like UppaBaby, Bugaboo, and Orbit Baby have established themselves as reliable purveyors of high-end baby paraphernalia and are able to charge a higher price because of that reputation.

Stroller Features to Expect at Each Price Point

Low-End (Under $250)

These strollers are pretty bare bones, but what they lack in features they tend to make up for in portability. At the higher end of this price point, you may find some nice features like good under seat storage or a fully reclining seat. The suspension and handling are likely to be pretty basic—fine for traversing standard sidewalks and paved pathways, but don’t expect a seamless ride.

Mid-Range ($250-750)

There are several nice strollers in the mid-range category. You’ll find more well-rounded options here with a bevy of features to make strolling a more pleasant experience for both parent and baby. The higher quality materials mean a sturdier stroller without compromising on lightness and portability, and you’ll also find strollers that are more adaptable to accommodate your child at various ages.

High-End ($750+)

High-end strollers marry functionality with eye-catching design. You’ll find excellent suspension and maneuverability to guarantee a smooth ride with top of the line finishes and fabrics. Special features like ventilated seats, adjustable handlebars, and adaptability to a double or even triple stroller are also common at this price point.

Our Recommendations

Because stroller pricing can vary so widely, it can be helpful to sit down and prioritize your stroller wants and needs. Maybe it’s important that you choose a stroller that works with your car seat as part of a travel system—if so, you’ll want to budget accordingly. Maybe you value a lightweight, compact stroller option that works great for travel because your family is always on the go. Maybe you need a rugged, sturdy stroller that can handle offroad trails with ease because you live near the beach and like to take regular walks there.

If your lifestyle will have you relying heavily on a stroller in your daily routine, we recommend allocating a proportional amount of your budget to purchasing a stroller that truly offers the features you need. The right stroller can greatly cut down on transportation headaches and make getting around with your little one much easier.

Picking a Stroller: Cost vs Value

Ultimately, when it comes to choosing a stroller you may want to consider a stroller’s value, rather than its cost. As we’ve learned, comparing a $100 budget stroller to a $1,200 high-end one simply doesn’t make sense because of the factors that go into determining why a stroller costs what it does. Instead, consider the value offered by the stroller to your family. Does it meet your needs? Does it offer features you’ll take advantage of and make transporting your little one easier? Is it built to last for as long as you need it to, and does it offer the style and design you’re looking for?

After all, a stroller that offers the value you’re looking for is always worth the price.