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One thing new parents might not realize when they’re preparing for their bundle of joy is just how much stuff comes along with a baby. Even if you can avoid the extraneous items (I’m looking at you, diaper cream spatula), there are a few you simply can’t do without. One of which is a stroller.
Even if you’re a fan of baby-wearing carriers, there will inevitably come a time when someone will need to take the little one for a spin. And for parents who live in a city, that carriage essentially acts as the family car. For hours a day I (or another caretaker) zip around the streets of Manhattan with my 14-month-old. So, when we decided on which stroller to buy, we examined our options as you would a vehicle.
As urban parents, there are key criteria that a stroller needs to meet. It needs to be compact, lightweight, easy-to-maneuver, have good storage, and, many would argue, it should also be stylish. Luckily, many brands have recognized the need for such a gem.
Here are the best strollers to fit your big-city lifestyle.
CYBEX Balios
The chic stroller brand has partnered with everyone from designer Jeremy Scott to supermodel Karolina Kurkova to create posh prams. But not only do these strollers turn heads on the streets, but they are also highly functional. A favorite has to be the Balios S model. It can be used from birth to up to 55 pounds, has an all-terrain wheel system to tackle uneven pavement, needs only one hand to fully recline and fold, and has a reversible seat.
Bugaboo Fox
I ultimately went with this stroller for my newborn son. Why? Well, although it’s a full-size stroller, at 21.8 pounds it’s much lighter than many other options in the market. That means it’s not hard to lift up some stairs or over an obstacle. It also comes with a bassinet that can double as an infant crib with a stand (which we used) and a huge basket that can hold a 22-pound child. The three positions and reversible seat make napping on the go a breeze as does the large canopy. When you’re done, the Bugaboo Fox easily collapses in one-piece with seat attached and stands upright for stress-free storage.
Stokke Xplory
Living in a city with a child can be nerve-wracking at times, and you want to keep a close eye on your little one. Stokke Xplory was designed to optimize eye contact and bonding between parents and babies. The adjustable-height option lets parents move their children up and down depending on the scenario; it quickly becomes a high chair or a cozy nap spot with five reclining positions. Plus, it features an adjustable footrest to suit your child as he or she grows and a two-wheel mode for carrying up and down stairs.
Uppababy Vista
It’s impossible to walk down the streets of New York and not see someone with an Uppababy Vista. And there’s a reason why so many city parents love it. It can fold easily, has a sleek design, is a super comfortable ride for both parent and baby, has a huge under-seat basket and looks sleek, too. Not to mention it can convert into a double stroller and can transport up to three kids with a PiggyBack board for those hoping to expand their families.
Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller
There’s probably no better stroller for a family constantly on the go than the Doona. Not only is it a small stroller—weighing just over 15 pounds—but it’s also a car seat. You can seamlessly switch between the two by popping down or pulling up the wheels. When you want to be in stroller mode, just extend the handle or push back down in car seat mode to act as the infant carrier handle. Getting in and out of a car or on to a plane (it’s narrow enough to fit down the aisle) has never been easier.
Larktale Coast
Newer to the market, this stroller company was originally based in Australia and known for its lightweight, easy-to-fold, easy-to-store, affordable designs. The Coast is great for city dwellers as it’s just over 21 pounds, holds a child up to 55 pounds, has a near-flat recline to act as a second crib on the run—and features an all-wheel suspension to soak up any bumps. Though it has many of the features of a full-size stroller such as a large under-carriage basket, it completely folds up in seconds thanks to the patented Compac3 fold design.
BabyZen Yoyo+
This stroller was originally marketed for travel as it can fit in the overhead bin of an airplane—but city parents swear by the BabyZen Yoyo+ as their full-time carriage. It can now hold up to 40 pounds, has a new suspension for a smoother ride and a basket that’s 60% larger than previous models. Meanwhile, the reclining seat and adjustable leg rest make it easier for kids to snooze. Despite the updated features, it still boasts the same compact-fold design and weighs just 13 pounds.
