The Best Lower-Priced Strollers, According to Parents Who've Used Them
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- Best Lower-Cost Full-Size Stroller : Chicco Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller
- Most Lightweight Lower-Price Umbrella Stroller : Summer 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
- Most Affordable Travel System : Graco NimbleLite Travel System
- Best Lower-Cost Reversible Stroller : Jeep Unlimited Reversible Handle Stroller
- Best Lower-Priced Stroller with the Most Storage : Maxi-Cosi Lara Ultra Compact Stroller
- Most Affordable Double Stroller : Delta Children City Street LX Side by Side Stroller
- Best Lower-Priced Stroller for Travel : Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Easy Fold Compact Travel Stroller
- Most Affordable Lightweight Stroller for City Dwellers : Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
- Best Lower-Cost Jogging Stroller : Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
- Best Lower-Priced Sit and Stand Stroller : Joovy Caboose Graphite Stand-On Tandem Stroller
You’ve got a wish list of adorable baby gear that’s a mile long. But after browsing all of the cribs, car seats, gliders and more on the market, you might understandably feel a little overwhelmed by how expensive it can be to prepare for your little one's arrival.
By the time you’re ready to spring for a great stroller — some of which can cost as much as a used car — you could find yourself eyeing up one of the more accessible brands on the market.
The good news: There are plenty of wonderful less expensive strollers available for parents, says Marilyn Bull, M.D., a professor of pediatrics and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (In other words, the pricier models aren’t necessarily better than the cheaper ones.)
Still, strollers do tend to be one of the higher-cost items to buy for babies. If the timing is right, it may help to get your stroller on a shopping holiday like Black Friday, Cyber Monday or Amazon Prime Day, where tons of retailers offer big discounts on baby gear. You may also discover lower stroller price tags in the sale sections of popular retailer websites like Target or Amazon, which frequently have special deals, and hence, more affordable options.
One good rule of thumb to keep in mind, though, is to buy a model made in the last few years. “You want something that meets the current standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),” says Dr. Bull. That means choosing a product that was made after September 10, 2015, when the CPSC boosted the requirements for overall stroller safety.
Types of inexpensive strollers
- Full-size strollers: These large strollers tend to hold not just your baby, but everything else your baby might need throughout the day.
- Travel systems: With a travel system, your car seat can attach to a stroller, then back to the car seat base. Since you’re buying both a car seat and a stroller, they can come with a slight discount when compared to buying the items separately (although it's worth doing the math — this isn't always the case).
- Jogging strollers: Designed for runners, jogging strollers are easy to maneuver on trails or other jogging surfaces.
- Reversible or convertible strollers: Some strollers are also convertible, which means they have additional seat configurations for one, two or even more babies, while other strollers are reversible, meaning the seats can switch around.
- Umbrella strollers: Naturally small and lightweight, umbrella strollers also tend to be more affordable than other types of strollers. When folded up, they’re about the size of an umbrella — hence the name.
How to pick the best lower-priced stroller
Ultimately, the best option for you depends on a variety of factors, like your personal needs and where you’ll be using it. In general, you’ll want to consider these things:
- Number of children. Have more than one child (or are you planning to)? You may want to consider getting a stroller that can switch from a one-seater to two.
- Car seat situation. If you still need to get a car seat, consider a travel system. That way, you can easily transfer your infant car seat to a coordinating stroller and back out again.
- Travel. If you plan to be on the road a lot with your baby or live in a large city, an easy-to-fold umbrella stroller may be your best bet.
- Activity level. Jogging strollers are specially designed with larger wheels to be able to handle tougher terrain at faster speeds, like on a run, than if you were to just walk.
How we chose the best lower-priced strollers
We looked at the most popular lower-priced strollers on the market, including What to Expect community member favorites, and then narrowed down our picks based on those that have the best ratings and reviews. Strollers also got bonus points for having features that make baby more comfortable and your life a little easier.
Here, some of the best less-expensive baby strollers on the market.
Best Lower-Cost Full-Size Stroller
Chicco Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller
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This is an extremely versatile stroller with a lower price point than others on the market considering all of the incredible features and generous size. The Chicco Bravo stroller transforms its design depending on your family's needs. For infants, you can easily snap in a Chicco infant car seat to create a versatile travel system — no adapter needed. (Just note that while car seats are sold separately, you can buy them together as a travel system for less money.) Or, when baby is older, she can ride frontward-facing in the stroller seat.
You’ll love all the handy extras, like a parent tray with storage for your phone and walle and convenient cup holders. An adjustable handlebar pleases tall parents, since it means no bending over to push. A large storage basket with two organizer pockets provides plenty of room for a diaper bag, toys or snacks. And, of course, the ultimate convenience factor: The whole thing swiftly folds with one hand and a single motion.
Dimensions: 35.2 x 22.8 x 42.7 inches
Weight: 24.9 lbs pounds
Weight and height limit: Children up to 50 pounds
“The Bravo stroller is so smooth and an easy quick fold!”
Most Lightweight Lower-Price Umbrella Stroller
Summer 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
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The Summer 3D Mini Convenience Stroller is lightweight (just 11 pounds!), collapses in a flash and comes with a carry strap, so you won’t struggle when boarding public transportation, going from sidewalk to car or just calling it quits for the day. It's a great option for anyone who often juggles baby by themselves. It’s slightly smaller than “regular” strollers, but definitely works in your favor when you’re on the go.
We also love extras like two cup holders, rear and lower storage pockets, and multiple recline positions. A canopy with a flip-out visor is a handy addition for sunny days. To top it all off, this is one of the most affordable stroller options available and gets tons of love from parents everywhere. Just note that the stroller shouldn’t be used until your child can sit up on her own (typically this happens at about 6 months).
Dimensions: 43 x 18 x 27 inches (open)
Weight: 11 pounds
Weight, height and age range limits: Designed for babies up to 45 pounds and 43 inches tall; don’t begin using this stroller until your child can sit up on her own unassisted (usually around 6 months)
“We got this before a beach trip we took last year and it worked perfect. It was super compact and I liked that it had a little more structure and also had some storage.”
“We have the Summer 3Dmini Convenience Stroller. It is lightweight for travel, but not cheap and flimsy like the $10 umbrella strollers at Target.”
“We love this one. We bought it for our first baby specifically to go to a baseball game and wouldn’t have been devastated if it got stolen or broken since you just leave them at the top of the seating section. Anyway, it became our primary shopping stroller for short errands and restaurants. I wanted it to have a good canopy, lightweight, and be under $50. Absolutely love it, 10 months old rode in it for the first time today.”
Most Affordable Travel System
Graco NimbleLite Travel System
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It's one of the most affordable travel systems you can buy, but the Graco NimbleLite Travel System doesn't skimp on important features. It boasts a large sun canopy with a peekaboo window, a roomy storage basket, cup holders and a one-step fold for extra convenience. The stroller seat can be reclined to several positions.
And of course, it comes with the brand's top-rated SnugRide 35 Lite Infant Car Seat and accompanying base. Even better? For a travel system, it's blissfully lightweight, weighing just under 15 pounds, but can still seat little ones up to 50 pounds.
Dimensions: 21 x 34.62 x 42.25 inches
Weight: 12 pounds (car seat is 7.2 pounds)
Weight limit: 50 pounds (infant car seat limit designed for babies from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches — note that head must be at least 1 inch below top of car seat)
"I got a Graco travel system with my first baby and it was great for the price range! I used it every day at the park."
Best Lower-Cost Reversible Stroller
Jeep Unlimited Reversible Handle Stroller
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The Jeep Unlimited Reversible Handle Stroller is a streamlined stroller with the convenience of reversible seats. Weighing just over 20 pounds with a fairly sleek silhouette, the Jeep is lightweight and nimble enough for travel.
Not only does this more affordable stroller tout a reversible seat for baby to face forwards or backwards, it also has multiple recline positions, including one that’s completely flat for on-the-go naps. Caregivers will appreciate how small it folds down, too. A pop-out all-weather canopy, cup holder and snack tray are nice additional perks.
Dimensions: 43 x 34 x 20.5 inches (open), 31 x 21 x 10 inches (folded)
Weight: 20.9 pounds
Weight and age range limits: For infants who can sit upright unassisted (usually 6 months) to 50 pounds
"I ended up going with the Jeep by Delta unlimited reversible handle stroller. I love it because it’s only 20.9 lb, lays baby all the way back if they need to nap and you can fix the hand so baby can face away or face you and it’s only $100 but it seats up to 50 lb so it’ll last us a while!"
Best Lower-Priced Stroller with the Most Storage
Maxi-Cosi Lara Ultra Compact Stroller
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When you think of a pocket or umbrella stroller, you probably picture something that’s lightweight, easy to maneuver and take on the go — but a stroller with lots of storage may not come to mind. The Maxi-Cosi Lara Ultra Compact Stroller is the exception.
This compact stroller has not one, but two extra baskets for storage, plus a cup holder. At just 14 pounds, it’s easy to stroll along, and all-wheel suspension helps make it a smooth ride for baby. When it’s time to fold this stroller down, it compacts very well — it can even fit in the overhead bin of an airplane. And while it comes with a shoulder strap, some reviewers complain that it’s a bit uncomfortable.
Other elements we love: a seat recline, extendable canopy, adjustable leg rest and an ultra-padded seat.
Dimensions: 41 x 19 x 24 inches (open), 20 x 19.5 x 14 inches (folded)
Weight: 14 pounds
Weight and age range limits: Designed for babies up to 50 pounds; your child must be able to sit up on her own to use this
"We have the Maxi Cosi Lara for travel. It’s super lightweight and easily folds up into a little square. You can also get it to sit almost completely upright if your kid is like mine and hates being at angle, but also fully reclines so they can nap. Good storage space underneath as well."
Most Affordable Double Stroller
Delta Children City Street LX Side by Side Stroller
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Despite its incredibly low price tag compared to others on the market, this umbrella-style double stroller is surprisingly durable and easy to maneuver for families with multiple children. It’s also simple to fold, thanks to a lightweight frame, and is nice and narrow, which means it's one of the few side-by-side doubles that can fit standard doorways.
Though you’ll have no problem getting your baby (or babies!) around, one thing to consider is that the stroller lacks a couple bells and whistles others have, like an extendable sun canopy and adjustable handlebars.
Dimensions: 29.9 x 37 x 23.4 inches
Weight: 18.3 pounds
Weight limit: 70 pounds (35 pounds per seat); stroller is recommended for children able to sit in an upright position
"[It] is so small, light and easy... It's the best, it takes up no room in my trunk. It doesn't have an under basket, so I put stroller hooks on the handle bars for items."
Best Lower-Priced Stroller for Travel
Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Easy Fold Compact Travel Stroller
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The Kolcraft Cloud is a great fit for families who love to travel. Clocking in at just 11.8 pounds, the stroller features include a one-hand and self-standing fold, reclining seat, a large storage basket (including a parent tray and a removal child tray and cup holder) and a large canopy to shield your baby from the sun.
Dimensions: 17.6 x 29.9 x 41.7 inches (open), 18 x 12 x 34 inches (closed)
Weight: 11.8 pounds
Weight and height limit: Designed for children up to 50 pounds and 40 inches (use only once your child is able to sit up unassisted and has full head and neck control)
"It's lightweight and baby seems to enjoy taking a ride in it."
Most Affordable Lightweight Stroller for City Dwellers
Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
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If your family lives in a big city, you’ll love the Summer 3D Lite. Not only is it one of the most lightweight models on the market (weighing just 13 pounds), but it also has a carry strap, which makes it easy to tote around on the bus or subway.
The compact frame can also fold down, making storage a cinch. We’re major fans of the sleek design and adjustable canopy with a sun visor, which will help protect your baby’s skin from UV rays. Four reclining positions make it even better.
Dimensions: 33.5 x 19.5 x 42.5 inches (open), 42 x 14.75 x 12.5 inches (folded)
Weight: 13 pounds
Weight and age range limits: 6 months to 50 pounds (only begin to use when your baby can sit up unassisted)
"[It's] lightweight, easy to fold and [has] decent shade coverage."
“Summer 3D lite is great! It fully reclines, has lots of storage underneath and very reasonable.”
“I got the Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller as my travel stroller and I love it. I am 6' and the handles are a great height. It has a 5-point harness which I really prefer and it reclines well. It also has a small basket.”
Best Lower-Cost Jogging Stroller
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
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Caregivers who love to jog or walk will love Baby Trend’s Expedition Jogger Stroller. Available in a handful of colors and compatible with Baby Trend infant car seats (you can buy them together as a travel system), this three-wheel stroller comes with all-terrain tires. You can even lock the front swivel wheel while going on runs.
Baby will appreciate the seat padding and adjustable canopy, and you will love the large storage basket, footrest reflectors and ergonomic handlebars. Two cup holders mean you’ll have plenty of space for a water bottle.
Dimensions: 46 x 22 x 44 inches (open), 16.5 x 22.5 x 33 inches (folded)
Weight: 25.5 pounds
Weight and height limits: 6 months to 50 pounds or up to 42 inches tall
“I have mostly Graco everything, but my last pregnancy I got the Baby Trend Expedition and I love it!!”
Best Lower-Priced Sit and Stand Stroller
Joovy Caboose Graphite Stand-On Tandem Stroller
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This double stroller is perfect for moms of babies and toddlers. Your little one can recline in the front seat while your older child stands on the back Caboose. (Don’t worry — there’s also a rear bench seat if he gets tired of standing.) For tots who are closer in age, you can also add the Caboose Rear Seat (sold separately), a front-facing, full-size reclining seat, to the back. Even better, it includes a universal car seat adapter that fits most brands. It also comes with three-way reclining seats and even has a front seat snack tray with cup holders.
Dimensions: 38 x 21.25 x 42 inches (open), 45 x 21.25 x 10 inches (folded)
Weight: 27.5 pounds
Weight limit: 90 pounds (45 pounds per seat)
Minimum child age: 3 months (or 0 months with car seat adapter)
"I have the Joovy Caboose and I love it! I’ve been using it since my children were 2 1/2 and newborn."
“So this baby will be number 4 for us. We have an almost 6 year old, almost 5 year old and 2 year old. We just got the Joovy Caboose and love it. It is so much easier to move around than any other we’ve tried or had. It fold to fit well in our vehicle (others would not) and it’s not bulky like the BOB double we had before (super wide)or Baby Trend sit and stand (that one was like driving a bus). We love our new Joovy!”
- Marilyn Bull, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
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