Strollers are a must-have baby product to have, and for many new parents, it is one of the first items you’d think of purchasing once you find out you’re expecting! If you’re new to shopping for baby essentials, you may be wondering where to start with buying a pram or stroller.
In this article, we’ll go over some key points of consideration that can help you choose the ideal stroller for you and your little one.
Determine the primary functions of your stroller
Will the stroller be used for you and your partner to take your baby on long walks or light jogs? Will you need it to be large and spacious so it can act as a carrier for when you go grocery shopping? Or would you prefer for it to be foldable and lightweight so you can easily transport it in a car or bus?
There’s never going to be ‘the perfect stroller’ that checks all your boxes. For example,you’ll never find a jogging stroller that is lightweight, nor will you find an ultra-compact cabin sized stroller that doesn’t hurt your wallet.
Your baby stroller is supposed to help you bring your baby around more easily and conveniently, so be sure to pick an option that is functional given your daily lifestyle and needs.
Estimate how long you’d like to use the stroller for
Not all strollers are compatible to be used from birth. Strollers that are suitable for newborns should be able to recline flat, or be compatible with a pram carry cot that allows the infant to lie flat.
Selecting a stroller that can be used from birth, and one that can also be used to accommodate a heavier weight limit (~22 to 25kg, i.e. 3-4+ years old) allows the stroller to be able to be used as your child grows.
Decide on your budget range for your purchase
Of course, it’s natural for all parents to want to give their children the best possible furniture or products. But depending on the model of the stroller you pick, this baby essential can turn out to be pricier than expected. So it’s important to at least have a ballpark figure in mind when shopping for your stroller.
Look for an option within your budget and consider the purchase an investment for yourself and your child.
Choose your preferred type of pram or stroller
There are different types for you to choose from! Here’s a list of our favourite strollers. Prices are accurate as of January 2024.
1. Best overall stroller: Hauck Eagle 4S Colibri Stroller (Discontinued)
Hauck is a well-known premium German brand. The Eagle 4S Colibri Stroller is one of the lightest travel-system reversible strollers at 6.9kg. Being able to be reclined fully, the stroller can be used from birth, and take a maximum weight of 25kg.
As the stroller seat can be detached from the frame, the seat can be positioned either forward, or backward to be parent facing. In addition, the stroller frame is compatible with an infant car seat, allowing the stroller to be used as a travel system unit.
The stroller frame is made with sturdy yet lightweight aluminum, with a canopy that has UPF 50+ and sun blend. For all its features and function, the Eagle 4S Colibri is very affordably priced at $620 (with free car seat adapters).
Shop the Hauck Eagle 4S Colibri Stroller here.
2. Best double stroller: Thule Sleek Convertible Single-to-Double Urban Stroller, $1299
Thule is a Swedish brand, committed to developing smart, stylish products that are environmentally sound, high quality, safe, and easy to use. Thule Sleek is an easily convertible single-to-double stroller, that can be used from birth (with an infant insert) to 22kg, at a starting price of $1399 ($1848 for the double stroller bundle).
Double strollers, or twin strollers, are perfect for twins and for parents with 2 or more young children. The Thule Sleek weighs at 12.7kg, a flexible and stylish stroller that accommodates to the needs of parent and child. It even has reversible seats, and up to 3 variations when it is converted to a double stroller. The downsides to double strollers are that they are bulky to handle, and also don’t fold up compactly.
Shop the Thule Sleek Single-to-Double Convertible Stroller here.
3. Best jogging stroller: Thule Urban Glide Stroller, $759
The Thule Urban Glide 2 All-Terrain Jogging Stroller weighs at 11.5kg, and can be used from birth (with Newborn Inlay) to 22kg. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Stroller is a versatile and reliable companion for parents on the go. With its sleek design and durable construction, this stroller is built to tackle any terrain with ease. Whether you're jogging through the park or strolling around the city, the Thule Urban Glide 2 is designed to keep your child comfortable and secure.
It even has a one-hand fold mechanism for easy storage and transportation!
Shop the Thule Urban Glide 2 All-Terrain Jogging Stroller here.
4. Best luxury stroller: Bugaboo Bee 6 Stroller, from $1379
The Bugaboo Bee 6’s iconic look with its yellow canopy is well loved all over the world. Besides being stylish, it also has almost all the features that you would expect - ergonomic seat, smooth suspension, easy folding. At 9.5kg, it is relatively heavy for a city stroller but is considerably lighter compared to other Bugaboo stroller models out there.
Shop the Bugaboo Bee 6 Stroller here.
5. Best car seat stroller hybrid: Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller, $639
The Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller is the only car seat in the world with integrated wheels. The wheels fold in easily and instantly, allowing you to conveniently use it as an infant car seat in cars and taxis.
This stroller provides maximum convenience especially for parents that travel often in taxis and PHVs. However, as this is still predominantly an infant car seat that is usable till your child is about 1 year old, the $639 price tag is relatively steep for a product with 1 year of usage.
Shop the Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller here.
6. Best all-terrain stroller: Hauck Vision X Stroller, $599
The Hauck Vision X Stroller is one of the lightest all-terrain, all-function strollers, at only 10.2kg. The large all-terrain wheels ensure a bump-free and comfortable ride in parks and off-terrain roads. In addition, the stroller folds away compactly with one hand.
Shop the Hauck Vision X Stroller here.
7. Best compact city stroller: Thule Shine, from $799
The Thule Shine is a compact city stroller with reversible seat positions, and a easy-to-handle design for navigating the busting cities and narrow spaces at ease. The Thule Shine Stroller weighs 9.85kg, and has a reclining seat to provide optimal comfort for children (from ages 0 to 4+ years old).
It also has other accessories such as the Thule Rider Board that attaches to the Thule Shine, allowing your older child to jump onboard and ride along on the stroller.
Shop the Thule Shine Stroller here.
8. Best cabin-sized & lightweight stroller: Babyzen Yoyo 6+ Stroller, from $869
Having a cabin sized stroller is severely overrated. For a stroller to be considered cabin sized, it should be less than 7kg, with the sum of length, width and height not exceeding 115cm. The Babyzen Yoyo Stroller comes in at 6.2kg, and folds up to 114cm.
Being able to be folded to that small a size, cabin sized strollers are usually basic and lack premium features like sturdy stroller back supports, being able to be both forward and backward facing, and having adjustable handlebars.
Unless you’re frequently jet setting around with your young child, a cabin sized stroller is not a necessity. Almost all premium airline carriers allow strollers to be checked-in or gate-checked at boarding. That is highly preferred rather than to carry on a stroller which then counts as one piece of carry-on luggage as well.
Shop the Babyzen Yoyo 6+ Stroller here.
9. Best affordable stroller: Joie Litetrax 4 DLX Stroller, $449
The Joie Litetrax 4 DLX Stroller is a one-hand compact folding stroller that can be used from birth. Weighing 10.65kg, it is relatively heavy, but at an affordable price of $439, it gets the job done well.
Shop the Joie Litetrax 4 DLX Stroller here.
10. Best basic umbrella stroller: Prego S507 Reversible Handle Stroller, $129
At 4.2kg, this is one of the lightest strollers in the market. A basic umbrella stroller, as the name suggests, is one that is stripped off of the frills, style and design, and just does its job. A stroller being ‘too lightweight’ also has its cons, as the stroller’s sturdiness will be compromised.
Shop the Prego S507 Reversible Handle Stroller here.
11. Best one hand fold auto stroller: Hamilton Z1 Baby Stroller, $599
The magic ‘one button close’ stroller isn’t as revolutionary as when it first launched years ago. Nonetheless, it is still a neat feature that provides extra convenience for parents. The Hamilton Z1 Baby Stroller features a compact fold and self-standing capability, and can be conveniently carried with a hand held strap, making taking public transport and commuting a breeze!
Shop the Hamilton Z1 Baby Stroller here.
12. Best high end stroller: Versace Kids Barocco-Print Stroller, $3620
It’s never too young to own your first premium ride. This stroller from Versace Kids is adorned with the house's Barocco print in gold-tone and black. Looking beyond the signature Versace print, this stroller has good well thought-out features - three reclinable positions, adjustable handlebars and footrests, and even a storage basket shaped as a wearable backpack.
Shop the Versace Kids Barocco-Print Stroller here.
13. Best stroller wagon: Keenz 7S Premium Deluxe Foldable Wagon Stroller, $999
Here’s the perfect wagon to pull your kids and all that barang barang (bags).Combining the best features of a stroller with the utility of a wagon, the Keenz 7S will remain a family staple long after the stroller days are over.
Shop the Keenz 7S Premium Deluxe Foldable Wagon Stroller here.