Walk into any baby store and you'll see a dozen shapes of stroller that all do the same basic job, but the differences matter more than they look. Here's what each type is actually built for, what age it's safe to start using it, what safety standards to check for, and where to find each one at MacroBaby.
Full-size strollers: the daily workhorse
A full-size stroller is the do-everything option, bigger wheels, a real suspension, a deep recline, and enough storage for a diaper bag and a grocery run. It's heavier than a travel or umbrella stroller, but it's the one most families use as their primary stroller from birth through toddlerhood. Browse the full single stroller lineup at MacroBaby.
Travel systems: stroller plus car seat, sold as one
A travel system pairs a stroller with a matching infant car seat that clicks directly onto the frame, so you can move a sleeping baby from car to sidewalk without waking them up. It's usually the simplest path for new parents who don't already own a car seat, since the compatibility is already sorted out by the manufacturer, you're not left guessing whether an adapter exists for your specific combination. See MacroBaby's travel system options.
Umbrella strollers: light, cheap, and easy to fold
Umbrella strollers fold into a narrow, umbrella-like shape and are the lightest, most affordable option in the category, some cost well under $100. The tradeoff is a bumpier ride, less recline, and lower weight capacity than a full-size stroller. Most manufacturers recommend waiting until your baby can sit upright with steady head control, generally around 6 months, before using one; always check the specific model's age guidance since a few recline flat enough for younger use. Great for travel, Disney trips, or as a lightweight backup. Check out the umbrella stroller collection.
Lightweight (travel) strollers: an umbrella stroller with upgrades
Think of a lightweight stroller as an umbrella stroller with the features you wish it had, bigger wheels, a real recline, a larger canopy, and sturdier construction, while still folding small enough for a plane's overhead bin or a small trunk. This is the category most travel-focused parents actually want, even when they ask for "an umbrella stroller." See the lightweight and travel stroller collection.
Jogging strollers: built for actual running
A dedicated jogging stroller has large, air-filled tires, real suspension, and, critically, a front wheel that locks into a fixed forward position for running. A swivel wheel that doesn't lock is not safe to run with; it's built for walking only. Most brands recommend against jogging with your baby before 6 to 8 months, since running transmits far more repetitive impact than walking, and babies need solid independent head and neck control first — brisk walking with the wheel unlocked can often start earlier if the seat reclines fully flat. Always check your specific model's guidance. Browse jogging strollers at MacroBaby.
Double strollers: tandem vs. side-by-side
If you have twins or two close-in-age kids, you're choosing between two double stroller layouts. Tandem doubles seat one child behind the other, which keeps the stroller narrow enough to fit through most doorways and store aisles. Side-by-side doubles seat both kids next to each other, giving both the same forward view but making the stroller wider overall. Neither is objectively better, it depends on your doorways and your car trunk. See the full double stroller selection.
Wagon strollers: for families on the move
A wagon stroller trades the classic upright frame for a low, open cart that two or more kids can sit in side by side, with a canopy and harnesses built in. They're popular for families with multiple young kids, beach days, and school pickup lines, since they carry more kids and more gear than a traditional double stroller at the cost of being bulkier to fold and store. Brands like WonderFold and Veer specialize in this category. Browse wagon strollers at MacroBaby.
Luxury strollers: for parents who want the upgrade
Premium brands add features like leatherette accents, magnetic buckles, upgraded suspension, and adjustable everything, the stroller equivalent of a fully-loaded trim level. If budget isn't the main constraint, this is where you'll find brands like Bugaboo, Nuna, and Silver Cross. Browse luxury strollers.
Features worth prioritizing, regardless of type
- A parking brake you can operate with one foot — you'll use it constantly, at curbs, in elevators, on any incline.
- A recline that goes fully flat if you want to use it from birth — not every model does, so check before assuming.
- A canopy with real UPF sun protection, not just shade.
- A five-point harness on any stroller for a child under about 2, rather than a simpler waist belt.
- A basket you can actually reach without bending in half — a surprisingly common design miss on lightweight models.
What should you budget?
Stroller pricing spans an enormous range. Budget umbrella strollers start under $50. Solid mid-range full-size strollers and travel systems from mainstream brands like Graco typically run $200–$500. Premium single strollers from brands like Nuna, UPPAbaby, or Bugaboo generally land between $700 and $1,200, with full travel system bundles reaching $1,200–$1,600. Wagon strollers sit in a wide $300–$1,500 range depending on seating capacity and features. There's no single "right" budget a $60 umbrella stroller that gets used for two years of Target runs can be a better purchase than an expensive model that sits in a closet.
Considering a secondhand stroller? Check these first
Buying used can save real money, but strollers are safety equipment, not just gear — a few checks matter before you buy. First, avoid any stroller manufactured before September 10, 2015, when the current federal safety standard took effect; check the manufacture date on a label under the frame. Second, always search the specific brand and model on cpsc.gov for an active recall before buying, there's no way to know from looking at it, and it's illegal to resell a recalled product. Third, physically test that the brakes hold, the seat reclines and locks properly, the swivel wheel locks, and there's no cracking, rust, or missing hardware. If you can't verify the model, manufacture date, and recall status, the discount isn't worth the risk.
Shop the full lineup at MacroBaby
MacroBaby's Orlando showroom lets you actually push, fold, and sit next to every stroller type before you buy, which matters more than any spec sheet once you're the one carrying it up a flight of stairs. Browse the complete stroller collection online or visit us in-store, and our team can help match a model to your actual daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of stroller is best for a newborn?
A full-size stroller with a true-flat recline or a travel system with an attached infant car seat are the most common choices for newborns, since both support a baby who can't yet sit up or hold their head steady.
What age can a baby start using a jogging stroller?
Most manufacturers recommend waiting until 6 to 8 months and until your baby has solid independent head and neck control, since running transmits significantly more impact than walking. Always check your specific stroller's age guidance.
At what age can a baby use an umbrella stroller?
Most umbrella strollers are recommended from around 6 months, once a baby can sit upright and hold their head steady without support. Some models with a fuller recline may be usable earlier, check the specific product's guidance.
What's the difference between a tandem and side-by-side double stroller?
A tandem double seats one child behind the other, keeping the stroller narrow enough for doorways and aisles. A side-by-side double seats both children next to each other but takes up more width.
Do I need a travel system, or can I buy a stroller and car seat separately?
Either works. A travel system guarantees the car seat and stroller are compatible out of the box, which is convenient for first-time parents. Buying separately gives more flexibility to mix brands, but you'll need to confirm adapter compatibility yourself.
Does every stroller sold in stores meet a legal safety standard?
Yes, every stroller sold in the U.S. must comply with ASTM F833, a federal safety standard covering stability, brakes, and structural strength. A JPMA or Baby Safety Alliance certification is a separate, voluntary layer of testing beyond that legal minimum.
Is a wagon stroller a good replacement for a double stroller?
For some families, yes, a wagon carries more kids and gear and is popular for beach trips and school pickup, but it's typically bulkier to fold and store than a traditional double stroller. Consider your car trunk space and typical use case before choosing.
Is it safe to buy a used stroller?
It can be, but check the manufacture date (avoid anything made before September 10, 2015), search cpsc.gov for an active recall on that exact brand and model, and physically test the brakes, recline, folding lock, and wheel lock before buying.
