Stroller Types Explained: What Kind Do I Need?

The main stroller types are full-size everyday, lightweight and compact, jogging and all-terrain, double (tandem or side-by-side), stroller wagons, and travel systems. The right one comes down to where you walk, how you need to store it, and how many little ones ride along.

Full-size, everyday

The do-everything workhorse: a sturdy frame, big canopy, roomy basket, and a smooth ride from newborn (with a bassinet or infant car seat) through the toddler years. Best if you want one stroller for daily life.

Lightweight and compact

Light, folds small, easy to carry and store, ideal for city living, transit, travel, and quick errands. The trade-off is smaller wheels and baskets. Many lightweight strollers are not newborn ready and cannot hold an infant car seat, so check before buying for a newborn.

Jogging and all-terrain

Air-filled tires, real suspension, and a lockable front wheel for running and rough ground like trails and gravel. For running specifically, babies need solid head and neck control, usually around 6 months, so check the manufacturer's minimum.

Double strollers

For twins or two children close in age. Tandem (inline) seats sit front-to-back and stay as narrow as a single, great for doorways and tight spaces. Side-by-side seats give both children an equal view and recline, often the pick for twins, but are wider. See our single vs. double guide for help deciding.

Stroller wagons

An open wagon that seats two to four children facing each other with room for gear, popular for parks, the beach, and events with older toddlers. Check each model's age and weight ratings.

Travel systems

A stroller bundled with a compatible infant car seat that clicks onto the frame, newborn ready from day one. See our travel system guide.