• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Baby Gear Essentials

We test the latest baby gears with our kids to help you find what's best for your family today.

  • Guides
    • Baby Monitor
    • Infant Car Seat
  • Reviews
    • Baby Monitor
    • Stroller
    • Infant Car Seat
  • Best Of
    • Baby Monitor
    • Stroller
    • Infant Car Seat
Home / Best Of / The 9 Best Infant Strollers of 2021
best strollers review - Baby Gear Essentials

The 9 Best Infant Strollers of 2021

If you’re looking for the best stroller of 2021, look no further! 

We’ve done the research. We’ve tested the models. We’re here to make this choice easy for you. 

A good stroller can completely transform life with your child. The best strollers can make your day-to-day easier, more comfortable, and certainly even more convenient. 

A good stroller can be an investment, though. You’ve got to be sure that you’re getting the right stroller for you and your family. With this roundup, we’re helping you make that complex decision a piece of cake. 

We tested the most popular infant stroller brands to give you a real-life, hands-on review of our favorite recommendations! 

We’ve noted specifics about baby safety, parent experience, how easily these strollers can be stored, folded, carried, and more so that you truly have all of the information you need to choose the stroller that’s best for you and your family.

Before you look at the strollers in our lineup, take a moment to think about the type of stroller you will need. Are you looking for a stroller that gives your newborn the support they need? Do you live an active lifestyle and need a stroller that can keep up with you no matter where you need to go? 

There are no bad options in our lineup, and each one is definitely safe for your child. However, some models will work best for your specific needs!

Overall, we find the Summer 3DLite to be the all-around best stroller of 2021 for most people. It’s sturdy yet sophisticated and meets the needs of most lifestyles–and looks good doing it. 

If you’re able to stretch your budget, however, we love the upscale styling and luxurious features of the The UPPAbaby Cruz V2. This model is also easy to put together, fold, and maneuver around town, making it a highly convenient choice. 

If you’re looking for a jogging stroller that can double as the one you use everyday, the Joovy Zoom Ultralight is the best option on the market right now. With an ultra-durable frame 

After our ranking, you’ll find a quick explanation of our methodology, so you’ll know how we tested each stroller. We also created a helpful list of the most important things to consider when shopping for a stroller. 

best strollers comparison - Baby Gear Essentials

The 9 best strollers of 2021

ModelEditor’s RatingCategory
Summer 3DLite9.8/10Best Overall
UPPAbaby Cruz v29.6/10Best Premium
Evenflo Pivot Xpand9.4/10Best Value
Joovy Zoom 3609.2/10Best Jogger
Baby Jogger City Select9.2/10Most Practical
Graco NimbleLite9.1/10Most Lightweight
Babyzen YOYO29.0/10Best Travel
Kolcraft Cloud Plus8.9/10Best Budget
Chicco Bravo Trio8.8/10Best Travel System

Summer 3DLite: Overall Best Stroller

summer 3dlite stroller review - Baby Gear Essentials

Read our in-depth review of the Summer 3DLite Convenience Stroller. 

We like:

  • That the 5-point harness system is easy to use (and adjustable – grows with your child!)
  • The suspension system in the front wheels helps the stroller glide
  • The handlebars are padded and also adjustable
  • The design is very lightweight and compact
  • The seat reclines to multiple angles, including almost-flat

We don’t like:

  • The lack of canopy window for easy check-ins on your child
  • This stroller doesn’t stand up when it’s folded (a nice feature in other strollers) 
  • The storage isn’t quite large enough to support large bags (for, say, convenience during shopping) 

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

If you’re interested in the stroller with the best balance of features and compact portability, the Summer 3DLite Convenience is an excellent option. We tested it to see if it delivers on performance for a low price, and are happy to report that the 3DLite provides excellent support for both parent and child.

For a low price, this stroller offers durable comfort and lightweight compactness. We love that it’s easy to use – and the suspension you get for the price is a great touch! 

UPPAbaby Cruz v2: Best Premium Stroller

uppababy cruz v2 stroller review - Baby Gear Essentials

Read our in-depth review of the UPPAbaby Cruz V2.

We like:

  • The full-grain leather accents
  • The subtle visual indicators which provide intuitive instructions
  • The roomy storage basket
  • The absorbent suspension which gives the Cruz V2 a gliding feeling

We don’t like: 

  • The slightly elevated price
  • The fact that it does not offer infant support out of the box

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

If you can stretch your budget to get the absolute best of the best, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is our favorite premium stroller of 2021. 

It looks and feels premium with its high-quality frame, comfortable seat, and roomy storage space. And it gets bonus points for its sophisticated look and luxurious finishes. We absolutely love it!

Evenflo Pivot Xpand: Best Value Stroller

evenflo pivot xpand stroller review - Baby Gear Essentials

Read our hands-on review for the Evenflo Pivot Xpand.

We like: 

  • The comprehensive versatility of this set
  • The low price – high value, budget-friendly cost
  • One stroller system from infancy through young childhood

We don’t like:

  • Assembling and converting this stroller is not initially intuitive
  • Lesser-quality fabric (not as soft) as others we’ve seen
  • The heavy weight – can be bulky when all parts in use

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

While not quite as high-end as other strollers we’ve seen, the Pivot Xpand is our favorite for value. For its price, the entire system is a great bargain. The car seat has excellent safety ratings, the stroller folds down compactly, and it can grow along with your family.

Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight: Best Jogging Stroller

joovy zoom 360 stroller review - Baby Gear Essentials

Read our Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight hands-on review.

We like:

  • The compact shape and size to which the stroller folds;
  • The reliable brakes and wheel locks;
  • The sturdiness of the lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum frame

We don’t like:

  • The tent-like feel of the fabric; 
  • The high amount of pressure needed to release the brake;
  • The tires have to be monitored and kept fully pumped.

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

Sometimes, you’re looking for a stroller that can match pace with your active lifestyle. A regular stroller might not cut it: You need something with upgraded suspension to cradle your child, tires that can handle jolts and bumps, and a durable frame for added stability. 

You’ll find all that in the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight. We love this stroller as the best jogging model on our list. However, it’s versatile enough to act as a day-to-day stroller, too. 

(Note that you’ll likely find this a good option if your child’s a little older, as jogging with a very young infant may not be entirely safe.) 

Baby Jogger City Select: Most Practical Stroller

baby jogger city select stroller review - Baby Gear Essentials

Read our Baby Jogger City Select in-depth review.

We like:

  • The versatility of the various configurations
  • The ample amounts of storage
  • The durability of the fabric and frame

We don’t like:

  • The fact that it took longer to put together
  • The added bulk, which does take some time to get used to

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

If you have one child and are expecting another, the Baby Jogger City Select is the perfect option to support your family now – and in the future. Its durable fabric, convenient storage, and (of course!) its built-in versatility truly makes it one stroller that could support a growing family.

We love it for its practicality, but it also looks good strolling down the street. Its bright colors and slim frame made it a stroller we liked using in our tests. 

Graco NimbleLite: Most Lightweight Stroller

graco nimblelite stroller review - Baby Gear Essentials

Read our Graco NimbleLite in-depth review.

We like:

  • The NimbleLite is easy to assemble
  • This is a very lightweight stroller (the lightest in our roundup!)
  • Despite a good number of features, it’s simple to use
  • The sun shade is larger than many similarly-priced models
  • The parent organizer and (dual) cup holders are very convenient
  • The child seat reclines from a 90-degree angle to almost-flat

We don’t like:

  • The handlebars are quite tall, and you can’t adjust them
  • The two pedals for the brakes
  • The awkward handling of the belly bar (need to fully remove the bar to seat your child) 
  • There isn’t much cushioning in the seat
  • This stroller doesn’t stand when folded, making immediate storage preferable 

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

Looking for something lightweight? If you’re like us, you need a stroller that does its job without weighing you down. This stroller makes life as a parent easier with its feather-light heft. Struggling to stow a heavier stroller? Trying to figure out storage options for bulkier options? No more! 

With the Graco NimbleLite, you’ll be able to use your stroller and toss it in the car or storage without a second thought. We love how simple it can make errands, travel, and more! 

Babyzen YOYO2: Best Travel Stroller

babyzen YOYO2 stroller review - Baby Gear Essentials

Read our hands-on review of the Babyzen YOYO2 stroller.

We like:

  • Its incredibly compact size
  • The fact that, with both color packs, this is a stroller which can follow your child from birth to toddler age
  • Its extreme ease of assembly

We don’t like:

  • The latch to hold your child in can be puzzling
  • Folding the Babyzen YOYO2 stroller takes a moment to figure out

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

The Babyzen YOYO2 stroller is a beautiful stroller with modern design that is so compact, it can literally be folded up and toted around over your shoulder! 

With an included carrying bag and cushioned strap, this stroller is geared for easy travel. It can fit in most airplane overhead bins, and it unfolds easily so you can get going quickly once you’re ready to stroll. 

 With the inclusion of both color packs, it can follow your child from infancy through toddlerhood.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus: Best Budget Stroller

kolcraft cloud plus stroller review - Baby Gear Essentials

Read our Kolcraft Cloud Plus in-depth review.

We like:

  • The fact that this stroller comes with highly-durable all-terrain wheels
  • It’s extremely durable – seems like it’s made to last
  • It’s very affordable
  • The all-wheel suspension makes for a smooth ride
  • A storage basket accessible from the front and back makes toting around your things easy
  • It includes cup holders and a removable kid’s tray

We don’t like:

  • Conversely, the fact that the storage basket opens in the front makes it easy for small items to fall out
  • The cup holders are shallow 
  • The child’s tray can be hard to remove
  • The fabric is lower quality than some of this stroller’s competitors

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

This affordable stroller feels durable and safe – and comes with even more features than I’ve seen with strollers from luxury brands. 

With all-wheel suspension for comfort, a kid’s tray to keep your child occupied, and all-terrain wheels that make off-roading easy, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a great choice (especially for its extremely affordable price). 

Chicco Bravo Trio: Best Travel System

chicco bravo trio stroller review - Baby Gear Essentials

Read our Chicco Bravo Trio in-depth review.

We like:

  • With the car seat, you can use this system from day one through toddlerhood
  • With this system, you can reduce the purchases you’ll have to make
  • The seat removes and doubles as a very portable carrier
  • Switching between the toddler and the car seat is easy (just a click!) 
  • The adjustable handlebar
  • The large amount of storage
  • The parent organizer
  • One-hand foldability

We don’t like:

  • Does not offer one-handed pushing
  • Wheels are not all-terrain
  • Seat is not reversible

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

Searching for the best stroller and infant car seat bundle? Look no further. The Chicco Bravo Trio travel system includes everything you’ll need from day one till your child doesn’t need a stroller anymore. 

The infant car seat, the Chicco KeyFit, is our overall best car seat of the year. And the stroller is just as good with its slim and good-looking silhouette. 

This package deal costs slightly more than other mid-range strollers in our ranking. However, since you don’t have to buy another car seat, we believe the cost is well worth it! 

How did we select the best strollers on the market? 

When we set out to make this list, we wanted to ensure that it was as helpful as possible to all readers. This meant that we worked to stay as objective as possible. One way we did so was to remember that ‘best’ can be relative. 

What might be superior for one family might not work at all for another! We considered our own experience and that of our friends and family to list all the possible needs and lifestyles that you may have too

For example, if you need a travel stroller, you’ll be looking for something with much smaller dimensions and a more slight build than will someone who has two children and requires a lot of storage. In our reviews, we have simply reflected our experiences of each stroller, as well as the information we know are crucial for your decision making. 

This includes information about which strollers are compatible with the most popular car seats on the market (take a look at our ultimate infant car seat and stroller compatibility guide for more information!). 

best strollers safety ratings - Baby Gear Essentials

Choosing the right stroller for you

A stroller is an important investment for your family, both in terms of transit and as a useful safety tool! It’s a good idea to take stock of your specific lifestyle (how active you are, how much you travel) before you look to purchase a stroller. It’s very possible that the decision will be simpler than you think it will be! 

To make your choices easier, we’ve distilled the top five things to consider when buying a stroller into this easy-to-reference list: 

  1. Price: Before you go stroller shopping, it’s a good idea to sit down and figure out how much you can comfortably spend. Fortunately, there are great strollers in every price bracket. With our roundup, we definitely have you covered. Still, you don’t want to make a purchase that you later regret. You’ll be able to find a good option no matter your budget, so take time to clarify that factor first.
  1. Versatility: Your stroller’s only a good investment if it can do at least a couple things, and do them well. You’ll want to look for a stroller that can perform well in rain or shine and that can handle a few different types of terrain. Looking for bonus points? Find a stroller that can switch from infant to toddler stages, or even support one or two children.
  1. Durability: Similarly, if you’re investing in a good stroller, you want that investment to last for more than one season. Look for frames made of good metal, fabric that can stand up to weather and multiple washings, and wheels that can handle daily walks for years to come. 
  1. Safety: Your stroller needs to keep your child safe. Look for multi-wheel suspension to protect your child from jolts mid-stroll. 5-point safety harnesses are the standard du jour, so they’re always a good description to see! (We personally are always excited to see straps that can easily accommodate a growing child, with easily-adjustable restraints.)
  1. Ease of Use: Remember, a stroller is a tool that you’re going to use often to make transportation with your baby easy! Look for features that will really add to your life, such as a good amount of storage, cupholders, brakes that truly work, and easily foldable strollers that are simple to store. 

We hope that this list of the best strollers was helpful for you! Please let us know if you would like us to review other models that weren’t mentioned above. We always love to hear from you!

Frequently asked questions about strollers

What are the best baby strollers?

The best baby strollers are the Summer 3DLite, the UPPAbaby Cruz v2, and the Evenflo Pivot Xpand. Together, they each win our category of best overall, best premium, and best value strollers of the year thanks to their safety features, practicality, and comfort for your baby.

What is the best stroller 2021?

The best stroller of 2021 is the Summer 3DLite. It provides the best balance of features and compact portability for your everyday needs.

What strollers do celebrities use?

Celebrities like to use strollers from brands such as UPPAbaby, Joovy, and Baby Jogger. These strollers offer the absolute best options available on the market today if money is no object. They are also incredibly stylish.

What are the most expensive strollers?

The most expensive strollers of the year are the Baby Jogger City Select and the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. They offer uncompromizing levels of style, comfort, and quality. You can customize the colors and add additional accessories to personalize them to your needs.

WHAT WE ARE LOVING NOW


Buy It Read
Review
Nanit Plus camera - Baby Gear Essentials

Nanit

Smart Camera

Buy It Read
Review
Chicco KeyFit 30 - Baby Gear Essentials

Chicco

KeyFit 30

Buy It Read
Review
Infant Optics DRX-8 - Baby Gear Essentials

Infant Optics

DRX-8

Buy It Read
Review
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio - Baby Gear Essentials

Peg Perego

Primo Viaggio

Lollipop camera monitor review - Baby Gear Essentials

Lollipop Baby Monitor Review

Baby Monitor

Nanit Plus camera review best monitor - Baby Gear Essentials

Nanit Plus Camera Review

Baby Monitor

UPPAbaby MESA Review - Baby Gear Essentials

UPPAbaby MESA Review

Infant Car Seat

Best Stroller Awards

Top 3 Best Strollers of 2021

  1. Summer 3DLite
  2. UPPAbaby Cruz v2
  3. Evenflo Pivot Xpand
See why thousands of parents trust us to find the best product for their family.

what we review Baby Gear Essentials

Read more about how we test and review.

Search

Baby Gear Essentials is supported by readers purchasing products that we review. If you buy something after clicking on a link on our site, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. This article may thus contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Read our earnings disclaimer to learn more.

  • Baby Gear Essentials
  • GUIDES
  • REVIEWS
  • BEST OF
© 2021, Baby Gear Essentials
About   Contact
The information contained on this website, including, but not limited to, health recommendations, product suggestions, or dietary information, is merely the opinion of Baby Gear Essentials or its users and should not be used as a substitute for informed medical or nutritional advice or instruction. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems, without first consulting your doctor. For a full list of disclaimers please review our Terms of Use.

  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Terms
  • Earnings Disclaimer

Crafted with ❤ in Massachusetts and Washington