The Sorellona Standard: Strollers

So here you are, staring down one of the biggest baby gear decisions you’ll make: what stroller should I get?

It’s a big purchase. And unlike some baby gear, you’ll probably use your stroller for years. The right stroller will make your life so much easier. The wrong one will annoy you…every single day.

It feels like a high-stakes decision, but I promise we can make it so much easier. You don’t need to research every stroller on the market and you don't need to listen to every single voice telling you "this is the best stroller because of xyz." It never ends!

Instead, you simply need to figure out which stroller fits your life. I'm here to help you break it down.

Before we dive into some key questions, let me give you the rundown on the primary stroller types you'll run across in your stroller research.

Not sure where to start? The Sorellona chatbot asks you a few questions about your life and points you straight to the strollers that fit. Try it here → Or keep reading if you want the full breakdown first.

Stroller Types at a Glance

Standard Stroller

Standard strollers are built for everyday comfort. They typically have a smooth ride and plentiful storage. Standard strollers are great for neighborhood walks and family outings. 

Jogger

Jogging strollers are built for active lifestyles. The front wheel needs to lock for safety while jogging (though the best ones also allow you to unlock the wheel for more nimble strolling) and these strollers have excellent suspension for bumps. Typically it is not recommended that jog with a baby in the stroller until they are 6 or 9 months old (see the product descriptions), however you can, of course, walk with younger babies in the stroller. Even if you don’t run, this can be a really good option for uneven terrain. 

Compact

Compact strollers are small, easy to store, and travel-friendly. Though these often come to mind for people who are jet-setting with their kids, they can also be a great option for city living, public transit, or frequent car trips because some have surprisingly space storage and smooth rides. That being said, others are more basic, so be thoughtful about what your goals for your compact stroller are. 

Travel System

Travel systems as we define them are really designed for babies who still sit in infant car seats. You pop the carseat out of the base in the car, snap it into a lightweight frame, and hit the pavement. These are really great for people who just need a quick in-and-out option and who want to prolong those precious carseat naps by avoiding taking baby out of the carseat. A lot of the standard strollers (and even some joggers) include a carseat option making them function as travel systems too, but they don't give you the benefit of the lightweight base. 

Wagon

The stroller wagon is next level. It carries multiple kids and / or a lot of gear. As the name implies, stroller wagons usually have an open design, thought many models do have a 5-point harnesses system built in for the seated kids. These are usually not suitable for newborns (though a few do offer carseat adaptors), but they can be an excellent option for families with toddlers and young kids who are ready to move beyond an initial stroller but still need the cargo- and kiddo-carrying benefits of a stroller. Because let's be honest...who is ready to start carrying all your stuff around again?

Alright, now that we've got that background, let's dive into how I recommend you think about this purchase.

Step 1: How will you use it?

First, get really honest with yourself and ask yourself how you will be using a stroller to serve your family. There's a lot of romanticization when it comes to picturing what life with you baby will be like, so try to be really honest here. Where will you actually use your stroller day-to-day?

• Will you primarily be walking out your front door and strolling on sidewalks in your neighborhood or will you be packing the stroller up to take it with to stroll somewhere else?
• Will you be off-roading on trails, grass, or uneven terrain? For example, going to older sibling's soccer practices or cruising through the grass in the park. 
• Are you planning to walk, or will you eventually be picking up the pace to jog with baby?
• Will you be using the stroller in city environments where sidewalks are more narrow, shops are smaller, and there are more people around, or will you have more wide-open space?

While nothing is every perfectly clear cut, your answer here can help you hone in on the stroller type that you need. If you're staying on smooth surfaces you can look at standard strollers, compact strollers, and travel systems. Whereas if you're going to be going off the beaten path you'll probably want to look at wagons, joggers, or standard strollers with high-quality suspension. 

Step 2: How Many Kids Will Ride?

Once you have an idea of how you'll be using the stroller, the next question is how many kids will you need to carry?

Single stroller

If you're a parent to just one stroller-riding kid and don't see that changing anytime soon, then a single stroller is the right option. Single strollers are typically much lighter than double strollers, and there's really no need to be pushing around more weight than needed!

💡 Pro tip: A ride-along board can be a game-changer. These attach to the back of your stroller, giving an older child a spot to sit or stand while you push. They’re a great way to add capacity to many single or double strollers. Some boards are brand-specific, while others work universally—just check before you buy.

Single stroller, expandable to double

If you have just one child now, but would like the option to carry another stroller-riding kid down the line, you should consider a convertible stroller that grows with your family. These convertible strollers will usually allow you to add a second infant or toddler seat, and some even include multiple seating configurations.

Double stroller 

Need to carry two kids now? Then double stroller is your answer. But even here, thare are a few options. First, think about the seating layout: do you prefer tandem seating (front-to-back) or side-by-side. Side-by-side can get wide fast, so if you’ll be navigating stores or crowded sidewalks, tandem might be easier. Next, consider age compatibility. Some doubles let both seats work for infants, while others have one seat for a baby and one for a toddler. If you have twins or kids close in age, make sure both seats accommodate their ages comfortably.

Step 3: Seat Setup & Age Range

Now that you've got an idea of how you'll be using the stroller and how many kids you need to carry, you can think more specifically about what those seats look like. One thing to know is that not all strollers can accommodate newborns, so always make that be your first question. Will you use the stroller to carry a newborn or are are you only carrying an older kiddo? Seats for all ages vary more than you might expect, so let's chat about those options.

Newborn options:

• Bassinet attachment
• Infant car seat (adapter may be required)
• Stroller seat with approved infant insert
• Flat-recline seat

💡 Pro tip: Check if newborn compatibility is “out of the box” or if it will require accessories. Some strollers carry newborns directly; others need a bassinet, infant car seat, or cocoon insert, and those accessories may or may not be included in the purchase.

Older babies / toddlers:

Older baby seats are typically either built in seats or "jump seats" that are removable or reconfigurable. When looking at the toddler seats check out the seat depth, whether there is a foot rest, and what parts of the seat can be removed for easy cleaning.

Step 4: Weight Matters More Than You Think

Okay, so now you have an idea of the type of stroller you're looking for, the number of seats you need, and what those seats might look like. Next you'll want to think about how much the stroller weighs. Unfortunately, most strollers aren't super light, but a few pouds here and there can make a big difference. That's one of the reasons we put the stroller weight front-and-center on Sorellona's product descriptions. Because lifting a stroller into a car while juggling groceries and baby is real life. Here’s a rough guide on how to frame stroller weights. 

Joggers and double strollers are almost always going to weigh significantly more that standard single strollers. But remember that if weight is a concern but you want room for older kids, a ride-along board can be a great compromise.

Step 5: Brand & Price Considerations

The final big question to ask yourself is how much do you want to spend on this piece of gear. Strollers are a little like cars for parents—they’re visible, used daily, and can feel like a status symbol. For some parents that's a big deal, for others they just want something that gets them from point A to point B.

So why are there price differences on these strollers?

Premium options might offer:

• High-end materials
• Sleek design
• Long-term durability
• Resale value

Budget-conscious options focus on:

• Functionality
• Simplicity
• Value

There’s no wrong choice—just know what matters to you before comparing models.

Step 6: Other Things to Look For

If you've answered all of those questions you're on a really good path to finding the right stroller for your family. There are, of course, some bells and whistles that some strollers have that you might also want to consider. 

• Brake type: Foot or hand brake? Where is it located?
• Front wheel lock: Easy to reach at the hand or down by the wheel?
• Folding mechanism: One-handed or two-handed?
• Storage space: Basket size, cup holders, under-seat space, snack tray for the kiddo?
• Suspension & wheel type: Plastic wheels, rubber wheels, air-filled wheels, suspension?

Parent Archetypes

Most parents fall into one or two of these “archetypes,” which makes choosing easier:

Everyday Walks

• Walks near home, errands nearby
• Prioritizes smooth push, comfort, storage
• Consider:  Mockingbird Single-To-Double

Go-Everywhere Parent

• Out and about with baby daily
• Prioritizes compact fold, doorways, storage, durability
• Consider: Bugaboo Butterfly

Minimalist

• Babywearing most of the time
• Needs a lightweight stroller for occasional outings or travel 
• Consider: Joovy Kooper

Trailblazer

• Active lifestyle: trails, jogging, uneven terrain
• Prioritizes suspension, stability, all-terrain tires
• Consider: Thule Urban Glide 3

Overachiever

• Wants a stroller that can do it all
• Usually a balance of everyday comfort + jogging/active performance
• Consider: UppaBaby Ridge V2

If you see yourself in more than one category, that’s completely normal. Many families end up with more than one stroller to cover different parts of their day-to-day life.

For example, an athletic city dweller might use a high-quality compact stroller for everyday outings—easy to maneuver through shops, restaurants, and sidewalks—then pair it with a jogging stroller for runs or longer outdoor walks. One handles daily life, the other handles performance.

A suburban, on-the-go family might take regular walks around the neighborhood but rely on the car for most errands. (And let’s be honest—at most suburban grocery stores, you’re using a cart anyway.) In this case, a comfortable everyday stroller works well for walks, paired with a compact stroller that’s easy to bring along for trips or load into the car with luggage.

Then there’s the out(door)-and-about family—the ones heading to sports practices, parks, picnics, and everything in between. A wagon often becomes the go-to for hauling kids and gear, especially for longer outings. But for quick trips or easy in-and-out with a baby, adding a simple travel system or car seat frame makes life much easier.

See yourself in one of these? The Sorellona chatbot can narrow it down further based on your specific situation — your neighborhood, your car, how many kids you're planning for. Find your stroller match →

Remember: the goal isn't the best stroller. It's the right one for your life. Ready to find it? Start here →