Ariana Gray 🥉

For a tiny apartment and lots of stairs, aim for something under 15 pounds with a true one hand fold. In the store and literally hold a five to ten pound weight or your diaper bag in one arm and try the fold and unfold five times in a row. It should lock closed on its own and open smoothly without you fishing for tabs. Give the handle a firm twist to check frame flex. Roll it over a rough mat or the sidewalk outside if allowed and see if the front wheels shimmy. Bigger wheels feel steadier on uneven sidewalks, and a front swivel that can lock straight helps a lot. Step on the brake, then push and pull the stroller to make sure it holds. Do a curb pop test with some weight in the seat to see if it tips. If the folding mechanism jammed on one you tried, look for designs with a single pull strap or single trigger and a visible metal locking latch rather than multiple small plastic tabs. For travel and buses, a self standing fold makes life easier at your feet and in tight halls. A carry strap or built in handle is gold on stairs. Check folded size against your hallway and trunk, and practice slinging it over your shoulder for a few minutes to see if the balance digs into you. Make sure the basket can fit your daily bag and that you can reach it when the seat is reclined. For planes, a simple travel bag or even a padded gate check bag keeps grit out of the joints and helps it last. On buses, keep the wrist strap on and lock the wheels when stopped so it does not roll. To make it last into the toddler years, look for a high seat back and a tall canopy clearance so a taller kid does not hunch. Multiple harness heights and a sturdy footrest matter more than fancy extras. A five point harness with easy but secure buckles saves headaches. Check the stated weight limit and then eyeball the real world build by gently pressing on joints and listening for creaks. After purchase, rinse grit off the wheels every few weeks, use a dry silicone spray on hinges, tighten screws every couple of months, and store it dry. Register for warranty and check for recalls. If budget is tight, a gently used stroller can be great, just inspect wheels for flat spots, ensure the fold locks reliably, and verify the harness is intact with no fraying.