Best Strollers for 2025: What to Buy ✅ and What to Skip ❌

• January 23 2025
• by Connie Smits
• 21 min reading time

Buying a stroller used to be simple. Now?  It’s like car shopping — but way cuter.

In 2025, Europe offers over  120 stroller models with more features, accessories, and price points than ever before. It's overwhelming for new parents, especially when every brand claims to be “the best.”

The stroller market is booming — valued around 2.7–2.9 billion € in Europe this year — but no brand controls more than 8%.

In short: there’s no obvious winner.

And with so many strollers rated 4 stars or higher online, how do you know what's actually worth your money?

It’s not just frustrating—it’s costly. A lot of the first-time parents end up switching strollers within six months. That’s time, money, and stress you don’t need.

We analyzed over 3,200 verified reviews, ran hands-on tests, and gathered insights from real parents across BabyCenter, WhatToExpect, and Reddit. You’ll get real-world stroller picks, based on what works — and what’s just hype.

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Stroller Basics Every Parent Should Know

Before you scroll straight to the “best of” list, it’s worth getting the basics down—especially in Europe, where small sidewalks, old buildings, and lots of stairs can make stroller use tricky.

When do most parents buy a stroller?

In Europe, most parents buy their stroller before the baby arrives — typically during the second or early third trimester. In countries like Germany, Spain, and the UK, it’s common to bundle a stroller into a “travel system” with a compatible car seat and bassinet. Baby stores even offer early reservation services to ensure stock and delivery dates match your due date.

When can babies use regular stroller seats?

Not right away. Babies need full head and neck control before they can sit upright safely—usually around 5 or 6 months. Until then, use a fully reclining seat, carrycot, or infant car seat attachment.

Do you need a stroller from day one?

It depends. Some parents rely heavily on babywearing, especially in cities with tight spaces and public transport. Still, most parents start using a stroller in the first six to eight weeks—mainly for daily walks, errands, and helping newborns nap outside, a common practice in Nordic countries.

Quick Statistics 📊

• Travel systems (3in1 strollers) are still the top choice for first-time parents across Europe
• Compact/foldable/lightweight strollers now make up 38% of sales in 2024, especially in cities like Amsterdam, Milan, and Barcelona where space is tight and stairs are unavoidable
  

 

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Which Stroller to Buy ✅ 
Which to Skip ❌

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✈️ If You Travel Often: Best Travel Strollers for 2025

When you're flying, visiting cities, or packing a small car, you need a stroller that’s lightweight, compact, and cabin-approved.

✅ Buy:

• Joolz Aer+ (394€) – A favorite in the cities for a reason. Weighs just 6kg, folds flat in seconds, and fits easily in train racks, car boots, or overhead bins. High-quality build, smooth push, and a generous sun canopy. Suitable from 6 months up to 22kg.

• Bugaboo Butterfly (313€) – Cabin-size, one-second fold, fits in overhead bins on most European airlines. Plush seat with deep recline, ideal for longer outings. Four-wheel suspension makes cobblestones and uneven streets easier to handle. Suitable from 6 months to 22kg.

• Babyzen YOYO 3 (395€) – Tiny fold and featherlight at 6.2kg. Perfect for city breaks or when space is tight. Compatible with newborn packs and car seats, but the seat itself is better for quick strolls than long naps. Famous for fitting literally anywhere — even under café tables.

• Cam OFF-ROAD AIR (299€) – Best budget pick. Built for any terrain with large wheels, full suspension, and ball bearings. Weighs 8.5kg, folds with one hand, and features a lie-flat seat, UPF50+ canopy, breathable mesh, and eco-leather details. Includes rain cover. Suitable from birth up to 22kg. 
  

Cam OFF-ROAD AIR

• Espiro FLAME (349 €) Smart and stylish with no compromises. Lie-flat seat, UPF50+ canopy with ventilation, and self-folding design. Rubber-coated wheels and suspension handle bumps with ease. Weighs 8.9kg and includes a cup holder, foot cover, and storage bag. Suitable from birth up to 22kg.

❌ Skip: Full-size travel systems unless they’re modular. They’re bulky, tough to gate-check, and overkill for short trips.

Discover more travel strollers here.

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🚗 If You Drive: Best Car Seat + Stroller Combos (Travel Systems)

If your daily routine involves a car, a good travel system makes life easier—and keeps naps undisturbed.

✅ Buy:

• UPPAbaby Vista V3 (790€) + Mesa V2 (276€) – Premium setup with a smooth ride, top-tier safety ratings, and a modular frame that grows with your family. Big underseat basket, easy one-step fold, and effortless car seat clicks in and out. Ideal if you're planning more than one kid.

• Nuna MIXX Next (750€) + PIPA URBN (330€) – Urban-friendly combo. Stroller folds compactly for small car boots and narrow hallways. PIPA URBN car seat is ultra-light and installs in seconds with a built-in ISOFIX system — no base needed. Great for apartment living.

 Nuna MIXX Next + PIPA URBN

• Junama HEART (1369€) – Premium and luxurious stroller that stands out with its golden, diamond-shaped carrycot and elegant eco-leather finish. Designed for parents who value both style and substance, it offers smooth suspension, refined detailing, and a matching diamond bag for a truly luxurious feel. Suitable from birth up to 22kg. 

• Chicco Bravo 3-in-1 Trio Travel System (377€) – Solid value pick. Comes with the highly rated KeyFit 30 car seat. Stroller folds easily with one hand, stands on its own, and fits into most car boots without a struggle. Great quality for the price.

• Mima XARI MAX (1174€) + iZi Go Car Seat (349€) – Luxury option built for style-focused city parents. Sleek frame, smooth drive, compact fold. Carrycot and stroller seat use the same frame, and the iZi Go is lightweight and easy to install with ISOFIX.

Mima XARI MAX + iZi Go

• Tutis MIO 3+ (1149€)– Lightweight at just 7.95kg with one-hand fold and compact size for easy travel. Roomy lie-flat seat, shock-absorbing suspension, and all-terrain wheels for smooth rides. Features include UPF50+ canopy, eco-leather handle, and built-in ventilation. Suitable from 6 months up to 22kg.

❌ Skip: Bulky travel systems that are hard to fold and a pain to lift into smaller cars.

♻️ Bonus Tip : Top-tier strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista V3 or Mima XARI MAX retain 50% of their resale value after two years (60% in excellent condition), making quality an investment.

Discover more car seat + stroller combos here.

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If You Have Multiple Kids: Best Double and Triple Strollers 👶👶

Double, twin, or even triple strollers are a must—but not all are practical for daily use.

✅ Buy:

• Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo (1634€) – High-end side-by-side stroller that easily converts from single to double. Narrow enough for standard doors, super smooth to push, and tons of storage space. Great choice for twins or growing families needing flexibility.

• Zoe The Twin V2 (465€) – Lightweight, travel-friendly, and folds down fast. Weighs just under 10kg, fits through most doorways, and easy to handle solo. Perfect for quick errands, airports, and tight urban spaces.

• Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double (632€) – One of the most compact folds in its class. Big wheels and suspension for a smoother ride on rough paths. Car seat compatible, adjustable handlebar, and seats that lay nearly flat for naps on the go.

• BOB Revolution Flex Duallie (702€) – The go-to for active families. All-terrain tires, mountain bike-style suspension, and adjustable tracking for serious jogging or hiking. Can handle curbs, trails, and city streets without missing a beat.

• Junama HEART DUO SLIM (1889€) – Luxury side-by-side stroller with high-end leather seats and top-tier suspension. Smooth ride, stylish look, and strong enough to handle daily use with two kids. Premium choice if you want performance and aesthetics.

❌ Skip: Side-by-side strollers if you live in a city with narrow doorways or use public transport daily.

Discover more double and tripple strollers here.

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🏃 If You Love the Outdoors: Best Jogging & All-Terrain Strollers

If your weekends involve trails, parks, or cobbled streets, a good all-terrain stroller makes the ride smoother for you and your baby.

✅ Buy:

• Thule Urban Glide 2 (416€) – Lightweight, sleek, and genuinely built for trails. Smooth suspension, easy maneuvering even with one hand, and a handbrake for downhill control. Great for both light jogging and rugged park walks.

• BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 (481€) – Rugged, trail-ready, and made for serious runners. Adjustable tracking keeps the stroller straight even at speed, and the mountain bike-style shock absorption handles rough terrain without jostling your baby.

• Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 (377€) – Hybrid stroller with all-terrain wheels and a super fast, one-hand fold. Not a full jogging stroller but perfect for parents who want one stroller for city sidewalks, cobblestones, park trails, and weekend adventures.

• UPPAbaby Ridge (526€) – Smooth, sturdy, and stylish. Big air-filled tires, strong suspension, and a responsive handbrake make it ideal for suburban parks, light trails, and coastal walks. Built-in wrist strap adds safety at faster speeds.

❌ Skip: Cheap "jogging-style" strollers without real suspension—they can't handle rough ground and can be unsafe at speed.

Discover more jogging and all terrain strollers here.

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Stroller Features & Add-Ons That Actually Matter

With so many “must-have” features pushed by brands, it’s easy to spend more on things you’ll barely use. Here’s what actually matters—and what you can safely skip.

✅ Worth It:

• One-hand folding strollers – Essential when you’re holding a baby or rushing onto public transport.
• Extendable UPF 50+ canopy – Protects against sun, wind, and light rain; crucial for everyday walks.
• Large storage basket – Look for 10+ kg capacity to handle nappy bags, groceries, and jackets.
• Adjustable handlebar – A must if you and your partner are different heights. Saves your back.
• All-wheel suspension – Makes a huge difference on cobbled streets, gravel paths, and even uneven sidewalks.

❌ Maybe Later:

• Cup holders and snack trays – Handy but often sold separately; not essential at the start.
• Built-in phone mounts – Rarely needed, often clunky. A simple phone pocket works better.
• Smart stroller tech (apps, trackers) – Cool but gimmicky. Most parents stop using the apps after a few weeks.

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🛡️ Practical FAQs & Safety Essentials

Choosing a stroller isn’t just about features—it’s about daily life and real safety. Here's what you need to know before hitting “buy.”

✅ Smart Moves:

• Storage in small apartments – Go for wall hooks, fold-flat models, and lightweight frames to save space.
• Back pain prevention – Adjustable handlebars are key, especially if you're taller than average. Top city picks: Joolz Aer+ and Ergobaby Metro+.
• Easy cleaning – Choose machine-washable fabrics. Avoid foam handlebars, which trap dirt and are harder to sanitize.

❌ Watch Out:

• Fixed-handle strollers – They’re fine at first but tough on your back over time.
• Overloaded baskets – Overfilling can tip a stroller backwards. Stick to manufacturer weight limits.

⚠️ Important Stats:

• ~17,000 stroller-related injuries happen annually across Europe (WHO European Report on Child Injury Prevention).
• Top causes: Tip-overs, faulty brakes, poor locking mechanisms(AAP News).
• Recent Recalls: Mockingbird (frame issues-2022), Baby Trend (brake defects-2024).

🛠️ Quick Tip: Always check for EU stroller certifications (EN 1888 standard) before buying—especially if you're shopping secondhand.

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Stroller Price vs. Value — When to Splurge💸 , When to Skip  ❌

Not all expensive strollers are worth it—and some budget picks punch way above their price. Here’s where to spend (and where to save).

✅ Worth the Splurge:

• UPPAbaby Vista V3 – Durable, modular, and holds strong resale value. Grows with your family and handles daily wear without falling apart.
• Nuna MIXX Next + PIPA URBN – Premium, city-ready travel system under €1030. Compact fold, lightweight car seat, and smooth suspension perfect for urban life.
• Mima XARI MAX + iZi Go Car Seat  – Sleek, luxury design with high-end materials and a futuristic frame. Offers a smooth ride, customizable features, and serious style appeal.

✅ Best Budget Picks:

• Chicco Bravo – A solid value for under 400€. The Chicco Bravo comes with the highly-rated KeyFit 30 car seat and features a quick, one-hand fold. 
• Cam OFF-ROAD AIR – At just 299€, the Cam OFF-ROAD AIR delivers serious durability. With air-filled tires built for rough terrain, it’s a smart pick for parents who need a rugged, all-terrain stroller without going over budget. 

❌ Skip:

• Smart strollers with apps – Most parents ditch the tracking features after a month. More tech = more chances for things to break.
• Ultra-cheap no-name models – They often fail on safety tests, have poor wheels, and terrible resale value.

🧠 Parent Insight: 58% of modern parents prioritize quality over affordability when purchasing baby gear like strollers (Researchscape, 2023).

 

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Quick Recap 🎯

Choosing the right stroller isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about matching your real life.

✅ Prioritize safety, weight, and ease of use.
✅ Think about storage, portability, and how long you’ll really need it.
✅ Pay attention to resale value if you want to recoup part of your investment.