Best City Strollers

Ahhhh, city living. There’s nothing like it in the world.

When a baby comes along, you’ll be so happy you live in a place where you can easily walk to your favorite markets and cafes without having to endure the anxieties of driving.

We’ve picked the best strollers for the city in two distinct categories: 1) lightweight/compact for the minimalist parents who are always on the go, 2) and full-sized for fashionista parents who also need a ride that versatile and adaptable. We’ve made out picks based on our own experiences as parents in the city and on the many (many) strollers we’ve used over the years. 😳

~ Without further ado, here’s our list of best strollers for the city in order of price (lowest to highest) ~

Best Lightweight City Strollers

Here are our favorite lightweight city strollers (and they all weigh less than 20 lbs, with one slight exception!). Listed in order of price (from lowest to highest).

Zoe Tour+ ~ $249

The 11-lb Zoe Tour+ is a great all-purpose stroller – and gets bonus points for being perfect for the city. The brand listened to parent feedback and increased the size of the Zoe’s wheels for the v2, so it can better handle rougher terrain and turn on a dime (though it can still make for a bumpy ride when going over potholes). But overall, you’re looking for an inexpensive, do-it-all travel and city stroller for a great price, look no further.

Joovy Caboose Ultralight ~ $249, $231 on Amazon, – Best Sit N’ Stand for 2

Weight: 22 lbs

At 22 pounds, this utilitarian sit n’ stand is very lightweight for a double stroller. No, it doesn’t have a luxury look or feel, but it comes with nice extras like a parent console, a large canopy, and even a rear canopy for a child sitting in back (new feature). It has a strap that functions as a universal infant car seat adapter (though FYI, the seats are strapped down rather than being “clicked in” to the stroller).

For an extra $50, the Joovy Caboose also has the option of adding a second seat for the back (the “Rear Seat“) if your older kid isn’t ready yet for the bench seat, or if you’re going out for a longer stroll. This is one of the best city strollers we know for taking two kids on outings to places like the zoo and the aquarium. See the full review of the Caboose Ultralight here.

Psstt — the “Caboose S,” which hit the market March 2018, is a larger, upscale offering that allows the infant seat to go in the rear and generally gives you more space, more padding and a much bigger canopy. Check it out. (Keep in mind that, at $459, it isn’t the same price point).

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2  ~ $399 ($304 on Amazon) – Editor’s Choice

Weight: 21.4 lbs

*Note: the City Mini was discontinued. Baby Jogger kept the GT2 iteration of the stroller (a more versatile, yet heavier option).

This stroller needs no introduction; it’s the stroller you will see parked at every playground in American cities. It’s a 3-wheel compact/lightweight stroller with an easy one-handed fold, huge sunshade, and has smooth, one-handed steering. The padded seat is comfortable and reclines to a nearly flat position — perfect for napping babies.

Though not meant for jogging, the GT2 is one of the few all-terrain strollers that remain compact, making it perfect for city living — small but mighty and ready to handle potholes and uneven sidewalks.

The GT2’s seat stands higher and has a higher weight limit (up to 65 lbs) than the regular City Mini (no longer available). The bar in the back makes the basket not as easily accessible as one would want.

The City Mini GT is also available as a double, which is one of the most popular double strollers out there.

Baby Jogger makes a plethora of car seat adapters, including the Graco SnugRide Click Connect, Britax/BOB, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Peg Perego and the Chicco KeyFit 30.  

Meg used the regular City Mini stroller for years and had nothing but good things to say about it. To me, it’s the best of all worlds. The GT2 is definitely a crowd pleaser, especially urban parents, though pricier.

UPPAbaby Minu ~ $449

Weight: 17 lbs

We’re ALSO totally stoked about the UPPAbaby Minu V2 compact stroller, which holds kids up to 50 lbs. This sleek, 17 lb stroller has an extremely compact fold (part of the wave of “tri-fold” strollers that have taken over the stroller market lately), a luxe leather handlebar, and an optional “From Birth Kit” ($129) for your newborn. Note this stroller only faces forward.

The Minu features a nicely sized basket (much like all UPPAbaby strollers), all-wheel suspension, extendable canopy, seat pocket for your keys and such, and a storage bag for travel. You can buy car seat adapters to click in the following infant car seats: Nuna Pipa/Maxi Cosi/Cybex and UPPAbaby Mesa.

Check out our video review (for the first version of the Minu) below ~

Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller ~ $550 — A one-piece car seat/stroller for infants only

Weight: 17 lbs

If you’d describe yourself as an urban family on the go (you take a lot of Ubers, Lyfts, taxis, etc.), then you should definitely take a look at the Doona car seat/stroller. This infant car seat (with anti-rebound bar, extra side impact protection, and layers of EPS foam) transforms into a stroller by popping out the wheels and pulling out the extendable handle. Say what?!

Just to be clear, the Doona is a “car seat mobility solution” — meaning, it’s a great way to take your car seat around anywhere you go. That said, it’s not a replacement for a regular stroller. It’s really just your car seat solution for car outings. It’s not what you would take with you for a neighborhood stroll.

Watch the video to check out its innovative design. You pop out the wheels in one motion, pull up the handle, and presto: your car seat is ready to go for a stroll! You can push it one-handed, and it maneuvers easily along crowded streets. Yep— if you’re a city dweller (or just looove the idea of not needing to haul around a stroller in addition to your infant car seat), you may want to strongly consider the Doona.

The downside is that there is NO storage, which is a big bummer. Also, it’s not great for parents who have stairs between their front door and the road (but great for elevators!), as the unit is quite heavy to carry for any period of time (close to 17 lbs). However, it starts to look quite good when compared to carrying 2 separate pieces (a car seat and a stroller), whose total combined weight is typically somewhere between 25 and 30 lbs.

You can optionally purchase a LATCH base that stays in your car, a rain cover, and a sunshade extension.

*Works for babies up to 32 inches in height. Realistically, you’d use this car seat/stroller hybrid for about the first year of your newborn’s life, then switch to a convertible car seat and a new stroller.

Bugaboo Bee6 ~ $779

Weight: 16 lbs

The Bugaboo Bee6 is a faaaabulous option for city dwellers (Brooklyn, ahem). You can choose the color combo of your dream from a variety of options.

Put simply, the Bee6 is a lightweight, simple, modular stroller. Again, that means the seat pops off to face forward or rear. Additionally, the stroller can fold with the seat facing either direction, which is a huge plus. Unlike most other Bugaboo strollers, you don’t have to remove the seat to fold it, which wins huge points for me.

The Bee6 is really a great city stroller because it’s stylish, lightweight (at 16 lbs, it’s even lighter than its predecessor, the Bee5), has an amazing push, a comfy seat, a nice storage basket, and includes a rain cover. Urban parents love Bugaboo strollers for how well they maneuver in city environments, their generous sun canopies, adjustable handlebars, and extremely (easy!) compact fold.

The only thing we don’t love is the price. Alas. 😉

*You can purchase car seat adapters for Cybex/Maxi-Cosi and Chicco KeyFit infant seats.  

Best Full-Sized City Strollers:

Sometimes a city gal just wants it all: bigger wheels for a smoother ride, larger canopies, loads of storage, etc. After all, when you live in the city, your stroller is pretty much your “car.” Note that some of these have the option to add a second seat for Baby #2. 😉 

Baby Jogger City Select Lux ~ $620

Weight: 28 lbs as a single; 35 lbs as a double

The City Select Lux is a luxury convertible stroller that’s great as a single with its reversible seat, large storage basket, adjustable handlebar, and luxury features. And that shopping basket, tho!

When your 2nd baby comes along, you can add either a regular 2nd seat or an optional bench seat (currently not available) for your older toddler or preschooler (approx. age 2.5 and up). Although heavy and not great for hauling in and out of your car, this one earns a place in our best city strollers list because of its large wheels, nice suspension, and easy push (on flat terrain), plus its many different seating options (as both seats are modular and you can get a bench seat).

Note: As a double, this stroller is fairly long and can be more difficult to steer and maneuver around hilly areas (it’s especially hard to pop up on curbs). Thus, we don’t recommend this stroller (or the regular City Select) for those that live in very hilly neighborhoods (Noe Valley, Pac Heights, I’m looking at you ;-))

UPPAbaby Cruz V2 ~ $649

Weight: 25.5 lbs

The Cruz is slightly lighter than its larger counterpart, the Vista and more compact, yet still boasts the key features of the Vista. Two big differences: the Cruz does not come with a bassinet and cannot convert into a double stroller later on. The tires on the Cruz mimic the cushioned ride of an air-filled tire with the lightweight benefit of foam. 

Like the Vista, the Cruz is also modular (reversible seat). It’s one of the best city strollers out there because it’s stylish, super easy to fold, has the same amazing sunshade, telescoping handlebar, extra large basket, and includes a bumper bar. And the textiles are mmmmm mmmmm. 

• If you are getting the Cruz or the Vista, do yourself a favor and get the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat.

Note: The Cruz V2 goes bigger in features and smaller in its fold. We’re talking bigger wheels and basket, more upscale details and fabrics, and more. It’s worth mentioning that it’s heavier than its older version. At 25.5 lbs, it’s only one pound lighter than the Vista V2 (that’s because of the bigger wheels and roomier seat).

Read more about it here.

Nuna Mixx Next ~ $800

Weight: 28.3 lbs

Nuna, Bugaboo, and UPPAbaby are known for making some of the best city strollers out there because of how easily they navigate uneven city sidewalks. Oh, and because they’re beautiful. 

Personally, I find Nuna strollers to be unnecessarily heavy, but people love their look. The Mixx Next has a modular seat (can face forward or rear) so your baby can face either direction, an adjustable handlebar (with faux leather padding), a one-touch rear brake, a huuuuge storage basket, a plush seat with breathable fabric and a full recline for newborns, a rotating leg rest, a one-hand fold (and un-fold) and all-wheel suspension.

You don’t need a separate bassinet for this stroller (like you get with the Vista) because the seat basically morphs into one (for newborns). That means one less piece to keep track of/store away when you’re done with it. 

When folded, you can pull it along behind you like a rolling suitcase (this is good because of the weight). The fabrics on Nuna strollers (and Cybex, for that matter) are something to behold. They’ve paid great attention to detail and it shows on their textiles.

Again, this stroller is definitely on the heavier side, as far as single strollers go, and some parents complain that it doesn’t easily pop up on curbs.

Keep in mind – this stroller is VERY similar to the Cybex Priam, but for about 40% less, so that’s something to consider. I think the Cruz is a better value, but this is a great option for “something different.”

UPPAbaby Vista V2 ~ $999

Weight: 26.6 lbs

Doubles Kit: $219

I have a confession: UPPAbaby is my favorite luxury brand (in case that wasn’t obvious, LOL). This US-based company (located in Rockland, Mass) makes beautiful baby products that offer a great value – and their customer service is top notch. With the introduction of the “melange” fabrics in 2018, they’re not losing any style points, either. In fact, their stuff is becoming very popular in Europe. 

The UPPAbaby Vista is an awesome city stroller that offers style and functionality for a non-ridiculous price. It’s a modular (reversible) stroller with excellent 4-wheel suspension, a large storage basket, an adjustable handlebar, and the best sun canopy on the market.

People loooove the UPPAbaby bassinet, which comes standard with this stroller.

You can use this bassinet in your home for overnight sleep, for travel…. for whatever. You can also buy the bassinet stand to elevate it. You can even turn it into a laundry stand when you’re done with it! It’s sick. Yes, the bassinet is a big attraction of this stroller

The 2nd cool thing about the Vista is that it becomes an awesome double stroller, with purchase of the second seat, the “rumble seat” (max weight 35 lbs). For an older child (or a 3rd kid!), you can also get the UPPAbaby Piggyback Ride-Along Board ($119). Yep — this one is top notch! See the full review here.

This stroller is a little heavier, but it does A LOT. It has crazy storage, an easy fold, a HUGE canopy, and high-end touches. The bassinet and 2nd seat only add to my love for it ❤. I really don’t think any of these foreign strollers have anything on it (snap, snap snap).

Cybex Priam ~ $1,100

Weight: 28 lbs

“Urban Street Poetry”

This fancy-pants Euro stroller is really…let’s put it this way…every photo you see of this stroller is of a supermodel pushing it in high heels. Wearing an urban cowboy hat. Yes, it is absolutely all about style with the Cybex brand.

This stroller has two very distinct parts: the frame and the seat. The frame is very sleek and “chrome” looking. It has a super simplistic look and feel and is completely customizable.

The new generation lets you pick from four different frame variations, all more elegant than the other (rose gold? I mean… Damn, girl!). The wheels are slim but still pack a punch with great suspension. And OMG — you can even get SKI attachments for the front of the stroller. WHAT!?? 

For the “seat” part (all sold separately), you can choose from many options as well: the bassinet, a Cybex (or Nuna) infant car seat, the “Lux Seat,” or the “2-in-1 Light Seat.” Car seat adapters come with it.

To recap — for the seats, you can choose the Lux seat or the “2-in-1 Light Seat.” The Lux seat reclines fully (can be used from birth) and is heavier/more expensive/more plush. The Light seat is 2 lbs. lighter and can also be converted to a bassinet for a newborn. The new generation, even has a fashion collection (think florals) and designer collabs.

Note that the seat is high up on the chassis (almost like the Stokke), so some use it as a high chair at restaurants and such. Like the Bugaboo Fox, it also has a two-wheel mode (I call it the “drag” position – see below), so you can roll it up and down stairs, or through sand and snow.

The features on the Priam are top notch. They include an adjustable handlebar, adjustable leg rest, enormous sun canopy, one-handed seat recline, and faux leather bumper bar. The basket “pops” out to reveal a rather large basket. It’s very pop-ey. 

On the downside, this stroller has a multi-step fold (beauty comes at a cost!) — it’s a little more cumbersome than an UPPAbaby or Nuna – or even a City Mini, for that matter. But once folded, it’s pretty easy to carry on your shoulder. All in all, this is a gorgeous, full-sized city stroller — if you decide to go for it, do yourself a favor and buy a cup holder too!

Check out Eli’s review here:

Bottom Line: The Priam is beautiful, but expensive and on the heavier side (for a non-convertible). You’re really buying this for the features and cool style.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks: our top picks for the best city strollers, whether you’re looking for a lightweight stroller that’s easy to haul around town or a full-sized stroller that can carry everything you and baby need. Happy strollin’!