How to Choose a Baby Stroller: The Well.ca Guide
Somewhere between decorating the nursery and packing your hospital bag, you’ll visit the stroller aisle, and the sheer number of options can stop even the most prepared parent in their tracks.
Strollers come in more shapes and sizes than most new parents expect, and the right one depends less on what’s trending and more on how you get around each day.
This guide walks through how to choose a baby stroller that fits your lifestyle, budget, and family size. You’ll also find the safety features every stroller should have, plus a few of our favourite picks by lifestyle.
Jump straight to Well.ca’s top stroller picks
What to Consider Before You Buy a Stroller
It’s tempting to buy the stroller your sister-in-law swears by, but the stroller that worked for her family won’t necessarily work for yours. How much ground you cover, what you’re willing to spend, and how many kids you’re planning for matter more than what’s trending right now. Getting these factors right up front means you won’t end up wrestling a stroller that doesn’t work for your own daily routine.
Your Lifestyle and Terrain
If you live in the city and get around mostly on foot or transit, prioritize a stroller that’s easy to carry and folds down with one hand. If you’re in the suburbs and driving baby to daycare, appointments, or errands every day, look for a stroller that folds down easily, lifts without a struggle, and slides right into your trunk.
Also think about how the stroller gets from the street to your door. If you’re climbing stairs to your front door or walk-up apartment, you’ll want something light enough to carry one-handed while you’re also holding your baby. If you can wheel the stroller straight into an elevator or a garage instead, weight matters a lot less.
Terrain matters just as much as how you get around. If your routes are mostly flat and paved, a lightweight or full-size stroller will do the job. If you’re dealing with curbs and steps, unpaved parks, or heavy snow in the winter, look for larger wheels and stronger suspension.
Budget
A premium stroller isn’t a must, but spending more usually gets you a sturdier frame and smoother suspension. The materials also tend to hold up better through more than one kid. Budget-friendly strollers, generally in the $300 to $500 CAD range, cover the everyday basics well. Premium models can run well past $1,000 CAD once you add a bassinet or car seat adapter, though many parents recoup some of that cost by reselling a well-maintained stroller once their child outgrows it.
According to Kristin Revere, an Elite-Certified Birth, Postpartum and Infant Care Doula, spending more tends to make sense for parents who are out walking every day: “If they live in the city and plan to do a lot of walking, a premium stroller is worth it. If a stroller is only used occasionally, they don’t necessarily need to splurge.”
If you’re mostly babywearing or only using your stroller for quick trips, a lightweight, budget-friendly option can absolutely hold up well. Putting the savings toward a car seat or a good baby carrier is often a better trade-off than a top-tier stroller that spends most of its time in your closet.
How Many Children You’re Planning For
If you’re planning another baby close in age, look for a stroller that converts from single to double, so you’re not scrambling for a second seat once the new baby arrives.
If you’re expecting a bigger age gap, where your older child will likely be walking by the time the next one arrives, a single stroller usually makes more sense than paying for double capacity you’ll rarely use.
If your family is complete, a single stroller usually has a smoother ride and be much easier to fold.
Types of Baby Strollers
Baby strollers fall into six main categories, each built for a different kind of routine and environment.
| Stroller Type | Best For | Typical Weight | Size When Folded |
| Full-size | Everyday use, all-around comfort | 22–28 lbs | Medium |
| Lightweight/travel | Transit, condos, flights | 13–18 lbs | Compact |
| Jogging | Running, off-road trails | 25–32 lbs | Large |
| Double | Twins, siblings close in age | 28–36 lbs | Large |
| Wagon | Outdoor excursions, multiple toddlers | 30–38 lbs | Wide |
| All-terrain | Gravel, snow, unpaved paths | 24–29 lbs | Medium-large |
Full-Size Strollers
Full-size strollers are built for everyday use, with sturdy frames and big storage baskets. They give a comfortable ride over most terrain and typically weigh 22 to 28 pounds. Full-size strollers handle daily walks well, but their weight makes them harder to lift into a trunk or carry up a flight of stairs.
Lightweight and Travel Strollers
Lightweight and travel strollers trade some comfort for portability, usually weighing 13 to 18 pounds and folding down small enough for a plane’s overhead bin or a condo closet. If your days involve transit, stairs, or regular flights, look for one with a true one-handed fold, so you can manage it while holding your baby.
Jogging Strollers
Jogging strollers have three air-filled tires, a locking front wheel, and hand brakes, which keep the stroller steady at running speed, unlike a standard stroller. They’re a good choice for regular runners, though the larger frame takes up more room than other types once folded.
Double Strollers
Double strollers carry two children at once, either side by side or one behind the other, and typically weigh 28 to 36 pounds. They’re the practical choice for twins or siblings close in age, but the wider or longer frame can be harder to manoeuvre through doorways and tight spaces.
Wagons
Stroller wagons combine a deep, flat-bottomed bed with rugged tires, built to haul more than one toddler, plus all of their snacks and gear. If beach days or park outings are a regular occurrence, stroller wagons handle sand and uneven ground with ease.
All-Terrain Strollers
All-terrain strollers sit between a full-size stroller and a jogging stroller, with larger, knobby wheels and heavier suspension for gravel paths and slushy Canadian winters. If your regular route takes you away from the sidewalk onto rougher ground, all-terrain strollers handle it well without much extra effort.
Must-Have Safety Features
Every stroller sold in Canada has to meet Health Canada’s requirements, but a few features deserve a closer look before you buy.
Since 2023, Health Canada has required a secondary safety latch under its Carriages and Strollers Regulations, so even if the primary latch fails, the frame can only fold up to a third of the way while your child is in the seat. The same rules require parking brakes that hold firm on a 12-degree incline, so the stroller won’t roll away on a slope.
Beyond the requirements, look for a five-point harness and locking wheels or brakes that your toddler can’t release from their seat. A wide wheelbase helps resist tipping, and smooth edges, with no rough spots or sharp bits, protect your child’s fingers once they’re old enough to reach for the sides.
Canada’s regulations also cap how much lead, mercury, and certain phthalates can appear in a stroller’s paint, plastic, and fabric, since babies tend to touch, chew, and mouth everything within reach. Every stroller sold in Canada is also required to list a model name, manufacture date, and manufacturer contact details on the frame, along with bilingual warning labels reminding you never to leave your child unattended.
Nice to Haves
Once the safety basics are covered, you should consider some accessories to make daily outings more comfortable.
A cup holder keeps your coffee within easy reach on a walk, while a snack tray does the same for your toddler’s crackers. A rain cover and footmuff keep your child dry and warm through a Canadian winter, while a large, adjustable sun canopy protects them on sunnier days too.
Shop stroller accessories that make every walk a comfortable one no matter the season.
Newborn-Specific Stroller Considerations
A newborn needs to lie flat, either in a bassinet attachment or a certified infant car seat, until they’ve built enough head and neck control to sit upright safely.
Most stroller travel systems solve this by letting a certified infant car seat click directly onto the frame, so your newborn stays in that same fully reclined position without needing a separate bassinet attachment. Compatibility varies by brand, so check the adapter list before you buy a stroller if you already own a car seat.
There’s no single age for when a baby’s ready to sit upright in the stroller, but according to Kristin Revere, “six months is pretty standard for a fully upright stroller.” Strength and weight matter more than age alone, so watch for physical signs like rolling over, pushing up, and sitting up unsupported before making the switch.
Bassinet attachments come with their own weight limits, often capping out around 20 pounds. Go by your baby’s actual weight, not their age or length, when deciding if they’ve outgrown it.
Well.ca’s Top Stroller Picks by Lifestyle
Now that you know what to look for, here are a few strollers to check out.
The Ultimate Stroller for Growing Families
The UPPAbaby Vista V3 easily transforms to accommodate up to three children, with over 30 configurations to grow with your family. It features Enhanced FlexRide Suspension, an All-Weather Comfort Seat, a quick-to-secure harness system, never-flat tires, and an extendable, water-repellent UPF 50+ canopy. It’s an excellent full-size stroller built for the long haul, from your first child to your last.
The Mid-Size Stroller for City Life
The UPPAbaby Kona is built for life on the move, with a lightweight 22-pound frame and a one-hand fold that makes tight city spaces and quick transitions easy to manage. Its reversible seat and near-flat recline mean it’s ready to use from birth, so you won’t need a separate newborn stroller.
The Compact Stroller You Can Configure with Just One Hand
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus folds down in one second to be compact enough for a plane’s overhead bin, at just 16 pounds, so travel days don’t mean leaving comfort behind. A lay-flat recline lets your baby nap on the go, and its bio-based, recycled-aluminum build cuts its carbon footprint by 37% compared to the original model.
The Slim Stroller for the Jogger
The BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 gives active parents the freedom to run, jog, and explore without compromising on comfort or control. Its ultra-smooth ride and adjustable fit ensure parents of any height can jog or maneuver with ease, while your child enjoys all-day comfort and sun protection. With generous storage for all your gear and effortless check-ins along the way, this jogging stroller delivers seamless convenience and safety for your growing child.
The Travel Stroller for Your Next Vacation
The CYBEX AGIS Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller takes the stress out of family travel, folding into a lightweight, carry-on compliant size that stows easily on flights and in tight spaces. Advanced suspension ensures a smooth ride over cobbled streets and gravel paths, while an extendable UPF 50+ canopy keeps your child cool and sun-protected. With one-hand recline, posture-friendly leg support, and a spacious storage basket, it delivers effortless comfort for all your travels.
The Wagon for the Fam Who Takes the Path Less Traveled
Veer Cruiser All Terrain Wagon 
The Veer Cruiser gives adventurous families the freedom to explore off-road terrain, smoothly navigating everything from deep sand to snow. Its versatile steering options and lightweight frame ensure effortless control for parents, while quick, compact folding makes travel and storage simple. Designed to grow with your family, this wagon keeps two children safe, comfortable, and fully engaged with 360-degree views on every journey.
Find the Stroller That Makes Your Life Easier
A good stroller is one you don’t have to think much about. It folds easily, handles your usual route without a fight, and doesn’t slow you down on your way out the door with your baby. Get that right, and it fades into the background of your day instead of being one more thing to manage.
Ready to start shopping? Browse our full stroller collection to find your match, or start your baby registry so it’s ready when your baby arrives.
Disclaimer: I am a FTM. My bad, FTM stands for first-time mom. Who would have thought that there was
If your baby is suddenly irritable, drooling up a storm, and putting everything they can get their h
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