How to Choose the Right Baby Stroller: An Ultimate Guide

Choosing a baby stroller for your family in Canada can feel overwhelming. With so many stroller types, price ranges, and features to consider, it’s easy to get lost in the options. At Macklem’s Baby Store, our stroller experts have helped guide families since 1945. We know the best stroller is the one that fits into your unique lifestyle and grows with your needs not just the most popular model online.

This comprehensive stroller buying guide is designed to help you shop smarter. We’ll break down modern stroller types, compare top features, and link directly to in-stock options, accessories, and related resources on Macklems.com. Whether you’re a first-time or returning parent, you’ll find everything you need to make a confident purchase.

Types of Baby Strollers

Not all strollers serve the same purpose. Some are optimal for everyday errands, others for travel, rough terrain, or growing families. Get to know your main options, and explore our full range of best strollers in Canada.

Full-Size Strollers

Full-size strollers are the everyday workhorses for many families. Designed for regular use, they offer the most comfort, features, and storage. If you plan to use your stroller daily for walks, errands, or longer outings, this is often the best place to start.

Most full-size models include a comfortable seat with multiple recline positions, a large canopy, smooth suspension, and a spacious storage basket for your diaper bag. They are sturdy, easy to push, and well-suited for newborns when the seat reclines fully or when paired with a compatible infant car seat.

Best for: Parents looking for a reliable, comfortable stroller for everyday use.
Top Picks: The UPPAbaby Cruz and Bugaboo Fox are customer favorites for their blend of luxury and durability.

Compact Strollers

Compact strollers are designed for parents who need something easier to store and transport. Lighter and folding smaller than their full-size counterparts, they are ideal for city living, apartments, and families with limited car trunk space.

Despite their smaller size, many compact strollers still offer excellent comfort and safety features. They are easy to maneuver through narrow sidewalks, shops, and public transit, making them a popular choice for urban parents or as a secondary "travel" stroller.

Best for: City parents, small apartments, quick outings, and smaller vehicles.

Travel Systems

A travel system combines a stroller with a compatible infant car seat, allowing you to move your baby from car to stroller without disturbing their sleep. This setup is especially popular with newborns and first-time parents.

The main benefit is convenience. You can click the infant car seat directly onto the stroller frame, making errands and short trips much easier during those early months. Many parents opt for brands like Nuna or UPPAbaby, which offer seamless integration between car and street.

Best for: Newborns, first-time parents, and families who drive frequently.

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Single-to-Double Strollers

Single-to-Double Strollers also known as convertible strollers, these are designed to grow with your family. They start as a single stroller and can later be expanded to carry a second child by adding another seat or accessory.

These strollers are a smart financial choice for parents who plan to have more than one child close in age. They offer flexibility and long-term value, allowing you to adapt the stroller as your family grows instead of replacing it entirely. While they tend to be heavier than standard single strollers, their versatility is unmatched.

Best for: Families planning for a second child or wanting a long-term investment.
Top Pick: The Silver Cross Wave is renowned for its ability to configure multiple seats effortlessly.

Double Strollers

Double strollers are built to carry two children at the same time and are ideal for twins or siblings close in age. Whether you choose a side-by-side or tandem (front-to-back) configuration, these strollers are designed to keep both children comfortable while allowing parents to manage outings more easily.

Best for: Twins or siblings who both still need a stroller.

All-Terrain Strollers

All-terrain strollers are designed to handle uneven surfaces and challenging conditions. With larger wheels, better suspension, and a sturdy frame, they provide a smoother ride on gravel paths, grass, snow, and rough sidewalks. They are particularly well-suited for Canadian weather and families who enjoy outdoor walks year-round.

Best for: Outdoor lifestyles, rough terrain, and Canadian winter conditions.

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Stroller Comparison at a Glance

How to Choose the Best Strollers for newborns

Choosing a stroller is less about finding the most popular model and more about finding the one that fits how you actually live. The best stroller for your family should support your daily routines, your space, your child’s age, and your long-term plans.

1. Choose Based on Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle should always come first.

• City Parents: If you live in an urban area, prioritize a compact fold and maneuverability. Narrow sidewalks, elevators, public transit, and small storage spaces all matter.

• Suburban Families: Space and versatility often matter more than size alone. You likely need a stroller that handles longer walks and fits comfortably in a car trunk alongside groceries.

2. Consider Your Baby’s Age

• Newborns: Your stroller must provide proper support for a newborn's neck and spine. Look for a fully reclining seat, bassinet compatibility, or a travel system that clicks into a car seat.

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• Toddlers: As your baby grows, visibility and ease of getting in and out become key. Many parents choose a stroller that works from birth through toddlerhood to avoid buying multiple units.

3. Check Storage Space and Car Fit

Practical details often become deal breakers. Measure your trunk space and look for strollers that fold compactly. Also, consider where the stroller will live at home—do you have a garage, or does it need to stand folded in a hallway?

4. Budget and Long-Term Value

Stroller prices in Canada vary widely. When comparing prices, think beyond the upfront cost. A stroller that grows with your child, like a single-to-double model, often delivers better long-term value than a cheaper model that needs replacing within a year.

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Common Stroller Buying Mistakes New Parents Should Avoid

Buying a stroller is an exciting milestone, but it’s also easy to make decisions you later regret. Many of the most common issues parents face come down to overlooking practical details that only become obvious after weeks of real-world use. Understanding these stroller buying mistakes ahead of time can save you money, space, and daily frustration.

Buying Based on Looks Instead of Lifestyle

One of the most common stroller buying mistakes is choosing a model purely because it looks good. While design matters, a stroller that doesn’t suit your lifestyle can quickly become inconvenient.

A sleek stroller may look great in-store but feel bulky on public transit, difficult to fold in tight spaces, or uncomfortable to maneuver on uneven sidewalks. The best stroller is one that fits your routine, whether that means navigating busy city streets, fitting into a small car trunk, or handling longer outdoor walks.

Overlooking Weight, Size, and Portability

Stroller weight and folded size are often underestimated, especially by new parents. Heavy stroller problems usually appear once daily lifting, folding, and transporting become routine.

A stroller that feels manageable in a showroom can become exhausting when loading it into a car, carrying it up stairs, or traveling. Portability, fold mechanism, and storage size should always be considered alongside comfort and features. Choosing a lighter or more compact stroller can make everyday outings significantly easier.

Not Planning for Future Family Needs

Many parents buy a stroller only for their current situation, without thinking ahead. Choosing a stroller for a growing family can prevent the need for early upgrades or replacements.

If you plan to have more children or want a stroller that adapts as your baby grows, consider models with expandable configurations, higher weight limits, or compatibility with accessories and additional seats. Planning for future needs ensures your stroller remains useful well beyond the newborn stage.

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