Best strollers and stroller accessories for new parents in 2026

What we loveTesters liked the compact design and integrated folding lock, which ensures hassle-free transportation and storage. They also noted that it fits easily into car boots, leaving ample space for other essentials. What we loveThe pram is lightweight yet sturdy, compact enough for everyday errands, and features a reversible seat and larger wheels for smoother handling. When it comes to everyday parenting, the TRIV Next doesn’t just fit into your life; it makes it simpler. It features a reversible seat, allowing babies to face parents in early months before transitioning to outward-facing exploration. The stroller also boasts a large canopy, cup holders and a spacious storage basket.
It didn’t feel as premium as the top-tier strollers in this review, and I found the bumper bar a little fiddly to unclip, but in general, the lara2 does the job. My little tester seemed very comfy thanks to the generous padding and legrest, and I could check on him through the fabulous mesh peephole. Unlike the original butterfly, this baby stroller seat fully reclines, making it newborn-friendly, and also goes fully upright.

Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves you from needing replacements later. A spacious under-seat basket can hold diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and your own essentials. Additional pockets and cup holders for parents are small touches that make outings significantly more convenient. Many premium strollers include additional safety features  like side impact protection and anti-rebound bars.
Newborns need to lie flat rather than sit upright, and they require additional head and neck support. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines—many strollers are only recommended for babies who can sit up independently, typically around 6 months old. Compact folds are essential for storage in small spaces or trunk space. Also consider the maneuverability—smooth-rolling wheels and good suspension make pushing feel effortless, which matters more than you’d expect on long walks or when you’re already tired. As a new parent, you’ll appreciate any feature that makes life easier. One-hand folding mechanisms are game-changers when you’re trying to collapse a stroller while holding a baby.
Our testers are either pregnant, or real parents with a baby or toddler. This could be members of our editorial team, freelance parenting journalists or external reviewers from the Mother&Baby awards. A parent-facing stroller has multiple health benefits for you as well as your little one. As you make eye contact and pay more attention to them, they're more likely to speak back to you when you talk to them. Plus, some research has found that it can even lower their heart rate and help them fall asleep more quickly than if they were in a forward-facing pushchair. Six out of seven of the parent-facing strollers were tested for over a month with little ones on local neighbourhood walks and through city strolls including the windy streets of Edinburgh.

And if you want to keep comparing strollers, head back to Best Strollers of 2026 or browse All Strollers. For newborns, many parents prefer a travel system for easy car-to-stroller transitions, especially in the early months. Think of this as the stroller you can steer with confidence when your hands are full and your brain is running on 4 hours of sleep. If you care about smooth pushing, quick folding, and everyday durability, this one checks the boxes.
It manoeuvres smoothly across typical urban surfaces like footpaths, shopping centres, and public transport. The one-hand fold is especially useful for parents juggling multiple tasks, allowing for quick pack-down when needed. Despite its larger size, the Vista V3 is known for its surprisingly smooth and easy handling. It steers well with one hand and maintains stability even when fully loaded with two children and a full basket. Designed to thrive across Australia’s diverse climates, Juno blends comfort, innovation and reliability. For families shopping for one of the best prams in Australia, Juno is an exceptional option that balances quality, longevity and total ease of use.
Along with shock absorption suspension, you may like that there’s a UPF 50+ sunshade for added protection and plenty of onboard storage so you don’t have to go without your (or your baby’s) essentials. You can easily confirm this by checking safety standards with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and inspecting its recall list or the one at Safe Kids Worldwide. A stroller with every feature is useless if it doesn’t fit in your car or your lifestyle. Good Wheels All-terrain or larger wheels handle sidewalk cracks, grass, and bumpy paths much better than small plastic wheels. Discover why Australian parents continue to choose Baby Village as one of the country’s most trusted baby retailers.

What we don't loveIt’s not built for off-road adventures and lacks an adjustable handlebar. Emily also noted that the seat is forward-facing only, which may not suit everyone. For some parents, particularly those with younger babies who prefer regular eye contact and reassurance, the absence of a world-facing/parent-facing choice may be an important consideration. I’m a big Mamas and Papas fan, and while it’s a large retailer, you often find that its in-house brand offers good quality parenting gear at more affordable prices than the other brands.
It’s designed like a bike trailer, but thanks to its multiple bases/setups, it works as a stroller, a jogging stroller, a bike trailer, and even a stroller on skis for snowshoeing and fun in the sand. The stroller isn’t perfect, but it’s so good, you can almost overlook the shallow undercarriage basket and the fact it’s lacking a handbrake. Ideally, I’d love for this stroller to also have pneumatic tires for longer runs and better shock absorption, but the whole thing is just so convenient, its positives easily outweigh its negatives.

The travel wheel set keeps the weight down and the package smaller for flights. The US version reclines up to 155 degrees, which is plenty for airport naps and quick city outings between flights. These are for parents who want a primary stroller that can handle most routines—walks, errands, daycare drop-offs—while staying comfortable for both baby and parent.
Knowing the cost range of each category helps you invest wisely in the model that suits your routine. Handlebar height, stroller weight, and overall maneuverability influence your comfort during daily use. A stroller should feel natural to push and lift, supporting your own posture and movement as much as your child’s comfort. For parents wanting flexible handling with extra space, Stroller Wagons can offer a comfortable alternative. The Doona is a game-changer for parents who want a travel-friendly, all-in-one solution. This car seat-to-stroller hybrid transforms with the push of a button, eliminating the need for a separate stroller during short trips.
The City Mini GT3 is built to perform across a wide range of environments. Whether you’re navigating footpaths, parks, or rougher trails, the all-terrain wheels and suspension system help deliver a smooth and controlled ride. The Thule Urban Glide 3 is best suited to active parents who want a pram that  can handle more than just everyday errands. It’s ideal for those who enjoy walking, running, or exploring outdoors, while still needing a reliable option for daily use.