As parents in New York City know, navigating the sidewalks, stores, public transit and apartments with a regular stroller can be a nightmare. The Big Apple demands specialized gear to keep up with life on the go.
After testing 25 top-rated strollers across the city over the past year, we picked the 7 best options for manoeuvring New York in style while keeping babies, toddlers, and gear safe and comfortable along for the ride.
Our Testing Methodology for Best Stroller for New York City
We focused on models that prioritize both mobility and durability to handle the grind of city life. Our testing process included:
- Collapsing, carrying up subway stairs, and opening dozens of times
- Pushing over cracked sidewalks, curbs, and parks for mileage
- Assessing storage size in small apartments for months
- Surveying real-world user reviews from NYC parents
- Comparing key specs like weight, fold size, storage, etc.
- Evaluating extra accessories for customization
We defined NYC-ready strollers as needing:
- Compact, one-hand fold
- Lightweight under 20 lbs
- Ability to navigate tight spaces
- Suspension for smoothness
- Durable, long-lasting materials
- Large UV protective canopies
Through extensive testing, these 7 strollers proved most city-friendly across factors.
Comparison Table of Strollers
| Product | Weight | Folded Size | Key Features |
| Babyzen YOYO2 | 13 lbs | 37.4” L x 23.6” W x 15.7” H | 48.5 lbs capacity, shoulder strap, dual wheels, compact |
| UPPAbaby Minu | 17 lbs | 12″ L x 20.3″ W x 23″ H | 50 lbs capacity, one-step fold, rain protection |
| Cybex Priam 3 | 15.5 lbs | 37.4” L x 23.6” W x 15.7” H | 45 lbs capacity, padded seat, one-hand fold |
| Baby Jogger City Tour 2 | 12.7 lbs | 18 x 25 x 13 in | UV canopy, carry strap, luggage-style handle |
| gb Pockit+ All City | 10 lbs | 12 x 7 x 14 in | World’s smallest fold, overhead storage-friendly |
| Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System | 23 lbs | 21 x 31 x 47 in | Converts to infant car seat, 27 storage combos, removable arm bar |
| Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller | 21 lbs | 18 x 47 x 21 in | Budget outdoor, lockable front swivel wheel, 5-point harness |
The Top 7 NYC Strollers Reviewed
Babyzen YOYO2 Lightweight Stroller
Babyzen YOYO2 Lightweight Stroller
Living up to its name shrinking down to smaller than a yoga mat, the Babyzen YOYO2 earns notoriety for extreme compactness without sacrificing key features. It truly folds up pocket-size for popping in a bag or overhead bin thanks to a simple, one-handed mechanism.
Despite weighing only 13 pounds, its durable aluminium frame feels reassuringly sturdy pushing around children up to 20 pounds. We found assembly quick and the Yoyo2 manoeuvres very similar to a shopping cart using one hand. While pricier than competitors, the smooth ride quality including shoulder carry strap, and dual wheel shock absorbers earn the splurge for frequent fliers or urban dwellers.
Ideal For: Public transit riders, travel, storage-conscious families
Pros
- Folds up tiny fits airline overhead
- Lightweight
- Easy one-hand push and steer
- Zips up into a backpack with a shoulder strap
- Durable for years of urban use
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- Smaller seat than full-size strollers
- No parent tray or undercarriage storage
As the perfect travel companion, we confidently recommend the Babyzen YOYO2 for navigating New York and beyond whether by foot, car, or plane. It defines mobility plus durability.
UPPAbaby Minu v2 Stroller
UPPAbaby Minu v2 Stroller
The Minu v2 stroller condenses full-size features in a lighter package built for portability. Its slim, compact fold with a convenient shoulder strap makes the Minu simpler to manage on the go than its bulkier counterparts.
One-touch steering and extended canopies maximize urban usability. Versatile configurations work from the infant through toddler years. While plastic wheels lack the all-terrain talents of the Uppababy Vista and Cruz, the Minu still delivers smooth handling for everyday commuting.
Standout touches like leatherette handles, mesh ventilation panels, and an included rain shield further refine the premium experience.
Ideal for: Travel, public transit use, compact storage
Pros
- One-hand compact fold
- 14.5 lb weight but holds 20 lbs
- Suspension and lockable front wheels
- Large SPF 50+ sunshade with peekaboo windows
- Rain, bug shield, and basket included
Cons
- Narrower seat than Vista and Cruz
- Higher price point
- Plastic wheels lose performance over time
For an everyday solution balancing portability and comfort, the well-built Uppababy Minu stroller shines as a parenthood essential.
Cybex Priam 3 Complete Stroller
Cybex Priam 3 Complete Stroller
The Priam City stroller stands out with user-friendly navigation and balanced weight distribution on a smartly compact frame. Easy steering resembles pushing a shopping cart using one hand.
Thoughtful design choices include a flip-up leg rest catering to taller kids, an extendable canopy for better coverage, and an upright seat keeping small riders engaged with their surroundings.
While priced less than other premium brands, the Priam doesn’t compromise on quality. Its refined styling and smooth mobility rightfully earned a spot on our urban top 10.
Ideal For: Urban mobility, tighter spaces, public transit
Pros
- Agile manoeuvrability through tight spaces
- Compact fold
- Lightweight
- Adjustable handlebar and leg rest
- Generous seating dimensions
Cons
- Bulky when folded compared to ultralight strollers
- Shorter canopy than some competitors
- Higher rear axle reduces curb assist
With nimble handling packed in a thoughtfully designed frame, the Cybex Priam simplifies city adventures whether tackling crowded sidewalks or public transit.
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller
Living up to its name, the City Tour 2 demonstrates incredible packability weighing only 13 pounds. Its difference-making luggage-style handle makes it easier to fling over shoulders to fold quickly for hopping trains and taxis.
While seating runs shallow, a wide body still accommodates growing toddlers. Baby Jogger’s signature quick fold, peekaboo window, and large canopy shine through on this nimble stroller tailored for transit.
Add in foam-filled tires with front suspension delivering smooth rolls; the Tour 2 punches above its weight providing both portability and comfort city families need.
Ideal For: Public transportation, travel, compact storage
Pros
- Extreme compact, lightweight mobility
- One-hand fast-fold system
- UV 50+ canopy with weather cover
- Carry strap and luggage handle
- Foam-filled tires and suspension
Cons
- Lacks undercarriage storage
- Cupholder sold separately
- Smaller seat than full-size models
If your family prioritizes portability and budget, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 bundles impressive features for tackling tight urban spaces.
Gb Pockit Plus All City Stroller
Gb Pockit Plus All City Stroller
gb nails extreme compactness again by introducing aircraft-friendly sizes to its signature Pockit stroller line. The All-City model builds upon that foundation as the ultimate travel companion for taking little ones globetrotting near or far.
Weighing barely over 10 pounds, its petite proportions fold down smaller than a laptop bag making for easy breezy transport. Dual brakes, padded seats, and adjustable straps keep kids comfy when parked for hours in transit.
While ultra-mobile, pocket rides best on smooth surfaces due to compact wheel size. Still for getting through airport security and stashing a sleek stroller anywhere, this design can’t get beat.
Ideal For: Frequent fliers, minimalists, portable storage
Pros
- Guinness record smallest fold
- Overhead luggage bin compatible
- Lightweight
- All-wheel suspension for stability
- Fits in a backpack when folded
Cons
- Wheels lack shock absorption
- Shallow seat lacks support
- Pump brakes vs. handbrake
When travel portability takes top priority, the GB Pockit+ All City stroller makes on-the-go adventures simpler through clever compactness.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System
Parents needing one adaptable stroller spanning infancy through the toddler sprint will find plenty to like in Evenflo’s modular Xpand.
True to its name, this system “expands” to 27 seating configurations plus an attachable infant car seat checking all the boxes. Toddlers can face forward or parents, stand on a platform or kick their feet up thanks to flip-down stirrups. Convenience features like an oversized storage basket, removable parent tray and adjustable handle cater to caregiver needs as well.
While bulkier than dedicated lightweight strollers, its nimble steering and smooth manoeuvrability still impress and push through urban areas. For the price, no other stroller matches its versatility with the ability to truly “grow” with a child.
Ideal For: Infants to age 3, car seat combo needs, storage flexibility
Pros
- Converts to infant car seat carrier
- 27 customizable seat arrangements
- Large basket and canopy coverage
- Machine washable fabrics
- Lightweight aluminium frame
Cons
- Bulky folded compared to streamlined models
- Fabric gets dirty fairly quickly
- Multiple adjustments complicated
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand does it all as a modular system flexible enough for infants to ageing toddlers and travel requirements across New York.
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
Baby Trend strikes all the right chords for parents wanting to maintain active lifestyles with children in tow. Large bicycle tires, locking swivel fronts, and streamlined frames let you set the pace pushing kids up to 50 pounds.
We found the Expedition delivers smooth stability transitioning from jogging trails to park paths and sufficient padding for little ones clocking mileage. Ample zippered storage compartments and bonuses like cup holders widen its everyday appeal for growing families not needing stringent compactness.
Ideal For: Active families, suburban environments
Pros
- Air-filled rear tires with suspension
- Flip-lock front swivel wheel
- Reclines flat to different angles
- Excellent value
- Lightweight steel construction
Cons
- Better suited outside congested city centres
- Bulkier folded size
- Can feel heavier on longer runs
When your adventures venture beyond crowded streets, the Baby Trend Expedition gives an affordable jogger option to share more memorable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Stroller for NYC
What stroller is best for NYC?
For navigating a busy city like NYC, a lightweight and maneuverable stroller is best. Umbrella strollers are a popular choice as they fold up easily and are good for public transportation. Many parents also like full-size strollers with all-terrain wheels that can handle urban obstacles while keeping baby comfortable
What stroller is best for city living?
An umbrella stroller or a compact stroller with a quick, one-hand fold is ideal for living in a city. They are light and portable for carrying into buildings, fold up for easy storage in a small apartment, and are narrow enough to fit in crowded spaces.
What’s the best stroller in the world?
There is no definitive “best” stroller, as the right stroller depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. However, some of the most popular high-end models and brands often rated highly for durability, comfort, and maneuverability include Babyzen, UPPAbaby, Baby Jogger City Mini, and Cybex. Within each brand, different stroller models cater to infants or toddlers or can convert between the two to invest in for the long term.
What kind of stroller do most celebrities use?
Many celebrities have favored the Bugaboo Cameleon, Bugaboo Donkey, Stokke Xplory, Baby Jogger City Select, and UPPAbaby Vista for their high-end materials, versatile configurations, smooth rides, and stylish designs. The most popular celebrity strollers tend to look sleek while being functional for holding diaper bags and other baby needs when out and about.
Parting Thoughts on the Best NYC Strollers
As our little ones grow, strollers undoubtedly enable us to share more adventures across this awesome city. Hopefully, these reviews and picks create confidence in choosing what fits your family best. Just be sure to reference our key evaluation criteria:
Is it easy to fold one-handed?
Does it fit where I need to store it?
Can I lift it upstairs/steps alone?
Will it hold up with years of use?
If the answer stays yes, roll on in style wherever your NYC journeys may take you!
NYC Stroller Buying Considerations
From framing must-have features to showcasing category standouts, we aimed to recommend the most convenient, durable, and comfortable options for conquering New York by stroller.
Additional buying factors to think over:
Types of Strollers
- Lightweight strollers for portability
- Jogging strollers for active family adventures
- Travel systems for infant + car seat combo needs
- Double strollers for multiple/two young kids
Accessories
- Cup holders
- Child trays and consoles
- Parent organizers/trays
- Shopping baskets
- Weather/sun shields
Lifestyle Needs
- Frequent fliers
- Public transit reliance
- Tight apartment living
- Sharing with caregivers
Evaluating accessories and must-have conveniences compared to costs and usage helps narrow optimal urban stroller selections.
