When you’re welcoming a new little one into the world, it can be hard to choose between a stroller that lets you watch and interact with your new baby and one that lets baby watch and interact with the world.
That’s on top of all the usual worries that come with a new stroller. Is it easy to use? Is it lightweight? Is it safe for your newborn, or will it have to wait until they are a toddler?
The good news is that there is a range of reversible strollers. The seats in these strollers can face forward or backward, with a range in the amount of prep you need to do first. But like any stroller design, there isn’t a perfect solution. Or rather, there isn’t a perfect solution for everyone.
So, we’ve selected some of the best reversible strollers out there. We’ll talk about the pros and cons, and also provide a short buying guide. That way, while you may not leave with a perfect stroller, you will be able to buy the perfect stroller for you.
| Bargain |
|---|
 |
| Baby Jogger 2015 Vue Lite Umbrella Stroller |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Ergobaby Stroller, Travel System Ready |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Contours Options Elite Tandem Double Toddler & Baby Stroller |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
Quick Comparison:
| The Strollers | Car Seat Compatible? |
Number of Seats |
Weight | Check the Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graco Uno2Duo Travel System | Yes | Up to 2 | 53.5 lbs | Check the Price |
| Baby Jogger 2015 Vue Lite Umbrella Stroller | No | 1 | 15.43 lbs | Check the Price |
| Ergobaby Stroller, Travel System Ready | Yes | 1 | 20 lbs | Check the Price |
| Britax B-Ready G3 Stroller | Yes | Up to 2 | 42.3 lbs | Check the Price |
| Contours Options Elite Tandem Double Toddler & Baby Stroller | Yes | 2 | 34 lbs | Check the Price |
| INFANS 2 in 1 Baby Stroller, High Landscape | No | 1 | 21 lbs | Check the Price |
The Strollers:
1. Graco Uno2Duo Travel System
Editor’s Rating: 4.5
This system is a good option for growing families, but not as great for families with twins or other multiples. We picked this option because it’s reasonably affordable, offers a lot of higher performance features, and just works.
The Uno2Duo is designed to accommodate your first little on in a single-seat stroller, and then expand to add a car seat for your newborn second child. It’s a good fit for families whose first child will likely be ready to walk beside the stroller about the time their second child needs a toddler seat of their own. It’s not as good for twins and families who are planning on several children born close together.
Unlike a lot of ‘expanding’ strollers, this option doesn’t just have a section for a second seat, but actually expands to create more room for the second seat. Your little ones will get an extra five inches of frame space when they ride together, vs riding alone.
This is a full travel system, so in addition to having the option of switching the seat to be parent facing (one at a time) you can also trust your youngest little ones to the comfort and safety of a matching car seat.
Both seats are designed to be comfortable for your little ones, with harnesses that keep them safe without pinching. That cuts down on walk complaints and lets your children focus on the world around them, and on you.
| Pros |
|---|
| Travel system works with compatible car seats |
| Gives your children more room in 2 seat mode |
| Designed for comfort |
| Easy to use |
| Can convert to a bassinet for nap time on the go |
| Cons |
|---|
| Heavy |
| Difficult to change seating arrangement on the go |
| Can be difficult to get replacement parts if needed |
| Specs |
|---|
| 53.5 pounds |
| Maximum child weight 50 lbs (per child) |
| Minimum weight, 5.5 lbs |
| 5-point harness system |
2. Baby Jogger 2015 Vue Lite Umbrella Stroller – Best Bargain
Editor’s Rating: 4.6
Our best bargain option is one of the rarer things in the world of baby furniture and accessories, a truly affordable option. The Vue Lite only works for one child though, so it might be worth spending a little more on an expandable stroller if you’re planning on having more children soon.
At just under 15 and a half pounds, this is the lightest stroller on our list. That makes it a great option for smaller parents, parents with pre-existing conditions, and anyone concerned about lifting your stroller in and out of your car.
It’s easy to reverse as well. Not so easy that you’ll want to switch it back and forth as you go, but easy enough to change positions during a break or a picnic on your walk.
The system is also especially easy to use since both sides of the seat have a full harness system. That means that you don’t have to re-thread the harness through the seat to which switch side you’re using.
With most lightweight strollers, you’d expect to see a lower weight capacity for your child. Fortunately, that isn’t the case here. Since strollers are only good for so long, we didn’t want to recommend a lightweight stroller that wouldn’t work for the entire time your child needs it.
Fortunately, the Vue Lite was a viable solution.
It’s not perfect of course. The stroller doesn’t have adjustable handles, doesn’t have additional storage solutions, and has less padding and insulation than many alternatives. It’s best as a summer stroller when the weather is likely to be good.
| Pros |
|---|
| Incredibly lightweight |
| Comfortable seat |
| Safety harness |
| Easy to reverse with double-sided harness system |
| Highly affordable |
| Cons |
|---|
| Less seat padding and insulation |
| No option to expand |
| Not suitable for newborns |
| Specs |
|---|
| 15.43 lbs |
| 55 lbs maximum child weight |
| 50+ UV canopy |
3. Ergobaby Stroller, Travel System Ready – Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.8
For our best value pick, we wanted a stroller that was a little more affordable than average but worked more like the strollers that cost a lot more. Ergobaby’s travel system is a good mix of those qualities. It’s an effective and easy to use stroller, but with a more moderate price point than most.
We also appreciated that this travel system is compatible with several different brands and models of car seats. That means that you have a lot more options when it comes to infant care.
The stroller also features an extra-large storage area. That’s a good thing for parents that like to be on the go, tend to take longer walks, or who want to try picnicking with your little ones.
The seat is also a larger capacity option. Unlike most affordable strollers, which skimp on fabric and can quickly become uncomfortable for your growing toddler, this seat is an impressive 11 inches deep. That means it will effectively cradle your little one as they grow, keeping their stroller more comfortable longer.
| Pros |
|---|
| Comfortable for your little one |
| Lots of storage |
| Easy to reverse |
| Affordable |
| Works with several models of car seat |
| XL canopy |
| Cons |
|---|
| Only 1 seat |
| Color is most black (retains heat) |
| Wheel locks are a little tricky |
| Specs |
|---|
| 20 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight: 50 lbs |
| 11-inch seat depth |
| XL canopy design. |
4. Britax B-Ready G3 Stroller
Editor’s Rating: 4.6
The Britax B Ready system is a good choice for families on the go, who don’t mind a little extra weight in the stroller, or who already use a Britax car seat. One of the more trusted names in baby travel furniture, Britax offers several different seat positions on an easy care and relatively compact stroller.
The first thing we appreciate about this stroller is that it reclines easily in both forward and rear-facing positions. There are 4 different levels of recline. If your little one takes an unexpected nap, it’s easy to give them a more comfortable reclined position. If your little one is very alert and engaged, you can move the seat up so that they have a better view.
Reversing the seat is also simple. That’s great for building a bond between you and your little one or continuing a conversation with your toddler as they get older.
This is also an easy stroller to care for. The fabric is stain and water-resistant. The wheels are traditional rubber wheels, filled with a non-traditional foam. That way you get the shock absorption of a tradition wheel, without the frustration of an air-filled tire.
However, it’s worth noting that the price on this stroller fluctuates a decent amount. Different colors cost different prices, and different sellers may have different pricing as well. So if affordability is important to you it might be worth shopping around a little before you buy.
| Pros |
|---|
| Easy-clean fabric |
| New tire design is very durable |
| Easy to reverse |
| Easy to recline |
| Comfortable for your little one |
| Cons |
|---|
| Most colors are black |
| Price fluctuates some |
| Doesn’t fold completely flat |
| Specs |
|---|
| 42.3 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight: 55 lbs |
| 12 seating options |
| Large underneath storage area |
5. Contours Options Elite Tandem Double Toddler & Baby Stroller – Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.9
Before we start talking about this stroller, there are a couple of things you should know. This is a stroller for twins. It works for families with multiple non-twin children, but it’s designed for twins.
Normally, our top pick item in any buying guide is also one of the more affordable options since we look for a balance between the features of the item and its price. This time, this is one of the more expensive strollers, but it still offers that balance. So, while this isn’t necessarily the most general or adaptable stroller on our list, it is still the best, most balanced, option overall.
However, this is not an every-family stroller.
That said, let’s talk about what this stroller does well. This is a double-seated stroller. Both seats have a large canopy and are mounted directly onto the lightweight aluminum frame. Both seats can be reversed, allowing for more peaceful nap times, child to child bonding, world exploration, and parent-child bonding.
The whole stroller only weighs 34 lbs. That’s important for a stroller for twins since you’ll already have double the weight of the children in the stroller.
It also has a generous under-seat storage area, which any parent with several small children will tell you is absolutely critical. There is enough space to hold your children’s needed items, with some space for you and anyone else walking with you.
Side note, the added storage can also be useful in malls, farmers markets, and anywhere else you might be shopping with your stroller.
| Pros |
|---|
| Generous seating for twins and young siblings |
| Lots of storage space |
| Lightweight |
| Good for long hikes |
| Lots of different seating configurations |
| Cons |
|---|
| Can be difficult to maneuver |
| Requires some assembly |
| Specs |
|---|
| 34 pounds |
| 80 lbs maximum total weight recommendation |
| 5 lbs minimum weight |
| 2 seats |
| 4 different configurations |
| XL under-seat storage |
6. INFANS 2 in 1 Baby Stroller, High Landscape
Editor’s Rating: 4.6
The infans 2 in 1 stroller is a good design, relatively affordable, and a good choice for families with one small child who don’t necessarily plan on growing right away.
This stroller is designed to stay with your little one from their infant days until they are too heavy and large to fit in the stroller, which usually happens around 5-6 years old. It has a bassinet setting that allows your little one to lay down and nap when they are at their smallest, and then offers an upright seat with a range of settings as your baby gets a little older.
The under-seat storage is a little further away from you than some alternatives and is a net that isn’t great for smaller items. Still, there is plenty of storage for everything you need for your little one.
This stroller is also a good option for parents that are a little more active. The smaller front wheels and larger back wheels lead to a smoother ride, and also make it easier to steer the stroller. A foot-activated break also makes it easier to stop if you decide to take this stroller for a jog.
However, it doesn’t have the kind of suspension system that a jogging stroller would, so you may want a true jogging stroller if you’re looking to take your toddler with you on your daily run.
| Pros |
|---|
| Comes in a range of colors |
| Designed for easy maneuverability |
| Reasonable under-seat storage |
| Lots of seat positions |
| Also works as an infant bassinet |
| Cons |
|---|
| Wheels sometimes get stuck locked |
| No in-seat storage |
| Storage can be hard to access on the go |
| Specs |
|---|
| 21 pounds |
| 1 seat |
| Seat doubles as a bassinet |
| Several different seat configurations |
| Maximum child weight, 55 lbs |
Buying Guide:
Now that we’ve looked at some of the different models available, it’s time to talk about what features make these standout, and what you should look for in any good stroller system.
Wheels:
There are a lot of different wheel designs, but not all of them hold up as well as the others. The most common wheels on a stroller are rubber, filled with air, and pressurized. That’s because rubber wheels offer better traction than most alternatives, are naturally shock-absorbing, and tend to last longer than plastic alternatives.
However, a rubber and pressurized air wheel can still go flat, generally requires some kind of air pump, and can be damaged by all the same things that would damage the tires on your car.
Alternatively, some rubber wheels are filled with a more durable foam. The foam doesn’t have all the same benefits, it’s not as shock-absorbing for instance, but it does tend to last longer than air. You don’t need a pump for this style of wheel.
We generally recommend avoiding strollers will all-plastic or all-metal wheels. Both are damaged over time, though metal wheels usually last longer. Both can also de-form, making it gradually harder to steer properly.
Deformed plastic and metal wheels can also cause most jostling in the stroller, making it less comfortable for your little one.
Harness:
Most strollers come equipped with a 5-point harness similar to the ones you’ll find in a car seat. These are the safest option, but you should also check the buckles and straps. The harness should be adjustable, but there should be some resistance so your little one can’t take it off themselves by loosening it.
Some strollers do come with a simple seat belt, or no restraint at all if you get the stroller second hand. We don’t recommend those. A seat belt isn’t enough, and older toddlers will easily get out around them. No restraint, and it’s easy for your baby to fall out accidentally.
Look for harnesses that are made of durable material. Check for strong stitching at all the attachment points, and make sure there aren’t any frayed edges.
If, over time, your stroller’s harness does start to fray. Do a burn test. Most harnesses are made from fabric that’s mostly plastic. If that’s the case, you can melt the ends of the fraying harness to help slow down wear and tear.
Suspension System:
Suspension systems are most common in jogging strollers, where your little one is most likely to be to jostled, and in high-end strollers and tandem strollers. A good suspension system makes your little one’s ride a lot more comfortable.
Unfortunately, they are also a potential point of failure for the stroller.
Also, strollers with a suspension system tend to be significantly more expensive than their plainer cousins.
If you live somewhere without a lot of pavement, with gravel paths, or intend to take your stroller hiking, a suspension system is more important. If you live in the urban jungle and mostly want to use your stroller on pavement and flooring, you probably don’t need one.
Color:
Color is an incredibly minor detail for most strollers, except for the most common option. Most strollers use heat-retaining black fabrics. That’s because black hides dirt and wear and tear, and looks better with less maintenance.
However, black strollers can be uncomfortably hot after sitting in the car or even just retaining heat during a walk on a sunny day. If you live in a particularly warm state, a sunny state, or at elevation, you may want to look for a different color for your stroller.
If gray is an option, it’s significantly better than black, but white generally isn’t. Look for colors, cool colors are better, neutrals, grays, or pastels. These stroller colors are less common, but they’ll keep your baby happier on your walks.
Storage:
A lot of parents think that they don’t need storage on their stroller. Right up until they have a stroller and realize how tiring carrying a purse, diaper bag, or backpack can become.
Under-seat storage is the most common, but you can also find strollers with storage in the seats, behind them, or hanging from the handles. No one style is better than the others, except that under-seat storage tends to be the largest.
Pick the style that works for you, but you’ll probably want at least a little storage built into your stroller.
Seat Positions:
Another thing to consider, aside from whether your stroller has forward and parent facing options (hint, all of these strollers do), is whether there are other configuration options for you to choose from.
For instance, some strollers allow a car seat to be attached, others function as a bassinet, and still, others shouldn’t be used until your baby needs a little less protection on the go.
Look for bassinet functionality, recline, and whether your stroller is considered a travel system. All those details will alter when, and how, you can effectively use your stroller.
At a minimum, we recommend looking for a stroller with some recline in the seat. At least once or twice, your little one is going to fall asleep on a walk in their stroller. If you can recline their seat, you can keep them safer, and make sure they get the most out of that unexpected nap.
Final Thoughts:
Hopefully, you have a better idea of what to look for in your new stroller. All of these options are reversible, meaning that your little one can spend some walk time looking at you, but they all also offer other features that make them more functional.
No stroller is perfect, and it’s important to get the right fit for you and your growing family if you can. Think carefully about how you use your stroller, and which features matter most to you before you buy. Trust us, the time is worth it.
