Best Baby Strollers On A Budget

A stroller is a must-have baby item for most families and possibly one of the most expensive baby essentials you’ll end up purchasing. Parents can easily spend upwards of a thousand dollars on one – but you don’t need to! You may be worried about how you can afford a stroller, so I’ve created this list of the best baby strollers on a budget for parents just like you.

There are affiliate links in this post. This means if you make a purchase through one of my links I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.

Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick look at the best affordable strollers to meet your families needs:

Do You Need a Stroller?

When your baby is very young, you may prefer to carry them around in a baby carrier. This was my preferred method of traveling with all 4 of my daughters. In fact, I still take my 1-year-old for walks in her carrier.

However, eventually, I believe every parent will want to buy a stroller.

Depending on the type you choose, you can use a stroller from the day you leave the hospital until your child is in preschool. It is just very handy to a have a comfy place for your baby to sit, take a nap, look out at the world, and be protected from the rain or sun when you are on the go.

Plus, if you want to be able to do certain things like go for a run with your little one or travel together, you’ll likely want a stroller designed for that purpose.

How To Choose A Budget Baby Stroller

When it comes to strollers, there is value in spending more money. Higher-priced models tend to be more durable, have better suspension systems, and are constructed with higher-end materials.

There are plenty of strollers on the market that will more than meet your needs. I suggest you spend what you can afford and don’t stress if your baby isn’t cruising around town in a luxury UPPA Baby Vista model.

When picking a stroller, it’s best to think practically. What is your lifestyle like?

Do you live in a city and walk everywhere or does your stroller need to fit easily into the trunk of your car? Are you an active parent and want to take your child jogging? Or, do you prefer a stroller with a big undercarriage for extra storage space?

Features To Look For In A Stroller

1. A solid frame that will stand-up to repeated use.
2. Easy to use brakes and locking mechanisms. Check if the handles are comfortable and that your feet don’t bump the wheels when you walk.
3. Lift the stroller to ensure you can carry it into the trunk of your car or up stairs.
4. Check maneuverability by steering it around tight corners with some weight on it.
5. Adjust the backrest and determine if the safety harness is easy to fasten.
6. Open and close the stroller. Could you do this easily while carrying a diaper bag and, perhaps, your baby?
7. Check if there is enough storage space. 
8. All strollers sold in the Canada and the U.S. must comply with the mandatory federal safety standards.

Related Article: How To Budget For A New Baby: First Year Checklist

Different Types Of Strollers

Before we look at the best budget strollers, here’s a quick run-down of all the different types of strollers you can choose from.

Travel System Strollers

Travel systems are the top choice of many parents because they come with an infant car seat, a car seat base for your car, and a stroller all in one. They are a budget-friendly choice because you get every item you need in one purchase, plus you know that the car seat works with the stroller.

I like being able to move my sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing her. These strollers work from newborn to toddler, and some recline so your child can lay back and have a snooze.

Single Traditional Strollers

These are the all-purpose stroller champs. Many of these strollers work from newborn through to the preschool years, and are durable enough to hold-up through multiple children.

They are easy to manuever and work for city-dwellers or parents who frequently need to pop the stroller in the trunk. Some adapt to fit your infant car seat or recline fully, so double check the features before you buy.

Read: 18 Special Ways To Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday Without A Party

Umbrella Strollers

A lightweight, umbrella stroller is perfect for traveling or for quick trips out of the house. We bought an inexpensive umbrella stroller for our family vacations because they are easy to navigate through an airport and store on the airplane.

Some umbrella strollers now offer car seat compatibility or sell separate adapters parts so you could potentially get by with just this one stroller for your baby.

Umbrella strollers are typically easy to fold and store in your trunk, but lack the sturdiness and storage space of a larger stroller. On their own, they are not meant for young babies.

Jogging Strollers

If you are a runner or enjoy hiking on a trail, a jogging stroller (single or double) is a good choice because it lets you share your love of the outdoors with your baby. Jogging strollers have three wheels with a single, front wheel that can be locked in position or set to swivel.

Most jogging strollers have a hand brake as well as a foot-operated parking brake. Many designs now have higher and longer handlebars to stop runners from bumping into the frame, and they should have a tethered strap to stop the stroller from taking off.

I bought the B.O.B. Revolution Jogging Stroller when I was pregnant with my first baby and it has held-up great for the past 9 years! I use it in every situation – from touring around the mall to running on trails.

Jogging strollers offer a smooth, comfortable ride and can be used for infants (with a detachable car seat adapter) to preschoolers.

Related Article: How To Save Money On Your Dream Stroller

Double Side-by-Side Strollers

If you have twins or two siblings close in age, a side-by-side is one of the two styles of double strollers you can pick from. This style has two seats attached to the frame. Many models have fully reclining seats that can be used for infants up to preschoolers.

Side-by-side models are easy to maneuver and often feature a great storage basket underneath the seats.

Two things to consider with this style is that it might be too wide to fit into your vehicle’s trunk comfortably or maneuver through a single door frame.

Double Tandem Strollers

Your second choice if you want a double stroller is to get a tandem stroller where one of your children sits behind the other one. So the stroller is the same width as a single stroller, but longer. Most tandem strollers are compatible with infant car seats.

Some styles let you switch the seats so your kids can face each other, while others have stadium-seating where the child in the rear can see over the one in the front.

If you have a big brood, you can even find tandem strollers that seat triplets.

Best Affordable Strollers Under $500

Best Affordable Travel System Stroller

Graco FastAction Jogger LX Travel System

This travel system includes a lightweight, sturdy four-wheel stroller and an infant car seat, making it a great value for your money. It is very quick to unfold and a popular choice for many parents.

Features

• One of the best strollers for under $500.
• Includes the Graco SnugRide click connect 35 infant car seat, rear-facing for infants from 4-35 lbs.
• Multi-position reclining seat for baby’s comfort.
• Locking front swivel wheels with suspension.
• Includes a tray with 2 cup holders, an adjustable canopy with visor, plus a peek-a-boo window to keep your child shaded.

Stroller Specs

Safety Guidelines	Stroller, up to 50 lbs; car seat, 4-35 lb and up to 32”
Product Weight	21.5 lbs

Best Affordable Single Traditional Stroller

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller

This 3-wheel stroller is lightweight and has great maneuverability on a variety of terrains. It has loads of high-end features like a near-flat seat recline, adjustable leg support and an extra-large storage basket. The Citi Mini 2 is compatible with many infant car seats so you can use it from birth until your child reaches 65 lbs! It is the perfect option for parents who want expensive stroller features at a more affordable price.

Features

• Stroller includes a 5-point stroller harness to keep your child safe.
• Forever air rubber tires with all-wheel suspension provide a smooth ride on any terrain.
• Lift a strap with one hand and the stroller folds itself compactly.
• Full-coverage UV 50 canopy with magnetic peekaboo windows keeps baby shaded, while allowing you to check in easily.
• Adjustable handlebar and hand-operated parking brake.
• Baby seat reclines to near-flat position for a naps.
• Adapters are included for many models of infant car seats.

Stroller Specs

Safety Guidelines	Newborn up to 65 lbs
Product Weight	21.4 lbs

Related Article: Newborn Baby Essentials On A Budget

Best Affordable Umbrella Stroller

Summer Infant 3D Tote Stroller

The Summer Infant 3D Lite gets glowing reviews and is a best-seller on Amazon. It has a lightweight frame and an easy fold, reclining seat that lays nearly flat (making it great for naps). There is a good amount of storage considering the stroller’s size. It’s a great option for parents who don’t want to use a full-size stroller or when you’re traveling with your baby.

Features

• Weighs just 12 pounds.
• Large seat area with 5-point safety harness.
• Full back recline ideal for napping or diaper changes.
• Anti-Shock front wheels and lockable rear wheels.
• Removable canopy with flip out sun visor, extra large storage basket, rear storage pocket and cup holder
• Easy to fold with carry strap.

Stroller Specs

Safety Guidelines	Up to 50 lbs and 43”
Product Weight	12 lbs

Best Affordable Jogging Stroller

BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller

I absolutely love this stroller! I’ve used the same BOB jogging stroller with all 4 of my girls and it still runs smoothly and looks great. I purchased an adapter that makes it compatible with our Graco infant car seat so I can easily move my baby from the car to the stroller.

It is the only stroller I’ve ever used (besides our umbrella stroller for travelling) – plowing through snowy sidewalks, navigating busy shopping malls, and, of course, for trail running. It rides very smoothly over bumpy terrain and you can easily steer it with one hand.

Features

• Suspension system & air filled tires provide an ultra-smooth ride.
• Adjustable handlebar creates the perfect fit for parents of all heights; no-rethread harness design for easy height adjustments
• There are 6 storage pockets & extra-large cargo basket for all your diaper bag and gear. There is even a cell phone pocket at the handlebar!
• The ultra-padded compression seat sits fully upright for baby’s comfort and reclines near-flat with the push of a button.
• The “peek & chat” window keeps your child cool and lets you chat or see if baby is sleeping without stopping; includes quiet magnetic closure.

Stroller Specs

Safety Guidelines	Up to 75 lbs
Product Weight	28.4 lbs

Related Article: 6 To 12 Month Baby Essentials On A Budget

Best Affordable Double Side-By-Side Stroller

Britax B-Lively Double Stroller

The B-Lively Double stroller has all-wheel suspension and a lightweight design for a double stroller – just under 29 lbs. Although it is priced above $500, it is my choice for the best side-by-side double stroller because it is infant car seat compatible (using an adapter kit).

If that feature isn’t important to you, then I also recommend the Safety First Double Double Duo Stroller which has great ratings and a lower price tag.

In the B-Lively, there’s room for double the baby gear in the extra large under-seat storage basket with dual front access. The quick fold makes it easy to close the and the stroller stands upright for storage.

Features

• Adjustable handlebar
• Large independent UV 50+ canopies with breathable ventilation windows keep both children cool while cruising.
• Independent one-hand stroller recline lets you find the perfect angle for your child to nap or sit up and see the world.
• The linked parking brake lets you lock both wheels with a single step.
• Compatible with 1 Britax or BOB infant car seat (adapter sold separately.

Stroller Specs

Safety Guidelines	Front seat up to 50 lbs; rear seat up to 50 lbs
Product Weight	29 lbs

Best Affordable Double Stroller

Graco Modes Duo Stroller

This baby stroller is extremely versatile and comes with rave reviews on Amazon. It offers 27 different riding options, so that you can accommodate two little ones, from infant to youth. If you have twins, this stroller can fit two infant car seats.

The Duo Stroller comes packed with features like a toddler seat, rear seat and trays for everyone, even the parents. The stroller also features a one-handed fold which makes it easier to set-up when your hands are full.

Features

• Twenty-seven riding options for two children from infant to youth and accepts two infant car seats
• Two removable, reclining seats can be positioned multiple ways and a built-in bench seat gives your older child a place to rest.
• One-handed folds with seats on or off; locking front swivel wheels for easy maneuverability; one-step brakes make stopping, and going again, quick and easy.
• Extra-large storage basket and parent cup holder.
• Features two removable arm bars with two cup holders each.

Stroller Specs

Safety Guidelines	Front seat up to 50 lbs or 44”; rear seat up to 40 lbs or 40”
Product Weight	33 lbs

Best Baby Strollers For Every Budget

You don’t have to break your budget to find a quality stroller to fit your needs. However, if you really have your heart set on a luxury stroller such as the UPPABaby Vista V2 Stroller or the Thule Glide 2.0 Performance Jogging Stroller, check out my article, How to Save Money On A Stroller, for fantastic tips about how to find a stellar stroller at a discount price.

For our readers in the United States, The Stroller Store is a buy and sell online platform that helps families find certified pre-owned strollers. On their website you can find UPPA Baby, Nuna, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, B.O.B., and other premium strollers for more than 1/2 their original price.

The company will provide a safety check, professional cleaning, and 120 day warranty on any stroller you purchase through their store. They also resell Happiest Baby Snoo Bassinets too.

If you found this article, Best Baby Strollers On A Budget, helpful – please share!

Other Popular Articles:

How To Choose Between The 12 And 18 Month Parental Leave

11 Unique Baby Shower Gifts Under $100

Smart Ways To Save Money On Back To School Expenses

How To Prepare Your Finances For A New Baby In Canada

Smart Money Ideas For Women At Every Age, Eh!