The 7 Best Strollers for NYC & Metropolitan City Living

Best Stroller for NYC

If you’ve recently moved to the big city, you’ve quickly realized that strollers aren’t only a convenience, they’re a necessary evil.

Living in such a busy metropolitan area, your commute likely involves maneuvering through narrow hallways, busy roads and climbing stairs to get to your apartment. This means you cannot buy just any stroller but rather focus on one that will fit your lifestyle. The perfect stroller should be able to tackle the terrain mentioned above and do so much more.

If you’re not sure of where to begin your search, we’re here to help. Below is a list of the best strollers for NYC.

Real Customer Reviews of City Living Strollers

The 7 Best Strollers for NYC Are…

2018 UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller

2018 UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller

If you’re looking for a baby stroller that strikes a good balance between pricing and features, the UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller is the best option. 

Available in all-black, charcoal/silver and denim/silver, this stroller is chock full of features that will come in handy in your city lifestyle.

A key highlight of this baby stroller is how it folds up. This umbrella stroller folds in an instant thanks to the one-hand trigger mechanism. Such a feature offers a great deal of convenience when you’re traveling via public transportation means. 

The seat is another element that makes G-Luxe Stroller stand out. Since the stroller has been equipped with a new lever, the seat can be reclined to three different positions, and without applying too much effort.

It’s worth pointing out that very few umbrella strollers come with reclining seats, and the G-Luxe is one of them. This allows your toddler to rest comfortably.

In addition, this seat has a 5-point harness to enhance your baby’s safety. If your child grows a little older, this harness system can be adjusted easily. Plus, it can be converted to a 3-point lap belt by removing the shoulder straps.

If you want your toddler to be more comfortable when they’re resting, the G-Luxe adjustable footrest can be flipped up to offer the much needed support. 

Pros

  • Extremely easy to fold and take on the go
  • Sports a stylish fabric for construction and design
  • Lightweight considering its size
  • Plenty of storage space
  • Simplified reclining and braking mechanisms

Cons

  • Does not have a peek-a-boo window

Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller

Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller

Transitioning from one child to two can be pretty darn challenging, especially when you’re living in the city. But with Baby Jogger City Select, the transition will be so much easier. In fact, it offers 20 different ways to ride this unit, allowing you to carry 1, 2 or even 3 kids.

With such cool features, it’s not surprising that the stroller also has a hefty price tag. But if you don’t mind investing in a stroller that offers massive convenience, the City Select is your best bet.

For instance, it has a foldable mechanism that makes it easy to store in your car’s trunk when it’s not in use. The first time you see this stroller, you might feel intimidated by its size as it’s big and bulky.

Thankfully, it folds up conveniently up to 30% smaller than other models. One aspect that enables it to fold so easily is the fact that the seats can also be folded.

Besides, if it doesn’t fold to a size that’s compact enough for your liking, you’re free to remove the wheels. However, I should warn you that detaching the wheels takes a lot more effort than folding the unit.

When you’re investing heavily in a stroller, one of the things you’d expect is that it rides smoothly. Luckily, the Baby Jogger City Select doesn’t disappoint in this sector. The rear wheels are bigger than the front ones to facilitate better steering and offer a smooth ride. The wheel suspension is also great and you don’t have to worry about waking your toddler when you’re riding it on an uneven terrain.

Pros

  • Offers 20 different configurations
  • Folds up very easily
  • Rides smoothly even if it’s bulky
  • Can accommodate up to 3 children
  • Available in different colors

Cons

  • Pricey

BabyZen Yoyo+ Stroller

BabyZen Yoyo Stroller

When BabyZen Yoyo+ was first introduced in 2012, it was an instant hit. At the time, it was advertised as being the first stroller that could be folded so small to the point that it could fit in the overhead locker of an aircraft.

Since then, it’s received multiple upgrades that have resulted in the highly efficient buggy that it is today. Now, this stroller can be used right from infanthood with the help of a babynest. Best part about it is its compatibility with 0+ group car seat, which makes for a really versatile travel system.

There are two main ways to utilize the BabyZen Yoyo+ as a travel system. For one, you can attach the BabyZen Yoyo+ Newborn pack, which helps you transform the pushchair into a parent-facing newborn stroller. 

In this case, the stroller will have a canopy, harness for safety, foot cover and ample head support.

Secondly, you can attach the BabyZen Yoyo+ BeSafe iZi Go Modular Baby Car Seat to the chassis using adapters. This helps you create a travel system. Apart from this car seat, the BabyZen Yoyo+ is designed to be compatible with other branded car seats like Cybex, Maxi Cosi and Nuna.

The frame of the BabyZen Yoyo+ comes in a choice of several colors – black/grey, ginger, peppermint, black with taupe and red. We’ve been reviewing the all-red unit and it’s constructed using a blend of high-density plastic and metal.

The plastic construction is what gives it the lightweight feel while the metal accents contribute to its durability. To be specific, the baby stroller weighs in at 13 lbs.

It also comes with a couple of additional features, all of which are well thought out and beneficial. For instance, it’s equipped with an extendable canopy that provides a decent amount of shade and protection from external elements.

Furthermore, the wheel suspension system is perfect for city lifestyle. It has a unique “soft drive suspension system” that helps you navigate over different kinds of terrain. Unfortunately, the handlebar’s height cannot be adjusted, which is a shame. The silver lining to this is that it has a one-piece design, making it easier to steer the pushchair with a single hand.

Pros

  • Lightweight and foldable
  • Requires very little assembly
  • It’s airline friendly
  • Easy to navigate thanks to the soft drive suspension

Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than others
  • Non-adjustable handlebar

Britax B-Free Stroller

Britax B-Free Stroller

Just released recently, the B-Free Stroller is the newest addition to the Britax line of pushchairs. This 3-wheeled stroller doubles up as a travel system, making it a highly versatile model.

However, its key highlight is the amount of storage space that it provides, which really comes in handy for parents living in a busy city.

The Britax B-Free stroller is one that can be used right from infanthood.

However, the manufacturer recommends parents to use it as a travel system till a toddler gains ample head and neck control. 

As a travel system, it’s designed to work with all infant seats made by Britax. In the event that you don’t have a Britant infant car seat, you can purchase an adapter to attach it to other car seats from non-Britax brands.

Another thing you’ll love about this stroller is its gigantic canopy. If you factor in the size and additional SPF protection of the canopy, you can rest easy knowing that it will offer complete coverage from the sun or rain. Also important to note is that the canopy has a zipper. If you want to enlarge it, all you need to do is unzip it.

As we mentioned earlier, storage is one area where the B-Free stroller really shines. With 7 pockets, you have all the space you need to store baby gear and other essentials. In addition to these pockets, there’s also a massive basket that you can easily access from the rear or front.

Being able to access this basket from the front is a unique factor as not many strollers provide this opportunity.

The reclinable stroller seat is another feature that makes this stroller worth investing in. It sports an “infinite recline” allowing you to configure it to an array of positions. You can set it to lay completely flat or in a seated position. The infinite recline is superior to other reclining mechanisms for two reasons. For one, it provides unlimited configurations and two, it works more smoothly than a recline adjustment. 

Pros

  • Has a large canopy
  • Provides access to the storage basket from the front
  • Has an infinite recline capability
  • Higher weight limit

Cons

  • Does not have cup holders

Bumbleride All-Terrain Infant Baby Indie Stroller

Bumbleride All-Terrain Infant Baby Indie Stroller

If you were to blend an all-terrain or sporty pushchair with a compact and highly-functional model, the result would be the Bumbleride Indie Stroller. While you cannot describe any baby stroller as perfect, this one comes pretty close.

From the title, you can tell that this is an all-terrain stroller. This makes it suitable for city moms who occasionally like to go for off-road adventures.

All-terrain strollers have a bad rep for being too heavy or bulky. But the Indie Stroller, with its incredibly lightweight design, proves that good things can also come in small packages. 

While similar pushchairs tip the scales at over 30 pounds, the Indie comes in at 24 pounds. Not only is it considerably lighter than all-terrain strollers but also at par with a majority of standard strollers.

Despite the lightweight structure, the stroller has an all-wheel suspension and 4 large, air-filled 12-inch wheels. Combined, these features make for a smooth navigation on all sorts of terrain. The stroller also has a high clearance, enabling you to maneuver it over rocks and other obstacles.

For residents living in NYC, an important feature that every baby stroller ought to have is sufficient storage. Luckily, the Indie doesn’t disappoint. It has 5 stow pockets that comprise of a sippy cup holder and a massive cargo basket with a capacity of 29 liters.

The seat of the Bumbleride Indie is well-cushioned and spacious. Plus, it offers a deep, almost-full recline that’s adjusted using the strap system positioned behind the seat. It can hold a total weight of 55 lbs. 

Pros

  • Has an all-terrain but lightweight design
  • Decent amount of storage
  • All-wheel suspension for a smooth ride
  • Backed by a 3-year warranty

Cons

  • Folding the stroller is a learning curve

Graco Uno2Duo Double Stroller

Graco Uno2Duo Double Stroller

Have you been looking for a stroller that can be expanded to meet the needs of your growing family? If you have, the Graco Uno2Duo is a superb option.

Instead of purchasing another stroller for your second child, you get to enjoy the benefits of one stroller that can comfortably accommodate two kids. This saves you both money and space, which comes in handy if you’re living in a big city like New York.

As you can expect from such a stroller, one of its strengths is the provision of different configurations. Even if you opt for the single stroller version- which is just slightly cheaper than the double stroller- you’ll have 10 different ways that you can set it up. 

With the double stroller, there are 8 extra configurations. You can have one toddler riding in the stroller facing forwards or backwards.

They could also be laying down in the integrated bassinet or be seated in the standard stroller seat. Better yet, this pushchair can be used in conjunction with car seats like the Graco Snugride, Snugride Snuglock 35 Elite, or Clickconnect 35.

Surprisingly, the double stroller is very compact. If you want to switch from the single to the double stroller, the Uno2Duo increases in size by just 5 inches. This makes the transition effortless and space-saving.

Another thing we like about this baby stroller is the fact it comes with an array of accessories. For instance, you’ll get a snack tray, a cup holder and a phone holder, all of which you’d have to purchase separately if you were buying a stroller from another brand.

As you navigate through the streets of New York, you’ll probably have your hands full. So the last thing you want to do is experience difficulty trying to fold the stroller. Graco took this factor into consideration, which is why this stroller has a simple one-hand folding mechanism. 

Pros

  • Sports a simple folding technique
  • It’s suitable for infants
  • Transitions from single to double stroller seamlessly
  • Comes with tons of accessories
  • Compact for a double stroller

Cons

  • Takes time to assemble

Maclaren Mark II Style Set Stroller

Maclaren Mark II Style Set Stroller

Maclaren Mark II wins the title for the lightest, most suitable stroller for NYC. At 7.2 lbs, there’s no doubt that this is one of the lightest models on the market.

In fact, even if after you put your toddler inside the pram, it’s still light enough for you to pick and carry it up a flight of stairs.

What makes this pushchair ultra lightweight is the material used in its construction. At the heart of this stroller is a hexagonal-shaped chassis that’s made using aircraft-grade aluminum.

Not only does this help to keep its weight to a minimum but it also enhances its durability. However, you should not assume that its lightweight design means it has fewer features. 

Another area where this model excels entails its folding capability. It can be folded to the classic umbrella shape, and achieving this only takes a couple of steps. To fold, lift the folding bars found on the back frame; start with the red-colored bar.

The integrated locking clip will help to keep this folded structure in place. Opening the stroller is just as easy. Just do the reverse action- undo the clip and step on the red bar till everything falls into place.

The Maclaren Mark II is a breeze to navigate. You can use two hands or one if you have other hand full. This stroller is meant to be ridden on different surfaces- from sidewalks to grass and gravel.

Although the ride will be a little bumpier on uneven terrain, the all-wheel suspension helps it perform fairly better than other umbrella strollers. Besides, you can always lock the front wheels, which makes navigating the pushchair on rough terrain much easier.

Another rare attribute you’ll get from this stroller is that it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. The Maclaren Sovereign Lifetime Warranty means that if you notice a defect in the materials used or workmanship, during the stroller’s lifetime, the manufacturer will cater for repair/replacement cost.

However, you must have bought your stroller from the manufacturer’s website or an authorized retailer. 

Pros

  • Aluminum build makes for a lightweight and durable unit
  • Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
  • Includes an oversized waterproof hood to offer protection from external elements
  • Replacement parts are readily available

Cons

  • Storage space can be improved

Wrap Up

As an urban parent, there are a couple of features you’ll be looking for in a stroller. For instance, if you have to carry it a flight of stairs, then it should be lightweight.

Similarly, if you have to navigate narrow hallways or have limited storage space, then you’ll need one that is compact. The strollers we’ve reviewed check one or more of these boxes, making them suitable for NYC life. 

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