One of the biggest purchases a new parent can buy is a stroller! They are an essential buy that will be used every day, so you want to ensure your money is invested in the right product.
With so many options out there, you might be wondering what type of stroller you want to go with. If you are on this page, you probably have already realized that convertible strollers are your bank account’s best friend.
What Is A Convertible Stroller?
Convertible strollers are designed to be used from the day you leave hospital until your child no longer needs to rest on your walks. Essentially, they will grow with your child, so you don’t need to keep buying new strollers as they get older.
Most convertible strollers have bassinets, which can then be converted into a very supported seat, and then converted again to a loose fitting chair for a large toddler.
Having all of this convertibility must mean that the stroller lucks out where else, right? Wrong! You shouldn’t lose any crucial features to allow your convertible stroller to function just like any other stroller. Most brands have kept in mind the need for storage, ability to recline, and ease of use.
This is also why convertible strollers tend to be the most expensive type of stroller out there. However buying a new stroller every year will be more expensive in the long run. This is why convertible strollers are considered an excellent investment.
We have found the 5 best convertible strollers available, and each is great for its own reasons. If you want to look at our quick guide it's right below, however if you want to dive into our deeper review scroll to “5 Best Convertible Strollers” to see why we love them so much!
Quick List of our 5 Best Convertible Strollers
Overall Best Convertible Stroller - Graco
Best Convertible Stroller for Rocky Terrain - Cynebaby
Best Convertible Stroller for Twins - Baby Jogger
Best Lightweight Convertible Stroller - Maxi Cosi
Best Low Budget Convertible Stroller - Jeep
5 Best Convertible Strollers
Each of these strollers are great as general strollers, but they are a perfect choice as a one-purchase item because they can grow with your child. However, we have realized that each of these strollers are particularly amazing at different things. Check out our more detailed review to see how we came to this decision.
OVERALL BEST CONVERTIBLE STROLLER
We consider Graco to be the best convertible stroller because it fills every need you could think of. There are 10 ways to ride in a stroller, including a newborn lying down position, adjustable car seat positions, young toddler sitting positions, and older child sitting positions.
These 4 positions are ideal for a convertible, but the Graco goes further by adding reversible and reclining options, bumping up the positions to 10.
Along with the sitting choices, there are also easy to attach arm rests and trays for your toddler, so they can eat as you move. There are also cup holders and trays for the adults, so you can keep your phone in view as you explore a new location.
When it comes to Graco’s wheels, they have locking front swivel technology, which means that you have enhanced maneuverability, giving you complete control over the stroller.
Arguably the most important feature, not including the convertibility, is how easy the stroller is to change. It has click connect technology which is super simple for adults while being strong enough that children can’t unclick their safety features.
Pros:
- 10 Ways to Convert Stroller
- Large Storage
- Big Wheels
- Easy to use
- One Hand Folding
Cons:
- Expensive
- Car Seat Available But Not Included
BEST CONVERTIBLE STROLLER FOR ROCKY TERRAIN
Cynebaby is a beautiful stroller that will catch the eye of anyone you walk past, but that's not why we have rated it so highly. The Cynebaby has large wheels with deep grooves for a strong grip. This means that it can handle gravel trails with ease.
The front wheels can also swivel freely for 360 degrees; this gives the wheels the ability to absorb shock that would otherwise wake your sleeping baby. Inside the springs, there is an installed shock absorbing system too.
This gives your baby double the protection against jolts and bumps, thereby giving your child a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.
Although the basket underneath the seat is relatively small, there are additional storage bags with zips and mesh holdings behind the seat. This is so you can keep important items that you need to grab quickly in your eye line.
You also don’t need to worry about your things getting lost or dirty on your gravel trip, as the storage has been split.
In terms of convertibility, the Cynebaby only has three options. However, they are all you need. The first is the classic bassinet for your newborn, the next is a slight incline for the baby, and lastly, there is the upright option for your toddler.
Pros:
- Big Wheels with Deep Grooves and Shock Absorption for Gravel Trails
- Mosquito Net
- Storage Basket and Zip Lock Pouches
- Adjustable Handlebar
- Large Adjustable Canopy
Cons:
- Expensive
- Car Seat Available But Not Included
- Only 3 Ways to Convert Stroller
BEST CONVERTIBLE STROLLER FOR TWINS
Baby Jogger is the best convertible stroller for twins as, unlike most twin strollers, they are prepared for each growth category. There are 16 ways to convert this stroller, including single child use and two children use.
If you have children of different ages, they will also benefit from this stroller, as Baby Jogger has enough room to allow for different-sized seats simultaneously. You can even position your children to face each other so that they can have fun together on their journey.
The stroller is long to compensate for the additional seating, but it isn’t wider than a standard model. This means this double stroller is easy to maneuver around cities and busy locations.
Although the stroller is longer, you can still fold it into a small square, so you don’t need to have an exceptionally large trunk to store the stroller.
Pros:
- 16 Ways to Convert Stroller Including Two Seater Options
- Large Storage
- Big Wheels
- Easy to use
- Reduces to Small Size Once Folded
- Adjustable Handlebars
Cons:
- Heavy
- Tall Toddlers Will Find It Cramped
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT CONVERTIBLE STROLLER
The Maxi Cosi is an incredibly lightweight stroller which means you can hold it and carry it without any issues.
If your child is someone who will demand to sit or demand to walk and you cannot predict which way they will go, then this stroller will be your favorite companion. You can carry it around until your child gets tired.
If 20 pounds doesn’t seem like an easy to carry size for you, but you are looking for a stroller that you can push up a steep incline, then a lightweight stroller is what you will need. The Maxi Cosi would be perfect for people whose homes are at the top of hills.
The Maxi Cosi has 5 ways to convert their stroller. These include a bassinet, car seat, and a toddler seat. All of these options can switch between facing parents and facing the world.
It has a very large storage space that sits underneath the child’s seat and a sizable extendable canopy with a peek-a-boo window.
Pros:
- 5 Ways to Convert Stroller
- Large Storage
- Big Wheels
- Easy to use
- Lightweight And Simple Folding
- Moisture Wicking Fabric To Keep Baby Warm And Dry
Cons:
- Expensive
BEST LOW BUDGET CONVIRTABLE STROLLER
Despite the name “Jeep” attached to this stroller, this convertible companion will not burn a massive hole in your savings. The seat has two settings, one for a small car seat and another for a toddler.
However, the toddler seat itself has cushions that can be removed as the child grows.
The handles are reversible, so you can have your baby face you until they need more legroom, then you can flip the handles over to give them more space. You can also flip between parent-facing and world-facing, mid journey without any hassle.
The Jeep comes with a swing away tray for the child, and you can move it out the way when it’s time to let your child out. The tray has a cup holder and a lot of space for the child to eat without feeling cramped.
The ride will be super smooth as the suspension features are enabled on the front and back wheels. They also have swivel locks to absorb bumpy surfaces.
Pros:
- Low Price Tag
- Large Storage
- Big Wheels
- Easy to use
- Great Suspension
- Swing Away Tray
Cons:
- 2 Ways to Convert Stroller
Buyers Guide - What To Look For In A Convertible Stroller?
If you want to search for the best convertible stroller yourself, then you need to know what to look out for. Here is a little guide on what functions are essential and what you should be searching for in these functions. This is the same list of criteria we used to determine our favorite convertible strollers.
Level of Convertibility
Of course, the main thing you want to look for in a convertible stroller is just how convertible it actually is. As a minimum, we want our strollers in this category to have three levels of convertibility, and those are bassinet, slight recline (for babies that can sit up), and a toddler seat. Ideally, we want the stroller to turn into a car seat too, so it is completely adaptable.
Some strollers are able to move from a single child’s seat to two children’s seats without adding to the width of your product. These strollers are great for growing families but unnecessary for single-child families.
Storage
Babies need a lot of stuff. Like a lot! They need to be fed constantly, their diapers need to be changed at any moment, they need a whole bag worth of goodies to keep them safe and happy. With all of these necessities, you will want a stroller with a large storage space.
Compactable
Having ample storage space often creates a problem for the stroller’s ability to fold down. As a buyer, you need to weigh up what's most important to you. Do you want enough storage to hold everything your child needs and more, or do you want a stroller that can easily slide into a small and flat shape, so it can easily fold into your car?
That is just one problem you have to consider when it comes to compatibility. Another very important issue is the ease with which the convertible stroller can be folded. If your child is screaming, rain is pouring, and all you want is to get back to your car and drive home, the last thing you want holding you up is a ridiculously complicated foldable stroller.
The process should be simple enough that “baby brain” doesn’t confuse you but sturdy enough that you don’t accidentally fold your child into the fabric as you’re walking down a path.
Canopy Size
As your child grows, they will need more room in every area of the stroller. One area which is often forgotten about in cheaper convertible strollers is the canopy. The canopy is the fabric hood that pulls down to protect your child from the sun. Ideally, you want the canopy to be large enough for a toddler from the beginning.
What you don’t want is a canopy sized for a baby that cannot be extended. Otherwise, your toddler will get cramped under the protection, and you’ll be forced to keep your baby out in the sun when they should be staying in the shade.
Some canopies have peek-a-boo windows or mesh windows so you can see your child as they sit. Mesh windows are great for hot days, as they provide some cold airflow; however, they can cause problems on rainy days. If the canopy has a mesh that can be covered in a see-through film, then you’ll receive the best of both worlds.
Reclining Positions
Your child will spend a reasonable amount of time sleeping in their stroller. You will want them to be able to get comfortable, which often means lying down; however, if you have a toddler, this position can be tricky. Ideally, you should be looking for strollers that can adjust the reclining position so your child can be comfortable no matter their size and no matter their position.
Wheel Type
Depending on where you are planning to use your stroller, you want to be looking at the wheels. If you plan on using it to go to the mall, to walk around a city, or to go anywhere where the floor is flat and smooth, then you don’t need to worry about the wheels of your stroller.
If you plan to take your stroller on a gravel path, you will want to have large wheels with a strong suspension, so your child won’t receive a bumpy ride.
If you plan on taking your stroller to muddy or rugged terrain, then you will need large wheels filled with air and that have lots of grips. You will also want a strong suspension. Lastly, you will want the wheels to be tall enough that the mud doesn’t brush up against any storage basket that hangs below your child’s seat.
Brakes
Most strollers have a parking brake which you lock into place by using your foot. Some strollers have now introduced hand brakes, like a bike. Hand brakes give you a lot more control in difficult terrain, however, they often don’t function as a stand alone braking system, as they cannot stop your stroller from moving without someone pressing the handles down.
Adjustable Handlebars
Adjustable handlebars are perfect if you expect multiple adults to use the stroller, and those adults vary in height. Stereotypically, you would expect two adults, as parents, to use the stroller throughout its lifetime, and the likelihood of both these adults being the same height is super low.
If you can see yourself in this scenario, you should look for adjustable handlebars to prevent adults of mixed heights from developing back pain.
Conclusion
Finding a convertible stroller that isn’t too expensive and supports your child through their early years can be super tricky. This is why we searched for convertible strollers for you. Arguably, the best strollers are Graco, Cynebaby, and Maxi Cosi. However, the real answer depends on your family and your needs.
If you aren’t sure what you should be looking for, stick with Graco as it will support your child through their early years, it has a large storage area, and it is easy to use. Those three factors are the main take aways you should be focusing on.