Improvements in technology have affected a huge amount of areas of our lives, but one thing you might not have considered being more high tech than they once were is a stroller. The truth is that this product has come a long way, and it’s pretty easy to find the best convertible stroller for any parent’s or child’s needs. There are products which can be converted from single to double strollers, adapt to face different directions or even be altered as your child grows into the stroller. This means a whole new level of convenience and even a product that can save you money by not needing to be replaced in a few years’ time.
In this article, we’ve got a list of some of the top products and detailed reviews as we count down the very best options. To decide which to recommend, we’ve looked into a number of different factors. Naturally, we considered the functionality in terms of converting, and what options the stroller can give in this regard, for example, whether it can alter positions or has room to attach a second stroller seat. We’ve also looked at some of the things you should always be looking for, such as the size and dimensions, capacity in terms of weight and size, the weight of the stroller itself, and how foldable and portable it is. It needs to be sturdy and easy to use.
Our team have spent many hours researching various ranges of convertible stroller in order to bring you the best, including full reviews based on customer reviews and hands-on experience. We’ve also included a buying guide to allow you to choose the best for your own specific needs and explore the important features. There is also a helpful table featuring our product ratings.
Extra features: all-terrain tires, travel system compatible
The Baby Jogger City Select Stroller is probably the most impressive convertible stroller on the market. Not only does it have a lot of durability and a lot of thought has gone into the design, it has an incredible 16 different configurations. This stroller succeeds in being the most flexible and versatile product out there.
Its 16 different positions and configurations mean it can be turned into a travel system with a bassinet, a single, double or triple stroller and can face forwards, backwards or even towards a sibling. At the moment there is an ‘anniversary’ edition available to celebrate 10 years of the product and this has some very high quality fabrics and even leatherette.
When it is used in its single stroller position, this has a capacity of 45lb which should see you through the first few years of your little one’s life. The durability of this stroller is very impressive in spite of being such an easily convertible model. It also has 12” rear tires with 8” front tires, designed to be all-terrain so you can take this on all kinds of different surfaces with ease.
Though the Baby Jogger City Select Stroller is not the cheapest product on the market, it justifies its features with a huge amount of quality and versatility. It also has loads of different compartments and attachments to allow you to turn this into pretty much whatever kind of stroller you need it to be.
Extra features: comes with baby bag, safety handle wrist strap, mosquito net
This is a baby stroller perfect for ages all the way from birth up to three years old, with a bassinet design. Its multiple positions and adjustability mean it is perfect for a variety of different configurations and you can recline your child at a level which is comfortable for them. You can also adjust the handlebar and storage: clip on or unclip the storage as desired.
On top of this, safety has been considered in depth as the manufacturers have used non-toxic linen and even provided a five-point harness for the safety of your child.
The seat is reversible, and many parents find themselves pointing baby towards them in the younger months and years before the eventually want to face the world. As a further safety precaution you can also adjust the sunshade which means no harmful rays can reach you baby.
It is totally foldable and in the folded state, the Babyjoy Baby Stroller is perfect for putting in the back of even an ordinary sized vehicle. In spite of being relatively lightweight and easy to fold up, it is also very sturdy so you don’t have to worry about it being too flimsy.
The stroller comes with everything a new parent could possibly need: a baby bag, a foot cover and a removable warm bed, saving you time and money – that’s a few more items off your baby shopping list!
Extra features: UV-ray protection canopy, highly compact when folded
The Summer Infant 3Dflip Double Take Convenience Stroller makes it into our list as a budget pick, as it represents such brilliant value for money and has plenty of features to enjoy.
This counts as a convertible stroller due to the fact that you can change its position, and it is effectively a 2 in 1. While smaller babies up to 25 lbs can be held in the seat facing the parent pushing, it will quickly and easily (with one flip of a handle) turn into a front facing seat with a 50 lb capacity.
Each of the two modes of the 3Dflip has three of its own reclining positions which means six in total. The safety has been accounted for with durable rear locks to keep it in place, and a well-made canopy which gives the correct amount of protection to the baby when shielding from the sun.
The fact that this can be folded up to an extremely compact size makes it a popular choice for those who need something that is very portable. It also folds in just three steps which are designed to be done in just seconds so you can do it on the way to a bus, for example.
In general, for an affordable and flexible stroller which is convertible enough to offer two different modes and is easy to fold and adjust, the 3Dflip is worth a look.
Extra features: comes with safety wrist strap, mosquito net and a car seat adapter
Hot Mom Travel System Pram is certainly one of the most inventive products we’ve come across due to its clever 360 degree rotating system, which is not just there for novelty as it provides a huge amount of flexibility for mum and baby.
From the ages of 0-9 months you can use this for a newborn as a bassinet-style carrier, but the stroller seat switches for 6-36 month old babies and becomes a rotating and reversible model so you can customize it to be exactly how best suits you and your little one.
It has the safety benefit of a five-point harness system to keep baby snugly in position.
In terms of add-ons, the brand has thought of pretty much everything. A long hood is great for hanging sensory toys for your child. There is also a ventilated hood which provides protection from the environment but also keeps little one cool even on the hottest days. There is a full carrycot cover for the colder and rainier days, and mosquito nets protect in areas where there are bugs ready to bite you.
Another benefit for the parent is the large amount of storage space on the bottom of the stroller. Something else this offers which is not a common feature for convertible strollers is the fact that it can simply and easily turn into a dining chair, which is great for eating out at restaurants. It can also turn into a car seat with the right adaptors.
All-in-all, this may be one of the more unusual products out there but it is easy to see why some parents opt for this 360 degree convertible stroller. It even folds up for simple storage in the trunk of your car.
Extra features: compatible with MESA Infant Car Seat
This is one investment that will give you value for your money. The innovative multifunctional stroller is a convenient riding companion for your little ones from the age of three months, growing with them and accommodating up to three kids at once through multiple configurations.
Described by owners as the “Cadillac of strollers”, it comes with a rain visor, a UPF 50+ sun visor and a bug shield to protect your baby from rain, UV rays and pesky bugs; a bassinet which is suitable for an infant from birth to when they are 20 pounds or 25 inches; and a toddler seat which can be directly attached to MESA Infant Car Seat without requiring adapters. You can place the toddler seat to face forwards, backwards, in an upright position, or into six reclining positions using an easy lever which is also used to raise or lower the seat.
The voluminous extra-large basket with a capacity of 30 pounds will fit all the baby essentials you will need on your trip while the viewing window on the adjustable canopy provides your baby with unlimited access to the outside scenery.
UPPAbaby VISTA has a number of features to keep your baby safe; adjustable handlebars and bumper bar with full-grain leather cover for easy cleaning, large wheels with front and rear suspension for smooth gliding and which can be locked in place to prevent the stroller from rolling away or toppling over, and a breathable mattress pad which improves ventilation.
Despite the durable construction of aluminum and magnesium and the maximum weight capacity of 50 pounds, this model is portable and foldable for convenient storage.
Extra features: standing platform for older kids, car seat compatible
Graco is a powerhouse of a brand when it comes to baby products and the Graco Uno2Duo Stroller is an example of how brilliant their range can be. It is wonderful for toddlers and for when your family expands to two children as it has not only a large weight limit of 50 lbs but can be easily expanded to a two child stroller. It does this not by adding an extra seat, but instead suggests using the platform at the back for your toddler to stand upon while being pushed, and a younger baby can then use the main seat.
One great benefit of buying a Graco product is the fact that they have so many different car seats, and these are compatible with the Graco Uno2Duo Stroller.
This is a very lightweight stroller in spite of having quite a big capacity, and it folds up in one simple motion which the brand describe as only using one hand. Perfect for parents in a hurry and for storing in relatively small spaces. The reclining seat can be totally adjusted during use to give the perfect position for your infant or toddler.
All-in-all, there are some benefits to buying from such a well-respected brand, and it is inevitable that Graco have at least one convertible stroller to make our ‘best of’ list.
Extra features: safety wrist strap, UV protection canopy
Often when making a buying decision like that of a convertible stroller, you will find yourself looking at function more than looks, but it is great to have something which stands out too, and the indication of quality you get from the way this stroller looks is matched by its good quality features.
This has a lot of adjustable functionality. It can be used in either the bassinet style perfect for younger infants or turned into more of a pushchair. Other things you can adjust include the canopy, which can be changed to suit the seasons and the weather. This even has a handrail which can be taken out and a food tray put in its place, which is perfect for using as a high chair in restaurants. Zip up curtains and foot covers allow you to seal in the warmth in the winter and allow some ventilation in the summer months.
There is plenty of storage on the bottom for your shopping or just for including your diaper bag.
The Cynebaby Convertible Bassinet Stroller is also wonderful for how flexible it is to move, with simple 360 wheels allowing you to push in the exact direction you want, and also a simple lock which can be controlled with your foot.
Extra features: flip-flop friendly brake, peek-a-boo window, 3-position adjustable handle, removable bumper bar, flex-hold cup holder
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Stroller is also going to give you something to think about as you look through your options. The stroller has multiple configuration options you can try out depending on your toddler’s needs. For instance, it can easily be converted into a double stroller with the capacity to hold two toddlers. However, this will require you to get a secondary toddler seat at a fee, or you can use your current car seat.
A potential problem we noticed is that not all car seats are compatible with the stroller as it is. That said, the manufacturer offers adapters for the same at a cost.
Other ways you can configure the stroller include front-facing mode or parent-facing modes. Additionally, whether it’s front-facing or parent-facing, you can put the stroller into infant mode, where the stroller cradles the toddler at a more comfortable angle.
Next, the stroller features a relatively large storage basket for baby necessities. It can expand to over two feet, depending on how you configure the stroller. However, be mindful of the weight of your supplies, as the stroller can only handle 55 lbs maximum.
Also, the device features a flip-flop-friendly brake that just might be handy as you take your toddler in and out of the stroller. Other extra features include a flex cup holder, and the stroller can even stand on its own when folded.
A stroller is not necessarily an everyday purchase, so you may not be totally familiar with the features, making it easy to fall into the trap of not purchasing the right product for your own needs. By creating a buying guide, we aim to show which features you should be looking out for and deciding which are most suitable for your child based on age and other factors.
A convertible stroller can save you the hassle and cost of having to buy multiple strollers in a relatively short space of time. Though a lot of the products on our list are convertible in different ways, most of them have a setting which suits newborns such as a bassinet style stroller, or can quickly turn the stroller into more of a pushchair design, which is more suited to 2-4 year olds and toddlers rather than tiny children.
Other convertible products can have some exceptional ideas and features which can further save you time and money. For instance, some can transform into double or even triple strollers as your family grows and this means you don’t need to replace the stroller. If this is something you’re after, do some research on stroller wagons if you haven’t before – they’re a highly versatile option that is becoming increasingly popular amongst parents, as they can accommodate multiple kids of different ages, whilst being incredibly fun to use!
Here are the features we consider essential and use when we’re working out which models to recommend. It is well worth reading our buying guide as some of these features are likely to become more of a priority than others. For instance, if you plan on taking two different children on your stroller, then you may require a higher weight capacity. If you want to protect your child from the sun, then you may need something which has a canopy which can keep your child protected from the sun.
Some strollers are more convertible than others. Some will simply be able to convert from facing backwards to forwards, whereas others will have the capacity to add extra seats, or even have 360-degree facing capabilities. Newer models tend to be adding new and exciting features to try and stand out from the competition, and this has definitely given more choice in the market and means you can find any kind of stroller to suit your needs.
Convertible functions should be considered not just in terms of how many different features you need and how flexible your stroller can be. You must also consider how simple it is to make these conversions. It needs to be simple and straightforward, it shouldn’t feel like rocket science to be able to move from one mode to another.
The weight capacity of a stroller should be considered, and this will dictate how long you can use the stroller for. Many convertible strollers can be used from birth, all the way up until a child hits the weight capacity. So, if you have a stroller with 20 lb capacity it will see a lot less use than one that can hold kids until they weigh up to 40 or 50 lb. This will also play a part when considering whether to turn a stroller into a double or triple stroller. If your little one is larger than the average toddler, then we recommend taking a look at some of the best strollers for big kids that will provide the best level of comfort for your child.
The main reason to consider the dimensions is the portability of a product as well as how simple it will be to push around. Imagine taking to the shops with an absolutely huge stroller, it can be cumbersome and get in the way. It will also take up a lot of space should you plan to leave your stroller anywhere.
The most important factor is whether or not your child can comfortably fit within the stroller, so it should have plenty of headroom.
Stroller weight is another important factor. Pushing around a heavy stroller with a child can be tiring, but more importantly, transporting it can be tough if it is heavy. Say you need to lift it to get it into the back of your car or SUV.
On the other hand, a lightweight stroller may not be quite as sturdy. Try to pick a product which manages to be hard-wearing in spite of being relatively lightweight.
A stroller which can fold is basically a must. Most of us need to transport the stroller with us wherever we go, and take it on public transport, in the car, even on planes. Being able to pack it down to fit in the trunk of a car is the number one priority for many parents.
Be sure to check the folded dimensions of a stroller and ensure it will fit in your vehicle with ease.
Unfortunately, some strollers do have some very flimsy wheels, which can mean you end up having to replace them, and avoiding certain types of terrain. The products that have made our ‘best of’ list don’t suffer from this affliction, as we have tried to only recommend products with exceptional wheels and the suitability to go on any surface. Many also have suspension systems which can mean a smoother ride for your children. If this is something you’re particularly interested in and if you have two kids, then take a look at our picks of the best double jogging strollers, as these provide some of the most comfortable experiences for your little ones.
A nice bonus when it comes to keeping your children safe is the number of reclining positions. The positions should go as far as flat or almost flat, which is better for younger kids, but if it has more options then this can be a real plus point and ticks a big box.
Anything you plan to put your child in for transportation purposes simply must be safe. Even if you’re going at walking pace, you cannot be too careful, so safety features must be considered. These often come in the form of adjustable belts and harness systems, which should be not only sturdy but comfortable and padded so that your child doesn’t mind wearing them.
Other features which are big plus points include handle straps to keep the stroller tethered to you, and locking wheels letting you park your stroller safe in the knowledge it won’t roll off.
These two tend to go hand-in-hand. A better produced product with good quality craftsmanship is likely to be more comfortable. In our reviews, we consider how well each stroller has been made and the comfort this provides for your little ones. Nobody wants to spend time in an uncomfortable seat, so your baby should be satisfied to stay in the stroller at all times.
Car seats and strollers often go together in many respects. If you can simply pop the car seat out and put it straight into your stroller, then it can save a lot of hassle. The time this cuts down can add up over the years, and getting your kid out of the car and ready for an onward journey can be tough at the best of times. Many strollers and car seats are made by the same companies, and this can help with compatibility. For instance, the Graco Uno2Duo model reviewed in this article can fit any of their car seats, making the process of switching between the two very simple.
Check the manufacturer’s advice to find out what car seats your stroller is compatible with, and whether you’ll need to purchase an adapter.
Though this isn’t a feature unique to strollers by any stretch of the imagination, the warranty should always be considered whenever you are buying pretty much any product. Super long warranties which you may get with tools or household items are rarely offered with strollers, but at least a one-year warranty can be very useful and helps offer an extra level of protection.
Hopefully our guide should make your buying decision extremely simple. A little research can help you to find which stroller may be most suitable for your child or children, as you can consider which features are most useful for your own particular scenario and requirements.
The Baby Jogger Anniversary City Stroller has been nominated as our best all-around convertible stroller, and with good reason. This has a huge amount of functionality and is very well made. While it is far from being the cheapest convertible stroller, the fact that it has an amazing 16 different configurations mean it is definitely the most flexible. It’s our top pick, hands down.
The Babyjoy Convertible Bassinet Reclining Stroller Carriage also scores very highly at 9.7, and the bassinet setting is particularly good for younger infants. Alternatively, for the best convertible stroller which is a low budget option, you can go for the Summer Infant 3Dflip Double Take Convenience Stroller which is lightweight and also a brilliantly simple to adjust stroller.
