If your child is significantly bigger for his or her age it is likely you’re well aware of a few of the daily struggles that come with it. Clothing that doesn’t quite fit right, inability to swaddle comfortably and of course, discomfort in everyday strollers. A stroller is meant to fit both your lifestyle and your child – finding the best stroller for big kids shouldn’t have to be difficult!
When shopping for the best stroller for big kids, make sure you consider its weight capacity. An effective stroller should be able to support both the weight of the child and any additional luggage. Also don’t forget about the construction sturdiness. Especially since yours will be holding more weight than most, the physical construction of the unit should be strong and sturdy. We came up with a list of top 9 picks, and the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller deserved our Editor’s Choice nomination.
Extra features: large sun protection canopy, travel system ready, compact fold
The Joovy Zoom is our clear winner in best overall stroller for bigger kids. It is both a feature packed and aesthetically pleasing unit with an equally appealing price tag.
The unit is extra wide with a raised seating level, making it perfect for slightly larger children. Your child will have wonderful views up on his or her raised seat that also reclines quite easily when needed.
Since this is a jogging stroller, its design reflects this: three wheels and a secure storage compartment that won’t dislodge during faster pace movement.
The Zoom is very lightweight. This is important for jogging strollers made for heavier children. They should glide and move as a regular weighted unit would.
The feature we like most is the extended canopy that juts out further than the average stroller. It provides assured coverage of even the tallest or biggest children, leaving no body part uncovered.
Despite being on the wider side, this stroller still folds up into a compact pile. It is quick to fold and can be done with just one hand. So a screaming baby on the hip won’t put your day on hold.
The front wheel is lockable, so this stroller literally glides over almost any surface and experiences little resistance. The reason this stroller made our overall best option is because you actually don’t need to be centered around jogging to make use of it. While it is a welcome bonus, it is also entirely suitable to be used as an every day strolling device, and thanks to its large air-filled tires, it makes a great beach stroller as well.
The unit is breezy when preferred and covered when you need it. It can hold drinks and snacks on top of its already impressive storage capacity. Perhaps the only downside is that the car seat adaptor is an item that is sold separately, not standard to the unit.
Extra features: integrated twist hand brake, one-handed reclining seat, swivel/locking front wheel, cargo basket with zip-top cover, 16 inch. Rear wheels and suspension
Thule Urban Glide 2 is a lightweight jogging stroller perfect for all terrains. This item comes with a one-handed compact fold that makes it easy for you to transport and store when not in use. The Thule model is among the best jogging strollers we’ve used. It features a one-handed recline and a multi-position canopy with side ventilation windows to keep your child comfortable when walking or strolling around your neighborhood.
We gave this model the best jogging stroller nomination for several reasons. First, it comes with a 5-point harness, integrated with proper ventilation to ensure the security and comfortability of your child. Secondly, it comes with an integrated twist handbrake system that makes it easier to control speed, especially when using it on hilly terrain. Also, the jogging stroller has ample storage space. It comes with a spacious cargo basket subdivided into two sections, enough for carrying your child’s snacks and toys to keep them busy and entertained.
Although the Thule Urban Glide 2 and the Baby Jogger 2016 City models from our list have a five-point adjustment, they have some differences. The main feature that sets these items apart is that the Thule Urban Glide 2 model has a maximum weight capacity of 75lbs while the Baby Jogger 2016 City has a weight capacity of 75lbs. therefore, the former model is better since it can accommodate more weight.
Extra features: all-terrain tires, travel system compatible
The great thing about the Baby Jogger is the fact that it almost grows with your child. This is why it won the label of best stroller for tall children.
The unit is designed to be continuously adjusted and added to over time. The Baby Jogger brand offers a wide variety of added extras sold separately that you can use to form a collection of gear for your stroller. It even has an adaptor that turns this solo unit into a double, tandem stroller for two children.
What makes this stroller perfect for tall children is its adjustable height options. Seats and framework can be lowered or raised to perfectly suit the needs of your child.
The unit includes a bar that acts as either a footrest or cross safety bar, depending on where you set it.
Unfortunately due to the lengthy height of the overall unit, the handlebar sits notably higher than your everyday stroller. This isn’t really ideal for shorter parents as their comfort is likely to be compromised, but if you’re of on the tall side, it’s definitely one of the best strollers for tall parents.
The storage on board is sufficient. Additional pockets and trays can be purchased & fitted into the stroller for extra comfort.
The wheels are free-swivel and offer exceptional maneuverability. The stroller folds up in flat, pancake style. It is easy to lift into and out of most car boots. We must mention the deep wine shade of the stroller, making it a classic, stylish addition to your everyday life.
Extra features: SPF 50+ canopy, upgraded one step brake
We love a good deal! The G-Luxe stroller is an affordable option for strollers for bigger children. It is a simply designed and constructed unit that is void of the bells & whistles that come with more costly items.
It comes in a range of five neutral colors. All the fabrics are easy to remove for washing and allows for easy wipe downs.
You’ll be able to shift the seat from upright to inclined with just one hand. The handlebars are separate and tall enough for parents of any height. These are great for hanging extra bags. Since the unit itself is quite compact with limited storage space, handlebars come in handy. There is also a coffee cup holder built in.
The G-Luxe flips up in one swift folding move. A point to keep in mind is that this stroller doesn’t fold away as small as others. Since it only does one fold, most of the original length is intact for storage purposes. However, it’s still the perfect fit for most car boots.
The canopy on this stroller is removable. It has incredible height for comfort for significantly taller children. It also has two optional extenders in the event of harsh frontal sun or rain. The extenders jut out and over the child for full coverage. An overall rain cover can be purchased as an added extra.
All in all, the G-Luxe stroller is a sturdy, practical solution of a stroller for bigger children. In spite of being a fraction of the cost of most other strollers, it is still feature packed and aesthetically very pleasing. No need to compromise just to save a buck!
Extra features: padded seat back, head pillow, latex-free material that is peel- and tear-resistant
The intention behind this Tomato EIO stroller is wonderful. It is a unit specifically designed with special needs children in mind and it is our best pick for exactly that.
Raising a child with special needs is naturally ten times harder than most of us will ever understand. Your stroller should be a welcome asset to daily life and make the parent’s role as easy as possible.
When it comes to children with special needs, certain features are not negotiable: Adjustable back and foot panels are must haves. The Tomato EIO offers just that. The positions are not fixed options, so you can find the exact right angles for your child’s body needs.
We like that the entire stroller is hypoallergenic and latex-free. This ensures nothing can cause a reaction to the child in question. As expected, absolutely everything is padded and safe for contact.
The wheels are large and airless. This means they are no-flat, rubber wheels and will never leave you & your child stranded.
The body harness is intricate and strong – yet also well padded. It will keep even the most restless child tightly strapped in.
While it is naturally bigger than your typical stroller it is still an impressively lightweight unit. There is ample storage space underneath and behind the stroller. You’ll be able to take along all equipment or goodies you need to take care of your child throughout the day.
This stroller is definitely a big help to anyone caring for a child with special needs. The attention is placed on interior comfort and safety — two very important features for this niche.
Extra features: patent-pending S.I.T seat simplifies taking child in and out of stroller, automatically locks when folded
This impressive unit by Burley Design is our winner for best lightweight stroller for bigger kids.
Technically, it’s a jogging stroller by design. However this unit is fully capable of performing as an everyday stroller if treated as such.
Weighing in at an astounding 29lb, there is nowhere you can’t take this stroller. Traveling with it is a pleasure.
The handlebar is extendable and adjustable. It can be made to suit parents of any height comfortably.
There is a variety of add-ons that can be purchased to spice up the stroller to your liking. These include a weather shield, snack bar and car seat adaptor. Regrettably you will not be able to connect your car seat to the Solstice Jogger unless you purchase that last piece of equipment.
The stroller is available in three flattering hues: Green, blue and grey.
The great thing about jogging strollers is that they require less effort to maneuver than regular strollers. This is thanks to the single front wheel that absorbs most of the suspension; allowing the stroller to move easier and more freely than with four wheels. Therefore, this one is easy to work with.
Lightweight jogging strollers make for great everyday strollers because they tend to be more durable than many others. They’re made to handle rough, unpredictable terrain. So whatever your daily stroller needs may be, the Solstice Jogger is a little bit of everything good in one: A unit to be seriously considered in your buying journey.
Extra features: one-hand fold, extra-large basket, removable bumper bar
What is more challenging than running after one baby? Running after two!
Thankfully strollers such as this Joovy Scooter exist to alleviate some of the challenges. This is a tandem stroller made to move two children at the same time, with as much ease as moving one.
For its size and stylish exterior, the price tag is almost unbelievable. Competitor units of the same nature often start at four times the cost of this stroller.
What’s great is that although it’s designed to hold two, bigger children it’s still fully capable of entering most doorways. No kidding!
The cross bar offers extra safety protection over your children, though it’s unlikely they’ll need it when you consider the impressive harness belt that the stroller is fitted with.
The canopy is wide and covers the stroller well. However one downside is that it is a single solid canopy. Tandem strollers often feature two single canopies which allow for individual experiences for each child. If one feels like sun and one feels like shade — no problem. Unfortunately the Joovy Scooter design means both must have sun or shade at the same time.
As expected, the seats recline well for additional comfort. At least these do so individually, so one child can sit up while the other sleeps.
We love the range of colors this stroller comes in: Orange, blue, red, green or black. You can pick a color that suits your style and bright colored strollers are easier to spot in crowded spaces. Therefore the right purchase can offer enhanced security.
Extra features: tested by UK medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency, ergonomically optimized handles
Finally, our best umbrella stroller for bigger kids. Umbrella strollers get their name from the way they fold into themselves while still staying upright, just like umbrellas. They’re typically basic, lightweight units and this Maclaren model is no different. Umbrella strollers are preferred by some parents due to the specifics of their storage options at home or in their vehicles. They can usually slot into long, narrow gaps which makes them appealing if you have limited storage space.
This user-friendly approach, along with the design, make this model a practical option to use with children with special needs. The wide footrest provides leg support as often needed by special needs kids. The body harness is an intricate, secure system to hold your child upright. It also makes sense to use for this niche, as it’s so simple to unfold and get the child into the seat as quickly as possible. There are no extra parts, canopies or trays in the way.
Unfortunately this particular stroller by Maclaren offers absolutely no on board storage. This may be a problem or a preference, depending on how heavily you like to travel. The handlebars offer the option of having bags hang over them though this is likely to weigh the unit down, making it difficult to steer.
The framework of this stroller is quality aluminum. It is durable and long lasting – it won’t need to be replaced any time soon. Just note that the unit isn’t adjustable in width or height. There is no option for add-ons. It comes as is.
This is a stroller designed for the no-frills, easy going parent who genuinely just wants to go on a casual stroll. It isn’t the unit you would use to lug around a newborn and all the goods needed to care for them. But as a stroller for toddlers and specifically special needs kids, this is a winner.
Extra features: UPF 50+ canopy, safety harness, travel system-ready
The jogging strollers have really taken the lead in this line up. It’s clear that their impressive features and functionality are undeniable. This Revolution unit by BOB is no different.
Firstly let’s get this out of the way: yes, the canopy is noticeably shallower than the previous stroller we looked at. In the event of rain or front-facing sun your child is likely to be unsettled.
That being said, this is still a strong contender for best stroller for bigger children and specifically for jogging, for a number of reasons.
The BOB Revolution is extra padded. Literally every part of the stroller that could come into contact with a child is padded up. This makes the comfort levels top class. An uncomfortable child would be the first thing to cut your afternoon jog short.
The handlebar offers an impressive nine point adjustment. Any parent with the intention of having a workout will make frequent use of this feature as it allows one’s arms to rest in one of a variety of angles. No risk of cramping or strain.
Since the unit comfortably sits any child up to 75lb you will be able to use it long term from the time your child is eight weeks old.
The feature that may justify the price of the BOB is the state of the art suspension that is built in. It softens the impact of lumpy bumpy rides around town. This makes for a happy baby and in turn a happy parent. Suspension in jogging strollers is a sure cause for celebration. It isn’t often included as a standard feature.
Again, as with most jogging strollers, car seat adaption is an extra that is sold separately.
A stroller should complement you and your child. It becomes a reflection by which the world will view you as a parent while out and about: not only in how you look, but how practical you are in finding parenting solutions. And, of course, you want to make life easy for yourself, right? It’s our goal to help you portray the best image possible. Use this buyer’s guide to navigate the features most important to you in making your purchase.
When you purchase a stroller that has been made specifically with bigger children in mind, you will likely experience a number of the following advantages:
The only thing left to do is narrow our eight top picks down to one that is best for you. We’re aware they’re all unique, so looking at specific features (relevant to your lifestyle) is the easiest way to identify the winner for your household. This comprehensive list of options make up important specs of stroller culture. Which ones are most significant to you?
Since your stroller is specifically targeted at larger sized children, weight capacity is an important factor to consider when choosing one. A reliable stroller should ideally be able to hold both weight of the child and any luggage that needs to come along for the ride. Be sure to ask yourself:
Technically a bigger child is going to mean a physically bigger stroller. Just how much bigger is up to you. Consider the dimensions of the stroller before making your purchase. A good point to consider is whether or not the stroller is at fixed dimensions or adjustable. Adjustable strollers are valuable to cater for children’s growth spurts. A great option with plenty of space for bigger children is a stroller wagon, a model that increasingly more parents are opting for.
Also consider dimensions in terms of available storage space.
Since you’re already handling a bigger child daily, you’ll likely want your stroller to be as light weight as possible. Our best lightweight stroller was the unit by Burley Design. Keep in mind that strollers are equipment items you’ll probably use daily. From unfolding to assembling to lifting to cleaning; it’s a never-ending journey. Critically compare the weights of the strollers you are most drawn to. Consider how much luggage you usually carry along and whether or not your child often demands to be carried. The weight of the stroller shouldn’t add to your struggle; on the contrary it should reduce it.
Our mantra when it comes to strollers has always been comfort on the inside, durability on the outside. This is no different when shopping for a stroller for a bigger child. Seek out a brand that has a reputation of using quality materials in the making of their strollers.
Especially since yours will be holding more weight than most, the physical construction of the unit should be strong and sturdy.
Since children go through so many phases and moods in one day, your stroller’s seat positions should be able to do the same. Because most strolling excursions begin with an enthusiastic, wide-awake child who is eager to see everything; an upright seat is in order. As the day goes by it’s common for children to doze off and need to lay flat. Your stroller should be able to adjust accordingly.
When you have a good idea of how big your stroller needs to be you’ll be able to choose your folding specifications as well. Some strollers fold up into a ball, others more upright like an umbrella. You need to consider your vehicle and storage options & what kind of folding pattern would best fit into these.
Size is important too. Ensure that your brand of choice doesn’t manufacture strollers folding into bulkier, more inconvenient units than they started off as. You want something like the Maclaren Major Elite, our pick of umbrella stroller that offers great foldability, to ensure a user friendly outcome.
Sometimes overlooked in importance, seat belts and parking brakes are equally as deserving of a second look when stroller shopping. We love strollers that make use of body harness type seat belts with adjustable, padded strapping. This is the most peace of mind you can have in ensuring your child will never find his or her way out of the seat and into harm’s way. Parking brakes do the same but aren’t always standard on strollers, particularly cheaper ones. Your stroller should be able to park anywhere without rolling into danger.
Wheels are of particular importance when handing children of bigger weights. They should ideally be no-flat types. This is usually achieved by coating plastic wheels in rubber.
Should your stroller come with inflatable wheels, be sure to keep a hand pump handy in case of emergency.
A lengthy warranty is valuable when investing in a stroller. The longer the better. Because of the nature of use that comes with strollers you want one that is covered should it encounter damage early on in its life span. Some cheaper brands include little to no warranty. More expensive units will offer better cover. It is sometimes worth spending a few extra dollars solely for warranty coverage, particularly if your child is prone to damaging things or you know you’ll take it on some rough terrains.
The clear winner on our quest for the best stroller for big kids was the Joovy Zoom 360. We loved the effortlessness of using this stroller. From design, to add-ons, to price – one feature is as impressive as the next. Comfort and functionality are not compromised in this stroller. It is the best stroller on the market right now for bigger kids.
Because you can’t go wrong with a jogging stroller, the Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller came in next as the best stroller for parents who need to jog with their babies. We like that this stroller can also function as an everyday unit, covering all areas of daily life. Though on the pricier side, its feature of state-of-the-art suspension makes it all worthwhile. One of the smoothest, most enjoyable rides your little one can experience.
The Baby Jogger really impressed us with its extensive adjustability – this is a stroller that basically grows with your child. It’s a sure investment that won’t see you needing an upgrade any time soon.
We’ve taken care of the hard part for you! Now it’s up to you now to weigh all the options and narrow it down to your best pick. Stroll away!
