Buying a Stroller in 2025: The Ultimate Guide
Looking for the “best stroller 2025” or practical “tips for buying a stroller”? This guide explains the differences between combination strollers, all-terrain strollers and buggies, introduces must-have accessories, and summarizes the key safety features. You’ll also get concrete model recommendations — from premium to budget-friendly.
1) Stroller types at a glance
Combination stroller All-rounder
In short: One system for everything — carrycot for newborns, later a seat unit (mountable facing forward or backward). Maximally flexible for everyday life.
- Benefits (combination stroller advantages): usable from birth, a reversible seat for eye contact or exploration mode, plenty of storage, solid suspension, and some models can even be expanded into a sibling stroller.
- Ideal for: families seeking comfort and durability who walk regularly.
All-terrain stroller Outdoor
In short: Robust, sporty strollers with large wheels and strong suspension — for rough terrain, hiking and (depending on the model) jogging.
- Benefits: highly capable off-road (forest paths, gravel, snow), excellent tracking, comfortable on uneven ground.
- Ideal for: active parents who spend lots of time outdoors, hiking or running.
Buggy Compact
In short: Usually seat-only, from around 6 months, extremely light & compact when folded — perfect for travel and spontaneous trips.
- Benefits (buggy vs. stroller): super compact (some even cabin-friendly), folds and unfolds in seconds, easy to carry.
- Ideal for: families who already had a combination stroller or want to travel light & space-saving.
| Feature | Combination stroller | All-terrain | Buggy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start of use | from birth (with carrycot) | from birth (with carrycot) | usually from ~6 months |
| Flexibility | very high (cot/seat, reversible) | high (terrain & outdoor) | medium (city/travel) |
| Folded size/weight | medium | larger/heavier | very small/light |
| Use case | Everyday, city, longer walks | Forest, gravel, jogging (model-dependent) | Travel, public transport, second stroller |
2) Accessories: must-haves that make life easier
- Carrycot: essential in the first months — flat lying position, safe & comfortable.
- Footmuff / thermal footmuff: warm in winter, washable, with harness slots.
- Rain cover: model-specific fit — only then does everything stay truly dry.
- Sunshade / UV canopy: ideally UV 50+ with additional privacy shade.
- Insect net: lightweight & effective for summer months.
- Cup holder & organizer: bottle, keys, phone — all within easy reach.
- Ride-on board / sibling seat: takes the load off on longer routes with an older child.
3) Safety features: what you should look for
- Standards & tests: strollers according to EN 1888, carrycots according to EN 1466.
- Brakes: reliable foot brake (clearly engages), for sporty models possibly a hand brake.
- Harness system: secure 5-point harness with easy adjustment (magnetic buckles are fine if designed child-safe).
- Stability/anti-tip: wider wheelbase & sturdy frame, no tendency to tip at curbs.
- Visibility: reflective elements on wheels/canopy for better visibility in the dark.
- Load limits: observe maximum seat/basket loads; for jogging, use only approved models.
4) Premium recommendations: choose by your needs
Combination strollers (premium)
- Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew combination stroller: excellent suspension, light & agile, premium driving feel.
- Cybex Priam combination stroller: design icon, outstanding seat/lie-flat comfort, many style options.
- Joolz Day 5 combination stroller: sustainable materials, intuitive handling, upright seating position.
- Maxi-Cosi Fame combination stroller: modern features, large basket, thoughtful details.
- Nuna MIXX Next combination stroller: everyday pro with all-weather seat (mesh in summer, cozy in winter), excellent value in the premium segment.
Budget-friendly combination alternatives
- Moon Resea 2.0: solid suspension, good features — strong value option.
- Joie Signature Vinca: robust, comfortable, family-friendly price.
All-terrain / outdoor & jogging
- Thule Urban Glide 3: super capable off-road, light and extremely nimble — ideal for forest paths & city mix.
- Thule Glide 3: sport-focused, optimized for jogging (observe manufacturer approvals).
Buggy (from approx. 6 months)
- Joolz Aer+ / Aer 2: ultra-light, folds in seconds, excellent for travel.
- Bugaboo Butterfly 2: extremely compact, premium build; cabin-friendly depending on airline.
- Maxi-Cosi Soho: light, comfortably padded, very good value package.
- Thule Spring 2: sporty-compact, large wheels, pleasant push.
5) Buying checklist: how to find your “best stroller 2025”
- Use profile: city, countryside, terrain, jogging, travel?
- Age & stage: from birth (carrycot) or from sitting age (buggy)?
- Comfort: suspension, seat height, padding, reversible seat — what matters most?
- Space needs: trunk dimensions, weight, stairs handling.
- Storage: basket volume & load, organizer options.
- Safety: standards, harness, brakes, reflectors, stability.
- Accessories: footmuff, rain cover, net, sunshade — model-specific fit?
- Sibling option: expandable out of the box or via accessories?
- Budget: premium vs. budget — invest once or build modularly?
- Test push: if possible, try in-store — height, maneuverability, folding mechanism.
6) Conclusion & quick recommendation
One system for everything from birth? Choose a combination stroller — e.g., Bugaboo Fox 5, Cybex Priam, Joolz Day 5, Nuna MIXX Next or Maxi-Cosi Fame. On a budget? Moon Resea 2.0 or Joie Signature Vinca.
You love the outdoors & pace? Go all-terrain: Thule Urban Glide 3 (all-round outdoor) or Thule Glide 3 (jogging-focused).
Travel, public transport, minimal pack size? Buggy: Joolz Aer+ / Aer 2, Bugaboo Butterfly 2, Maxi-Cosi Soho, Thule Spring 2, Joie Signature Parcel LX Buggy
Pro tip: If comfort is your priority, look for soft suspension, a high seating position and a reversible seat unit. That way you stay flexible in every stage.
