Which stroller is right for me?

Choosing the right stroller depends heavily on individual needs: where you live, mobility, family status, and lifestyle all play an important role. There is a wide variety of baby gear available—from combination strollers (with a bassinet and seat unit) and buggies/travel buggies to sports strollers/joggers or twin and tandem strollers. We introduce the common types and explain who they are ideal for. This will help you find the right model based on your daily situation (city vs. country, car vs. public transport, athletic activity, etc.).

Stroller types at a glance

Combination strollers (Travel system, 2-in-1/3-in-1)

A combination stroller consists of a frame with various attachments: typically a bassinet for newborns and a seat unit for older babies and toddlers. Many models are sold as a complete set (usually 2-in-1 or 3-in-1) including the bassinet and a later seat. Advantage: Combination strollers can be used from the very first day (with a carrycot) and grow with your child (seat facing backward or forward). It is also often possible to mount an infant car seat—so-called travel systems make moving from the car to the stroller much easier. Disadvantage: Combination strollers are usually more expensive and often require the additional purchase of accessories (car seat adapters, infant seat, rain cover, air pump, etc.). They are generally relatively heavy, but in return offer plenty of storage space and comfort (adjustable backrests, large shopping basket).

Buggy / Travel buggy

A buggy is a particularly light, narrow stroller, often with a foldable frame. It is perfectly suited for older babies and toddlers from about 6 to 12 months, who can already sit up on their own. Typical areas of use include city strolling, weekend trips, or travel: due to its low weight, a buggy is easy to store and handle in a car. Many travel buggies feature a simple, one-handed folding mechanism. Some modern models even allow for the attachment of an infant car seat via adapters, which makes moving from the car to the sidewalk easier. Disadvantages: Buggies usually have no continuous suspension, so the ride can be uncomfortable on uneven paths. Additionally, the seat surface for very small babies (under 6 months) is often not ideal, as the seat can rarely be placed completely horizontally. Overall, buggies score points for their maneuverability and small folded size, making them the ideal companion for city life and travel.

Sports stroller / Jogger

Sports strollers or joggers are usually three-wheeled models with large, pneumatic tires. They were specifically developed for active parents—for example, for long jogging sessions or off-road walks. The front wheel is often lockable (for stable straight-line travel on rough terrain) or swiveling (for better maneuverability on even paths). Thanks to the large tires and suspension, sports strollers offer excellent riding comfort even off-road. They often carry heavier children up to 15–25 kg and are therefore durable. A safety feature is often a parking or handbrake system as well as a wrist strap on the handle. Disadvantages: Joggers are larger and heavier than standard combination strollers. They are less maneuverable in everyday life; especially fixed wheels make tight turns and curbs difficult. Transport in the trunk can be cumbersome (e.g., you often have to remove the wheels). Air-filled tires also require regular checking and maintenance. In short: Sports strollers are ideal for rough terrain and athletic parents, but offer less comfort in everyday life and in tight city centers.

Twin and tandem strollers

For families with two young children, there are special twin or tandem strollers. A distinction is made between side-by-side strollers and tandem strollers. A side-by-side stroller has two seats arranged next to each other—similar to two connected individual strollers. Advantage: It is quite easy to push over curbs and both children can have their seats adjusted individually. Some models even allow for an infant seat or bassinet to be attached in both positions (practical for twins). Disadvantage: Due to the width, a side-by-side stroller often barely fits through standard doors or elevators. In addition, it can veer to one side if the children are of different weights.

With a tandem stroller, the two children sit one behind the other. The stroller frame remains as narrow as a single stroller. Advantage: It fits more easily through narrow doors or shopping aisles and takes up little more space when folded than a single stroller. The back seat can also usually be adjusted in terms of tilt. Disadvantage: Handling a tandem is more demanding—it is usually very long and heavy, and pushing over curbs requires strength. Furthermore, the child in the back often has little legroom.

For parents of twins or siblings close in age: The deciding factor is whether width (side-by-side) or length (tandem) fits better into your daily routine. Both types have pros and cons. In any case, they create space for two children without having to push two strollers at the same time.

Selection criteria for the stroller

Before purchasing, you should get clear on your own lifestyle and daily routine. The following criteria are important in this regard:

• Place of residence/City or country: In the city, maneuverability is key. A combination or buggy with swiveling, small wheels is easier to steer in supermarkets and on sidewalks. In the country, on the other hand, robust tires with good suspension are sensible to cushion uneven paths and forest trails.
• Mobility and transport: Does the stroller often need to be carried on buses/trains or up stairs? Then low weight and compact folding dimensions are in demand. Measure your trunk and door widths to ensure the stroller fits. If you travel a lot by car, a travel system (combination stroller + car seat) can be practical, as you can lift the baby directly in the infant seat from the car into the stroller.
• Lifestyle/Activity: Athletic parents should choose an easily steerable stroller. When jogging, for example, the stroller must not wobble and should have a handbrake. Families who travel a lot benefit from a quick folding and unfolding mechanism. For walks in the forest, an all-terrain sports stroller is worth it.
• Age and size of the child: Newborns need a consistently flat lying position (infant car seat or bassinet). Combination strollers and classic baby carriages often fulfill this. Once the child is older (approx. 6 months+), a seat that can be reclined far back is sufficient. Buggies are usually only suitable for children who can sit securely. Check the weight limit of the stroller (typically 15–22 kg).
• Comfort features: Pay attention to an adjustable backrest and footrest, a large sun canopy/hood, as well as wheel suspension. Large pneumatic or air-chamber tires offer a smoother ride on dirt roads. A height-adjustable handle protects your back and neck. A spacious shopping basket also makes everyday life easier.
• Safety: A 5-point harness system and a secure parking brake are part of the basic equipment of every good stroller. Reflectors increase visibility in the dark. Look for a stable frame construction and certified material quality. In recent tests, some strollers did not perform optimally in terms of safety—so compare different models and check test ratings.
• Price-performance ratio: Especially in the stroller sector, price is not everything. A recent test found that it is not only expensive models that offer top quality—budget strollers can also be very good. Set a budget, inform yourself about brands and models, and evaluate whether the comfort offered justifies the price. Sometimes it makes sense to invest in basic functions (safety, comfort) and forgo extras.

Tips for practical use

• Consider weight and folded dimensions: If you often climb stairs or have little storage space, the stroller should be as light as possible. Test in the store whether you can easily carry the folded stroller or load it into the car. A smaller, lighter buggy is often more practical here than a heavy combination stroller.
• Wheels and suspension: In the city, swiveling front wheels with puncture-proof rubber tires are ideal—they are easy to maneuver. For rural or uneven paths, large, lockable wheels and well-damped suspension are better. Check whether the tires are air-filled or made of solid material: pneumatic tires dampen more pleasantly but can go flat.
• Compatibility with infant car seats: If you plan to use your car a lot, ensure that your infant car seat fits on the stroller frame (travel system). Some combination strollers already have adapters for popular brands. Clarify before purchasing if you can attach the car seat to the stroller to move the baby without taking them out of the seat.
• Choose accessories correctly: A rain cover is part of the standard equipment for every model to protect the child from wind and rain. Footmuffs or winter covers keep them warm in winter; a sun canopy or sun sail protects them in summer. Ensure that important extras like bag hooks or a comfortable shopping basket are included or can be retrofitted.
• Test drive in the store: If possible, you should try out your desired stroller before buying. Push it (if necessary with the weight of a toddler) through a store or a test area. Test the brakes, maneuverability, and folding mechanism. This is the best way to see if the model suits you in practice.

Type comparison (Overview table)

The following table summarizes the most important stroller types and their typical areas of use:

Conclusion / Checklist

Choosing the right stroller depends on many factors. Use these core points as a guide:

• Define needs: Consider the environment in which you will mainly use the stroller (city, country, car, public transport) and whether you want to transport one or two children.
• Age of child: A newborn needs a bassinet or infant seat; for infants from about 6 months, an adjustable sports seat is often sufficient.
• Check safety equipment: 5-point harness, parking brake, and stable construction are a must. Look for quality seals and test ratings.
• Comfort and handling: Height-adjustable handle, ample ventilation and protective canopy, cushioned wheels: all this increases daily comfort.
• Size and weight: Measure your transport options. A bulky off-roader can be great but has disadvantages in a narrow stairwell. A buggy scores with maneuverability.
• Budget and advice: Set a price limit, but compare: expensive doesn't automatically mean better. As consumer advocates often emphasize, affordable models can also be among the top candidates. Get advice in a specialist store and use test runs.
• Accessories and extras: Check if important accessories (rain cover, footmuff, car seat adapters) are included or available as options.
• Think long-term: A good combination stroller accompanies you for years (infant seat, bassinet, seats). A pure buggy, on the other hand, is usually only suitable for a short time. Focus on what you really need.

With this checklist, you can keep track of everything. We wish you success in your selection—and many beautiful shared walks with your little one!