Best Strollers for Newborns

What separates the best strollers for newborns on this page?

Two strollers tie at the top: the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 and the UPPAbaby Vista V3, both at 8.5. They get there differently. The City Mini GT2 costs $399.99 and folds with one strap pull — the fastest fold in the test — with forever-air rubber tyres and suspension that handled gravel almost as well as the Vista. The Vista V3 costs $1,099.99 and wins on ride and expansion: full suspension, big foam-filled wheels, a bassinet in the box, and a path to a double or triple.

Just behind at 8.4 is the Mockingbird Single-to-Double at $495, a Vista-style convertible with a reversible seat, all-wheel suspension and a double option. The Bugaboo Fox 5 and Nuna MIXX next both score 8.1. The Fox 5 is $1,299 with the best steering and kerb handling in the test and a 22 lb frame. The MIXX next is $799.95, folds compactly with the seat on, and takes Nuna PIPA seats without an adapter. The Graco Modes Pramette is 7.8 at $329.99 and includes the car seat, base and stroller in one box.

What should you check before buying a newborn stroller?

Scoring weights manoeuvring and ride at 25, fold and portability at 20, comfort and features at 20, build and safety at 15, and value at 20. Match those to your week.

• Newborn lie-flat: the Vista V3 includes a bassinet; the MIXX next has a flat-lying seat; the Graco seat converts to a pram. The City Mini GT2 has a near-flat recline but no bassinet in the box and the car seat adapter is extra.
• Car boot and stairs: the Vista V3 is 27 lb and its folded footprint filled the Civic boot. The MIXX next is the heaviest here at 28 lb. The Fox 5 is 22 lb.
• Gravel and kerbs: the Fox 5 led steering and kerb handling. The Graco's plastic wheels rattled on gravel and its ride is the roughest here.
• Growing family: the Vista V3 takes a second seat at $250; the Mockingbird's adapters and second seat are cheap next to UPPAbaby's. The Fox 5 has no second-seat option.
• Travel system: the MIXX next takes PIPA seats with no adapter; the Graco includes the car seat and base.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

For most families: all-terrain wheels and a one-hand fold at $399.99. Accept a fixed seat and buying the car seat adapter separately.

UPPAbaby Vista V3

For a growing family that wants the smoothest ride and a bassinet in the box. Budget $1,099.99 and boot space.

Mockingbird Single-to-Double

For a Vista-style convertible at $495, sold direct only, so no store to try it.

Bugaboo Fox 5

For the most refined push at $1,299, with bassinet and seat included and a four-year warranty.

Nuna MIXX next

For a compact fold and PIPA pairing at $799.95, with no bassinet.

Graco Modes Pramette

For a complete travel system at $329.99, with the roughest ride here.

For most families the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 at $399.99 covers all-terrain wheels and a one-hand fold. If you want the smoothest ride and a bassinet in the box, the UPPAbaby Vista V3 at $1,099.99 is the one, and the Mockingbird Single-to-Double at $495 gets you a reversible seat and a double option for less. On a tight budget, the Graco Modes Pramette at $329.99 includes the car seat and base.