Best Strollers for Babies and Toddlers in Canada
A high-quality stroller makes your life as a parent or guardian easier in many ways, from quick walks to long trips, and in everyday life. So, if you are pregnant and keep asking yourself if it is worth investing in a good stroller, I, as a mom of two kids, can assure you that yes. However, you need to check some priorities first.
There are plenty of options on the market with different prices, weights, sizes, shapes, designs, and features, so creating a must-have checklist is essential to avoid regrets and save as much as possible, whether you want to replace an old stroller or buy a new one.
Our Top Picks
What to look for in a stroller
- Type: It is easy to find on the market a combo with indicated seats for each age (even newborns) being sold together – which makes the prices lower. For new moms, buying a combo can be affordable and practical.
- Weight: lightweight strollers are must-haves to carry everywhere. However, it is essential to check out its quality and material considering that in Canada the snow can easily damage the stroller if it is a fragile one.
- Features: large or small storage baskets, a cupholder for water or bottles, UV or a regular canopy to protect the baby from the sun or rain, and pockets are the main features expected regardless of if it’s a basic or higher-end stroller.
- Places: Where do you pretend to go with the stroller? In Canada, finding one easy to manage during the wintertime is essential. What else? Are you going to use it on sidewalks only or do you need a stronger model to go through in terrains and grass?
- Height: If you are tall, the stroller’s height can be a problem in the long term, especially for long walks and trips. Thus, looking for ergonomically designed ones to improve posture is a good choice.
- Material: The frame is made in most cases of aluminum or steel. The seat, with cloth (waterproof or regular fabric) and rubber. Plastic for handles.
- Wheels: You can find from big to small ones and 3 or 4 wheels. Choosing a bigger wheel will improve the experience of managing the stroller in all seasons, from summer to wintertime. According to the website Stroller Board, while the best strollers use high-quality wheels, strollers with pneumatic tires have better maneuverability because of their smooth.
Strollers from 0-6 months old with car seat
Graco FastAction Jogger LX Travel System, Mansfield
- Maximum weight recommended: 22.67kg
- Item weight: 19.3kg
Comfortable for quick or long walks, the Graco stroller has large wheels that make it easy to maneuver through snow and over rough land besides an adjustable handle to three different positions, improving consequentially your posture and avoiding back pain while pushing the stroller.
Easy to fold and compact, this jogger has a removable seat pad that converts the stroller into a lightweight infant car seat carrier. Another point to highlight is the storage spaces that are always convenient for families with kids, who always need to bring toys, snacks, extra clothes, and many other kinds of stuff.
While the baby is a newborn, the Graco’s SnugRide SnugLock 35 Lite infant car seat can be attached to the stroller frame in a quick step for walks. After 6 months, depending on the baby’s neck balance, you already can keep it only in your car and use it for walks the regular stroller also came in this combo, ideal for kids from 6-3 years old.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Easy to navigate.
Cons
- The reclining system.
Graco® Modes™ Element Travel System
- Maximum weight recommended: 22.5kg
- Item weight: 16kg
Ideal for infants and toddlers, the Graco Element Travel System is the 3-in-1 is lightweight and easy to assemble thanks to a reversible stroller seat. Therefore, you can choose to ride facing the baby or forward-facing.
Durable, the Infant Car Seat which comes in this combo is ideal (thinking of their safety) for babies from 1.8-16 kg (4-35 lb), being versatile to use in both car and stroller. It is possible to drop the stroller down and put it on the car easily with one hand – a must-have for many parents or guardians.
The model comes with a regular canopy and features to help store from diaper bags to cups/bottles (4 in total), such as a child’s tray and a large storage basket to bring mid-sized essentials. The smooth wheels also allow quick or long walks in a comfy way for everyone.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth wheels.
- Large store baskets.
Cons
- Child’s tray only.
Chicco Bravo 3-in-1
- Maximum weight recommended: 22.67kg
- Item weight: 22kg
I have this stroller and that is why I added it to this guide. For me, this is a product comfortable and convenient to bring everywhere, while keep plenty of stuff on the large storage basket, such as the diaper bag, my oldest daughter’s backpack, toys, and others. All together.
In the beginning, while my daughter was an infant, I used the car seat in the car and in the stroller as the brand video suggests, which worked pretty well. Today, my toddler is 15 months old, and she still uses the same car seat, but for walks, since she was 6 months old she used the regular stroller that came when you purchased the 3-in-1 Trio Travel System.
From summertime to wintertime, I have no complaints regarding this product. The reclination is not full, but almost. So the baby can take quality naps from there. The only caveat is the weight: It’s not so lightweight, and it can be hard to bring it on trips in case you have a medium trunk plus luggage.
Pros
- Convenient.
- Smooth strolling.
- Large storage basket.
Cons
- Not compact.
- Heavy.
Strollers from 6 months to 3 years old
Cybex Libelle 2
- Maximum weight recommended: 24.94 kg
- Item weight: 6.35 kg
The focus of this stroller is being practical, compact enough, and extra lightweight to bring everywhere. The brand says the product has the smallest folds in the world, and the goal is to be comfortable for toddlers and easy to store in planes, trains, cars, at home… The perfect choice if you don’t want to be concerned about saving a big spot for the stroller everywhere.
Convenient, the Libelle 2 comes with adapters for the infant car seat in case you want to use it with for your infant while is needed, and provides a smooth walk even on grass (according to some customers) thanks to the wheel suspension.
As it is a small size, the storage is not that big, but has space for minor diaper bags and personal items. Its high-quality wheels guarantee smooth walks and nice naps – although it doesn’t have full reclination
Another point to highlight is the canopy, which usually comes with strollers. However, in this case, it has a double protection. Besides the physical barrier, the canopy gives UPF 50+ rating to protect your child from the sun during outside activities.
Pros
- Compact.
- Lightweight.
- Easy to store everywhere (airplanes, cars, trains).
- UPF 50+ canopy.
Cons
- Small storage basket.
- Pricey.
Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe
- Maximum weight recommended: 22.67 kg
- Item weight: 8.21 kg
Durable, the product is made with premium breathable fabric to be comfortable from winter to summertime. Ultra-compact and easy to assemble, the Ergobaby fits in most airplane overhead bins, cars, and small wardrobes, being convenient for trips and daily life.
For naps, the seat can be deeply declined and adjustable to be flat in an easy way according to the child’s necessity and taste. To assure safety, the stroller was ergonomically designed to improve the child and parent/guardian posture (it has an extendable height handlebar) during the ride on sidewalks, terrain, or even grass according to some users.
Although compact, the Ergobaby has a large storage container to hold extra bags, toys, and personal stuff (wallets, wipes, and others). Other accessories included an area cupholder, a matching leatherette support bar that folds with the stroller, and a weather shield to protect the baby from the weather elements.
Pros
- Compact.
- Lightweight.
- Big storage base.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Not so convenient to open and close.
- Pricey.
Umbrella strollers
Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience
- Maximum weight recommended: 22.68 kg
- Item weight: 5.9kg
Highly recommended on websites, the main qualities of this stroller highlighted for its users are regarding the size and lightweight, being even enough to hold with one hand. Resistant, that is probably a must-have for daily use or travel considering that the stroller is sufficiently compact to fit in the most overhead compartments for airlines.
The smooth rides able the toddler to sleep when necessary or to go for walks in a comfy way, especially considering that it has a good reclination, reaching a nice position for the toddler.
Regarding the storage compartments, this option has a large basket for a compact stroller. It also comes with a storage pocket and parent cup holder.
Pros
- Resistant.
- Affordable.
- Lightweight.
- Compact.
Cons
- For some people it can be difficult to close with one hand – often a must-quality for parents.
Cosco Character Umbrella Stroller,
- Maximum weight recommended: 18.14 kg
- Item weight: 3.49 kg
Lightweight, and compact, this umbrella stroller from Cosco is the ideal option for daily life or trips when you don’t need to carry much stuff to walk considering the product doesn’t have a storage bag or space for bottles and cups.
It is a basic option that gives the child a great view of all around. So if your toddler is curious, they would love this simple stroller version. But it is important to highlight that, to guarantee smooth and safe rides, the stroller is more fragile indicated to flat streets and sidewalks, not being ideal for snowy days or walks on the grass.
Pros
- Easy to store.
- Lightweight.
- Affordable.
- Meets Disney size requirements.
Cons
- Too low for taller people.
- Fragile for grass.
- No storage basket.
Double strollers
BOB Gear Revolution
- Maximum weight recommended: 45 kg
- Item weight: 15kg
The BOB Gear Revolution is a convenient option in case you have twins or siblings with a small age gap, but although is possible to find the model as a double stroller right away, if you are looking for a single one from the same brand you can check out the Amazon link to find the compact version.
Highly recommended and with almost 5 starts on various websites, the BOB double stroller was well planned to provide smooth rides everywhere (from terrain, grass, to sidewalks) thanks to the suspension system and air-filled tires.
For the child, the individual reclination guarantees a comfortable upright or flat position, and thinking of the adult, the adjustable handlebar to better fit various heights improves your experience as a parent or guardian.
If one kid has a lot to store, can you imagine two? But the brand thought about it and created this double version with 10 pockets (for phones, and wallets) beside an extra-large cargo basket large enough for diaper bags, toys, and personal stuff.
Pros
- Canopy with UPF 50+protection.
- Durable.
- Fully reclination.
- Smooth ride.
- 10 pockets.
Cons
- Heavy.
- Complicated to close, according to some users.
Summer Infant 3DPac
- Maximum weight recommended: 45kg
- Item weight: 23kg
With 23 lbs, that is still a lightweight stroller especially considering it is a double one, being also compact enough to go through most standard doors and to be stored on your trunk or at home.
Although it is a double stroller, the reclination is individual and allows multi-position seats, being good for quick naps and to fit each child’s preferences. Smooth, the summer Infant allows one-hand maneuverability according to some customers. Ready to go, it works like a charm on sidewalks, and even slightly gravelly terrain, as the front wheels have suspensions.
The pocket behind the canopy is convenient and good sized to hold small items such as keys. For cups or bottlers, there is a little pocket nestled next to baby’s seat as well, perfect to hold a sippy cup, baby bottle, and others.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Compact.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Not small enough to fit overhead on a plane.
- Fewer pockets.
- The reclination could be better, according to some users.
4 seats Stroller
Foundations Sport Quad 4-Seat
- Maximum weight recommended: 32.98kg per child
- Item weight: 15kg
That is a must-have for a large family. With many kids wanting to walk around – each one going in different directions, having a stroller to bring everyone together at the same time can look like a dream.
Convenient but not compact, this option must be larger to guarantee the safety and comfort for all toddlers. Therefore, it is not so lightweight and not recommended to be used on terrains or grass.
Ideal for outdoor trips and recreation times (playground, zoo, park walks), this stroller has an oversized UV-blocking canopy that protects each child while they ride in the stroller.
Pros
- Easy to push.
- Plenty of rooms.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Hard to turn, according to some customers.
Stroller accessories that can be useful
- Fan: Battery Operated Stroller Fan
- Hooks: Stroller Hooks Clips
- Extra rider: Evenflo Pivot Xpand Stroller Rider Board : Amazon.ca: Baby
- Toys: Baby Spiral Plush Toys
Our Methodology
During our research, we spent over 10 hours looking for only top-rated strollers with more than 4 stars and with the main features well evaluated on vary websites, such as safety and comfort. In the end, we selected strollers from infants to toddlers up to 3 years old and strollers with seats for up to four kids.
Common questions about strollers for babies and toddlers
When can a baby sit in a stroller?
The evolution of each baby is different, so the most important thing is respecting their growth time. Once the baby is able to sit without falling forward, the upright stroller seat is safe to use with their backs supported. This milestone often occurs around 6 months. No rush though. Once the baby is ready, you should start reclining to work towards a fully upright position.
How to clean a stroller?
Bringing wipes everywhere is an effective option to clean up the stroller right away especially when you are outside. At home, having a cordless vacuum to take off crumbs, dirt, and sand will save you time in putting everything in order again.
When can a baby sit in a front-facing stroller?
Although babies improve their balance around 6 months and have developed enough neck and head control to sit upright, some pediatricians say that the ideal is to sit the baby front facing around 9 months. Just to guarantee that he/she is ready to do it in a safe way.
When can a baby ride in a stroller without an infant seat?
At least six months old is ideal, but depending on the stroller (size, comfort) some parents can begin to transition their baby to a stroller when they are around 4 months old.
When should a toddler stop using a stroller?
After 3 years old the toddler has, in most cases, a good balance and can walk longer distances. But do it slowly so it is not stressful for everyone – both parents and child.
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Updated date
June 19th, 2024
About the author
Bruna Drummond
Bruna Drummond is a writer and a PR expert. She is a mom and loves to write about anything related to housekeeping (cooking, cleaning, and decoration), but also technology, fitness, and animal stuff. When she's not working, she spends her time exploring the city, watching documentaries, or reading books based on true stories.
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