Age-By-Age Guide To Strollers: What You'll Need From Newborn to Preschool

One day you're strolling around the block with a sleepy newborn. The next, you're chasing a toddler who's determined to walk everywhere...until they're suddenly too tired to take another step.

As your child grows, the way you use your stroller changes too. The good news is that you don't need a different stroller for every stage (phew!). Understanding stroller types by age and the features that matter most can help you get the most out of every adventure, from the newborn days through the preschool years.

Behold your complete stroller by age guide, including what to look for at every stage and how your family's needs evolve along the way.

In This Article

• Stroller Features for Every Age

• Strollers for 0- to 6-Month-Olds

• Strollers for 6- to 12-Month-Olds

• Strollers for 18- to 24-Month-Olds

• What Age Do You Stop Using a Stroller?

Stroller Features for Every Age

Whether you're shopping for a stroller for a 6 month old or wondering if you still need a stroller for a 5 year old, there are a few features that make life easier at every stage.

• Sun Protection: A generous canopy helps shield little ones from bright sunlight, light rain, and windy days.

• Storage Space: Diaper bags, extra clothes, snacks, water bottles, toys, sunscreen, and jackets all have a way of coming along for the ride. A roomy storage basket can make everyday adventures feel much more manageable.

• Easy Fold: From loading the stroller into the trunk to storing it in a closet or carrying it onto public transportation, a simple fold becomes more valuable than most parents expect.

Strollers for 0- to 6-Month-Olds

What You'll Need

When choosing a stroller for a 3 month old or younger baby, comfort and support are the name of the game. Newborns need a stroller setup that allows them to lie flat and stay fully supported since they haven't yet developed the head and neck control needed to sit upright.

Good suspension helps absorb bumps and uneven sidewalks so your tiny passenger can keep snoozing peacefully.

You'll also want to look for:

• A fully reclined seat or newborn-compatible setup

• Smooth suspension

• A large canopy

• Easy maneuverability

• Plenty of storage for newborn essentials

• Bonus if there is a seat pad or seat insert accessory to make them extra cozy!

What You'll Want

You have a few options at this stage. 

Bassinet Strollers: Some parents opt for a bassinet stroller. Bassinet strollers can be especially helpful for families who spend a lot of time walking. Because bassinets allow babies to lie flat, they provide a safe, comfortable space for newborns to ride and nap. 

Many parents also love how easy bassinets make those early outings. During a stage when babies spend much of the day sleeping, you can often move a swaddled little one from home to stroller with minimal disruption. Fewer buckles, less transferring, and a better chance that precious nap stays intact!

Infant Car Seat + Stroller: Since many bassinets don’t grow with babies as they exit the itty-bitty newborn stage, some parents prefer getting a stroller with a compatible infant car seat. Not only will you really be getting your money’s worth out of that car seat, but you will also be able to avoid purchasing an additional stroller as you transition to 6- to 12-month territory.

Want a lightweight stroller for travel AND a travel system you can use from birth? Transform your Bēbee into the ultimate adventure mobile with our Car Seat Adapter accessory! Check it out here.

Strollers for 6- to 12-Month-Olds

What You'll Need

Once your baby is sitting independently and developing stronger head and neck control, stroller priorities begin to shift. Now your little one wants to see eeeeverything. The stroller seat becomes increasingly important, since your baby is spending more time awake  and actively exploring the world around them.

You'll also want:

• A comfortable, supportive seat

• Easy-to-adjust harness straps

• Plenty of room for growth

What You'll Want

As babies become more alert and curious, families often start spending longer stretches away from home.

This is the stage when many parents begin prioritizing portability and versatility. Lightweight designs, easy folding systems, and travel-friendly features can make a big difference during day trips, vacations, and everyday errands.

You may also find yourself wanting features like:

• Larger storage (toys, snacks, more toys, oh my!)

• One-handed steering

• Travel-friendly folds 

• Compatibility with accessories like cup holders and organizers (I like this organizer caddy from Tiny Twinkle, but maybe that’s cause I love a bunch of pockets)

Strollers for 18- to 24-Month-Olds

What You'll Need

Toddlers have two speeds: full speed ahead and completely exhausted. At this stage, your child is becoming more independent and may want to walk for part of an outing before hopping back into the stroller when they need a break.

That means you'll want a stroller that's easy to maneuver, easy to fold, and comfortable enough for longer adventures.

When choosing a stroller for a 2 year old, look for:

• Lightweight construction

• A quick and simple fold

• Durable wheels

• Comfortable seating

• A sturdy harness system

• Easy one-handed steering

• Snack tray accessory

What You'll Want

By now, your stroller is doing much more than transporting your child. It's carrying snacks, jackets, toys, water bottles, souvenirs from the zoo, and everything else that somehow accumulates during a day out.

Many families appreciate additional features like:

• Snack trays

• Cup holders

• Extra storage

• Travel-friendly designs

With these features in mind, a stroller wagon can be a great fit during this stage. Curious if it's right for your family? Check out the Waggle to explore its features & benefits and learn more about all the ways it can make adventures with little ones a little easier.

What Age Do You Stop Using a Stroller?

One of the most common questions parents ask is: What age do you stop using a stroller? The truth is there isn't a universal stroller age limit.

Some children stop using a stroller regularly around age 3, while others still use one occasionally at age 4 or 5 for longer outings, travel days, theme parks, or full-day adventures.

If you're considering a stroller for a 5 year old, think less about age and more about your family's lifestyle.

Questions to ask include:

• How far can your child comfortably walk?

• Do you travel frequently?

• Do you spend long days at parks, festivals, or attractions?

• Does your child still nap on occasion?

• Will younger siblings eventually use the stroller too?

If you’re looking for a stroller for an older kid, pay attention to the weight limit. Many standard strollers max out around 40–50 lbs, while the average 5-year-old weighs roughly 40–45 lbs. Look for a higher-capacity option that leaves room to grow, like the Bēbee V3, which supports up to 55 lbs, or the Waggle, which holds up to 55 lbs per seat and 110 lbs total.

Also, pay close attention to seat dimensions.  Taller preschoolers will hit their heads on the canopies of smaller models, so make sure to look for strollers with generous floor-to-canopy height.

Ultimately, the best stroller types by age are the ones that adapt alongside your child and fit your family's everyday routine. While the newborn days may feel long, the stroller years have a funny way of flying by!