How Much Does a Stroller Cost? Understanding Price Points

Alongside your car seat & your crib, your stroller will be one of your pricier baby gear items. However, you don’t need to break the bank to stroll safely and stylishly. Today, we want to help you understand what factors influence the cost of a stroller, what features are must-haves, and what are considered “red flags” when stroller shopping. But before we get into that, who are we and why should you listen to a darn thing we have to say?

Hey, we are Bombi! We make high-quality, eco-conscious strollers that are built to last and affordably priced. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience in the baby product industry between marketing, engineering, sales, design, and development. We created some kickass products for other brands, but to be frank, you’re limited when you work with retail stores. So we set out to do it differently - to make products that aren’t just better for parents and kiddos, but better for the planet. We’ve spent countless hours conducting competitor, consumer, and product research in addition to hosting focus groups to better understand what parents REALLY need in their baby gear. 

After a year and a half of research, we’ve found that at the end of the day parents want 3 things: functionality, affordability, and let’s be honest… something that looks nice. 

So we created Bombi - to give parents beautiful, durable, reasonably priced strollers that are built to last. Because you shouldn’t have to spend a month of rent on a high-quality stroller. 

All of this is to say, we know a thing or two about the stroller market. Now that we’ve gotten the formalities out of the way, let’s talk about how much does a stroller cost?

I’m a First-Time Parent. What’s a Good Price Point for an Everyday Stroller?

When you start doing research, you’ll quickly learn that there are tons of stroller types with a variety of features and price points. For the first few months, a travel system is ideal, but once your baby is six months and older you’ll be ready to move on to something lighter and easier to maneuver. This is where your everyday stroller comes in! We surveyed 80 moms and 38% said they use a lightweight stroller for everyday use because it’s more compact, easier to get in the car, and simpler to use.

An everyday stroller will also be more affordable than a full-size or travel system stroller. You can spend anywhere between $100 - $1000 on a stroller, but the average cost should be no more than $200.

“I use my full size stroller for shopping when I need a larger basket, but for walks and travel I use my Lightweight Stroller” one mom commented.

How Much Do Strollers Cost?

According to a recent survey of 200 parents: 34% of parents own two strollers and 65% own more than one. When considering how much strollers cost, it’s important to take into account the various categories to choose from. For example, an umbrella stroller is much more inexpensive than a full travel system. Here’s what you can expect to pay per category, and our top recommendations for each price point.

Cost Based on Stroller Type

Lower Price Range

You can find a variety of options within the lower price range for each stroller category  In some instances, it’s very much “you get what you pay for” and in others, you get a lot of “bang for your buck”  When shopping in the lower price range, keep these red flags in mind.

Red flags:

A few things to watch out for...while ultra affordable, some platforms are not built to last & you will find this reflected in online reviews (always check reviews!). To hit these price points, brands have to give somewhere & usually it’s in:

• The wheels
• The frame (heavy steel vs lightweight aluminum)
• The fold

You may think these things won’t bother you, but after daily use those inconveniences can make you want to throw your stroller across the lawn. That being said, only you know which of these areas you don’t mind compromising in, so always do what’s best for you!

Recommendations:

Lightweight Stroller: 3Dlite Convenience Stroller

Why we like it: Under $100, it’s super lightweight and incorporates some features you’d expect to find in a full size stroller (recline, storage basket, cup holder)

Full Size Stroller: Graco NimbleLite Stroller

Why we like it: Clocking in under 15lbs, this full size stroller is $99, folds relatively small (for a full size stroller), includes a parent tray & a snack tray for your little one.

Travel System: Graco NimbleLite Travel System

Why we like it: Under $200 this travel system comes with the popular SnugRide 35 Lite from Graco & a full size stroller that the seat clicks into making it one of the most affordable travel systems available

Jogger: Baby Trend Range Jogger Stroller

Why we like it: Just over $100, this is a great budget jogger option. Front swivel wheel + recline + parent tray for drinks makes this a great option for running or going for walks. Remember, jogging with your baby is not recommended until they are 6 months+

Mid Price Range

Here you can find a variety of stroller types, makes and models. Depending on the category there are certain features we recommend you investing in:

• Maneuverability (how does it steer)
• Durability (will it last)
• Storage (is there a spot for all of your things)
• Do you like how it looks
• A good set of wheels!

Red Flags

• Small wheels (that look like they should be on a doll stroller)
• Lacking storage/difficult to access storage
• Lacking suspension (= bumpy ride)
• Check reviews (as always!)

Recommendations:

Lightweight Stroller: Bombi Bēbee Lightweight stroller

Why we like it: Combines full size comforts with lightweight functionality plus it has a lightning fast 1-hand fold, XXL canopy, includes a cup holder & is eco-conscious (made from recycled materials, it donates 1% of sales to environmental causes!)

Full Size Stroller: Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller

Why we like it: New to the scene, they have made a splash since their recent launch. They give you a luxury stroller without the luxury price tag (& are now available at Target). The seat faces forward, backward & can even accommodate more than 1 child with the available add-ons.

Travel System: Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System With SafeMax Car Seat

Why we like it: Over 6500 reviews on Amazon, this stroller can hang with the $1,300 options but for a fraction of the cost ($279.99). As with any travel system it comes with the car seat, but the modular seat is what sells this - it can face forward, backward & even turn into a bassinet.

Jogger: Baby Jogger Summit X3 Jogging Stroller

Why we like it: A parent favorite, Baby Jogger is known for its simple 1 hand fold, smooth ride & parent friendly features. This is a great mid-price point option especially for those looking for a true jogging stroller to run with.

Upper Price Range

While you can spend a pretty penny on a lightweight stroller (we’re looking at you Maclaren), the most expensive strollers you’ll come across will be joggers, full size strollers & travel systems

Red Flags:

• Are you buying this stroller for the functionality or the allure of the brand? Remember that your everyday stroller will eventually replace your travel system and while you will use your full size stroller every now and then, they are heavier and bulkier than a lightweight option.
• Brand names are nice, but make sure it has all the features you need! Some options lack in features simply because they are relying in the status of their brand to carry them
• Durability - will it last for more than 1 baby?
• Does it have plenty of storage
• How is the fold? (There is nothing worse than being stuck in the parking lot with a screaming baby in the car seat because you can’t figure out how to fold, or unfold the stroller)
• Is the spend worth the investment (this is different for everyone!)

Recommendations:

Lightweight Stroller: Babyzen Yoyo2

Why we like: Ultra compact & fits in the overhead compartment of a plane (making it great for frequent jetsetting parents), but you’ll pay for the convenience - a hefty $500

Full Size Stroller: Uppababy Vista

Why we like it: Uppababy has built an almost cult-like following since their launch & this is *the* stroller to get. High quality, beautiful design & luxe fabrics combined with the parent favorite features (big basket, recline, big canopy) make this a mom fave.

Travel System: Uppababy Travel System

Why we like it: Their best-selling full size stroller + their car seat + a bassinet = arguably one of the best travel systems on the market, but it’ll cost you. About $1,200+ to be exact.

Jogger: Bob ​​Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller

Why we like it: The best of the best for jogging strollers & a long time parent favorite brand, Bob has a super smooth ride thanks to the robust suspension. It’s also built to last & provides a comfy ride for baby especially when out for a jog. Runners, marathoners & relay racers rave about this stroller & it has over 1,700 reviews on Amazon with a 4.8 star rating.

Let’s Get Strollin’!

Now that you understand how much a stroller costs, what to look for & a few of our recs - you’re ready to stop, shop & stroll! You may want to check out our new Bēbee Lightweight Stroller - it combines full size comforts with lightweight functionality, essentially giving you 2 strollers in 1. Plus the 1 hand fold and self-stand are a parent favorite feature and makes being on-the-go easier than ever!

This list is by no means comprehensive & are only our suggestions based on our time in the industry. Did we miss something? Get something wrong? Feel free to drop it in the comments to help out other moms!