Convertible strollers are kind of magical: They grow right along with your family, changing from a single stroller to a double stroller when you decide to have a second baby, and then back again when your older kid is done riding. Some even accommodate a third kid! All this with just one purchase (and maybe some accessories along the way). To find the best convertible strollers, we tested just about every model we could find (20 and counting!) both in our lab and in the real world with our own kids.
“Purchasing a stroller can be an investment, so having one that gives options to grow with your child and with your family can be a great choice,” explains Amanda Stovall, MD, an Illinois-based board-certified pediatrician.
During testing, we evaluated the ease of assembly, the difficulty of adding and removing a second seat, maneuverability on various terrains, and the ease of folding and unfolding. We also looked at design (aesthetics, safety, and comfort), storage capabilities, value, and durability. We regularly check in with our editor testers to see how well these strollers are holding up, and we continually test new models to add to this list.
Cybex Gazelle S Stroller
Why We Like It
The tester-favorite Cybex Gazelle S really does move like a Gazelle—effortlessly and easily—even when weighed down by three kids and groceries. We were very impressed by the incredible quality and flexibility: The Gazelle has over 20 different configurations of seats and storage pieces. Our tester has been using this as their primary stroller for three months, and it’s held up great: “We love this stroller. It still moves smoothly and quickly. Can’t complain!”
Maneuverability: Thanks to its lightweight frame, foam tires, front-wheel shocks, and all-wheel suspension, testers raved about this “very agile” stroller that offers a smooth ride.
Comfort: Extra-large canopies shield kids from the elements, while the footrest and fully reclining seats ensure they stay comfortable. Grown-ups will also appreciate the included cupholder, a surprisingly rare feature on high-end strollers lately. Accessories available for purchase include a snack tray, an attachable parasol, rain covers, a cooling seat liner, and additional cup holders.
Storage: The included removable shopping basket keeps your items within arm’s reach. When a second seat replaces the upper basket, the under-stroller storage offers ample room, though you’ll have to reach a bit. The stroller itself folds down pretty compactly for stowing in a trunk or closet.
But Take Note
Assembly is fairly complicated. The second seat got stuck in recline immediately upon taking it out of the box. Our testers were able to fully remove the seat and fix it, but found this process to be annoying, given the price.
Uppababy Vista V3
Why We Like It
The Uppababy Vista V3 was beloved by testers for its maneuverability, comfort, storage capacity, sturdiness, and adaptability in various configurations (bassinet, rumble seat, and car seat). We also appreciated the stroller’s backward compatibility with accessories for previous versions of the Vista. A 6-month-old baby and a 3-year-old toddler used this stroller daily for playground visits, museums, grocery shopping, and walks, and it proved quite the workhorse.
Maneuverability: We enjoyed tight turning and smooth handling, even on bumpy surfaces like broken pavement. This stroller handled cobblestone hills and stone stairs “admirably (way better than my friend’s stroller),” our tester noted. The design is fairly streamlined, though getting through doors can be tricky with a cup holder added.
Comfort: Our pint-sized testers tried out every seat permutation—bassinet, rumble seat, carseat; low position, high position—and always seemed quite comfortable. Moving the seats is as simple as pushing a button (or two). The straps also adjust easily. The removable bassinet was especially helpful with an infant.
Storage: Testers fully loaded the 30-pound capacity storage basket with a diaper bag, snack bag, purse, coat, baby carrier, bottle cooler, and toys. “This is hands down the best thing about this stroller—it fits everything,” our tester gushed, yet remains stable and maneuverable. The stroller itself is heavy and takes up a good portion of our tester’s trunk.
But Take Note
Since our tester kept it in her trunk, she had to assemble and disassemble it every time she used it, which is a bit of a pain. The brake was a bit sticky, and you have to buy a cup holder separately. To use the rumble seat and bassinet, the bassinet must be in the lower position, which our tester disliked, and with both seats attached, the stroller becomes much less nimble.
Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0
Why We Like It
At only $450, this Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller is less than half the cost of many other models. Even with the second seat, the total cost is under $600. Improvements on this 2.0 version include easier unfolding and strap adjustment, smoother rolling, and a larger canopy. Testers praised the simple assembly and raved about how light and easy to push the stroller is: “I just kept saying ‘It’s SO lightweight!’ throughout the first day I used it,” one tester said.
Maneuverability: Testers found this stroller quite maneuverable: “I was able to push this stroller around with one hand with ease,” noted a tester. It’s as narrow as a traditional single stroller, so it fits through doorways without issue. It smoothly handled every situation we threw at it, from dirt paths to steep uphill walks carrying both baby and gear.
Comfort: The 22+ seating configurations allow you to position both seats facing forward, both facing backward, or mix and match. Both seats recline. Our tester said her child “was comfortable in it for long periods—like an entire day at Disneyland—without complaint.” The ability to pivot the handle up or down really improved the comfort for caregivers.
Storage: Our tester loved the huge storage basket on the bottom, which can hold up to 25 pounds. You can fold this stroller one-handed if you have only one seat attached, facing forward. Otherwise, you need to remove the seats to fold the stroller. When folded, the stroller is good for storing, but not for moving around.
But Take Note
Unfortunately, this stroller had a noticeable wobble. One tester felt it was not as sturdy as they would like. Testers also said the canopy was so light as to border on flimsy and was constantly popping off or flopping back.
