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Forbes
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
The Best Travel System Strollers To Simplify Every Outing
The best travel system strollers offer convenience and safety, making it easy to go anywhere with your baby, whether that's in the car or the stroller. 'Most parents are looking for something that is safe, simple and practical. They want a setup that's easy to use, makes life with a baby more manageable, and—most importantly—keeps their little one safe,' says Kyleyn Gosewisch, a customer care specialist at Strolleria, a baby gear specialty store. After researching dozens of options, interviewing experts and personally testing over 40 strollers, including a variety of travel system strollers, my top pick is the Uppababy Cruz V2 + Mesa V2 travel system. The car seat easily attaches to the stroller without adapters, the stroller is easy to maneuver and the whole system is user-friendly. The best travel system strollers make it that much easier to tote baby around, especially from the ... More car to the stroller. Choosing the right travel system stroller for your family depends largely on how you plan to use the system. 'You'll want to consider factors such as whether you live in an urban or suburban location, how often you fly, if you have a car or take taxis and rideshares, if you'll want something that works for not just one but two (or three) kids, if you're a runner and so on,' says certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) and Chief of Staff at GoodBuy Gear, Amanda Brown. After careful consideration, testing and research, these are our picks for the best travel system strollers. Amazon Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 35 pounds (or up to 32 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 9.9 pounds | Stroller weight: 19 pounds (frame only) There's a good reason the Uppababy Cruz V2 is such a popular stroller. It's easy to maneuver, has user-friendly features and is comfortable for kids. When combined with the Uppababy Mesa V2 car seat, it transforms into an intuitive travel system. The car seat connects to the stroller without any adapters, giving you one less thing to buy and keep track of. Once your baby outgrows their car seat, the stroller has a spacious toddler seat with an extra-large extendable canopy and the high-quality materials means it will hold up for years. I've personally used this stroller for years with three kids, as has Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala. 'My Uppababy Cruz lasted through three kids, and then I passed it down to another family because it was so well-made. It was also my go-to travel system,' says Sala. The stroller is Greenguard Gold-certified and has a famously large undercarriage basket. The car seat comes with an infant insert to keep even the youngest babies cozy and snug, and it also has a large hideaway sun-protective UPF 25+ canopy that's ideal for naps. User-friendly features include a one-handed car seat release and a simple fold. The car seat can also be installed with or without a base, which is really helpful if you'll be traveling with the stroller. Uppababy strollers and car seats can be an investment, but the Mesa V2 has one of the highest weight and height limits of any of the infant seats on our list, which means you'll be able to take full advantage of the travel system for longer. When your baby is still tiny, they'll probably enjoy facing you on walks, and when they get older and want to explore the world more, you can turn the car seat to face out on the stroller. Amazon Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 22 pounds (or up to 30 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 9 pounds | Stroller weight: 19.6 pounds The best travel system strollers aren't always the most expensive. I see parents using Chicco travel systems often, and it's easy to understand why. The Chicco Mini Bravo Sport Travel System gives you a comfortable and safe infant car seat along with a solid stroller that even includes a parent tray with two cupholders. While it may not have more premium fabrics or a super stylish design, it's safe, sturdy and durable. When the canopy on the stroller combines with the one on the car seat, they create a well-ventilated shield for your baby, which is great for parents who want to keep away well-meaning people trying to touch and coo over them. The car seat can only face in on the stroller, so you won't be able to turn your baby out to face the world. Purchase of the travel system includes the adapter that you'll need to click the Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat into the stroller. The seat includes head and body support for newborns that you can remove as they grow. While the car seat itself is great for the tiniest of babies, it does have a low weight maximum (22 pounds), so your baby will outgrow this seat faster than many of the others on our list. The stroller itself is a solid option with a nicely sized basket and a simple fold. Amazon Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 30 pounds (or up to 32 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 9 pounds | Stroller weight: 22 pounds The Britax Willow Brook Travel System is one of the easiest and most straightforward car seat-stroller combos I've tested, making it a top favorite. Britax's car seats are known for being easy to install and comfortable for kids, and it's the brand I used most often when my three kids were newborns. You don't need any adapters to attach the Willow car seat to the Brook stroller, and your baby can face in or out. When it's time to install the set in your vehicle, you can do so with or without the base. The base is super easy to install thanks to Britax's ClickTight installation, and the seat installs with no-fuss—even without the base—using the quick-push LATCH connectors. In the car, the handle of the car seat acts as a rebound-reducing bar for additional safety. The stroller folds in just a few seconds, and there is a lock to keep it in place. Other features include a parent cupholder and a cargo basket. Once your child is ready to move on to the toddler seat in the stroller, they'll be able to use the child snack tray. The fabrics on the car seat are also machine washable. There are also various places to adjust the seat straps to help your baby stay comfortable: the hips, shoulders and between the legs. Unfortunately, you'll have to rethread the straps each time you need to adjust them. Amazon Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 30 pounds (or up to 30 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 5.9 pounds | Stroller weight: 20 pounds (frame only) I love the Uppababy Vista V3 stroller and plan to use it with my kids until the day they outgrow it. It's such a smooth stroller and has plenty of room in the under-seat basket. I'm not the only one who's a fan. 'The Vista was my everyday go-to stroller. Whether it was to the park or at Disneyland, the basket held a ton of stuff including an overly packed diaper bag, it was super comfy for my baby and it was a breeze to snap the infant car seat in during the early months,' says Forbes Vetted editor and mom of three, Esther Carlstone. It's a great option as a travel system for more than one kid, too, because you can configure convert it into a double stroller in a wide variety of ways. Use it with two newborns or two toddlers; it allows two bassinets or two infant car seats. The Uppababy Aria infant car seat attaches directly to the stroller without adapters, though adapters and an additional seat are sold separately to convert the stroller to a double. Add on a ride-along board for additional siblings or tots who would rather stand. The Aria car seat is very lightweight at under 6 pounds, making it easier to carry on your arm. The travel system is also Greenguard Gold-certified and has machine-washable fabrics. Other car seat features include an infant insert, an anti-rebound panel and a stabilizing load leg. You can install the car seat without the base, but in this setup, you lose the anti-rebound panel and stabilizing load leg. Amazon Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 35 pounds (or up to 32 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat-Stroller combo weight: 17.2 pounds If you're looking for something lightweight and intuitive, the Doona is ideal. What makes this travel system so unique is that the car seat is built into the stroller, so there's nothing to carry around or store in the trunk of your vehicle once you have your child secured in the car. By simply pushing a button, you can transform the Doona from a car seat to a stroller. When it's time to ride in the car again, the wheels fold under the seat. 'I'm dreading the day she outgrows the Doona—it's been the ultimate all-in-one solution, both for travel and everyday, and I honestly don't know how anything else will compare,' says Alexis Caldwell, Forbes Vetted's vice president of business development and partnerships. The Doona is especially useful when you're traveling or if you have a compact car since it doesn't take up any extra space in the trunk. Safety features include an anti-rebound handle and a UPF 50+ sun-protection canopy. An important note: While the stroller is lightweight when compared to others, it's heavy when you compare it to other car seats. Because it's an all-in-one travel system, you can't detach the seat from the stroller. The seat has a higher child weight and height limit compared to many others on our list, which can help you get your money's worth since you can't use the stroller once your baby outgrows the infant seat—but this is not a one and done stroller that you can use for many years. Nordstrom Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 22 pounds (or up to 29 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 7 pounds | Stroller weight: 14.6 pounds If you live in a city or frequently travel, you want something light, compact and simple that's still comfortable for your baby. Enter: the Nuna Trvl and Pipa Urbn Travel System. At only 14.6 pounds, it's an incredibly lightweight stroller, and the car seat is one of the lightest on our list as well at just 7 pounds. Car seats can quickly feel heavy when carried, making this compact option ideal. The seat is also easy to install in rideshares or taxis without a base using the PipaFIX rigid latch, which is why this system makes sense for those living in or visiting urban environments where they won't have their own car or don't want to lug a car seat base on their journey. I used the similar Nuna Trvl Dubl with my twins and been really happy with it. Even though it's a travel stroller, the seats are still pretty roomy. The stroller is also easy to maneuver. The car seat releases from the stroller with one hand, and it clicks into the stroller without an adapter, giving you one less thing to keep track of. Between the canopies on the stroller and the car seat and the pull-down sky drape, you can get a lot of privacy for your infant. Other features of the travel system include a one-handed fold and unfold, a UPF 50+ canopy, and Greenguard Gold certification. The fabric is also machine washable, so you can easily take care of diaper blowouts, spit-up and other messes. The only major drawback of this travel system is the lower height and weight limit of the car seat. Babies outgrow this seat at either 22 pounds or 29 inches. Amazon Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 30 pounds (or up to 32 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 7.2 pounds | Stroller weight: 20.9 pounds I found that fresh air often calmed my babies—and me—when they were fussy, so taking them out for a stroll in a bassinet or stroller with a flat recline was helpful for us. Our top travel stroller pick for newborns, the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System, offers such an option at an affordable price without the need to lug a bulky bassinet attachment along on your travels. It includes an infant car seat, and the main seat of the stroller transforms into a pramette, giving your baby a safe place to lie down flat. 'Using the car seat attachment for a travel system is great for short trips. However, if you will be out for multiple hours, ensure your newborn has a flat environment for safe sleep and healthy spine positioning,' says Brown. If your baby falls asleep in the pramette, you'll also want to move them to a safe, flat sleep surface like a bassinet as soon as possible to be extra cautious. The car seat can face in or out on the stroller frame and extra features include a parent cupholder and phone holder, as well as a child tray with cupholders for when your baby graduates from the infant seat. The stroller has a one-handed fold, making it easy to pack up and go. It can also accept any Graco infant seat without an adapter. Forbes Vetted's baby and kids gear team is committed to reviewing the best products, from the best strollers to the best bottle sterilizers. To find the best travel system strollers, we considered our experience testing strollers and car seats. We also relied on insight from experts and compared various features and attributes of each system. When shopping for the best travel system strollers, consider how you plan to use the stroller, whether that's for walks around the neighborhood or frequent travel. Here are some factors to consider that can help you make your decision. When you buy a travel system package, you're typically buying an infant car seat and a stroller that are compatible, either with or without adapters. However, if you decide to mix and match different strollers and car seats, you'll want to make sure they are compatible. 'A lot of parents assume that a 'travel system' means they need to buy a matching stroller and car seat from the same brand, but that's not actually the case. Many don't realize that they can mix and match brands, as long as the car seat is compatible with the stroller (either directly or with an adapter). Sometimes choosing a stroller and car seat separately can give you more flexibility to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle,' says Gosewisch. There is a lot to consider when it comes to safety for strollers and car seats. You want something sturdy that will support your infant. Some car seats have additional safety features like anti-rebound bars, load legs or energy-absorbing foam. 'These can add extra layers of protection in the event of a crash,' says Gosewisch. Extra safety features are nice, but they aren't necessary. 'The safest car seat is one that fits your child, your vehicle and can be installed and used correctly every single time,' says Brown. Gosewisch recommends reading manuals, watching installation videos and getting a car seat check from a CPST. One of the great things about travel system strollers is that they make it easy to get your baby from the car to the stroller and vice versa. 'Choose a car seat that is user-friendly and comes with clear installation instructions. Some models may include features like color-coded indicators or built-in leveling systems to assist with correct installation," says Brown. She also advises considering how the car seat will fit in your specific vehicle—or multiple vehicles—and alongside other siblings or car seats. Other features to consider in terms of ease of use include the weight of the stroller, the weight of the car seat, how easy the stroller is to fold, the tire type and suspension on the stroller. 'It's especially important to consider how often you will be installing the car seat. If it's going in and out of the same car regularly, you'll want a base to make it as easy as possible to click it in securely or a baseless seat that has a simple installation like a seat with rigid lower anchors,' says Brown. It's important to choose a travel system that is appropriate for the size of your child. 'Because travel systems are compatible with rear-facing seats, this means you can use the travel system from birth until your child weighs about 30 pounds. Travel systems are most helpful in the first year or two of your child's life,' says Brown. If you have an older or larger baby, this is particularly pertinent. 'Choose a stroller that has comfort and safety features aligned with your family's lifestyle. Many families appreciate a travel system stroller that has a sizable cargo area for a diaper bag or groceries, an extendable UV canopy for sunny days and an easy-to-use braking or locking mechanism. An adjustable handlebar will also be helpful for caregivers of varying heights,' says Brown. Though it can be difficult to imagine your baby outgrowing their infant seat, you'll also want to think about what features you'll appreciate as they get older. For example, once your baby is a toddler, you might want them to have a snack tray. Or perhaps you're planning on having kids close in age and you want a stroller that can convert to a double in a year or two. For many families, a travel system stroller is a great purchase. 'By buying a travel system, you know that your car seat, stroller, base and bassinet are all compatible. You don't need to do any extra research into which adapter is necessary and compatible with both your stroller and car seat model. The price can also be lower when you purchase everything together, versus purchasing the car seat and stroller separately,' says Brown. As your baby gets older, you won't need to purchase another stroller, either. You'll simply stop using the car seat attachment. Travel system strollers are stroller and car seat combinations that can be used together. Sometimes, this means you'll need to use an adapter to attach the car seat to the stroller, and other times they are built to work together without an adapter, especially if made by the same brand. While strollers do not expire, car seats do. This means that the entire travel system will not expire, but the car seat portion will. Most car seats expire between seven and ten years after the manufacture date. It's important to keep an eye on this date, especially if you'll be using the same car seat for subsequent kids since an expired car seat is no longer safe to use.
Forbes
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
The Best Stroller Wagons To Bring On Every Family Adventure
While a traditional stroller offers some storage and a seat for a kid or two, sometimes you need a little bit more. The best stroller wagons have ample storage, seats or two to four kids and they make getting out and about with your family easier. 'Stroller wagons feel more open and 'big kid-approved,' making them a great option for toddlers and preschoolers who still need a ride but don't love being strapped into a stroller seat,' says Kyleyn Gosewisch, a customer care specialist at Strolleria, a baby gear specialty store. After researching dozens of options, interviewing experts and testing a few ourselves, our top pick is the Veer Cruiser City for how easy it is to push, its versatility and wide variety of add-on features. The best stroller wagons have all-terrain wheels, seatbelts or harnesses. 'Different families have different priorities—whether it's portability, storage space, terrain capability or just overall ease of use,' says Gosewisch. For families looking for a high-end option with lots of storage and four seats, I like the Wonderfold L4 Quad Stroller Wagon with its spacious carriage, canopy and plenty of extra features. Whether you're looking for something more budget-friendly like the Radio Flyer 3-In-1 EZ Fold Stroller Wagon, or need something for your next trip to the beach, we've curated a list of the top seven stroller wagons for your family. Amazon Dimensions: 37 x 20 x 23 inches | Seats: Two | Wagon weight: 32.6 pounds | Weight capacity: 110 pounds (passenger only), 250 pounds (cargo only) The Veer Cruiser City is well-loved by many, including Gosewisch and multiple parents at Forbes. 'The Veer is my absolute favorite stroller wagon,' says Forbes SEO optimizer Arantxa Leon. 'It has so many great add-ons and versatile ways to use it.' With front suspension, front swivel wheels and an adjustable handle that you can push or pull, the wagon does well on various terrains. The two seats each have a three-point harness, and you can also purchase a four-seater version called the Veer Cruiser City XL. The wagon has a relatively compact fold that's easy to do with one hand, but like all stroller wagons, it takes up a good amount of space in your trunk, especially with the wheels attached. Though this wagon doesn't have as much storage space as some of our other top picks, it does have two cupholders, a snack tray and an expandable footwell to give your kids some extra leg room. 'I love the rugged look and aesthetic, the lower sides that make it easier for kids to get in and out, and the fact that you can literally hose it off when it gets dirty,' says Gosewisch. You can also purchase an infant car seat adapter, meaning even the youngest babies can enjoy the wagon. It's compatible with Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Clek, Graco, Chicco, Uppababy, Britax and Peg Perego seats. Amazon Dimensions: 39.37 x 21.26 x 40.75 inches | Seats: Two | Wagon weight: 21.3 pounds | Weight capacity: 150 pounds While many stroller wagons are pretty pricey, you can still reap the benefits of one without spending too much. The Radio Flyer 3-In-1 EZ Fold Stroller Wagon is a value pick at just over $100 that includes accessories like a UV-protection canopy, two cupholders and a storage pouch. One of my favorite features is the zip-down side panel that turns the wagon into a bench, giving your kids a clean and comfortable place to sit while they watch a show in the park or a parade. Families looking for something extra lightweight might appreciate that this wagon is only 21.3 pounds, and it has one of the most compact folds you'll find in a stroller wagon. When it comes to maneuvering the wagon, you can adjust the traditional wagon pull, but it doesn't have a stroller push handlebar that you can find on some other wagons. This Radio Flyer wagon has two seats with a lap belt buckle, and it's recommended for kids ages 1.5 and up. If you have a younger baby or need a stroller wagon that's compatible with an infant car seat, the Jeep Sport All-Terrain Stroller Wagon is another budget-friendly option that is compatible with some infant car seats and so is the $200 two-seater Baby Trend Expedition. Amazon Dimensions: 39.37 x 22.36 x 50.39 inches | Seats: Two | Wagon weight: 46.3 pounds | Weight capacity: 55 pounds (per seat), 216 pounds (total) Strollers and stroller wagons are notoriously difficult to push on sand. In my experience, even all-terrain wagons can have trouble. When you add the Beachcomber Wheels to the Keenz Vyoo 2-Passenger Stroller Wagon, you'll have a much easier time traversing sand and uneven terrain. These wheels are wider and offer more traction than the standard wheels. With handles on both sides, you can push or pull your way through the sand, and the five-point harnesses keep your kids secure. Other nice features for the beach include a UV-protection canopy with roll-down side panels, mesh sides for airflow (which can also be covered) and ample storage. One of the most unique features of the Vyoo is the versatile seating. Kids can sit face-to-face, back-to-back, outward-facing, side-by-side or lounge-style. For kids who might bicker or just need to be facing a certain way to take in their surroundings, this can be a game changer. For larger families, you can purchase the four-seater Keenz Vyoo version, and you can also add on a car seat adapter for your littlest beachgoers. Nordstrom Dimensions: 53.1 x 29.5 x 47.2 inches | Seats: Four | Wagon weight: 52.2 pounds | Weight capacity: 100 pounds (per bench), 214.3 pounds (total) I have quite a few strollers that I test while I'm out and about with my family, and the Wonderfold L4 Quad Stroller Wagon is the one that quite literally stops people in their tracks. I can't even count the number of times people have told me they wish they had one. The luxury stroller has four seats with five-point harnesses. Notable features include a UPF 50 sun-protection canopy, a cupholder, an adjustable handlebar and plenty of storage. Of the four-seater wagons I've tested, this one is definitely the easiest to maneuver. Even so, I like that it includes a wrist strap for parents because large wagons can be unwieldy, and this feature prevents the wagon from getting away from you. The L4 Quad Stroller also features a side-entry door, so you don't have to pick your kids up to get them in and out. This is ideal for people with mobility issues or those who have trouble lifting kids in and out, such as grandparents or pregnant and postpartum women. Currently, the L-series wagon is not compatible with infant car seats, so this wagon is best for kids 6 months and older. The L4 gives the upscale look and feel that many other wagons lack, and it also positions kids higher than many other stroller wagons, making it easier for them to see if they're at the zoo or an outdoor event. If you plan to travel with this wagon, make sure you have enough space in your trunk—as it's definitely not petite. Amazon Dimensions: 43.3 x 18.11 x 43.3 inches | Seats: Two | Wagon weight: 33 pounds | Weight capacity: 55 pounds per seat (110 pounds total) Jeep stroller wagons are great because they're not terribly expensive and they tend to offer ample features. The Jeep Sport All-Terrain Stroller Wagon has lots of storage pockets, an adjustable canopy, cupholders and a child's tray. It's also compatible with select Graco, Evenflo, Britax and Chicco car seats when you use an adapter. The adjustable handlebar allows you to push or pull the wagon, and the two seats feature a three-point harness. One of my favorite features of this wagon is that the seat pads are machine washable. My sister-in-law uses the Jeep Sport All-Terrain Stroller Wagon with her 3- and 5-year-old sons and likes how lightweight and easy it is to push. She also finds that the handlebar extends high enough for taller caregivers. Her main complaint is that there isn't a ton of legroom for the kids. This wagon does not feature an expandable footwell like the Veer Cruiser City and the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Dreamz. Amazon Dimensions: 27.5 x 39 x 45 inches | Seats: Two | Wagon weight: 43 pounds | Weight capacity: 55 pounds per seat (110 pounds total) For two kids, the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Dreamz is a wonderful and compact stroller wagon. The wagon has a pretty compact fold for travel and stowing away in the trunk of your vehicle. It also features UPF 50+ sun-protection canopies, an extended footwell for extra legroom and a child tray with two cupholders. The two seats have three-point harnesses, and the wagon also comes with a bassinet insert for little ones to stretch out and relax. It's important to note that while this is a great stroller wagon for two kids, it can only hold one child when you're using it in bassinet mode. While your littlest one relaxes in bassinet mode, it might be a good time for an older child to get out and stretch their legs. You can push the wagon as a stroller or pull it as a traditional wagon, and all-terrain wheels help you conquer various surfaces. Storage includes mesh pockets and a detachable storage basket with pop-out cupholders. Since it's low to the ground, and the front can drop down, getting kids in and out of this wagon is a breeze. Alyson Williams, senior vice president of digital operations and strategy at Forbes, likes this wagon for long family walks. 'It's really easy to either push or pull, depending on what is most comfortable for you,' she says. 'I love that the kids each have their own cupholder and little area for a snack, plus they can each control how much shade they get.' Williams reports that limited space means her kids sometimes bump feet. Amazon Dimensions: 49.6 x 28.6 x 38.6 inches | Seats: Three | Wagon weight: 42 pounds | Weight capacity: 55 pounds per seat (165 pounds total) For families who have three kids and don't want a large four-seater wagon, the Bob Gear Renegade Canopy Stroller Wagon is the ideal choice. The three seats have five-point harnesses and two UPF 50+ canopies for sun protection. The wagon's suspension system and large tires make it adaptable to a variety of terrains. It also has a more traditional wagon handle, but you can use it to pull like a wagon or push like a stroller. The wagon has a handy one-hand collapse, but it doesn't fold particularly compact, so you'll want to make sure you have enough room in your vehicle if you plan on traveling with it. There is a decent amount of storage with two adult cupholders, four storage pockets and a child snack tray with two cupholders. The wagon itself is only for kids who are able to sit unassisted, though you can purchase a car seat adapter, which is compatible with select Britax, Cybex and Nuna car seats. Forbes Vetted's baby and kids gear team is comprised of parents who have combined decades of experience testing and reviewing children's products. To determine which stroller wagons are the best, we conducted research into top brands and models, considered our own experience and interviewed experts. Many families buy a stroller wagon for added storage space and seating for two or more kids. When you're shopping for a stroller wagon, here are some factors to consider. Most stroller options come with either two or four seats, while a few models offer three seats. Decide how many seats you need in your wagon, as well as how you would like the kids to sit. Many wagons have kids facing each other, but some have more flexible seating options. You'll also want to consider if you need a bassinet or infant seat attachment if you plan on using the wagon with a baby. Other factors to consider include seat comfort, space and weight limits. Gosewisch explained that many parents look for a wagon with plenty of space to sit, stretch and relax in. Large stroller wagons can be difficult to maneuver. They're often heavy, wide and quite boxy. This is important to consider, especially if you'll be pushing older, heavier kids or if you'll be packing a lot of items in the wagon. Gosewisch advises customers to consider the weight of the wagon before purchasing, particularly if they'll need to lift it into an SUV or high storage space. Additionally, some stroller wagons are quite large even when folded, so make sure it can fit in your vehicle if you plan to travel with it. Also, consider 'ease-of-use' features. 'Things like all-terrain wheels, a smooth push or pull and a compact fold can make a big difference in everyday convenience,' says Gosewisch. Many people use stroller wagons for sports practice, amusement parks and trips. Think about what items you plan on storing in the wagon and make sure it has enough storage space for your needs. 'The ability to haul extra bags, snacks and gear is key,' says Gosewisch. 'Cupholders, snack trays, or sun canopies might be nice add-ons, but they're not always necessary,' says Gosewisch. 'Just make sure you're getting what works for your family's needs.' Other common accessories include parent consoles and storage caddies. When it comes to stroller wagons, safety is largely about making sure you use the wagon correctly. Look for a wagon with a wide, sturdy base that makes tipping less likely. Most wagons should come with brakes, so make sure you know how to use it correctly. Additionally, be sure to follow height and weight limits so you're not overloading the wagon. If you have a younger child who is not able to sit up on their own, they might not be ready for most stroller wagon models without special car seat or bassinet attachments. Buckles are also largely important. 'Most stroller wagons come with built-in safety buckles—some even include full harnesses for added security. Even if the ride feels slow or smooth, unexpected bumps or turns can still cause a little one to lose their balance,' says Gosewisch. Some stroller wagons have full five-point harnesses that you find on most strollers, while others only offer three-point harnesses or lap buckles. For younger kids or those more likely to try to escape from the wagon, you'll want to choose a wagon with five-point harnesses. Because every family has different needs and preferences, the best stroller wagon is the one that meets your needs, whether that's flexible seating options, a budget-friendly model or a compact fold. We like the Veer Cruiser City, because it can be pulled like a wagon or pushed like a stroller. It also has a simple, compact fold, and it's easy to clean. The wagon is available as a two-seater or a four-seater, so it can work for families of different sizes. When asked if parents tend to regret buying a stroller wagon, Gosewisch responded: 'No, not usually. Typically kids love them more than strollers. The open, roomy design feels more fun and less restrictive for little ones, which makes outings smoother overall. In turn, parents are happy because their kids are content, safe and more willing to ride. It's a win-win and is great for families with busy, active lifestyles.' Whether a stroller or a wagon is better depends a lot on how you plan to use it. For long walks or travel, a stroller will likely be better. For sporting events, amusement parks and family outings, a wagon may be the preferred choice. If you're planning on going to Disney, however, you'll want a stroller as wagons are not allowed in the parks.
