How to Choose the Right Stroller (2025 Guide for New Parents)

Choosing the perfect stroller is one of the first big decisions new parents make. With so many options — lightweight, full-size, travel systems, jogging strollers, and more — it can feel overwhelming. Add in Australia’s unique lifestyle, weather, and safety standards, and your choice becomes even more important.

This 2025 guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right stroller for your baby, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you’re a first-time parent or upgrading from an older model, this guide will save you hours of research and help you make a confident decision.

1. Start With Your Lifestyle: What Type of Parent Are You?

Before comparing brands and features, the first question is simple:
How will you use the stroller most of the time?

Australia’s environment is diverse — from city footpaths to beachside paths, parks, shopping centres, and weekend road trips. The “right” stroller depends heavily on your routine.

• Urban / City Parent

If you’re using public transport, elevators, or navigating crowded areas:

• Choose a lightweight stroller or compact travel system

• Easy one-hand fold

• Fits in small car boots (especially hatchbacks)

• Good manoeuvrability on smooth pavements

• Suburban / Active Parent

If you spend time in parks, long walks, or suburban footpaths:

• Look for a full-size stroller

• Larger wheels for shock absorption

• Bigger basket for groceries or baby gear

• Strong frame to handle uneven surfaces

• Travel Lover

Flying or road-tripping around Australia?

• Choose a travel stroller that is:

  • Cabin-approved (some fold small enough for overhead compartments)

  • Ultra-light (5–7 kg)

  • Quick-fold
    Perfect for cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, or Perth where parents move around a lot.

• Jogger / Fitness Parent

For running or fast walking:

• Choose a jogging stroller

• Air-filled tyres

• Strong suspension

• Lockable front wheel

• Wrist strap for extra safety
  Ideal for beaches, parks, and long outdoor tracks.

2. Understand the Main Stroller Types

Knowing the categories will instantly narrow your choices.

1. Lightweight / Umbrella Strollers

Best for:

• Quick errands

• Travel

• Toddlers

Pros:

• Very light (5–7 kg)

• Easy folding

• Affordable

Cons:

• Usually not suitable for newborns

• Less suspension

2. Full-Size Strollers

Best for:

• Everyday use

• Long-term (newborn to toddler)

Pros:

• Strong frame

• Great comfort

• More storage

• Better wheels and suspension

Cons:

• Heavier

• Takes more boot space

3. Travel Systems

Includes a stroller + compatible infant car seat.

Best for:

• Newborns

• Parents who want convenience

Pros:

• Move baby from car to stroller without waking them

• Great for busy cities

• Long-term flexibility

Cons:

• Usually more expensive

• Heavier than lightweight strollers

4. Jogging Strollers

Best for:

• Running

• Bumpy terrains

• Active parents

Pros:

• Very stable

• Excellent suspension

• Smooth ride

Cons:

• Bulky

• Not ideal for small spaces

5. Double Strollers

For twins or siblings close in age.

Types:

• Side-by-side

• Tandem (one seat in front of the other)

3. Check Australian Safety Standards (VERY Important)

Before you fall in love with a design or brand, make sure it meets the mandatory Australian and New Zealand Standard: AS/NZS 2088.

Look for:

• Proper braking system

• Child restraint harness (preferably 5-point)

• Locked folding mechanism

• Stability test compliance

• Clear weight limit labeling

This is crucial because Australian safety standards are stricter than many other countries, especially due to climate and terrain. Buying strollers not intended for Australia (like overseas imports without certification) can be unsafe.

4. The Features That Actually Matter (2025 Checklist)

Here’s what experts and Australian parents say are the most important stroller features in 2025.

• 1. Weight

Ideal weight:

• Lightweight strollers: 5–7 kg

• Full-size: 9–12 kg

• Travel systems: 10–15 kg

The lighter, the easier for daily use — but don’t sacrifice durability.

• 2. Fold Mechanism

Ask yourself:

• Can I fold it with one hand?

• Does it lock automatically when folded?

• Is it compact enough for my car boot?

Common Australian cars (Mazda 3, Corolla, Hyundai i30) have smaller boots, so check size before buying.

• 3. Wheels & Suspension

Australia has:

• Rough footpaths

• Parks

• Uneven surfaces

• Long outdoor walks

So choose:

• Larger wheels (front 6–8 inches, rear 8–11 inches)

• Good suspension

• Swivel-lock front wheels for stability

• 4. Sun Canopy / UV Protection

Australia’s UV index can be extremely high.
Look for canopies with:

• UPF 50+ fabric

• Extendable panel

• Ventilation windows

• 5. Seat Comfort & Recline

If you're buying for a newborn, make sure:

• The seat reclines fully flat OR

• The stroller accepts a bassinet/capsule

For toddlers:

• Multi-position recline

• Good padding

• Adjustable footrest

• 6. Storage Basket

You’ll need space for:

• Nappies

• Snacks

• Toys

• Shopping bags

Look for a basket that holds at least 5–7 kg and is easily accessible from the back and sides.

• 7. Handlebar Height

For taller or shorter parents:

• Adjustable or telescopic handlebars save your wrists and back.

• 8. Easy-to-Clean Fabrics

Kids spill everything.
Choose:

• Removable fabrics

• Machine-washable seat liner

• Wipe-clean materials

• 9. Brakes

Good strollers have:

• One-tap foot brake

• Easily visible color indicators (red/green)

Some models offer hand brakes — great for joggers or hilly suburbs.

5. New Trends in Strollers for 2025

Stroller designs have improved a lot in 2025. Here are the latest trends worth knowing:

• Lightweight But Strong

Brands now use aircraft-grade aluminum and carbon fibre to make strong but easy-to-carry frames.

• Eco-Friendly Materials

More parents are choosing:

• Recycled fabrics

• Vegan leather handles

• Sustainable materials

• All-in-One Modularity

Many 2025 models allow you to:

• Switch from stroller seat to bassinet

• Add ride-on boards for older siblings

• Adjust seat direction (forward or parent-facing)

• Compact Travel Strollers Are More Popular

Especially for parents in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane using trains, trams, and rideshare services.

6. Budget Guide: How Much Should You Spend?

Here’s a realistic pricing guide for Australian parents:

Tip: You don’t need the most expensive model. You need the one that fits your lifestyle.

7. How to Test a Stroller Before You Buy

If you're visiting a store (or checking reviews online), test these:

• Push It With One Hand

A good stroller should glide smoothly.

• Fold and Unfold It

If it’s too complicated now, it will be worse with a crying baby.

• Check Boot Size

Search “boot space” of your car model and compare dimensions.

• Try the Harness

It should feel secure but easy to buckle.

• Check Shock Absorption

Push it over a rough surface or a small bump.

8. Most Common Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Buying a stroller too heavy for everyday use

Solution: Choose under 11 kg if you lift it often.

Mistake 2: Not checking car compatibility

Travel system seats must match your car brand.

Mistake 3: Ignoring sun protection

UPF 50+ canopy is essential in Australia.

Mistake 4: Choosing style over function

A pretty stroller is not worth the frustration of a weak frame or poor wheels.

Mistake 5: Not planning for long-term use

Choose one that can handle your child up to 20–22 kg.

9. Final Recommendation Checklist

Before purchasing, ask yourself:

✔ Does it fit my lifestyle?

✔ Is it safe and AS/NZS certified?

✔ Is it easy to fold and carry?

✔ Does it have good wheels and suspension?

✔ Is the canopy large enough for Australia’s sun?

✔ Does it fit my car?

✔ Will it last from newborn to toddler?

If you can answer “yes” to all — you’ve found the right stroller.

Conclusion

Choosing the right stroller in 2025 doesn’t have to be stressful. The best stroller is the one that fits your lifestyle, keeps your baby safe, and makes your daily routine easier. Whether you’re a city parent needing a compact model or an adventurous family wanting durability, the Australian market has excellent options to match your needs.

With this guide, you now understand exactly what to look for — from wheels to safety standards to long-term value. Take your time, compare features, and choose a stroller that will support your family for years.