The Best Affordable Strollers Under $400
You know that a baby stroller is an essential, but shopping the plethora of options can feel incredibly overwhelming. What are the needs versus wants—and how can you vet quality when the market is so saturated? For starters, look for a quality stroller that features a solid construction with a smooth push and a harness that keeps your child secure, whether they’re taking in the views or reclined for a nap. Bonus options can include everything from extra-large storage baskets to car seat adaptors to cup holders for parents and snack trays for littles. Of course, all this convenience can come with a hefty price tag, ranging anywhere from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $1,000. The good news? Not all strollers have to break the bank. It is possible to find quality strollers at an affordable price point. You just have to know what to look for when browsing for cheap strollers (that aren’t cheaply made!). And, lucky for you, we’re here with some due diligence. Read on to peruse our picks of the most reliable, affordable strollers—all priced under $400.
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Finding cheap strollers that are still high-quality might sound like finding a needle in a haystack—especially if you’re shopping online, where the world of strollers becomes even more vast and confusing. Here are some tips for shopping for a solid stroller on a bargain.
• Read the reviews. Reviews from other parents will be the next best thing to a word-of-mouth recommendation from a trusted source. First, take the bigger picture into consideration and seek out products with a large amount of positive reviews. Next, dive into the nitty-gritty and read what the reviews are saying about the stroller. That said, take everything with a grain of salt.
• Check the ratings. Organizations like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) will certify strollers that are safe to use, while Consumer Reports publishes stroller reviews, ratings and rankings. You can also check stroller reviews and picks here on The Bump.
• Be aware of sales and deals. Big sale days, like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, can enable you to score strollers that are typically expensive at a discounted price. You can also browse deals and discounts on baby items here.
Knowing where to shop for cheap baby strollers can also help you find a well-reviewed option for less. Some of our favorite places for budget-friendly strollers include big-box retailers like Target, Walmart and Amazon.
Keep reading to find the best affordable stroller options to suit every family’s needs and situations.
Best cheap full-size stroller
- Full-coverage UV 50+ canopy with a peekaboo window
- Baby Jogger's signature one-hand fold with auto-lock
- Large storage basket
- No built-in cup holder
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain stroller rings in at just under $400—but with all the bells and whistles of strollers triple the price. While most full-size strollers feature four wheels, this three-wheeled (non-jogger) option meets the mark and checks all the boxes on our must-have list. What’s more, this sleek pick provides uncompromising agility on any terrain thanks to forever-air rubber tires and all-wheel suspension. Parents will love the signature one-hand compact fold, adjustable handlebar and hand-operated parking brake, while littles will be happy about the adjustable calf support and near-flat recline.Pair it with a Baby Jogger infant car seat, or purchase the pram, and you can use it from the get-go (up until the time your not-so-little one weighs 65 pounds!).
Best cheap travel system stroller
- The stroller’s three-wheel design allows for maximum maneuverability and an easy push
- Easily folds with one hand and stands on its own when folded
- It comes equipped with a child tray with two cup holders and a parent tray (also with two cup holders)
- The stroller is on the heavy side
Travel system strollers are not an area to skimp on, as you want the included car seat to keep your child safe and secure. Enter the Chicco Viaro travel system, which comes with the highly rated Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat included. The stroller is a solid choice too, thanks to a lightweight-but-sturdy frame and easy maneuverability. Together, the two are a win-win.
Best cheap tandem double stroller
- The rear seat is elevated to allow each child a clear, unobstructed view
- It can hold up to 90 pounds combined in the two seats
- The harnesses are convertible from 5-point to 3-point, depending on your children’s needs
- The rear seat can not face forward
Heavy on options but light on price, the Graco Ready2Grow double stroller accommodates practically any family situation. This tandem double stroller comes with two stroller seats, a bench seat and a standing platform—plus, it also connects with any Graco car seats, allowing for countless combinations as your children grow.
Best cheap side-by-side double stroller
- There’s in-seat storage for your riders, parent storage pockets behind the seats and an extra-large underneath basket
- Each seat has its own tray and cup-holder that swings outward for easy exit (and can remain attached when folded)
- It easily folds with one hand and locks into place for safe transport
- At 32 lbs., it’s not the lightest option
- It has one large canopy, not two individuals
Cheap double strollers that don’t skimp on quality are hard to find. But the Joovy Scooter x2 manages to have more parent and kid-friendly features than its higher-priced competitors, while still being gentle on your wallet. This side-by-side stroller checks all the important boxes, like multiple seat reclines, adjustable leg rests and a doorway-friendly width, with bonuses like included parent cup holders, kids’ trays and in-seat storage.
Best cheap travel stroller
- The Nano can safely hold an infant car seat with no extra attachments (thanks to a built-in safety belt)
- The adjustable leg rest and fully-flat recline are perfect for infants and toddlers
- The convenient carry-handle lets you tote it like a suitcase when folded
- Accessories like the newborn cocoon and cupholders are not included
We can’t promise the Mountain Buggy Nano will make traveling with little ones totally stress-free, but it will ease some common pain points. This cheap travel stroller is only 13 lbs. and comes with its own custom made satchel that fits into most overhead bins on planes and trains. And despite its super-compact folded size, this travel stroller manages to have an ultra-roomy seat—perfect for children weighing up to 45 pounds. Another favorite feature? The price, which rings in at right around $200.
Best cheap lightweight stroller
- It’s compatible with all Britax infant car seats (adapters are included)
- The seat fully reclines for on-the-go naps
- A UPF 50+ canopy has ventilated panels for air flow and a peek-a-boo window
- Only compatible with Britax and BOB car seats
If you’re looking for a cheap stroller you can take on errands with ease, we’ve got you covered. For a lightweight stroller that doesn’t feel flimsy and is a dream to push, choose the Britax B-Lively stroller. It has all-wheel suspension for a smooth ride (no matter the terrain), an extra-large storage basket to hold all of your things and a quick one-handed fold for when you’re ready to pack it in. It doesn’t hurt that it’s an affordable option too.
Best cheap stroller wagon
- A hideaway pull handle lets you choose between push or pull mode
- UPF 50+ canopy with extendable mosquito netting
- The seat pads convert into a lie-flat mat (perfect for napping)
- It comes with a universal car seat adaptor
- Even with its flat fold, it’s fairly large to transport
- The sun coverage could be larger
Stroller wagons are a great option for parents with toddlers and older children; this one from Baby Trend is a budget-friendly favorite. The Muv Expedition stroller wagon has seating for two (with a three-point harnesses for security), storage for many (including four cup holders, two center pockets and one additional basket), plus a compact flat fold (with wheels that remove with the push of a button).
Best cheap umbrella stroller
- It weighs just 13 lbs.
- A compact umbrella fold that auto locks, plus a carry strap for easy transport
- The canopy includes a flip-out sun visor for extra shade and UV protection
- The front wheels have anti-shock technology, while the back wheels are lockable
- It can be difficult to push or maneuver over some terrain
There’s little not to love about the Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller. It’s an umbrella stroller that has a four-position recline, a large storage basket and rear storage pocket, anti-shock front wheels and an included cup holder. What it doesn’t have? A hefty price tag.
Best cheap jogging stroller
- It can be folded three ways: A self-standing fold, a flat-fold or a fold without the wheels
- The handlebar is adjustable to accommodate runners of different heights
- Large canopy has two peek-a-boo windows for visibility
- The stroller capacity maxes out at 50 pounds
Jogging strollers require thick tires and solid suspensions to create a safe and smooth ride for your little one. Unfortunately, these two features often lead to a hefty price tag. But the Chicco Activ3 jogging stroller manages to provide an affordable option without sacrificing performance or safety. Its FlexCore suspension is adjustable via a foot pedal to tackle different terrains, and its large, treaded rubber tires have foam cores to handle bumps with ease. The safety features don’t stop there though: This jogging stroller also features a central console with a hand-operated brake and swivel lock.
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