What Stroller Do I Need for a Newborn?
Not every stroller is safe for a newborn. The key rule: a newborn must be able to lie flat. Here are the three setups that work - and what to avoid.
Ready to choose?
We compared 10 strollers on ride, comfort, fold, build and value - full-size, travel, jogging, travel systems and doubles, for every stage and budget.
Why newborns must lie flat
Option 1: a full-size stroller with a bassinet or flat recline
The most comfortable choice. A bassinet (a flat carrycot that attaches to the frame) or a seat that reclines fully flat lets your newborn lie properly. Strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista include a bassinet; others sell one separately.
Option 2: a travel system with an infant car seat
An infant car seat clicks onto the stroller frame, so a sleeping baby moves from car to stroller undisturbed. This is the easiest way to start if you drive - just don’t let the baby sleep for long stretches in the car seat; move them to a flat surface for longer naps.
Option 3: a compatible frame or adapter
Many lightweight and travel strollers accept a car-seat adapter, or you can buy a bare car-seat frame (a lightweight carrier for your infant seat). Both are budget-friendly ways to make a stroller newborn-ready.
What to avoid for a newborn
- Upright umbrella strollers - no flat recline, not safe for newborns.
- Any seat that won’t recline to near-flat.
- Long periods in a car seat clicked onto a stroller - limit car-seat time and move to a flat surface for real sleep.
See our stroller types guide to match a type to the newborn stage.
Ready to choose?
We compared 10 strollers on ride, comfort, fold, build and value - full-size, travel, jogging, travel systems and doubles, for every stage and budget.