The Best Reverse Strollers Tested for Smooth Rides in Either Direction

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Collage of reversible strollers we recommend on an orange background

Verywell Family / Zackary Angeline

There are many essentials that new parents need. Necessities like, diaper bags, convertible cribs, and leakproof diapers, fill up baby registries for good reason. Strollers are among the most essential baby items new parents need. In addition to market research and consumer insights, we’re testing some of the top reverse strollers on the market in the Verywell Testing Lab to bring you the best reverse strollers.

During infancy, babies should be facing the adult pushing the stroller so the grown-up can be sure of baby’s safety. Not all strollers have this reverse option, though, so it's important to be conscious of this when you’re shopping and thinking about which stroller to add to a baby registry.

While strollers may seem to have an endless amount of features, there are a few key details to look out for. For a personalized fit, keep in mind safety designs like brake systems and seat belts, the size and weight that your car and home can accommodate, and compatibility with your car seat. We carefully considered design, age, height, weight limits, safety, material, ease of cleaning, additional features, and value when reviewing products.

In our lab test, we use sandbags and diaper bags full of baby accessories that we already have in the lab to fill the reverse strollers in so we can get an accurate and realistic weight for the baby.

After timing how long it takes to put the baby stroller together from box to completion, we assess the stability and sturdiness of the reverse stroller. When we feel safe that the reversible stroller is completely secure, we then place a sandbag in the stroller, adjust the parts of the stroller that allow for a better fit, and take notes of how easy it is to adjust the different parts. We place our baby gear in the reverse stroller and take a brisk walk on various surfaces with everything loaded in. We also make sure to test how easy it is to get up and down from elevated surfaces such as curbs and stairs. Finally, we collapse, repackage, and make note of all of our findings. 

We also use market research, consumer insights, and trend analysis to give you researched product recommendations as well. We update this round-up as we continue to test and research new products so you always have the best recommendations available to you for your specific needs.

Best Overall

Delta Children Jeep Unlimited Reversible Handle Stroller

Delta-children-jeep-unlimited-reversible-handle-stroller

Amazon

Pros
  • Reversible handle

  • Car seat compatible

  • Extendable canopy

Cons
  • Hard to maneuver when handle is reversed

  • Heavy

The Delta Children Jeep Unlimited Reversible Handle Stroller earns our top pick because families can use this reversible stroller immediately after birth and during the years that follow. Babies can ride in infant car seats if they’re models that are compatible with this stroller; then they can ride in the regular seat once they’re able to sit up unassisted and until they’re over 50 pounds. Rather than moving the seat around to switch from reverse to forward-facing, you can convert the stroller by simply reversing the handle.

This stroller features a UPF 50+ sun visor attached to the extendable canopy to keep your baby protected in the sunshine. They will rest easy with the three reclining positions and child footrest. With ample storage space and a handy snack tray, you'll be set for a full adventure. When it’s not in use, it folds down easily for storage.

Key Specs:
Product Weight:
20.9 pounds | Weight Limits: 4-50 pounds | Height Limits: Not Listed | Age Limits: Not Listed | Convertible: Yes | Cross Compatibility: Graco SnugRide, Click Connect 30, 35, and 40, Evenfall Nurture, Evenfall Embrace

Best Travel System

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System

Evenflo-pivot-modular-travel-system

Amazon

Pros
  • Converts into bassinet

  • Oversized storage basket

Cons
  • Car seat is heavy

What’s great about this travel system is that the stroller is specifically designed for parents to click the baby’s carrier into the frame to create a back-facing stroller. If you don’t want to use the car seat with the stroller, you also have the option of converting the stroller’s seat into a flat bassinet.

Once your child is a little older, the seat can then be set up so it is either back-facing or forward-facing. This stroller seat features a five-point harness, large tires for a smooth ride, and a removable bumper bar. There is also a parent cup holder as well as a removable child snack tray. The stroller is lightweight, simple to collapse, and converts into different modes with ease.

Key Specs:
Product Weight:
38 pounds | Weight Limits: Up to 50 pounds (car seat limits differ) | Height Limits: Not Listed (car seat limits differ) | Age Limits: Not Listed | Convertible: Yes | Cross Compatibility: None

Best for Toddlers

Graco Modes Element Stroller

Graco Modes Element Stroller, Gotham

Walmart

Pros
  • Compatible with all Graco infant car seats

  • Large adjustable canopy

Cons
  • Heavy

You'll enjoy endless position options with this sleek stroller from Graco. You can choose to set it up as an infant car seat stroller, an infant stroller with a bassinet, or a toddler stroller. Both the car seat and bassinet configurations are back-facing, and when it’s converted into the toddler seat it can face back or forward.

It includes a large adjustable canopy, an adult tray with a cup holder, and a child tray with a cup holder. It has a storage basket with ample space under the child’s seat, folds down with one step, and is compatible with all Graco infant car seats.

Key Specs:
Product Weight:
26 pounds | Weight Limits: Up to 50 pounds | Height Limits: Not Listed | Age Limits: Not Listed | Convertible: Yes | Cross Compatibility: None

Pros
  • UPF 50+ extendable canopy

  • One-step easy fold

  • Multiple recline positions

Cons
  • Costly

  • Compatible with only one car seat

If you’re looking for a stroller with all of the bells and whistles, this is it. When it’s not in use, this stroller folds down compactly for easy storage, and when it is in use it has an adjustable handlebar to fit adults of various heights. The stroller’s seat can be used by babies as young as three months old and converts into a toddler seat that can be either front or back-facing.

The seat also has a UPF 50+ extendable canopy, multiple recline positions, and a no-rethread harness for safety. The stroller features a large storage basket, seat bumper, and one-step easy fold. Additionally, this stroller is compatible with the UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat.

Key Specs:
Product Weight:
25.5 pounds | Weight Limits: 10-50 pounds | Height Limits: Not Listed | Age Limits: 3 Months+ | Convertible: Yes | Cross Compatibility: UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat

Pros
  • Made with sustainable materials

  • Great maneuverability on all terrains

Cons
  • Bassinet conversion may be difficult

We tested the Bugaboo Fox 5 Stroller that’s made with sustainable and bio-based materials and adore it. We’re able to wheel this stroller using only one hand and it turns corners (even the very sharp ones) with grace and ease. A reverse stroller this lightweight, easy to put together, and of course, to maneuver makes this stroller our pick for best maneuverability. 

The brakes are very easy to engage, which is another reason we chose this reverse stroller for the best maneuverability. The reverse stroller also handles it gorgeously. All corners take one hand to maneuver and they turn on a dime. It performs well on all terrains minus the sand.

The Bugaboo Fox 5 Stroller is very easy to assemble. Unfold the machine washable chair, pop the puncture-proof wheels on, attach the basket, and that’s it. It’s a very “logical” reverse stroller, which makes it very user-friendly. We also noticed immediately how lightweight the stroller is when we are flipping the stroller around to attach all the parts. That being said, it can be very cumbersome to change the bassinet but since you’re only going to do that once it shouldn’t dismay you from purchasing.

We find the handle very easy to adjust. After pushing two buttons on the 100% vegetarian leather handlebar, you’re able to push it up or down. The basket is fairly sizable. It isn’t extremely large, but we’re able to fit all the things we need. While some reverse strollers focus on extra accessories and capabilities, this reverse stroller focuses on functionality and safety. It takes two buttons to fold the stroller, and while you only need one hand to fold it you need both hands to push down the handlebar. Thus, it’s not a true “one-handed fold stroller.” A great safety feature is the five-point safety harness and extra cushioning in the stroller which makes the ride feel like a cloud for the baby. 

We needed two adults to convert the bassinet into a seat. It isn’t easy given that you have to unfasten the bassinet only to then attach the seat to the base. It’s our least favorite part of this stroller. 

This is a pricier and larger stroller. Since it’s not compact, we don’t suggest it for smaller apartment living unless you have a vestibule or something similar where you can store it. When you purchase you get a four-year warranty, free shipping on all strollers, a 100-day free trial, and you can choose how you want to pay online. There are also accessories available for purchase as well so you can customize the stroller for your needs and wants. There are 14 colors available and bundles for you to purchase with it.

Key Specs:
Product Weight:
42 pounds | Weight Limits: 50 pounds | Height Limits: Not Listed | Age Limits: Up to 4 years old | Convertible: No | Cross Compatibility: None

Pros
  • Easy to assemble

  • Decent size storage bin

Cons
  • Poor shock absorption

Our pick for the best compact reverse stroller is the Thule Shine stroller. It’s an easy-to-build reverse stroller meant for city living, meaning it’s durable, comfortable, and as the superlative suggests, compact enough to store in small narrow spaces so you have room to fit all the other important things in your (and your baby’s) life.

Assembly is quick and painless, taking 10 minutes and six seconds to go from being stored in the box to being ready to use. While attaching the canopy isn’t very intuitive, the picture directions make it simple enough for us to figure out how to put everything together. No tools are necessarily needed to assemble the stroller. You know everything is in place when you hear the very satisfying “click” sound when the part is positioned and securely attached. 

The compact nature of this stroller doesn’t compromise storage bin size or other features. Our diaper bags fit easily into the storage component (that can store up to 22 pounds) with room to spare. There’s a large UPF50+ protection canopy that offers substantial rain coverage that’s detachable and foldable. The incline of the padded and reversible seat seems as if it will be fairly comfortable for a baby as well. The footrest adjusts and the rest of the design is sleek, which helps when traveling. It excels in our drop test, showing very minimal damage.

The small issues we did come across were when we try to turn the stroller. It has a tendency to pull left. It performs well on sand, but on other terrains, the ride is a bit more temperamental due to the lack of shock absorption or cushioning. Turning may be difficult for you with this reverse stroller due to how stationery the wheels are, however, we also believe the same feature adds extra stability to the stroller. Even when the ride is bumpy, we don’t feel that the stroller is going to fall over or capsize.

Folding this stroller is relatively simple to do so. Most of the process only takes one hand, however, we need two hands to lock it into travel mode securely.  We suggest unless you want a bulkier folded stroller we suggest you unload the cargo area prior to unfolding. 

Once completely folded up it does stand upright independently which allows us to swiftly stow it away in storage, only to have it ready to unfold and use again shortly. When folded we find it a little harder to carry, especially if the seat is still installed. There’s no carrying strap – just a carrying bar that makes it easier to pick up once it’s unfolded. Yes, this reverse stroller is very compact, but it may still be a little heavy to carry through an airport as opposed to rolling through one. If it’s a short walk or travel, you should be fine though.  This stroller takes up around a third to a half of a standard compact trunk as long as there isn’t too much back there. 

We do wish the back wheels pivoted and that we knew prior to using this compact reverse stroller for the first time that you should buckle in a certain order or else it will be difficult when buckling in children that may be kicking or screaming. 

Key Specs:
Product Weight:
21 pounds | Weight Limits: 49 pounds | Height Limits: Not Listed | Age Limits: Up to 4 years old (49 pounds) | Convertible: Yes | Cross Compatibility: None

How We Tested + Selected

To bring you great recommendations for the best reversible strollers on the market, we continually test the top ranked reversible strollers available to us in the Verywell Testing Lab

While reversible strollers may seem to have an endless amount of features, there are a few key details to look out for. We keep in mind safety designs like brake systems and seat belts, a size and weight that your car and home can accommodate, and compatibility with your car seat. We carefully consider design, age, height, and weight limits, safety, material, ease of cleaning, additional features, and value when reviewing products.

Prior to testing, we gather sandbags to mimic the baby in the stroller and any diaper bags we may need so we can have a realistic experience when rolling around and testing the stroller.

Upon receiving our stroller in the Verywell Testing Lab, we grab a timer and put the reverse stroller together, following the included instructions as needed. We make sure to take note of how easy or difficult it may be to follow the directions.

Once the stroller is assembled, we look it over. After it looks solid, stable, and ready-to-use, we continue on with the testing process. If the stroller does not look that way, we make sure we followed the directions during set-up and record any findings beyond that.

We place our 25 pound sandbag into the seat, buckling them in. We then inspect the stroller and make adjustments to the harness, handlebar, seat, canopy, bumper car, and any other adjustable parts that the stroller may come with. We place baby gear, such as diaper bags, in the cargo area and start the physical component of the test.

We start with a brisk 5-10 minute walk. Then we move on to an obstacle course with various surfaces which mimic real life terrain (sand, concrete, grass, etc.). As we push we record how the stroller performed on the different surfaces and how easy it was to turn. We go up and down curbs and steps with the strollers to assess how easy it is to traverse different heights.  

We collapse the stroller to see how the folding and standing capabilities are, and then finally take the reverse stroller apart, repackaging it in the original box with the original components.

We also use market research, trend analysis, and consumer insight to bring you researched and verified product recommendations as well. 

We are continually researching and testing new reversible strollers and updating this round up with our findings.

What to Look for When Buying a Reverse Stroller

Safety

Safety is always the most important thing to look for when purchasing a stroller for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends strollers with easy-to-operate brake systems, have a wide sturdy base, and have a harness and seat belt.

Size and Weight

You want to be sure that the stroller you choose isn’t too heavy for you to maneuver and that, when broken down, isn’t too large to store in your car trunk or your home. You also want to consider when you'll be using the stroller. For example, if you travel a lot, a lightweight option that folds down compactly is essential.

Compatibility

Some strollers allow you to use car seats from different brands while others are only compatible with the seats from their own brand. Save yourself a few bucks by choosing a stroller that is compatible with the car seat you already have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use a reversible stroller with a newborn?

    One of the best features of a reversible stroller is that you can use it beginning directly after birth. However, this all depends on the weight of your newborn, the stroller’s minimum and maximum weight limit, and if it’s compatible with an infant carrier.

    Because strollers that are not infant carrier compatible are safe for babies typically older than six months of age, the reversible stroller you’ll need for a newborn is one that can hold an infant carrier. Double-check the infant carrier that you have, or are looking to buy, to make sure that it will fit into the reversible stroller you’re wanting to purchase if the two did not come together. You can also research car seat adapters for your stroller as well.

    With newborns, reversible strollers are perfect because you can move the baby easily from the car to the stroller. The infant carrier will click in for rear-facing mode, allowing you to keep an eye on the baby while out and about. 

  • Are reversible strollers better than traditional strollers?

    Deciding whether reversible strollers are better than traditional strollers really depends on what you’re looking for in a stroller. If you want a stroller to use immediately after birth and beyond, that also allows you to watch baby, reversible strollers that are infant carrier compatible are the perfect choice for you. Once the baby reaches the stroller’s rear-facing weight limit, you can then forward-face your child for much longer. 

    Traditional strollers usually can’t be used directly after birth, and become safe to use generally around six months of age. If that’s not a problem for you, then a traditional stroller will be just fine. It all depends on if you want your child to face you, even after they outgrow their infant carrier, until the weight limit has been reached for rear-facing.

    Consider where you’ll be using the stroller and how often, and that will give you an idea if a reversible stroller is worth the investment for your family.

  • How much should I expect to spend on a good reverse stroller?

    A reversible stroller's cost can fluctuate depending on different factors such as material, weight, size, compatibility, and conversion potential. Other features such as included accessories can influence how much your total bill may be when trying to find a reversible stroller that matches your needs. You can expect to spend anywhere between $100 to $1300 on a reversible stroller, with our best overall pick being the Delta Children Jeep Unlimited Reverse Stroller, which costs $130.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer, mom to a 1 and a 4-year-old, and she has personal experience in researching and using strollers. Key considerations she focused on when selecting these products include safety features, ease of use, and user reviews. 

2 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics News and Journals. Safety tips help protect children from stroller injuries.

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to Buy a Safe Stroller.