Ten Great Strollers That Cost Less Than $250

A Top-Notch Stroller Doesn't Have to Break the Bank

The Cielo stroller from Mia Moda impressed me from the moment I first saw it. Not only does this stroller look cool, it folds in about five seconds with only one hand, plus it costs less than $150. You can adjust the seat recline easily at the back, and the steering handle is centered, making it easier to steer with one hand. The compact fold is a standout feature of the Mia Moda Cielo, too. The 15-pound stroller folds to just 22x18x10, and can stand up while folded, so you don't have to lay it down in a parking lot while you attend to baby. A cool mesh bag is included and attaches to the back of the stroller for storage. There's no basket below, though, which could be a deal-breaker for some parents. Suitable from 6 months.

Baby Planet is a newcomer in the stroller industry, but this company is quickly becoming known as a winner for easy-steering, well-built strollers. The Solo Sport comes in at under $200, but still manages to retain the convenience features and sturdiness of a more expensive stroller. The reclining seat makes this stroller suitable for babies 3 months and up, and the generous 55 pound weight limit means you can easily use the Solo Sport through the toddler years. This stroller weighs just over 17 pounds and folds super-small, just like an umbrella stroller. A large basket under the seat can hold plenty of baby and parent gear. The adjustable foot-rest is nice for long-legged toddlers, too.

If you need a stroller for an older baby or toddler, the Quinny Zapp is a great choice. This stroller does not recline, so it's not suitable for babies who need to lay back, but that's the only drawback I know of on this stroller. An adapter is available so you can use the Maxi Cosi Mico infant seat with this stroller, though, increasing the useful life of the stroller from newborn through toddler. The Zapp stroller has amazingly smooth steering, even with one hand, and it weighs just 13 pounds. Combine the light weight with the easy, compact fold, and you have a stroller that is perfect for travel with toddlers. A travel bag is even included for portability. Sun canopy, rain cover and a roomy lower basket are included.

Silver Cross is known for its classic baby prams and luxury strollers, and the Micro V.2 stroller brings that luxury to baby at a very reasonable price. For less than $150, this stroller gives baby a smooth ride on 6-inch swivel wheels and all-wheel suspension. Parents will appreciate the super-light weight of the stroller - just over 9 pounds. The Micro V.2 folds quickly, with one hand, to a small size and can be carried via the shoulder strap, so you can easily use this stroller on stairs or public transportation. Suitable from 6 months and up, or to 40 pounds. Includes a large basket underneath.

The 55-pound weight limit, compact fold, 12-pound weight and well-known Maclaren smooth steering are all good reasons to take a close look at the Quest stroller. Maclaren is a popular choice for city-dwellers who need a stroller that can zip in and out of traffic or through small spaces. The compact size doesn't take away from baby's comfort on the Quest stroller, though. Four recline positions and padded, adjustable leg rests make it easy to keep baby comfy. This stroller is suitable from 3 months through toddler age. A removable, washable seat also makes it easy to keep the stroller clean, which is key if your baby eats on the go! The Quest stroller has a smallish basket, but extra Maclaren gear bags are available for added storage.

The Joovy Caboose Ultralight comes in at the top end of the "under $250" category, and it's one of the heavier models on this list. However, the Caboose Ultralight holds two children, whereas most of the strollers here only hold one. Perfect for growing families, the Caboose Ultralight has a spot behind the standard stroller seat where a toddler can stand or sit, plus the front seat can accommodate almost all of the popular infant car seats, so you can use this stroller as a travel system. The Caboose Ultralight weighs about 21 pounds, much less than most tandem strollers, and it steers nicely for a larger stroller. Foam padded handles add comfort, and the neoprene parent pouch plus roomy basket add plenty of storage space.

This reversible stroller has enough features to warrant a much higher price, but can be found for a very reasonable $150. The padded seat can face forward or backward, and there are three recline positions each direction, so you can use the stroller from baby's first days through toddlerhood. The weight limit is slightly lower than some strollers at 33 pounds. A decent-sized basket and storage pockets on the seat back are convenient for parents. The back wheels are pneumatic tires for a smooth ride, while the front swivel wheels add maneuverability on almost any terrain. The padded handle is even adjustable for parents of varying heights.

The popular Sit N Stand stroller from Baby Trend has been updated to include a second full seat to give parents more options for transporting their children. The front seat can be used as a standard seat or you can attach an infant car seat, while the rear seat can be used as a tandem standard seat or you can remove the seat and allow an older child to sit backwards on a bench seat or stand on a low shelf on the back. A large storage basket and parent tray are convenient for storage. The stroller is available for under $200, but a travel system version with the Baby Trend Flex-Loc infant seat is also available for about $250. Some parents complain that the length of this stroller makes it hard to steer with larger children.

The Combi City Savvy has standard stroller features, but it's very lightweight and comes in under $150. The seat reclines to multiple positions, so it can be used from birth, and the 45-pound weight limit allows use well into toddlerhood. The City Savvy can be used as a travel system with the Combi Connection infant seat. Tall parent handles accommodate taller parents well, and the 13.2-pound stroller folds easily to be carried with the built-in shoulder strap. You can open this stroller with one hand after storage, which is great if you're also carrying baby at the time. A removable infant head pad and harness strap pads add luxury at a very low cost. The front nap bar is removable, too.

Graco strollers are widely available and very popular, particularly as travel systems. The Mosaic stroller can be used as a travel system with any Graco infant car seat, but it's lighter and steers better than other standard travel system strollers. The Mosaic stroller has a fairly compact fold, an included head pillow for comfort, a removable nap bar, decently sized basket, and an inside storage pocket for toys. It also comes with a rain cover, which must be bought separately on many other strollers. Some parents complain that the basket is hard to reach when an infant car seat is attached to the stroller.