A good rear-facing stroller keeps parents connected and close to their baby, even when you’re on the go. “A rear-facing stroller allows for close connection between parent and child and is also safer,” says Daniel Kron, the founder of designer baby store Genius Jones.
“When your child is facing you, you don’t have to step around to see if they are asleep or awake, breathing freely, have a properly positioned head or are putting something into their mouth that could be hazardous.” Some rear-facing strollers get a tad pricey, but there’s no need to buy a forward-facing stroller later on, so the cost is well worth it. “All rear-facing strollers turn into forward-facing strollers,” explains Mike Abadi, the owner of My Strollers.
Are you ready to take the plunge and purchase a rear-facing stroller? Here are 10 of the best products to consider.
- Bugaboo Bee 3 Stroller
A luxury bestseller recommended by both Abadi and Kron, the Bugaboo Bee accommodates a bassinet, goes from pram to stroller and features three reclining positions and a height-adjustable handlebar, plus an adjustable five-point harness. It’s a great urban stroller but loses its smooth ride on rougher terrain, like grass or gravel.
- Bugaboo Cameleon 3
Another high-end Bugaboo, the Cameleon 3 is loved by beachgoers for its ability to handle terrain like sand thanks to a reversible handle bar that transforms the back wheels to the front. A true chameleon, the stroller easily transitions from rear-facing pram to toddler stroller with easy click-and-go buttons. The only drawback is the one-piece seat, which does not recline enough to create a comfy sleeping environment.
- Graco Modes Click Connect Travel System Stroller
This cost-effective, all-purpose stroller from Graco includes a car seat that clicks into the stroller frame in rear- and front-facing positions. It’s versatile and easy to use, but a tad bulkier than some other rear-facing strollers.
- Stokke Xplory
Loved by parents for its raised seat and adjustable footrest, the Xplory is known for safety features, like reflective material for heightened nighttime visibility, and its rough terrain swivel wheels. The only drawback is a slightly small canopy, which offers less sun protection than some moms want.
- Stokke Scoot
Another Stokke option is the Scoot. This stroller with a reversible seat features active, rest and sleep positions in both the rear- and front-facing setup. Unfortunately, the assembly may be slightly difficult for some.
- Mima Xari
The Mima Xari may have the quickest and easiest folding capacity of any on the market, plus two baskets with magnetic lids, a huge plus for running errands with baby in tow. A very strong chassis also makes for a smooth ride over hard terrain and snow. The flip side is a heavy carriage and less-than-generous basket space.
- Valco Baby Snap Ultra
The Valco Snap just introduced a light frame that weighs in under 19 pounds, an arm-saving advantage for trunk hauling on days chock full of errands. The reversible seat has an extended canopy and rain cover, making it great for all weather, but not necessarily for all terrain.
- Orbit Baby G3
Made largely of green materials, the Orbit Baby has one-handed folding power to go along with incredibly easy, single-motion seat recline and rotation capability. It also upgrades as your family grows, transitioning from a single to a double stroller. While it is easy to assemble, the seats, canopy and accessories all need to be purchased separately — a drawback for some parents and budgets.
- Mamas and Papas Armadillo Flip XT
Lightweight and compact, the Armadillo Flip XT has a new, improved mesh panel in the seat for increased comfort and air flow. It also offers a deep, one-handed recline, making it a savvy choice for newborns. It’s relatively lightweight but features no bumper bar for attaching toys, making it less than perfect for the toddler set.
- UPPAbaby 2015 Cruz
Featuring a rear-facing toddler seat, the UPPAbaby Cruz is a dream for anyone crunched for space. Compact, it remains standing when folded yet includes one-handed, multiposition recline. It’s one of the heavier strollers, but will accommodate a child up to 50 pounds.
And check out How to Choose the Best Jogging Stroller.
Corey Kagan Whelan is a freelance writer specializing in all things mom, living in New York.