Got a Runner? Try These Sit and Stand Strollers

One of the great things about having an older child when you have your baby is that you don't necessarily need a double stroller. If your older kid is pretty independent already, you might just want something a little easier for you to cart around, which makes a sit and stand stroller the perfect option for you.

Sit and stand strollers are either traditional strollers with an attachment for your little one to hop on and off at will, or they're a full stroller with a lightweight seat attached that gives your child freedom of movement. There's a whole range of strollers like this, and like so many other parenting products, the one that's best for you really depends on your personal needs.

Best Sit and Stand Strollers

• Best Overall: Chicco BravoFor2
• Best Bargain: Baby Trend Sit and Stand Sport Stroller
• Best Tandem: Joovy Caboose Ultralight
• Best Car Seat Position: Baby Trend Sit and Stand Ultra
• Best for Travel: Babyzen Yoyo2 System
• Best High-End Choice: Bugaboo Lynx System
• Best Full System: Graco Uno2Duo

What to Consider

Like with any stroller, features, price, size, and how it rides are some major points of consideration that you're going to want to hit. And because kids are both wonderful and extremely messy, how it cleans up is another important factor to consider.

Features

If you've ever gone stroller shopping before, you know there are a ton of features to evaluate. Look at how your stroller collapses. Can it be done with one hand? Does it require taking parts on and off? Definitely consider where you're storing it and how much room it will take up when it's opened and collapsed. Handle height is also important to take note of — and if you're petite or particularly tall, telescoping handles (or extendable handles) might be a great option for you.

Because these are sit and stand strollers, assessing the attachments is vital. How easily does the standing attachment go on and off, and do you need special tools to do it? Can you collapse the stroller with the standing attachment still hooked on, or do you have to take it off?

Wheels are important, too. Most high-end strollers have air-filled tires with fixed steering that promote a smooth glide. While foam-filled tires or rubber-coated wheels are by no means bad, they just might not hit the ruts as easily. Other features to look for include cup holders, under-seat storage, and canopy extensions — but since most of those can be purchased aftermarket, they're not total deal-breakers.

Price

There's a gigantic range of prices on these strollers. If you buy a high-end stroller with a standing attachment, you could be looking at $1,000. If this is your first stroller and you intend on having a few kids, this might be a great way to go. But if you're already a few kids deep, there are less expensive options that might not be as plush, but they're totally serviceable at about $200.

How It Rides

As I mentioned above, higher-end suspensions and wheels make for a lovely ride. These strollers practically float above the surface of the road. They feel stable, and they're easy to maneuver. Mid-range and more affordable strollers are making huge leaps in this area, finding ways to bring down the initial cost of these systems, providing an excellent ride.

Maneuverability is chief to your ride after the suspension and tires. If you can't get it over a bump or around a corner easily, then you're going to hate pushing it.

How it Cleans Up

May the universe smile upon whoever first made machine-washable stroller seats. Kids puke, poop, and grind endless Goldfish in these seats. Translation? If they're a pain to clean, you're not going to be happy with your investment.

How We Chose

I talked to parents who use the strollers, talked to manufacturers, and read online reviews. I even got behind the stroller myself, pushing them, pulling them, trying to convince my godson that he did, in fact, want to go on a walk with me and not watch another episode of Bluey (which may or may not have been bribery.) I found out first-hand how they ride, how they fold, and what they feel like when you're tired. And to be honest with you, there were a lot of duds. So while this list might not be the longest, they are the absolute cream of the crop, best-tested sit and stand strollers out there.