I will be totally honest- I have pushed my preschooler around in a smaller stroller that was on the verge of completely breaking. After all, there’s a big difference between a 25-pound toddler and a 55-pound kindergartner. So if you want to make a smart purchase, get yourself a stroller with a high weight limit. Here are my favorite picks for the best strollers for 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, and 5-year-olds. Please note, my picks are based on size limits, so feel free to mix and match any of the strollers with any of the ages!
| Big Kid Strollers | Weight Limit | Stroller Weight | For Ages |
| Joovy Zoom Lightweight Jogging Stroller | 75 lbs | 25.7 lbs | 3,4,5+ |
| Summer Infant 3D Lite | 50 lbs | 13 lbs | 3,4 |
| BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller | 75 lbs | 28.5 lbs | 3,4,5+ |
| Baby Trend Range Jogging Stroller | 55 lbs | 28.8 lbs | 3,4,5 |
| Bumbleride Speed Jogging Stroller | 65 lbs | 26 lbs | 3,4,5+ |
| Britax B-Lively Liteweight Stroller | 55 lbs | 20 lbs | 3,4,5 |
| gb Pockit+ Lightweight Stroller | 65 lbs | 9.5 lbs | 3,4,5 |
| 2018 UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller | 55 lbs | 15 lbs | 3,4,5 |
| Baby Jogger City Mini GT Stroller | 65 lbs | 21 lbs | 3,4,5+ |
Best Strollers for 3-Year-Olds
3-year-olds range in weight from 25 lbs at the 5th percentile to 39 lbs at the 95th percentile, with the 50th being around 32 lbs. There are many strollers that accommodate that weight range. The 50th percentile for 2-year-olds is around 28 lbs. I point this out because you can get by with the same stroller from a weight perspective for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds.
While the G-Luxe Stroller costs the most on our list, it has 5 star ratings for durability and maneuverability, yet it is not nearly as popular or rated as often as the other two strollers. However, the reviewers do claim that it is very roomy for a larger child. The lowest cost option is the popular Summer 3Dlite, which is rated 4.4 for durability and 4.6 for maneuverability with parents reviewing it as lightweight and portable but lacking in features.
Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
The best umbrella stroller for 3-year-olds is the Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller. It weighs only 13 lbs and accommodates kids up to 50 lbs. It is extremely well rated and is very inexpensive compared to other options. Even when compared to other Summer Infant convenience strollers, like the 3D-one or 3D Flip, the 3D light is a great deal cheaper and lighter. Check out our articles to learn more about the Summer Infant 3D Lite vs 3D-one and the Summer Infant 3D Flip stroller.
Features
This stroller has all the basic features that you need for a 3-year-old.
Probably the most important thing is that it is very durable to go along with being very light. That’s a perfect combination for a stroller.
It has 5 recline positions and accommodates kids up to 50 lbs. or 43 inches. The front wheels do NOT have independent suspension but they are anti-shock, meaning that they do give a little. The back wheels are lockable as you would expect.
The storage bag area is big but isn’t sturdy enough to stuff full of groceries. But it will handle all the basic things you carry around for your child. There is a 5-point safety harness.
It has a decent-sized canopy and in addition to that, there is a sun visor that comes out even further to provide protection from the sun.
Why It is Good for a 3-Year-Old
As kids get bigger, unfortunately, you also need a bigger and heavier stroller. That is where the 3D Lite shines because it is very light despite being able to hold 50 lbs kids.
- Price – this is a very inexpensive option
- Easy fold – folds with one hand on the handle and a gentle push with your foot to get it started
- Travel – easy to fit in the trunk, and stands up by the wall
Another excellent travel stroller for 2 and 3 year olds is the Zoe XL1. The amazing thing about this stroller is that it weighs about 11 lbs! That is an amazing benefit when you are pushing it around every day. It’s Disney park approved and folds up small enough to fit in a backpack! The price is higher than the 3D Lite, but the quality and weight may well make up for it.
Baby Trend Range Jogging Stroller
This jogging stroller is a great mid-price option, and it’s got such a large weight limit (55 pounds) and a lot of great qualities. Plus, it’s from a reliable baby gear manufacturer.
Features
The Range Jogging Stroller is designed to tackle any terrain. It features a light and high-impact composite wheels. The front wheel is lockable for stability if you want to jog, or unlockable for better maneuvering. The steel frame holds the padded and reclinable seat with 5 point safety harness. The seat has a child tray that not only holds snacks and two drinks but gives the option of using the stroller as part of a travel system with a compatible car seat. The seat is covered by a small sun canopy.
Two big safety features include the footrest reflectors for low light low visibility and the tether strap for jogging. This stroller folds up considerably flat, although it still requires a lot of trunk space and a lot of muscle (it weighs 27 pounds alone!). It has a trigger fold that makes folding the seat quick and effortless.
For the parents, it has a parent tray that includes two cup holders and a little covered compartment. It also has an extra-wide and ergonomically shaped handle for pushing, and a very large storage basket underneath. Overall, the price tag is incredibly small for a great, but heavy and bulkier stroller.
Why It’s Good for Age 3
This seat has some qualities that I like for a 3-Year-Old. However, after that age, this stroller starts getting a bit tricky due to its smaller weight limit and lack of leg rest.
- Great wheels. When my son was 3, he wanted to go EVERYWHERE with me- on runs, to the store, to the festivals, around the block. Having wheels that are up to the task is a must. These wheels last a long time and you don’t have to worry about putting air in them. The suspension is great and makes gravel paths unnoticeable to the passenger. I don’t like how the front wheel pulls to one side when locked, so I would lock it for running only.
- Child tray. 3-year-olds are constantly needing a snack or a drink. And then they need somewhere to put it when they only eat half. This tray is good sized and has 2 drink holders. It can be used for toys, food, and anything else your child wants near them.
- Storage basket. A fully-stocked diaper bag is still required for most outings at age 3. This stroller can handle all the gear because it has a really good sized storage basket. You can easily fit a small diaper bag, a water bottle, some snacks, and a toy or two. And trust me, your 3-year-old will insist on bringing all of those things with you when you leave the house.
UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller
A 15-pound stroller that holds 55 pounds is a great thing. But add in the fact that it’s not just some umbrella stroller, but it’s actually a fully-functioning stroller, and the UPPAbaby G-LUXE is a real winner for toddlers.
This is a very stylish stroller made with luxurious fabrics. The price certainly reflects that, but the ability to remove and spot-clean the stain-resistant seat is a very nice feature indeed. The fabrics are also breathable, and the massive canopy with extension is UPF50+.
The storage on this stroller is okay. The lower basket is very generously sized and it works really well for a diaper bag or a few other essentials. But besides a clip-on drink holder for parents, that’s all the built-in storage this stroller has. You can buy a parent organizer for more room for snacks and drinks, which 3-year-olds will want.
Now let’s talk about the wheels and the brakes. The 5.5-inch wheels help this stroller maneuver like a dream, and the four-wheel suspension only adds to that. And when it comes time to stop, just step down on the brightly-colored brakes, and since they’re linked, the whole stroller stops.
Lastly, there’s the fold. There are triggers up on the handle that you pull and the stroller folds in on itself. The fold looks a little funny since the front wheels kick up and forward to meet up with the handles.
But there’s a kickstand that goes down and makes the stroller stand once folded, which is one of the best features! Just watch out because it is a little top heavy when folded standing.
There’s a carrying strap, too.
Best Strollers for 4-Year-Olds
4-year-olds range from 28 to 44 lbs with an average of 36 lbs. So you can use any of the many strollers rated up to 50 lbs.
While costing a bit more, the Britax B-Lively is a well rated stroller that parents love that it is lightweight and great for traveling. It can hold up to 50 lbs. However, the lower priced gb Pockit works for kids up to 65 lbs. Parents love it for traveling and how compact and lightweight it is to carry.
Britax B-Lively Lightweight Stroller
This stroller is a high-quality option from Britax who makes really solid baby gear. The price tag is higher than some others on our list but all aspects of this stroller are totally wonderful!
If you are looking for a travel or umbrella stroller for 4-year-olds, you can of course go with the 3D Lite Convenience stroller I recommended for 3-year-olds. It will be big enough but isn’t the premium brand that the Britax B-Lively is.
But, I’ll add in another recommendation here. The Uppababy Minu is wonderful for bigger kids. It holds children until they reach 50 pounds, plus the seat height of 18 inches is impressive. Best of all, you can fold it with one hand. Once folded, it’s a very small stroller for 4-year-olds. Did we mention that it’s an amazing travel stroller? It’s totally ideal for navigating airports with your preschooler. Be sure to read our Uppababy Minu Stroller review article here.
Features of the B-Lively
The B-Lively has a lot of features. For the full story see our B-Lively review but here are the highlights.
Although this isn’t an umbrella stroller, at 20 lbs it is still relatively light, especially when you compare it to other strollers that hold kids up to 55 lbs.
It has a footrest which is definitely a requirement for bigger kids. It also has an all-wheel suspension for a better ride.
It looks a bit like a jogging stroller with a 3-wheel shape. Although it handles well, it is not made for jogging.
If you have younger kids or plan on some, it has a click n’ go system for attaching Britax car seats (which are also highly recommended). Keep in mind that there are adapters for some non-Britax car seats and not others. So if you have a Chicco or Maxi-Cosi and want to use this as a travel system, you may be out of luck.
This stroller also has a 5-point harness and one-hand fold.
The stroller reclines almost flat, and the extended footrest provides a lengthy napping surface. Instead of having fixed recline positions, it is an infinite recline meaning you can adjust it to any degree of recline that you need.
The stroller has a minimum weight limit of 5 lbs. so it is possible to use it for an infant. Keep in mind you’ll need to recline the seat as far back as possible since infants don’t have the head control to be able to sit up very far.
Why It’s Good for Age 4
So what makes it particularly good for a preschool-aged kid? Here are my favorite parts:
- Canopy. Kids at this age are very good complainers. So if you don’t want to hear whining about how the sun is on them or how they are getting rained on, you just extend this very large canopy with a built-in visor. It’s waterproof and UPF 50+ and will cover them completely. Extra: you can watch them through the peek-a-boo window on top.
- The Ride. With heavier kids, it is important to be able to maneuver easily. This stroller is simple to push and easy to turn.
- Safety harness. My older kid doesn’t like to be buckled in, but sometimes it’s necessary for keeping him in one spot! I like this safety harness because he can easily put the buckles into place by himself if my hands are full. But he can’t get himself out yet. This has saved me from chasing him down quite a few times!
- Weight limit. You can fit a kid up to 55 pounds in the B-Lively. I like that because I have kids that are big for their age. I can actually use this stroller well into their childhood because of the generous weight limit. This stroller can comfortably fit a 4-year-old and still push around smoothly.
NOTE: If you want a Britax stroller that’s even bigger, then check out the Britax B-Free stroller. It is physically roomier than most light strollers, has the Britax quality, and is much less expensive than many of the options. It is not a jogging stroller but is a little heavier and sturdier than other light strollers. And with a weight limit of 65 whopping pounds, it is ideal for bigger kiddos. Read the full review of the Britax B-Free stroller here.
Bumbleride Speed Jogging Stroller
The Bumbleride Speed Jogging Stroller can support an impressive 65 pounds making it a great option for older children.
You can literally use the Speed stroller for newborns all the way up to 6-year-old and is compatible with important car seats like Graco SnugRide Click Connect, Chicco KeyFit 30, and Chicco Fit 2.
While the stroller is not lightweight at 26 pounds, it’s perfect for jogging and extremely comfortable for older children.
It also has a lot of nifty features like an adjustable handle with a safety strap, easy one-hand fold, built-in mesh pockets, machine washable fabrics, all-terrain tires, an adjustable 5-point harness, and a parent pocket. The canopy is one of the larger ones you’ll find and to top it off, it is a comfy, good-looking stroller.
gb Pockit+ Lightweight Stroller
You really need to know about gb Pockit+ Lightweight Stroller. This stroller has really made a splash being made popular in the media. It’s by far the best umbrella or travel stroller for 4-year-olds.
When you see the star ratings of this stroller you’ll see that it deserves its reputation.
The Pockit+ works for kids up to 65 lbs. It has a wide, comfortable seat and comes in several nice colors.
This stroller is only 9.5 lbs! And it is crazy small when folded at 14″ x 7″ x 12″. That means it will fit in overhead bins on airplanes and pretty much anywhere else you want to take it. I think that’s my favorite feature of this stroller.
And while you might think the features end there, they don’t! It has things like a UPF50+ sun canopy, a padded, adjustable 5-point safety harness, and front swivel wheels. You can even adjust the seat back for when your “not tired” big kid crashes for a nap.
Extra bonus: it can become a travel system for CYBEX car seats when using an adapter.
Best Strollers for 5-Year-Olds
The lowest priced option is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Stroller which holds up to 65 lbs and is an Amazon’s Choice product. That means it is highly rated, well priced, and ready to ship quickly. The mid-priced choice is the Joovy Zoom Lightweight Jogging Stroller that holds up to 75 lbs plus has a high riding seat which is ideal for your older child. Parent reviewers say that it is the best jogging stroller and love the ease of pushing it plus their child. The BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller is the highest priced, top of the line stroller that can also hold up to 75 lbs that offers a smooth ride over any terrain. One mom called it a “sweet ride.”
Joovy Zoom Lightweight Jogging Stroller
I’ll be honest: this is my favorite stroller on the list. This jogging stroller can honestly be used from birth (with the car seat adapter) until your kid can’t physically fit, which will likely be in early elementary school age. It’s not terribly expensive, and it will do everything you need it to do.
Features
The Joovy Zoom Lightweight Jogging Stroller is a fantastically large, yet light jogging stroller. The graphite-colored aircraft aluminum frame allows for sturdy construction without a lot of weight. The stroller features 16-inch tires on the back and a lockable 12-inch swivel tire on the front. Like all jogging strollers with a swivel wheel, it pulls to one side when locked. Don’t worry- a tire pump is included for those unexpected flats! Shock-absorbing suspension, a straight rear axle, and a one-step dual-sided parking brake complete the tire system.
The seat itself rides high on the stroller to allow extra legroom. It’s got 22 inches of headspace from seat to top and holds a kid up to 75 pounds. Older kids can ride comfy, although their heads may begin to graze the canopy at some point. The seat can begin to be used at 3 months unless you have a car seat adapter (sold separately), in which case the stroller can become a travel system for newborns. The seat has a large sun canopy with a peek-a-boo window and some mesh inner side pockets for snacks and treasures. A 5 point safety harness keeps kids safe.
For the parents, there is a parent organizer by the handlebars. It’s can hold two drinks and your keys and phone in a small zippered pocket. There is a small storage basket underneath for carrying everything else. The unit easily folds up to about 19 inches high by 25 inches deep by 34 inches long and locks into the folded position. Weighing in at almost 26 pounds, it is a force to be reckoned with when folding and storing. The price tag is reasonable for a stroller with so many years of potential use.
This seat is one of the undisputed best jogging strollers on the market. You can’t go wrong!
Why It’s Good for Age 5
Big kids still need rides, too. But they don’t need as much storage or extras. Here’s what they do need:
- High riding seat. This is a good feature for two reasons. First, being up high means more legroom and fewer feet dragging, which is important as your kiddo gets taller and taller. Second, it makes them feel like they haven’t been banished to the baby stroller seat that’s dragging the ground. They can see everything and be a part of it.
- Suspension system. Those big tires mean that you can take your kiddo anywhere, on any surface, and still be able to push them. This stroller will give even the biggest of big kids a smooth ride, and parents won’t have to huff and puff to muscle along with their big kid stroller. And yay for that included tire pump!
- No snack tray. Your 5-year-old is a big kid now, and they want to feel like it. I think that the lack of a snack tray is good because it allows them to hold their own items in the mesh pockets and be in charge of them themselves. They don’t want to feel like they’re sitting in a high chair, and in this stroller, they won’t.
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller
Jogging strollers are the best bet for older kids because they have bigger wheels and bigger seats to hold the extra weight of a 5-year-old. We have to mention the Bob Revolution Flex 3.0 in case you would like a truly top of the line jogger. It is one of the pricier strollers on the market but it has super high quality and is a workhorse that will never die. This stroller is the only one mentioned in this review that can handle even the bigger 6-year-olds.
Check this baby out online, but here are the high points:
It has a swivel front wheel for easy driving and the wheel locks when you just need to go straight.
The tires are air-filled and there is an advanced suspension system for a smooth ride on even rough terrain. This makes it easier to push but also easier on your little one.
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No question that this is a “big” stroller at 28.5 lbs, but it has features like an adjustable handlebar that will make it manageable even if you aren’t big or tall.
There is plenty of room in this stroller both for your child and for storage. It has a safety strap for your wrist and a foot brake.
It is widely adaptable both to Britax and BOB infant seats but also to those from other major manufacturers (unlike the B-Lively).
Baby Jogger City Mini GT Stroller
So you want a big stroller that can hold a big kid, but you don’t want a giant jogging stroller. Well, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT is perfect! It has a whopping 65 lb weight limit, a massive, roomy seat, and all the features of a fully functioning stroller that you’d want.
The “forever air” rubber tires and all-wheel suspension will support the weight of your big kid. Plus, the three-wheel design on this stroller for a 5-year-old won’t make it feel like you are trying to push around an old rusty wagon full of boulders.
Features that will make parents happy include to height-adjustable handlebar, the hand brake up top, and the extra-large storage basket underneath. The peek-a-boo window helps to keep an eye on your child, and the flap stays open or shut with magnets.
Parents won’t love that there is not a parent organizer (there’s not a kid one, for that matter, but it can be purchased separately).
This has a swift and compact fold. The same strap that collapses the stroller is the same strap you can use to carry it. It is a bit on the heavy side, but that’s the tradeoff for getting a big-enough stroller with features you want!
Finally, for kid comfort, the seat folds nearly flat and the footrest adjusts. The 5 point safety harness keeps kids where you want them.
The City Mini GT can become a full-blown travel system with City Jogger car seats. This might not seem relevant to the parent of a 5-year-old, but remember this when you are looking at the price tag: you can make this the only stroller you’ll ever need, from birth until stroller graduation day.
Comparing the Best Strollers for 3, 4, and 5-Year-Olds
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Bumbleride Speed Jogging Stroller | 3.9 | 8.2 | 699.00 |
| BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller | 9.6 | 9.8 | 549.99 |
| Britax B-Lively Lightweight Stroller | 9.0 | - | 499.99 |
| Baby Jogger City Mini GT Stroller | 9.5 | 9.6 | 399.99 |
| UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller | 7.8 | 9.4 | 199.29 |
| gb Pockit+ Lightweight Stroller | 9.9 | - | 178.99 |
| Baby Trend Range Jogging Stroller | 9.9 | - | 109.99 |
| Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller | 9.8 | 9.4 | 91.59 |
| Joovy Zoom Lightweight Jogging Stroller | 8.0 | - | - |
Stroller Weight Limit Comparisons
| Big Kid Strollers | Weight Limit | Stroller Weight | For Ages |
| Joovy Zoom Lightweight Jogging Stroller | 75 lbs | 25.7 lbs | 3,4,5+ |
| Summer Infant 3D Lite | 50 lbs | 13 lbs | 3,4 |
| BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller | 75 lbs | 28.5 lbs | 3,4,5+ |
| Baby Trend Range Jogging Stroller | 55 lbs | 28.8 lbs | 3,4,5 |
| Bumbleride Speed Jogging Stroller | 65 lbs | 26 lbs | 3,4,5+ |
| Britax B-Lively Liteweight Stroller | 55 lbs | 20 lbs | 3,4,5 |
| gb Pockit+ Lightweight Stroller | 65 lbs | 9.5 lbs | 3,4,5 |
| 2018 UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller | 55 lbs | 15 lbs | 3,4,5 |
| Baby Jogger City Mini GT Stroller | 65 lbs | 21 lbs | 3,4,5+ |
FAQs – Strollers for 3, 4, and 5-Year-Olds
Can my older child use a sit-and-stand stroller?
If you have more than one kid, this could be a great option. A sit and stand stroller feature the traditional covered seat for your baby (facing forward) and a standing platform and small bench seat (on the back, facing you) for your tired preschooler. Your older child can sit or stand –or get off the stroller and walk (unless strapped in).
The one catch of sit-and-stand strollers is that the weight limit for each seat is usually only around 50 pounds or so. That makes it a fabulous option for preschoolers, but if your child is on the taller or heavier end of the spectrum, they’ll outgrow it very quickly.
Not to mention that these kinds of strollers are trunk hogs and need a ton of space and muscle to operate!
What is the best all-terrain stroller?
We recommend these from our list of the best all-terrain strollers:
- Joovy Zoom Lightweight Jogging Stroller (Max baby weight 75 pounds)
- BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller (Max baby weight 75 pounds)
- Baby Trend Range Jogging Stroller (Max baby weight 75 pounds)
Other highly rated all-terrain strollers include:
- Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Baby Stroller
- Thule Urban Glide Jogging Stroller
At what age does a child stop using a stroller?
The age will vary by child and circumstances, but usually whenever the child can walk comfortably on their own without needing constant breaks. The average four-year-old, for example, should probably be walking most of the time, not riding.
Some children may be ready by age three to give up the stroller. Still, it is possible that if the child does not feel well or would have to walk a long way, you will want to use a stroller. Another reason for using a stroller for an older child is because that child can’t maintain the speed you want, like when you are going on a run and their little legs can’t keep up!
Obviously, there are other circumstances as well that would require a stroller or wheelchair for an older child.
How many pounds can a stroller hold?
The weight limit varies from stroller to stroller, so you’ll need to check the specifications for each specific stroller. Most strollers can support a child of up to 50 pounds, but some can carry as much as 75 pounds.
As a general rule of thumb, jogging strollers can hold more weight than umbrella strollers. Most traditional strollers fall somewhere in the middle range for weight limits.
Are 3 or 4-wheel strollers better?
This depends on your needs and preferences.
A three-wheel stroller is generally more maneuverable (and therefore more easily handled with one hand) and, with its larger wheels, better suited to off-roading. It is somewhat less stable, however, than the four-wheeled stroller, takes up more space in your car, and is more expensive.
The four-wheeled stroller may provide a smoother, more stable ride at a lower price. Some brands offer a four-wheeled stroller with a reduced distance between the two front wheels. This compromise provides greater maneuverability than the traditional four-wheel with more stability than the average three-wheel.
Do strollers expire?
Unlike car seats, strollers do not expire. If you are planning to use an older or secondhand stroller, it’s always a good idea to check the Consumer Safety Product Commission for possible recalls.
Are lightweight strollers sturdy enough for everyday use?
Lightweight strollers are a great purchase for every mom. Often we are toting around kids, diaper bags, purses, and a number of other important items, so the last thing we need is a heavy, bulky stroller. If you’re more in the market for a high-quality stroller that doesn’t weigh a ton, we’ve put together a great list of the best lightweight strollers here. Whether it’s for traveling, taking onto an airplane, or just for everyday convenience, you’ll be sure to find the right lightweight stroller for you and your little ones.
