by maipham

August 26, 2022

best strollers for walk up apartments

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Almost no mom is a stranger to a stroller.

It is essential, it reduces your burden over carrying your baby around. It even allows you to get back to your fitness routine before giving birth. 

Everything will be straightforward and easy if the stroller only has to go on the flat road. However, if you live in a multi-floor house without an elevator or a walk up apartment, or sometimes there are stairs on the street, it becomes more difficult to control the stroller.

Imagine going up or down many stairs with your baby, a stroller, and even a few extra bulky bags. That is a challenge. If you are not careful, an accident will likely occur.

Therefore, choosing a lightweight stroller that is easy to fold when going up and down the stairs will be the optimal solution to help you overcome the above situation and, at the same time, contribute to ensuring your safety and your baby's. 

This article will introduce the top 3 best strollers for walk up apartments, something that makes you breathe out of relief knowing that you don't have to deal with a baby and 200 boxes all at the same time!

My top recommendation for the best strollers for walk up apartments

After researching different strollers, I rate the UPPAbaby MINU as the best stroller for walk up apartments.

It meets the criteria such as lightweight, compact, with shoulder straps, wheels with suspension, a maximum weight limit of 55 pounds, basket weight capacity up to 20 pounds, a canopy is waterproof, and capable of UV resistance.

Besides, it is also easy to combine with other accessories such as a baby bassinet and car seat adapter.

How to choose the best strollers for walk up apartments?

A stroller is not a cheap or disposable item. Therefore, you will feel like a waste of money if you buy a stroller that does not match your expectations or is not comfortable for your baby. This guide will provide helpful information to help you choose the best strollers for walk up apartments.

best strollers for walk up apartments

Choose a lightweight stroller

Stroller weight is an essential selection criterion for anyone living in a walk-up apartment because they often have to lift the stroller up and down the stairs. However, how much weight is considered light is a relative assessment because each person's strength is different.

An adult's normal strength can lift a stroller weighing about 15 pounds without exertion. Therefore, 15 pounds or less can be considered the standard for evaluating a lightweight stroller.

Choose a compact foldable stroller

Besides the weight, the stroller's size is also an issue to keep in mind. If the stroller is too big and bulky, it is difficult for you to lift them and move up the stairs quickly. 

Imagine you are holding a baby, lifting a stroller, walking up the stairs, and passing someone walking in the opposite direction. It will be difficult if the stroller is bulky, the space will become cramped, and it is difficult for two people to avoid bumping into each other. 

Therefore, you should prioritize a compact stroller, preferably a small foldable stroller that is easy to lift and downstairs. 

In addition to being able to fold, you should choose a stroller that can be easily folded. Because when moving up the stairs, you often have to hold the baby, carry some bags, and fold the stroller. If the folding operation is too cumbersome, it will cause difficulties for you.

Moreover, foldable strollers won't take up too much space. You can store it in a small corner of the house, such as behind a door, at a corner, under a drawer, or on a bed. It is beneficial as you may lack space when living in walk-up apartments.

Choose a stroller with a weight limit that's right for your infant

Manufacturers print the strollers' parameters, including their maximum weight limit. You should adhere to this limit.

For example, the stroller's maximum weight limit is 55 pounds; you should bring your infant with additional belongings with a total weight of fewer than 55 pounds to ensure the regular operation and life of the stroller. If you deliberately carry this weight, you may encounter some problems during use, such as difficulty driving, broken frame, vehicle damage, etc.

Choose a stroller with an aluminum frame

best strollers for walk up apartments

You should choose a stroller made of high-quality aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight, durable metal that does not rust easily.

The aluminum frame makes the stroller sturdy and contributes to a lightweight stroller. It is easier to lift an aluminum-framed stroller than an iron-framed one.

In addition, the lightweight stroller also makes it easy to use one hand to control it. In particular, you should choose strollers with shoulder straps to free both hands.

Choose a stroller with the right handle height

You should buy a stroller with an adjustable handle height instead of one with a fixed handle height. Everyone's need is different, and you're not sure if you're the only one using that stroller.

Therefore, you should choose a stroller with an adjustable handle to fit the user's height. It gives you comfort and helps you better control the stroller when using it.

Pay attention to the wheels of the stroller

best strollers for walk up apartments

You should choose a stroller with wheels that can rotate 360 degrees. Thus, you can navigate the stroller flexibly and easily control it in tight corners like when going to the supermarket.

In addition, the wheels also need to have a locking function. It helps the stroller stay in one place when you stop, avoiding the case of the stroller moving on its own, especially on steep slopes, which will be dangerous for your baby.

Moreover, you should also choose a stroller with wheels with a good shock absorber function to easily overcome rough roads without making your baby uncomfortable or scared.

Smart design: carry strap, canopy

Strollers should also have some clever designs like straps and canopy.

Canopy to help protect your baby from the sun or rain. Some strollers also have a canopy with UV protection to protect your baby's skin.

Strollers should have carry straps. Carry straps make it easy to carry when folded and going up the stairs. Instead of moving, the strap allows you to take the stroller like a handbag or a backpack.

3 best strollers for walk up apartments

Based on the above selection criteria, this article will introduce you to the three best strollers for walk up apartments.

Features to look for

Babyzen YOYO 6+

UPPAbaby MINU

Gb pockit air all terrain

Light weight

13.6 pounds

14.8 pounds

12.3 pounds

Easy folding

Yes

Yes

Yes

Frame

Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum

Handle

Fixed height

Fixed height

Fixed height

Carry strap

Yes

Yes

No

Babyzen YOYO 6+ stroller

The Babyzen YOYO 6+ stroller can be a great choice because it meets most of the best stroller for walk up apartment for babies up to 40 pounds.

First, Babyzen YOYO 6+ is rated as a lightweight stroller weighing 13.6 pounds. With this weight, most parents can pick it up quickly.

Second, you can easily open and fold this stroller with just one hand. However, the opening is easier and quicker than folding. Folding takes some practice before it becomes easy. After folding, Babyzen YOYO 6+ is relatively small, can be arranged into a small corner like behind the door, and can be easily stored in a car trunk and taken for travel.

The frame of the Babyzen YOYO 6+ stroller is made of high-quality aluminum alloy combined with stainless steel and fiberglass-reinforced engineering plastics. These materials make the stroller both lightweight and durable. So you can use a Babyzen YOYO 6+ stroller for generations and still be safe.

Babyzen YOYO 6+ is designed with a flexible and intelligent wheel system. The individual suspension system is integrated into all four wheels, allowing you to flexibly navigate Babyzen YOYO 6+ even in narrow spaces such as supermarkets and buses. 

However, you will have to use more force and feel discomfort when pushing this stroller through loose or rough surfaces. In return, the brake system of Babyzen YOYO 6+ is highly appreciated for its sensitivity.

Babyzen YOYO 6+ stroller also has many smart design features. The shoulder strap makes it easy to carry the folded stroller. It is also equipped with a canopy that offers waterproof and sun protection up to UPF 50+. In addition, the canopy and seat cover are removable for color changes and machine wash. Babyzen YOYO 6+ is also integrated with a car seat adapter (sold separately) and is compatible with most brands like Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, etc.

Specs

  • Trolley weight: 13.6 pounds
  • Maximum weight limit: 40 pounds
  • Basket weight capacity: 11 lbs

What we like

  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Quickly unfolds and folds with one hand
  • Good durability
  • Good navigability
  • Brake sensitive and safe
  • Canopy can prevent sun and waterproof
  • The canopy and seat cover are removable for machine washing and color changing
  • Integrated with a car seat adapter
  • Easy to recline 140 degrees

What we don't like

  • Difficulty moving on rough surfaces
  • The handle height cannot be adjusted
  • Expensive

UPPAbaby MINU Stroller

The UPPAbaby Minu weighs 14.8 pounds, heavier than most strollers with the same maximum weight limit. However, this weight is still under 15 pounds, so the UPPAbaby Minu is still considered a lightweight stroller.

This stroller is suitable for babies from 3 months old and has a maximum weight limit of 55 pounds. It also has a large, sturdy basket that's easy to grab and can weigh up to 20 pounds.

Although the UPPAbaby MINU has a fixed handle height, it is designed to be medium, so it is suitable for most parents. If you're too tall or too short, it can be challenging to drive the stroller. The handle is made of leather with a handcrafted perforated pattern for increased grip. In addition, this detail also helps the stroller look more luxurious.

You can easily fold the UPPAbaby MINU with a push of a button. It only needs to take up a small amount of space for storage. Besides, they are also equipped with a strap that makes it easy to carry or wear the folded stroller over your shoulder when you move up the stairs. 

Like many other strollers, UPPAbaby MINU is also designed with a canopy that can cover rain and prevent sun. In particular, this stroller also has a built-in fan and mesh canopy to help protect your baby from insects. In addition, it also has a peekaboo window so you can easily watch your baby while pushing the stroller in the back.

All wheels of the UPPAbaby MINU also have suspension that makes it easy to navigate, but this is not enough for it to be smooth on bumpy terrain. The wheels also have two levers to help brake sensitivity and safety.

Read more: Best stroller for gravel and rough terrain

Plus, you can combine the UPPAbaby MINU stroller with separately sold accessories such as a baby bassinet and car seat adapter. It has been designed to fit most accessories brands such as Nuna Pipa, Mesa, and Maxi Cosi.

Specs

  • Trolley weight: 14.8 pounds
  • Maximum weight limit: 55 pounds
  • Basket weight capacity: 20 lbs

What we like

  • Easy to navigate
  • Foldable and has a shoulder strap
  • Brake sensitive and safe
  • Peekaboo window
  • It can be combined with an infant bassinet and car seat adapter

What we don't like

  • Heavier than many others
  • Expensive
  • The backrest is not very firm

Gb pockit air all terrain ultra stroller

Gb pockit air all terrain ultra stroller is also a great choice because it is lightweight, compact, and suitable for travel. This stroller weighs only 12.3 pounds, so parents can easily lift it. It is designed for babies from 6 months to 4 years old with a maximum weight limit of 55 pounds.

Gb pockit air all terrain ultra stroller can be folded easily in seconds and become like a handbag. Therefore, it can be carried as hand luggage and easily carried on the plane. It is what makes it one of the best strollers for travel. However, a minus point is that it does not have a strap, so it is difficult to carry it as a bag or backpack.

In terms of materials, Gb pockit air all terrain ultra stroller has an aluminum upper frame, but the entire bottom frame is made of plastic. It makes it not as sturdy as many other strollers.

Its backrest is made of mesh fabric, so it is breathable and suitable for summer use. It's also available with butt padding for extra use on cooler days. Although soft, comfortable, and breathable, the fabric backrest does not look sturdy. It is not suitable for babies who are too small with unstable spine or neck.

A plus point is the double wheel system with a total of 8 wheels. It has a button that locks the front wheels to switch from flat road to rougher road. Therefore, this is one of the few strollers that can smoothly overcome rough roads. Besides, the cable brake system is also very solid and safe.

Specs

  • Trolley weight: 12.3 pounds
  • Maximum weight limit: 55 pounds

What we like

  • Light, compact, suitable for travel purposes
  • Can walk on rough terrain

What we don't like

  • No strap to wear like a backpack when folded
  • Not very sturdy
  • No wheel suspension system
best stroller for walk up apartment

Conclusion

In this guide, I have suggested many criteria for choosing a good stroller for walk up apartments, such as compact, lightweight, suitable maximum weight limit, sturdy aluminum frame, suitable handle height, canopy cover, and shoulder strap. I also highly recommend the UPPAbaby MINU stroller because it fully meets the criteria to be the best stroller for walk up apartments. Hopefully, this sharing will help you find the right stroller.

About the author 

Mai Pham

Mai Pham discovered her passion for writing a few years ago and she never stop thinking about it ever since. She finally took the leap and created Live a Worthy Life to brag about her smart ass (mainly just for fun). Enjoyed the fun writing brings, now with her new interest in everything-baby-related, she created Mommy Instinct, to tell mamas that it's ok that they mess up, that they don't know what the hell they are doing, and that it's okay to sit back and relax for a while.

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