When you are using a stroller in the snow all of the existing hazards are amplified by a thousand!
The stakes are not just you falling on your bum, but losing control of, or tipping your stroller could have disastrous consequences.
In this article, we have looked for the best strollers that can help minimize the risks that these slippery hazards present so that you and your family are protected as best as possible.
Stroller Snow Performance
Before we jump into the reviews and recommendations, a quick word on the non-negotiable criteria for inclusion on our list.
For a stroller to be suitable for winter use it must have the following at a basic level so that snow, ice, and other obstacles are manageable:
- Three Wheel Configuration – A swivel front wheel cuts through snow easier and minimizes potential front-wheel obstructions.
- Large wheels – snow and ice are unpredictable surfaces and larger wheels will better be able to navigate the variation under the wheels.
- Air-filled tires – improved tread and grip from the tires.
- Lightweight stroller frame – a heavy frame will require more thrust to push which could de-stabilize your own feet on a slippery surface.
These are generally qualities that are generally present in all-terrain strollers and jogging strollers. Our list has focussed on these styles of stroller design for the purpose of this list.
We will also discuss our other winter stroller criteria at the end of the article and provide some guidance for the best-performed strollers for each of the criteria.
Quick Overview
If you do not have time to read the full review then check out the table below for a quick comparison of the best strollers for winter use:
![BOB Rambler Jogging Stroller, Black [Old Version]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vC2GCISJL.jpg)
We have also reviewed the following strollers that didn’t quite make our top three overall but excelled in a specific area:
- Graco Fastaction – Budget pick with big wheels
- BOB Rambler – Best Suspension
Best Strollers for Snow
1. Thule Urban Glide 2
The Thule outperforms on all measures cited at the top of this post that will ensure a stroller is suitable for wintery conditions.
The wheels are large with a 12″ swivel at the front, and two massive 16″ rear wheels to ensure that your stroller can deal with the unpredictable terrain.
With fully inflatable rubber tires on all wheels, you will get maximum grip on the surface from the tread.
The hand-activated brake is another important safety feature in snowy conditions due to the slippery surfaces under-foot. This prevents the need for balancing your body weight on a single leg just to lock your stroller in place.
At 25.3 lbs the Thule is in the mid-range for total weight compared to the others on our list.
The only downside that we found is that the canopy doesn’t as far as the BOB Revolution, or the Baby Jogger GT. So you give up some of the protection from the elements but still get a decent level of coverage when you pop out the canopy extension.
Another minor feature that is unique to the Thule is the zip-top cover for the storage basket. This offers great protection from any rain or snow and keeps the contents secure.
Pro
- Large front and rear wheels
- 75lb capacity
- Zip up storage basket cover
- Lockable front wheel
- Adjustable handlebar
Con
- Less canopy coverage
- Higher price point
2. BOB Revolution Flex
The Revolution Flex is high up on our list despite having two items that fall short of our ideal criteria for use in wintery conditions.
Our main reservation is that it only has a foot-activated brake. After just explaining the benefits of the hand-brake that features on the Thule this is enough of a negative to relegate the BOB to second place.
The second issue is that the frame is also 3.2lbs heavier than the Thule at 28.5lbs.
All of the other essential features are on par with the Thule. The wheels are the same size, and the tires are inflatable.
It then makes up for some shortcomings with a couple of features that are best in class for a stroller being used in the snow.
The canopy offers as good a level of protection as you will find. It will keep any cold breezes off your child’s face and ensure they are not being hit by snow.
You will also find a couple of reflectors on both sides of the canopy. This makes your stroller easier to spot in dark or blustery conditions and can be really important if walking near slippery roads or trying to cross the street.
Packages are available as a single stroller, double stroller, or travel system.
Pro
- Huge canopy
- Safety reflectors
- Equally large wheels
- 75lb weight limit
Con
- Heavier than the Thule
- No hand accessible brake
3. Baby Jogger City Mini
We now wanted to add some better value into our top recommendations and include a stroller that offers a similar level of performance with some minor sacrifices, but for a much lower cost.
The Baby Jogger City Mini fits these criteria well and comes with a price tag around 30%-50% cheaper depending on when you buy it.
The main detractor for this stroller is the size of the wheels. At 8.5″ they are much smaller than the Thule and the BOB. Given the weight we have placed on the wheels in our ratings this has dropped it down a couple of places.
One other small limitation is that the maximum capacity is 65lbs. So your child may outgrow this one a little sooner.
However, on all other measures, the Baby Jogger performs as well as the BOB and Thule but for one major differentiator. The weight of the stroller frame!
At just 21.4lbs the Baby Jogger is the lightest on our list of baby strollers for snow by 4lbs. This makes it much easier to maneuver in challenging conditions.
The parking brake is also operated by hand and not by foot just like the Thule – which is another big tick.
The sun canopy is as good as the Thule and folds all the way down to that 180-degree point to maximize protection from the elements.
With all-wheel suspension, you will get the smoothest possible ride for your baby when navigating rougher terrain that may have a thinner layer of snow.
Pro
- Super lightweight
- Hand-operated parking brake
- Large canopy
- Cheaper price
- Large storage basket
Con
- Smaller wheels
- Lower weight limit
4. Graco Fastaction
Sticking with the value theme, the Graco Fastaction is a similar price to the Baby Jogger but retains the big wheels of the Thule and BOB with an 11″ front wheel (1″ smaller than our first two choices) and matching 16″ rear wheels.
Where it really lets itself down is the weight of the whole stroller. At 35lbs it is >70% heavier than the Baby Jogger, and is the sole reason that it didn’t make our top recommendations (and nearly bumped off the list entirely).
We included it so there was a budget option with the big wheels for those who don’t care about the weight.
The Graco does attempt to compensate for this through a handful of additional features, some being the cause of the extra weight!
You get a parent tray included as standard which is a nice extra to keep you organized. However, we feel that this has limited utility in the snow due to the fact that your coffee will freeze if left in a tray for longer than ten minutes.
The child tray and cup holder pivots are also a handy extra for everyday use. But not so much for colder conditions.
Pro
- Cheaper price point
- Big wheels
- Lots of accessories
Con
- Bulky and heavy
- Less canopy coverage
5. BOB Rambler
This is the second stroller from the BOB range that we have included in our list. The main reason we had to include the Rambler on the list is the advanced suspension system that goes above and beyond what you would expect on a stroller.
There is a full 3″ of movement in the suspension which allows the Rambler to deliver a smooth ride for your baby on rough terrain.
The Rambler is also 3lbs lighter than the Revolution Flex.
Pro
- Advanced suspension system
- Lighter 25lb frame
- Large wheels
- Peek-a-boo window
Con
- Foot activated park brake
Other Important Features
The criteria below were secondary factors when deciding our ratings in the list above. They are less important for use in winter but will be a key part of your buying decision all the same.
We have included reference to the best-performed strollers in each of the criteria below so that if it is important to you then you know what your options are.
One more comment that applies to all of these strollers before we jump into the criteria is that they are less suitable for a newborn baby. A toddler seat is wider, doesn’t recline as flat, and has a more advanced safety harness than you would ever use with an infant.
Brake Access
We have spoken about the potential hazard that a foot-operated park brake can pose when on snowy sidewalks.
The Thule and the Baby Jogger both have a hand-operated brake that is located near the handlebar so you can activate it without throwing your body off balance at any stage.
Size of Canopy
Winter weather can be unpredictable. Being able to protect your baby at short notice from cold rain, or snow is another essential when choosing a stroller for the winter months.
- Biggest Canopies – Revolution Flex, Baby Jogger, Rambler
- Smaller Canopies – Thule Urban Glide, Graco Fastaction
Suspension
This is an essential design component of a jogging stroller, and an all-terrain stroller, and all of our included strollers have some kind of built-in suspension.
The best suspension system was found in the BOB Rambler with the full 3″ of travel in the shock absorber.
Travel System Compatibility
This is another feature that every stroller on this list has. All would require extra purchases (infant car seats, and car seat adapters) to use as a travel system, and some have an alternative package you can buy with an infant car seat included.
While this is a nice feature shared by each baby stroller it actually had no bearing on the positioning within the list. It doesn’t help or hinder a stroller’s ability to handle the snow and they all have the same feature.
Final Word
Any of these strollers will provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby when on your winter walks. However, according to our ratings, the Thule Urban Glide provides the most complete package.
It is amongst the more expensive models on our list but you are really paying for performance. The frame is relatively light, the wheels are large and sturdy, a roomy seat, with a spacious storage basket to boot.
The best lightweight stroller on our list was the City Mini GT which also was the best value option. It is a high-quality stroller for a much lower purchase price.
Hopefully, you have found a stroller suitable for your lifestyle, and snowy climate!
