Best Beach Stroller (2024 Update)

Summertime is synonymous with spending the day at the beach. When you have kids, a simple day enjoying the sand and the sun becomes a little more complicated. Automatically you have more things to take with you from diaper bags, to pop up tents, and beach toys. A beach stroller is the perfect way to conveniently carry all the extras needed for a day at the beach, and have your little one safely strapped inside. Any old stroller won’t cut it though, you will need a stroller designed for navigating the beach. However, that doesn’t mean you absolutely need a stroller that is specifically branded as a beach stroller. 

If you’re in a hurry below is a snapshot of the best beach stroller reviews. More thorough reviews are further down in the post.

Beach Stroller vs. Regular Stroller

Strollers come in many different varieties. You may find that you have a couple of different ones to suit each area of your lifestyle. Regular strollers are designed to maneuver on paved, flat surfaces without much effort. These styles typically have four wheels that are small and not a lot of storage space. 

Beach strollers allow you to maneuver through the sand with ease. Strollers made specifically for beach-going tend to have larger wheels that do not swivel. Locked inline wheels will enable you to smoothly transition from the flat parking lot surface out onto the sand without fear that one wheel will go one way and the other wheels the other when they meet the sand’s resistance. 

Different Types of Strollers

Umbrella Strollers

Umbrella strollers are incredibly lightweight and easy to fold. They can be easily carried while traveling, whether you are flying on a plane or taking a train. However, these strollers have very no storage and have four small solid wheel tires. These tires do not do well in sandy situations. 

Travel Systems

Travel systems are an all in one set that will take your baby from infant stages all the way up to a larger toddler. Travel systems come with an infant car seat, a base, and a stroller. The infant car seat sits in these strollers facing you as you push. Once your baby outgrows the infant carrier, your little one can go directly into the stroller strapped in with a harness. Travel systems have varying sizes of storage underneath your infant’s seat. 

Jogging Strollers

Jogging strollers are a three-wheeled design with larger tires. The front wheel on traditional jogging strollers in locked in place, allowing only for forward movement. This way, the tire does not move in another direction while you are running with your infant. This type of jogging stroller does not maneuver as well when you are just going out for a walk. 

Since the front wheel does not turn, it also has a hard time managing turns and smaller spaces. Non-traditional jogging strollers combine aspects of the traditional strollers with a jogging stroller. They are three-wheeled, but the front wheel has the option of locking or not, allowing you to maneuver tight spaces and corners. 

Lightweight Strollers

Lightweight strollers have all the necessary features on a full-size stroller. Some may even recline and have minimal storage underneath. Lightweight strollers are easy to carry and easy to fit into the car, especially if you have many other things packed in the car too. 

Lightweight strollers are perfect for travel because, like umbrella strollers, they stow reasonably easily. These strollers are not made for kids to sit in long-term, though, as they don’t have all the comfort pieces of full-size strollers. Also, since many do not fully recline, it is recommended that you wait until your baby is at least 4- 6 months old to use. 

All-Terrain Strollers

All-terrain strollers are designed for use on many different surfaces. These strollers can come in either three-wheeled or four-wheeled versions, each with large air-filled tires. These large air-filled tires allow them to be used anywhere from the grocery store, malls, parking lots, grass, or off-roading. The front wheel on all-terrain strollers can swivel, or it can lock, allowing you to easily navigate tougher surfaces.

All-terrain strollers are typically lumped in with jogging strollers; however, not all all-terrain strollers can be used for jogging. This is something, and that’s the owner’s manual should be consulted on. Many all-terrain strollers are infant seat compatible. However, if they are not, children under 6 months of age should not ride in an all-terrain stroller as there is not enough neck support for them.

Double or Triple Strollers

Double or triple strollers are designed to hold multiple children at once. Seats are generally aligned side-by-side; however, some designs have one child sitting in front of the other. With these tandem strollers, the back seat can recline fully, while the front seat does not. This option works really well if you have an infant as well as a toddler. 

The stroller can accommodate both of your kids at the same time while offering you storage for all your beach going goodies. Triple strollers typically have three seats together in a horizontal line. However, they also have a tandem version. All the seats sitting in a row, make the stroller narrower, and easier to maneuver. 

Things to consider

Style is only one of the many factors to consider when looking for a stroller to take to the beach with you. Many other pieces can affect your buying decision, such as wheel size and type, sun protection, and storage. 

Weight of the Stroller

According to What to Expect, the average weight of a stroller is anywhere from 16-35 pounds. Add the weight of your child to that, and pushing them around can become quite the workout. When searching for a stroller to take the beach, consider the weight of lifting it in and out of your car, as well as if you will have to navigate any stairs. If the stroller is bulky, trying to juggle it, your child, and your beach gear can be a hassle. 

Wheels 

The style of the stroller’s wheel will help you determine if it will be a good choice to take to the beach. Air-filled tires are usually best as the tire itself is also larger. Larger tires make it easier for you to push on different surfaces, and while being air-filled ensures a more comfortable ride for your little one. 

Having wheels that lock in place is also helpful. Swivel wheels were not designed for all-terrain use, giving you less control over your stroller’s direction. With wheels that lock, you have more control over your stroller, which can be handy on something as slippery as sand. 

Storage space 

When you are bogged down with sand toys, towels, blankets, shade umbrellas, and of course, snacks available storage space can be an important deciding factor. The underneath compartment on strollers can vary in size from just being big enough to hold a diaper bag to expandable storage with enough room to take everything you need. The more storage you have in your beach stroller, the easier it will be since your hands will be free to just steer the stroller. 

Cup holders are another essential storage feature. Having multiple holders will allow you to keep water and drinks upright and easy to access. Many strollers have parent cup holders up by the handlebars and child cupholders in the tray in front of the seat. Hydration is vital while spending a day at the beach, so make sure your beach stroller has plenty of space to store water for you and your little one. 

Covered or zippered storage compartments also come in handy. These spots are more secure for things like your phone, keys, or wallet. An enclosed compartment will keep your personal items out of the general publics’ sight and allow you to leave your purse at home. This makes for one less thing you need to bring down to the beach. Hidden storage also gives you a spot that is separate from the kid’s stuff, so you do not have to rummage through the sand toys to find your keys. 

Canopy 

Sun can be extremely harmful to your little one. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants under six months should always be undercover and out of the sun’s rays. Older children also need to be protected, but you can do so with shade, hats, protective clothing, and sunscreen. 

A canopy on your beach stroller can be an easy way to provide shade and cover for your little one. Canopies come in many different styles. Some are larger and offer more overage over the front of the stroller giving your child more sun protection. Others have peepholes in the top, making it easy for you to check in on your child while pushing the stroller. Some canopies have an adjustable design allowing you to choose how much coverage your child gets. 

Having the canopy can be an excellent alternative to a beach tent or umbrella, especially if the beach is crowded, and you do not have the space to set that all up. It also buys you some sun free time while you get everything set up. 

Ease of Use 

Being able to open and close the stroller with one hand is incredibly useful, whether you are at the beach or at the mall. You have plenty of things to worry about on an outing to the beach, how you are getting your stroller opened and closed should not have to be one of them. Many strollers have one-handed quick-release buttons that allow the stroller to fold up easily. It takes very little time to get the stroller into the back of your vehicle. The last thing you want at the end of a day at the beach is to struggle with putting the stroller back into the car. 

Being able to maneuver your stroller is also very important. When your stroller is filled with all your beach essentials, you do not want to feel like you have to strong-arm it to get to where you want to go. Having a stroller that handles turns with ease as well as changes in terrain can make your mom life a little easier. 

Stairs are also a consideration. Not all beaches have an easy walk from the parking lot onto the sand. Some require you to navigate stairs with your kids in tow. Some strollers allow you to maneuver up and down stairs better than others based on their wheel type, weight distribution, and suspension.   

Suspension System

Stroller suspensions affect how well the top of the stroller works with the base and wheels. If a stroller does not have an effective suspension system, it will be challenging to maneuver no matter what type of surface you are on. 

The better the suspension, the better the ride will be for your child. Most regular strollers have suspension systems unless they are an umbrella or lightweight stroller. For beach use, you will not need a heavy-duty suspension. A decent suspension should be sufficient to get you on and off the sand. Strollers with more sophisticated suspensions are typically used on trails and rougher terrains. 

Safety 

You want your baby to be comfortable and safe while the stroller is in use. An infant should be fully supported at all times in a stroller. Once your little one masters head control, they can transition into sitting up. A stroller that can hold an infant seat is more versatile and can take you through all your child’s ages. 

All traditional strollers have a 5-point harness system to keep your child safely strapped into the seat. You should use the harness at all times, especially for smaller children since they can slip down the seat and under the front bar causing injury. 

Maintenance

Like anything, your stroller needs ongoing maintenance. Going to the beach will get sand and water on your stroller. But, how serious does your post-beach cleaning routine need to be? Here are the answers to your maintenance questions. 

Will sand damage my stroller?

Sand gets everywhere. It is a beach-going fact. However, it will not damage your stroller. Unlike larger vehicles, strollers do not typically sustain long term damage from sand, especially when cared for properly. The larger rubber tires on your stroller are made for long term use. The body of the stroller is typically made with aluminum. Like the tires, it is also created to last through extended use, especially on an all-terrain or jogging stroller. 

How do I clean my stroller after a day at the beach?

After a day at the beach, your stroller will need to be rinsed off. Even though sand won’t damage your stroller, you do not want to leave it sitting there long term. Cleaning is especially important if the stroller went through any saltwater or puddles, as saltwater can be corrosive. 

Some stroller manufacturers have their own instructions for the care of your stroller. Manufacturers like Edwards & Co suggest wiping your stroller down with WD40 after a day at the beach to prevent rust and saltwater corrosion. 

How often will you need to inflate wheels?

Stroller wheels are pretty sturdy, but like anything, repetitive use can take a toll on them. Parents do not often check to see if their stroller tires are correctly inflated. It is one of those things where you don’t necessarily think about it unless it’s flat. Before you take your stroller out, you should always check to see if your tire is full. Tires that are correctly filled will affect how your stroller functions and the comfort of your baby. To fill your tire, you need an air pump and an inflator. Most bike pumps will work on stroller tires. 

It is especially important to make sure your stroller tires are adequately filled with air before a beach trip. Having an improperly filled tire will make navigating the sandy shores of the beach more difficult. 

Best Beach Strollers Reviewed

We have rounded up and reviewed a few of the best beach strollers currently on the market. 

Best Overall

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller

When heading to the beach, this baby trend expedition jogger makes the track easy. Its large tires are bicycle tires, which makes it easily roll over any terrain. The front-wheel swivels so that you can maneuver around things more efficiently. It also has the option to lock, which makes sand travel easier. The seat has a 5-point harness to keep your child safe and secure and a large canopy to shield them from the sun. The seat also reclines and can be used with a travel system infant carrier. It can be used from birth up until 50 lb or until your child reaches 42 inches tall. The handle is ergonomically designed and covered with rubber for comfort. It has a lightweight steel construction that weighs 27 pounds. The stroller is easy to fold with a trigger release. For added safety, the footrest has reflectors, so people will be able to see you and your child as you walk back to your vehicle. 

PROS

• Sun canopy ratchets to make it fully adjustable for optimal coverage
• Parent tray has two cup holders
• Child tray also has two cup holders and can accept a car seat
• Large storage basket underneath can hold all your essentials and beach toys

CONS

• At 27 pounds the stroller is on the heavier side
• Stroller is large and not as easy to store

Best Joggers

Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller

Joovy’s 360 Jogger is designed for durability and simplicity. It is made of aircraft aluminum with a suspension, ensuring your little one has a comfortable ride. It has an oversized canopy to protect your child from the sun and a peek-a-boo window so you can check in on them. The stroller has a parent organizer that holds two cups and has a zippered pocket and mounts to the stroller with an easy on-off system. The mesh basket underneath the stroller provides plenty of storage for all of the goodies you want to take. It also has in-seat mesh pockets for added storage. 

PROS

• Can fit a child up to 75 pounds
• Plenty of storage for you and your child
• Front swivel wheel is lockable
• Comes with its own air pump

CONS

• Stroller weighs almost 26 pounds
• Not as easy to fold and unfold as other strollers

Graco Modes Jogger SE Jogging Stroller

Graco has long been known for good quality strollers and baby gear. The Modes Jogger provides a stroller option that grows with your child, has storage, and is easy to maneuver. This stroller offers seven different positions for your child to ride in. They can be anywhere from forward-facing 2 in an infant carrier reclining 2 rear-facing as a toddler. The infant car seat is separate, but it pairs with Graco infant seats. Though the bassinet feature works for most babies. 

The tires are rubber air-filled to provide a comfortable ride for your child on its 3-wheeled suspension. The air-filled tires are large and easily maneuver through the sand as you are headed to the beach. It also has a harness that can convert as your child grows as well. It is easy to fold and is self-standing. The stroller itself weighs 21 pounds and can maneuver easily in gravel, sand, and even tall grass. 

PROS

• Convertible and can be used the child of any age
• Lightweight at only 21 pounds
• Canopy provides great coverage
• Parent tray for water bottle and phone

CONS

• Stroller handle is not adjustable
• The underneath basket is shallow

Britax B Free Stroller

The Britax B free stroller is a lightweight three-wheel stroller weighing 22 pounds. It has all-terrain rubber tires for easy maneuverability and use. It has a fully adjustable handlebar, and the stroller can fully recline for infants. The extra-large canopy also has a mesh patch for additional ventilation. 

PROS

• One-handed fold
• 7 large storage pockets, extra-large storage basket
• UV 50 plus canopy with peek-a-boo window
• Compatible with travel systems for birth up to 65-pound use

CONS

• Can only fit kids up to 45″ tall. 
• No cup holders for parent or child

Best Wagons

Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon

The Evenflo Pivot Stroller Wagon combines the best features of a wagon and a stroller into one. The wagon self can be pushed or pulled and has all-terrain tires making it easy to roll it out onto the sand. The wagon can accommodate two riders and has the adaptability to put the car seats into the cart. Kids up to the age of five can sit in the cart and be pulled around comfortably. The wagon stroller has canopies that provide your children with shade and cup holders to keep their drinks within arm’s reach. There is also storage on the outside to hold more items. The wagon itself can hold up to 120 pounds. Each seat is recommended for children up to 55 pounds. 

PROS

• All-terrain wheels can go over any surface
• Canopies are UPF 50+ for added protection
• Can hold up to two children
• Adapts to holding a car seat

CONS

• The wagon weighs 34 pounds
• Does not fold flat

Creative Outdoor Push-Pull Collapsible Folding Wagon Stroller Cart

If your little ones are toddler age, or above, a cart may work just as well as a stroller, if not better. This model is collapsible, easy to store, and put in the back of your car. The cart can hold up to 150 lbs of weight, which sits on a metal frame. The cart has an opening rear door for easy loading and loadout. 

The wagon can also be pushed or pulled with 360-degree wheels, which allow you to move around obstacles. The wheels are sturdy enough to handle all terrain types, including dirt pavement grass and sand. It folds up quickly when you are done using it and can store it in your trunk or in a closet. The cart also comes with a removable tray and cooler for extra storage and for keeping snacks cold. It also comes with a removable canopy top providing shade for your kids. 

PROS

• Two different handle types for easy pulling or pushing
• Fully collapsible
• Steel construction
• Removable tray can be mounted in multiple places on cart
• Comes with cooler

CONS

• Does not work for infants
• Swivel wheels may have a hard time in deep sand

Final Thoughts on Best Beach Strollers

Unless you want to be the proud owner of multiple types of strollers, it is best to choose a stroller that suits your lifestyle overall. Thankfully getting a stroller that is useful on the beach doesn’t require you to buy one that is a specific beach stroller. 

There are so many options out there now of all-terrain and jogging strollers that you are bound to find one that will serve as a multi-purpose, multi-use stroller. Remember when you are looking at your final choice for a stroller to consider your storage compartments and your will types. Those two features will make your life as a parent so much easier.

Looking for more gear for your little one? Head over to our Gear Guides Section to see more comparisons. 

This post contains affiliate links. We only work with brands we trust and opinions are always our own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, we make a small commission – at no cost to you – which helps to keep this blog running. Thank you for your support!

Click Below To Share!