Getting outside with young kids and babies is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together as a family, and having the right gear is incredibly important. Anyone who has tried to walk the beach with an umbrella stroller would agree that having a great beach stroller is key to planning the perfect beach day with toddlers and babies.
Stroller technology has evolved so much that there are several outstanding options to choose from. Without further ado, our top 5 picks for best beach strollers are as follows.
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The Best Beach Strollers
Chico Tre Jogging Stroller – Top Pick
The Chico Tre Jogging Stroller takes our top spot for best beach stroller. Very popular with Southern California and Hawaii-based Moms, this mid-level priced stroller is incredibly awesome on the sand, comes with a huge under-carriage storage space for all your beach gear, and can be used (with a baby carseat) from birth up to kids weighing in at 50 pounds.
For babies under 6-months of age, the frame is easily compatible with the highly-rated Chicco Keyfit carseat makes it super easy for toting kids of all ages.
The three wheeled model makes for great maneuverability on sandy beaches and other rough terrain. All wheels are pneumatic (air-filled) and the 16 inch rear tires are large enough to navigate sandy landscapes. The front swivel wheel can also be locked and unlocked easily, which is one of the key features to look for in a beach stroller.
It also comes with a full coverage canopy to protect babies and toddlers from the sun.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Product Dimensions: 47.5 x 25.5 x 42 inches
- Weight: 28.5 pounds
- Hand washable fabric
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Sleek three-wheel design
- Deceleration hand brake
- Pneumatic rear tires
- Dual FlexCore suspension adjusts for smooth or rugged terrain
- Easily compatible with Chicco Keyfit
- Accommodates newborns up to children weighing 50 pounds
- Full-coverage canopy
What We Like
- Large, air-filled tires make for smooth and easy navigation on beaches and other terrain
- Full-coverage canopy protects little ones from the sun
- Front swivel wheel can also be locked for easy maneuverability over beach sand and unlocked easily for pushing on flat terrain
- Chicco KeyFit baby seat snaps right in making it easy to use and convert for baby to toddler use in seconds.
- Quality is excellent for the price.
What We Don’t Like
- 50 pounds weight limit might be a tad bit low for larger toddlers and children
BOB Gear Alterrain Pro Jogging Stroller
Whether you are a new mom or have lots of experience, Bob is probably a name you have heard of. Bob is well known for its line of top performing jogging strollers, many of which can also serve as excellent beach strollers.
BOB Gear Alterrain Pro Jogging Stroller is specifically designed to handle all kinds of terrain, this makes it an excellent contender for the beach as well as for other outdoor outings.
Th all-weather canopy is 100% waterproof, wind-proof and rated UPF 50+ to protect little ones from sun exposure, and the large, air-filled tires make it easy to navigate over pretty much any type of landscape.
This stroller also has a huge storage compartment underneath to store enough gear for a full day at the beach.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Product Dimensions:
- Product Weight: 32.3 pounds
- Poly and Dobby Weave Fabrics With Reflective Print
- Waterproof Canopy
- Water Repellent Coating On Seat and Basket
- Open Cell Foam Padding
- Accommodates kids from birth (with car seat and adapter/sold separately) up to 75 pounds
What We Like
- Bob has a stellar reputation in the stroller space and is well known for creating strollers with the ability to navigate on any type of terrain.
- The larger weight accommodation makes it easier to use this model stroller as kids grow and/or for larger children
- The all-weather conditioning helps protect children from all elements (not just sun) making it a good hybrid stroller to use for various outings.
What We Don’t Like
- This model is almost twice as expensive as our top beach stroller pick, the Chico Tre Jogging Stroller
- To accommodate an infant or baby under 6-months old you have to purchase a separate adapter which adds to the cost. This adapter is for the Chicco KeyFit, but you will need to purchase an adapter based on your car seat model, making it harder to transition.
Thule Glide 2 Performance Jogging Stroller
The massive wheels on the Thule Glide 2 Performance Jogging Stroller (16 inches in front and 18 in the back) give this stroller a major edge when it comes to navigation, but the fact that the wheels are not air
The suspension on this stroller is second to none and if you are on the market for a beach/jogging stroller hybrid for an older child, this is a very good option.
It has a fixed front wheel and integrated hand break, which makes it great for use at the beach, while jogging or in rough terrain. Unfortunately, the fixed front wheel makes this stroller less nimble when navigating in metro settings (like around town or at a mall)
Like the Chicco, this stroller only accommodates kids up to 49 pounds, but also requires a car seat adapter to use for babies under six months, adding to the total investment cost.
One huge advantage the Thule has over others on the market is its ability to fold into an extremely compact manner and can fit into very small spaces (if you are willing to remove the wheels).
Manufacturer Specs:
- Product Dimensions (Folded): 36.8 x 22.8 x 12.9 in
- Product Weight: 23 pounds
- Sitting height 21 in
- Accommodates newborns (with additional adapter and carseat) up to 49 pounds.
- Secure and comfortable seat with padded 5-point harness and integrated ventilation
- Peekaboo window with magnetic closure
What We Like
- If you are willing to spend the time removing the wheels, this stroller folds can completely flat and can be stored in very small spaces, so worth considering for those living in smaller spaces or who have smaller trunks.
What We Don’t Like
- Our biggest nit with this stroller is the lack of ability to unlock/rotate front tire. It’s great for pushing on the beach or jogging, but not practical to use in other situations.
- The weight limit is a bit on the low side at 49 pounds
- It requires a car seat and adapter to accommodates babies under 6 months old adding to the cost
Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller
If you are looking for a lightweight stroller, the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller is one of the lightest on the market weighing in at just under 26 pounds.
Its lightweight aluminum frame and air-filled tires make it a good option for navigating the beach. The wheels are a bit smaller than competitors, so this stroller will not hold up as well in deep or wet sand, but the lighter weight should help prevent it from getting weighed down in mud and sand.
Like many of its peers it has a very large canopy to protect little ones from the sun and lots of storage underneath. It also folds flat, similar to the Thule, which makes it a good option for small storage spaces.
Unfortunately, it does require a separate adapter for babies under 6 months, but it accommodates kids up to 75 pounds.
This stroller is a good option for people who need a lightweight jogging stroller, but we are concerned that the smaller tires might not handle as well on the beach as some of the others in the peer group.
Manufacturer Specs
- Product Dimensions: 54 x 25 x 46 inches
- Product Weight: 25.7 pounds
- Constructed with lightweight 6061 aircraft aluminum
- Light weight mesh for breathability
- Compact Fold
- Large sun canopy
What We Like
- The lightweight nature and the ability to store easily makes this a great, hybrid option for parents looking for a daily stroller with the ability to also run and exercise.
- It’s lightweight frame and air-filled tires provide an edge when navigating over challenging landscapes.
- Joovy is known for its huge, protective canopies which helps protect little ones from the elements.
What We Don’t Like
- If you are looking primarily for a beach stroller, this probably isn’t the best option due to the smaller tires.
- It requires a carseat adapter adding to the total cost.
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller – Best Budget Option
If you are on a budget, but still looking for a stroller you can use at the beach or in other challenging terrain, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller is a good value option.
While you lose a few of the bells and whistles on the more expensive competitors, this stroller still come with a front swivel wheel that can be locked for pushing it on the sand or jogging and unlocked easy maneuverability for daily life.
The canopy is a bit smaller than other in its peer group and leaves the back of the head exposed, which is not ideal when dealing with direct sun exposure.
It has a large storage basket, but there is no plastic barrier below the basket so it can drag on the ground when being pushed over uneven surfaces.
The front wheel is a bit smaller than others on the market, but the large “bicycle style” back wheels still help this stroller navigate well at the beach or in other rough terrain.
The maximum weight on this stroller is 50 pounds and it requires an adapter for kids under 6 months.
Bottom line – if you are on a budget and need a stroller you can take to the beach, this is a good option. Just make sure you plan to protect kids from the sun given the smaller canopy.
Manufacturer Specs
- Product Dimensions: 47 x 21 x 41 inches
- Product Weight: 25.5 pounds
- Equipped with parent tray with 2 cup holders and a storage compartment
- Multi-position reclining padded seat with fully adjustable 5 point safety harness
- Lightweight rugged steel frame construction
- Accommodates babies (must purchase adapter sold separately) up to 50 pounds.
What We Like
- While you will sacrifice some helpful features, the price can’t be beat
- Swivel front wheel that can be locked helps navigate both beach and metro terrain
- Comes equipped with several add ons that need to be purchased separately with other brands
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller front tire
- Small canopy that does not protect the back of kids heads
- Storage can drag on the ground in sand or other rough terrain
- Infant car seat adapter must be purchased separately
Do You Need a Beach Stroller?
You may ask if it’s really necessary to make an investment in a beach stroller. The answer depends on several factors:
Do you have an alternative option that could work?
If you visit the beach often, it most likely makes sense to have a stroller specifically designed to maneuver over sand.
If you are on the fence or don’t visit the beach as often, a few multi-purpose strollers that can work for the beach include:
Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
How often do you go to the beach?
If you live near the beach like we do, a beach stroller will likely be a good investment. If you travel regularly to tropical locations you will also want to invest in a stroller that does well on all types of terrain including sand.
How many children do you have (or are you planning to have)?
If you have or are planning to have more than one child, you will likely recoup your investment by using the stroller over and over again. If you have multiple children, you also know how difficult it can be to wrangle kids, beach toys, towels, coolers and gear. If you select a stroller with a good amount of storage space, it will make those trips from the car to the beach so much easier.
How Much do Beach Strollers Cost?
Similar to jogging stroller, umbrella strollers and multi-purpose strollers, prices for beach strollers can vary widely.
The least expensive beach stroller on the market is the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller, which usually clocks s in under $125, but you can spend over $1,000 on this beach-specific hoopty. We have not reviewed this stroller, but it looks like a robot and appears to work only and exclusively on the sand.
The key is to find a stroller that works best for your specific purposes.
For example, the Thule stroller has front wheel that does not unlock so would be great for the beach or jogging, but would perform poorly as a hybrid stroller in day to day use.
The is an excellent running and jogging stroller that will perform very well at the beach, but if your primary goal is to use the stroller only for the beach or the beach and around town, the Bob might not be worth the cost.
At What Age Can My Baby Go in a Stroller at the Beach?
In most cases, babies can start going in beach strollers around six months old, but several brands also can accommodate infants with a separely sold adapter.
Newborns remain seated in their carseats and the adapter connects the infant seat to the stroller.
It is worth noting that beach and sand can be unstable. If sand is wet or very soft it can be even harder to maneuver. I would most likely not recommend putting in infant in a stroller to push across the sand unless you test the conditions first without the baby in the stroller.
Even the same beach can change dramatically from day to day based on the weather, time of year and high and low tides, so it’s always worth bringing a carrier in case.
In addition, most beach strollers accommodate toddlers and children up to 50 pounds so most families will get years of use out of the investment.
Can I Use My Regular Stroller at the Beach?
The answer is it depends on what type of stroller you have. In most cases, it’s not advisable.
Strollers with small wheels that are not designed for the beach can get stuck in the sand. Worse yet, they can tip over with uneven terrain, so they would serve more as a transportation system for beach gear instead of babies and toddlers.
If you are looking for something specifically to haul your gear, it would make much more sense to invest in a beach car like this Tommy Bahama All Terrain Beach Cart.
What Features Should I Look for in a Beach Stroller?
There are a few things you really want to keep in mind when shopping for a beach stroller.
- How Many Wheels Does it Have? Most beach strollers are designed with three wheels as opposed to the typical stroller that is designed with four. This model provides easier navigation and better steering ability when managing sand and other rough terrain.
- How Large oare The Wheels? Wheel size is also important. Larger wheels tend to manage better on sand and are less likely to get stuck or lock up when trying to push through sand.
- Are the tires air or foam filled? Air filled tires tend to be more buoyant and allow for a smoother ride over both wet and dry sand.
- Is the Front Wheel Stationary and Can it Be Adjusted? A front wheel can be adjusted to a stationary position (stays on straight and does not turn or swivel or turn). This is important to avoid getting bogged down in the sand when turning. Many strollers, like the Chico Tre Jogging Stroller and BOB Gear Alterrain Pro Jogging Stroller have front wheels that can be adjusted to be stationary for the beach and then adjusted to swivel for the walk home.
Ideally, you want to look for a three wheeled model with large, air-filled tires to navigate most beach conditions.
Will Sand Damage My Stroller?
Sand is abrasive and can damage a lot of materials over time. The good news is that the materials used to manufacture most beach strollers are resistant to sand damage and tend to hold up quite well to contact with water and sand.
Regardless, it still makes sense to clean the sand off of your stroller when you get home to keep the stroller in the best condition possible and extend the longevity.
How Do I Clean My Beach Stroller?
The great news about sand is that it is easy to wash off with water!
Most beach strollers are made with waterproof or water-resistant frames and fabrics that can be hosed down. Compared to traditional strollers where the fabric may wear over time with regular water exposure, beach strollers are designed to get wet and stand up well to sun exposure.
You can simply hose down the entire stroller. If the cushions are removable, you can place them in a sunny spot to dry so they will be ready for the next use. If you have sand stuck in the spokes or snack containers, you can simply use a wet wipe to clean any sand out. Wet wipes are non-toxic and baby safe – they also excellent at getting sand out of small space.
If possible, it’s best to store your beach stroller in a shaded area (like a garage or shed) to prevent the fabric from fading and keep the stroller in good condition.
Beach Stroller Alternatives
There are many options beyond a stroller that can help you transport kids to and from the beach. One option would be to wear the baby in lightweight breathable carrier, like the Ergo Omni Breeze and also purchase a beach cart to haul your gear.
If your kids are a bit older, a beach wagon could also work well. If you are planning to use the wagon to transport kids (as opposed to just gear), it’s important to look for a wagon with high quality wheels like the Mac Sports All Terrain Beach Wagon.
Is it Safe to Take My Baby to The Beach?
Many parents who are considering purchasing a beach stroller may also wonder at what age is it safe to take baby to the beach. This is a great question. It’s worth consulting with your pediatrician. In most cases, it is not safe to put sunblock on babies until they are six months old. Check this post out for more helpful information.
This means that you need to plan to have access to complete shade while at the beach. There are several options for shade tents/structures that work well for little ones.
If you are able to keep your baby in complete shade, going to the beach can be a wonderful experience. The sounds of the waves and wind create a natural white noise and can create top notch sleep conditions for babies!
Final Word If you have the budget to spend on a beach stroller and plan to visit the beach regularly, it’s worth considering purchasing a beach stroller. If you don’t yet have a jogging stroller, you can typically find an option that works for both jogging and the beach. Our top option for the best value is the Chico Tre Jogging Stroller.
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