Our Complete Testing Methodology
Every stroller we review goes through the same testing process. This page documents it. If our scoring ever seems inconsistent or arbitrary, this is where you can verify whether we followed our own rules. We publish our methodology because it's the only way you can trust our conclusions.
The Core Principle
We score strollers on 10 weighted dimensions, using a 1-10 scale. The final score is a weighted average. Every score must be justified with at least one specific data point — no "feels great" scores. If we can't justify a score with data, we don't give it.
The 10-Dimension Framework
| # | Dimension | Weight | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fold Reliability | 15% | Does the fold mechanism work reliably after 1000+ cycles? Does it jam? |
| 2 | Weight | 12% | Measured on a kitchen scale with seat and canopy attached. |
| 3 | Durability | 15% | How does it hold up over 3-6 months of daily use? Frame, wheels, fabric. |
| 4 | Seat Comfort | 10% | Measured padding thickness, recline range, and observed child comfort. |
| 5 | Storage | 8% | Basket capacity (measured in liters), ease of access, secondary storage. |
| 6 | Maneuverability | 10% | Turning radius, one-hand steering, performance on different surfaces. |
| 7 | Value | 10% | Price-to-quality ratio, resale value, long-term cost of ownership. |
| 8 | Aesthetics | 5% | Design quality, material feel, color accuracy in real light. |
| 9 | Warranty | 7% | Warranty length, replacement parts availability, customer service. |
| 10 | Travel Compatibility | 8% | Folded dimensions, cabin-approved status, gate-check survival. |
Field Testing Process
Stage 1: Unboxing and Baseline (Day 1)
- Weigh the stroller on a kitchen scale (with seat and canopy attached).
- Measure folded dimensions with a tape measure.
- Record every spec claimed by the manufacturer.
- Photograph in 3 lighting conditions for color accuracy baseline.
Stage 2: Daily Use (Weeks 1-6)
- Use the stroller daily for at least 6 weeks.
- Track fold/unfold times 20+ times per week.
- Log every obstacle encountered (curbs, stairs, narrow doors).
- Test on 3 different surfaces minimum: concrete, tile, gravel.
- Weekly check-ins: photos of wear, notes on any noise or jam.
Stage 3: Stress Test (Week 6)
- Fold mechanism test: 100 consecutive fold/unfold cycles.
- Wheel bearing test: measure free-spin time after standard push.
- Brake test: engage and push against loaded stroller 50 times.
- Fabric stress test: check for tears at harness slots and stress points.
Stage 4: Data Compilation
- Compare measured data against manufacturer claims.
- Score each of the 10 dimensions independently.
- Calculate the weighted final score.
- Editorial review: does the final score match the field experience?
What We Don't Do
- We don't accept free strollers. Every stroller we test is either purchased with our own money, or loaned with no strings attached and returned.
- We don't accept payment for reviews. Brands that offer "sponsored reviews" are politely declined.
- We don't publish a review without a clear verdict. If we can't decide, we don't publish.
- We don't edit scores after publication without a public update. Every change is logged with a date and reason.
What We Can't Test
- Long-term durability beyond 36 months. Our longest test is 3 years. Beyond that, we use manufacturer-reported data.
- Every possible climate and use case. We test primarily in Seattle, Austin, and Brooklyn. Your environment may differ.
- Every child's comfort. Comfort is subjective. We measure padding thickness and recline range, but how your specific child feels is a separate question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why 6 weeks minimum for testing?
Because most stroller problems don't show up in the first week. Wheel bearings, fold jams, and fabric tears typically emerge after 3-6 weeks of daily use. Testing for less than 6 weeks is showroom testing, not real testing.
How do you ensure scoring is consistent between reviewers?
Every reviewer follows the same 10-dimension scoring framework. Scores are compared and discussed. If two reviewers disagree by more than 2 points on any dimension, we investigate and adjust.
Do you ever re-score a stroller?
Yes. If a stroller's design changes significantly or if we discover a long-term issue, we re-score and publish an update with the date and reason.
Can I see your raw data?
Yes, for the strollers in our long-term test. See our Material Test Database and Airline Test Data.
Do you have a conflict of interest?
We earn commissions when you buy through our links. This is disclosed at the top of every article. We don't let commissions influence our scoring — if a stroller isn't good enough, we say so, and we don't link to it.