Best Strollers for Winter: 5 Crucial Snow Stroller Features

In Canada, we don’t let winter slow us down. We get around with our kids whether or not there’s snow on the ground. Without a good stroller for winter, we’d spend the season indoors.

Most parents, myself included, look for a stroller that can handle all four seasons so we can continue enjoying daily walks with our children, even in cold and snowy February. 

A stroller is one of the most expensive items we buy for our babies, so we really don’t want it to be a recurrent expense!

Unfortunately for me, but luckily for you, the first stroller I bought was not great for winter. I learned the expensive way that some features are NOT desirable if we want a stroller that’s good for snow. While every stroller is designed to work fine in the summer, we must choose more wisely for winter or four-season strollers.

I hope my insights help you pick the best stroller for winter on your first try.

What Features Make Strollers Good For The Snow?

This section zeroes in on specific features that the best winter strollers have. You may decide you don’t need all these features. However, understanding what they are is key to making an informed decision on such a significant investment.

With this in mind, I’m sharing practical, firsthand knowledge to steer you through your options.

1. Three Wheels Are Better Than Four Wheels on Snow

With one less wheel, the stroller struggles significantly less to carve a path through the snow. When it comes to overall manoeuvrability, a three-wheeled stroller still beats a four-wheeled stroller in deep snow. Personally, I find the difference so noticeable that I only use the three-wheeler in winter. 

2. Big Wheels Make For Better Winter Strollers

A big-wheeled stroller’s most significant benefit in winter is avoiding the ‘snowplow effect.' This happens when the stroller's front bar, back bar, or basket is too low and starts gathering and pushing snow ahead, making it harder to move. The stroller sits higher with big wheels, preventing snow accumulation at the front.

Big wheels make a big difference in the snow. They're built to handle rough terrain, so roll over icy spots and snowdrifts more easily, making your push less of a workout. You'll notice how much smoother it is compared to small wheels that often get stuck.

Better suspension is another perk. With big wheels, your stroller glides over rough spots. Your baby won't feel every bump and dip, which means fewer fussy moments and a happier ride.

3. The Stroller Basket’s Height

If your stroller doesn't have oversized wheels, at the very least, be mindful of the basket height, front bar and back bar. If they sit only a few centimetres from the ground, you’ll regret your purchase when you push them in the snow. 

Example: Babyzen Yoyo on Snow

I bought a second-hand Babyzen Yoyo stroller (first generation) for long-haul flights. It's excellent for travel, and I love it in the airport, but it struggles on snowy streets. Its basket and back bars sit too low, and the small wheels make it hard work to push in the snow. 

So, if you’re going on a winter trip, you might be better off buying a baby stroller that’s more appropriate for the snow (and gate check it at the airport).

4. A Canopy That Extends Below Child’s Neck

The canopy's potential coverage area is vital in a winter stroller. While the canopy is mostly for sun and rain cover on warmer days, it's essential for blocking cold winds and snow in winter.

A more extensive canopy, like on my City Mini GT 2, offers more protection, especially for a child's exposed eyes and nose.

5. Other Important Features of Strollers for Winter

Here are more features to keep in mind when shopping for the best stroller for winter:

• Good brakes are crucial for safety.
• In terms of the tires, you don’t want flat plastic tires. In the snow, you need tires with grip that are made of high-quality rubber.
• An easy-to-use buckle you can quickly secure and release with gloved hands.
• In-built reflective bands for visibility as the sun sets early in winter. However, this isn’t a must-have, as you can buy cheap reflective strips and add them yourself.
• A one-hand fold design is particularly convenient in cold weather. It saves you the hassle of removing your mittens to fold the stroller.

Best Strollers for Snow

Having explored the key features that make a stroller winter-ready, let's now focus on the best strollers for snow from reputable stroller brands. This section highlights a selection of strollers that excel in snowy conditions and include most of the features mentioned above.

1. City Mini GT2 Stroller by Baby Jogger

I've been using the City Mini GT2 Stroller by Baby Jogger since 2018, and it's been fantastic in winter. Its reputation as a great winter stroller is well-deserved.

Maneuvering it through snow is a breeze, and the canopy keeps out the chilly winds. I particularly like the adjustable handrest for comfort. The wheels, though medium-sized, have excellent grip and handle snow well. It's been a reliable jogging stroller for our winter walks.

2. Summit X3 stroller by Baby Jogger

The Baby Jogger Summit X3 is a standout stroller for winter. It features three oversized big wheels, which smoothly navigate snowy streets. The high wheels keep its basket high, almost eliminating the risk of the snowplow effect. The large wheels are also removable, so the stroller can fit in a small car’s trunk.

But wait, there's more. It has a well-covered canopy, a reliable handbrake, excellent suspension, and a deep basket to secure your items. The Summit X3 is a fantastic jogging stroller, perfect for winter walks.

3. Bugaboo Fox 5

The Bugaboo Fox 5 is a good winter stroller. It has four wheels but maneuvers very well for a four-wheeled stroller. The high wheels and high-set basket effectively prevent the snowplow effect on streets with deep snow.

The canopy on the Fox 5 offers extensive coverage, protecting your little one from cold weather, winds, and snowflakes. Its build quality includes a robust foot brake and folds well though two hands are required to simultaneously pull up the triggers on each side of the stroller.

The Fox 5's suspension system is also noteworthy, ensuring a smooth ride over rough terrain like snow-covered paths. This baby stroller blends style with functionality, making it an excellent choice for winter outings.

The Bugagoo Fox 5 is compatible with a bassinet and a normal seat. The seat can be positioned as front or rear facing.

From one mother to another, I hope this comprehensive guide helps you find a stroller for winter for you and your little one. Focus on the features mentioned, and you’ll find your perfect match!