New York City is one of the best cities to explore on foot—but navigating it with a stroller can be challenging. Crowded sidewalks, narrow store aisles, subway stairs, and constant transitions mean the best stroller for NYC depends on how you plan to travel each day.

Quick Stroller Picker for NYC Trips

• Mostly walking near your hotel, quick stops, short outings → Lightweight Stroller
• Several sightseeing stops, frequent folding, taxis and/or subway use → Compact Stroller
• All-day sightseeing, naps on the go, lots of bags → Full Size Stroller
• Traveling with an infant → Full Size Stroller with Infant Seat

How to choose a stroller in NYC

The best stroller rental in NYC depends on two variables:

1. How you’ll move around the city
2. How long your stroller needs to function as a “base” for your day

If you’ll do lots of subway rides, stairs, and quick folds, portability matters most. If you’ll do long walking days with naps on the go, comfort and storage rise to the top.

A helpful way to decide is to picture your most common transition: hotel → sidewalk → subway stairs → turnstile → platform → stroller nap → lunch spot → taxi back. If that sounds like your day, prioritize a stroller that’s easy to fold, carry, and maneuver in tight spaces.

NYC is unique. Many subway stations have stairs and narrower entry points, and not every station has an elevator where you need it. Sidewalks can be busy (especially Midtown), stores can be narrow, and restaurants often have limited space between tables. At the same time, neighborhoods close to Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line, and manny museums can mean miles of walking.

Those realities point to a simple tradeoff: smaller and lighter strollers handle tight transitions better, while larger strollers typically offer more comfort and storage for all-day itineraries. Below, we’ll map each option to common NYC travel scenarios.

Lightweight Stroller: Short Outings and Flexible NYC Days

A Lightweight Stroller is ideal when your plans are simple and spontaneous—morning coffee runs, neighborhood walks, a short museum visit, or quick errands near your hotel or apartment.

For NYC travel, lightweight strollers are easier to maneuver through tight sidewalks, subway platforms, hotel lobbies, elevators, and narrow shop entrances. They fold quickly into a smaller footprint and keep things moving when you don’t want to slow down.

Best for:

• Toddlers who don’t need long naps.
• Less packed itineraries, where you will travel to one or two places before returning to your hotel/apartment.
• Parents who want the easiest option to push and fold.

When it may not be ideal: If you’re planning full-day sightseeing or your child needs longer naps, a lightweight stroller may feel limiting. Storage space is minimal, and comfort features are fewer—something to consider for long sightseeing days.

Compact Stroller: Balance Between Mobility and Comfort

For many families, a Compact Stroller is the best stroller for NYC overall. It strikes the right balance between portability, maneuverability and comfort.

Compact strollers are easier to fold and carry up and down station stairs, manage on crowded platforms, and store during rideshares or taxis. They’re a strong choice when moving between bustling neighborhoods like Midtown, SoHo, Brooklyn, or the Upper West Side. They also have more storage capacity in the underseat basket.

Best for:

• Quick folding and transportation
• Subway-heavy itineraries
• Frequent rideshares and taxis
• Toddlers who may need a nap on the go

When it may not be ideal: If you plan to treat your stroller like a rolling basecamp—with lots of shopping bags, gear, and extras—a compact stroller may feel tight. For maximum storage and comfort, a full-size option can be better.

When in doubt, compact is the most versatile for NYC. But if you already know your trip will be long walking days, full size can make the entire experience smoother.

Full-size stroller: All-Day Sightseeing and Infants

A Full-Size Stroller shines on itinerary heavy days. Think Central Park in the morning, a museum midday, lunch, and more exploring into the afternoon. These strollers are designed for comfort, long naps, and carrying your child needs throughout the day.

If you’re traveling with an infant, a Stroller System with a full size stroller and infant seat is usually the best choice. It offers better support, stability, and space—making it the most comfortable stroller for an infant while exploring the city.

Best for:

• Infants and younger children
• Toddlers who nap frequently
• All-day sightseeing
• Carrying diapers, snacks, layers, and souvenirs

When it may not be ideal: Full-size strollers can feel bulky in tight restaurants, busy attractions, subway platforms, or when folding frequently. They’re best for days where comfort and capacity matter more than speed and portability.

Stroller Rental in NYC with Homey Rentals

Choosing the right stroller can make or break your NYC trip—but you don’t need to haul one from home. With stroller rental in NYC from Homey Rentals, you can select a lightweight, compact, or full-size stroller that matches your itinerary and your child’s needs.

Reserve in advance, get delivery directly to your hotel or accommodations, and explore the city knowing you have the best stroller for NYC—without the hassle of packing or flying with bulky gear.

Browse stroller rentals here: Lightweight, Compact, Full Size, and Stroller System.