Dad-Tested: Our Real-Life Stroller Setup
Buying a stroller is like buying a car—you’re going to use it daily, and the options can feel overwhelming. Here’s what actually worked for us (and what didn’t) after months of real-world use.
When we were prepping for our son’s arrival, one of the biggest purchases we had to figure out was the stroller. I spent way too many hours reading reviews, comparing features, and asking friends what they used—only to realize every parent has a different “must-have.”
As a stay-at-home dad, the stroller quickly became one of my most-used pieces of baby gear. Walks around the neighborhood, Target runs, packing it into the trunk... it’s something we touch almost every day. Here's an honest breakdown of what we chose, the accessories we use constantly, and what I wish we hadn’t bothered with.
Choosing a stroller felt a lot like buying a car. It’s something you’ll use every day, so reliability and comfort really matter—and with so many bells and whistles available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We knew we wanted something that would hold up over time, be easy to use, and not require us to buy a bunch of add-ons we’d never actually use.
The Stroller We Chose
We went with the UPPAbaby Vista V2. It’s no longer the current model (the Vista V3 is out now and very similar), but it’s been a total workhorse for us.
What sold us on it:
Smooth ride – handles cracked sidewalks and park trails easily
One-handed fold – I can collapse it while holding the baby carrier
Huge undercarriage storage – fits our diaper bag, grocery run, and then some
Included bassinet – this was a big deal for us. Our newborn could lie completely flat during early walks and naps, and it felt like a safer, more breathable setup during those early weeks. It also comes with a sunshade cover that helps block out sunlight—perfect for those bright morning walks.
Car seat compatibility – It works seamlessly with the UPPAbaby Aria infant car seat, which we also purchased. We’ve been able to switch between using the car seat and the bassinet depending on what works best in the moment—both are excellent options until our baby grows into the full-size stroller seat.
Adjustable handlebar – As a dad over 6 feet tall, I really appreciated the extending handle. I didn’t have to stoop or hunch over to push the stroller, which made a big difference on long walks.
It’s not the most compact stroller, but it’s durable, versatile, and has grown with our baby. From car seat compatibility to future sibling seating options, it just works. We also loved that this stroller can be converted to a two-seat setup in the event we decide to have a second baby—it gave us peace of mind knowing we wouldn’t have to start over with a brand new system.
Must-Have Accessories (That Actually Make Life Easier)
🧃 Parent Organizer
We added a universal parent organizer that holds water bottles, pacifiers, and my phone. I didn’t realize how often I’d reach for it—but now I can’t imagine not having it.
🌬️ Stroller Fan
Absolute game changer for Southern heat. I clip it to the bar or canopy and point it toward the baby. Keeps them cool and content on walks.
🧊 Stroller Basket Cooler
We toss a mini insulated bag underneath with milk, a teether, and sometimes my own snack. It’s simple, but helps a lot when you’re out longer than expected.
Nice-to-Haves (But Not Essentials)
UPPAbaby Travel Bag – We were gifted a hand-me-down travel bag to protect the stroller when flying. While we haven’t had a chance to use it yet, it gives us peace of mind knowing the stroller will be protected—and UPPAbaby offers a travel-safe guarantee if you register a newly purchased one. Here's the one we would’ve picked: UPPAbaby Travel Bag for Vista/Cruz
Rain cover – We used it maybe twice. Helpful in a pinch, but not an everyday item.
Snack tray – We purchased the snack tray for the stroller seat, but haven’t been able to use it yet since our baby is still in the bassinet or infant car seat. Once he transitions to the full-size stroller seat, we expect it’ll come in handy for snacks and small toys.
Cup holder – We added a clip-on version, but honestly, it didn’t get much use. I usually carried a water bottle in the organizer instead. It felt like one more thing to knock off when folding the stroller.
What I Wish I Knew
How much space it takes in the trunk – The Vista V2 actually folds pretty flat and doesn’t take up much room in the trunk, which was a pleasant surprise. Still, it’s a good idea to test-fold strollers at the store to see how they fit in your specific vehicle.
Some accessories don’t work with all stroller models – Always double-check compatibility.
You’ll want a hands-free setup – Anything that requires two hands becomes annoying real fast.
Infant insert isn’t essential – We bought the infant insert for the stroller seat, but ended up not using it at all. The bassinet and car seat were more than enough until our baby was ready for the main stroller seat.
Here is the Vista V2 stroller folded up and in the back of our SUV.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes—for our lifestyle, it’s been perfect. If you’re using the stroller almost daily, it’s worth investing in something durable and comfortable to push. But the key is finding what fits your routine, not just what’s popular.
Our Essentials Stroller Gear List
Stroller: UPPAbaby Vista V2 (Vista V3 is the current model)
Parent organizer: UPPAbaby Carry-All Parent Organizer
Clip-on stroller fan: FRIZCOL Stroller Fan for Baby
Cooler bag: UPPAbaby Bevvy Cooler
Other Accessories You Might Consider
Not must-haves in our house, but here are a few popular add-ons parents love:
Travel Bag - UPPAbaby Travel Bag for Vista/Cruz
Rain Cover – UPPAbaby Performance Rain Shield for Vista and Cruz Strollers
Cup Holder – UPPAbaby Cup Holder for Vista
Let me know if you'd like a printable checklist of these essentials—I’m putting one together for on-the-go dads like me.
Have questions about gear? Drop them below. Happy strolling!
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