When parents start shopping for strollers, they’re often told they need a full-size model for everyday use and a travel stroller for quick trips. But with so many lightweight, compact strollers on the market, many parents wonder: Can a travel stroller be the only one you need?

The short answer? Maybe. 

It all depends on where you live and how you plan to use it, let's break it down. 

Here in Boston, where historic charm comes with cobblestone streets and unpredictable sidewalks, a lightweight travel stroller can work—but it may not be the smoothest ride, especially in the first year. Here’s our take on the best stroller strategy for city parents.

Why Parents Love the Idea of Using a Travel Stroller Every Day

We get it—no one wants to lug a heavy, bulky stroller everywhere. A compact stroller is appealing because:

✅ Lightweight & Easy to Carry – Ideal for parents who frequently lift their stroller into a car, up stairs, or onto public transit.

✅ Fits in Tight Spaces – A must-have for small city apartments, crowded restaurants, tiny trunks and daycare corners!

✅ Great for Travel – If you fly often, a compact fold makes airport life so much easier.

✅ No Extra Clutter – Many parents want to avoid having multiple strollers for every adventure. 

The Boston Reality: Why a Sturdier Ride Makes More Sense in Year One

While a lightweight stroller is tempting, Boston’s uneven sidewalks, cobblestones, and unpredictable weather can make for a very bumpy ride—especially with a newborn or younger baby.

🚫 Newborn Support Can Be Limited – Many travel strollers don’t have full recline or bassinet compatibility, which is key for newborns.

🚫 Small Wheels Struggle on Rough Terrain – Cobblestones, cracks, and uneven paths are not travel-stroller-friendly.

🚫 Limited Storage – Many compact models have small baskets, making errands harder.

🚫 Seat Is Not Modular – Most travel strollers only face outward, so your baby can’t face you. 

Our best recommendation? A sturdier stroller for the first year to handle Boston’s sidewalks, with a lighter option once your baby is older and more independent.

But, if you’re set on having just one stroller, consider an in-between option like the Nuna TRVL LX. This is a smaller stroller than a medium-size but sturdier than a travel stroller, aka a "tween" stroller which offers the following: 

✔️ Larger wheels & suspension than most travel strollers, making it more stable for city life.

✔️ One-handed fold for easy carrying and storage.

✔️ Car seat compatibility for those early months.

✔️ Newborn-friendly seat so you can use it from birth for those early months.

It’s not a travel stroller per se because it does not fit in the overhead but it’s one of the better lightweight options for daily city use.

So, Can a Travel Stroller Be Your Only Stroller?

For most Boston parents, a sturdier stroller for year one and a lightweight one later is the best combo. But if you’re set on a compact ride from the start, the Nuna Trvl Lx is one of our best options to get you through city life comfortably. 

At Tadpole, we’re all about helping you find the right fit for your lifestyle. Stop by and test-drive our strollers—we’ll help you figure out the best one for your Boston adventure!

Below video features a Nuna Trvl Lx with a Pipa Aire Rx infant car seat: