Should I buy a compact stroller for the mall?

Yes—if your main use is mall trips, a compact stroller is usually a good buy. It’s easier to steer through stores, elevators, food courts, and parking lots, and it’s simpler to fold and keep in the car than a full-size stroller.

Buy one if you want quick errands, indoor walking, and easy car storage. Skip it as your only stroller if your child naps a lot in the stroller, you need lots of basket space, or you often walk on rough sidewalks—then a full-size stroller may be more comfortable.