3 Expensive Strollers I Wouldn’t Waste Money On in 2025'

All of them come from big-name brands with slick marketing that emphasizes style and flashy gimmicks—conveniently distracting you from their real weaknesses.

1. Cybex Coya (Platinum Line)

The Coya is the only ultra-compact stroller in Cybex’s Platinum line—a range often marketed with luxury finishes like copper piping. But beyond the looks, the stroller fails in nearly every way an ultra-compact can.

Major Issues

• Child comfort: The upright position is far too sloped, making it uncomfortable for many children. Both the backrest and leg rest are short, which limits how long the stroller can be used comfortably.
• Folding: Despite advertising that shows an “easy-peasy” process, the reality involves multiple steps, stiff fabrics, and a locking clip that requires two hands to unfold—problematic if you’re also holding a baby.
• Steering & stability: Feels loose and unstable due to weak locking joints, especially at the central hubs under the seat. Lack of rear suspension makes rough ground unpleasant, and the narrow rear frame both reduces basket access and makes the stroller feel tippy in turns.
• Wheels: Front wheels are too loose in their housings, often causing wobbling—and in some cases making the stroller nearly unusable.
• Price: Around **$600**, which is over$100 more than most premium ultra-compacts. Unfortunately, the higher price tag doesn’t buy you better performance.

2. Bugaboo Dragonfly

The Dragonfly was, in my view, the biggest stroller disappointment of last year. Bugaboo can make excellent models (like the Donkey), but sometimes they get carried away with designing a clever fold at the expense of everything else.

Major Issues

• Over-engineering: To achieve its fancy folding trick, the stroller is unnecessarily long (just 7 cm shorter than the UPPAbaby Vista) and mechanically complex, with at least five internal wires—one of which is exposed to the elements.
• Awkward folding process: Requires raising the handle all the way up to 137 cm, too high for many parents.
• Durability: Built to be lightweight, but the long frame and complex mechanisms make it structurally weak. Internal parts, especially in the handle, wear down quickly, leading to folding failures (some parents report 1 in 3 attempts fail).
• Handling: Long length reduces maneuverability, while the light build makes it feel flimsy on uneven ground. Tipping requires extra effort.
• Storage: Too tall when folded, which makes it less practical compared to competitors like the Nuna Triv or Joolz Hub.

In short, the Dragonfly sacrifices strength and usability for a folding gimmick that doesn’t deliver.

3. Maxi-Cosi Fame

The Fame has, in my opinion, the biggest disconnect between marketing promises and reality. Advertised as sleek and innovative, it ends up feeling flimsy and poorly constructed.

Major Issues

• Weak frame: Loose at key connection points, especially between the seat/bassinet and chassis. As a result, the stroller feels unstable and the child bounces around even on smooth ground.
• Bassinet mechanisms: The adjustable bassinet looks great in ads, but in practice feels wobbly and insecure.
• Chassis flaws: No central crossbar—each side relies on three separate hinge points. Their combined looseness makes the stroller feel ramshackle and causes alignment issues when attaching the seat or bassinet.
• Weight: Heavy at 13.5 kg with the seat, and over 15 kg with the bassinet. Folding and carrying is a chore.
• Features that disappoint:
• The mattress “head-lift” function raises barely at all compared to what’s shown in ads.
• The battery for the stroller’s front and rear disco lights reportedly lasts only about 30 minutes.

At $1,300, the Fame is an expensive stroller without even one standout feature that truly works as promised.

Final Thoughts

While these three strollers are stylish and heavily advertised, they fail in crucial areas like comfort, usability, and durability. If you’re shopping for a premium stroller, your money is better spent on models that balance practicality with style—without charging extra for gimmicks that don’t hold up in real life.