Where to Test Strollers and Baby Gear In-Store (2026 Guide)

If you are shopping for a stroller right now, you already know the frustration. You have been researching for weeks, you have narrowed it down to two or three options, and you just want to push them around a store before you spend $500 to $1,500. But where do you actually go to do that?

Ever since Buy Buy Baby closed its doors, finding a place to test strollers in person has been a challenge for parents. That store used to be the go-to for almost everyone, and when it disappeared, it left a massive gap. I hear from parents every single week how frustrating it is that they have to order a stroller online without ever touching it.

The good news? The in-store baby gear landscape is changing a lot, especially in 2026. There are more options to get hands-on with premium strollers than there have been in years. I want to walk you through every major option so you know exactly where to go, and if you truly cannot get to a store, I have a whole section on home trial programs that let you test a stroller at home and return it if it is not the right fit.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through a link. For more information, please see my full disclosure.

Target Baby Boutique

In March 2026, Target launched its new Baby Boutique concept in close to 200 stores across the country. This is not just a slightly bigger baby aisle. It is a dedicated shop-in-shop experience designed to feel like a real baby gear store inside Target.

The brand lineup is what makes this exciting (check them out here). UPPAbaby is now available at Target for the first time ever, and Target reportedly pursued them for over 15 years to make it happen. Bugaboo and Stokke are also new to Target floors. Add in Doona, Thule, Joie, Mockingbird, Baby Jogger, BOB, Maxi-Cosi, WonderFold, Colugo, Peg Perego, Lalo, Graco, Chicco, Evenflo, Britax, and Baby Trend, and you are looking at one of the widest stroller selections you will find under one roof. Target added close to 2,000 new baby products to these locations, and more than half are Target exclusives.

The strollers and car seats are displayed side by side so you can actually compare them, test the fold, push them around, and get a real feel for what works for your family. That alone makes it worth a trip.

Now, I will say the Baby Boutique is only in about 200 stores right now, roughly 10% of all Targets. Another 1,000 stores got refreshed gifting areas near the baby section, but those are not the full boutique experience. The rollout so far is focused on suburban family corridors, so check Target’s website to see if there is one near you.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom has been carrying premium baby gear for years, and it is one of the best department store experiences for hands-on stroller shopping. Across roughly 90 full-line stores in 39 states, you will find the deepest luxury stroller assortment of any major retailer.

The brand list speaks for itself: UPPAbaby, Nuna, Bugaboo, Stokke, Joolz, Doona, Cybex, Silver Cross, Thule, Stokke, Maxi-Cosi, Mima, Orbit Baby, Veer, and WonderFold. And unlike some stores where everything is locked up or hard to get to, Nordstrom strollers are unlocked and freely accessible. You can test the fold, lift it to check the weight, push it around the store, and really put it through its paces without needing to flag down an associate.

Something that sets Nordstrom apart is its exclusive partnership with brands like Nuna. Nordstrom carries exclusive Nuna colorways and designer collaborations you will not find anywhere else. 

One thing to keep in mind, Nordstrom associates tend to steer parents toward Nuna products, especially the MIXX Next. There is nothing wrong with the Nuna MIXX Next, but it’s worth noting that it is not always the best option for every family. This is one of the reasons I always recommend doing your own research before you go in, so you know what you want to test and can form your own opinion.

The annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (My top picks from the sale last year). in July is also one of the only times you can get premium brands like UPPAbaby and Nuna at a discount. Fair warning, though, the popular models sell out fast, sometimes within the first day or two so be sure to follow on Instagram where I share all the best deals.

Dillard’s

This is the one most people do not think of, and honestly, that is why I made a whole reel about it. Dillard’s has a surprisingly strong baby gear department that flies completely under the radar.

With around 270 stores across 30 states, Dillard’s carries a premium lineup that includes Nuna, UPPAbaby, Bugaboo, Cybex, Silver Cross, Doona, Stokke, Thule, Maxi-Cosi, Veer, Inglesina, and WonderFold. The standout feature is an exclusive Edgehill Collection partnership with Nuna that produces Dillard’s-only colorways you cannot find anywhere else. If you love Nuna and want a color nobody else has, Dillard’s is your spot. I have also found some good sales there on premium baby brands!

Not every Dillard’s location has a full baby gear department, so that is the one caveat. The baby sections tend to be in the larger, full-line stores, especially in Texas, Florida, and throughout the South and Midwest. Where the department exists, you can absolutely take strollers off the floor and push them around.

I would recommend calling your local Dillard’s store first to make sure they have a baby gear department before making the trip.

Kohl’s (Babies R Us Shop-in-Shop)

Kohl’s partnered with WHP Global to open around 200 Babies R Us shop-in-shop sections inside its stores in 2024. These range from about 750 to 2,500 square feet and carry a solid mid-range selection: Graco, Chicco, Baby Jogger, BOB, Maxi-Cosi, Britax, Evenflo, WonderFold, Venice Child, Safety 1st, and Baby Trend are all on the floor.

I want to be upfront here: Kohl’s is not going to have the premium brands you will find at Nordstrom or Dillard’s. You are not going to walk in and test an UPPAbaby Vista or a Nuna Triv LX. But if you are shopping in the mid-range price, it is a convenient option since there are Kohl’s stores everywhere. Strollers and car seats are displayed out of the box so you can actually interact with them, which is a step up from the boxed merchandise you find at many big-box stores.

Independent Baby Stores

I would be leaving out an important option if I did not mention independent baby stores. These are locally owned specialty shops that focus specifically on baby gear, and when you can find one, the experience is hard to beat. They typically carry the full premium range, employ manufacturer-trained staff, and actively encourage you to spend as much time as you need testing strollers.

The challenge is that these shops are not as prominent as they once were. Many closed during and after the pandemic, and they tend to cluster in major metro areas. If you search for independent baby gear stores in your area and find one, absolutely go. Brixy has a store locator search engine that works well (be sure to narrow the search to Baby Gear)

Two small shops that I have gotten to know over the years (not sponsored) are Three Littles in Washington, D.C., and Albee Baby in New York City. Check them out if you live in the area.

What Happened to Buy Buy Baby?

I get this question constantly, so here is a little background. After Bed Bath & Beyond went bankrupt in 2023, all of the roughly 120 Buy Buy Baby stores closed during liquidation. The brand has changed hands twice since then.

First, a company called Dream On Me Industries bought the brand and reopened 11 stores, mostly in the Northeast. That did not last. By October 2024, all of those stores closed again and the company shifted to online-only.

Then in early 2025, Beyond Inc. (the parent company of Overstock) acquired the brand and relaunched the website in May 2025. The physical store play now runs through a partnership with Kirkland’s, which is converting its stores into Bed Bath & Beyond Home locations with plans to add Buy Buy Baby sections.

As of right now, Buy Buy Baby is online-only at buybuyBABY.com. There are plans for physical stores later in 2026, but nothing has opened yet. I would treat any reopening as a bonus rather than something to count on. The brand has been through a lot of changes, and there are no guarantees.

Brand Showrooms and Events

A few stroller brands have taken testing into their own hands by opening showrooms or running touring events. These are worth seeking out if one is near you.

UPPAbaby Hub Showrooms

UPPAbaby operates Hub Service Center and Showrooms, currently located in Boston, Brooklyn, and Santa Monica. These are open Monday through Saturday and have the full product line available for test-driving. You can also get complimentary stroller tune-ups and car seat checks with certified safety technicians. If you live near any of these, it is hands-down the best UPPAbaby testing experience you can get. Visit for details and directions.

UPPAbaby also runs events all across the country at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Crate & Kids, and other retailers throughout the year. Check uppababy.com/upcoming-events for their current schedule.

Cybex Flagship Store

Cybex opened its first US flagship store in November 2025 in SoHo, NYC. The space has the complete product range on display, including designer collaborations, and offers one-on-one appointments.

Baby Expos and Consumer Shows

The Prego Expo baby show series hits multiple cities each year with 60 to 80 exhibitor booths where you can test products hands-on. The 2026 schedule includes Orlando (April), Chicago (May), Dallas (August), Phoenix (September), and Boston (October). Tickets are usually around $20 to $25. Check thepregoexpo.com for the latest schedule.

Home Trial Programs: Test a Stroller at Home and Return It

If there is truly nothing near you, or if you have already narrowed it down and just want to try before you fully commit, several stroller brands now offer home trial programs where you can actually use the stroller and return it if it is not the right fit.

One important note: not all “trial programs” are created equal. Some brands let you take the stroller to the park, the mall, the grocery store, and return it with normal wear. Others require it to stay indoors or be basically unused. I have broken these down so you know exactly what you are getting.

Brands That Let You Actually Use It Outside

Baby Jogger, 100-Day Trial: Covers the City Sights, City Mini GT2 (singles and doubles), City Select 2, and Summit X3. Their site encourages you to hit the trail, go for a jog, and explore your city. You need to register the stroller after purchase to qualify, and the trial only applies to babyjogger.com purchases. One catch: you pay return shipping on used strollers.

Bombi Gear, 30-Day Test Stroll: Bombi wants you to actually use it. Take it out, test it in your everyday life, and if you are not in love, send it back for a full refund with a free return shipping label. Covers all strollers through bombigear.com.

Bugaboo, 100-Day Buy and Try: This is the gold standard. Bugaboo’s site literally says to take walks, let your baby drool in it, and put it through real life. Qualifying models are changing all the time, but currently the Donkey 6, Kangaroo, Fox 5 Renew, Dragonfly, Butterfly 2, Giraffe high chair, and Stardust Play yard are included. Full refund if you are not happy. Must purchase through bugaboo.com and return in original packaging.

Guava Family, 60-Day Test Ride: Available on the Roam stroller and all Roam bundles. Free shipping both ways with a full refund guaranteed. They encourage you to take it on walks, jogs, and different terrain.

Mockingbird, 30-Day Try at Home: Covers all full products (strollers, high chair, bassinet) with free returns. Mockingbird wants you to actually use it: take the stroller to the park, test it on different terrain, set up the high chair for meals. Your 30 days start from delivery, not the order date. Keep the original packaging in case you need to send it back. They also have a Parent Host program that connects you with local Mockingbird owners if you want to see the stroller in person before ordering, which is a cool option. Applies to purchases through hellomockingbird.com only.

Orbit Baby, 60-Day Home Trial: Covers all strollers and travel system bundles (G5, M+, X5 Jogger). Orbit allows what they call “gentle trial use,” and normal tire wear is acceptable. They provide a free prepaid return label, which is nice. One return per household per product category. Orbitbaby.com only.

Indoor-Only or Restricted Trials

These brands market trial programs, but the fine print limits you to indoor use only. You can unbox it, set it up, push it around your house, and get a feel for the fold and features, but you cannot take it outside without risking your refund.

Austlen, 30-Day Risk-Free Trial: Available on the Entourage 2.0 through austlen.com. Testing is limited to indoors only, and the stroller must remain in unused, resellable condition with all original packaging and tags. Free prepaid return label provided for continental US orders. If items show signs of outdoor use, stains, or scratches, a restocking fee may apply. 30 days from purchase date, not delivery.

Bumbleride, 30 Days: Can be opened and used inside your home but cannot be used outside. Must be in new condition with all original packaging, accessories, and manuals included, or the return is voided entirely. Free returns within 30 days for continental US orders (excluding Hawaii and Alaska). After 30 days, returns may be approved up to 60 da,ys but come with a 10% restocking fee and you pay shipping. Through bumbleride.com only.

Colugo, 30 Days: Returns in “as new” condition with original packaging get a full refund with a free prepaid return label. Items used outside the home incur a restocking fee ($20 for the Compact Stroller, $30 for The One). After 30 days, returns are accepted up to 60 days but you pay shipping plus a 15% restocking fee regardless of condition. No refunds after 60 days. Through colugo.com only, though Colugo is also sold at Target under Target’s own return policy.

Zoe, 30 Days: Zoe encourages you to “test drive the stroller in your home,” but asks that you avoid using it outdoors to ensure a full refund. Items need to be in brand-new condition with original tags and packaging. Returns that don’t meet those requirements may be subject to restocking fees (no specific dollar amount listed). Free shipping and returns on strollers through zoebaby.com.

Extended Return Windows (Not True Trials)

A few brands have longer-than-standard return windows, but they require items to be unused and in original packaging. These are not true trials, but they give you time to inspect the stroller at home.

Doona, 100 Days: Sounds generous, but the stroller must be unused and in original packaging. Free returns within 30 days; after that, you pay shipping plus a minimum 30% restocking fee.

Nuna, 60 Days: New and unused merchandise only, with returns handled on a case-by-case basis. Through nunababy.com only; purchases from Nordstrom or Dillard’s fall under those retailers’ return policies (which, in Nordstrom’s case, may actually be more flexible).

UPPAbaby, 60 Days: Items must be new and unused with all original packaging. Up to 30% restocking fee if requirements are not met. UPPAbaby.com purchases only.

Pro tip: Where you buy matters as much as what you buy when it comes to returns. Nordstrom is known for having one of the most flexible return policies in retail, which is worth considering if you are buying a brand like Nuna or Cybex that does not offer its own trial program. Baby Cubby also stands out with their Love Your Stroller Guarantee, which gives you 60 days to return a used stroller for store credit, regardless of brand. That is one of the only retailer-level policies I have found that lets you actually test a stroller and bring it back. If the stroller you want does not come with a home trial, think carefully about where you purchase it, because the return policy you get can be completely different depending on the retailer.

What If You Cannot get to a Store?

I know that not everyone lives near a Target Baby Boutique, a Nordstrom, or a Dillard’s with a baby section. If you have exhausted the options above and still cannot get hands-on with the stroller you are considering, here is what I would recommend:

• Take advantage of a home trial. Use one of the brand trial programs I listed above. Getting the stroller in your hands for 30 to 100 days is better than any in-store visit, and several brands offer completely free returns.
• Watch detailed video reviews. This is exactly why I make the videos I do. I show you every fold, every feature, every angle so you can get as close to hands-on as possible from home.
• Book a stroller consultation. I offer one-on-one stroller consultations where I can walk you through your options based on exactly what you need. 

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