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Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

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With plenty of extra storage space, an included car seat adapter, and the controllability of a regular remote, this versatile stroller gives you a lot for your money. But don’t try to bring it to the beach.

Of all the strollers we tested, the Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon Plus was a favorite for everyday use, and it was easier to push than strollers costing twice as much. It looks and handles more like a stroller than a stroller, with a stroller-like handlebar that’s up, making it easier to maneuver.

The Expedition 2-in-1’s compact frame makes it easy to fit through doorways, aisles, and other narrow spaces, so it’s a convenient transport option for a variety of situations – from shops to crowded farmers’ markets. It works well on grass and gravel, but the non-tread tires make this buggy incredibly difficult to navigate in the sand.

The Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon Plus’s nearly untreadable, foam rubber tires make it less suitable for beach jaunts than our other two picks. But it does very well on pavement, grass and gravel. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

It was designed with comfort and safety in mind. This stroller has a deep cargo space, so getting out isn’t as big of a risk as other strollers we’ve tested. And because kids sit higher in this stroller than in the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser, in our experience, they can’t reach down and get their fingers caught in the wheels. The Expedition 2-in-1 stroller has removable seat cushions that can be opened and folded down into the cargo area, turning the stroller into a cozy, bassinet-like space.

As with all strollers, the Expedition 2-in-1 can be used with babies once they can sit upright unaided (usually between 7 and 9 months). And with the included car seat adapter (compatible with many brands), this controller can be used immediately with newborns. If the cart is idle, you can open the brake with one foot, and both rear wheels will lock simultaneously. But be aware that 3-point harnesses (as opposed to 5-point ones) may be easier for children and toddlers with small frames and narrow hips to get out of, and may be easier for older children to unbuckle.

Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 stroller wagon, with its fully extended pull handle.
The Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon Plus pull handle is a great option for climbing hills. And when not in use, it slides out from under the cart’s frame. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

The push/pull feature is legit. Most strollers say they can be pushed and pulled. However with others, one of the two options can be difficult to make. The Expedition 2-in-1’s sturdy hide handle comes out from under the stroller, and is a great option for towing the stroller when you’re going uphill or needing to change places. Or, with large cart wheels tucked under the angled handlebars, the Expedition 2-in-1 steers like a quality full-size controller when pushed.

Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 stroller wagon, with its included mosquito net extended.
The Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon Plus is our only pick that comes with a mosquito net. The Keenz stroller has a sun shade instead, and the Veer stroller has a mosquito net that you can buy separately. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

A fitted mosquito net is not readily available. The Expedition 2-in-1 was one of two strollers we tested (the other being the Pronto) that came with a mosquito net. This useful feature can be removed from the canopy and tucked neatly into the cargo area, making trips such as camping or fishing trips – or walking around where the mosquitoes are out – much more enjoyable for children.

Shown here with a built-in thermos and food, the Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon Plus outdoor basket can hold two child-sized backpacks, making it perfect for school photos. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

It has six cup holders and a basket to boot. This car made the school van a breeze. There’s enough room in the outer storage basket to hold two children’s backpacks, and the parent’s console is big enough for two water bottles and a wallet or small purse. If you have one passenger, the large basket can be folded over the edge of the stroller, creating an interior space for storing toys and other items. We also like that the stroller has six large cup holders – two on the kids’ snack tray, two on the parent console, and two extra storage pockets on the outside of the stroller (these are great for water bottles or other small items).

The stroller is available in many color combinations. Except for ultramarine or khaki flair, they all include a combination of black and gray.

Baby Trend strollers come with a one-year limited warranty. Download the Baby Trend app to register your stroller, and you’ll receive a free extended warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Two babies sitting inside the Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 stroller wagon in the outdoor area.
The author’s children, a 5-year-old and a 6-year-old, fit perfectly in the Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon Plus. But the sun canopy—even when fully extended—cannot cover both at the same time. Liz Iversen of the NYT Wirecutter

The canopy does not fully cover two children. The con of this wagon is the canopy, which doesn’t provide as much coverage as those on the Keenz wagon, Larktale wagon, or Wonderfold wagon. My kids were fighting over who got the shade.

It is not heavy or compact when folded. Folding the Expedition 2-in-1 wagon isn’t as intuitive as some of our picks, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to do. Simply lift the latch on the frame with your finger, and pull the tabs on both sides of the handle towards you, so that the slide falls flat on top of the wheels. I had to remove the rear wheels before installing it in the trunk of my Honda CR-V (although I have had to do this with some of our pickups).

Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 stroller wagon shown in its folded travel mode.
When folded, the Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon Plus takes up more space than you’d expect, given its compactness when unfolded, and it won’t stand alone. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

There is no footwell. According to Dr. After all, babies won’t be too stressed sitting in strollers with footrests and high backs. “They won’t be hurt by not having a high back or not having feet,” said Cicalese, “but they will be comfortable, especially at a young age.” My kids were uncomfortable in the stroller during our many outings. But when given the choice, they prefer to ride in the larger—and heavier—Wonderfold wagon, which has high back seats, legroom, and a large bed.

It’s not a beach cart. This stroller handles grass, rocks, and dirt well, but if you’re looking for a beach stroller, the Expedition 2-in-1’s small, foam rubber tires aren’t ideal for sand. If you find yourself in a sandy situation with two adults on hand – or even an adult and one child big enough to help pull the stroller – one person can push while the other uses the pull handle. So it is possible to direct but not good.

This utility vehicle does not come in style. The handle is made of plastic and rubber. And the rear wheels, which are only 1.5 inches thick, look cheap, and can’t maneuver on the road compared to the nearly 3 inch thick rear wheels on the Keenz wagon.

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