Shipping a stroller shouldn’t cost a fortune or risk damage to your valuable item. Whether you’re selling, moving, or gifting a stroller, proper shipping practices make all the difference.
Drawing from our experience shipping thousands of strollers for major brands, we’ll show you exactly how to pack your stroller to prevent damage, choose the right shipping carrier, save money on shipping costs, find the right box, and everything else you need to know to ship your stroller.
TL;DR:
Key takeaways
Shipping costs: Expect to pay ~$190-250 for domestic ground shipping, though costs vary by carrier and distance. Dimensional weight often exceeds actual weight, driving up costs. Save money by disassembling the stroller to reduce package size and comparing rates across carriers—prices can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same service.
Box selection: Your stroller needs a heavy-duty corrugated box with 2-4 inches of extra space on all sides for protective packaging. Most strollers fit in boxes between 26″ x 26″ x 20″ and 48″ x 24″ x 24″, though oversized strollers may need custom boxes. Always choose a box rated for the stroller’s weight. You can get individual boxes at your local UPS or FedEx store, or in bulk from an online retailer like ULine.
Packaging basics: Proper packaging starts with disassembly. Remove wheels and detachable parts to reduce size and prevent damage. Double-wrap all fragile components in bubble wrap and use corner protectors on the frame. Fill empty spaces completely to prevent movement during transit.
Carrier selection: Major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS all ship strollers, with ground shipping offering the best value for most situations. Consider insurance for valuable strollers and verify size restrictions – USPS has a 70lb weight limit. Research carrier reputations for handling oversized packages in your shipping zone.
PRO TIP: If you sell strollers or other large baby and child gear, partnering with a 3PL that specializes in big, heavy, and bulky fulfillment—like Red Stag Fulfillment—can save you money (especially on shipping surcharges for large items) and let you focus on what really moves the needle in your business.
If you want to hand off the heavy lifting of your fulfillment operations to the industry leader in large product fulfillment, reach out for a custom quote today.
A step-by-step guide to shipping your stroller
This 9-step guide walks you through the entire shipping process, from preparing your stroller for transit to getting it safely to its destination. We cover packing materials, box sizes (and where to get them), shipping carriers, cost, and more.
Clean and document the stroller’s condition
01
Clean your stroller with mild soap and water, then let it dry completely. While cleaning, photograph and video the stroller’s condition, focusing on:
Existing wear or damage
Working mechanical parts
Model and serial numbers
Folding mechanisms
This documentation protects you if you need to file a damage claim with the carrier.
Disassemble the stroller
02
Breaking down the stroller reduces shipping costs and prevents damage to vulnerable parts.
Remove these components (if possible):
Wheels (unless they fold into the frame)
Canopy/sunshade
Removable accessories (cup holders, trays)
Adjustable handlebars
If you need guidance, check YouTube for a video showing how to disassemble your stroller model. Failing that, contact the company for assistance.
PRO TIP: Place all screws and small parts in sealed, labeled plastic bags for easier reassembly at the destination. Keep the seat padding and basket attached unless they significantly increase package size.
Choose between DIY or professional packaging
03
If sourcing materials and packing your stroller sounds daunting, consider professional packaging services from UPS or FedEx. These carriers offer packing services at most retail locations, including:
Custom box selection
Professional packing materials
Secure packaging service
Shipping label creation
The process is simple: drop off your disassembled stroller at a UPS or FedEx location, and their staff will handle the rest. While this costs more than DIY packaging, it includes damage protection and eliminates the need to source materials yourself.
PRO TIP: Call ahead to verify the location offers packing services and can accommodate your stroller’s size. Not all retail locations offer full packing services.
Gather your packing materials
04
Start with a heavy-duty corrugated cardboard box sized to fit your stroller plus protective cushioning. Add 2–4″ (5 to 10 cm) on all sides for padding materials.
Common stroller box sizes:
36 x 18 x 18″ (91 x 46 x 46 cm) – Orbitbaby G5 Stroller
26 x 26 x 20″ (66 x 66 x 51 cm) – Nuna TRVL Compact Stroller
36 x 36 x 18″ (91 x 91 x 46 cm) – City Mini® GT2 Double
48 x 24 x 24″ (105 x 56 x 47.5 cm) – Stokke Xplory X
PRO TIP: Measure your folded stroller’s length, width, and height before ordering a box. For an individual shipment, call your local UPS or FedEx for a box. For bulk shipments, packaging supply retailers like Uline offer likely boxes in these dimensions.
Required packing materials checklist:
Bubble wrap
Foam sheets (multiple thicknesses)
Packing peanuts or air pillows
Heavy-duty plastic bags
Packing and electrical tape
Foam corner protectors (optional)
Packaging strapping with buckles
Shipping labels: orientation arrows, “Fragile” stickers, “Handle with care” stickers
PRO TIP: Buy more materials than you think you need – running out mid-packing can compromise protection. Extra supplies work for future shipments or returns.
Prepare and wrap the stroller
05
Proper wrapping prevents damage and keeps all parts organized during transit. Follow this sequence:
Secure the frame
01
01
Lock the stroller in its folded position
02
Add packaging straps to prevent unfolding (optional)
03
Cover sharp corners with foam protectors or bubble wrap
04
Secure all protection with electrical tape
PRO TIP: Fold fabric parts like canopies and seat covers carefully to prevent permanent creases. Consider removing and rolling them separately if your stroller allows.
Protect individual components
02
01
Place small parts in labeled plastic bags
02
Double-wrap wheel axles with bubble wrap
03
Put documentation in waterproof plastic bags
03
Group similar parts together in labeled bags
Add final protection
03
01
Wrap the entire stroller frame in bubble wrap
02
Overlap wrap sections by 50% for full coverage
03
Secure wrap edges with packing tape
03
Test wrap security by running your hand over all areas
ALERT: Pay special attention to wheel axles and other sharp components – these frequently puncture boxes during transit.
Pack your stroller using the H-pattern method
06
Start with box preparation:
01
Assemble box according to manufacturer instructions
02
Line with heavy-duty plastic bags, overlapping at corners
03
Secure bags to box walls with packing tape
03
Reinforce all outer seams with H-pattern tape strips
05
Add protective layer to bottom and walls (foam or bubble wrap)
ALERT: Never skip the plastic bag lining – water damage during shipping voids most insurance claims.
Loading sequence:
01
Place box horizontally on floor for safer loading
02
Center the wrapped stroller frame
03
Distribute heavy parts (wheels, handlebars) evenly around frame
04
Fill gaps with packing peanuts or air pillows
05
Add final protective layer on top
PRO TIP: Test your packing quality by gently shaking the box. A well-packed stroller should make no noise. If you hear movement, add more cushioning material.
Quality check before sealing:
01
Check all corners are supported with cushioning
02
Place heavy parts at opposite ends to balance weight
03
Press firmly on box sides – no hollow spaces should exist
04
Verify plastic liner covers all seams and corners
05
Test box stability on each side
Seal and label your box
07
Seal the box:
01
Apply packing tape in an H-pattern on top and bottom
02
Cross-strap the box with packaging straps
03
Pull straps tight and secure with buckles
04
Reinforce all edges with additional tape
Add required labels:
Shipping label on box top and one side
“Fragile” stickers on all four sides
“Handle with Care” labels on front and back
Orientation arrows on opposite sides
Customs forms (for international shipments)
Double-check these label details:
Both addresses include zip/postal codes
Phone numbers for sender and recipient
Email addresses for tracking updates
Special handling instructions
Insurance documentation (if purchased)
ALERT: Place shipping labels flat (not over box edges) and cover completely with clear tape to prevent water damage.
Choose your shipping carrier and speed
08
Shipping a stroller across the country or internationally requires choosing between speed and cost. Ground shipping typically takes 3-5 business days but costs 3-4 times less than overnight service. Unless time is critical, ground shipping offers the best value for most situations.
Each carrier has specific weight limits for standard shipping:
UPS and FedEx: Maximum 150 lb (68 kg)
USPS: Maximum 70 lb (32 kg)
Your final cost mainly depends on weight, package dimensions, and speed.
Dimensions matter because carriers use dimensional weight pricing, which means large, light packages often cost more than small, heavy ones. A bulky stroller might cost more to ship than its actual weight suggests.
PRO TIP: Use our Dimensional weight calculator to check the estimated shipping costs for your stroller based on package size.
Here are example domestic shipping costs based on the Orbit Baby G5 (Los Angeles to New York City):
| Carrier | Overnight | 2 Business Days | 3-5 Business Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | $832 | $600 | $194 |
| FedEx | $999 | $787 | $192 |
| DHL | $672 | N/A | N/A |
| USPS | $625 | $263 | $197 |
And here are example international shipping costs based on the Orbitbaby G5 (New York City to London):
| Carrier | Overnight | 2 business days | 3-5 business days |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | $832 | $600 | $194 |
| FedEx | $999 | $787 | $192 |
| DHL | $672 | N/A | N/A |
| USPS | $625 | $263 | $197 |
Carrier shipping cost calculators:
PRO TIP: Ground shipping typically offers the best value. Express services cost 3-4 times more but only save 2-3 days on delivery time
Here are a few extra tips to save money:
Drop off your package at a carrier location instead of scheduling pickup.
If shipping multiple strollers to the same address, bundle them in one shipment when possible.
Always compare rates across carriers – prices can vary significantly for the same service level.
Send tracking and delivery instructions
09
Message your recipient immediately after shipping with:
Tracking number
Expected delivery date
Assembly instructions or link to stroller manual
Your contact information for questions
ALERT: Tell your recipient to inspect the delivery before accepting it. Carriers won’t honor damage claims after the recipient signs for the package.
Give these inspection instructions:
Check the box for holes, crush damage, or water stains
Take photos of any visible damage
Open the box while the carrier waits if possible
Reject the delivery if you spot serious damage
Document any damage with photos before unpacking
PRO TIP: Save all tracking notifications and delivery confirmations until the recipient confirms the stroller arrived safely. You’ll need this documentation if you need to file an insurance claim.
A warning on lithium-ion batteries
Some electric strollers contain lithium-ion batteries, which face special shipping rules:
Remove batteries when possible
Declare battery type and wattage
Check international customs restrictions
ALERT: Failing to declare lithium batteries can result in shipment rejection, fines, and possible legal penalties.
Scale your stroller business with professional fulfillment
Running an ecommerce stroller business? Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in shipping bulky, valuable items like strollers. Our fulfillment network ships to 96% of U.S. addresses within two days.
Red Stag handles your entire fulfillment operation:
Warehousing and inventory management
Professional packing and shipping
Deep carrier discounts
On-time delivery guarantees
We even pay you if we make a mistake. That’s how confident we are in our ability to protect and deliver your strollers safely.
Ready to focus on growing your business instead of packing boxes? Contact Red Stag Fulfillment to learn about our stroller shipping expertise.
