How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
If you're looking for a stroller to take on a trip or a light compact stroller to carry around, there are plenty of great choices. We've gone through all of them to help you pick the most suitable travel stroller that suits your needs.
The lightweight stroller glides easily and is able to drive well on various terrains. It folds down into a tiny bag that fits in the majority of overhead bins for airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers fold into small, easy-to-store bags that fits into overhead bins on planes as well as in car trunks. It is recommended to look for models that fold using one hand, without having to bend. Some strollers come with a handy strap that allows you to easily sling it over your shoulder while not in use. If you're planning to do a lot of walking during your trip, it's helpful to find a stroller with an ample undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we tested. It weighs just 13.7 pounds, it will easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers which makes it easier to maneuver through crowds on streets in cities. It's not the ideal choice for running, rough terrain, or for quick excursions.
Another option that's lightweight is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size stroller features into a compact design suitable for air travel. It's compatible with Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are sold separately) It also has a spacious storage compartment. It also offers an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive compared to other travel strollers that we tried, but is worth it for parents who frequently use their stroller while traveling.
Some travel strollers offer an easier way to transport them, like the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This model is easy to maneuver and folds or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with many major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension, swivels and swivel wheels offer an easy ride across pavements, airports, and cobblestones. The handlebar height can be adjusted to meet the needs of parents of any height.
Contours makes popular strollers less expensive for travelers. Itsy's stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit however it comes with an enduring frame, dynamic dual wheel suspension as well as a UPF50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage. It has a self standing fold that is easy to fold. It is also equipped with a convenient carry bag and a strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should select a travel stroller that is easy to maneuver in all kinds of terrain. This is especially true when you plan to take your stroller for hikes or other activities where you could encounter rough terrain. Find a stroller that has an easy-to-use handlebar and wheels that are designed to hold the ground in a secure manner. It should be lightweight and easy to handle so you can easily lift it, carry, or even store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly rated umbrella stroller designed for travel. It's a great option for parents who want an easy-to-use, high-quality product with features that many families want in a travel-friendly stroller, such as compact folding and a sun canopy that can be extended.
It's a bit harder to push than other strollers with smaller wheels but it's a great choice on a variety terrains and is easy to turn. Another option that is worth considering is the GB Pockit, which is also a top-rated stroller. It's more expensive than some of the other travel strollers in our rankings however it has many features that parents are looking for in a stroller that travels. It has a simple handlebar and is compact enough to fit in the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker design, consider the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top umbrella stroller in our rankings and has a sleek, minimalist design that looks like a backpack when it's folded. It's lighter than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage space and gets the highest score in terms of quality than other smaller strollers we've evaluated.
The Doona is a great travel stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It's also durable and comfortable enough for many children. It's a little more expensive than some of the other options in our reviews but it's built with high-quality materials and was awarded a top score for ease-of-use. It also comes with other accessories, such as a rain cover and bags for travel, which other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel offer your child an enjoyable experience. Look for models that are cushioned and have a well-sized canopy. They must also recline, which is crucial when you intend to use the stroller for napping during your travels. Also, ensure that the seat is appropriate to your child's size. Some strollers are designed to be as compact and light as they can, but this could result in a loss of comfort.
There are a variety of options that combine style and comfort. For instance the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and robust. Its aluminum frame is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded five-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that offers an excellent sun protection.
Another great option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and innovative stroller that is designed to make travelling with kids as easy as possible. It has a one-handed fold mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit into trunks of cars or overhead bins on airplanes. It is also available with a wide range of accessories and options for customization like sun canopies, weather shields, and snack trays.
If you are looking for a travel buggy that can also be used a stroller for the day, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a good choice. The spacious stroller moves smoothly and comes with all the features that parents appreciate including cup holders and storage pockets, as well as an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and features an enormous UPF 50+ canopy with a mesh peekaboo window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good choice for families who have infant car seats. This stroller can be used with many infant car seats. It's a great choice for families who travel often. The compact fold and maneuverability of this stroller allow you to travel through large cities and airports.
A travel stroller must be comfortable for you and your baby. Find a model that has an expansive and comfortable seat that reclines to nap during long journeys. The seat should also feature a a well-padded leg rest, because this will make for an even more comfortable ride. Pick a stroller for travel that has a padded handle to allow you to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers designed for travel fold so small that they can be carried in small trunks of cars and overcrowded overhead bins. They typically weigh less than 10 pounds, making them easy for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby's Minu was one of the very first travel strollers that can be used as a regular stroller. It's get more info still a favorite among parents who don't pack a lot and do not want their stroller be checked at the gate when they fly. The stroller is IATA-certified and easy to get off the plane and fits in most overhead bins. It also comes with numerous smart features, including a single-handed folding mechanism, a large sunshade and a comfortable seat with various recline positions.
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that is an expensive option. It's not the prettiest or most compact model in our review, but it comes with sleek frame, easy-to-use controls, and plenty of clever features (including the ability to recline, a padded foot brake, a large undercarriage basket, and a simple, one-handed fold). Plus, it's environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and the option of transferring a 10-year warranty.
Another option is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has an elongated profile and a host of convenient features. It was easy to maneuver on various surfaces, including shag rug and wood and the storage basket at the bottom can accommodate a backpack. The only issue is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds), so it may not fit in the overhead bins of smaller airplanes.
If you don't have plenty of space for storing your stroller, think about purchasing a bike shed, or creating a nook specifically for it. A garden shed, in particular is a great spot to store your stroller as it's weatherproof and is protected from the elements. It's also easily accessible whenever you require it. A shed or nook can be a secure location to store your stroller in the event that it is stolen or lost when you're away.