How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you're looking for a stroller that you can take on a trip or want a lightweight compact stroller that you can carry around on the go There are a lot of options. We've put them to the test to help you select the ideal travel stroller for your needs.
The stroller is light and easy to maneuver and drives well on different terrains. It folds into a small bag that fits inside the majority of overhead bins found on planes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can fold into a compact unit that is easily placed in overhead bins on planes or car trunks. You should look for strollers that fold with one hand, and without stooping. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that makes it simple to sling the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you're planning to spend a lot of walking during your trip, it's helpful to find an infant stroller with a large undercarriage basket which can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we tested, weighing just 13.7 pounds and easily fitting down airplane aisles or into overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver through crowds on city streets. It's not the ideal choice for running, rough terrain or quick outings.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs full-size features into a compact air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and provides an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive compared to other strollers we evaluated, but it's worthwhile for parents who use their stroller often while traveling.
Some strollers are designed to help to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 with its versatile design. It is simple to maneuver and can be folded or unfolded with one hand. It is compatible with all major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension and the swivel wheels guarantee an easy ride on roads, airports and cobblestones. Additionally, its convenient handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours takes popular stroller styles and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Itsy's stroller weighs less than the light Pockit however it comes with an extra durable frame, a powerful dual wheel suspension as well as a UPF50+ sun canopy as well as plenty of storage. It also has a self-standing fold that's easy to fold down, and it comes with a convenient carrying bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should choose a travel stroller that can be maneuvered easily in all terrains. This is especially important if you intend to use it for hiking or other activities where you may encounter rough terrain. Pick a stroller with a handlebar that is simple to use and wheels designed to be able to grip the surface. It should also be lightweight and maneuverable enough that you can easily lift, carry or store it with little effort.
A good choice is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an umbrella stroller with top ratings that's specifically designed for use on the road. It's a great choice for parents looking for a premium user-friendly product that has features that families want in a travel-friendly, stroller. They include an easy folding mechanism that folds down small and an extendable canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than other smaller strollers but it's a great choice on a variety terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than the other strollers that we reviewed, but it has many features that parents are looking for in a stroller. It has a simple-to-use handlebar that is easy to maneuver and is small enough to fit in the overhead bins on planes.
If you prefer a sleeker style, you should check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top umbrella stroller in our rankings and has a sleek, minimalist design that looks similar to a backpack it's folded. It's a little lighter than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage space and gets the highest score in terms of quality than other small travel strollers that we've tried.
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 to use with a number of children. It's a little more expensive than the other choices in our reviews but it's built with high-quality materials and earned a top rating for ease-of-use. It includes accessories like an umbrella and a rain cover that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to give your child a comfortable ride. Choose models with a large canopy and comfortable seats. They should also recline, which is important when you intend to use the stroller for napping during your trip. Also, make sure the seat is suitable to your child's size. Some travel strollers may be designed to be as compact and lightweight as they pushchairsandprams can, but this could result in a loss of the comfort of your child.
There are many options that combine design and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example is a stylish stroller which is both light and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is built to last for a long time, and its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness guarantee an easy ride. The Coya has an extensive canopy that offers excellent sun protection.
Another excellent option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and modern stroller that is designed to make travel with children as simple as possible. It has a one-handed fold mechanism and is light enough to fit in car trunks or overhead bins on airplanes. It comes with a range of accessories and customisations, including weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're in search of a travel stroller that doubles as a stroller for daily use, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. The spacious stroller moves smoothly and comes with all the features that parents appreciate like cup holders storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and has a large UPF 50+ canopy, which has a mesh peekaboo window.
A good choice for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible for many infant car seats. It's a great option for families that travel frequently. The compact fold and the maneuverability of this stroller allow you to travel through large cities and airports with ease.
A stroller that is used for travel should be comfortable for you and your baby. Pick a stroller that has an ample, cushioned seat that reclines to allow for naps on long journeys. The seat should also feature a a well-padded leg rest, as this can make for a more comfortable ride. Select a stroller that has a padded handle so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers that are designed for travel fold to be so compact that they can be stowed in tight car trunks or overcrowded overhead bins. They are usually lighter than 10 pounds and are easy to carry by anyone, even children.
UPPAbaby's Minu was one of the very first travel strollers that can be used as an everyday stroller. It's still a top choice among parents who are light packers and don't want their stroller to get gate-checked when they travel. This IATA-certified stroller can fit in almost all overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream off the plane, and has an array of innovative features (including the ability to fold with one hand, a massive sunshade, a comfy seat with multi-position recline, spacious undercarriage basket, padded handlebar with wrist strap and an easy foot brake that only takes one step).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller, but it feels like a luxury option. It is not the prettiest model or the most compact in our test, but it does have an easy-to-use frame, plenty of innovative features, such as the ability to recline and an padded brake. There's also a huge basket underneath the carriage, and a 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 slim lines and a variety of useful features. It was easy to maneuver on various surfaces, like shag and wood and the storage basket at the bottom can be used to store a backpack. The only drawback is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds), so it may not fit in the overhead bins of smaller aircrafts.
If you don't have plenty of space for storing your stroller at home, consider purchasing a bike shed, or creating a custom nook just for it. A garden shed is the perfect place to store your stroller, as it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It's also easy to access whenever you need it. A shed or nook could also be used as a secure spot to stash your stroller in case it gets lost or stolen when you're out.