How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are many options available for you to choose from, whether you need an ideal stroller for your travels or a compact, lightweight one to take with you. We've tried them all to help you choose the ideal travel stroller that suits your needs.
A lightweight stroller that can be easily walked on and is able to drive over different terrains. It folds down into a compact bag that fits inside the majority of overhead bins found on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best travel strollers can fold into a compact unit which can be easily stored in overhead bins on planes or trunks of cars. Look for models that fold with only one hand, with no having to stoop. Many models also have a handy carry strap that allows you to carry the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you plan to walk a lot during your trip, a stroller that has a large basket under the seat could be helpful. It can accommodate large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.
The light 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 smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver in busy streets. It's not the best option for jogging or rough terrain, but it's perfect for city life and quick outings when you don't want to carry a larger stroller.
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 a smooth ride on bumpy surfaces. It's a bit more expensive than the other travel strollers we've tested, but it's worth it for parents who often utilize their stroller for travel.
Some strollers are designed to make it easier to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 that has a flexible design. This model is easy to move and folds or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with a variety of major car seat brands. Its front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide an easy ride on airports, pavements, and cobblestones. Additionally, its convenient handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours takes popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit and has a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension as well as the UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It also features a self-standing fold that's easy to collapse and comes with a convenient carrying bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should select a travel stroller that is easy to maneuver on all terrains. This is especially important if you plan to use your stroller on hikes, or other adventures where you might encounter rough terrain. Pick a stroller with a handlebar that is easy to use and has wheels designed to grip the surface. It should also be light and manageable so 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 designed for travel. It's a good option for parents who want an easy-to-use, high-quality product that has features that a lot of families are looking for in a portable stroller, such as the ability to fold down small and an extendable sun canopy.
It's a bit harder to push than other smaller travel strollers, but it handles well in a variety of types of terrain and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other strollers we evaluated however it comes with numerous features that parents look for in a stroller. It has a straightforward handlebar that's easy to move and is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins on airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker style, you should check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top umbrella stroller in our ratings and has a sleek, minimalist design that makes it look like a backpack when it's folded. It's lighter than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage and earns the highest score in terms of quality than other small travel strollers that we've tried.
The Doona is a great stroller for travel, that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no setup. It's also durable and comfortable to use with a number of children. It's more expensive than the other alternatives, but it's constructed of top-quality materials. It also received the highest score in terms of user-friendliness. It also comes with other accessories like an umbrella and bags for travel, which other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to provide your child with a comfortable ride. Make sure you choose models that are padded and with a spacious canopy. If you plan to use the stroller as a napper during your trip, it is important that they recline. Also, ensure that the seat is suitable for the size of your child. Some strollers for travel are designed to be as light and compact as possible, however this could compromise comfort.
There are many options that combine the look and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example is a stylish stroller that is both lightweight and durable. Its aluminum frame is built to last for a long time, and its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness ensure an easy ride. The Coya features a large canopy for great sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another excellent option. It is a sleek and innovative stroller that is designed to make travel easy with children. It has a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is lightweight enough to fit in trunks of cars and overhead bins of airplanes. It is also available with a variety of accessories and options for customization including sun canopies, weather shields, and snack tray.
If you're in search of a travel stroller that doubles as a regular stroller take a look at the Uppababy G-Link 2. This sizable stroller maneuvers smoothly and has all the features parents love including cup holders and storage pockets, as well as an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and has large UPF 50+ canopy, which has a mesh window that peeks out.
A good choice for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats and makes it a good choice for families who frequently travel. Its compact fold and mobility let you easily navigate busy airports and cities.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for you and your infant. Choose a model that has a wide, comfortable seat that reclines to allow for naps on long journeys. Legrests that are well-padded can make for a more comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller with a comfortable handle that can be used to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many travel-friendly strollers fold up to a size that allows them to be stowed in tight car trunks or overcrowded overhead bins. These strollers are typically lighter than 10 pounds and simple to carry by anyone, including children.
UPPAbaby's Minu was one of the very first travel strollers that could also be used as an everyday stroller. It is still a favorite among parents who don't pack a lot and don't want their stroller to be checked for gate access when they fly. The stroller is IATA-certified and simple to move off the plane and fits into most overhead bins. It also has a number of clever features, such as the ability to fold with one hand, a here large sunshade and an incredibly comfortable seat with multiple recline positions.
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller, but it feels like an expensive option. It's not the most beautiful model nor the most compact in our review but it has an easy-to-use frame, and lots of clever features, including an adjustable reclining mechanism as well as a padded brake. There's also a large basket under the carriage as well as an easy fold with one hand. It's also environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging and 10 years of transferable warranty.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has slim lines and a host of convenient features. In our tests, it swung well across a variety of surfaces, including wood and shag carpet and its bottom storage basket is big enough to be a backpack. The only downside is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds) and therefore may not fit in the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have much space to store your stroller, then you might be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also design a custom nook for it. A garden shed, specifically is a great spot to store your stroller as it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It's also accessible when you need it. A shed or nook can also serve as a safe place to store your stroller in case it is lost or stolen when you're out.