How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you're looking for a stroller to use while you travel or you're looking for a lightweight compact stroller that you can carry around There are plenty of great choices. We've gone through them all to help you choose the most suitable stroller for your needs.
A stroller that is lightweight, glides smoothly and drives well across various terrains. It folds up into a small bag that fits inside most overhead bins on planes.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers fold up into a compact, easy-to-store package that can fit into overhead bins on planes and in car trunks. Find models that have a one-hand fold that can be done without any stooping or straining. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that allows you to easily sling it over your shoulders when not in use. If you plan to spend a lot of walking during your trip, it's helpful to find an infant stroller with a large undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've tested, weighing only 13.7 pounds and fitting down airplane aisles or into overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers making it easier to maneuver through crowds on city streets. It's not the best choice for running, rough terrain or for quick excursions.
Another lightweight option is the Nuna Aer+, which packs a full-size stroller into a compact design that's suitable for air travel. It is compatible with both Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are sold separately) It also has an ample storage compartment. It also offers an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than the other travel strollers we've tested, but it's worth the price for parents who regularly use their stroller while traveling.
Some strollers provide an easier way to transport them, such as the versatile Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This stroller has an easy-to-use design that folds and unfolded in one hand, and is compatible with most major car seats. The front wheel suspension and swivel wheels ensure an easy ride on airports, pavements, and cobblestones. Its easy-to-use handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours makes popular strollers more affordable for those who travel. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit however it has a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension, an UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It has a self standing fold that is easy to collapse. It also comes with a handy carry bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you choose must be able to maneuver across all kinds of terrain. This is especially important in the event that you plan to use it for adventures or hikes where you may encounter rough terrain. Choose a stroller with a user-friendly 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, transport, or store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly popular umbrella stroller designed for travel. It's a great option for parents who are seeking a top-quality, easy-to-use product that includes features that families want in a travel-friendly, stroller. It has the ability to fold down in a compact manner and an extended canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than the smaller travel strollers in our ratings, but it's able to withstand a variety of terrains and is easy to turn. Another option that is worth considering is the GB Pockit, which is also a rated stroller. It's more expensive than the other travel strollers we rated, but it has numerous features that parents website look for in a stroller. It has an easy-to-use handlebar, and is small enough to fit in the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker design, check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also the top-rated umbrella stroller, based on our reviews. It's a sleek and minimalist design, that makes it look like a backpack once folded. It's also a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and earns the highest score for quality than the other strollers that we've test.
The Doona is a great travel stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It is also sturdy and easy to use with a number of children. It's more expensive compared to other options, but it is constructed of top-quality materials. It also received a top score in terms of user-friendliness. It includes accessories like an umbrella and a rain cover that other brands require you to buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to give your child an enjoyable ride. Find models that are padded and have a well-sized canopy. They should also recline, which is essential when you intend to use the stroller to nap during your travels. Also, make sure the seat is appropriate for the size of your child. Some strollers are designed to be as lightweight and compact as possible, but this can come at the expense of the user's comfort.
There are many options that combine style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is built to last for a long time, while its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness guarantee an enjoyable ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that provides great sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another great alternative. It is a sleek, innovative stroller designed to make traveling simple for children. It comes with a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is lightweight enough to fit in trunks of cars and overhead bins on airplanes. It can also be purchased with a wide range of accessories and customization options including weather shields, sun canopies, and snack tray.
If you are looking for a buggy for travel that can also function as a stroller for the day, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a good choice. This large stroller is easy to maneuver and has many features that parents appreciate including cup holders, storage compartments, an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and comes with large UPF 50+ canopy, which has the mesh peekaboo window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good choice for families who have infant car seats. This stroller is compatible with various infant car seats and makes it a good choice for families who frequently travel. Its compact fold and mobility allow you to easily navigate through busy cities and airports.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for you and your child. Select a stroller with an ample, cushioned seat and can recline to allow naps on long journeys. The seat should also come with a well-padded leg rest, because this will make for an extra comfortable ride. Pick a stroller for travel with a comfortable handle so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Contrary to the majority of strollers, a few travel-friendly models have ultra-compact folds that are ideal to fit into tight trunks of cars or overcrowded overhead bins. They are also typically lighter than 10 pounds, which makes them a breeze for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby was one of the first brands to venture into the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category, and its Minu is still a top pick among light-packing parents who don't want to risk gate-checking their stroller when they fly. This IATA-certified stroller fits in most overhead bins, moves like a dream on the plane, and has an array of innovative features (including folding with one hand, massive sunshade, a comfy seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, padded handlebar with wrist strap and an easy, one-step foot brake).
For a budget-friendly model that is still a luxury stroller, check out the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest nor most compact model we review, but it comes with an elegant frame, simple controls, and plenty of smart features (including a reclining mechanism, a padded foot brake as well as a huge undercarriage basket and a simple fold that only requires one hand). It's also green, comes in recyclable packaging and comes with an extended warranty of 10 years.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, thanks to its slim profile and a host of convenient features. In our tests, it moved well over different 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), so it may not fit into the overhead bins of smaller aircrafts.
If you don't have enough space to store your stroller, you might think about purchasing a bike shed. You can also create an area specifically for it. A garden shed, particularly, is a great place to store your stroller because it's weather-resistant and shielded from the elements. It is also easily accessible any time you're in need. A shed or nook could also serve as a safe location to store your stroller in the event that it's stolen or lost while you're away.