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 lightweight, compact one to carry around. We've gone through them all to help you choose the ideal travel stroller that meets your needs.
The stroller's lightweight design glides effortlessly and is able to drive well on various terrains. It folds into a small bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins found on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers fold into a compact, easy-to-store package that can fit into overhead bins on planes as well as in trunks of cars. Look for models with one-hand folds that is able to be completed without any stooping or struggling. Some strollers come with a handy strap that allows you to easily carry it over your shoulders when it's not in use. If you plan to spend 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 and weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've ever tested, weighing only 13.7 pounds and being able to fit down aisles of airplanes or into overhead bins. It's also narrower than most other strollers which makes it easier to maneuver through crowds on streets in the city. It's not a good option for rough terrain or jogging, but it's perfect for city life and short excursions when you don't need to lug around a bigger stroller.
Another lightweight option is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size stroller features into a compact design that's suitable for air travel. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters are sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and offers a smooth ride on uneven surfaces. It's more expensive than the other travel strollers that we tested, but is an excellent choice for parents who use their stroller often when traveling.
Some travel strollers offer an easier way to transport them, like the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This model features an easy-to-manoeuvre design that folds and unfolded in one hand and is compatible with all major car seats. Its front wheel suspension as well as the swivel wheels guarantee a smooth ride on roads, airports and cobblestones. Additionally, its adjustable handlebar height can accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours takes popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for travelers. Itsy's stroller is lighter the light Pockit but it has an extra durable frame, a dynamic dual wheel suspension, a UPF50+ sun canopy as well as plenty of storage. It has a self standing fold that is simple to fold. It also comes with a handy carry bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
It is important to choose a stroller that is easy to maneuver on all terrains. This is especially true if you intend to use your stroller for hikes or adventures where you might 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 also be lightweight and maneuverable enough you can lift it and carry it or store it without much effort.
A great option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an extremely rated umbrella stroller made for travel. It's an excellent choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use, high-quality product with features that many families are looking for in a portable stroller, such as a compact fold and an extendable sun canopy.
It's a bit harder to push than other strollers with smaller wheels, but it handles well on all kinds of types of terrain 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 other strollers that we reviewed but it offers a variety of features that parents look for in a stroller. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar and is small enough to fit into the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you're looking for a sleeker design, consider the Zoe Traveler. It's also the highest-rated umbrella stroller based on our evaluations. It has a sleek and minimalist design, that makes it look like a backpack once folded. It's a little smaller than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage and earns the highest score in terms of quality than other compact strollers we've tried.
The Doona is a great stroller for traveling that's FAA approved for aircraft use (with the latch base) and requires no installation. It's also sturdy and comfortable enough for several children. It's more expensive than other options, but it is constructed of top-quality materials. It also earned a top rating for ease of use. It includes accessories like bags for travel and a rain cover, which other brands require you to buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel are designed to give your child an enjoyable ride. Find models with a large canopy and comfortable seats. They must also recline, which is crucial if you plan on using the stroller for napping during your travels. Also, make sure the seat is suitable to your child's size. Some travel strollers are designed to be as lightweight and compact as is possible However, this could come at the expense of the comfort of your child.
There are many options to combine the look and comfort. For instance the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded five-point harness ensure a comfortable ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that offers an excellent sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another great alternative. It is a sleek, innovative stroller designed to make traveling easy with children. It features a one-handed fold mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit into car trunks or overhead bins on airplanes. It is available with a wide range of accessories and customizations like weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a travel stroller that can double as a daily stroller look into the Uppababy G-Link 2. The large stroller is easy to maneuver and has all the features parents love, such as 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 window that peeks out.
A great option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller can be used with a variety of infant car seats which makes it a great option for families that frequently travel. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller allows you to navigate large cities and airports with ease.
A travel stroller must be comfortable for you and your baby. Select a stroller with an ample, cushioned seat that reclines to allow naps during long trips. Seats with well-padded legrests can make for an even more comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller that has a cushioned handle that you can use to 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 also often weigh less than 10 pounds, which makes them a breeze for anyone (including children) to carry.
The UPPAbaby Minu was among the very first travel strollers that could be used as a regular stroller. It's still a popular choice for parents who don't pack a lot and do not want their stroller be checked for gate access when they fly. The stroller is IATA-certified and can be tucked away in the majority of overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream off the plane, and comes with various smart features (including folding with one hand, huge sunshade, comfy seat with multi-position recline, spacious undercarriage basket, check here padded handbar with a wrist strap and a simple foot brake that is one step).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller, but it feels like a luxury option. It is not the prettiest or the most compact in our review but it has an easy-to-use frame, plenty of smart features, including a reclining mechanism and padding for the brake. It also has a large basket under the carriage as well as a one-handed fold. Plus, it's environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and 10 years of transferable warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, thanks to its slim profile and convenient features. In our tests, it swung easily over a variety of surfaces, including wood and shag carpet and its storage basket is big enough to fit in a backpack. It's only downside is its weight (at 17 pounds), which may prevent it from fitting into the overhead bins of smaller planes.
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, specifically, is a great place to store your stroller as it's weather-resistant and is protected from the elements. It's also accessible whenever you require it. A shed or nook can be a secure spot to stash your stroller in the event that it is stolen or lost when you're away.