How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on whether you're looking for an ideal stroller for your travels or a lightweight, compact one to bring with you. We've gone through all of them to help you choose the most suitable travel stroller that meets your requirements.
A stroller with a light weight that glides smoothly and drives well over different terrains. It folds into a compact bag that fits inside most overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can fold into a compact package that is easily stored in overhead bins of planes and trunks of cars. Choose models that feature a one-hand fold that is able to be completed without any stooping or fumbling. Some also have a convenient carry strap that makes it easy to sling the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you plan to spend a lot of walking on your travels it's a good idea to get the stroller that has a large undercarriage basket which can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we've test. Weighing only 13.7 pounds, it can easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver in busy streets. It's not the best choice for jogging or rough terrain, but it's perfect for city living and quick outings when you don't want to carry around a larger stroller.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs all the features of a full-size car seat in a compact, air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters are sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and offers an effortless ride on uneven surfaces. It's a little more expensive than other travel strollers we've tested, but it's worth the price for parents who often utilize their stroller for travel.
Some strollers come with an easier way to transport them, such as the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It has a simple design that can be folded and unfolded using one hand and is compatible with all major brand car seats. Its front wheel suspension and swivel wheels ensure an easy ride on pavements, airports, and cobblestones. Additionally, its convenient handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours takes the most popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for families. Their stroller weighs less than the light Pockit however it has sturdy frames, a powerful dual-wheel suspension, a UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It has a self standing fold that is simple to collapse. It also comes with a convenient carry bag and carrying strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should choose a travel stroller that can be maneuvered easily in all kinds of terrain. This is particularly important when you plan to take your stroller for hikes or other excursions where you may encounter rough surfaces. Select a stroller that comes with a handlebar that is easy to use and wheels designed to grip the surface. It should be light and easy to hold so that it is easy to lift, carry, or even store it.
An excellent option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an extremely rated umbrella stroller designed for travel. It's an excellent option for parents who want an easy-to-use and high-quality product with features that many families want in a travel-friendly stroller, such as compact folding and an extendable sun canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than some of the smaller strollers in our ratings, but it's able to withstand various terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's pricier than some of the other travel strollers we've reviewed however, it comes with many features that parents would like in a stroller that travels. It has a simple-to-use handlebar that's easy to move and is small enough to fit into the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you're looking for a sleeker style, you should check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also the top-rated umbrella stroller, based on our evaluations. It's a minimalist and sleek design, that makes it look like a backpack when folded. It's also a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and gets the highest score for quality than the other small travel strollers we've tested.
The Doona is a fantastic stroller for travel, that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It's also sturdy and easy to use with multiple children. It's more expensive than the other options, but it is made of high-quality materials. more info It also earned the highest rating for ease of use. It also comes with other accessories like rain covers and a travel bag, that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel provide your child with an enjoyable experience. Make sure you choose models that are padded and come with a large canopy. They must also recline, which is crucial if you plan on using the stroller for naps during your trip. Be sure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some travel strollers may be designed to be as light and compact as they can be, but this could result in a loss of comfort.
There are a variety of options that combine style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller that is both lightweight and durable. Its aluminum frame will last a lifetime, while its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness guarantee a smooth ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that provides excellent sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is a different option. It is a sleek, modern stroller designed to make traveling easy for children. It comes with a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is lightweight enough to fit in car trunks or overhead bins of airplanes. It comes with a variety of accessories and customizations such as weather shields and sun canopies.
If you are seeking a travel buggy that can also be used as an everyday stroller, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a good choice. This sizable stroller maneuvers smoothly and has all the features parents love like cup holders and storage pockets, as well as an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and comes with an enormous UPF 50+ canopy, which has a mesh window that peeks out.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good choice for families who have infant car seats. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats. It's a great choice for families that travel frequently. Its compact fold and maneuverability allow you to easily navigate through busy airports and cities.
A stroller that is used for travel should be comfortable for you and your baby. Choose a stroller with an expansive and comfortable seat that reclines to nap during long journeys. The seat should also have an adequately cushioned leg rest, because this will make for an even more comfortable ride. Pick a stroller for travel with a cushioned handle so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many travel-friendly strollers fold up so small that they can be stored in trunks of cars and overcrowded overhead bins. They are also typically lighter than 10 pounds, making them easy for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby was among the first brands to venture into the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category and its Minu is still an excellent choice for light-packing parents who do not want to worry about gate-checking their stroller when they fly. This IATA-certified stroller fits in most overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream from the plane, and offers an array of innovative features (including folding with one hand, large sunshade, a comfortable seat with multi-position recline, spacious undercarriage basket, padded handlebar with a wrist strap and a simple foot brake that only takes one step).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that feels like a luxurious option. It's not the prettiest nor most compact model we review, but it has sleek frame, easy-to-use controls, and a variety of useful features (including a reclining mechanism and a foot brake that is padded and a large undercarriage basket and a straightforward, one-handed fold). It's also environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and the option of transferring a 10-year warranty.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has a slim profile and a variety of useful features. In our tests, it swung well over different surfaces, including wood and shag carpet and its storage basket is large enough for a backpack. The only drawback is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds) which means it might not fit in the overhead bin of smaller planes.
If you don't have much space to store your stroller, you may think about purchasing a bike shed. You can also design an individual nook for it. A garden shed, specifically, is a great place to store your stroller since it's weather-resistant and shielded from the elements. It's also easily accessible any time you're in need. You can also use a shed or nook to store your stroller in case it's lost or stolen.