How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are plenty of options depending on whether you're looking for an ideal stroller for your travels or a lightweight, compact one to carry around. We've tested them all to help you select the ideal travel stroller that suits your requirements.
The lightweight stroller glides easily and drives well on different terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag that fits inside the majority of overhead bins on planes.
Easy to Fold
The best travel strollers fold into an easy-to-store, compact package that can be tucked away in overhead bins on planes as well as in car trunks. Look for models with one-hand folds that can be done without any stooping or struggling. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that lets you effortlessly carry it over your shoulder when you are not using it. If you're planning to spend a lot of time walking during your trip it's a good idea to get an infant stroller with an ample undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we tested, weighing only 13.7 pounds and fitting down aisles in airplanes or overhead bins. It's also narrower than most other strollers and makes it easier to navigate crowds on city streets. It's not a good option for jogging or rough terrain, but it's perfect for city life and short outings when you don't want to lug around a bigger stroller.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight option. It packs all the features of a full-size car seat into a compact air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately), 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 worthwhile for parents who use their strollers frequently when traveling.
Some strollers come with a more convenient way to transport them, for instance the multi-purpose Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This model is simple to maneuver and can be folded or folded with just one hand. It is compatible with many major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension, swivels, and the swivel wheels give you an easy ride across pavements, airports, and cobblestones. The handlebar height can be adjusted to fit parents of any height.
Contours makes popular stroller models more affordable for those who travel. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit and has solid frame, a robust dual-wheel suspension, an UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It also features a self-standing fold that's simple to collapse and comes with a convenient carrying bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you choose should be easy to maneuver over all kinds of terrain. This is especially true in the event that you intend to use your stroller for hikes or other activities where you could encounter rough surfaces. Pick a stroller with a handlebar that is easy to use and wheels designed to be able to grip the surface. It should be lightweight and easy to hold so that you can easily lift, carry, or even store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly popular umbrella stroller designed for travel. It's a great option for parents who are looking for a premium, easy-to-use product that includes features that a lot of families would like to have in a travel-friendly, stroller. They include an easy folding mechanism that folds down small and an extended canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than other strollers with smaller wheels, but it handles well in a variety of terrains and is easy turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's pricier than some of the other travel strollers in our ratings however, it comes with a wide range of features that parents would like in a stroller that travels. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar, Push Chairs And Prams UK and is small enough to fit into overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker design, consider the Zoe Traveler. It's also the top-rated umbrella stroller based on our evaluations. It has a sleek and minimalist design, which makes it look like a backpack when folded. It's also lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and gets the highest score for quality compared to the other smaller strollers we've tested.
The Doona is another great stroller for travel that is FAA aircraft-approved (with the latch base) and doesn't require any installation. It's also durable and easy to use with a number of children. It's more expensive than the other choices in our ratings, but it's made using high-quality materials and has earned a top rating for its user-friendliness. 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 an enjoyable ride. Choose models with a large canopy and comfortable seats. They should also recline, which is essential if you plan on using the stroller for napping during your travels. Also, ensure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some strollers are designed to be as compact and light as possible, however this could result in a loss of the comfort of your child.
There are plenty of alternatives that offer style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller which is both light and durable. Its aluminum frame is constructed to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded five-point harness ensure a comfortable ride. The Coya also has a large canopy that offers an excellent sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another great alternative. It is a sleek, innovative stroller that is designed to make travel simple for children. It has a one-handed folding mechanism and is light enough to fit into trunks of cars and overhead bins on airplanes. It comes with a wide range of accessories and customisations, including weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a buggy for travel that can also be used as a daily stroller then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a great option. The spacious stroller moves smoothly and has all the features that parents love including cup holders and storage pockets, as well as an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy that has the mesh peekaboo window.
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, making it a convenient choice for families who frequently travel. Its compact fold and movability let you easily navigate through busy airports and cities.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for both you and your child. Choose a model that has a large, padded seat and can recline to allow naps on long journeys. The seat should also come with an adequately cushioned leg rest, as this can make for a more comfortable ride. Make sure you choose a stroller with a padded handle that you can use to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
In contrast to most strollers, some models designed for travel have extremely compact folds that make them ideal for stowing away in car trunks or crowded overhead bins. They are also typically lighter than 10 pounds, which makes them easy for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby was one of the first to dive into the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category and its Minu remains the top choice among parents who don't want to risk having their stroller checked at the gate every time they fly. The stroller that is IATA-certified is simple to move off the plane and fits into the majority of overhead bins. It also comes with a number of clever features, such as a single-handed folding mechanism, a large sunshade and a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to several recline positions.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly stroller that still feels like a luxury stroller, check out the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It is not the most beautiful model nor the smallest in our review but it has an easy-to-use frame and a lot of clever features, including the ability to recline and an padded brake. There's also a huge basket under the carriage as well as the ability to fold it with one hand. It's also environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging, and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has a slim profile and a plethora of practical features. It's easy to maneuver on different surfaces including wood and shag rug, and the bottom storage basket can be used to store a backpack. Its only flaw is its weight (at 17 pounds) that could hinder it from fitting in the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have a lot of space for storing your stroller, think about buying a bike shed or creating a custom nook just for it. A garden shed, particularly, is a great place to store your stroller since it's weatherproof and is protected from the elements. It's also easily accessible whenever you need it. A shed or nook could be a secure spot to stash your stroller in the event that it's lost or stolen when you're away.