How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
If you're seeking a stroller to take on a trip or want a lightweight compact stroller to carry around There are plenty of options. We've put them all to the test to help you choose the best travel stroller to meet your needs.
A lightweight stroller that is smooth and easy to drive across different terrains. It folds down into a tiny carrying bag that fits inside most overhead bins on planes.
Easy to Fold
The best travel strollers can fold into a compact size which can be easily put in overhead bins of planes or car trunks. Find models that have a one-hand fold that is able to be completed without any stooping or straining. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that lets you effortlessly carry it over your shoulder while not in use. If you're planning on walking for a long time on your travels and need a stroller with an ample basket underneath the seat can be useful. It can hold large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact we tested. Weighing only 13.7 pounds, it's able to easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It is also narrower than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver through crowds on city streets. It's not the best choice for rough terrain or jogging but it's ideal for city life and short excursions when you don't need to carry a larger stroller.
Another option that is lightweight is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size strollers into a compact design that's suitable for air travel. It's compatible with Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are sold separately), and has an ample storage compartment. It also offers an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's a bit more expensive than other travel strollers that we've tested, however it's worth the price for parents who often use their stroller when traveling.
Some strollers are designed to make it easier to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 with its versatile design. It has a simple design that folds and unfolded with one hand, and is compatible with all major car seats. Its front wheel suspension as well as the swivel wheels guarantee an easy ride on roads, airports and cobblestones. Its adjustable handlebar height can accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours takes the most popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for families. Itsy's stroller is lighter the lightweight Pockit but it has an enduring frame, a dynamic dual wheel suspension and a UPF50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage. It also has an auto-standing fold that is easy to collapse, and it is equipped with a convenient carrying bag and a strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should choose a travel stroller that is easy to maneuver in all types of terrain. This is especially important in the event that you plan to use it for hiking or other activities where you may encounter rough terrain. Select a stroller that comes with a handlebar that is easy to use and wheels designed to be able to grip the surface. It should also be lightweight and manageable so you can lift it, carry or store it without much effort.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly reviewed umbrella stroller that is made for travel. It's a great option for parents looking for a high-quality user-friendly product that has features that a lot of families would like to have in a stroller designed for travel. They include the ability to fold down in a compact manner and an extendable canopy.
It's a little more difficult to push than other smaller travel strollers, but it handles well on a variety terrains and is easy turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other strollers that we reviewed, but it has a variety of features that parents look for in a stroller. It has an easy-to-use handlebar and is compact enough to fit in the 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's a sleek and minimalist design, which makes it look like a backpack once folded. It's smaller than the GB Pockit, but it offers more storage and a better score for quality than other small travel strollers that we've tested.
The Doona is a great stroller for travel that is FAA aircraft-approved (with the latch base) and requires no set-up. It's also sturdy and comfortable enough for many children. It's a bit more expensive than the other options in our reviews however, it's constructed with high-quality materials and received a top rating for ease-of-use. It includes accessories like bags for travel and a rain cover, which other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel are designed to give your child an enjoyable ride. Make sure you choose models that are cushioned and have a well-sized canopy. If you intend to use the stroller as a napper on your journey, it is important to recline. Also, make sure the seat is appropriate for your child's size. Some travel strollers may be designed to be as compact and light as possible, however this could result in a loss of the comfort of your child.
There are many options to combine style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example is a stylish stroller that is both light and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is constructed to last, while its anti-shock wheels as well as padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya has a large canopy for great sun protection.
Another great option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and modern stroller designed to make travelling with children as simple as it can be. It features a one-handed fold mechanism, and is light enough to fit into car trunks or overhead bins on airplanes. It can also be purchased with a wide range of accessories and options for customization including weather shields, sun canopies, and snack tray.
If you're looking for a travel buggy that can also function as an everyday stroller, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a good choice. This spacious stroller is easy to maneuver and has many features parents enjoy such as cup holders, storage compartments, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The large seat reclines and comes with large UPF 50+ canopy with the mesh peekaboo window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good option for families with infant car seats. This stroller is compatible for various infant car seats. It's an excellent choice for families that travel frequently. The compact fold and maneuverability of this stroller will allow you to navigate large cities and airports.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for both you and your child. Choose a stroller with an ample and comfortable seat that can recline to nap during long journeys. Seats with well-padded legrests can make for a more comfortable ride. Make sure you choose a stroller with a padded handle that can be used to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
In contrast to most strollers, some models that are designed for travel feature ultra-compact folds that are ideal to fit into tight car trunks or crowded overhead bins. These strollers are typically lighter than 10 pounds and easy to carry by anyone, including children.
UPPAbaby was one of the first to dive into the "travel stroller that doubles as an everyday stroller" category, and its Minu is a top pick among light-packing parents who do not want to worry about gate-checking their stroller when they fly. This IATA-certified stroller can be tucked away in the majority of overhead bins, moves like a dream from the plane, and comes with an array of innovative features (including the ability to fold with one hand, a massive sunshade, a comfy seat with a multi-position recline and click here a large undercarriage basket, and a padded handlebar with a wrist strap and an easy foot brake that only takes one step).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that is a luxury option. It's not the prettiest nor the smallest model in our review, but it has a streamlined frame, easy-to-use controls, and a variety of useful features (including the ability to recline as well as a padded foot brake as well as a huge undercarriage basket, and a simple fold that only requires one hand). Plus, it's environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging and 10 years of transferable warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, thanks to its slim profile and convenient features. It's easy to move on different surfaces including wood and shag rug, and the bottom storage basket can hold a backpack. The only drawback is its weight (at 17 pounds) that could hinder it from fitting in the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have lots of space to store your stroller at home, think about buying a bike shed or creating a nook specifically for it. A garden shed is the ideal location to store a stroller since it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It is also easily accessible whenever you need it. You can also make use of an area or shed to store your stroller if it's stolen or lost.