How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
If you're looking for a stroller to take on a trip or you're looking for a lightweight, compact stroller to carry around on the go There are plenty of options. We've put them to the test to help you pick the ideal travel stroller to meet your requirements.
The lightweight stroller glides easily and drives well on different terrains. It folds down into a tiny carrying bag and fits into the majority of overhead bins for airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers fold down into small, easy-to-store bags that can be tucked away in overhead bins on planes as well as in trunks of cars. You should look for strollers that fold with one hand, and without having to bend. Some strollers come with a handy strap that allows you to easily sling it over your shoulder while you are not using it. If you're planning on walking for a long time during your trip, a stroller with an enormous basket under the seat could be helpful. It can hold large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we test. 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 on city streets. It's not the best option for rough terrain or jogging, but it's perfect for city living and quick outings where you don't have to carry around a larger stroller.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs features of full-size into a compact air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters are sold separately) It also has a large storage bin, and offers a smooth ride on uneven surfaces. It's more expensive than other strollers we tried, but is worthwhile for parents who frequently use their stroller when traveling.
Some strollers provide an easier way to transport them, like the versatile Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This model is easy to maneuver and can be folded or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with many major car seat brands. Its front wheel suspension as well as swivel wheels ensure a smooth ride on airports, pavements, and cobblestones, and its adjustable handlebar height can accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours makes popular strollers more affordable for those who travel. Their stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit and has a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension and the UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It also has a self-standing fold that's easy to fold and comes with a convenient carrying bag and a strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of travel stroller you pick must be able to maneuver across all kinds of terrain. This is particularly true if you intend to use it for hikes or adventures where you might encounter rough surfaces. Select a stroller that comes with a handlebar that is easy to operate and wheels that are designed to grip the surface. It should be light and easy to handle so you can easily lift, carry, or even store it.
A good choice 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 want in a travel-friendly stroller, including the ability to fold down small and a sun canopy that extends.
It's a little more difficult to push than other smaller travel strollers, but it handles well on all kinds of terrains and is easy turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than many of the other strollers in our ratings however it has a wide range of features that parents would like in a stroller that travels. It has a simple-to-use handlebar that is easy to maneuver and is small enough to fit in the overhead bins on planes.
If you prefer a sleeker look, the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our ratings and has a minimalist, sleek design that makes it look like a backpack when it's folded. It's also a little lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and earns an overall higher score for quality than the other strollers that we've tried.
The Doona is a great stroller for traveling that's FAA approved for aircraft more info use (with the latch base) and requires zero setup. It is also sturdy and suitable for families with multiple children. It's more expensive than other options, but it is made of high-quality materials. It also got an excellent score in terms of user-friendliness. It includes accessories like a travel bag and rain cover that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel provide your child with a comfortable experience. Make sure you choose models that are padded and have a well-sized canopy. 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 appropriate for your child's size. Some travel strollers may be designed to be as compact and lightweight as they can, but this can compromise comfort.
There are a variety of options that combine the look and comfort. For instance the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is light and durable. Its aluminum frame is built to last a lifetime, while its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness ensure an enjoyable ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that provides great sun protection.
Another excellent option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and modern stroller that is designed to make travelling with kids as easy as is possible. It has a one-handed folding mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit in trunks of cars and overhead bins on airplanes. It can also be purchased with a range of accessories and customisation options, such as 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 great option. This large stroller is easy to maneuver and comes with many features parents enjoy such as cup holders, storage compartments, an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat reclines, and it has a UPF50+ canopy, with the ability to peek out through the mesh.
A great option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with various infant car seats which makes it a great option for families that frequently travel. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller will allow you to travel through large cities and airports.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for both you and your baby. Select a stroller with a large, padded seat that reclines to allow for naps on long trips. The seat should also have an adequately cushioned leg rest since this can provide an extra comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller with a padded handle that you can use to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers that are designed for travel fold to a size that allows them to be stowed in tight car trunks and crowded overhead bins. They are usually lighter than 10 pounds and are easy to carry by anyone, even children.
UPPAbaby's Minu was among the very first travel strollers that could also be used as an everyday stroller. It's still a popular choice for parents who pack light and don't want their stroller to get gate-checked when they travel. This IATA-certified stroller can fit in almost all overhead bins, moves like a dream on the plane, and comes with various smart features (including the ability to fold with one hand, a large sunshade, a comfortable seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, padded handbar with a wrist strap and a simple, one-step foot brake).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that feels like a luxurious option. It's not the prettiest or most compact model in our review, but it comes with sleek 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 straightforward fold that only requires one hand). It's also green and comes in recyclable packaging and has an extended warranty of 10 years.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has a slim profile and a plethora of practical features. In our tests, it maneuvered well across a variety of surfaces including shag and wood carpet, and its bottom storage basket is large enough to fit in a backpack. The only drawback is its weight (at 17 pounds), which may prevent it from fitting into the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have a lot of space for storing your stroller at home, consider purchasing a bike shed or creating a nook specifically for it. A garden shed, in particular is a fantastic place to store your stroller as it's weather-resistant and shielded from the elements. It's also easy to access whenever you require it. A shed or nook could also serve as a safe place to store your stroller in case it gets lost or stolen when you're out.