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 each one to help you pick the most suitable travel stroller that suits your requirements.
The lightweight stroller glides easily and drives well on different terrains. It folds down into a tiny carrying bag and fits into most airplane overhead bins.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers fold down into a compact, easy-to-store package that can be tucked away in overhead bins on planes and in trunks of cars. Choose models that feature a one-hand fold that can be done without any stooping or fumbling. 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're planning to walk for a long time during your trip and need a stroller with a large basket under the seat is a good idea. It can be used to store large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact we tested. Weighing only 13.7 pounds, it will easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also narrower than most other strollers which makes it easier to navigate crowds on streets in the city. It's not the best choice for jogging or rough terrain however it's great for city living and quick outings where you don't have 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) and has a spacious storage bin, and offers a smooth ride on bumpy surfaces. It's a little more expensive than the other travel strollers that we've tested, however it's worth the price for parents who often use their stroller while traveling.
Certain strollers for travel allow for easier transport of them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 that has a flexible design. This model is easy to move and folds or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with all major car seat brands. Its front wheel suspension and swivel wheels ensure smooth travel on pavements, airports, and cobblestones. Additionally, its convenient handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours makes popular stroller models less expensive for travelers. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit and has a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension as well as the UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It also features an auto-standing fold that is easy to collapse and is equipped with a convenient carrying bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of travel stroller you pick should be easy to maneuver across all kinds of terrain. This is particularly true if you intend to use your stroller for hikes or adventures in which you will encounter rough surfaces. Look for a stroller with an easy-to-use handlebar and wheels designed to be able to grip the ground. It should be lightweight and easy to handle so you can easily lift, transport, or store it.
An excellent option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an umbrella stroller with top ratings that's made for travel. It's a great option for parents looking for a high-quality user-friendly product that has features that families want in a travel-friendly, stroller. It has a compact folding mechanism and an extendable canopy.
It's a little more difficult to push than other strollers with smaller wheels but it's a great choice on a variety 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 many features that parents are looking for in a stroller that travels. It has an easy-to-use handlebar, and is small enough to fit into overhead bins of airplanes.
If you're looking for a sleeker design, consider the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our ratings and has a sleek, minimalist design that looks like Pushchairs And Prams a backpack when it's folded. It's also a little lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and gets a higher score for quality than other strollers that we've test.
The Doona is a fantastic stroller that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It's also sturdy and comfortable enough for several children. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other choices in our reviews, but it's made of high-quality materials, and was awarded a top score for its user-friendliness. It also includes accessories, such as a rain cover and travel bag, that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers provide your child with the comfort of. Choose models with a big canopy and padded seats. They should also recline, which is important if you plan on using the stroller for napping during your trip. Be sure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some strollers are designed to be as light and compact as possible however this may come at the expense of comfort.
There are many options that combine design and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example is a stylish stroller which is lightweight and durable. The frame made of aluminum is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels as well as padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya has a large canopy for the best sun protection.
Another option that is worth considering is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and innovative stroller that is designed to make travel with kids as easy as is possible. It comes with a single-hand fold mechanism and is light enough to fit in the trunk of a car or overhead bins on planes. It is also available with a variety of accessories and customization options like weather shields, sun canopies, and snack tray.
If you are looking for a buggy for travel that can also be used an everyday stroller, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a excellent choice. This spacious stroller is easy to maneuver and comes with many features parents enjoy including cup holders and storage compartments, as well as 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 many infant car seats and makes it a good option for families that frequently travel. The compact fold and the maneuverability of this stroller allow you to maneuver through large cities and airports.
A stroller for travel is one that is comfortable for you and your child. Choose a model that has a wide, comfortable seat and can recline to allow naps on long journeys. Legrests that are well-padded can provide a more comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller with a padded handle that can be used to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Unlike most strollers, many models designed for travel have extremely compact folds that make them ideal for stowing in tight trunks of cars or overcrowded 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 companies to enter the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category and its Minu remains an excellent choice for light-packing parents who don't want to risk checking their strollers at the gate when they fly. The stroller is IATA-certified and easy to maneuver from the plane and fits in most overhead bins. It also comes with many smart features, including a single-handed folding mechanism as well as a large sunshade. an incredibly comfortable seat with multiple recline positions.
For a budget-friendly model that still feels like a luxurious stroller, consider the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest or most compact model in our review, but it does have sleek frame, easy-to-use controls, and a variety of smart features (including the ability to recline and a foot brake that is padded, a large undercarriage basket and a straightforward fold that only requires one hand). It's also environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging and has 10 years of warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong competitor, with its slim profile and many useful features. It's easy to move across different surfaces, like shag and wood and the storage basket at the bottom can be used to store a backpack. The only drawback is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds), so it may not fit in the overhead bins of smaller aircrafts.
If you don't have plenty of space for storing your stroller at home, consider purchasing a bike shed, or making a nook custom for it. A garden shed, particularly is a fantastic place to store your stroller because it's weatherproof and is protected from the elements. It's also accessible any time you're in need. A nook or shed can also be used as a secure place to store your stroller in the event that it is lost or stolen when you're out.