How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you're looking for a stroller to take on a trip or you're looking for a lightweight compact stroller that you can carry around on the go There are plenty of options. We've tried all of them to help you choose the best travel stroller that meets your needs.
A stroller that is lightweight, is smooth and easy to drive across various terrains. It folds down into a small bag that fits inside the majority of overhead bins found on planes.
Easy to Fold
The best travel strollers can be folded into a compact size that can easily be placed in overhead bins of planes or car trunks. Look for models with a one-hand fold that doesn't require any stooping or struggling. Some strollers come with a handy strap that allows you to easily carry it over your shoulder when you are not using it. If you plan to spend a lot of walking during your trip, it's helpful to find a stroller with an ample undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we've test. Weighing only 13.7 pounds, it can easily fit into airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers making it easier to maneuver around crowds in city streets. It's not the best option for running, rough terrain, or short outings.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs full-size features in a compact, air-friendly design. It is compatible with both Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are sold separately) It also has a spacious storage compartment. It also offers an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's a little more expensive than other strollers we tested, but it's well worth the cost for parents who frequently utilize their stroller for travel.
Certain strollers for travel allow for easier transport of them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2, which has a versatile design. It has a simple design that folds and unfolded with one hand and is compatible with the majority of major car seats. Its front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide smooth travel on roads, airports and cobblestones, and its convenient handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours makes popular strollers less expensive for travelers. Their stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit and has sturdy frames, a powerful dual-wheel suspension as well as an UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It also has a self-standing fold that's easy to fold down, and it is equipped with a convenient carrying bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should select a travel stroller that is easy to maneuver on all terrains. This is especially true when you plan to use your stroller for adventures or hikes where you might encounter rough surfaces. Select a stroller that comes with an easy-to-use handlebar to use and has wheels designed to be able to grip the surface. It should also be lightweight and manageable so that you can easily lift, carry or store it with minimal effort.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly reviewed umbrella stroller that is made for travel. It's an excellent option for parents seeking an easy-to-use, high-quality product that has features that a lot of families are looking for in a portable stroller, such as compact folding and a sun canopy that can be extended.
It's a little more difficult to push than other smaller 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, but it offers many features that parents are looking for in a stroller for travel. It has a simple handlebar and is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker style, you should check out the Zoe Traveler. It is also the top-rated umbrella stroller, based on our ratings. It's a sleek and minimalist design which makes it appear like a backpack when folded. It's also a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and scores an overall higher score for quality than the other small travel strollers we've tried.
The Doona is a great stroller that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no setup. It's also sturdy and comfortable enough for several children. It's a little more expensive than some of the other options in our reviews but it's built of high-quality materials, and was awarded a top score for ease-of-use. It also includes get more info accessories like a rain cover and travel bag, that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to give your child a comfortable ride. Make sure you choose models that are padded and come with a large canopy. They must also recline, which is crucial for those who plan to use the stroller for naps during your travels. Also, ensure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some strollers for travel are designed to be as light and compact as they can be, but this can compromise comfort.
There are many options that combine style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller that is both light and sturdy. Its aluminum frame will last a lifetime, while its antishock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya also comes with a large canopy that offers an excellent sun protection.
Another option that is worth considering is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and unique stroller that is designed to make travelling with kids as easy as possible. It has a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is lightweight enough to fit in the trunks of cars or overhead bins on airplanes. It can also be purchased with a range of accessories and options for customization like sun canopies, weather shields and snack trays.
If you're 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 sizable stroller maneuvers smoothly and comes with all the features parents love including cup holders and storage pockets, as well as an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and it has a UPF50+ canopy with a peekaboo mesh window.
A good option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible for many infant car seats. It's an excellent choice for families that travel frequently. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller allows you to travel through large cities and airports with ease.
A stroller that is used for travel should be comfortable for you and your child. Select a stroller with a wide, comfortable seat that reclines to allow naps on long journeys. Seats with well-padded legrests can make for a more comfortable ride. Pick a stroller for travel that has a padded handle, so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Unlike most strollers, many models that are designed for travel feature ultra-compact folds that make them ideal to fit into tight trunks of cars or overcrowded overhead bins. These strollers are often lighter than 10 pounds and are easy to carry by anyone, including children.
UPPAbaby was one of the first brands to venture into the "travel stroller that doubles as an everyday stroller" category and its Minu is still an excellent choice for light-packing parents who don't want to risk having their stroller checked at the gate every time 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 clever features, such as a one-handed folding mechanism as well as a large sunshade. an incredibly comfortable seat with multiple recline positions.
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that is a luxury option. It's not the prettiest nor most compact model we review, but it comes with an elegant frame, simple controls, and lots of clever features (including a reclining mechanism, a padded foot brake, a large undercarriage basket, and a simple, one-handed fold). Plus, it's environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and a 10-year transferable warranty.
Another top contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has an elongated profile and a host of convenient features. In our tests, it moved well over different surfaces including shag and wood carpet, and its bottom storage basket is large enough to be a backpack. The only issue is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds) which means it might not fit into the overhead bin of smaller planes.
If you do not have enough space to store your stroller, you might be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also build an area specifically for it. A garden shed is the ideal place to store a stroller, since it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It is also easily accessible any time you're in need. A shed or nook could also serve as a safe place to store your stroller in case it's stolen or lost while you're away.