How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you’re looking for a stroller to use on your travels or Car seat pram a light compact stroller that you can take on the go, there are plenty of great choices. We’ve put them all to the test to help you choose the ideal stroller to meet your needs.
The stroller’s lightweight design glides effortlessly and drives well on different terrains. It folds down into a tiny carrying bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can fold into a compact package that is easily stored in overhead bins on planes or car trunks. It is recommended to look for strollers that fold with one hand, without having to bend. Many models also have a handy carry strap that makes it simple to carry the stroller on your shoulder when you’re not using it. If you’re planning to do a lot of walking on your travels it is advisable to choose 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 just 13.7 pounds and being able to fit down airplane aisles or into overhead bins. It’s also smaller than other strollers and makes it easier to weave through crowds on streets in cities. It’s not the best choice for rough terrain or jogging, but it’s perfect for city life and short outings when you don’t want to carry around a larger stroller.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs full-size features into a compact air-friendly design. It’s compatible with Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are available separately) and comes with a large storage compartment. It also offers a smooth ride over bumpy surfaces. It’s more expensive than other travel strollers that we tried, but is an excellent choice for parents who use their stroller often while traveling.
Certain strollers for travel make it easier to transport them. One example is the baby stroller Jogger City Tour 2 that has a flexible design. This model is easy to maneuver and folds or unfolded with one hand. It is compatible with a variety of major car seat brands. Its front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide an easy ride on airports, pavements, and cobblestones. Its easy-to-use handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours make popular strollers more affordable for those who travel. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit, but offers sturdy frames, a powerful dual-wheel suspension and an UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It also has a self-standing fold that’s simple to fold down and comes with a convenient carry bag and carry strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
It is important to choose a stroller that is easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. This is especially important when you plan to take your stroller on hikes, or other excursions where you may encounter rough terrain. Look for a stroller with a simple-to-use handlebar and wheels that are designed to be able to grip the ground. It should also be lightweight and easy to maneuver so you can lift it, carry or store it without much effort.
A great option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an umbrella stroller with top ratings that’s specifically designed for use on the road. It’s a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use, high-quality product that offers features that many families would like in a stroller, such as a compact fold and an extendable sun canopy.
It’s a bit more difficult to push than other smaller strollers but it’s a great choice in a variety of terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It’s more expensive than many of the other strollers we’ve reviewed however it has an array of features that many parents want in a travel stroller. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar and is compact enough to fit into overhead bins of airplanes.
If you like a sleeker look then the Zoe Traveler is a great choice. It’s also a top umbrella stroller in our rankings and has an elegant, minimalist design that makes it look like a backpack when it’s folded. It’s a little lighter than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage space and gets a better score for quality than other compact strollers we’ve evaluated.
The Doona is a fantastic travel babiie stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no set-up. It’s also durable and easy to use with multiple children. It’s more expensive than some of the other choices in our reviews, but it’s made using high-quality materials and has was awarded a top score for ease-of-use. It also includes accessories like rain covers and a travel bag, that other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel provide your child with an enjoyable experience. Find models that are padded and come with a large canopy. If you intend to use the stroller as a napper during your trip, it is important that they recline. Also, ensure that the seat is appropriate for your child’s age. Some travel strollers are designed to be as lightweight and compact as possible however this may come at the expense of the user’s comfort.
There are many options that combine design and comfort. For example the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is light and robust. Its aluminum frame is built to last for a long time, and its antishock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure an enjoyable ride. The Coya features a large canopy for the best sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another great alternative. It is a sleek, modern stroller designed to make traveling easy for children. It comes with a single-hand fold mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit in the trunk of a car or overhead bins on planes. It comes with a wide range of accessories and customizations such as sun canopies and weather shields.
If you are seeking a travel buggy 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 has many features that parents appreciate including cup holders, storage compartments, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and it comes with a UPF50+ canopy that has the ability to peek out through the mesh.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good option for families with infant car seats. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats and makes it a good option for families that frequently travel. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller allow you to travel through busy airports and large cities.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for both you and your baby. Look for a model with an expansive and comfortable seat that can recline for napping on long trips. Seats with padded legrests make for a more comfortable ride. Also, you should choose a travel stroller that has a cushioned handle that can be used to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Contrary to the majority of strollers, a few travel-friendly models have ultra-compact folds that are ideal for stowing away in car trunks or crowded overhead bins. They are usually lighter than 10 pounds and simple to carry by anyone, even children.
UPPAbaby was among the first to dive into the “travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller” category and its Minu is an excellent choice for parents who don’t want to risk checking their strollers at the gate when they travel. This IATA-certified stroller can fit in almost all overhead bins, maneuvers like a dream from the plane, and comes with various smart features (including a one-handed fold, huge sunshade, comfy seat with a multi-position recline, a spacious undercarriage basket, and a padded handlebar with a wrist strap, and an easy, one-step foot brake).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that feels like 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 lots of smart features (including a reclining mechanism, a padded foot brake, a large undercarriage basket, and a simple one-handed fold). It’s also green and comes in recyclable packaging and has an extended warranty of 10 years.
Another option is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has an elongated profile and a variety of useful features. It’s easy to move on various surfaces, including wood and shag rug, and the bottom basket can hold a backpack. The only issue is that it’s a bit heavy (at 17 pounds) which means it might not fit in the overhead bins of smaller aircrafts.
If you don’t have much space to store your stroller, you may be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also build a custom nook for it. A garden shed, in particular, is a great place to store your stroller as it’s weather-resistant and protected from the elements. It’s also easily accessible whenever you require it. You can also use a shed or nook to store your stroller in the event that it’s stolen or lost.