How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are a variety of options to choose from, whether you want an ideal stroller for your travels or a lightweight, compact one to carry around. We've put them all to the test to help you select the ideal travel stroller for your requirements.
A stroller that is lightweight, can be easily walked on and is able to drive across 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 travel strollers can fold into a compact size that is easily put in overhead bins on planes or car trunks. Look for strollers that fold with one hand, and without having to bend. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that makes it simple to sling the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you're planning on walking often during your trip, a stroller with a large basket under the seat could be helpful. It can be used to store large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've ever tested, weighing just 13.7 pounds and getting into aisles in airplanes or overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers, making it easier to weave through crowds on streets in cities. It's not the best choice for rough terrain or jogging however it's great for city life and short excursions when you don't need to carry a larger stroller.
Another lightweight option is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size strollers into a compact design suitable for travel on air. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and a smooth ride on bumpy surfaces. It's a bit more expensive than the other travel strollers we tested, but it's worth the price for parents who frequently utilize their stroller for travel.
Some travel strollers allow for easier transport of them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 that has a flexible design. This model is simple to move and folds or unfolded with one hand. It is compatible with all major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension, swivels and swivel wheels offer smooth travel across pavements, airports, and cobblestones. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted to meet the needs of parents of any height.
Contours takes the most popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit and has sturdy frames, a powerful dual-wheel suspension and a UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It features a self-standing fold that is easy to fold. It also comes with a handy carry bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you pick must be able to maneuver over all kinds of terrain. This is especially true when you plan to take your stroller on hikes, or other excursions where you may encounter rough terrain. Look for a stroller with an easy-to-use handlebar and wheels that are 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.
A good choice 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 option for parents who want an easy-to-use, high-quality item that has features that a lot of families would like in a stroller, including compact folding and an extendable sun canopy.
It's a little more difficult to push than the smaller travel strollers that we have reviewed, however it's able to withstand a variety of terrains and is easy to turn. Another great option is the GB Pockit, which is also a rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other strollers that we reviewed, but it has numerous features that parents look for in a stroller. It has a simple handlebar and is small enough to fit into overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker appearance, the Zoe Traveler is a great choice. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our reviews and features a sleek, minimalist design that looks like a backpack when it's folded. It's also a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and earns a higher score for quality than the other smaller strollers website we've tested.
The Doona is another great stroller for travel that is FAA aircraft-approved (with the latch base) and requires zero setup. It's also durable and comfortable enough to use for many children. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other choices in our ratings but it's built with high-quality materials and earned a top rating for its ease of use. It also includes accessories, such as rain covers and a travel bag, that other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers provide your child with an enjoyable experience. Look for models with a big canopy and padded seats. If you plan to use the stroller as a babysitter on your journey it is crucial that they recline. Also, ensure that the seat is appropriate for your child's size. Some strollers for travel are designed to be as compact and lightweight as possible, however this could result in a loss of the comfort of your child.
There are plenty of choices that provide both design and comfort. For instance the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and robust. The frame made of aluminum is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya also comes with a large canopy that provides an excellent sun protection.
Another excellent option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and unique stroller that is designed to make traveling with children as simple as possible. It comes with a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is light enough to fit into the trunks of cars or overhead bins of airplanes. It is also available with a wide range of accessories and customisation options like sun canopies, weather shields, and snack trays.
If you're looking for a travel stroller that can double as a regular stroller, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. This sizable stroller maneuvers smoothly and has all the features parents love including cup holders storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and has large UPF 50+ canopy with a mesh window that peeks out.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good choice for families who have infant car seats. This stroller is compatible with various infant car seats, making it a convenient option for families that frequently travel. The compact fold and maneuverability of this stroller allow you to navigate busy airports and large cities.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for both you and your infant. Pick a stroller that has a wide, comfortable seat and can recline to allow for naps on long trips. Seats with padded legrests provide more comfort during your ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller with a padded handle that you can use to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many travel-friendly strollers fold up to be so compact that they can be stored in trunks of cars and overcrowded overhead bins. They also often weigh less than 10 pounds, which makes them easy for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby was among the first companies to enter 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 having their stroller checked at the gate every time they travel. This IATA-certified stroller can fit in almost all overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream on the plane, and comes with an array of innovative features (including folding with one hand, huge sunshade, comfy seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, and a padded handlebar with a wrist strap, and an easy foot brake that is one step).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller, but it feels like an expensive option. It is not the most beautiful model nor the smallest in our review, but it has an easy-to-use frame, plenty of innovative features, such as the ability to recline and a padded brake. There's also a huge basket underneath the carriage, and a one-handed fold. It's also environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging, and comes with an extended warranty of 10 years.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, thanks to its slim profile and a host of convenient features. In our tests, it maneuvered well over different surfaces including shag and wood carpet, and its bottom storage basket is large enough to be a backpack. Its only flaw is its weight (at 17 pounds) which could prevent it from fitting into the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have plenty of space for storing your stroller at home, think about purchasing a bike shed or creating a nook specifically for it. A garden shed is the ideal place to store your stroller, as it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It's also accessible whenever you need it. A shed or nook could also serve as a safe place to store your stroller in the event that it gets lost or stolen when you're out.