How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are plenty of options depending on whether you're looking for a stroller to travel with or a lightweight, compact one to bring with you. We've gone through them all to help you select the most suitable stroller for your needs.
The stroller is light and easy to maneuver and is able to drive well on various terrains. It folds down into a tiny carrying bag that fits in the majority of overhead bins found on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers fold into small, easy-to-store bags that fits into overhead bins on planes as well as in trunks of cars. Find models that have a one-hand fold that can be done without any stooping or straining. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that lets you effortlessly carry it over your shoulder while not in use. If you're planning to spend a lot of time walking on your travels it is advisable to choose an infant stroller with an ample undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we tested. Weighing just 13.7 pounds, it will easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers making it easier to maneuver through crowds on city streets. It's not the best choice for running, rough terrain, or for quick excursions.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight option. It packs features of full-size 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 compared to other travel strollers that we tried, but is worth it for parents who frequently use their stroller while traveling.
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 maneuver and can be folded or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with all major car seat brands. Its front wheel suspension and swivel wheels ensure an easy ride on airports, pavements, and cobblestones, and its convenient handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours takes popular stroller styles and makes them more affordable for travelers. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit and has a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension, a UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It features a self-standing fold that is easy to collapse. It is also equipped with a convenient carry bag and a 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 if you plan to use your stroller on hikes or other excursions where you may encounter rough terrain. Pick a stroller with an easy-to-use handlebar to operate and wheels that are designed to be able to grip the surface. It should be lightweight and easy to handle so you can easily lift it, carry, or store it.
A good choice is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an extremely rated umbrella stroller specifically designed for use on the road. It's a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use and high-quality product that offers features that many families want in a travel-friendly stroller, including compact folding and an extendable sun canopy.
It's a little more difficult to push than other smaller travel strollers however it is able to handle in a variety of types of terrain and is easy to turn. Another option that is worth considering is the GB Pockit, which is also a highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than many of the other travel strollers in our ratings however, it comes with many features that many parents want in a stroller for travel. It has an easy-to-use handlebar and is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you like more info a sleeker look and a sleeker design, the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It is also the top-rated umbrella stroller according to our reviews. It's a minimalist and sleek design, that makes it look like a backpack when folded. It's a little heavier than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage and earns the highest score for quality than other small travel strollers that we've tested.
The Doona is another great stroller for traveling that's FAA approved for use in aircrafts (with the latch base) and requires no setup. It's also sturdy and suitable for families with a number of children. It's more expensive than some of the other choices in our rankings however, it's constructed using high-quality materials and has received a top rating for ease-of-use. It also comes with accessories like an umbrella and bags for travel, which other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to give your child a comfortable ride. Look for models that are padded and come with a large canopy. They must also recline, which is essential for those who plan to use the stroller to nap on your journey. Be sure that the seat is appropriate for your child's age. 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 alternatives that offer style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller which is both light and durable. Its aluminum frame is constructed to last, while its anti-shock wheels as well as padded 5-point harness ensure a comfortable ride. The Coya also comes with a large canopy that provides excellent sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another excellent option. It is a sleek, modern stroller designed to make traveling easy with children. It has a one-handed fold mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit into trunks of cars or overhead bins on airplanes. It is also available with a wide range of accessories and customization options, such as weather shields, sun canopies, and snack trays.
If you're looking for a travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller take a look at the Uppababy G-Link 2. The large stroller is easy to maneuver and comes with all the features that parents love like cup holders and storage pockets, as well as an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and comes with large UPF 50+ canopy with a mesh peekaboo 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 a great option for families that travel frequently. The compact fold and maneuverability of this stroller allow you to maneuver through large cities and airports with ease.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for you and your baby. Find a model that has an expansive and comfortable seat that can recline for napping on long trips. The seat should also come with an adequately cushioned leg rest because this will make for an even more comfortable ride. Choose a travel stroller with a comfortable handle to allow you to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
In contrast to most strollers, some models designed for travel have extremely compact folds, which make them perfect for stowing in tight trunks of cars or overcrowded overhead bins. They typically weigh less than 10 pounds, making them easy for everyone (including children) to carry.
The UPPAbaby Minu was among the first strollers that can be used as an everyday stroller. It's still a popular choice for parents who don't pack a lot and do not want their stroller to be checked at the gate when they fly. This IATA-certified stroller is simple to move from the plane and can fit in most overhead bins. It also has a number of innovative features, like a single-handed folding mechanism as well as a large sunshade. a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to several recline positions.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly stroller that still feels like a luxurious stroller, check out the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest model or the smallest in our review, but it has an easy-to-use frame, and lots of innovative features, such as the ability to recline and padding for the brake. There's also a huge basket under the carriage and an easy fold with one hand. It's also environmentally friendly, comes in recyclable packaging and comes with a 10-year warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong competitor, with its slim profile and a host of practical features. In our tests, it moved easily over a variety of surfaces including shag and wood carpet and its storage basket is big enough to be a backpack. The only downside is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds) which means it might not fit into the overhead bin of smaller planes.
If you don't have much space to store your stroller, you might want to consider buying a bike shed. You can also design an individual nook for it. A garden shed, in particular, is a great place to store your stroller since it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It's also accessible at any time you require it. You can also use an area or shed to store your stroller in case it's lost or stolen.