How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on whether you're looking for a stroller for travel or a lightweight, compact one to take with you. We've put them all to the test to help you choose the ideal stroller for your needs.
The lightweight stroller glides easily and is able to drive well on various terrains. It folds down into a tiny carrying bag that fits into most airplane overhead bins.
Easy to Fold
The best travel strollers fold up into a compact, easy-to-store package that can fit into overhead bins on planes and in trunks of cars. Look for models with a one-hand fold that is able to be completed without any stooping or straining. Some strollers have a convenient strap that allows you to easily sling it over your shoulder when not in use. If you're planning to do a lot of walking during your trip, it's helpful to find an infant stroller with a large undercarriage basket that can accommodate large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we tested, weighing only 13.7 pounds and easily being able to fit down aisles of airplanes or into overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers making it easier to maneuver on city streets. It's not the best choice for rough terrain or jogging however it's great for city life and short outings when you don't want to carry a larger stroller.
Another option that's lightweight is the Nuna Aer+, which packs a full-size stroller into a compact form that's suitable for travel on air. It is compatible with both Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are sold separately), and has a spacious storage compartment. It also offers a smooth ride over bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than the other travel strollers that we tried, but is worth it for parents who use their strollers frequently while traveling.
Some strollers come with the convenience of transport them, such as the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It is simple to maneuver and can be folded or unfolded with one hand. It is compatible with many major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension, swivels, and swivel wheels offer a smooth ride over pavements, airports and cobblestones. The handlebar's height can be adjusted to suit parents of all heights.
Contours takes popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Itsy's stroller is lighter than the lighter Pockit however it comes with a more durable frame, a dynamic dual wheel suspension and an UPF50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage. It has a self standing fold that is simple to fold down. It also comes with a handy carry bag and a strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you pick must be able to maneuver across all kinds of terrain. This is especially important in the event that you intend to use your stroller for hikes or other adventures where you might encounter rough terrain. Look for a stroller with a user-friendly handlebar and wheels that are designed to grip the ground well. It should be lightweight and easy to handle so it is easy to lift, carry, or even store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly popular umbrella stroller made for travel. It's a great choice for parents seeking a top-quality, easy-to-use product that includes features that many families desire in a travel-friendly, stroller. They include the ability to fold down in a compact manner and an expandable canopy.
It's a little harder to push than some of the smaller strollers that we have reviewed, however it handles well over a variety of terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other strollers that we reviewed but it offers many features that parents look for in a stroller. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar, and is small enough to fit into the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you like a sleeker appearance, the Zoe Traveler is a fantastic choice. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our rankings and has a minimalist, sleek design that makes it look like a backpack when it's folded. It's a little heavier than the GB Pockit, but it offers more storage and a better score for quality than other smaller strollers we've tried.
The Doona is a great stroller for travel, that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no set-up. It's also durable and comfortable to use with a number of children. It's more expensive compared to other options, but it is constructed of top-quality materials. It also earned an excellent rating for ease of use. It includes accessories like a travel bag and rain cover, which other brands require you to buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to give your child an enjoyable ride. Find models with a big canopy and padded seats. They must also recline, which is crucial for those who plan to use the stroller for naps during your trip. Additionally, be sure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some travel strollers are designed to be as light and compact as they can be However, this could come at the expense of the comfort of your child.
There are a variety of options that combine style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and durable. Its aluminum frame is constructed to last, while its anti-shock wheels and padded five-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya comes with an enormous canopy that provides excellent sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another great option. It is a sleek and innovative stroller designed to make traveling easy for children. It features a one-handed fold mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit into the trunk of a car or overhead bins on planes. It comes with a range of accessories and customisations, including weather shields and sun canopies.
If you are seeking a travel buggy that can also function as an everyday stroller, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a good choice. This sizable stroller maneuvers smoothly and has all the features parents love like cup holders and storage pockets, as well as Push Chairs & Prams UK an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The large seat reclines and has a large UPF50+ canopy, with an open mesh window.
A good option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller can be used with many infant car seats. It's a great option for families who travel often. Its compact fold and mobility allow you to easily navigate through busy airports and cities.
A travel stroller must be comfortable for both you and your child. Choose a model that has an ample, cushioned seat that reclines to allow for naps on long trips. Legrests that are well-padded can make for a more comfortable ride. Select a stroller with a cushioned handle to allow you to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Unlike most strollers, many travel-friendly models have 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 easy to carry by anyone, including children.
The UPPAbaby Minu was among the first strollers that could be used as an everyday stroller. It's still a favorite among parents who pack light and don't want their stroller to be checked for gate access when they fly. This stroller that is IATA-certified can fit in almost all overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream from the plane, and has various smart features (including a one-handed fold, large sunshade, a comfortable seat with a multi-position recline, a spacious 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 that is a luxury option. It's not the prettiest or the smallest model in our review, but it comes with a streamlined frame, easy-to-use controls, and plenty of useful features (including a reclining mechanism and a foot brake that is padded and a large undercarriage basket and a simple, one-handed fold). It's also green and comes with recyclable packaging and has an extended warranty of 10 years.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has a slim profile and a variety of useful features. In our tests, it swung easily over a variety of surfaces including shag and wood carpet and its bottom storage basket is big enough to be a backpack. The only issue is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds) which means it might not fit into the overhead bins of smaller aircrafts.
If you do not have a lot of space to store your stroller, you may think about purchasing a bike shed. You can also create a custom nook for it. A garden shed is the ideal place to store a stroller, as it's weather resistant and protected from the elements. It's also easily accessible when you need it. A shed or nook can also serve as a safe spot to stash your stroller in the event that it's stolen or lost when you're out.