How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are plenty of options depending on whether you're looking for an ideal stroller for your travels or a compact, lightweight one to bring with you. We've put them to the test to help you select the ideal travel stroller for your requirements.
A lightweight stroller that glides smoothly and drives well over different terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag and fits into the majority of overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers fold down into an easy-to-store, compact package that can be tucked away in overhead bins on planes as well as in car trunks. Find models that have a one-hand fold that is able to be completed without any stooping or struggling. Some also have a convenient carry strap that allows you to carry the stroller on your shoulder when you're not using it. If you're planning to spend a lot of walking during your trip, it's helpful to find the stroller that has a large undercarriage basket which can accommodate large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've ever test, weighing just 13.7 pounds and being able to fit down airplane aisles or into overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers which makes it easier to maneuver through crowds on streets in cities. It's not the best option for jogging or rough terrain but it's ideal for city life and quick excursions when you don't need to carry around a larger stroller.
Another lightweight option is the Nuna Aer+, which packs a full-size stroller into a compact design that's suitable for air travel. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and provides an effortless ride on uneven surfaces. It's more expensive compared to other travel strollers that we tested, but is worthwhile for parents who use their strollers frequently when traveling.
Certain strollers for travel help to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2, which has a versatile design. This model features an easy-to-manoeuvre design that folds and unfolded with one hand, and is compatible with all major car seats. The front wheel suspension, swivels, and the swivel wheels give you an easy ride across pavements, airports, and cobblestones. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted to suit parents of any height.
Contours takes the most popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Itsy's stroller is lighter the light Pockit but it has an extra durable frame, dynamic dual wheel suspension as well as UPF50+ sun canopy as well as plenty of storage. It also features a self-standing fold that's easy to fold down, and it comes with a convenient carry bag and carry strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you pick should be easy to maneuver across all kinds of terrain. This is especially important in the event that you plan to use it for hiking or other activities where you might encounter rough surfaces. Find a stroller that has a user-friendly handlebar and wheels that are designed to grip the ground well. It should be lightweight and easy to handle so you can easily lift, carry, or even store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly popular umbrella stroller made for travel. It's an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a high-quality user-friendly product that has features that a lot of families would like to have in a travel-friendly, stroller. These include the ability to fold down in a compact manner and an extended canopy.
It's a bit harder to push than other smaller strollers but it's a great choice on all kinds of terrains and is easy turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other travel strollers we rated but it offers numerous features that parents are looking for in a stroller. It has an easy-to-use handlebar and is small enough to fit into overhead bins of airplanes.
If you're looking for a sleeker design, check out the Zoe Traveler. It is also the top-rated umbrella stroller based on our ratings. It's minimalist and sleek design, which makes it appear like a backpack once folded. It's also lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and earns a higher score for quality compared to the other strollers that we've test.
The Doona is another excellent stroller for travel that is FAA aircraft-approved (with the latch base) and requires no setup. It's also durable and comfortable enough to use for multiple children. It's more expensive than the other options, but it is made of high-quality materials. It also got the highest rating in terms of ease-of-use. It comes with accessories such as a travel bag and rain cover that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers offer your child an enjoyable experience. Look for models with a large canopy and padded seats. They should also recline, which is important for those who plan to use the stroller for napping during your travels. Also, ensure that the seat is suitable 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 options that offer both design and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller which is both light and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded five-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that offers an excellent sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another great alternative. It is a sleek, modern stroller that is designed to make travel easy with children. It features a one-handed fold mechanism and is light enough to fit into trunks of cars or overhead bins on airplanes. It comes with a wide range of accessories and customizations like weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a portable stroller that can double as a stroller for daily use look into the Uppababy G-Link 2. The spacious stroller moves smoothly and comes with all the features parents love, such as cup holders, storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The large seat reclines and it has a UPF50+ canopy with an open mesh window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good choice for families who have infant car seats. This stroller is compatible with various infant car seats which makes it a great option for families who frequently travel. The compact fold and the maneuverability of this stroller allows you to maneuver through large cities and airports with ease.
A stroller for travel is one that is here comfortable for you and your child. Choose a stroller with an ample and comfortable seat that can recline to allow napping during long trips. The seat should also have an adequately cushioned leg rest, because this will make for a more comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller with a padded handle that you can use to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers that are designed for travel fold to a size that allows them to be carried in small car trunks 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 remains an excellent choice for light-packing parents who do not want to risk having their stroller checked at the gate every time they travel. The stroller is IATA-certified and easy to maneuver off the plane and fits into most overhead bins. It also has a number of innovative features, like the ability to fold with one hand, a large sunshade and a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to various recline positions.
For a budget-friendly option that is still a luxury stroller, consider the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest or the smallest of our test, but it does have an easy-to-use frame, plenty of smart features, including a reclining mechanism and a padded brake. There's also a large basket underneath the carriage, and the ability to fold it with one hand. It's also green and comes in recyclable packaging and comes with 10 years of warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong competitor, with its slim profile and many convenient features. In our tests, it maneuvered well across a variety of surfaces including wood and shag carpet and its bottom storage basket is big enough to be a backpack. It's only downside is its weight (at 17 pounds) which could prevent it from fitting in the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you do not have a lot of space to store your stroller, then you might be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also create a custom nook for it. A garden shed is the perfect place to store your stroller, as it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It's also accessible any time you're in need. You can also use a nook or shed to store your stroller in case it's lost or stolen.