How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you're looking for a stroller to use on your travels or a light compact stroller that you can carry around on the go, there are plenty of great options. We've gone through each one to help you choose the best travel stroller that meets your needs.
A stroller that is lightweight, is smooth and easy to drive over different terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag and fits into most airplane overhead bins.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can be folded into a compact unit that can easily be stored in overhead bins of planes and trunks of cars. It is recommended to look for models that fold with one hand, without having to stoop. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that allows you to easily carry it over your shoulders when it's not in use. If you're planning on walking for a long time on your travels and need a stroller with an ample basket underneath the seat can be useful. It can be used to store large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact we test. Weighing only 13.7 pounds, it can easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers making it easier to maneuver around crowds in busy streets. It's not the best option for rough terrain or jogging however it's great for city life and short outings where you don't have to carry around a larger stroller.
Another option that's lightweight is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size stroller features into a compact design suitable for air travel. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately), has a spacious storage bin, and a smooth ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than other travel strollers that we tried, but is worth it for parents who use their strollers frequently while traveling.
Some travel strollers offer an easier way to transport them, like the multi-purpose Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It is simple to maneuver and can be folded or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with all major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension, swivels, and the swivel wheels give you smooth travel across pavements, airports, and cobblestones. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted to suit parents of all heights.
Contours takes popular stroller styles and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Itsy's stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit but has a more durable frame, a powerful dual wheel suspension and 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 a strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of travel stroller you select should be easy to maneuver across all kinds of terrain. This is especially true in the event that you plan to use your stroller for adventures or hikes where you might encounter rough surfaces. Choose a stroller that has a handlebar that is simple to operate and wheels that are designed to grip the surface. It should also be light and easy to maneuver so that you can easily lift, carry or store it with little effort.
A good choice is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is a top-rated umbrella stroller that's made for travel. It's a great option for parents looking for a premium, easy-to-use product that includes features that many families desire in a stroller that is travel-friendly. It has the ability to fold down in a compact manner and an expandable canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than other strollers with smaller wheels, but it handles well on a variety terrains and is easy turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than some of the other strollers in our ratings however it has an array of features that parents would like in a stroller for travel. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar that's easy to maneuver and is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins on airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker style and a sleeker design, the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It is also the top-rated umbrella stroller based on our ratings. It's a sleek and minimalist design, which makes it look like a backpack when folded. It's also a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and gets an overall higher score for quality than other strollers that we've tried.
The Doona is a great travel stroller that's FAA approved for use in aircrafts (with the latch base) and doesn't require any set-up. It's also durable and comfortable enough to use for many children. It's more expensive than the other options, but it is made of high-quality materials. It also got an excellent rating for ease of use. It also includes accessories like an umbrella and travel bag, which other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to give your child a comfortable ride. Find models that are padded and with a spacious canopy. They should also recline, which is essential for those who plan to use the stroller for napping on your journey. Also, make sure the seat is appropriate to your child's size. Some travel strollers are designed to be as lightweight and compact as is possible, but this can be at the expense of comfort.
There are many options that combine the look and comfort. For example, the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is light and sturdy. The frame made of aluminum will last for a long time, and its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness guarantee an easy ride. The Coya has an extensive canopy that offers great sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is a different alternative. It is a sleek, innovative stroller that is designed to make travel easy for children. It features a single-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is lightweight enough to fit in trunks of cars and overhead bins of airplanes. It comes with a variety of accessories and customisations, including sun canopies and weather shields.
If you're looking for a buggy for travel that can also function as a daily stroller then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a excellent choice. This large stroller is easy to maneuver and has numerous features that parents love, including cup holders storage compartments, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The large seat reclines and has a large 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 many infant car seats which makes it a great choice for families who frequently travel. The compact fold and maneuverability of this stroller allows you to maneuver through busy airports and large cities.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for you and your child. Choose a stroller with an ample and comfortable seat that can recline for napping here on long trips. Legrests that are well-padded can make for a more comfortable ride. Select a stroller that has a padded handle, so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
In contrast to most strollers, some models designed for travel have extremely compact folds that make them ideal for stowing in tight car trunks or crowded overhead bins. These strollers are typically lighter than 10 pounds and are easy to carry by anyone, including children.
The UPPAbaby Minu was among the first travel strollers that can be used as a regular stroller. It is still a top choice among parents who don't pack a lot and don't want their stroller to be checked at the gate when they travel. The stroller that is IATA-certified is simple to move off the plane and fits in the majority of overhead bins. It also has many innovative features, like a one-handed folding mechanism, a large sunshade and a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to various recline positions.
For a budget-friendly model that is still a luxury stroller, check out the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It is not the most beautiful model nor the smallest in our test, but it does have an easy-to-use frame and a lot of smart features, including an adjustable reclining mechanism as well as padding for the brake. It also has a large basket under the carriage and a one-handed fold. It's also environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has slim lines and a plethora of practical features. In our tests, it moved easily over a variety of surfaces, including wood and shag carpet and its storage basket is large enough to be a backpack. The only issue is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds) and therefore may not fit into the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have a lot of space to store your stroller at home, consider purchasing a bike shed, or creating a nook specifically for it. A garden shed is the perfect location to store a stroller, as it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It's also easily accessible at any time you require it. A nook or shed can also be used as a secure location to store your stroller in case it's stolen or lost when you're away.