How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are a variety of options to choose from for you to choose from, whether you need a stroller to travel with or a compact, lightweight one to bring with you. We've put them all to the test to help you select the ideal travel stroller to meet your requirements.
The stroller is light and easy to maneuver and drives well on different terrains. It folds down into a tiny carrying bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best travel strollers can be folded into a compact size that can easily be placed in overhead bins of planes or car trunks. It is recommended to look for models that fold using one hand, and without having to stoop. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that lets you easily sling it over your shoulder when not in use. If you're planning to spend a lot of time walking on your travels it's a good idea to get an infant stroller with an ample undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we've test. Weighing only 13.7 pounds, it's able to easily fit into airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers which makes it easier to weave through crowds on city streets. It's not the best option for rough terrain or jogging however it's great for city living and quick 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 form that's suitable for air travel. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters are sold separately) It also has a large storage bin, and offers an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than other strollers that we've tested, however it's worth the price for parents who frequently utilize their stroller for travel.
Some strollers come with a more convenient way to transport them, such as the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It has a simple design that folds and unfolded using one hand, and is compatible with most major car seats. Its front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide an easy ride on airports, pavements, and cobblestones. Additionally, its easy-to-use handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours makes popular strollers less expensive for travelers. Their stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit, but offers sturdy frames, a powerful dual-wheel suspension and an UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It features a self-standing fold that is simple to fold down. It also comes with a handy carry bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should select a travel stroller that is easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. This is particularly true when you plan to use your stroller for hikes or adventures where you may encounter rough surfaces. Choose a stroller with an easy-to-use handlebar and wheels designed to be able to grip the ground. It should also be lightweight and manageable so that you can easily lift and carry it or store it with minimal effort.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly reviewed umbrella stroller that is designed for travel. It's an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a premium, easy-to-use product that includes features that families want in a stroller that is travel-friendly. It has an easy folding mechanism that folds down small and an expandable canopy.
It's a little more difficult to push than the smaller strollers we have in our ratings, but it's able to withstand various terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than some of the other travel strollers in our rankings however it has a wide range of features that parents are looking for in a travel stroller. It has a simple handlebar and is small enough to fit into the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker style, you should check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top umbrella stroller in our ratings and has a sleek, minimalist design that makes it look almost like a backpack when it's folded. It's a little smaller than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage space and gets an overall higher score for quality compared to other compact strollers we've tested.
The Doona is another excellent stroller for travel that is FAA approved for aircraft use (with the latch base) and requires no set-up. It's also durable and comfortable enough to use for several children. It's more expensive than the other options in our rankings but it's built with high-quality materials and earned a top rating for its ease of use. It also comes with accessories, such as a rain cover and travel bag, that other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel are designed to provide your child with a comfortable ride. Choose models with a big canopy and comfortable seats. They should also recline, which is important if you plan on using the stroller for naps on your journey. Additionally, be sure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some strollers are designed to be as compact and light as possible, however this can compromise comfort.
There are a variety of options that combine the look and comfort. For instance, the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and durable. Its aluminum frame will last for a long time, and its antishock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that offers excellent sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another excellent alternative. It is a sleek and innovative stroller designed to make traveling easy for children. It has a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is light enough to fit into car trunks or overhead bins of airplanes. It is also available with a range of accessories and customisation options, such as weather shields, sun canopies, and snack trays.
If you're seeking a travel buggy that can also be used an everyday stroller, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a great option. The spacious stroller moves smoothly and has all the features parents love like cup holders and storage pockets, as well as an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and features an enormous push chair UPF 50+ canopy with a mesh window that peeks out.
A good choice for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats and makes it a good choice for families who frequently travel. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller allows you to travel through large cities and airports.
A travel stroller is one that is comfortable for you and your child. Pick a stroller that has an ample, cushioned seat and can recline to allow naps during long journeys. The seat should also come with an adequately cushioned leg rest, since this can provide 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 travel-friendly strollers fold up so small that they can be stowed in tight trunks of cars and overcrowded overhead bins. They typically weigh less than 10 pounds, making them a breeze for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby's Minu was one of the first travel strollers that could also be used as a regular stroller. It's still a top choice among parents who pack light and do not 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, moves like a dream from the plane, and offers a range of smart features (including folding with one hand, large sunshade, a comfortable seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, padded handbar with wrist strap and an easy foot brake that only takes one step).
For a budget-friendly option that still feels like a luxury stroller, try the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest or most compact model in our review, but it has an elegant frame, simple controls, and lots of useful features (including a reclining mechanism as well as a padded foot brake, a large undercarriage basket, and a simple one-handed fold). Additionally, it's eco-friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and 10 years of transferable warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong competitor, with its slim profile and many useful features. In our tests, it maneuvered easily over a variety of surfaces including shag and wood carpet and its bottom storage basket is big enough to fit in a backpack. The only downside is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds) and therefore may not fit in the overhead bin of smaller planes.
If you don't have lots of space for storing your stroller at home, consider purchasing a bike shed, or creating a custom nook just for it. A garden shed is the perfect place to store your stroller, since it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It's also easily accessible whenever you require it. You can also make use of a shed or nook to store your stroller in the event that it's stolen or lost.