How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you're looking for a stroller to use on your travels or a light compact stroller to carry around, there are plenty of alternatives. We've put them to the test to help you choose the ideal stroller to meet your requirements.
The stroller's lightweight design glides effortlessly and drives well on different terrains. It folds down into a tiny bag that fits in most airplane overhead bins.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can fold into a compact size which can be easily placed in overhead bins on planes or trunks of cars. Find models that have one-hand folds that doesn't require any stooping or fumbling. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that makes it easy to carry the stroller on your shoulder when not in use. If you plan to spend a lot of time walking during your trip, it's helpful to find an infant stroller with a large undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we tested, weighing just 13.7 pounds and fitting down airplane aisles or into overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers, making it easier to navigate crowds on streets in cities. It's not a good 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 strollers into a compact form that's suitable for air travel. It's compatible with Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are available separately) and comes with a spacious storage compartment. It also provides an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive compared to other strollers we tested, but is worthwhile for parents who use their stroller often while traveling.
Certain strollers for travel make it easier to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 with its versatile design. This model is simple to maneuver and folds or folded with just one hand. It is compatible with all major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension, swivels and the swivel wheels give you a smooth ride over airports, pavements and cobblestones. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted to meet the needs of parents of any height.
Contours takes popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Their stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit and has a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension and an UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It also has an auto-standing fold that is easy to fold, and it comes with a convenient carrying bag and a strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should choose a travel stroller that can be maneuvered easily in all terrains. This is particularly true when you plan to use your stroller for hiking or other activities in which you will encounter rough surfaces. Choose a stroller that has a handlebar that is simple to use and wheels designed to hold the surface. It should be lightweight and easy to carry so you can easily lift it, carry, or store it.
A good choice is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is a top-rated umbrella stroller that's designed for travel. It's an excellent choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use and high-quality product with features that many families are looking for in a portable stroller, such as compact folding and an extendable sun 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 a wide range of features that parents would like in a stroller that travels. It has an easy-to-use handlebar and is compact enough to fit into overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker design, check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also the highest-rated umbrella stroller according to our reviews. It's sleek and minimalist design, which makes it appear like a backpack once folded. It's lighter than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage and earns the highest score for quality than other smaller strollers we've evaluated.
The Doona is another great stroller for traveling that's FAA approved for use in aircrafts (with the latch base) and requires no set-up. It's also sturdy and easy to use with a family of children. It's more expensive than the other alternatives, but it's constructed of top-quality materials. It also got a top score in terms of user-friendliness. It includes accessories like a travel bag and rain cover, which other brands require you to buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel give your child a comfortable experience. Make sure you choose models that are padded and have a well-sized canopy. They should also recline, which is crucial for those who plan to use the stroller for naps during your travels. Also, ensure that get more info the seat is appropriate for your child's size. Some travel strollers are designed to be as light and compact as possible However, this could come at the expense of comfort.
Luckily, there are plenty of choices that provide both fashion and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller which is both lightweight and durable. The frame made of aluminum is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels as well as padded 5-point harness ensure a comfortable ride. The Coya comes with an extensive canopy that offers the best sun protection.
Another option that is worth considering is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and modern stroller that is designed to make travel with kids as easy as is possible. It has a one-handed fold mechanism and is light enough to fit into car trunks or overhead bins on airplanes. It is available with a range of accessories and customisations, including weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're seeking a travel buggy that can also function as an everyday stroller, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a great option. The spacious stroller moves smoothly and comes with all the features that parents love like cup holders, storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat reclines, and it comes with a UPF50+ canopy that has an open mesh window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good option for families with infant car seats. This stroller can be used with a variety of infant car seats which makes it a great option for families that frequently travel. Its compact fold and maneuverability make it easy to navigate through busy airports and cities.
A travel stroller must be comfortable for both you and your infant. Look for a model with an ample and comfortable seat that can recline to allow napping during long trips. The seat should also come with an adequately cushioned leg rest, since this can provide a more comfortable ride. Pick a stroller for travel with a cushioned handle to allow you to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Contrary to the majority of strollers, a few models designed for travel have extremely compact folds that make them ideal for stowing away in car trunks or crowded overhead bins. These strollers are typically 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 a daily stroller" category and its Minu is still an excellent choice for parents who do not want to risk checking their strollers at the gate when they fly. The stroller is IATA-certified and can be tucked away in the majority of 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 multi-position recline, spacious undercarriage basket, padded handlebar with a wrist strap and an easy foot brake that only takes one step).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller, but it feels like a luxury option. It's not the prettiest or most compact model in our review, but it comes with a streamlined frame, easy-to-use controls, and plenty of smart features (including a reclining mechanism as well as a padded foot brake as well as a huge undercarriage basket and a straightforward one-handed fold). Additionally, it's eco-friendly and comes in recyclable packaging with 10 years of transferable warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, thanks to its slim profile and many useful features. In our tests, it maneuvered well over different surfaces including shag and wood carpet, and its bottom storage basket is large enough to be a backpack. The only downside is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds), so it may not fit in the overhead bin of smaller aircrafts.
If you don't have lots of space to store your stroller, think about 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 accessible whenever you need it. You can also use a shed or nook to store your stroller in the event that it's lost or stolen.