How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are many options available, whether you want a stroller to travel with or a lightweight, compact one to carry around. We've gone through them all to help you choose the best travel stroller that suits your requirements.
The lightweight stroller glides easily and is able to drive well on various terrains. It folds into a small bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins found on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers for travel can fold into a compact package that can easily be placed in overhead bins of planes and trunks of cars. You should look for strollers that fold with only one hand, with no having to bend. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that makes it easy to carry the stroller on your shoulder when you're not using it. If you're planning to do a lot of walking during your trip, it's helpful to find a stroller with a large undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've ever tested, weighing only 13.7 pounds and easily fitting down aisles of airplanes or into overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver around crowds on city streets. It's not the best option for rough terrain or jogging however it's great for city life and short excursions when you don't need to lug around a bigger stroller.
Another option that's lightweight is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size stroller features into a compact design suitable for travel on air. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and offers a smooth ride on uneven surfaces. It's a little more expensive than other travel strollers we've tested, but it's worth the price for parents who frequently use their stroller when traveling.
Some strollers provide a more convenient way to transport them, such as the versatile Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This stroller has an easy-to-use design that can be folded and unfolded in one hand and is compatible with all major brand car seats. The front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide a smooth ride on roads, airports and cobblestones, and its adjustable handlebar height can accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours takes popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for travelers. Itsy's stroller is lighter than the lightweight Pockit but it has an extra durable frame, dynamic dual wheel suspension and a UPF50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage. It also has a self-standing fold that's easy to collapse, and it is equipped with a convenient carrying bag and a strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should select a travel stroller that is easy to maneuver in all terrains. This is particularly true if you intend to use your stroller for adventures or hikes where you may encounter rough terrain. Choose a stroller with an easy-to-use handlebar and wheels designed to be able to grip the ground. It should be lightweight and easy to hold so that you can easily lift it, carry, or store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly reviewed umbrella stroller that is designed for travel. It's a great option for parents looking for a premium, easy-to-use product that includes features that families want in a travel-friendly, stroller. It has a compact folding mechanism and an expandable canopy.
It's a little more difficult to push than other strollers with smaller wheels however it is able to handle in a variety of terrains and is easy turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than many of the other travel strollers in our ratings however it has a wide range of features that many parents want in a travel stroller. 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 design, check out pushchairsandpramsuk the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our reviews and features a sleek, minimalist design that makes it look like a backpack when it's folded. It's smaller than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage and earns a better score for quality compared to other small travel strollers that we've evaluated.
The Doona is a fantastic stroller for travel, that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no set-up. It's also durable and suitable for families with a number of children. It's more expensive than other alternatives, but it's constructed of top-quality materials. It also received a top rating for ease of use. It comes with accessories such as an umbrella and a rain cover that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for traveling give your child an enjoyable experience. Look for models that are padded and come with a large canopy. They must also recline, which is crucial when you intend to use the stroller for naps during your trip. Also, ensure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some strollers are designed to be as lightweight and compact as they can be however this may come at the expense of the user's comfort.
Luckily, there are many options that offer both fashion and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller which is both lightweight and sturdy. Its aluminum frame will last for a long time, while its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness ensure an easy ride. The Coya has a large canopy for the best sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another great alternative. It is a sleek, innovative stroller that is designed to make travel easy with children. It has a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is lightweight enough to fit in the trunks of cars or overhead bins on airplanes. It is available with a variety of accessories and customisations, including sun canopies and weather shields.
If you are seeking a travel buggy 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 comes with many features that parents appreciate including cup holders and storage compartments, as well as an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and has a large UPF50+ canopy, with a peekaboo mesh window.
A good option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller can be used with a variety of infant car seats and makes it a good option for families who frequently travel. The compact fold and the maneuverability of this stroller allow you to travel through large cities and airports.
A stroller that is used for travel should be comfortable for you and your child. Choose a model that has a large, padded seat and can recline to allow naps on long journeys. Legrests that are well-padded can offer a more comfortable ride. Pick a stroller for travel that has a padded handle so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Unlike most strollers, many travel-friendly models have ultra-compact folds that are ideal for stowing away in car trunks or crowded overhead bins. These strollers are typically lighter than 10 pounds and easy to carry by anyone, including children.
UPPAbaby's 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 travel. This stroller that is IATA-certified can fit in almost all overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream on the plane, and has various smart features (including folding with one hand, large sunshade, a comfortable seat with multi-position recline, spacious undercarriage basket, padded handbar with wrist strap and a simple foot brake that is one step).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that is a luxurious option. It's not the prettiest or the smallest model in our review, but it comes with an elegant frame, simple controls, and lots of clever features (including the ability to recline, a padded foot brake, a large undercarriage basket and a simple fold that only requires one hand). It's also environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging, and comes with an extended warranty of 10 years.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, with its slim profile and many convenient features. It's easy to move across different surfaces, including wood and shag rug and the bottom storage basket can hold a backpack. It's only downside is its weight (at 17 pounds) that could hinder it from fitting in the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have a lot of space to store your stroller at home, think about purchasing a bike shed or making a nook custom for it. A garden shed, in particular is a great spot to store your stroller as it's weatherproof and is protected from the elements. It's also accessible whenever you need it. A shed or nook can also serve as a safe place to store your stroller in case it's lost or stolen while you're away.