How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are a variety of options to choose from, whether you want an ideal stroller for your travels or a compact, lightweight one to bring with you. We've put them all to the test to help you select the best travel stroller to meet your requirements.
The stroller's lightweight design glides effortlessly and performs well on a variety of terrains. It folds up into a tiny bag that fits in the majority of overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best travel strollers fold into an easy-to-store, compact package that can be tucked away in overhead bins on planes as well as in trunks of cars. You should look for models that fold with one hand, without having to stoop. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that allows you to easily sling it over your shoulder while you are not using it. If you plan to spend a lot of time walking on your travels it's a good idea to get a stroller with a large undercarriage basket which can accommodate large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've tested, weighing only 13.7 pounds and being able to fit down aisles in airplanes or overhead bins. It's also narrower than most other strollers which makes it easier to maneuver through crowds on streets in the city. It's not the best choice for jogging or rough terrain, but it's perfect for city life and short outings where you don't have to lug around a bigger stroller.
Another lightweight option is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size stroller features into a compact design suitable for travel on air. It is compatible with both Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are available separately), and has a spacious storage compartment. It also provides smooth riding on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than the other strollers we tested, but is an excellent choice for parents who use their strollers frequently 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 easy to maneuver and can be folded or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with many major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension and the swivel wheels guarantee a smooth ride on pavements, airports, and cobblestones. Additionally, its adjustable handlebar height can accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours makes popular strollers more affordable for travelers. Their stroller weighs less than the light Pockit however it has sturdy frames, a powerful dual-wheel suspension and an UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It also has a self-standing fold that's simple to collapse and is equipped with a convenient carrying bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of travel stroller you pick should be easy to maneuver over 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 terrain. Look for a stroller with a simple-to-use handlebar and wheels that are designed to be able to grip the ground. It should also be light and manageable so that you can lift, carry or store it with minimal effort.
A great option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an extremely rated umbrella stroller specifically designed for use on the road. It's a great choice for parents seeking a top-quality user-friendly product that has features that a lot of families would like to have in a stroller that is travel-friendly. They include the ability to fold down in a compact manner and an extendable canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than some of the smaller strollers that we have reviewed, however it handles well over various terrains and is easy to turn. Another great option is the GB Pockit, which is also a top-rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other strollers that we reviewed but it offers a variety of features that parents look for in a stroller. It has a straightforward handlebar that's easy to maneuver and is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins on airplanes.
If you're looking for a sleeker design, consider the Zoe Traveler. It's also the top-rated umbrella stroller according to our evaluations. It's a minimalist and sleek design, that makes it look like a backpack once folded. It's heavier than the GB Pockit, but it offers more storage and the highest score for quality compared to other compact strollers we've tested.
The Doona is a great travel stroller that's FAA approved for aircraft use (with the latch base) and doesn't require any setup. It's also sturdy and easy to use with multiple children. It's a bit more expensive than the other options in our ratings but it's built with high-quality materials and earned a top rating for its user-friendliness. It comes with accessories such as bags for travel and a rain cover that other brands require you to buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for traveling give your child a comfortable experience. Look for models that are padded and have a well-sized canopy. If you plan to use the stroller for napping on your travels it is crucial that they recline. Be sure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some travel strollers are designed to be as lightweight and compact as possible, but this can come at the expense of comfort.
There are many options that combine the look and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller that is both light and durable. Its aluminum frame will last a lifetime, while its antishock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya has an extensive canopy that offers excellent sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another excellent alternative. It is a sleek, modern stroller that is designed to make travel easy with children. It features a single-handed folding mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit in car trunks or overhead bins of airplanes. It comes with a variety of accessories and customisations, including weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a travel stroller that can double as a regular stroller, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. The large stroller is easy to maneuver and comes with all the features that parents appreciate including cup holders storage get more info pockets, 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 various infant car seats which makes it a great option for families that frequently travel. The compact fold and maneuverability of this stroller allow you to travel through large cities and airports with ease.
A travel stroller is one that is comfortable for you and your child. Choose a model that has a wide, comfortable seat that reclines to allow for naps on long trips. Legrests that are well-padded can provide an even more comfortable ride. Make sure you choose a stroller that has a cushioned handle that you can use to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers designed for travel fold so small that they can be stowed in tight car trunks or overcrowded overhead bins. These strollers are often lighter than 10 pounds and simple to carry by anyone, even children.
UPPAbaby's Minu was one of the first travel strollers that could also be used as an everyday stroller. It is still a popular choice for parents who are light packers and don't want their stroller to be checked for gate access when they travel. This IATA-certified stroller fits in most overhead bins, moves like a dream on the plane, and has an array of innovative features (including a one-handed fold, huge sunshade, comfy seat with multi-position recline, spacious undercarriage basket, and a padded handlebar with a 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 nor most compact model we review, but it does have sleek frame, easy-to-use controls, and a variety of clever features (including the ability to recline and a foot brake that is padded, 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.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has slim lines and a host of convenient features. In our tests, it moved easily over a variety of surfaces including shag and wood carpet, and its bottom storage basket is large enough to fit in a backpack. The only issue is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds) and therefore may not fit in the overhead bin of smaller planes.
If you don't have a lot of space to store your stroller, then you might be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also create an area specifically for it. A garden shed, in particular, is a great place to store your stroller as it's weather-resistant and shielded from the elements. It's also easily accessible any time you're in need. A shed or nook could also serve as a safe place to store your stroller in case it's lost or stolen when you're out.