How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you're looking for a stroller that you can take on a trip or you're looking for a lightweight compact stroller that you can carry around on the go, there are plenty of great options. We've tested each one to help you select the most suitable stroller for your requirements.
The stroller is light and easy to maneuver and is able to drive well on various terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins found on planes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can be folded into a compact unit that is easily put in overhead bins on planes or car trunks. Find models that have a single-hand fold that can be done without any stooping or straining. Some also have a convenient carry strap that allows you to carry the stroller on your shoulder when you're not using it. If you're planning to spend a lot of time walking on your travels it is advisable to choose the stroller that has a large undercarriage basket which can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we tested, weighing just 13.7 pounds and easily getting into aisles of airplanes or into overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers making it easier to maneuver around crowds on city streets. It's not the best choice for jogging, rough terrain or short outings.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight option. It packs full-size features in a compact, air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters are sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and an easy ride on uneven surfaces. It's more expensive than other travel strollers we've tested, but it's worth it for parents who frequently use their stroller when traveling.
Some travel strollers help to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 that has a flexible design. It has a simple design that folds and unfolded using one hand and is compatible with most major brand car seats. Its front wheel suspension as well as rotating wheels provide an easy ride on airports, pavements, and cobblestones, and its convenient handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours make popular strollers more affordable for travelers. Itsy's stroller is lighter than the lighter Pockit however it comes with an enduring frame, a powerful dual wheel suspension and an UPF50+ sun canopy as well as plenty of storage. It has a self standing fold that is simple to fold down. It is also equipped with a convenient carry bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of travel stroller you pick must be able to maneuver over all kinds of terrain. This is especially true in the event that you intend to use your stroller on hikes, or other excursions where you may encounter rough terrain. Find a stroller that has a user-friendly handlebar and wheels that are designed to hold the ground in a secure manner. It should also be lightweight and maneuverable enough you can lift it and carry it or store it with little effort.
A good choice is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an umbrella stroller with top ratings that's made for travel. It's an excellent choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use, high-quality product that offers features that many families want in a travel-friendly stroller, including compact folding and a sun canopy that can be extended.
It's a little more difficult to push than the smaller travel strollers in our reviews, but it handles well over different terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than many of the other strollers in our rankings, but it offers an array of features that parents would like in a stroller that travels. It has an easy-to-use handlebar and is compact enough to fit in the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker appearance then the Zoe Traveler is a fantastic choice. It's also the top-rated umbrella stroller, based on our reviews. It has a sleek and minimalist design, which makes it look like a backpack once folded. It's also a little lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and scores an overall higher score for quality than the other small travel strollers we've test.
The Doona is another great stroller for travel that is FAA approved for aircraft use (with the latch base) and doesn't require any installation. It's also sturdy and suitable for families with a number of children. It's a little more expensive than some of the other choices in our ratings, but it's made of high-quality materials, and received a top rating for its ease of use. It comes with accessories such as a travel bag and rain cover, 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 with a wide canopy and comfortable seats. They must also recline, which is crucial if you plan on using the stroller for napping during your trip. Additionally, be sure that the seat is appropriate for your child's age. Some strollers are designed to be as light and compact as possible However, this could come at the expense of the user's 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 for a long time, and its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness guarantee an easy ride. The Coya features an enormous canopy that provides the best sun protection.
Another excellent option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and innovative stroller designed to make traveling with children as simple as it can be. It has a one-handed fold mechanism, and is light enough to fit into the trunk of a car or overhead bins on planes. It is also available with a variety of accessories and customization options, such as sun canopies, weather shields and snack tray.
If you're in search of a travel stroller that can double as a daily stroller, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. This sizable stroller maneuvers smoothly and comes with all the features that parents appreciate like cup holders and storage pockets, as well as an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat reclines, and it has a UPF50+ canopy that has a peekaboo mesh window.
A good option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller can be used with various infant car seats. It's an excellent choice for families who travel often. Its compact fold and mobility let you easily navigate through busy cities and airports.
A stroller that is used for travel should be comfortable for you and your baby. Look for a model with an ample and comfortable seat that can recline to allow napping during long trips. Legrests that are well-padded can provide an even more comfortable ride. Also, you should choose a travel stroller that has a cushioned handle that can be used to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers that are designed for travel fold to be so compact that they can be carried in small car trunks and crowded overhead bins. They also often weigh less than 10 pounds, which makes them easy for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby was one of the first companies to enter the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category, and its Minu is still the top choice among parents who don't want to risk checking their strollers at the gate when they fly. The stroller is IATA-certified and fits in most overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream off the plane, and has various smart features (including a one-handed fold, huge sunshade, comfy seat with multi-position recline, spacious undercarriage basket, padded handbar with a wrist strap and a simple foot brake that only takes one step).
If you're looking for a budget-friendly stroller that still feels like a luxurious stroller, consider the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It is not the most beautiful model nor the smallest of our review but it has an easy-to-use frame and a lot of innovative features, such as the ability to recline and padding for the brake. There's also a huge basket under the carriage and the ability to fold it with one hand. It's also environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable here packaging with the option of transferring a 10-year warranty.
Another option is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has slim lines and a variety of useful features. In our tests, it moved well across a variety of surfaces, including wood and shag carpet, and its bottom storage basket is large enough to be a backpack. Its only flaw is its weight (at 17 pounds), which may prevent it from fitting into overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have much space to store your stroller, you might think about purchasing a bike shed. You can also build an area specifically for it. A garden shed, in particular is a great spot to store your stroller as it's weather-resistant and protected from the elements. It's also easy to access when you need it. A nook or shed can be a secure place to store your stroller in the event that it's stolen or lost while you're away.