How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
If you're looking for a stroller that you can use on your travels or want a lightweight compact stroller to take on the go There are a lot of choices. We've put them all to the test to help you choose the best travel stroller for your needs.
The stroller is light and easy to maneuver and performs well on a variety of terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can fold into a compact size which can be easily stored in overhead bins of planes and car trunks. Look for models with a one-hand fold that can be done without any stooping or straining. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that allows you to carry the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you're planning to spend a lot of time walking during your trip it's a good idea to get an infant stroller with a large undercarriage basket which can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact we test. It weighs just 13.7 pounds, it can easily fit into aisles of airplanes and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers and makes it easier to maneuver through crowds on streets in the city. It's not the best option for jogging, rough terrain or short outings.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs full-size features into a compact, air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and offers an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive compared to other strollers we tested, but is worth it for parents who use their strollers frequently when traveling.
Some travel strollers help to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 with its versatile design. This stroller has an easy-to-use design that folds and unfolded using one hand, and is compatible with most major car seats. Its front wheel suspension as well as rotating wheels provide an easy ride on airports, pavements, and cobblestones. Its adjustable handlebar height can accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours make popular strollers more affordable for those who travel. Itsy's stroller is lighter than the lightweight Pockit however it comes with an enduring frame, dynamic dual wheel suspension as well as a UPF50+ sun canopy as well as plenty of storage. It features a self-standing fold that is easy to fold down. It also comes with a convenient carry bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of travel stroller you choose should be easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. This is especially important in the event that you intend to use your stroller for hikes or other activities where you could encounter rough terrain. Choose a stroller with a user-friendly handlebar and wheels designed to be able to grip the ground. It should also be lightweight and maneuverable enough that you can easily lift and carry it or store it without much effort.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly popular umbrella stroller made for travel. It's a great option for parents who are looking for a premium, easy-to-use product that includes features that many families desire in a travel-friendly, stroller. 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 travel strollers in our ratings, but it's able to withstand various terrains and is easy to turn. Another option that is worth considering is the GB Pockit, which is also a rated stroller. It's more expensive than other travel strollers we rated however it comes with numerous features that parents look for in a stroller. It has an easy-to-use handlebar and is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker design, check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our ratings and has an elegant, minimalist design that makes it look almost like a backpack when it's folded. It's also lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and scores a higher score for quality than the other smaller strollers we've tried.
The Doona is a great stroller for travel, that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It's also durable and suitable for families with multiple children. It's more expensive than the other alternatives, but it's made of high-quality materials. It also received the highest score in terms of user-friendliness. It includes accessories like bags for travel and a rain cover that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to provide your child with an enjoyable ride. Find models that are padded and have a well-sized canopy. They should also recline, which is essential when you intend to use the stroller for naps on your journey. Also, make sure the seat is suitable for the size of your child. Some travel strollers may be designed to be as compact and lightweight as possible, however this could compromise the comfort of your child.
There are many options to combine style and comfort. For example, the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded five-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya also has a large canopy that offers an excellent sun protection.
Another excellent option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and unique stroller that is designed to make travel with kids as easy as it can be. It comes with a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is lightweight enough to fit in car trunks or overhead bins on 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 look into the Uppababy G-Link 2. The large stroller is easy to maneuver and comes with all the features parents love including cup holders storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and it comes with a UPF50+ here canopy with an open mesh window.
A great option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats, making it a convenient option for families who frequently travel. Its compact fold and mobility allow you to easily navigate through busy airports and cities.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for both you and your baby. Select a stroller with a wide, comfortable seat and can recline to allow for naps on long journeys. Seats with well-padded legrests can offer a more comfortable ride. Choose a travel stroller with a comfortable 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 in tight trunks of cars or overcrowded overhead bins. They also often weigh less than 10 pounds, which makes them easy for everyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby's Minu was one of the very first travel strollers that can be used as a regular stroller. It's still a popular choice for parents who are light packers and do not want their stroller to get gate-checked when they travel. The stroller is IATA-certified and easy to get off the plane and fits into most overhead bins. It also comes with many clever features, such as a one-handed folding mechanism as well as a large sunshade. an incredibly comfortable seat with various recline positions.
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that is an expensive option. It's not the prettiest nor most compact model we review, but it does have an elegant frame, simple controls, and lots of useful features (including a reclining mechanism, a padded foot brake, a large undercarriage basket, and a simple fold that only requires one hand). It's also environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and 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 swung well over different surfaces including shag and wood carpet, and its bottom storage basket is big enough to be a backpack. The only drawback is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds), so it may not fit in the overhead bins of smaller airplanes.
If you do not have much space to store your stroller, you may want to consider buying a bike shed. You can also build an individual nook for it. A garden shed, particularly is a fantastic place to store your stroller as it's weather-resistant and protected from the elements. It's also accessible when you need it. A shed or nook could be a secure location to store your stroller in the event that it is lost or stolen when you're out.