How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
If you're seeking a stroller to take on a trip or want a lightweight compact stroller to take on the go, there are plenty of choices. We've tried each one to help you select the best travel stroller that meets your needs.
The stroller is light and easy to maneuver and drives well on different terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag and fits into the majority of overhead bins for airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers for travel can fold into a compact package that can easily be put in overhead bins on planes or trunks of cars. Look for models that fold with one hand, and without having to stoop. Some strollers come with a handy strap that lets you effortlessly carry it over your shoulder while not in use. If you plan to walk a lot during your trip, a stroller that has a large basket under the seat is a good idea. It can be used to store large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we've tested. Weighing just 13.7 pounds, it can easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver through crowds in busy streets. It's not the best option for jogging or rough terrain but it's ideal for city life and short outings when you don't want to lug around a bigger stroller.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs features of full-size in a compact, air-friendly design. It is compatible with both Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are sold separately) and comes with an ample storage compartment. It also provides a smooth ride over bumpy surfaces. It's a bit more expensive than the other travel strollers we've tested, but it's well worth the cost for parents who frequently use their stroller while traveling.
Some travel strollers offer a more convenient way to transport them, like the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This stroller has an easy-to-use design that can be folded and unfolded with one hand and is compatible with all major car seats. The front wheel suspension, swivels, and swivel wheels offer an easy ride over airports, pavements and cobblestones. The handlebar's height can be adjusted to suit parents of all heights.
Contours makes popular strollers less expensive for travelers. Itsy's stroller is lighter than the lightweight Pockit however it comes with an enduring frame, dynamic dual wheel suspension and a UPF50+ sun canopy as well as plenty of storage. It features a self-standing fold that is easy to fold. It also comes with a handy carry bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you pick must be able to maneuver on all types of terrain. This is especially important when you plan to take your stroller for hikes or other excursions where you may encounter rough surfaces. Choose a stroller with a user-friendly handlebar and wheels that are designed to grip the ground well. It should be lightweight and easy to carry so it is easy to lift, carry, or even store it.
An excellent 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 looking for an easy-to-use and high-quality product that has features that a lot of families want in a travel-friendly stroller, such as the ability to fold down small and a sun canopy that can be extended.
It's a bit harder to push than other smaller strollers but it's a great choice on all kinds of terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than some of the other strollers we've reviewed however it has an array of features that parents are looking for in a travel stroller. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar, and is small enough to fit in the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you're looking for a sleeker design, check out the Zoe Traveler. It is also the top-rated umbrella stroller, based on our ratings. It's a sleek and minimalist design that makes it look like a backpack when folded. It's also lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and scores the highest score for quality than other small travel strollers we've tested.
The Doona is another excellent stroller for travel that is FAA aircraft-approved (with the latch base) and requires no setup. It's also durable and easy to use with multiple children. It's a little more expensive than the other options in our ratings but it's built with high-quality materials and earned a top rating for its ease of use. It also comes with accessories like rain covers and a bags for travel, which other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel are designed to provide your child with an enjoyable ride. Look for models that are padded and come with a large canopy. They must also recline, which is crucial for those who plan to use the stroller for napping 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 be detrimental to the user's comfort.
There are many options to combine design and comfort. For example the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is built to last for a long time, and its antishock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure an easy ride. The Coya features a large canopy for great sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another excellent alternative. It is a sleek, modern stroller designed to make traveling simple for children. It has a one-handed folding mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit in trunks of cars and overhead bins of airplanes. It is available with a wide range of accessories and customisations, including weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a buggy for travel that can also function as an everyday stroller, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a good choice. This spacious stroller is easy to maneuver and comes with numerous features that parents love including cup holders, storage compartments, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and comes with large UPF 50+ canopy, which has a mesh window that peeks out.
A great option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller can be used with a variety of infant car seats, making it a convenient option for families that frequently travel. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller will allow you to maneuver through large cities and airports.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for both you and your child. Choose a model that has a wide, comfortable seat that can recline to allow naps during long trips. The seat should also have an adequately cushioned leg rest since this can provide an even more comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller with a comfortable handle that can be used to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers that are designed for travel fold so small that they can be carried in small car trunks or overcrowded overhead bins. These strollers are often lighter than 10 pounds and simple to carry by anyone, even children.
UPPAbaby was one of the first companies to enter the "travel stroller that doubles as an everyday stroller" category and its Minu is an excellent choice for parents who don't want to risk checking their strollers at the gate when they travel. The stroller that is IATA-certified is easy to get off the plane and fits in most overhead bins. It also has numerous smart features, including the ability to fold with one hand as well as a large sunshade. an incredibly comfortable seat with various recline positions.
For a budget-friendly option that is still a luxury stroller, try the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It is not the prettiest or the smallest in our review but it has an easy-to-use frame and a lot of innovative features, such as an adjustable reclining mechanism as well as a padded brake. There's also a large basket under the carriage as well as an easy fold with one hand. Additionally, it's eco-friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and a 10-year transferable warranty.
Another option is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has slim lines and a host of convenient features. In our tests, it maneuvered easily over a variety of surfaces including wood and shag carpet, and its bottom storage basket is large enough to fit in a backpack. The only drawback is its weight (at 17 pounds) which could prevent it from fitting in the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have a lot of space to store your stroller, then you might think about purchasing a bike shed. You can also create an area specifically for it. A garden shed is the perfect location to store a stroller, as it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It's also easily accessible whenever you require it. A shed or nook can also be used as a secure spot to stash your stroller in here the event that it gets lost or stolen when you're out.