How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are plenty of options, whether you want a stroller for travel or a lightweight, compact one to carry around. We've tested all of them to help you choose the most suitable travel stroller that suits your needs.
A stroller with a light weight that can be easily walked on and is able to drive across various terrains. It folds into a tiny carrying bag that fits into most overhead bins on planes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers fold into an easy-to-store, compact package that fits into overhead bins on planes and in car trunks. Find models that have one-hand folds that doesn't require any stooping or struggling. Some strollers have a convenient strap that lets you easily sling it over your shoulder when you are not using it. If you plan to do a lot of walking on your travels, it's helpful to find an infant 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 easily fitting down aisles of airplanes or into overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver in busy streets. It's not the ideal choice for running, rough terrain or for quick excursions.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs full-size features in a compact, air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately) It also has a large storage bin, and an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's a bit more expensive than other strollers we've tested, but it's worth the price for parents who frequently use their stroller when traveling.
Some strollers provide an easier way to transport them, such as the versatile Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It has a simple design that folds and unfolded in one hand, and is compatible with the majority of major brand car seats. The front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide smooth travel on pavements, airports, and cobblestones. Its convenient handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours makes popular stroller models more affordable for travelers. Itsy's stroller is lighter the lighter Pockit but it has an enduring frame, a powerful dual wheel suspension as well as a UPF50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage. It also features a self-standing fold that's simple to fold and comes with a convenient carrying bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you choose must be able to maneuver over all kinds of terrain. This is especially true in the event that you plan to use it for hikes or adventures where you might encounter rough terrain. Choose a stroller with an easy-to-use handlebar and wheels that are designed to grip the ground well. It should be light and easy to carry so you can easily lift, carry, or store it.
A great option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an umbrella stroller with top ratings that's designed for travel. It's an excellent choice for parents seeking a top-quality, easy-to-use product that includes features that many families desire in a travel-friendly, stroller. It has the ability to fold down in a compact manner and an extendable canopy.
It's a little more difficult to push than some of the smaller strollers that we have reviewed, however it handles well over a variety of terrains and is easy to turn. Another great option is the GB Pockit, which is also a highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than the other strollers we evaluated but it offers many features that parents want in a stroller. It has a simple-to-use handlebar that's easy to maneuver and is small enough to fit in the overhead bins of planes.
If you prefer a sleeker design, consider the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our rankings and has a sleek, minimalist design that looks almost like a backpack when it's folded. It's a little heavier than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage and earns a better score for quality compared to other compact strollers we've tried.
The Doona is a fantastic travel stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no setup. It's also sturdy and comfortable enough to use for many children. It's more expensive than some of the other options in our rankings but it's built of high-quality materials, and received a top rating for its ease of use. It also comes with other accessories, such as rain covers and a travel bag, that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to provide your child with an enjoyable ride. Choose models with a big canopy and padded seats. They must also recline, which is crucial for those who plan to use the stroller for naps on your journey. Also, ensure that the seat is suitable to your child's size. Some strollers are designed to be as lightweight and compact as is possible, but this can be detrimental to comfort.
There are many options that combine design and comfort. For instance the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and durable. Its aluminum frame will last for a long time, while its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness guarantee an enjoyable ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that provides excellent sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another great alternative. It is a sleek and innovative stroller that is designed to make travel simple for children. It comes with a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is light enough to fit into car trunks or overhead bins of airplanes. It is also available with a variety of accessories and options for customization, such as sun canopies, weather shields and snack tray.
If you're looking for a travel stroller that doubles as a regular stroller take a look at the Uppababy G-Link 2. The large stroller is easy to maneuver and has all the features that parents appreciate including cup holders, storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and has a large UPF 50+ canopy with the mesh peekaboo window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good choice for families who have infant car seats. This stroller can be used with a variety of infant car seats. It's a great option for families who travel often. Its compact fold and mobility allow you to easily navigate through busy cities and airports.
A stroller for travel is one that is comfortable for you and your child. Select a stroller with an ample, cushioned seat that can recline to allow for naps on long journeys. Seats with padded legrests offer an even more comfortable ride. Select a stroller that has a padded handle so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers that are designed for travel fold to a size that allows them to be carried in small trunks of cars and overcrowded overhead bins. They are also typically lighter than 10 pounds, which makes them easy for everyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby was one of the first companies to enter the "travel stroller that doubles as an everyday stroller" category, and its Minu is the top choice among parents who don't want to risk gate-checking their stroller when they travel. The stroller is IATA-certified and fits in most overhead bins, moves like a dream on the plane, and offers an array of innovative features (including folding with one hand, large sunshade, a comfortable seat with a multi-position recline, a spacious undercarriage basket, padded handbar with a wrist strap and a simple foot brake that is one step).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that feels like a luxury option. It's not the prettiest nor most compact model in our review, but it comes with a streamlined frame, easy-to-use controls, and a variety of useful features (including a reclining mechanism, a padded foot brake as well as a huge undercarriage basket and a simple one-handed fold). It's also environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and the option of transferring a 10-year warranty.
Another top contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has slim lines and a plethora of practical features. In our tests, it swung well over different surfaces including wood and shag carpet and its bottom storage basket is big enough for a backpack. The only drawback is its weight (at 17 pounds) which could prevent it from fitting into the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have lots of space to store your stroller at home, consider purchasing a bike shed or creating a nook specifically for it. A garden shed is the perfect place to store your stroller, as it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It's also easily accessible whenever best prams you require it. You can also use a nook or shed to store your stroller in the event that it's lost or stolen.