How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you're looking for a stroller to take on a trip or want a lightweight compact stroller that you can carry around There are plenty of great choices. We've gone through all of them to help you choose the most suitable travel stroller that meets your requirements.
The lightweight stroller glides easily and is able to drive well on various terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag that fits into most airplane overhead bins.
Easy to Fold
The best travel strollers can be folded into a compact package which can be easily put in overhead bins of planes or trunks of cars. You should look for models that fold using only one hand, with no stooping. Some also have a convenient carry strap that allows you to sling the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you're planning to spend a lot of walking on your travels it is advisable to choose a stroller with an ample undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we've tested. It weighs just 13.7 pounds, it can easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers, making it easier to weave through crowds on city streets. It's not the best option for jogging or rough terrain, but it's perfect for city life and quick outings where you don't have to lug around a bigger stroller.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight option. It packs all the features of a full-size car seat into a compact air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately), has a spacious storage bin, and provides an easy ride on uneven surfaces. It's more expensive than the other travel strollers that we evaluated, but it's an excellent choice for parents who use their stroller often when traveling.
Some strollers are designed to help to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 with its versatile design. It is simple 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, swivels and swivel wheels offer a smooth ride over pavements, airports and cobblestones. The handlebar's height can be adjusted to meet the needs of parents of any height.
Contours takes popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Their stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit and has solid frame, a robust dual-wheel suspension, an UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It features a self-standing fold that is easy to fold down. It is also equipped with a convenient carry bag and carrying strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of travel stroller you select must be able to maneuver across all kinds of terrain. This is especially true if you plan to use your stroller on hikes or other activities where you could encounter rough terrain. Find a stroller that has an easy-to-use handlebar and wheels that are designed to be able to grip the ground. It should also be light and easy to maneuver so that you can easily lift the stroller, carry it or store it with minimal effort.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly rated umbrella stroller specifically designed for use on travel. It's a good option for parents seeking an easy-to-use, high-quality product with features that many families want in a travel-friendly stroller, such as a compact fold and an extendable sun canopy.
It's a bit harder to push than other smaller travel strollers but it's a great choice on all kinds of types of terrain 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 the other strollers we evaluated, but it has many features that parents want in a stroller. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar and is small enough to fit in the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker style then the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our ratings and has a sleek, minimalist design that looks almost like a backpack when it's folded. It's also a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and earns a higher score for quality compared to the other smaller strollers we've test.
The Doona is another great stroller for travel that is FAA approved for use in aircrafts (with the latch base) and requires zero set-up. It's also durable and comfortable enough to use for multiple children. It's more expensive compared to other options, but it is made of high-quality materials. It also received the highest rating for ease of use. 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 travel give your child a comfortable experience. Find models that are padded and with a spacious canopy. They should also recline, which is essential for those who plan to use the stroller for napping during your travels. Be sure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some strollers for travel are designed to be as compact and lightweight as they can, but this could result in a loss of comfort.
There are many options to combine design and comfort. For example the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and robust. Its aluminum frame is built to last for a long time, while its antishock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya has an extensive canopy that offers excellent sun protection.
Another great option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and modern stroller that is designed to make traveling with kids as easy as possible. It comes with a one-handed folding mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit in trunks of cars and overhead bins on airplanes. It comes with a variety of accessories and customizations such as weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a travel stroller that can double as a daily stroller take a look at the Uppababy G-Link 2. This spacious stroller is simple to maneuver and comes with many features parents enjoy including cup holders and storage compartments, as well as an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy that has the mesh peekaboo window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good choice for families who have infant car seats. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats. It's an excellent choice for families who frequently travel. Its compact fold and mobility make it easy to navigate busy cities and airports.
A stroller that is used for travel should be comfortable for you and your child. Choose a stroller with an ample and comfortable seat that can recline for napping on long trips. Seats with padded legrests offer more comfort during your ride. Pick a stroller for travel that has a padded handle, so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
In contrast to most strollers, some travel-friendly models have ultra-compact folds that are ideal for stowing in tight trunks of cars or overcrowded overhead bins. They are also typically lighter than 10 pounds, making them a breeze for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby was one of the first brands to venture into the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category, and its Minu remains the top choice among light-packing parents who do not want to worry about gate-checking pushchairs their stroller when they fly. This IATA-certified stroller fits in most overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream from the plane, and offers various smart features (including the ability to fold with one hand, a 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 only takes one step).
For a budget-friendly option that still feels like a luxurious stroller, try the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It is not the prettiest model or the smallest in our test, but it does have an easy-to-use frame, and lots of clever features, including the ability to recline and an padded brake. There's also a huge basket under the carriage as well as a one-handed fold. It's also eco-friendly, comes in recyclable packaging and has a 10-year warranty.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has slim lines and a variety of useful features. In our tests, it moved well over different surfaces including shag and wood carpet, and its bottom storage basket is big enough to fit in a backpack. The only downside is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds) which means it might not fit into the overhead bin of smaller planes.
If you don't have a lot of space to store your stroller at home, consider purchasing a bike shed or making a nook custom for it. A garden shed is the perfect location to store a stroller, as it's weather resistant and protected from the elements. It's also easy to access whenever you need it. A shed or nook can also serve as a safe location to store your stroller in the event that it is stolen or lost when you're away.