How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
If you're looking for a stroller that you can take on a trip or want a lightweight compact stroller to take on the go, there are plenty of great options. We've gone through them all to help you choose the best travel stroller that meets your requirements.
The stroller's lightweight design glides effortlessly and drives well on different terrains. It folds down into a tiny carrying bag and fits into most airplane overhead bins.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers fold down into small, easy-to-store bags that can be tucked away in overhead bins on planes and in car trunks. It is recommended to look for strollers that fold with one hand, and without having to stoop. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that allows you to sling the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you plan to spend a lot of walking during your trip it is advisable to choose a stroller with an ample undercarriage basket that can accommodate large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we've tested. It weighs just 13.7 pounds, it's able to easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers, making it easier to weave through crowds on streets in cities. It's not the ideal choice for running, rough terrain or quick outings.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs all the features of a full-size car seat into a compact, air-friendly design. It's compatible with Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are sold separately), and has an ample storage compartment. It also provides smooth riding on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than the other travel strollers we tested, but it's worth the price for parents who often use their stroller while traveling.
Some strollers come with an easier way to transport them, like the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It has a simple design that folds and unfolded using one hand, and is compatible with all major car seats. The front wheel suspension, swivels, and swivel wheels offer a smooth ride over pavements, airports and cobblestones. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted to meet the needs of parents of all heights.
Contours takes popular stroller styles and makes them more affordable for travelers. Itsy's stroller is lighter the lighter Pockit however it comes with a more durable frame, a powerful dual wheel suspension and a UPF50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage. It also has a self-standing fold that's simple to collapse and is equipped with a convenient carrying bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of travel stroller you select should be easy to maneuver across all kinds of terrain. This is particularly true when you plan to use your stroller for hikes or adventures where you may encounter rough terrain. Choose a stroller that has a handlebar that is easy to use and wheels designed to grip the surface. It should also be light and manageable so you can lift it the stroller, carry it or store it with little effort.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly popular umbrella stroller specifically designed for use on travel. It's an excellent choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use, high-quality item with features that many families want in a travel-friendly stroller, including compact folding and a sun canopy that extends.
It's a little more difficult to push than other smaller travel strollers but it's a great choice on a variety terrains and is easy turn. Another great option is the GB Pockit, which is also a top-rated stroller. It's more expensive than some of the other travel strollers in our ratings however, it comes with a wide range of features that many parents want in a stroller for travel. 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, the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our reviews and features a minimalist, sleek design that makes it look almost like a backpack when it's folded. It's lighter than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage space and gets an overall higher score in terms of quality than other compact strollers we've evaluated.
The Doona is another excellent stroller for travel that is FAA aircraft-approved (with the latch base) and doesn't require any setup. It is also sturdy and easy to use with multiple children. It's more expensive compared to other website alternatives, but it's constructed of top-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, which other brands require you to buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for traveling offer your child an enjoyable experience. Find models that are cushioned and come with a large canopy. If you plan to use the stroller for napping on your travels, it is important to recline. Also, ensure that the seat is appropriate for your child's size. Some travel strollers are designed to be as light and compact as possible however this may be detrimental to comfort.
There are many options to combine style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example is a stylish stroller that is both light and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is constructed to last, while its anti-shock wheels and padded five-point harness ensure a comfortable ride. The Coya features a large canopy for great sun protection.
Another great option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and unique stroller that is designed to make travelling with kids as easy as it can be. It has a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is light enough to fit into the trunks of cars or overhead bins on airplanes. It is available with a range of accessories and customisations, including sun canopies and weather shields.
If you're looking for a portable stroller that can double as a daily stroller, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. This spacious stroller is simple to maneuver and comes with many features that parents appreciate such as cup holders storage compartments, an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat reclines, and has a large UPF50+ canopy that has a peekaboo mesh window.
A good option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with various infant car seats, making it a convenient option for families who frequently travel. The compact fold and the maneuverability of this stroller will allow you to navigate busy airports and large cities.
A stroller for travel should be comfortable for you and your child. Pick a stroller that has a wide, comfortable seat that can recline to allow for naps on long trips. Seats with well-padded legrests can provide an even more comfortable ride. Pick a stroller for travel with a cushioned handle, so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Contrary to the majority of strollers, a few models that are designed for travel feature ultra-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, making them a breeze for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby's Minu was among the very first travel strollers that could also be used as a regular stroller. It is still a top choice among parents who pack light and don't want their stroller to be checked for gate access when they travel. This stroller that is IATA-certified can fit in almost all overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream from the plane, and offers various smart features (including folding with one hand, massive sunshade, a comfy 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).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that feels like a luxury option. It's not the prettiest or most compact model in our review, but it comes with sleek frame, easy-to-use controls, and lots of useful features (including the ability to recline as well as a padded foot brake as well as a huge undercarriage basket and a straightforward one-handed fold). It's also green and comes in recyclable packaging, and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has slim lines and a variety of useful features. It was easy to maneuver on various surfaces, like shag and wood, and the bottom basket can be used to store a backpack. The only downside is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds) and therefore may not fit into the overhead bins of smaller airplanes.
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 ideal place to store a stroller, since it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It's also easy to access whenever you require it. A shed or nook can also be used as a secure place to store your stroller in case it gets lost or stolen when you're away.