How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are a variety of options to choose from for you to choose from, whether you need a stroller to travel with or a lightweight, compact one to bring with you. We've put them to the test to help you select the ideal travel stroller to meet your needs.
A stroller that is lightweight, is smooth and easy to drive over different terrains. It folds into a teeny-tiny carrying bag that 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 is easily put in overhead bins of planes or car trunks. You should look for strollers that fold with only one hand, with no having to stoop. Many models also have a handy carry strap that makes it simple to carry the stroller over your shoulder when not in use. If you're planning to spend a lot of walking during your trip it is advisable to choose an infant 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 tested. It weighs just 13.7 pounds, it will easily fit into aisles of airplanes and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers, Pram Sale (you could try these out) making it easier to maneuver around crowds in city streets. It's not the best option for rough terrain or jogging but it's ideal for city life and short outings when you don't want to carry a larger stroller.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight option. It packs features of full-size into a compact air-friendly design. It is compatible with both Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are sold separately), and has a large storage compartment. It also offers an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's a bit more expensive than other travel strollers we tested, but it's well worth the cost for parents who often use their stroller while traveling.
Certain strollers for travel help to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 that has a flexible design. It is simple to maneuver and can be folded or unfolded with one hand. It is compatible with a variety of major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension, swivels and swivel wheels offer smooth travel over pavements, airports and cobblestones. The handlebar's height can be adjusted to suit parents of all heights.
Contours takes popular stroller styles and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the light Pockit, but offers a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension and an UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It also has an auto-standing fold that is easy to fold and comes with a convenient carry bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you pick should be easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. This is especially important if you plan to use your stroller for hikes or other excursions where you may encounter rough terrain. Choose a stroller that has a handlebar that is easy to use and wheels designed to be able to grip the surface. It should be lightweight and easy to handle so you can easily lift it, carry, or 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 seeking a top-quality user-friendly product that has features that a lot of families would like to have in a stroller that is travel-friendly. These include 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 we have in our reviews, but it's able to withstand various terrains and is easy to turn. Another great option is the GB Pockit, which is also a top-rated stroller. It's more expensive than some of the other strollers we've reviewed however, it comes with many features that parents are looking for 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're looking for a sleeker design, check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top umbrella stroller in our ratings and has a minimalist, sleek design that looks similar to a backpack it's folded. It's a little lighter than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage space and gets the highest score for quality than other compact strollers (try here) we've tested.
The Doona is a fantastic stroller that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no setup. It's also durable and suitable for families with a number of children. It's more expensive than the other options, but it is constructed of top-quality materials. It also got an excellent score in terms of user-friendliness. It also comes with other accessories like an umbrella and travel bag, which other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel are designed to provide your child with a comfortable ride. Choose models with a big canopy and padded seats. If you plan to use the stroller as a napper during your trip, it is important that they recline. Additionally, be sure that the seat is appropriate for your child's age. Some strollers are designed to be as compact and light as they can be, but this can compromise 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 will last for a long time, while its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness ensure an easy ride. The Coya also has a large canopy that offers great sun protection.
Another great option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and modern stroller that is designed to make travelling with children as simple as is possible. It has a one-handed folding pushchair mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit in car trunks or overhead bins of airplanes. It is available with a wide range of accessories and customizations like weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a travel buggy that can also function as a daily stroller then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a excellent choice. The spacious stroller moves smoothly and comes with all the features parents love including cup holders and storage pockets, as well as an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat reclines, and has a large UPF50+ canopy with the ability to peek out through the mesh.
A good 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 that frequently travel. Its compact fold and movability let you easily navigate through busy cities and airports.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for you and your baby. Pick a stroller that has a large, padded seat that can recline to allow for naps on long journeys. The seat should also feature a an adequately cushioned leg rest as this can make for 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
Contrary to the majority of strollers, a few travel-friendly models have ultra-compact folds, which make them perfect to fit into tight trunks of cars or overcrowded overhead bins. These strollers are typically lighter than 10 pounds and are easy to carry by anyone, even children.
UPPAbaby was one of the first companies to enter the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category, and its Minu remains an excellent choice for light-packing parents who do not want to worry about checking their strollers at the gate when they fly. This stroller that is IATA-certified fits in most overhead bins, moves like a dream from the plane, and offers an array of innovative features (including a one-handed fold, huge sunshade, comfy seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, padded handlebar with a wrist strap, and an easy foot brake that only takes one step).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller, but it feels like a luxurious option. It's not the prettiest model or the most compact in our review but it has an easy-to-use frame, plenty of smart features, including an adjustable reclining mechanism as well as a padded brake. It also has a large basket under the carriage as well as the ability to fold it with one hand. Plus, it's environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging with a 10-year transferable warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong competitor, with its slim profile and a host of practical features. In our tests, it maneuvered well over different surfaces including wood and shag carpet and its bottom storage basket is large enough to fit in a backpack. The only drawback is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds) which means it might not fit into the overhead bin of smaller airplanes.
If you don't have lots of space for storing your stroller, think about buying a bike shed or creating a nook specifically for it. A garden shed is the ideal location to store a stroller since it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It is also easily accessible at any time you require it. You can also make use of a nook or shed to store your stroller in case it's lost or stolen.