How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
If you're looking for a stroller that you can use on your travels or you're looking for a lightweight compact stroller that you can carry around There are plenty of choices. We've put them all to the test to help you choose the ideal stroller to meet your needs.
A stroller that is lightweight, is smooth and easy to drive across various terrains. It folds into a teeny-tiny carrying bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can fold into a compact package that can easily be stored in overhead bins of planes and car trunks. You should look for models that fold with only one hand, with no stooping. Some also have a convenient carry strap that allows you to carry the stroller over your shoulder when not in use. If you're planning to walk for a long time on your travels, a stroller with an enormous basket under the seat could be helpful. It can be used to store large bags for diapers or weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we've tested. Weighing just 13.7 pounds, it's able to easily fit into airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver in city streets. It's not the best option for running, rough terrain, or for quick excursions.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight option. It packs all the features of a full-size car seat in a compact, air-friendly design. It is compatible with both Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are available separately) It also has a spacious storage compartment. It also provides an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than other strollers that we've tested, however it's worth the price for parents who regularly use their stroller while traveling.
Some travel strollers offer a more convenient way to transport them, for instance the multi-purpose Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It has a simple design that folds and unfolded with one hand and is compatible with the majority of major car seats. The front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide an easy ride on airports, pavements, and cobblestones. Its adjustable handlebar height can accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours makes popular stroller models more affordable for travelers. Itsy's stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit however it comes with an extra durable frame, a dynamic dual wheel suspension, a UPF50+ sun canopy as well as plenty of storage. It also has a self-standing fold that's easy to fold, and it comes with a convenient carrying bag and carry strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
It is important to choose a stroller that is easy to maneuver in all terrains. This is especially true when you plan to take your stroller on hikes, or other activities where you could encounter rough surfaces. Find a stroller that has a user-friendly handlebar and wheels designed to grip the ground well. It should be light and easy to handle so you can easily lift, carry, or even store it.
A good choice is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an umbrella stroller with top ratings that's designed for travel. It's a great option for parents seeking a top-quality product that is easy to use and has features that a lot of families would like to have in a stroller that is travel-friendly. These include a compact folding mechanism and an extendable canopy.
It's a little more difficult to push than other strollers with smaller wheels however it is able to handle on a variety terrains and is easy turn. Another great option is the GB Pockit, which is also a highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than the other strollers that we reviewed, but it has a variety of features that parents are looking for in a stroller. It has an easy-to-use handlebar and is compact enough to fit in the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you like a sleeker appearance, the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It's also the highest-rated umbrella stroller according to our ratings. It has a sleek and minimalist design which makes it appear like a backpack when folded. It's also a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and gets an overall higher score for quality than other small travel strollers we've tried.
The Doona is a great travel stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It's also durable and comfortable enough to use for several children. It's more expensive compared to other alternatives, but it's made of high-quality materials. It also received an excellent rating for ease of use. It also comes with accessories like rain covers and a travel bag, which other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers give your child a comfortable experience. Choose models with a large canopy and comfortable seats. If you intend to use the stroller as a napper during your trip it is essential to recline. Also, make sure the seat is suitable to your child's size. Some travel strollers are designed to be as lightweight and compact as they can be however this may come at the expense of comfort.
There are plenty of choices that provide both design and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example is a stylish stroller which is both light and durable. The frame made of aluminum is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded five-point harness ensure a comfortable ride. The Coya comes with an enormous canopy that provides great sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is a different option. It is a sleek, innovative stroller designed to make traveling push chair simple for children. It features a single-handed folding mechanism and is light enough to fit into the trunks of cars or overhead bins of airplanes. It is available with a wide range of accessories and customizations such as weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a travel stroller that can double as a regular stroller, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. The large stroller is easy to maneuver and comes with all the features that parents love, such as cup holders, storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and it has a UPF50+ canopy that has a peekaboo mesh window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good option for families with infant car seats. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats. It's a great option for families who travel often. The compact fold and the maneuverability of this stroller will allow you to navigate large cities and airports.
A travel stroller should be comfortable for you and your child. Select a stroller with a large, padded seat and can recline to allow for naps on long journeys. Seats with padded legrests offer an even more comfortable ride. Select a stroller with a cushioned handle to allow you to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Contrary to the majority of strollers, a few models designed for travel have extremely compact folds that are ideal to fit into tight trunks of cars or overcrowded overhead bins. They are usually 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 the top choice among light-packing parents who do not want to risk checking their strollers at the gate when they travel. The stroller is IATA-certified and can be tucked away in the majority of overhead bins, moves like a dream from the plane, and comes with an array of innovative features (including the ability to fold with one hand, a large sunshade, a comfortable seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, padded handlebar with wrist strap and an easy, one-step foot brake).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that feels like an expensive option. It's not the prettiest or most compact model we review, but it does have an elegant frame, simple controls, and a variety of smart features (including a reclining mechanism as well as a padded foot brake as well as a huge undercarriage basket and a straightforward one-handed fold). It's also 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 convenient features. In our tests, it moved well over different surfaces, including wood and shag carpet and its bottom storage basket is big enough to fit in a backpack. The only issue is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds), so it may not fit into the overhead bin of smaller airplanes.
If you don't have a lot of space for storing your stroller at home, think about buying a bike shed or creating a nook specifically for it. A garden shed, particularly is a great spot to store your stroller as it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It is also easily accessible any time you're in need. A shed or nook can also be used as a secure spot to stash your stroller in the event that it is lost or stolen when you're out.