How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on whether you're looking for an ideal stroller for your travels or a compact, lightweight one to carry around. We've tried them all to help you pick the ideal travel stroller that meets your needs.
A stroller that is lightweight, can be easily walked on and is able to drive across various terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag and fits into most airplane overhead bins.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can be folded into a compact unit that is easily put in overhead bins on planes or trunks of cars. Look for strollers that fold with one hand, without having to bend. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that lets you easily sling it over your shoulders when not in use. If you're planning to spend a lot of time walking on your travels it's a good idea to get the stroller that has a large undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we've tested. Weighing just 13.7 pounds, it's able to easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers and makes it easier to navigate crowds on streets in cities. It's not the best option for running, rough terrain or short outings.
Another lightweight option is the Nuna Aer+, which packs a full-size stroller into a compact form that's suitable for travel on air. It is compatible with both 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 other travel strollers we tested, but it's worth it for parents who regularly utilize their stroller for travel.
Some travel strollers offer the convenience of transport them, for instance the versatile Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It has a simple design that can be folded and unfolded with one hand, and is compatible with all major car seats. The front wheel suspension and the swivel wheels guarantee smooth travel on airports, pavements, and cobblestones. Additionally, its easy-to-use handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours makes popular stroller models more affordable for those who travel. Their stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit, but offers sturdy frames, a powerful dual-wheel suspension, the UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It features a self-standing fold that is simple to collapse. It also comes with a convenient carry bag and carrying strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you select should be easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. This is especially important in the event that you intend to use your stroller for hikes or other excursions where you may encounter rough surfaces. Pick a stroller with a handlebar that is easy to operate and wheels that are designed to grip the surface. It should be lightweight and easy to hold so that you can easily lift, carry, or even store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly rated umbrella stroller made for travel. It's a great option for parents who want an easy-to-use, high-quality product that offers features that many families would like in a stroller, including a compact fold and an extendable sun canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than some of the smaller strollers that we have reviewed, however it's able to withstand a variety of terrains and is easy to turn. Another great option is the GB Pockit, which is also a rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other strollers that we reviewed but it offers many features that parents look for in a stroller. It has a straightforward handlebar that's easy to move and is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins on planes.
If you like a sleeker look and a sleeker design, the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It's also the highest-rated umbrella stroller, based on our evaluations. It's a minimalist and sleek design, which makes it look like a backpack once folded. It's a little heavier than the GB Pockit, but it offers more storage and a better score in terms of quality than other smaller strollers we've tested.
The Doona is another excellent stroller for travel that is FAA approved for aircraft use (with the latch base) and doesn't require any installation. It's also sturdy and comfortable enough for many children. It's more expensive than the other options, but it is constructed of top-quality materials. It also earned an excellent rating in terms of ease-of-use. It includes accessories like an umbrella and a rain cover, which other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to provide your child with a comfortable ride. Choose models with a large canopy and comfortable seats. If you intend to use the stroller for napping on your travels it is crucial that they recline. Also, ensure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some travel strollers are designed to be as light and compact as possible however this may be at the expense of the user's comfort.
There are a variety of options that combine design and comfort. For instance, the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and robust. Its aluminum frame will last a lifetime, while its antishock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure an enjoyable ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that offers an excellent sun protection.
Another great option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and modern stroller designed to make travel with children as simple as is possible. It comes with a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is light enough to fit into trunks of cars and overhead bins of airplanes. It is available with a range of accessories and customisations, including weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a portable stroller that can double as a regular stroller, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. This spacious stroller is simple to maneuver and comes with many features that parents appreciate, including cup holders storage compartments, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy that has a mesh peekaboo window.
A great 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. The compact fold and maneuverability of this stroller will allow you to travel through large cities and airports.
A stroller for travel should be comfortable for you and your child. Select a stroller with an ample, cushioned seat that reclines to allow naps during long journeys. The seat should also have an adequately cushioned leg rest, since this can provide an even more comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller that has a cushioned handle that you can use to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Contrary to the majority of strollers, a few travel-friendly models have ultra-compact folds that are ideal to fit into tight trunks of cars or overcrowded overhead bins. They are also typically lighter than 10 pounds, making them easy for everyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby was among the first brands to venture into the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category, and its Minu is still the top choice among light-packing parents who don't want to risk checking their strollers at the gate when they travel. This IATA-certified stroller fits in most overhead bins, maneuvers like a dream from the plane, and comes with a range of smart features (including folding with one hand, huge sunshade, comfy seat with multi-position recline, spacious undercarriage basket, and a padded handlebar with a wrist strap, and a simple foot brake that only takes one step).
If you're looking for a budget-friendly stroller that still feels like a luxury stroller, check out the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It is not the prettiest or the smallest of our review but it has an easy-to-use frame, and lots of smart features, including an adjustable reclining mechanism as well as an padded brake. There's also a large basket under the carriage and an easy fold with one hand. It's also environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging with 10 years of transferable warranty.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has an elongated profile and a plethora of practical features. In our tests, it swung easily over a variety of surfaces including shag and wood carpet and its bottom storage basket is big enough to fit in a backpack. Its only flaw is its weight (at 17 pounds), which may prevent it from fitting in the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you do not have enough space to store your stroller, you may think about purchasing a bike shed. You can also build an individual nook for it. A garden shed is the ideal place to here store your stroller, as it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It's also easily accessible whenever you need it. A shed or nook could also be used as a secure location to store your stroller in case it is lost or stolen when you're away.