How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are plenty of options for you to choose from, whether you need a stroller to travel with or a lightweight, compact one to take with you. We've put them all to the test to help you select the best travel stroller to meet your needs.
A lightweight stroller that can be easily walked on and is able to drive over different terrains. It folds up into a compact bag that fits in the majority of overhead bins found on planes.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers fold into small, easy-to-store bags that can fit into overhead bins on planes as well as in trunks of cars. Find models that have a single-hand fold that is able to be completed without any stooping or straining. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that makes it easy to carry the stroller over your shoulder when not in use. If you plan to spend a lot of time walking during your trip, it's helpful to find an infant stroller with a large undercarriage basket which can accommodate large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've ever tested, weighing just 13.7 pounds and being able to fit down airplane aisles or into overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver in busy streets. It's not the ideal choice for running, rough terrain, or short 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 both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately), has a spacious storage bin, and a smooth ride on uneven surfaces. It's more expensive than other strollers we tested, but is 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 has a simple design that can be folded and unfolded in one hand, and is compatible with most major brand car seats. Its front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide a smooth ride on pavements, airports, and cobblestones. Its easy-to-use handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours makes popular strollers less expensive for travelers. Itsy's stroller is lighter the lightweight Pockit but it has a more durable frame, a powerful dual wheel suspension, a UPF50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage. It also features a self-standing fold that's easy to fold down, and it comes with a convenient carry bag and a strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should select a travel stroller that can be maneuvered easily in all kinds of terrain. This is especially true when you plan to take your stroller on hikes, or other excursions where you may encounter rough terrain. Choose a stroller with an easy-to-use handlebar and wheels that are designed to hold the ground in a secure manner. It should be lightweight and easy to handle so you can easily lift, transport, or store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly rated umbrella stroller designed for travel. It's a good option for parents seeking an easy-to-use, high-quality product that offers features that many families want in a travel-friendly stroller, including a compact fold and a sun canopy that can be extended.
It's a little more difficult to push than other smaller travel strollers however it is able to handle in a variety of terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It is more expensive than other travel strollers we rated but it offers numerous features that parents look for in a stroller. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar that's easy to move and is small enough to fit into the overhead bins on planes.
If you prefer a sleeker style, the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It's also the highest-rated umbrella stroller, based on our evaluations. It's sleek and minimalist design, which makes it look like a backpack once folded. It's heavier than the GB Pockit, but it offers more storage and a better score for quality compared to other smaller strollers we've evaluated.
The Doona is another great travel stroller that's FAA aircraft-approved (with the latch base) and requires no installation. It's also durable and comfortable enough for multiple children. It's more expensive than the other options, but it is made of high-quality materials. It also got a top score in terms of user-friendliness. It also includes accessories like a rain cover and travel bag, that other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel provide your child with the comfort of. Find models that are padded and come with a large canopy. If you plan to use the stroller as a babysitter on your travels it is crucial that they recline. Also, make sure the seat is appropriate for your child's size. Some travel strollers are designed to be as light and compact as is possible, but this can come at the expense of comfort.
Luckily, there are many alternatives that offer fashion and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example is a stylish stroller that is both light and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is constructed to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya features a large canopy for great sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another great option. It is a sleek, modern stroller designed to make traveling easy for children. 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 customisations, including sun canopies and weather shields.
If you are looking for a travel buggy that can also function as a daily stroller then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a great option. The large stroller is easy to maneuver and has all the features that parents love including cup holders storage pockets, an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The large seat reclines and it has a UPF50+ canopy that has a peekaboo mesh window.
A good choice for families with infant car seats is the website Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller can be used with a variety of infant car seats which makes it a great option for families that frequently travel. Its compact fold and movability make it easy to navigate busy airports and cities.
A travel stroller must be comfortable for both you and your child. Choose a stroller with a spacious and padded seat that reclines for napping on long trips. The seat should also feature a a well-padded leg rest, as this can make for an even more comfortable ride. Also, you should choose a travel stroller with a comfortable handle that you can use to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers designed for travel fold so small that they can be stowed in tight car trunks and crowded overhead bins. They typically weigh less than 10 pounds, which makes them a breeze for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby's Minu was among the first travel strollers that can be used as a regular stroller. It is still a favorite among parents who pack light and don't want their stroller to get gate-checked when they fly. The stroller is IATA-certified and can be tucked away in the majority of overhead bins, maneuvers like a dream off the plane, and comes with various smart features (including folding with one hand, huge sunshade, comfy seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, and a padded handlebar with a wrist strap, and an easy foot brake that only takes one step).
If you're looking for a budget-friendly stroller that is still a luxury stroller, try the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest or the smallest of our test, but it does have an easy-to-use frame, plenty of smart features, including a reclining mechanism and an padded brake. It also has a large basket under the carriage and a one-handed fold. It's also environmentally friendly, comes in recyclable packaging and has 10 years of warranty.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has slim lines and a host of convenient features. In our tests, it swung well across a variety of surfaces including shag and wood carpet, and its bottom storage basket is large enough to be a backpack. The only drawback is its weight (at 17 pounds), which may prevent it from fitting into the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have plenty of space for storing your stroller at home, consider purchasing a bike shed or making a nook custom for it. A garden shed, specifically is a fantastic place to store your stroller as it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It's also accessible when you need it. You can also make use of a nook or shed to store your stroller in case it's lost or stolen.