How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are a variety of options to choose from, whether you want an ideal stroller for your travels or a compact, lightweight one to bring with you. We've put them all to the test to help you choose the ideal travel stroller for your needs.
The stroller is light and easy to maneuver and performs well on a variety of terrains. It folds down into a tiny carrying bag that fits into most airplane overhead bins.
Easy to Fold
The best travel strollers can be folded into a compact size 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. Some also have a convenient carry strap that makes it easy to sling the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you're planning on walking for a long time during your trip, a stroller that has an ample basket underneath the seat can be useful. It can accommodate large bags for diapers or weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we tested, weighing only 13.7 pounds and fitting down aisles of airplanes or into overhead bins. It's also narrower than most other strollers and makes it easier to maneuver through crowds on streets in cities. It's not the best option for rough terrain or jogging, but it's perfect for city life and short outings when you don't want to lug around a bigger stroller.
Another option that's lightweight is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size stroller features into a compact design suitable for travel on air. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately), has a spacious storage bin, and an effortless ride on uneven surfaces. It's a bit more expensive than the other travel strollers we've tested, but it's worth it for parents who regularly use their stroller while traveling.
Some strollers are designed to help to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2, which has a versatile design. This model features an easy-to-manoeuvre design that can be folded and unfolded using one hand, and is compatible with the majority of major car seats. The front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide a smooth ride on roads, airports and cobblestones, and its adjustable handlebar height can accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours takes the most popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for families. Their stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit, but offers solid frame, a robust dual-wheel suspension as well as an UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It has a self standing fold that is easy to collapse. It is also equipped with a convenient carry bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should choose a travel stroller that is easy to maneuver on all terrains. This is particularly true in the event that you plan to use it for hikes or adventures where you may encounter rough terrain. Pick a stroller with an easy-to-use handlebar to use and has wheels designed to grip the surface. It should be lightweight and easy to carry so you can easily lift it, carry, or store it.
An excellent option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is a top-rated umbrella stroller that's designed for travel. It's a great choice for parents who are looking for a premium, easy-to-use product that includes features that a lot of families would like to have in a stroller that is travel-friendly. They include an easy folding mechanism that folds down small and an expandable canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than other smaller strollers however it is able to handle in a variety of terrains and is easy turn. Another option that is worth considering is the GB Pockit, which is also a rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other travel strollers we rated however it comes with a variety of features that parents want in a stroller. It has a simple-to-use handlebar that is easy to maneuver and is small enough to fit into the overhead bins on airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker design, check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our ratings and has an elegant, minimalist design that looks almost like a backpack when it's 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 excellent travel stroller that's FAA approved for use in aircrafts (with the latch base) and doesn't require any set-up. It's also durable and comfortable enough for many children. It's more expensive than some of the other choices in our reviews but it's built of high-quality materials, and earned a top rating for ease-of-use. It comes with accessories, such as bags for travel and a rain cover that other brands require you to buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers provide your child with a comfortable experience. Look for models with a big canopy and padded seats. They must also recline, which is crucial when you intend to use the stroller to nap during your trip. Also, make sure the seat is appropriate for the size of your child. Some strollers for travel are designed to be as compact and light as they can, but this can compromise the comfort of your child.
There are many options that combine design and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and sturdy. The frame made of aluminum is built to last, while its anti-shock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure a comfortable ride. The Coya features an enormous canopy that provides the best sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another excellent option. It is a sleek, modern stroller designed to make traveling simple for children. It features a single-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is lightweight enough to fit in the trunks of cars or overhead bins on airplanes. It is also available with a wide range of accessories and customisation options including sun canopies, weather shields and snack trays.
If you're in search of a travel stroller that can double as a daily stroller look into the Uppababy G-Link 2. The spacious stroller moves smoothly and has all the features that parents love including cup holders, storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat reclines, and has a large UPF50+ canopy with a peekaboo mesh window.
A good choice for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible for a variety of infant car seats. It's an excellent choice for families that travel frequently. The compact fold and the maneuverability of this stroller allow you to navigate large cities and airports with ease.
A stroller for travel should be comfortable for you and your child. Choose a stroller with an expansive and comfortable seat that reclines to allow napping during long trips. The seat should also come with an adequately cushioned leg rest, since this can provide an extra comfortable ride. Choose a travel stroller that has a padded handle so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
In contrast to most strollers, some models that are designed for travel feature ultra-compact folds that are ideal 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 don't want to risk gate-checking their stroller when they travel. This stroller that is IATA-certified fits in most overhead bins, maneuvers like a dream from the plane, and offers an array of innovative features (including the ability to fold with one hand, a huge sunshade, comfy seat with a multi-position recline, a spacious undercarriage basket, padded handbar with a wrist strap and a simple foot brake that is one step).
For a budget-friendly model that still feels like a luxurious stroller, consider the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It is not the prettiest or the most compact in our review but it has an easy-to-use frame, and lots of smart features, including the ability to recline and an padded brake. There's also a large basket under the carriage as well as a one-handed fold. It's also environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging, and comes with 10 years of warranty.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has an elongated profile website and a host of convenient features. It's easy to maneuver on various surfaces, like shag and wood and the storage basket at the bottom can hold a backpack. It's only downside is its weight (at 17 pounds) which could prevent it from fitting into the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you do not have enough space to store your stroller, you might be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also build an area specifically for it. A garden shed is the perfect 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 shed or nook to store your stroller in case it's lost or stolen.