How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you're looking for a stroller to use on your travels or want a lightweight compact stroller that you can carry around, there are plenty of options. We've put them all to the test to help you select the best travel stroller for your requirements.
A stroller with a light weight that is smooth and easy to drive across different terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag that fits into most airplane overhead bins.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers fold down into an easy-to-store, compact package that can fit into overhead bins on planes and in car trunks. You should look for models that fold using only one hand, with no having to stoop. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that makes it simple to carry the stroller on your shoulder when you're not using it. If you're planning to walk often on your travels, a stroller that has a large basket under the seat could be helpful. It can hold large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've ever tested, weighing only 13.7 pounds and fitting down aisles in airplanes or overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers making it easier to maneuver around crowds on city streets. It's not the best option for jogging or rough terrain however it's great for city life and quick outings where you don't have to carry a larger stroller.
Another lightweight option is the Nuna Aer+, which packs a full-size stroller into a compact design suitable for air travel. It is compatible with both Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are sold separately), and has a spacious storage compartment. It also offers a smooth ride over bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive compared to other strollers we tried, but is an excellent choice for parents who use their stroller often when traveling.
Some strollers come with the convenience of transport them, like the versatile Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It is simple to move and folds or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with all major car seat brands. Its front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide a smooth ride on pavements, airports, and cobblestones, and its convenient handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours takes the most popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Their stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit and has a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension, an UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It has a self standing fold that is simple to collapse. It is also equipped with a convenient carry bag and carrying strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you pick should be easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. This is particularly important if you plan to use your stroller on hikes, or other activities where you could encounter rough surfaces. Pick a stroller with a handlebar that is easy to operate and wheels that are designed to be able to grip the surface. It should also be lightweight and maneuverable enough you can lift it, carry or store it with little effort.
An excellent option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an extremely rated umbrella stroller made for travel. It's an excellent choice 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 the ability to fold down in a compact manner and an extended canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than some of the smaller strollers in our ratings, but it is able to handle various terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than some of the other strollers in our rankings however it has an array of features that parents would like in a travel stroller. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar and is compact enough to fit into overhead bins of airplanes.
If you prefer a sleeker design, consider the Zoe Traveler. It's also the top-rated umbrella stroller according to our evaluations. It's a sleek and minimalist design which makes it look like a backpack when folded. It's also lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and scores a higher score for quality compared to the other smaller strollers we've tested.
The Doona is a fantastic travel stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It is also sturdy and easy to use with multiple children. It's more expensive than some of the other options in our ratings however, it's constructed with high-quality materials and received a top rating for its user-friendliness. It also comes with accessories, such as rain covers and a travel bag, that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers offer your child a comfortable experience. Look for models that are cushioned and with a spacious canopy. If you plan to use the stroller as a napper on your journey it is essential that they recline. Also, ensure that the seat is suitable for your child's age. Some strollers for travel are designed to be as light and compact as they can, but this could compromise comfort.
There are many options to combine style and comfort. For example the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is light and robust. The frame made of aluminum will last a lifetime, while its antishock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure an enjoyable ride. The Coya comes with an enormous canopy that provides the best sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is a different alternative. It is a sleek, modern stroller designed to make traveling simple for children. It has a one-handed fold mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit in trunks of cars or overhead bins on planes. It is also available with a variety of accessories and customization options including sun canopies, weather shields and snack trays.
If you're looking for a buggy for travel that can also be used as an everyday stroller, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a great option. The large stroller is easy to maneuver and comes with all the features 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 with the ability to peek out through the mesh.
A good choice for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller can be used with various infant car seats. It's an excellent choice for families who travel often. The compact fold and the maneuverability of this stroller will allow you to navigate large cities and airports.
A stroller that is used for travel is one that is comfortable for you and your child. Choose a model that has a large, padded seat and can recline to allow naps on long trips. The seat should also come with a well-padded leg rest, since this can provide an even more comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller with a padded handle that you can use to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers that are designed for travel fold so small that they can be carried in small car trunks or overcrowded overhead bins. These strollers are typically lighter than 10 pounds and are easy to carry by anyone, including children.
UPPAbaby's Minu was among the very first travel strollers that could also be used as an everyday stroller. It's still a favorite among parents who are light packers and do not want their stroller to get gate-checked when they travel. This stroller that is IATA-certified can fit in almost all overhead bins, moves like a dream on the plane, and has 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 an easy foot brake that only takes one step).
For a budget-friendly option that is still a luxury stroller, check out the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest or the smallest of our test, but it does have an easy-to-use frame and a lot of clever features, including a reclining mechanism and a padded brake. There's also a large basket under the carriage and the ability to fold it with one hand. It's also environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging and comes with 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 big enough for 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 don't have much space to store your stroller, then you might be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also design a custom nook for it. A garden shed is the ideal place to store your stroller, as it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It's also easy to access when you need it. A shed or nook could be a website secure spot to stash your stroller in the event that it is lost or stolen when you're out.