How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are many options available for you to choose from, whether you need a stroller for travel or a lightweight, compact one to bring with you. We've put them all to the test to help you choose the best travel stroller for your requirements.
The lightweight stroller glides easily and drives well on different terrains. It folds down into a compact bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins on planes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can be folded into a compact unit that is easily placed in overhead bins of planes or car trunks. Look for strollers that fold with only one hand, with no stooping. Some strollers come with a handy strap that lets you easily sling it over your shoulder when not in use. If you're planning to spend a lot of walking during your trip it's a good idea to get an infant stroller with a large undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we test. Weighing just 13.7 pounds, it can easily fit into aisles of airplanes and 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 for quick excursions.
Another lightweight option is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size stroller features into a compact design that's suitable for air travel. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately) It also has a large storage bin, and offers an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than other strollers we tested, but it's worth it for parents who often use their stroller when traveling.
Some travel strollers offer an easier way to transport them, like the multi-purpose Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It has a simple design that folds and unfolded with one hand and is compatible with all major car seats. The front wheel suspension, swivels and the swivel wheels give you an easy ride across pavements, airports, and cobblestones. The handlebar height can be adjusted to fit parents of any height.
Contours takes the most popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for travelers. Itsy's stroller is lighter the lighter Pockit but has a more durable frame, a dynamic dual wheel suspension, a UPF50+ sun canopy as well as plenty of storage. It has a self standing fold that is easy to fold down. It is also equipped with a convenient carry bag and strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should choose a travel stroller that can be maneuvered easily in all terrains. This is particularly important in the event that you intend to use your stroller on hikes or other activities where you could encounter rough surfaces. Select a stroller that comes with a handlebar that is simple to use and has wheels designed to hold the surface. It should also be lightweight and maneuverable enough that you can easily lift, carry or store it without much effort.
An excellent option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an umbrella stroller with top ratings that's specifically designed for use on the road. It's an excellent choice for parents seeking a top-quality, easy-to-use product that includes features that families want in a stroller that is travel-friendly. It has an easy folding mechanism that folds down small and an extended canopy.
It's a bit harder to push than other strollers with smaller wheels, but it handles well on all kinds of terrains and is easy to turn. Another option that is worth considering is the GB Pockit, which is also a rated stroller. It is more expensive than other strollers we evaluated, but it has many features that parents want in a stroller. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar that's easy to maneuver and is small enough to fit into the overhead bins on planes.
If you prefer a sleeker look then the Zoe Traveler is a fantastic choice. It's also the top-rated umbrella stroller based on our evaluations. It's sleek and minimalist design, that makes it look like a backpack when folded. It's also a little lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and gets an overall higher score for quality compared to the other strollers that we've test.
The Doona is another excellent stroller for travel that is FAA approved for use in aircrafts (with the latch base) and requires zero setup. It's also durable and comfortable enough for many children. It's more expensive than other options, but it is made of high-quality materials. It also got a top score in terms of user-friendliness. It comes with accessories, such as a travel bag and rain cover, which other brands require you to buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to provide your child with a comfortable ride. Find models with a wide canopy and comfortable seats. If you plan to use the stroller for napping on your travels it is crucial that they recline. Also, ensure that the seat is suitable for the size of your child. Some travel strollers may be designed to be as light and compact as they can, but this could result in a loss of comfort.
There are many choices that provide both fashion and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller which is lightweight and durable. Its aluminum frame is constructed to last, and its anti-shock wheels as well as padded 5-point harness ensure a comfortable ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that offers great sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another excellent alternative. It is a sleek and innovative stroller designed to make traveling simple for children. It features a single-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is light enough to fit into trunks of cars and overhead bins of airplanes. It comes with a range of accessories and customizations like weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a portable stroller that can double as a stroller for daily use, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. The spacious stroller moves smoothly and comes with all the features that parents love like cup holders, storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The large seat reclines and has a large UPF 50+ canopy, which has the mesh peekaboo window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good option for families with infant car seats. This stroller is compatible for a variety of infant car seats. It's a great option for families who travel often. The compact fold and maneuverability of this stroller allow you to travel through busy airports and large cities.
A stroller that is used for travel should be comfortable for both you and your infant. Choose a stroller with an expansive and comfortable seat that reclines to nap during long journeys. Legrests that are well-padded can provide an even more comfortable ride. Pick a stroller for travel that has a padded handle so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers designed for travel fold so small that they can be carried in small car trunks or overcrowded overhead bins. They also often 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's still a popular choice for parents who don't pack a lot and do not want their stroller to be checked for gate access when they travel. The stroller is IATA-certified and easy to get off the plane and fits into most overhead bins. It also has many innovative features, like a single-handed folding mechanism as well as a large sunshade. a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to various recline positions.
For a budget-friendly model that still feels like a luxury stroller, consider the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest or most compact model in our review, but it does have sleek frame, easy-to-use controls, and plenty of clever features (including a reclining mechanism, a padded foot brake as well as a huge undercarriage basket and a simple, one-handed fold). It's also green and comes with recyclable packaging, and comes with more info 10 years of warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, thanks to its slim profile and many convenient features. It's easy to maneuver on various surfaces, including wood and shag rug and the bottom basket can be used to store a backpack. Its only flaw is its weight (at 17 pounds), which may prevent it from fitting into the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have enough space to store your stroller, you may want to consider buying a bike shed. You can also create an area specifically for it. A garden shed, specifically, is a great place to store your stroller because it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It's also accessible whenever you require it. You can also use a nook or shed to store your stroller in case it's stolen or lost.