Best Travel Stroller: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you're looking for a stroller that you can use on your travels or you're looking for a lightweight compact stroller that you can carry around on the go, there are plenty of choices. We've tried them all to help you select the best travel stroller that meets your requirements.
The stroller's lightweight design glides effortlessly and is able to drive well on various terrains. It folds up into a small bag that fits inside the majority of overhead bins on planes.
Easy to Fold
The best travel strollers can be folded into a compact size that can easily be placed in overhead bins on planes or trunks of cars. Look for strollers that fold with only one hand, with no having to stoop. Some strollers come with a handy strap that lets you easily sling it over your shoulder while not in use. If you plan to spend a lot of walking during your trip it's a good idea to get an infant stroller with a large undercarriage basket which can hold large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we test. Weighing only 13.7 pounds, it will easily fit into airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver around crowds in busy streets. It's not the best choice for jogging or rough terrain, but it's perfect for city living and quick excursions when you don't need to lug around a bigger stroller.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs full-size features into a compact, air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters are sold separately), has a spacious storage bin, and a smooth ride on uneven surfaces. It's more expensive than the other travel strollers that we tried, but is worthwhile for parents who frequently use their stroller while traveling.
Some travel strollers offer an easier way to transport them, for instance the versatile Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This model features an easy-to-manoeuvre design that can be folded and unfolded in one hand and is compatible with most major car seats. The front wheel suspension, swivels and the swivel wheels give you a smooth ride over pavements, airports and cobblestones. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted to fit parents of any height.
Contours makes popular stroller models less expensive for travelers. Itsy's stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit however it comes with a more durable frame, a dynamic dual wheel suspension as well as an UPF50+ sun canopy as well as plenty of storage. It also has a self-standing fold that's easy to fold, and it comes with a convenient carrying bag and carry strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
It is important to choose a stroller that can be maneuvered easily in all terrains. This is especially important in the event that you intend to use 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 be able to grip the ground. It should be light and easy to carry so you can easily lift it, carry, or store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly rated umbrella stroller specifically designed for use on travel. It's a good option for parents who want an easy-to-use, high-quality item that offers features that many families are looking for in a portable stroller, such as compact folding and a sun canopy that extends.
It's a little harder to push than the smaller travel strollers that we have reviewed, however it's able to withstand different terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other travel strollers we rated but it offers a variety of features that parents look for 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 umbrella stroller in our rankings and has a minimalist, sleek design that makes it look like a backpack when it's folded. It's also lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and scores an overall higher score for quality than the other small travel strollers we've tested.
The Doona is another great stroller for traveling that's FAA approved for use in aircrafts (with the latch base) and requires no installation. It's also durable and easy to use with multiple children. It's more expensive compared to other alternatives, but it's made of high-quality materials. It also got the highest score in terms of user-friendliness. It also comes with other accessories like an umbrella and bags for travel, which other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to provide your child with an enjoyable ride. Look for models that are padded and with a spacious canopy. If you plan to use the stroller as a babysitter on your journey it is essential to recline. Also, make sure the seat is appropriate to your child's size. 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 options that combine style and comfort. For example the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is lightweight and durable. Its aluminum frame will last a lifetime, while its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness guarantee an easy ride. The Coya features a large canopy for excellent sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is a different alternative. It is a sleek, modern stroller that is designed to make travel simple for children. It has a one-handed fold mechanism and is light enough to fit into trunks of cars or overhead bins on planes. It is available with a variety of accessories and customizations like weather shields and sun canopies.
If you're looking for a travel stroller that can double pram and pushchair as a daily stroller, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. This large stroller is easy to maneuver and comes with numerous features that parents love such as cup holders, storage compartments, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and comes with an enormous UPF 50+ canopy, which has the mesh peekaboo window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good choice for families who have infant car seats. This stroller can be used with a variety of infant car seats, making it a convenient option for families that frequently travel. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller allow you to navigate large cities and airports.
A travel stroller should be comfortable for you and your child. Look for a model with an ample and comfortable seat that reclines for napping on long trips. Seats with well-padded legrests can make for an even more comfortable ride. Choose a travel stroller with a comfortable handle so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers that are designed for travel fold to be so compact that they can be stored in trunks of cars and overcrowded overhead bins. They are usually lighter than 10 pounds and easy to carry by anyone, even children.
UPPAbaby's Minu was one of the very first travel strollers that could be used as a regular stroller. It's still a top choice among parents who don't pack a lot and do not want their stroller to be checked at the gate when they fly. The stroller is IATA-certified and easy to maneuver from the plane and can fit in most overhead bins. It also comes with a number of clever features, pushchair Pram such as the ability to fold with one hand, a large sunshade and an incredibly comfortable seat with various recline positions.
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller, but it feels like a luxury option. It's not the prettiest or the most compact in our test, but it does have an easy-to-use frame, and lots of innovative features, such as the ability to recline and an padded brake. There's also a huge basket under the carriage and an easy fold with one hand. Additionally, it's eco-friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and the option of transferring a 10-year warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, with its slim profile and many useful features. In our tests, it swung easily over a variety of surfaces, including wood and shag carpet and its storage basket is large enough to fit in a backpack. The only drawback is its weight (at 17 pounds), which may prevent it from fitting in the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you do not have a lot of space to store your stroller, you might be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also build a custom nook for it. A garden shed is the perfect place to store your stroller since it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It's also easily accessible whenever you need it. A nook or shed can also be used as a secure spot to stash your stroller in case it gets stolen or lost when you're out.