Ten Myths About Stroller That Aren t Always True
How to Choose a Travel Stroller
If you travel frequently or if your daily strolls involve a quick out-and-back stroll and lots of stops at local parks, consider getting a lightweight stroller that you can pack. They fold easily and fit in trunks buses, trains, and planes.
The Nuna Trvl packs down to a small size that fits into the overhead bin of many aircrafts. It's also super easy to put together and comes with amazing features, like the simple, adjustable seat.
Easy to Assemble
This stroller is easy to assemble, and it's extremely easy to use. The frame pops open and folds with one hand and the seat reclines in two different positions. It also has an adjustable bumper bar that can be taken off and on with ease and the handlebar appears and feels nice and feels great too. The lack of storage options means that parents are required to carry a huge bag or drape it carefully over the handle, which is not in line with the advice of a professional.
This lightweight stroller makes sharp turns and rolls effortlessly on any surface. It has bigger foam-filled rubber wheels than the other models we tested. This provides it with more bounce and stability. However, some parents have reported that the tires feel thin.
The stroller is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins of many planes and weighs under 13 pounds. Its simple design means it doesn't have many extra features, but it's an excellent choice for frequent passengers. Note that collapsible walkers are considered "carry on" baggage, and may have to be checked by your airline if they have strict baggage restrictions.
If you are a frequent traveler, it might make sense to invest in a stroller that comes with advanced features. These more expensive models often offer more storage options, such as large underseat baskets and are usually easier to assemble and fold. Many of these strollers also have adjustable harnesses, along with other safety features you may not see on cheaper models. Make sure to contact your airline to know their policies regarding checking strollers, and always adhere to their guidelines to the letter to avoid any unpleasant surprises. It's also important to read the user's manual for your stroller, specifically those that deal with safety. Particularly, make sure to understand how to secure the straps and to make sure you are using them correctly. Also, be sure to only use your stroller in a safe pace and to not leave your child unattended. This will lower the chance of injury in case your stroller is tipped over or veers.
Easy to Fold
One of the key features of a good travel stroller is that it folds into compact and manageable size. Some models are very good at this, like the JOOVY, a lightweight TRVL that folded down in just four seconds during our tests. It can be able to stand when folded. This makes it simple to put in a closet or trunk and to carry on a plane's overhead bins.
The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is another stroller that folds easily and weighs less than 17 pounds and comes with an ample underseat storage basket that can accommodate a large backpack or diaper bag. The footrest that is reversible can double as an handle when the stroller is in its collapsed position. This feature was a huge hit during our testing, but unfortunately it left the stroller vulnerable to damage by airlines when one of our editors forgot it closed when she checked it in for her flight. The baggage handler snapped off the footrest, and the UPPAbaby guarantee doesn't cover airline-related damage.
The majority of the strollers we tested, unlike umbrella strollers use joints and hinges in order to fold into a more square package. The UPPAbaby Gluxe, for instance, folds down in only three seconds, and stands up after. However, its button/ring combo can be finicky, and you have to be sure to time it right.
You should also take into consideration how the stroller locks in its compact travel stroller, closed position. Certain models require you to pull down on a handle or lever situated close to the rear wheels, while others have red buckles that need to be connected. Check the owner's guide for more details on the way each model's locking system operates.
If you have a stroller that is difficult to close, use baby oil or WD-40 to lubricate the joints and connections. If it doesn't work, you can contact the manufacturer's customer support or consider an repair service for your stroller. However, don't force it to close. Inducing the stroller to close even though it was not designed to do so could damage it, and result in injuries to both you and your child.
Easy to carry
It's important that you can easily access your stroller, whether you plan to go on errands during the day or embark on an excursion with your family. Travel strollers are small and light, making it easy to transport push chairs and prams carry. They can be tucked away in your car, or in your home closet. Some models come with a storage bag for easy transport and security.
Before choosing a travel stroller think about how you intend to use it. Will you use it on road trips, on airplane trips or in your daily life? This will help you narrow down your options. You can save time and energy by choosing a stroller for travel that is compatible with car seats if traveling with a child. If you have a toddler, consider a model with a larger rear seat for more comfort and legroom.
Check with your airline to ensure that the stroller you select will fit in their overhead bins. Many airlines will check gate strollers if they're too large to fit inside the cabin. Others will transfer them to the hold if they go over the baggage allowance.
If you plan to use your travel stroller frequently, select one with wheels that are a bit smaller and more durable than the wheels used on traditional strollers. The wheels that are smaller will be more maneuverable and less likely to cause damage or puncture. You might want to consider adding a pair of wheel covers to protect your wheels.
If you're planning to take your travel stroller to the beach or to other public locations where it will be left unattended, invest in locks to ensure it's secure. It's also an excellent idea to attach an umbrella portable to your stroller for extra sun protection. You can also attach a utility bag onto the handlebar to allow shopping hands-free or to carry an aloe vera bottle. A set of carabiners in the front of your stroller will let you keep snacks and water bottles near by.
Easy to Store
The most reliable strollers for travel can be easily maintained and stored. To keep your stroller clean and ready to use, begin by vacuuming all surfaces to eliminate loose dirt and dust. If there are stains, a damp cloth with mild detergent and warm water should be able to remove them. A toothbrush is a great option in places that are difficult to reach. For parts that aren't made of fabric such as the handlebars and wheels a damp cloth is sufficient however it is recommended to lubricate moving components regularly to prevent rust.
Some strollers such as the chit chat stroller, include an adult tray to store personal items and one or more cup holders, making it easier to keep your essentials while on the move. Other models come with a complete tray for parents, with the ability to hold a laptop or tablet. These features not only help parents stay well-organized, but they reduce stress during long trips.
A great stroller for travel must be able to fold up and fit into small spaces like the overhead bins of an airplane, or on public transport. Many parents prefer strollers that fold and placed in their own carry bag, rather than having to gate-check them with luggage.
When looking at strollers in terms of ease of storage, be sure to consider how much space you have at home, too. If you have a small amount of room, a smaller travel stroller could be the best option. If you plan to use the stroller on a lot of trips that require it to be transported by public transport or car and a larger stroller with more storage space and performance for everyday use may be a better choice.
Some strollers are offered as part of an overall travel system that also includes a car seat. These can be purchased at the same cost or less than buying the items separately. This is a convenient choice however, it is important that you keep in mind that the quality of strollers in these bundles can be less than standalone models. We suggest that you consider these options as a last option.