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 lightweight, compact one to bring with you. We've gone through all of them to help you choose the most suitable travel stroller that meets your needs.
The stroller is light and easy to maneuver and is able to drive well on various terrains. It folds down into a tiny bag that fits in the majority of overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers for travel can fold into a compact size which can be easily put in overhead bins of planes or trunks of cars. Find models that have a one-hand fold that doesn't require any stooping or struggling. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that allows you to easily sling it over your shoulders when it's not in use. If you're planning to do a lot of walking during your trip it's a good idea to get a stroller with an ample undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we've tested. Weighing just 13.7 pounds, it will easily fit into aisles of airplanes and overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver through crowds on city streets. It's not the best option for running, rough terrain or for quick excursions.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs all the features of a full-size car seat into a compact, air-friendly design. It's compatible with Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are available separately), and has a large storage compartment. It also offers smooth riding on bumpy surfaces. It's a little more expensive than the other travel strollers we've tested, but it's worth the price for parents who regularly use their stroller when traveling.
Certain strollers for travel make it easier to transport them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 with its versatile design. It has a simple design that can be folded and unfolded with one hand, and is compatible with the majority of major brand car seats. The front wheel suspension, swivels and swivel wheels provide an easy ride over pavements, airports and cobblestones. The handlebar height can be adjusted to meet the needs of parents of any height.
Contours takes the most popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Itsy's stroller is lighter the lightweight Pockit but has a more durable frame, a powerful dual wheel suspension, a UPF50+ sun canopy, and 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 a strap for carrying.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of travel stroller you select must be able to maneuver across all kinds of terrain. This is especially important in the event that you plan to use your stroller for hiking or other activities where you may encounter rough terrain. Select a stroller that comes with a handlebar that is simple to operate and wheels that are designed to hold the surface. It should also be lightweight and manageable so that you can easily lift, carry or store it with minimal effort.
A good choice is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is a top-rated umbrella stroller that's made for travel. It's a great option for parents looking for a premium, easy-to-use product that includes features that families want in a stroller that is travel-friendly. These include an easy folding mechanism that folds down small and an extendable canopy.
It's a little more difficult to push than the smaller strollers in our ratings, but it is able to handle different terrains and is easy to turn. Another great option is the GB Pockit, which is also a rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other strollers that we reviewed, but it has numerous features that parents are looking for in a stroller. It has an easy-to-use handlebar and is compact enough to fit in the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you're looking for a sleeker design, consider the Zoe Traveler. It is also the top-rated umbrella stroller based on our ratings. It's sleek and minimalist design that makes it look like a backpack when folded. It's also a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and earns a higher score for quality than the other strollers that we've test.
The Doona is a great travel stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It's also durable and comfortable to use with a number of children. It's more expensive than other alternatives, but it's made of high-quality materials. It also got the highest rating for ease of use. It includes accessories like a travel bag and rain cover that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel are designed to give your child a comfortable ride. Make sure you choose models that are cushioned and have a well-sized canopy. If you plan to use the stroller for napping on your journey, it is important to recline. Also, make sure the seat is suitable for your child's size. Some strollers are designed to be as compact and light as they can, but this could result in a loss of the comfort of your child.
There are plenty of choices that provide both design and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example is a stylish stroller that is both light and robust. The frame made of aluminum is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded five-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya also has a huge canopy that provides excellent sun protection.
Another excellent option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and innovative stroller that is designed to make traveling with kids as easy as possible. 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 can also be purchased with a wide range of accessories and options for customization like sun canopies, weather shields, and snack tray.
If you're looking for a travel stroller that doubles as a stroller for daily use, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. This sizable stroller maneuvers smoothly and has all the features that parents appreciate, such as cup holders, storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy that has the mesh peekaboo window.
A great option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats, making it a convenient option for families that frequently travel. Its compact fold and movability make it easy to navigate through busy airports and cities.
A stroller that is used 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 feature a an adequately cushioned leg rest as this can make for an extra comfortable ride. Choose a travel stroller with a comfortable handle to allow you to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
In contrast to most strollers, some travel-friendly models have ultra-compact folds that are ideal to fit into tight car trunks or crowded overhead bins. These strollers are often lighter than 10 pounds and simple to carry by anyone, even children.
UPPAbaby was among the first companies to enter the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category, and its Minu remains the top choice among light-packing parents who don't want to risk gate-checking their stroller when they fly. The stroller is IATA-certified and can fit in almost all overhead bins, moves like a dream from the plane, and offers various smart features (including a one-handed fold, large sunshade, a comfortable seat with a multi-position recline, a spacious undercarriage basket, and a padded handlebar with wrist strap and a simple, one-step foot brake).
For a budget-friendly model that still feels like a luxurious stroller, try the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. 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 as well as the ability to fold it with one hand. Plus, it's environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and a 10-year transferable warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, with its slim profile and many practical features. It's pram uk easy to move on various surfaces, like shag and wood and the bottom basket can accommodate a backpack. The only drawback is its weight (at 17 pounds), which may prevent it from fitting into overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you don't have much space to store your stroller, you may want to consider buying a bike shed. You can also create an individual 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 accessible when you need it. A shed or nook can also be used as a secure spot to stash your stroller in case it gets lost or stolen when you're away.