How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are plenty of options for you to choose from, whether you need a stroller for travel or a lightweight, compact one to carry around. We've tried them all to help you select the ideal travel stroller that suits your requirements.
The stroller is light and easy to maneuver and drives well on different terrains. It folds into a compact bag that fits in most overhead bins on planes.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers for travel can be folded into a compact unit that is easily stored in overhead bins of planes or car trunks. It is recommended to look for models that fold using one hand, without stooping. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that lets you easily sling it over your shoulder when it's not in use. If you plan to walk for a long time on your travels and need a stroller with a large basket under the seat can be useful. It can be used to store large bags for diapers or weekender bags.
The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we test, weighing just 13.7 pounds and getting into airplane aisles or into overhead bins. It is also narrower than other strollers making it easier to maneuver through crowds in busy streets. It's not the best choice for running, rough terrain, or quick outings.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight option. It packs all the features of a full-size car seat in a compact, air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and offers an effortless ride on uneven surfaces. It's a little more expensive than other travel strollers that we've tested, however it's worth the price for parents who regularly use their stroller while traveling.
Some strollers come with a more convenient way to transport them, like the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It is simple to move and folds or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with a variety of major car seat brands. Its front wheel suspension as well as the swivel wheels guarantee an easy ride on pavements, airports, and cobblestones, and its easy-to-use handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all heights.
Contours makes popular stroller models more affordable for those who travel. Their stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit and has solid frame, a robust dual-wheel suspension and the UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It has a self standing fold that is easy to fold. It also comes with a convenient carry bag and carrying strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
It is important to choose a stroller that is easy to maneuver on 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. 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 be lightweight and easy to handle so you can easily lift it, carry, or store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly reviewed umbrella stroller that is specifically designed for use on travel. It's a great choice for parents seeking a top-quality user-friendly product that has features that a lot of families would like to have in a travel-friendly, stroller. They include a compact folding mechanism and an extended canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than other smaller travel strollers however it is able to handle on a variety types of terrain and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's pricier than some of the other strollers in our ratings however, it comes with many features that parents are looking for in a travel stroller. It has a simple-to-use handlebar that is easy to maneuver and is small enough to fit in the overhead bins of planes.
If you're looking for a sleeker design, check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top-rated 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 a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and scores an overall higher score for quality than other small travel strollers we've tried.
The Doona is a great travel stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no set-up. It's also sturdy and comfortable enough for many children. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other options in our reviews however, it's constructed using high-quality materials and has was awarded a top score for ease-of-use. It includes accessories like bags for travel and a rain cover that other brands require you to buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel offer your child an enjoyable experience. Find models that are padded and come with a large canopy. They must also recline, which is essential when you intend to use the stroller for naps during your trip. Also, make sure the seat is suitable for the size of your child. Some travel strollers are designed to be as light and compact as is possible However, this could be at the expense of the user's comfort.
There are plenty of alternatives that offer design and comfort. For example, the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is light and robust. Its aluminum frame is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded five-point harness ensure a comfortable ride. The Coya has a large canopy for great sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is read more another great alternative. It is a sleek, modern stroller that is designed to make travel easy for children. It features a one-handed fold mechanism, and is light enough to fit in the trunk of a car or overhead bins on planes. It comes with a wide range of accessories and customizations like sun canopies and weather shields.
If you're looking for a portable stroller that can double as a daily stroller, consider the Uppababy G-Link 2. This large stroller is easy to maneuver and has numerous features that parents love including cup holders, storage compartments, an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The large seat reclines and has an enormous UPF 50+ canopy, which has the mesh peekaboo window.
A good choice for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats which makes it a great option for families who frequently travel. Its compact fold and maneuverability let you easily navigate through busy airports and cities.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for you and your child. Pick a stroller that has a large, padded seat that can recline to allow for naps on long journeys. The seat should also have an adequately cushioned leg rest because this will make for an even more comfortable ride. Choose a travel stroller that has a padded handle so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Unlike most strollers, many models that are designed for travel feature ultra-compact folds, which make them perfect to fit into tight car trunks or crowded overhead bins. They are usually lighter than 10 pounds and are easy to carry by anyone, including children.
UPPAbaby was one of the first to dive into the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category, and its Minu remains an excellent choice for parents who do not want to worry about checking their strollers at the gate when they travel. This stroller that is IATA-certified can be tucked away in the majority of overhead bins, moves like a dream on the plane, and comes with various smart features (including the ability to fold with one hand, a large sunshade, a comfortable seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, padded handlebar with a wrist strap, and a simple foot brake that is one step).
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller, but it feels like an expensive option. It is not the most beautiful model nor the smallest of our review, but it has an easy-to-use frame, and lots of clever features, including a reclining mechanism and padding for the brake. It also has a large basket under the carriage as well as the ability to fold it with one hand. It's also environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging, and comes with 10 years of warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong competitor, with its slim profile and many practical features. It's easy to maneuver on various surfaces, like shag and wood and the bottom basket can be used to store a backpack. Its only flaw is its weight (at 17 pounds) which could prevent it from fitting into the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you do not have much space to store your stroller, you might want to consider buying a bike shed. You can also create an individual nook for it. A garden shed is the ideal place to store a stroller since it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It's also easy to access when you need it. A shed or nook can be a secure spot to stash your stroller in the event that it gets stolen or lost when you're out.