Best Travel Stroller: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Best Travel Stroller: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Blog Article
How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
There are plenty of options depending on whether you're looking for an ideal stroller for your travels or a compact, lightweight one to carry around. We've tested them all to help you pick the most suitable travel stroller that meets your needs.
A stroller that is lightweight, can be easily walked on and is able to drive across different terrains. It folds into a teeny-tiny carrying bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The most effective strollers for travel can be folded into a compact package that can easily be stored in overhead bins on planes or car trunks. Look for models with a one-hand fold that doesn't require any stooping or struggling. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that makes it simple to carry the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you plan to spend a lot of time walking during your trip it's a good idea to get a stroller with a large undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we've tested. It weighs just 13.7 pounds, it can easily fit into airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers making it easier to maneuver around crowds on city streets. It's not the best option for running, rough terrain, or short outings.
Another option that's lightweight is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size strollers into a compact design that's suitable for air travel. It is compatible with both Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are sold separately), and has a spacious storage compartment. It also provides an easy ride on bumpy surfaces. It's a little more expensive than the other travel strollers we tested, but it's well worth the cost for parents who often use their stroller when traveling.
Some travel strollers allow for easier transport of them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 that has a flexible design. It is simple to move and folds or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with a variety of major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension, swivels, and the swivel wheels give you an easy ride over airports, pavements and cobblestones. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted to meet the needs of parents of any height.
Contours make popular strollers less expensive for travelers. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit however it has sturdy frames, a powerful dual-wheel suspension, an UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It features a self-standing fold that is simple to collapse. It also comes with a convenient carry bag and carrying strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of stroller you select should be easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. This is particularly true when you plan to use it for hiking or other activities where you may encounter rough terrain. Choose a stroller that has an easy-to-use handlebar to operate and wheels that are designed to hold the surface. It should also be light and easy to maneuver so that you can easily lift and carry it or store it without much effort.
A great option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an umbrella stroller with top ratings that's made for travel. It's a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use and high-quality product that offers features that many families would like in a stroller, including the ability to fold down small and a sun canopy that extends.
It's a bit more difficult to push than other smaller strollers however it is able to handle in a variety of types of terrain and is easy to turn. Another option that is worth considering is the GB Pockit, which is also a top-rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other travel strollers we rated however it comes with many features that parents look for in a stroller. It has a straightforward handlebar that's easy to maneuver and is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins on planes.
If you like a sleeker style then the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our rankings and has an elegant, minimalist 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 gets a higher score for quality than the other strollers that we've tested.
The Doona is a great stroller for travel that is FAA approved for use in aircrafts (with the latch base) and requires no set-up. It's also durable and comfortable enough to use for multiple children. It's more expensive than some of the other options in our rankings but it's built of high-quality materials, and earned a top rating for its ease of use. It includes accessories like an umbrella and a rain cover that other brands require you to buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers are designed to give your child a comfortable ride. Make sure you choose models that are padded and with a spacious canopy. If you intend to use the stroller as a babysitter on your travels, it is important to recline. Also, ensure that read more the seat is appropriate for your child's age. Some travel strollers may be designed to be as compact and lightweight as possible, however this could result in a loss of comfort.
Luckily, there are plenty of choices that provide both style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example is a stylish stroller which is lightweight and durable. The frame made of aluminum will last for a long time, and its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness guarantee a smooth ride. The Coya comes with an enormous canopy that provides great sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is another great option. It is a sleek, modern stroller that is designed to make travel simple for children. It comes with a single-hand fold mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit in trunks of cars or overhead bins on planes. It can also be purchased with a variety of accessories and customization options like sun canopies, weather shields and snack trays.
If you're seeking a travel buggy that can also be used a stroller for the day, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a good choice. This sizable stroller maneuvers smoothly and has all the features parents love including cup holders storage pockets, an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy, which has a mesh window that peeks out.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good choice for families who have infant car seats. This stroller is compatible with various infant car seats which makes it a great option for families who frequently travel. Its compact fold and maneuverability allow you to easily navigate busy cities and airports.
A stroller that is used for travel must be comfortable for both you and your child. Choose a stroller with an ample and comfortable seat that reclines to allow napping during long trips. Legrests that are well-padded can provide an even more comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller that has a cushioned handle that you can use to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers that are designed for travel fold so small that they can be stored in car trunks and crowded overhead bins. They also often weigh less than 10 pounds, making them a breeze for anyone (including children) to carry.
UPPAbaby was one of the first brands to venture into the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category and its Minu is an excellent choice for light-packing parents who don't want to risk having their stroller checked at the gate every time they fly. The stroller is IATA-certified and can be tucked away in the majority of overhead bins, moves like a dream off the plane, and comes with a range of smart features (including the ability to fold with one hand, a massive sunshade, a comfy seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, padded handlebar with a wrist strap, and a simple foot brake that only takes one step).
For a budget-friendly model that still feels like a luxurious stroller, check out the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest nor the smallest model in our review, but it has sleek frame, easy-to-use controls, and a variety of useful features (including a reclining mechanism and a foot brake that is padded as well as a huge undercarriage basket and a simple, one-handed fold). Plus, it's environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging with 10 years of transferable warranty.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has slim lines and a plethora of practical features. In our tests, it swung easily over a variety of surfaces, including wood and shag carpet, and its bottom storage basket is big enough for a backpack. The only issue is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds) which means it might not fit into the overhead bin of smaller aircrafts.
If you do not have much space to store your stroller, you may think about purchasing a bike shed. You can also create an area specifically for it. A garden shed, in particular, is a great place to store your stroller because it's weather-resistant and shielded from the elements. It's also accessible when you need it. You can also make use of an area or shed to store your stroller in case it's lost or stolen.