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 for you to choose from, whether you need a stroller for travel or a compact, lightweight one to take with you. We've put them to the test to help you pick the ideal stroller for your needs.
The lightweight stroller glides easily and performs well on a variety of terrains. It folds up into a compact bag that fits inside the majority of overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can fold into a compact package that is easily put in overhead bins on planes or car trunks. Choose models that feature a single-hand fold that can be done without any stooping or straining. Many models also have a handy carry strap that makes it easy to carry the stroller on your shoulder when not in use. If you're planning to do a lot of walking during your trip it is advisable to choose a stroller with a large undercarriage basket which can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've ever test, weighing just 13.7 pounds and easily fitting down airplane aisles or into overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver on city streets. It's not the best option for rough terrain or jogging however it's great for city life and short outings when you don't want to lug around a bigger stroller.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight option. It packs features of full-size into a compact air-friendly design. It's compatible with Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are available separately) It also has an ample storage compartment. It also provides a smooth ride over bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than the other travel strollers that we evaluated, but it's worthwhile for parents who frequently use their stroller while traveling.
Some strollers provide the convenience of transport them, such as the multi-purpose Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This stroller has an easy-to-use design that folds and unfolded with one hand, and is compatible with all major brand car seats. Its front wheel suspension as well as rotating wheels provide an easy ride on pavements, airports, and cobblestones, and its convenient handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all sizes.
Contours makes popular strollers less expensive for travelers. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit, but offers sturdy frames, a powerful dual-wheel suspension as well as the UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It also has a self-standing fold that's easy to fold down, and it is equipped with a convenient carrying bag and carry strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The type of travel stroller you select should be easy to maneuver over all kinds of terrain. This is especially important if you plan to use your stroller for hikes or other excursions where you may encounter rough surfaces. Choose a stroller with a user-friendly handlebar and wheels that are designed to be able to grip the ground. It should be light and easy to hold so that you can easily lift it, carry, or even store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly rated umbrella stroller specifically designed for use on travel. It's a great choice for parents who are looking for a premium product that is easy to use and has features that a lot of families would like to have in a travel-friendly, stroller. It has the ability to fold down in a compact manner and an extendable canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than the smaller travel strollers in our reviews, but it's able to withstand various terrains and is easy to turn. Another option that is worth considering is the GB Pockit, which is also a top-rated stroller. It's more expensive than the other strollers we evaluated however it comes with a variety of features that parents look for in a stroller. It comes with a user-friendly handlebar and is small enough to fit into the overhead bins of airplanes.
If you like a sleeker appearance, the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It is also the top-rated umbrella stroller according to our ratings. It's minimalist and sleek design, that makes it look like a backpack when 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 smaller strollers we've tested.
The Doona is a fantastic travel stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It's also durable and easy to use with a family of children. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other options in our rankings, but it's made using high-quality materials and has was awarded a top score for its user-friendliness. It also comes with accessories, such as rain covers and a travel bag, that other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel offer your child a comfortable experience. Find models with a wide canopy and padded seats. If you intend to use the stroller as a babysitter on your journey it is crucial that they recline. Also, make sure the seat is suitable to your child's size. Some strollers are designed to be as compact and light as possible, however this could result in a loss of comfort.
There are many options that combine design and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller that is both light and robust. Its aluminum frame is built to last, and its anti-shock wheels as well as padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya also comes with a large canopy that provides an 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 has a one-handed folding mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit in car trunks or overhead bins on airplanes. It can also be purchased with a variety of accessories and options for customization like weather shields, sun canopies and snack trays.
If you're looking for a portable stroller that doubles as a stroller for daily use look into the Uppababy G-Link 2. This large stroller is simple to maneuver and comes with numerous features that parents love, including cup holders and storage compartments, as well as an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and it comes with a UPF50+ canopy that has an open mesh window.
A great option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with various infant car seats and makes it a good choice for families who frequently travel. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller will allow you to navigate large cities and airports with ease.
A travel stroller should be comfortable for you and your child. Choose a model that has a large, padded seat that can recline to allow naps during long trips. Legrests that are well-padded can make for more comfort during your ride. Select a stroller with a cushioned handle to allow you to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many travel-friendly strollers fold up to a size that allows them to be carried in small car trunks or overcrowded overhead bins. These strollers are often lighter than 10 pounds and easy to carry by anyone, even children.
The UPPAbaby Minu was among the very first travel strollers that could also be used as a regular stroller. It is still a popular choice for parents who don't pack a lot and do not want their stroller be checked at the gate when they fly. This stroller that is IATA-certified can be tucked away in the majority of overhead bins, moves like a dream from the plane, and has an array of innovative features (including the ability to fold with one hand, a huge sunshade, comfy seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, padded handbar with wrist strap and an easy, one-step foot brake).
For a budget-friendly model that still feels like a luxury stroller, consider the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest model or the smallest in our review, but it has an easy-to-use frame and a lot of smart features, including the ability to recline and a padded brake. There's also a huge basket underneath the carriage, and a one-handed fold. It's also environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging, and comes with an extended warranty of 10 years.
Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has an elongated profile and a host of convenient features. It's easy to maneuver across different surfaces, including shag rug and wood, and the bottom basket can hold a backpack. The only drawback is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds) and therefore may not fit into the overhead bin of smaller aircrafts.
If you don't have a lot of space for storing your stroller, think about buying a bike shed or creating a custom nook just for it. A garden shed is the ideal place to store your stroller since it's weather resistant and protected from the elements. It is also read more easily accessible any time you're in need. You can also use a nook or shed to store your stroller if it's lost or stolen.