How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller

There are plenty of options for you to choose from, whether you need a stroller to travel with or a compact, lightweight one to bring with you. We've put them to the test to help you pick the best travel stroller to meet your needs.

The stroller's lightweight design glides effortlessly and performs well on a variety of terrains. It folds up into a compact bag that fits in the majority of overhead bins on planes.

Easy to Fold

The best travel strollers can fold into a compact size that is easily stored in overhead bins of planes or car trunks. Choose models that feature one-hand folds that can be done without any stooping or straining. Some strollers have a convenient strap that lets you effortlessly carry it over your shoulder when it's not in use. If you're planning on walking often during your trip, a stroller that has an enormous basket under the seat is a good idea. It can hold large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.

The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've tested, weighing just 13.7 pounds and easily getting into aisles in airplanes or overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers which makes it easier to navigate crowds on streets in the city. It's not the best choice for running, rough terrain, or short outings.

Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs features of full-size into a compact air-friendly design. 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 offers smooth riding on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than the other travel strollers that we tried, but is worthwhile for parents who frequently use their stroller when traveling.

Some strollers are designed to allow for easier transport of them. One example is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 with its versatile design. This model is simple to maneuver and folds or unfolded with one hand. It is compatible with many major car seat brands. Its front wheel suspension and rotating wheels provide an easy ride on pavements, airports, and cobblestones, and its easy-to-use handlebar height adjusts to accommodate parents of all heights.

Contours takes the most popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lightweight Pockit, but offers solid frame, a robust dual-wheel suspension as well as a UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It has a self standing fold that is easy to fold down. It also comes with a handy carry bag and carrying strap.

Easy to Manoeuvre

The type of stroller you choose should be easy to maneuver over all kinds of terrain. This is particularly important when you plan to take your stroller for hikes or other adventures where you might encounter rough surfaces. Find a stroller that has a simple-to-use handlebar and wheels that are designed to hold the ground in a secure manner. It should also be lightweight and easy to maneuver so that you can lift and carry it or store it with minimal effort.

A good choice is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is an umbrella stroller with top ratings that's specifically designed for use on the road. It's a great choice for parents who are looking for a premium user-friendly product that has features that a lot of families would like to have in a travel-friendly, stroller. It has an easy folding mechanism that folds down small and an expandable canopy.

It's a bit harder to push than other smaller strollers but it's a great choice in a variety of terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It is more expensive than the other strollers we evaluated but it offers many features that parents look for in a stroller. It has a simple handlebar and is compact enough to fit into overhead bins of airplanes.

If you prefer a sleeker design, consider the Zoe Traveler. It's also a top umbrella stroller in our ratings and has a sleek, minimalist design that looks similar to a backpack it's folded. It's a little smaller than the GB Pockit, but it offers more storage and the highest score in terms of quality than other smaller strollers we've tested.

The Doona is a fantastic stroller that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It's also durable and comfortable enough for several children. It's a little more expensive than some of the other options in our ratings however, it's constructed with high-quality materials and was awarded a top score for its ease of use. It also comes with other accessories, such as an umbrella and bags for travel, which other brands require you to purchase separately.

Comfortable Seating

The best travel strollers are designed to provide your child with an enjoyable ride. Find models with a large canopy and comfortable seats. If you plan to use the stroller as a napper on your travels it is crucial to recline. Be sure that the seat is appropriate for your child's age. Some travel strollers may be designed to be as compact and light as possible, however this could compromise comfort.

There are a variety of options that combine the look and comfort. For instance, the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is light and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is constructed to last, while its anti-shock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya also comes with a large canopy that provides great sun protection.

Nuna TRVL is a different alternative. It is a sleek and innovative stroller that is designed to make travel easy with children. It has a one-handed fold mechanism, and is light enough to fit in trunks of cars or overhead bins on airplanes. It comes with a range of accessories and customizations such as sun canopies and weather shields.

If you're looking for a travel stroller that can double as a regular stroller look into the Uppababy G-Link 2. This large stroller is easy to maneuver and comes with many features parents enjoy including cup holders and storage compartments, as well as an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The large seat reclines and has a large UPF50+ canopy that has the ability to peek out through the mesh.

A good option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats and makes it a good option for families that frequently travel. The compact fold and maneuverability of this stroller allow you to maneuver through busy airports and large cities.

A stroller that is used for travel should be comfortable for you and your child. Pick a stroller that has an ample, cushioned seat and can recline to allow naps during long trips. The seat should also come with a well-padded leg rest, as this can make for a more comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller with a padded handle that can be used to carry it when folded.

Convenient Storage

Contrary website to the majority of strollers, a few models designed for travel have extremely compact folds, which make them perfect for stowing in tight car trunks or crowded overhead bins. They typically weigh less than 10 pounds, which makes them a breeze for anyone (including children) to carry.

UPPAbaby was among the first companies to enter the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category and its Minu is still an excellent choice for parents who do not want to risk checking their strollers at the gate when they fly. This IATA-certified stroller 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 folding with one hand, huge sunshade, comfy seat with multi-position recline, spacious undercarriage basket, padded handbar with a wrist strap and an easy foot brake that only takes one step).

For a budget-friendly option that is still a luxury stroller, consider the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It is not the prettiest model or the most compact in our test, but it does have an easy-to-use frame, plenty of smart features, including an adjustable reclining mechanism as well as a padded brake. It also has a large basket underneath the carriage, and a one-handed fold. It's also environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and comes with 10 years of warranty.

The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, with its slim profile and useful features. It was easy to maneuver on different surfaces including wood and shag rug, and the bottom storage basket can be used to store a backpack. The only drawback is its weight (at 17 pounds) which could prevent it from fitting in the overhead bins of smaller planes.

If you don't have lots of space for storing your stroller at home, consider buying a bike shed or making a nook custom for it. A garden shed, in particular is a fantastic place to store your stroller since it's weather-resistant and shielded from the elements. It's also accessible when you need it. You can also use an area or shed to store your stroller if it's stolen or lost.