How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller

There are plenty of options for you to choose from, whether you need an ideal stroller for your travels or a compact, lightweight one to take with you. We've tried each one to help you choose the most suitable travel stroller that meets your needs.

A stroller that is lightweight, glides smoothly and drives well over different terrains. It folds up into a compact bag that fits in the majority of overhead bins found on airplanes.

Easy to Fold

The best travel strollers fold down into small, easy-to-store bags that fits into overhead bins on planes and in car trunks. Look for strollers that fold with one hand, and without stooping. Many models also have a handy carry strap that makes it easy to carry the stroller on your shoulder when you're not using it. If you're planning to spend a lot of walking on your travels it is advisable to choose the stroller that has a large undercarriage basket which can hold large diaper bags and weekender bags.

The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we tested. It weighs just 13.7 pounds, it can easily fit into aisles of airplanes and overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver through crowds on streets in the city. It's not the best choice for rough terrain or jogging but it's ideal for city life and quick outings when you don't want to carry around a larger stroller.

Another option that is lightweight is the Nuna Aer+, which packs a full-size stroller into a compact design suitable for air travel. It's compatible with Nuna infant car seats and Clek infant seat adapters (adapters are available separately), and has a spacious storage compartment. It also offers a smooth ride over bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than other strollers we tested, but is worth it for parents who use their stroller often when traveling.

Some strollers come with the convenience of transport them, such as the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This model is simple to move and folds or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with many major car seat brands. Its front wheel suspension and the swivel wheels guarantee smooth travel on roads, airports and cobblestones. Additionally, its adjustable handlebar height can accommodate parents of all heights.

Contours make popular strollers less expensive for travelers. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit, but offers a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension, a UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It also has a self-standing fold that's simple to collapse and is equipped with a convenient carrying bag and strap for carrying.

Easy to Manoeuvre

The type of travel stroller you select should be easy to maneuver over all kinds of terrain. This is especially true when you plan to take your stroller for hikes or other activities where you could encounter rough surfaces. Choose a stroller with a user-friendly handlebar and wheels that are designed to hold the ground in a secure manner. It should be light and easy to handle so you can easily lift, carry, or store it.

The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly rated umbrella stroller specifically designed for use on travel. It's a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use and high-quality product with features that many families are looking for in a portable stroller, such as compact folding and a sun canopy that extends.

It's a little more difficult to push than some of the smaller strollers we have that we have reviewed, however it handles well over different terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than the other strollers we evaluated but it offers many features that parents look for in a stroller. It has a straightforward handlebar that is easy to maneuver and is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins on airplanes.

If you like a sleeker appearance, the Zoe Traveler is a fantastic choice. It's also a top-rated umbrella stroller in our ratings and has a minimalist, sleek design that makes it look like a backpack when it's folded. It's also a little lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and earns an overall higher score for quality compared to the other strollers that we've tested.

The Doona is a great stroller for travel, that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It is also sturdy and easy to use with a number of children. It's a little more expensive than the other choices in our rankings, but it's made using high-quality materials and has was awarded a top score for ease-of-use. It also comes with accessories like a rain cover and travel bag, which other brands require you to purchase separately.

Comfortable Seating

The best travel strollers provide your child with an enjoyable experience. Make sure you choose models that are padded and with a spacious canopy. If you intend to use the stroller for napping on here your travels it is crucial that they recline. Also, ensure that the seat is appropriate for your child's size. Some strollers for travel are designed to be as compact and lightweight as possible, however this could compromise comfort.

Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives that offer design and comfort. For instance, the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is light and robust. Its aluminum frame is constructed to last, and its anti-shock wheels and padded 5-point harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya also has a large canopy that offers great sun protection.

Nuna TRVL is another great alternative. It is a sleek and innovative stroller designed to make traveling easy for children. It has a one-handed folding mechanism and is light enough to fit into car trunks or overhead bins on airplanes. It comes with a variety of accessories and customisations, including sun canopies and weather shields.

If you're looking for a portable stroller that doubles as a stroller for daily use, consider 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 large seat reclines and it comes with a UPF50+ canopy that has the ability to peek out through the mesh.

A good choice for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with many infant car seats. It's an excellent choice for families who travel often. The compact fold and maneuverability of this stroller allows you to maneuver through busy airports and large cities.

A stroller that is used for travel should be comfortable for you and your child. Choose a model that has a large, padded seat and can recline to allow naps during long journeys. The seat should also come with an adequately cushioned leg rest, since this can provide an even more comfortable ride. Select a stroller with a comfortable handle so you can carry it when folded.

Convenient Storage

Many strollers that are designed for travel fold to a size that allows them to be carried in small trunks of cars and overcrowded overhead bins. They are also typically lighter than 10 pounds, making them easy for anyone (including children) to carry.

UPPAbaby was one of the first brands to venture into the "travel stroller that doubles as an everyday stroller" category and its Minu is the top choice among parents who do not want to risk checking their strollers at the gate when they travel. The stroller is IATA-certified and fits in most overhead bins, moves like a dream off the plane, and has a range of smart features (including a one-handed fold, massive sunshade, a comfy seat with multi-position recline, spacious undercarriage basket, padded handbar with a wrist strap, and an easy foot brake that is one step).

For a budget-friendly model that still feels like a luxury stroller, consider the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest nor most compact model in our review, but it comes with a streamlined frame, easy-to-use controls, and plenty of smart features (including the ability to recline and a foot brake that is padded and a large undercarriage basket and a simple one-handed fold). It's also eco-friendly, comes in recyclable packaging and has a 10-year warranty.

The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong contender, with its slim profile and useful features. In our tests, it swung well over different surfaces including shag and wood carpet and its storage basket is big enough to fit in a backpack. The only downside is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds) and therefore may not fit in the overhead bins of smaller airplanes.

If you do not have a lot of space to store your stroller, you might be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also create an area specifically for it. A garden shed is the ideal place to store your stroller, since it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It's also easy to access when you need it. You can also make use of an area or shed to store your stroller if it's stolen or lost.