How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller

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

A lightweight stroller that can be easily walked on and is able to drive across different terrains. It folds down into a tiny carrying bag and fits into most airplane overhead bins.

Easy to Fold

The best travel strollers can fold into a compact size that is easily stored in overhead bins of planes and trunks of cars. Find models that have a one-hand fold that is able to be completed without any stooping or fumbling. Some strollers come with a handy strap that lets you easily carry it over your shoulder when it's not in use. If you're planning on walking for a long time during your trip, a stroller that has an ample basket underneath the seat could be helpful. It can be used to store large diaper bags or weekender bags.

The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've test, weighing just 13.7 pounds and getting into aisles of airplanes or into overhead bins. It's also smaller than other strollers and makes it easier to navigate crowds on streets in cities. It's not the best option for running, rough terrain, or quick outings.

Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight option. It packs full-size features 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 a smooth ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive compared to other travel strollers that we evaluated, but it's worth it for parents who use their strollers frequently while traveling.

Some travel strollers offer an easier way to transport them, like the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This model features an easy-to-manoeuvre design that can be folded and unfolded with one hand, and is compatible with all major brand car seats. The front wheel suspension, swivels and the swivel wheels give you an easy ride across pavements, airports, and cobblestones. The handlebar's height can be adjusted to meet the needs of parents of any height.

Contours make popular strollers more affordable for those who travel. Itsy's stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit however it comes with an enduring frame, a dynamic dual wheel suspension and UPF50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage. It features a self-standing fold that is simple to fold. It also comes with a convenient carry bag and a strap for carrying.

Easy to Manoeuvre

The type of stroller you choose must be able to maneuver across all kinds of terrain. This is especially true when you plan to use it for hikes or adventures where you may encounter rough terrain. Select a stroller that comes with a handlebar that is simple to operate and wheels that are designed to hold the surface. It should also be lightweight and maneuverable enough you can lift it, carry or store it without much effort.

A good choice is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is a top-rated umbrella stroller that's specifically designed for use on the road. It's an excellent choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use and high-quality product that offers features that many families are looking for in a portable stroller, including compact folding and an extendable sun canopy.

It's a little more difficult to push than some of the smaller travel strollers that we have reviewed, however it's able to withstand a variety of terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It is more expensive than other travel strollers we rated but it offers many features that parents look for in a stroller. It has a simple-to-use handlebar that's easy to move and is small enough to fit into the overhead bins on airplanes.

If you prefer a sleeker design, consider the Zoe Traveler. It's also the top-rated umbrella stroller based on our reviews. It's a sleek and minimalist design which makes it appear like a backpack when folded. It's also a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and gets an overall higher score for quality compared to the other small prams travel system strollers we've test.

The Doona is a fantastic stroller for travel, that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no set-up. It's also durable and comfortable to use with multiple children. It's more expensive compared to other alternatives, but it's constructed of top-quality materials. It also earned an excellent score in terms of user-friendliness. It comes with accessories such as a travel bag and rain cover, which other brands require you to buy separately.

Comfortable Seating

The best travel strollers are designed to give your child a comfortable ride. Look for models that are padded and come with a large canopy. If you plan to use the stroller as a napper during your trip it is crucial that they recline. Also, ensure that the seat is appropriate for your child's size. Some travel strollers may be designed to be as compact and lightweight as they can be, but this can compromise comfort.

There are a variety of options that combine design and comfort. For example the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is light and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is built to last for a long time, while its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness guarantee an easy ride. The Coya comes with an extensive canopy that offers the best sun protection.

Another great option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and unique stroller that is designed to make travel with children as simple as it can be. It features a one-handed fold mechanism and is lightweight enough to fit into the trunk of a car or overhead bins on planes. It comes with a wide range of accessories and customisations, including sun canopies and weather shields.

If you are looking for a buggy for travel that can also function as a stroller for the day, then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a good choice. This spacious stroller is simple to maneuver and comes with numerous features that parents love, including cup holders, storage compartments, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy that has a mesh window that peeks out.

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

A stroller that is used for travel must be comfortable for both you and your child. Find a model that has an expansive and comfortable seat that reclines to allow napping during long trips. Seats with padded legrests provide more comfort during your ride. Choose a travel stroller with a cushioned handle, so you can carry it when folded.

Convenient Storage

Unlike most strollers, many models designed for travel have extremely compact folds that are ideal for stowing in tight car trunks or crowded overhead bins. These strollers are typically 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 an everyday stroller" category, and its Minu is still an excellent choice for light-packing parents who do not want to worry about having their stroller checked at the gate every time they fly. This stroller that is IATA-certified fits in most overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream off the plane, and offers 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 only takes one step).

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that is an expensive option. It's not the most beautiful model nor the most compact in our test, but it does have an easy-to-use frame and a lot of clever features, including an adjustable reclining mechanism as well as padding for the brake. There's also a huge basket underneath the carriage, and an easy fold with one hand. It's also environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging, and comes with a 10-year warranty.

The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong competitor, with its slim profile and a host of useful features. It's easy to move on various surfaces, like shag and wood and the bottom basket can accommodate a backpack. The only drawback is its weight (at 17 pounds) which could prevent it from fitting into overhead bins of smaller planes.

If you don't have lots of space to store your stroller at home, consider buying a bike shed or creating a nook specifically for it. A garden shed is the perfect place to store a stroller, since it's weather resistant and protected from the elements. It's also accessible when you need it. You can also use an area or shed to store your stroller in the event that it's lost or stolen.