How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller

There are a variety of options to choose from depending on whether you're looking for a stroller for travel or a lightweight, compact one to bring with you. We've gone through them all to help you select the ideal stroller for your requirements.

The stroller is light and easy to maneuver and drives well on different terrains. It folds into a compact bag that fits inside most overhead bins on airplanes.

Easy to Fold

The best travel strollers can be folded into a compact package which can be easily stored in overhead bins on planes or car trunks. You should look for models that fold with one hand, without having to stoop. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that makes it easy to sling the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you plan to spend a lot of walking on your travels it is advisable to choose a stroller with an ample undercarriage basket that can accommodate large diaper bags and weekender bags.

The lightweight Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact stroller we tested. Weighing just 13.7 pounds, it's able to easily fit into airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers, making it easier to maneuver around crowds in busy streets. It's not the best option for jogging or rough terrain, but it's perfect for city life and quick excursions when you don't need to lug around a bigger stroller.

Another option that's lightweight is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size stroller features into a compact design suitable for air travel. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and offers a smooth ride on uneven surfaces. It's a bit more expensive than other travel strollers we tested, but it's well worth the cost for parents who regularly use their stroller when traveling.

Some strollers come with the convenience of transport them, like the versatile Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It is simple to maneuver and can be folded or unfolded using just one hand. It is compatible with all major car seat brands. Its front wheel suspension as well as swivel wheels ensure an easy ride on airports, pavements, and cobblestones, and its adjustable handlebar height can accommodate parents of all sizes.

Contours takes popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for families. Itsy's stroller is lighter than the light Pockit however it comes with a more durable frame, dynamic dual wheel suspension as well as a UPF50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage. It also features an auto-standing fold that is easy to collapse and comes with a convenient carrying bag and carry strap.

Easy to Manoeuvre

You should select a travel stroller that can be maneuvered easily in all types of terrain. This is especially important in the event that you plan to use it for hikes or adventures where you may encounter rough surfaces. Choose a stroller that has a handlebar that is easy to use and wheels designed to hold the surface. It should also be light and maneuverable enough that you can lift, carry or store it without much effort.

The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly popular umbrella stroller made for travel. It's a great option for parents who are looking for a high-quality user-friendly product that has features that families want in a stroller that is travel-friendly. It has an easy folding mechanism that folds down small and an extendable canopy.

It's a little more difficult to push than other strollers with smaller wheels however it is able to handle on all kinds of terrains and is easy turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than the other strollers that we reviewed but it offers numerous features that parents want in a stroller. It has a simple handlebar, and is small enough to fit into overhead bins of airplanes.

If you like a sleeker appearance and a sleeker design, the Zoe Traveler is a great option. It's also a top umbrella stroller in our reviews and features a sleek, minimalist design that looks like a backpack when it's folded. It's lighter than the GB Pockit, but it offers more storage and a better score for quality compared to other compact strollers we've evaluated.

The Doona is a great travel stroller that's FAA approved for aircraft use (with the latch base) and requires zero setup. It's also sturdy and comfortable enough for several children. It's a little more expensive than some of the other options in our ratings, but it's made with high-quality materials and earned a top rating for its ease of use. It comes with accessories, such as an umbrella and a rain cover, which other brands require you check here to purchase separately.

Comfortable Seating

The best travel strollers provide your child with a comfortable experience. Choose models with a large canopy and padded seats. They should also recline, which is essential for those who plan to use the stroller for naps during your travels. Also, make sure the seat is appropriate to your child's size. Some strollers are designed to be as light and compact as possible, however this can compromise comfort.

Luckily, there are plenty of choices that provide both style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example is a stylish stroller which is both light and robust. Its aluminum frame will last a lifetime, while its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness ensure an enjoyable ride. The Coya also has a large canopy that offers great sun protection.

Nuna TRVL is another excellent option. It is a sleek, innovative stroller that is designed to make travel easy with children. It features a single-handed folding mechanism and is light enough to fit into trunks of cars and overhead bins of airplanes. It can also be purchased with a variety of accessories and customisation options, such as sun canopies, weather shields and snack tray.

If you're looking for a portable stroller that can double as a stroller for daily use look into the Uppababy G-Link 2. The large stroller is easy to maneuver and has all the features that parents love including cup holders, storage pockets, an easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat reclines, and it has a UPF50+ canopy that has a peekaboo mesh window.

The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good option for families with infant car seats. This stroller is compatible for a variety of infant car seats. It's an excellent choice for families who frequently travel. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller allow you to travel through large cities and airports.

A stroller for travel is one that is comfortable for you and your child. Select a stroller with a large, padded seat that reclines to allow naps during long journeys. The seat should also have an adequately cushioned leg rest, as this can make for a more comfortable ride. Make sure you choose a stroller with a comfortable handle that can be used to carry it when folded.

Convenient Storage

Unlike most strollers, many models designed for travel have extremely compact folds that are ideal to fit into tight trunks of cars or overcrowded overhead bins. They are usually lighter than 10 pounds and simple to carry by anyone, including children.

UPPAbaby was among the first to dive into the "travel stroller that doubles as a daily stroller" category, and its Minu is still a top pick among light-packing parents who do not want to worry about having their stroller checked at the gate every time they travel. The stroller is IATA-certified and fits in most overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream on the plane, and comes with an array of innovative features (including the ability to fold with one hand, a huge sunshade, comfy seat with a multi-position recline, a spacious undercarriage basket, and a padded handlebar with a wrist strap and an easy, one-step foot brake).

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller, but it feels like an expensive option. It's not the prettiest 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 an padded brake. There's also a large basket under the carriage as well as an easy fold with one hand. It's also environmentally friendly and comes in recyclable packaging with 10 years of transferable warranty.

Another strong contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has an elongated profile and a host of convenient features. It's easy to maneuver on different surfaces including shag rug and wood and the bottom basket can be used to store a backpack. The only downside is that it's a bit heavy (at 17 pounds), so it may not fit into the overhead bins of smaller planes.

If you don't have plenty of space for storing your stroller at home, consider buying a bike shed or making a nook custom for it. A garden shed, particularly, is a great place to store your stroller as it's weather-resistant and protected from the elements. It's also accessible when you need it. A shed or nook can be a secure place to store your stroller in case it gets lost or stolen when you're out.