How to Choose a Travel Stroller
Consider a lightweight, foldable stroller if your travels are frequent or walk through the park often. They are easy to fold and can be tucked away in trunks, trains, buses and planes.
The Nuna Trvl is incredibly compact and fits in the overhead bins of most planes. It’s also very easy to put together and comes with great features like a simple, adjustable reclining seat.
Easy to Assemble
The stroller is simple to put together and extremely easy to use. The frame opens and folds in only one hand. The seat reclines to two different positions. It also comes with a bumper bar that slides off and on easily and the handlebar looks and feels good and feels great too. However, the lack of storage space means parents will need to carry a large diaper bag or carefully hang it over the handle (against the advice of an expert).
This stroller is light and easy to move effortlessly over all surfaces, even rough sidewalks, and can make crisp turns. It has bigger foam-filled rubber wheels than some of the other models we have tested. This provides it with more bounce and stability. However, some parents have reported that the tires are flimsy.
In its compact size it can fit into the overhead bins of most airplanes and weighs less than 13 pounds. Its simple design means that it has few additional options, but it’s an ideal choice for frequent travelers. Note that collapsible walkers are considered “carry on” baggage, and might have to be checked by your airline if they have strict baggage restrictions.
If you are a frequent traveler it may be a good idea to invest in a stroller that has advanced features. These strollers that are more expensive typically come with more storage options, such as large bins under the seat and are easier to assemble and disassemble. They also have adjustable harnesses as well as other safety features that may not find in less basic strollers. Be sure to check with your airline to know their policies regarding screening strollers, and make sure to follow their instructions to the letter to avoid any unforeseen issues. It is also important to read the manual for your stroller and especially the sections related to safety. Particularly, make sure that you know how to secure the straps and to ensure that you use them correctly. Remember to use your stroller only when walking at a safe pace and to never leave your child alone. This will lower the chance of injury if your stroller accidentally tips over or veers off.
Easy to Fold
A great stroller for travel must fold down into a compact and manageable size. Some models excel in this regard, such as the lightweight JOOVY TRVL that folded down in just four seconds during our tests and can stand upright in its collapsed condition. This makes it simple to put in a trunk or closet and to carry on a plane’s overhead bins.
The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is another stroller that folds easily and weighs less than 17 pounds. It also has an extensive underseat storage basket that can be used to store a backpack or diaper bag. The footrest that is reversible can also be used as a handle for folding the stroller. This feature was fantastic in our tests, however it left the stroller at risk of being damaged by airlines when one of our editors omitted to close it closed when she checked it in for her flight. The baggage handler was ripped off the footrest and the UPPAbaby warranty won’t cover airline damage.
Unlike umbrella strollers, most of the other travel strollers in our review make use of a variety hinges and joints to fold into an even more compact package. For example the UPPAbaby Gluxe folds in only three seconds and stands upright after it’s folded, but its button/ring combination can be difficult to master and requires you to get it perfectly.
You’ll also want to think about how the stroller locks into its compact, closed position. Some models require you to pull down on a lever or handle situated near the rear wheels, while others have red buckles that have to be connected. Refer to the owner’s manual for more details on how each model’s locking mechanism operates.
If you have a stroller that is difficult to close, you can use baby oil or WD-40 to lubricate all the joints and connections. If that doesn’t work, consult the customer service of the manufacturer or consider an repair service for your stroller. But don’t try to force it. The force of the stroller to close even though it was not designed to close it can harm it and cause injuries to both you and your child.
Easy to carry
It’s essential that you easily access your stroller, whether you plan to run errands for a day or embark on an excursion with the family. Travel strollers are small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and transport. They can also be easily stored in your car or the closet at home. Some models come with a storage bag for easy transport and security.
Consider how you will utilize the stroller before deciding on one. Will it accompany you on airplane trips or be used for road trip visits, or be used regularly in the city? This will aid in narrowing your options. You can cut down on time and energy by selecting a stroller for travel that is compatible with car seats if you’re traveling with a child. If you have a toddler, think about the model with a bigger rear seat to provide more comfort and legroom.
A good travel stroller should be light and compact enough to fit in overhead bins of airplanes. However, consult with your airline prior to you purchase to ensure it is in line with their dimensions and guidelines. Many airlines will check strollers at the gate if they are too large to fit into the cabin. Certain airlines will transfer strollers to the hold in the event that their baggage allowance has been over.
If you plan to use your travel stroller frequently, select one with wheels that are less hefty and smaller than the ones used on traditional strollers. The smaller wheels will be easier to maneuver and less likely to damage or puncture. You may want to add an additional set of wheel covers to provide additional protection.
Invest in a lock if you plan to take your stroller off-guard to the beach or other public areas. Attaching a portable umbrella to your stroller will offer additional sun protection. You can clip a utility bag onto the handlebar for doing your shopping without hassle or carry an aloe Vera bottle. A set of carabiners at the front of your stroller is a great option to keep the essentials such as water bottles and snacks at hand.
Easy to store
The best strollers for travel can be easily maintained and stored. To keep your stroller clean and ready for use, start by vacuuming all surfaces to eliminate loose dirt and dust. If there are stains on the surface, an abrasive cloth with mild detergent and warm water should work. For difficult-to-access areas, a toothbrush can also come in handy. A damp cloth is sufficient for parts that are not made of fabric, such as the handlebars and wheels. It’s important to ensure that these moving parts are lubricated to prevent rust.
Some strollers such as the chitchat lightweight stroller, have a parent tray for personal items and one or more cup holders, making it easier to take care of essentials on-the-go. Some models have a more extensive tray for parents that comes with slots for tablets or laptop. These features do more than help parents stay organized, but they can also ease the stress of long journeys.
Another consideration for a good stroller for travel is the capacity to fold up and fit in tight spaces, such as an airplane overhead bin or on public transportation. Many parents prefer strollers that fold and placed in their own bag instead of having to gate-check them with luggage.
When looking at strollers in terms of ease of storage, be sure to consider how much space you have at home as well. If you’re only blessed with a little space, a smaller stroller could be your best option. If you intend to take the stroller on frequent trips that require it to be transported by public transport or car and a larger stroller with better storage and everyday performance may be a better choice.
Some strollers are available as part of a travel package that includes a pushchairs car seats seat for children. The cost is the similar or less than buying the products on their own. While this is a convenient option however, it is important to remember that the quality of the stroller that is included in these bundles is often considered to be lower than standalone models. We recommend that you only look at these options as a last resort.