How to Choose a Travel Stroller

Think about a lightweight, foldable stroller if you travel often or walk through the park often. They're extremely easy to fold and fit easily into trunks, buses, planes, and trains.

The Nuna Trvl packs down to a manageable size that fits into the overhead bin on most planes. It is also simple to put together and offers great features, such as an easy, adjustable recliner seat.

Easy to Assemble

As its name suggests, this stroller was designed to be easy to assemble and use. The frame opens and folds in just one hand. The seat can recline to two different positions. It also comes with an adjustable bumper bar that can be taken off and on with ease and the handlebar looks and feels good as well. However, the lack of storage space means that parents will have to carry a huge diaper bag or wrap it around the handle (against expert advice).

The stroller that is lightweight rolls effortlessly over every surface, including rough sidewalks, and can make sharp turns. It has bigger foam-filled rubber wheels than some of the other models we tested. This gives it more bounce and stability. Some parents have complained that the tires are flimsy.

In its compact form the stroller can be tucked away in the overhead bins on most aircrafts and weighs less than 13 pounds. Its basic design means that it has few extra features, but it's an excellent option for frequent travelers. Keep in mind that collapsible walkers can be considered "carry on" baggage and could have to be checked by your airline if they are subject to strict baggage restrictions.

If you frequently travel it could be beneficial to invest a bit more in a stroller that comes with advanced features. These models that are more expensive typically provide more storage options, such as large underseat baskets, and they're usually easier to assemble and fold. A lot of these strollers come with adjustable harnesses along with other safety features you might not find on more basic models. Make sure you check with your airline to know their policies on checking strollers and follow their instructions to the letter to avoid any unpleasant surprises. It is also essential to read your stroller's manual, especially any sections pertaining to safety. Make sure you understand how to properly use the straps and ensure they are secured. Also, remember to use your stroller only when walking at a safe pace and to not leave your child unattended. This will decrease the risk of injury if your stroller accidentally tips over or veers off.

Easy to Fold

A quality stroller for travel must fold into a compact, easily able package. Some models excel at this, such as the JOOVY, a lightweight TRVL that folded down in just four seconds during our tests. It can stand up in its folded state. This makes it simple to store and carry in the trunk or closet.

The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is another easy-to-fold travel stroller that weighs less than 17 pounds. It also has an enormous underseat storage bin that can accommodate a large backpack or diaper bag. The footrest that is reversible can be used as a handle for folding the stroller. This feature was a real benefit during our testing, but unfortunately it also opened the stroller to airline damage when one of our editors failed to close it when making sure the stroller was closed 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 we've looked at utilize a variety of hinges and joints to fold up into an even more compact package. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe, as an example, folds in just three seconds, and then stands up when done. However the button/ring combination can be finicky, and you have to be sure to time it right.

Consider how the stroller can be locked in its closed, compacted position. Some models require pulling down the handle or lever close to the rear wheels, while others have red straps that need to be joined. Refer to the owner's manual for more details about how each model's locking system operates.

If you happen to encounter a stroller that is difficult to close, try using a product such as baby oil or WD-40 to lubricate the joints and connections. If you're not successful, contact the customer support of the manufacturer or use an repair service for your stroller. However, don't make it close. The force of a stroller to close that was not designed to close it can harm it and cause injuries to both you and your child.

Easy to carry

It's important that you can quickly access your stroller whether you're planning to do errands for the day or take a family trip. Travel strollers are small and light, making it easy to transport and carry. They can also be stored in your car or in the closet at home. Some models come with bags for storage to make it easy for transport and protection.

Before you pick a stroller for your travels take into consideration how you plan to use it. Do you want it to accompany you on airplane trips, be brought out for road trips or just be used regularly around town? This will help you narrow your choices. If you're traveling with a baby, look for a stroller that is car seat-compatible to save yourself time and stress. If you are a parent, you should consider a model with a larger rear seat for more comfort and legroom.

A great travel stroller must be small and lightweight enough to fit in overhead bins on airplanes. However, consult with your airline prior to you buy to ensure it is in line with their dimensions and guidelines. A lot of airlines will gate-check strollers if they're too big to fit into the cabin. Some airlines will take strollers to the hold in the event that their baggage allowance has been over.

If you intend to use your stroller frequently, select a model that has wheels that are a bit smaller and more durable than those used on traditional strollers. The smaller wheels are easier to maneuver, and less likely to get damaged or punctured. You might want to consider adding two wheel covers to provide additional protection.

If you're taking your stroller to the beach or other public locations in which it's unattended, invest in a lock to keep it safe. It's also a good idea to attach an umbrella that you can carry with you on your stroller for sun protection. You can also clip a utilitarian tote to the handlebar for pram with car seat hands-free shopping or to carry an aloe vera bottle. A set of carabiners on the front of your stroller will allow you to keep snacks and water bottles close by.

Easy to store

The best travel strollers are easy to maintain and store. Start by vacuuming the stroller thoroughly to remove any particles of dirt or crumbs. If there are stains, a cloth with warm water and mild detergent should do the trick. For hard-to-reach areas brushing with a toothbrush could be useful. A damp cloth is enough for components that aren't made of fabric, like the handlebars and wheels. It's important to grease these moving parts to prevent rust.

Some strollers for travel, like the chit-chat lightweight stroller come with a tray for parents to store personal things, and two or three cup holders. This allows you to carry essentials while on the move. Some models also come with a complete tray for parents, which includes slots for laptops or tablet. These features not only aid parents in keeping their lives organized, but they can also reduce stress on long trips.

Another consideration for a good stroller for travel is the capacity to fold and fit easily in tight spaces, such as an overhead bin on airplanes or on public transport. Because of this, many parents prefer a stroller that can fold and fit into its own bag rather than needing to be checked at the gate for baggage.

Take into consideration how much space you have at home before evaluating strollers. A smaller travel stroller is the best choice for those with limited space. If you plan on frequent excursions that require the stroller to be transported via car or public transportation A larger model with better performance for everyday use and storage could be more suitable.

Certain strollers can be purchased as part of an overall travel package that includes a car seat for children. The cost is the same or less than purchasing the products separately. While this is a convenient option but it's important to keep in mind that the quality of the stroller included in these bundles is often considered to be less than standalone models. Therefore, we recommend considering these options only as a last resort.