Who's The World's Top Expert On Stroller?

How to Choose a Travel Stroller

If you travel frequently or if your daily strolls include a short out-and-back stroll and lots of stops at local parks you should consider purchasing a lightweight, packable stroller. They're incredibly easy to fold and fit comfortably into trunks, buses trains, and planes.

The Nuna Trvl folds down to a small size and fits in the overhead bin on most aircrafts. It's also very easy to put together and comes with amazing features, like an easy, adjustable seat.

Easy to Assemble

The stroller is simple to assemble, and it's also very easy to use. The frame pops open and folds in one hand, and the seat reclines in two different positions. It also comes with a bumper bar that comes off and on with ease, and the handlebar looks and feels great and feels great too. However, the absence of storage space means that parents will have to carry a huge diaper bag or delicately hang it over the handle (against expert advice).

This lightweight travel stroller is quick to turn and moves effortlessly on any surface. It has larger foam-filled rubber wheels than the other models we tested. This provides it with more bounce and stability. Some parents have complained that the tires are not durable.

In its small size the stroller can be tucked away into the overhead bins of the majority of aircrafts and weighs less than 13 pounds. Its minimalist design means it comes with a few options, but it's an excellent option for umbrella strollers frequent flyers. Keep in mind that collapsible walkers can be considered "carry on" baggage, and may require a check by your airline if they are subject to strict baggage restrictions.

If you frequently travel, it might make sense to invest a bit more in a stroller with advanced features. These strollers that are more expensive typically have more storage options including large underseat bins and are easier to put together and disassemble. A lot of these strollers have adjustable harnesses, along with other safety features that you might not find on less basic models. Make sure to check with your airline to find out what their policies on strollers, and follow them to the letter. It's also important to read the user manual for your stroller, especially those that deal with safety. Be sure to know how to properly use the straps and ensure they are secured. Remember to use your stroller only in an appropriate pace and to not leave your child unattended. This will lower the chance of injury if your stroller falls over or veers.

Easy to Fold

A good travel stroller should be able to fold into a compact, manageable package. Some models are very good at this, like the JOOVY, a lightweight TRVL which folded in only four seconds during our tests. It also can be able to stand when folded. This makes it easy to store and carry around in a trunk or closet.

The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is another stroller that folds up easily and weighs less than 17 pounds and comes with an ample 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 during our testing but unfortunately it left the stroller susceptible to damage by airlines when one of our editors forgot to keep it closed while checking it in with her flight. The baggage handler snapped off the footrest, and the UPPAbaby guarantee doesn't cover airline-related damages.

Unlike umbrella strollers, most of the other strollers we've reviewed make use of a variety hinges and joints to fold into smaller, more compact size. For example, the UPPAbaby G-Luxe folds in just three seconds and then stands up after it's folded, but its button/ring combination is tricky and requires you to be able to time it precisely.

You should also take into consideration how the stroller locks into its compact closed position. Certain models require you to pull down a lever or handle near the rear wheels. Other models have red straps that need to be joined. Read the owner's guide for more details on how each model's locking mechanism operates.

If you encounter a stroller which is difficult to close, use WD-40 or baby oil to lubricate all the joints and connections. If you're not successful, contact the customer support of the manufacturer or try an repair service for your stroller. Don't force it to close. Inducing a stroller to close when it was not designed to do so could damage it and cause injuries to both you and your child.

Easy to carry

It's essential that you easily access your stroller, regardless of whether you're planning to do errands for the day or go on an excursion with the family. Travel strollers fold in a compact manner and are light, making them easy to carry and transport. They can be put in your car, Good Prams or in a closet in your home. Some models even come with an organizer bag for simple transport and security.

Consider the way you intend to utilize the stroller before deciding on one. Do you want it to accompany you on airplane trips, be brought out for road trips or just be used regularly in the city? The answer will allow you to narrow your options. You can save time and energy by selecting a stroller for travel that is compatible with car seats if traveling with a child. If you have a toddler, consider an option with a larger rear seat to provide more comfort and legroom.

Contact your airline to ensure that the stroller you choose can fit into their overhead bins. Many airlines will check strollers for gate-checks if they are too large to fit inside the cabin. Others will take them to the hold if they exceed their baggage allowance.

If you intend to use your stroller often, you should choose one with wheels that are smaller and stronger than the wheels that are found on standard strollers. The smaller wheels are easier to maneuver and less likely to be damaged or punctured. You may want to add a pair of wheel covers to provide additional protection.

If you're taking your stroller to the beach or other public areas where it's left unattended, you should invest in a lock to ensure it's secure. Attaching a portable umbrella onto your stroller will offer additional sun protection. You can also clip a utility tote onto the handlebar for hands-free shopping or to carry an aloe vera bottle. Finally, a set of carabiners at the front of your stroller is a great option to keep things like water bottles and snacks in your the ready.

Easy to store

The best strollers for travel can be easily maintained and stored. To keep your stroller clean and ready for use, begin by vacuuming all surfaces to remove loose dirt and crumbs. If stains are evident the use of a soft cloth, warm water and mild detergent will do the trick. A toothbrush is helpful for hard-to-reach places. A damp cloth is enough for parts that are not made of cloth, such as the handlebars and wheels. It is crucial to grease these moving parts to prevent corrosion.

Some strollers for travel, such as the chit chat lightweight stroller, have an adult tray to store personal items as well as one or more cup holders, making it easier to carry your essentials while on the move. Other models offer a more complete tray for parents, which includes a slot for a laptop or tablet. In addition to helping parents stay in order, these features may help reduce stress on long journeys.

A quality travel stroller must be able to fold up and fit in small spaces like the overhead bin of an airplane, or on public transportation. Because of this, many parents prefer strollers that fold and fit in its own bag instead of having to be checked at the gate for baggage.

Take into consideration how much space you have at home when evaluating strollers. If you only have limited room, a smaller travel stroller might be the best option. If you are planning to take the stroller on regular trips that require it to be transported by car or public transport and a larger stroller with more storage space and performance for everyday use could be a better option.

Certain strollers are sold as part of an overall travel system that also includes a car seat. They can be purchased at the same cost or less than buying the items separately. While this is an excellent option, it's important to note that the quality of the stroller that is included in bundles tends to be less than standalone models. Therefore, we recommend considering these options only as a last option.