10 Factors To Know On Strollers You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers
This stroller is one of the lightest and compact. It's also one of the easiest to fold. It offers a smooth ride and a fantastic sun canopy, and multi-position recline.
For less than $100 the stroller is a great value. It's compact and easy to fold away, making it ideal for public transport, or even slinging over your shoulder.
1. Lightweight
When it comes to strollers for travel, lightweight and easy-to-fold are essential. The top models we tested fold down with only one hand (and sometimes two) and fit into overhead luggage compartments. They also can roll easily and are compact enough to easily maneuver in tight spaces. Some models even have the option of a telescoping handle to parents of various heights. Find a lightweight, easy-to carry stroller for your family, no matter if you're planning to go on short trips with a baby, or taking a long-haul journey with a toddler.
To determine the top travel strollers, we evaluated nine strollers that meet our minimum weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on city streets and country side walks and at the airport terminal to determine its ability to maneuver, its ease of folding and carrying and overall comfort for the child.
Our most popular choice is the Babyzen YoYo2 (320), which folds the easiest of all the strollers we tested and is able to fit into the overhead bins on planes. Its seat reclines almost flat and is compatible with car seats and is suitable for babies up to age 2. Other parent-friendly features include a deep undercarriage storage basket and a bag hook attached to the handle, and a UPF 50+ canopy that provides ample coverage for your child's travels.
baby pram include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which features a single-handed concertina fold and is incredibly light. The padded five-point harness crotch strap, and an reversible seat will ensure your child's safety with a huge undercarriage basket as well as a reversible seat ensure that there is enough space for their possessions. It is also compatible with the brand’s infant car seat. This makes it an ideal option for families with children beginning at birth.
Finally, the Coya TRVL ($320) is another one-handed, one-step fold that comes with car seat compatibility and a wide canopy. It's a bit more expensive than other models in this class however, it comes with additional features like a large parent pocket and cupholder, an adjustable handlebar for parents of all heights and a comfortable carry strap. Its simplicity may sacrifice a bit of durability compared to the other models in this category, however.
2. Easy to fold
A stroller for travel should be simple to shut and open when you're out and about. If you're carrying a load of groceries, or children in your arms you shouldn't have to wrestle with a complex stroller to close it. The best strollers for travel fold easily and compactly, even with one hand. Many come with a padded carrying strap that is comfortable over your shoulder.
In our tests In our tests, the Libelle stroller was rated highly for its effortless fold and compact size. It also has some other nice features. It is smooth on all surfaces, and has an extensive canopy that gives enough coverage. It's also extremely lightweight and stands on its own when folded. This makes it easy to store.
If you're a parent who wants to walk right up to the gate and put their stroller into the overhead bin we recommend looking for a model that promises to fit in. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example, fits nicely into the smallest fold and comes with a convenient travel cover, but it has no recliner and a narrow cargo area that can accommodate a small bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).
Another alternative is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds down into a concertina design but also features an reversible seat that can be used for back-to-back or face-to-face riding. Our managing editor found it a breeze to open and close, though she wasn't crazy about the way the handle tucks behind the seat when folded.
The tri-fold is the newest stroller for travel. It folds in three parts and offers the perfect combination of compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for instance, has a reversible chair with a storage pouch that is not structured in the rear, and a locking latch that keeps it folded. It's a bit bigger than the umbrella models of the brand, but it folds far more compactly than G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts and has a carry strap with padding that fits over your shoulder.
3. Easy to store
The best strollers fold down to an easy-to-store size that is easy to fit into the trunk of your car or squeeze into the overhead bin on a plane. Some have a strap that can be used to carry the stroller on your shoulder to ensure that your hands don't get tired. They are also lighter than standard strollers. This makes them easy to lift and carry for a quick walk in the neighborhood or at the airport.
When we test this stroller, it did exceptionally well in our tests of durability, and it was easy to maneuver over all sorts of surfaces from smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. However some of our test subjects noted that it's a little thin and the handlebar does not have any padding to help keep your hands comfy. Another thing to think about is how big the storage basket is: It's on the smaller side, and some parents have found it difficult to fit a large diaper bag into it.
In general, we suggest calling your airline ahead of time to verify their specific guidelines for bringing strollers on board as they may differ. This is especially important in case you intend to gate-check your stroller. You can then use it on the plane and travel the airport without a stroller.
The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent choice if you want a lightweight, compact stroller. It comes nearly fully assembled right out of the box The only thing you need to do is to snap the bumper bar in the right position. It comes with a parent cup back pocket and holder, but no oversized basket that could make it difficult to carry essentials for long trips.
If you are a frequent traveler we recommend that you consider a more robust stroller that has better features and the ability to hold more items. The UPPAbaby Mini, for instance, comes with many of the G-Luxe or G-Link siblings however it's more compact and folds faster. It's also slightly more durable than an umbrella stroller and comes with a cushioned strap to help take some of the burden off your shoulders.
4. Confortable
It is important to be comfortable when using strollers over long periods of time. Find seats with plenty of padding and a recline feature that lets you set it at various angles. Take note of whether the canopy extends for sun protection, and if the mesh windows encourage airflow. Consider a model that has an organizer for the parents or a cupholder, as well as an ample basket under the seat if you need to carry things with you. If you're looking for a stroller for older children, look up the age range and consider whether your child is comfortable in the stroller without a car seat for infants.
It is also essential to think about how a stroller rolls. It needs to maneuver easily across a variety of surfaces including smooth hardwoods, shag carpet to cobblestones and gravel. It must also be able to handle stairs and curbs without difficulty. If your travel plans include the majority of walking, opt for an easy stroller to prevent leg and back pain.
A great stroller for travel is also easy to use. It should be assembled in less than 30 seconds and snap together securely when you put it in the correct place. It should also fold flat enough to fit in the boot of your car, or the overhead compartments on a plane. It should also be upright when folded, so that you can grab it up with one hand while holding your baby in the other.
The Joie Tourist is an excellent option for parents looking for a lightweight, high-quality travel stroller. It has numerous recline positions so your child can sleep comfortably. Its extendable canopy provides plenty of sun coverage with UPF protection. Plus, it comes with a lot of other accessories such as a footmuff and cup holder, and rain cover are included. Charlotte loves the fact that the car seat is suitable for infants to four years old and does not require an adapter separately.