15 Terms Everyone Who Works In Strollers Industry Should Know
The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers
This stroller is among the lightest and compact. It's also the most easy to fold. Despite its size, it provides a good ride, excellent sun canopy and multi-position recline.
This stroller is a great value at less than $100. It's compact and easy to fold, making it ideal for public transport, or even slinging over your shoulder.
1. Lightweight
When it comes to travel strollers, lightweight and easy-to-fold are key. The top models we tested fold down using only one hand (and sometimes two hands) and can be tucked away in overhead luggage compartments. They also roll well and are compact enough to maneuver easily in tight spaces. Some even come with the option of a telescoping handle to parents of different heights. If you're planning a brief trip with your newborn or a long-haul vacation with a toddler, you'll need an easy-to-pack stroller to make the journey -- and return for your family.
To determine the top strollers for traveling, we compared nine that meet our minimum weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on country sidewalks and in the airport terminal for maneuverability as well as ease of folding and carrying, and overall comfort for your child.
Our picks include the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320) It has the simplest fold of all the strollers that we've tested and can fit into overhead bins on airplanes. The seat reclines nearly flat and is compatible with car seats which means it's suitable from birth. The car also has a deep undercarriage and a bag-hook attached to the handle, and a UPF50+ canopy to offer plenty of protection to your child.
The Cybex Orfeo (320) is another great option. It has the ability to fold in concertina that can be done with one hand and is very light. Its padded, five-point harness and crotch strap keep your child safe, while the reversible seat as well as a massive undercarriage basket make sure there's room for all of their belongings. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat which makes it an ideal option for families starting from the time of birth.
Lastly, the Coya TRVL ($320) is another one-handed fold that is one-step with car seat compatibility as well as a large canopy. It's more expensive than the other models in the category but it also comes with extra features such as a large cupholder, a parent pocket, a movable handlebar to accommodate parents of all heights and a comfortable carrying strap. The simplicity of the model does compromise durability, contrasted with other models in this category.
2. Easy to fold
When you're on the go, your stroller has to be easy to open and close. If you're carrying a load of groceries or children in your arms you don't want to struggle with a cumbersome stroller to close it. Even with just one hand, the best travel strollers can be folded easily and compactly. Many come with a padded strap that can be comfortably placed over your shoulder.
In our tests, we gave the Libelle stroller high marks for its compactness and ease of folding. However, it also has some great features: It can roll effortlessly across all surfaces and has a generous canopy that provides ample coverage. It's also extremely light and stands on its own when folded. This makes it easy to store.
For parents who want to roll straight to the plane gate and then put their stroller into the overhead bin, we suggest an option that will fit in. The Munchkin Sparrow is a good example. It fits into the smallest of foldings and comes with an extra-safe travel cover. However, it does not have a reclined seat and the cargo area is too small to hold anything but the smallest diaper bag or tote.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another option. It folds concertina-style fashion, but it also offers a reversible seat for riding back-toback or face-toface. The handle is tucked behind the seat, however our editor didn't love the way it folded.
The tri-fold is the most recent travel stroller. It folds down into three parts and offers the best combination between compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for example, has a reversible seat, an unstructured rear storage pouch, and a lockable clasp that keeps it folded. It's slightly larger than the umbrella models of the brand however, it folds smaller than its G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts and has a padded carry strap that can be slung over your shoulder.
3. Easy to store
The best travel strollers can be folded down to a small size that can be easily stored. They can easily be tucked away in the trunk of a car, or in the overhead bin of the plane. Some come with a strap can be used to carry the stroller over your shoulder so your hands won't be tired. They are also lighter than normal strollers, which can make them easier to lift and carry when it's time for an easy stroll around the neighborhood or to the airport.
When we tested this stroller, it did extremely well in our durability tests and was able to maneuver over all sorts of surfaces, from smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. Some of our testers found it a bit flimsy and the handlebar was not cushioned to keep your hands comfortably. Another thing to think about is how big the basket is: It's on the smaller side, and some parents have found it difficult to fit an enormous diaper bag in it.
We suggest calling your airline in advance to verify their specific guidelines regarding strollers. They can differ. travel stroller for infant is particularly important if you want to gate-check your stroller and allow you to navigate the airport without it and be able to use it once you're on the plane (though that option won't work for families that require an infant car seat or booster).
If you're looking for a simple stroller that is lightweight and folds down to an extremely compact size, the Contours Itsy is a great option. The Contours Itsy comes fully assembled, and all you have to do is attach the bumper bar. It comes with a parent cup back pocket and holder however, there is no basket that is large which might make it difficult to carry necessities for a long trip.
If you're a frequent traveler we suggest you consider a more robust stroller with better features and can hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Minu, for instance, comes with many of the same features similar to its G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts but is smaller and folds faster. It is also slightly more durable than an umbrella stroller, and has a strap that is padded to help take some of the burden off your shoulders.
4. Comfortable
Strollers are commonly used for prolonged periods of time while traveling, so it is essential to be comfortable. Look for seats with ample padding and a recline system that lets you set it at different angles. Be aware of whether the canopy extends for sun protection and if the mesh windows allow airflow. If you're required to carry your own items take a look at a model that has cups and organizers for parents as well as a large storage basket under the seat. If you're shopping for a stroller for older children, look up the age range and consider whether your child is at ease in the seat, even without a car seat for infants.
It is also crucial to consider how a stroller is rolled. It should be able to move effortlessly across different surfaces that include smooth hardwoods, shag carpets, cobblestones, and gravel. It should be able to handle curbs, stairs, and other obstacles easily. Pick a stroller that is lightweight when you plan to do a lot walking throughout your trip. This will help prevent back and leg pain.
A high-quality travel stroller should be simple to use, too. It should assemble in under 30 seconds and be able to snap together when it is popped into the correct position. It should fold flat and fit into the trunk of your car, or the overhead compartments of planes. It should also be upright when folded so that you can pick it up with one hand, while holding your child in the other.
If you are a parent seeking a top-quality lightweight stroller for travel The Joie Tourist is a great alternative. It comes with various recline positions, to allow your child to sleep comfortably. The canopy that extends can provide ample sun protection, with UPF protection. It also includes a variety of additional features including a footmuff, cup holder, and rain cover are all included. Charlotte is thrilled that it's suitable for babies up to four years old and doesn't require the purchase of an adapter for car seats separately.