How to Choose a Travel Stroller

If you are a frequent traveler, or if your daily strolls involve a quick out-and-back walk and a lot of stops at local parks take a look at a light stroller that can be packed. They are easy to fold and fit in trunks, trains, buses and planes.

The Nuna Trvl is compact and can fit in the overhead bins of most planes. It's also very easy to put together and comes with excellent features, including an easy, adjustable seat.

Easy to Assemble

The stroller is simple to assemble, and it's also very easy to use. The frame opens and folds in only one hand. The seat is adjustable to two positions. The bumper bar is easy to take off and replace and the handlebar is comfortable and looks nice. However, the absence of storage space means parents will have to carry a huge diaper bag or delicately drape it over the handle (against the advice of an expert).

This lightweight travel stroller rolls smoothly over almost all surfaces, even rough sidewalks, and makes sharp turns. It has larger foam-filled wheels than those of some other models we've tried, which gives it a little more bounce and more stability. Some parents have complained that the tires are flimsy.

The stroller is small enough to fit into the overhead bins of many planes, and weighs just 13 pounds. Its basic design means it is not equipped with many additional features, but it's a good option for frequent travelers. It's important to note that collapsible strollers are considered "carry-on" baggage and could need to be checked in the event of a tight baggage restrictions.

If you're an avid traveler, it's a good idea to invest in a stroller with more sophisticated features and a higher price. These more expensive strollers often include more storage options like large underseat bins and are easier to put together and disassemble. They also have adjustable harnesses and other safety features you might not find in more basic strollers. Check with your airline to determine what their policies on strollers, and follow them to the letter. It is also important to read the stroller's manual and especially the sections related to safety. Particularly, you need to know how to secure the straps and to always use them correctly. Be sure to supervise your child and use the stroller when walking at a safe pace. This will lower the chance of injury if your stroller accidentally tips over or veers off.

Easy to Fold

One of the most important aspects of an excellent travel stroller is that it folds into a compact and manageable package. Some models excel at this, such as the lightweight JOOVY TRVL which folded in only four seconds during our tests. It also can stand upright in its folded state. This makes it simple to store and transport in a closet or trunk.

The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is another easy-to-fold travel stroller that weighs less than 17 pounds. It also has an extensive underseat storage basket that can fit a large backpack or diaper bag. The footrest that can be reversible can be used as a handle for folding the stroller. This feature was a huge boon during our testing however, it also left the stroller open to damage by the airline when one of our editors was not able to close it while making sure the stroller was closed for her flight. The baggage handler was ripped off the footrest and the UPPAbaby guarantee won't cover airline-related damage.

Unlike umbrella strollers, most of the other strollers we've looked at use a variety of hinges and joints to fold into an even more compact package. The UPPAbaby Gluxe, for example, folds in just three seconds and stands up after. However the button/ring combination isn't always easy and requires you to make sure you are timing it correctly.

Think about how the stroller could be locked in its closed, compacted position. Certain models require you to pull down the handle or lever close to the rear wheels, while others have red straps that need to be joined. It's a good idea check the owner's manual for specifics on each model's locking mechanism and travel stroller how it works.

If you have a stroller that is difficult to close, you can use WD-40 or baby oil to lubricate the joints and connections. If this doesn't work, you can contact the manufacturer or a stroller service. However, don't force it to close. Inducing a stroller to close when it was not designed to do so can damage it and cause injury to both you and your child.

Easy to carry

No matter if you're planning a full day of running errands or going on a trip with the family it's crucial to have a quick access to your stroller. Travel strollers fold up compactly and are lightweight, making them easy to carry and transport. They can be tucked away in your car, or in your closet in your home. Some models come with a storage bag to make moving and securing them more convenient.

Before choosing a travel stroller take into consideration how you plan to use it. Will it accompany you on plane trips or be used on road trip visits or just be used regularly around town? This will aid in narrowing your choices. If you'll be traveling with a baby, look for a travel stroller that's car seat-compatible to save yourself time and stress. Consider a model that has a larger rear-seat for more comfort and legroom, especially if you have a toddler.

A good travel stroller should be light and compact enough to fit in the overhead bins of airplanes, but make sure to check with your airline prior to you purchase to make sure it's in line with their size and policies. Many airlines will gate-check strollers that are too big to fit into the cabin. Others will send them to the hold if they go over the baggage allowance.

If you'll be using your travel stroller frequently, choose a model with wheels that are smaller and more durable than those found on traditional strollers. The smaller wheels are easier to maneuver and less prone to damage or puncture. You may also wish to add some wheel covers to provide additional protection.

Make sure you have a lock in place in case you intend to take your stroller unattended to the beach or other public areas. It's also recommended to attach an umbrella that you can carry with you on your stroller for sun protection. You can also attach a utility bag onto the handlebar to allow shopping hands-free or to carry an aloe vera bottle. A set of carabiners at the front of your stroller is a great way to keep things like water bottles and snacks close to hand.

Easy to Store

The best travel strollers are easy to maintain and keep in storage. To keep your stroller clean and ready for use, first vacuum all surfaces to get rid of loose dirt and dust. If there are any stains, a damp cloth with mild detergent and warm water ought to be able to remove them. A toothbrush is a great option for places that are difficult to reach. For parts that aren't made of fabric, like the wheels and handlebars, a damp, clean cloth is enough, though it's wise to regularly lubricate moving parts to prevent corrosion.

Some travel strollers, such as the chit chat cheap stroller, include an adult tray to store personal items, as well as one or more cup holders, making it easy to keep your things you need on the go. Other models come with a complete parent tray, including slots for travel stroller laptops or tablet. In addition to keeping parents in order, these features may help ease stress on long journeys.

Another factor to consider when selecting a travel stroller is the ability to fold and fit in tight spaces, like an airplane overhead bin or on public transport. Because of this, many parents prefer strollers that fold and fit into its own bag rather than needing to be checked at the gate with baggage.

Think about how much room you have at home when evaluating strollers. A smaller travel stroller is the best choice if you have limited space. If you intend to take the stroller on regular trips that require it to be carried by public transport or car and a larger stroller with more storage capacity and a better performance for everyday use might be the better option.

Some strollers are available as part of a travel system which includes a car seat. These can be purchased at the same price or less than purchasing the items on their own. While this is a convenient option however, it is important to remember that the quality of the stroller in these bundle packages often tends to be less than standalone models. We suggest that you look at these options as a last resort.