How to Choose a Travel Stroller

Think about a lightweight, foldable stroller if your travels are frequent or walk around the park frequently. They fold easily and can be tucked away in trunks buses, trains, and planes.

The Nuna Trvl folds down to a compact size and can be tucked away in the overhead bin of many planes. It's also very easy to put together and comes with excellent features, including a simple, adjustable reclining seat.

Easy to Assemble

The stroller is simple to assemble, and it's also very simple to use. The frame pops open and folds with one hand, and the seat reclines in two different positions. The bumper bar is easy to replace and remove and the handlebar feels and looks good. However, the lack of storage space means that parents will need to carry a large diaper bag or wrap it around the handle (against the advice of a professional).

The stroller that is lightweight rolls effortlessly across every surface, including rough sidewalks, and can make quick turns. It has larger foam-filled rubber wheels than some of the other models we've tested. This provides it with more bounce and stability. Some parents have complained that the tires are thin.

In its compact form it can fit in the overhead bins on most aircrafts and weighs less than 13 pounds. Its minimalist design means it comes with a few extra features, but is still an ideal choice for frequent travelers. It's important to remember that collapsible strollers are considered "carry-on" baggage and could require checking if your airline has tight baggage restrictions.

If you're a frequent traveler it's a good idea to invest in an infant stroller that has more advanced features and a higher price. These more expensive strollers often include more storage options like large underseat bins, and are simpler to put together and fold. A lot of these strollers come with adjustable harnesses as well as other safety features you may not find on more basic models. Make sure to check with your airline to see what their policies on strollers, and follow them to the letter. It is also crucial to read the manual for your stroller and especially the sections related to safety. Particularly, make sure to understand how to fix the straps and always use them in a safe manner. Be sure to supervise your child and use the stroller when walking at a steady pace. This will decrease the risk of injury if your stroller accidentally tips over or veers.

Easy to Fold

A quality stroller for travel is one that folds down into a compact, manageable size. Certain models can do this well, like the lightweight JOOVY TRVL that folded in less than four seconds during our tests and can stand up in its collapsed state. This makes it easy to store and carry around in a trunk or closet.

The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is another stroller that folds easily and weighs less than 17 pounds. It also has an enormous underseat storage bin that can accommodate a large backpack or diaper bag. Its reversible footrest doubles as an handle when the stroller is in its collapsed position. This feature was a huge hit during our testing, but unfortunately it made the stroller at risk of being damaged by airlines when one of our editors omitted to close it closed while checking it in with her flight. The baggage handler ripped the footrest, and the UPPAbaby warranty will not cover damage caused by an airline.

As opposed to umbrella strollers of the other strollers we've looked at use a variety of hinges and joints to fold into a more squarish package. The UPPAbaby Gluxe, for example, folds in just three seconds, and then stands up when it is done. However, its button/ring combo isn't always easy and you must be sure to time it right.

Consider how the stroller might be locked in its closed, compacted position. Some models require you pull down a lever or handle near the rear wheels while others have red straps that must be tethered. Check the owner's guide for more information on how each model's locking mechanism works.

If you come across a stroller which is difficult to close, use WD-40 or baby oil to lubricate the joints and connections. If that doesn't work, consult the customer service of the manufacturer or try an repair service for your stroller. Don't make it close. The force of a stroller to close when it wasn't designed to do so could damage it and cause injury to both you and your child.

Easy to Carry

It's important that you can easily access your stroller whether you're planning to run errands prams for sale a day or go on a family trip. Travel strollers fold down compactly and are lightweight, making them easy to carry and transport. They can be stored in your car, or even in a closet in your home. Some models even come with a storage bag for easy transportation and protection.

Before you decide on a stroller for travel think about how you intend to use it. Are you planning to use it for road trips, on airplane trips or in your daily life? This will help you narrow down your choices. If you're traveling with a child, look for a stroller with a compatible with pushchairs car seats seats to save time and stress. You should consider a stroller with a larger rear-seat to provide more comfort and legroom, especially if you have children.

Check with your airline to make sure that the stroller you choose will fit in their overhead bins. Many airlines will gate-check strollers that are too large to fit in the cabin. Others will take them to the hold if they exceed their baggage allowance.

If you plan to use your stroller for a lot of time, choose a model with wheels that are smaller and more durable than those on traditional strollers. The smaller wheels are easier to maneuver, and less likely to be damaged or punctured. You may want to add an additional set of wheel covers to protect your wheels.

Make sure you have a lock in place if you plan to take your travel stroller unattended to the beach or other public places. Attaching a portable umbrella onto your stroller will provide extra sun protection. You can also clip a utility tote onto the handlebar for shopping hands-free or to carry an aloe vera bottle. A set of carabiners at the front of your stroller will allow you to keep snacks and water bottles close to hand.

Easy to Store

The best travel strollers are easy to maintain and keep in storage. Begin by vacuuming the stroller thoroughly to remove any loose dirt or crumbs. If there are any stains, an abrasive cloth with mild detergent and warm water will be able to remove them. A toothbrush is helpful in places that are difficult to reach. For non-fabric parts of the stroller such as the handlebars and wheels a damp cloth is sufficient, though it's wise to regularly lubricate moving parts to prevent rust.

Some travel strollers, such as the chit chat stroller, come with a parent tray for personal items, as well as one or more cup holders, making it easy to carry your essentials while on the move. Some models also come with a complete tray for parents, with a slot for a laptop or tablet. Apart from keeping parents organized, these features can help reduce stress during long trips.

Another factor to consider when selecting a travel stroller is the ability to fold and fit easily in tight spaces, like an overhead bin on airplanes or on public transport. For this reason, many parents choose strollers that fold up and fit into its own carry bag rather than needing to be gate-checked with baggage.

Take into consideration how much space you have at home when evaluating strollers. If you have a small amount of space, a smaller stroller may be your best option. If you plan on frequent excursions that require the stroller to be carried by car or public transportation, a larger product with better everyday performance and storage might be better suited.

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 lower than buying the items 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. We recommend that you only look at these options as a last option.