How to Choose a Travel Stroller
Think about a lightweight, foldable stroller if your travels are frequent or if you walk around the park frequently. They're incredibly easy to fold and fit easily into buses, trunks, planes, trains and trains.
The Nuna Trvl is incredibly compact and can fit in the overhead bins of many planes. It is also easy to put together and has great features such as a simple, adjustable recliner seat.
Easy to Assemble
Like the name suggests, this stroller was designed to be simple to assemble and use. The frame pops open and folds down with one hand pram bag, nelda.southnet.co.uk, and the seat can be reclined in two different positions. It also comes with a bumper bar that comes off and on easily and the handlebar looks and feels nice, too. However, the absence of storage space means that parents will need to carry a huge diaper bag or hang it over the handle (against the advice of a professional).
This stroller is light and easy to maneuver. It is quick to turn and moves smoothly on almost any surface. It has bigger foam-filled rubber wheels than the other models we've tested. This gives it more bounce and stability. However, some parents have reported that the tires feel thin.
In its compact size, the stroller fits into the overhead bins of most aircrafts and weighs less than 13 pounds. Its basic design means that it has few extra features, but it's an excellent choice for frequent flyers. It's important to keep in mind that strollers that fold up are considered "carry-on" baggage and may need to be checked when your airline has strict baggage restrictions.
If you're a frequent traveler it's a good idea to invest in a stroller pushchair with car seat more advanced features and a higher cost. These strollers that are more expensive typically come with more storage options, such as large bins under the seat and are easier to assemble and disassemble. Additionally, they often come with adjustable harnesses as well as other safety features that you might not find in more basic strollers. Be sure to check with your airline to learn their policies on screening strollers, and make sure to follow their instructions to the letter to avoid any unforeseen issues. It's also important to read the user manual for your stroller, especially any sections that cover safety. Particularly, you need to understand how to secure the straps and to make sure you are using them in the correct way. Always supervise your child and use the stroller when walking at a safe pace. This will minimize the risk of injury if your stroller is accidentally tipped over or steers off course.
Easy to Fold
One of the keys to an excellent travel stroller is that it folds into compact and manageable size. Certain models can do this well, like the light JOOVY TRVL which folded down in less than four seconds during our tests and can stand upright when folded. This makes it simple to keep in a trunk or closet and to carry on a plane's overhead bins.
The UPPAbaby MINU V2 travel stroller is a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller. It weighs less that 17 pounds and has an enormous underseat basket which can hold a backpack or diaper bag. The footrest that is reversible can double as a handle when the stroller is folded into its position. This feature was great during our testing, but unfortunately it made the stroller vulnerable to damage by airlines when one of our editors forgot to keep it closed when she checked it in for her flight. The baggage handler snapped the footrest off and the UPPAbaby warranty doesn't cover airline-related damage.
Unlike umbrella strollers, most of the other strollers in our review utilize a variety of hinges and joints to fold up into smaller, more compact size. For instance, the UPPAbaby G-Luxe folds in just three seconds and then stands up when it's done, but its button/ring combination can be tricky and requires you to time it just right.
You'll also want to consider the method by which the stroller locks in its compact closed position. Certain models require you to pull down on a lever or handle located close to the rear wheels while others have red buckles that have to be connected. Refer to the owner's manual for more details about the way each model's locking system operates.
If you happen to encounter a stroller that is difficult to close Try using a product like baby oil or WD-40 for lubricating the joints and connections. If this doesn't help you, you can call the manufacturer or a stroller service. But don't try to force it to close. Forcing the stroller to close even though it wasn't designed to do so could damage it and cause injury to both you and your child.
Easy to Carry
Whether you're planning a day of running errands, or an extended family trip it's essential to have access to your stroller. Travel strollers are small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and transport. They can also be stored in your car or your closet at home. Some models even include a storage bag for easy transport and security.
Consider the way you intend to use the stroller prior to deciding on one. Are you planning to use it for road trips, on airplane trips or in your daily life? This will help you narrow down your options. You can save time and energy by choosing a stroller for travel that is compatible with car seats if you're traveling with a child. If you have a toddler, consider a model with a larger rear seat for more comfort and legroom.
A great travel stroller must be light and compact enough to fit in overhead bins of airplanes, but consult with your airline prior to you purchase to ensure it's in line with their size and policies. Many airlines will gate-check strollers that are too large to fit into the cabin. Others will take them to the hold if they exceed the baggage allowance.
If you plan to use your stroller for a lot of time opt for a model with wheels that are smaller and more durable than the ones on traditional strollers. The smaller wheels are easier to maneuver, and less likely to get damaged or punctured. You may also want to put on some wheel covers for extra protection.
Consider a lock if you plan to take your travel stroller unattended to the beach or other public places. It's also an excellent idea to attach an umbrella that you can carry with you on your stroller for extra sun protection. You can clip a utilitarian bag onto the handlebar for doing your shopping hands-free or carry an aloe Vera bottle. A set of carabiners in the front of your stroller can allow you to keep snacks and water bottles near by.
Easy to Store
The best travel strollers are easy to maintain and store. Begin by vacuuming the stroller to get rid of any loose dirt or crumbs. If stains are present, a cloth with mild detergent and warm water should do the trick. For hard-to-reach areas, a toothbrush can also be helpful. For non-fabric parts of the stroller, like the handlebars and wheels, a damp cloth will suffice however it is recommended to regularly grease moving parts to prevent rust.
Some travel strollers like the chit-chat light stroller come with an area for parents to keep their personal things, and two or three cup holders. This makes it easier to carry your essentials on the move. Some models also come with a complete tray for parents, with a slot for a laptop or tablet. These features do more than aid parents in keeping their lives organized, but they can reduce stress during long journeys.
A great stroller for travel is one that can fold up and fit in tight spaces such as the overhead bins of an airplane or in public transport. Many parents prefer strollers that fold and placed in their own carry bag, rather than having to gate-check them with luggage.
Take into consideration how much space you have at home when evaluating strollers. A smaller stroller for travel is the best choice for those with limited space. But, if you intend on frequent excursions that require the stroller to be transported by public transportation or a car, a larger product with better performance for everyday use and storage could be more suitable.
Some strollers are available as part of the travel package which includes a child car seat. The cost is the same or less than purchasing the products separately. While this is a great option but it's important to keep in mind that the quality of the stroller included in these bundle packages often tends to be less than standalone models. As a result, we recommend considering these options only as a last option.