12 Stats About Strollers To Make You Think About The Other People
The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers
This stroller is among the lightest, most compact and easy to fold. It offers a smooth ride, a great sun canopy, and multi-position recline.
With a price of less than $100 it's an excellent value. It's small and easy to fold, making it perfect for public transport or slinging over your shoulder.
1. Lightweight
When it comes to travel strollers lightweight and easy-to-fold are the most important factors. The top models we tested can fold with just one hand and sometimes two and can be tucked into overhead compartments for luggage. They are also lightweight and easy to roll which makes them easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Some models even have a telescoping handle for parents of various heights. Whether you're planning a quick trip with a newborn or a long-haul vacation with a toddler, find a lightweight, easy-to-pack stroller that will make the journey -- and return -- easier for your family.
To find the best travel strollers, we evaluated nine strollers that were able to meet our weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on city streets, country side walks, and in the terminal at the airport to determine its maneuverability, ease of folding and carrying, and overall comfort for the child.
Our top picks are the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320) that is the easiest to fold of the travel strollers we tried and fits into overhead bins on airplanes. Its seat reclines almost flat and is car seat compatible and is suitable for babies from birth. The car also features an undercarriage that is deep and a bag-hook attached to the handle and UPF50+ canopy to offer plenty of protection to your child.
The Cybex Orfeo (320) is another option. It has a concertina folding stroller that can be done with one hand and is very light. The padded five-point harness crotch strap, and reversible seat protect your child, while a large undercarriage basket and a convertible seat will ensure there is room for their belongings. It is also compatible with the brand’s infant car seat. This makes it a good choice for pram uk families that have children from the time of birth.
The Coya TRVL ($320), an all-hands, one-step fold and is also compatible with car seats and comes with an enormous canopy. It's more expensive than the other models in the category, but offers additional features like a large cupholder, a parent pocket, an adjustable handlebar to fit parents of all heights, and a comfortable carrying strap. The simple design does compromise durability, relative to other models in this class.
2. Folding is simple
When you're on the move, a travel stroller needs to be easy to open and close. You do not want a stroller that is difficult to close when you're carrying food items or children in your arms. The best travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even with one hand. Many come with a comfortable carrying strap that is comfortable over your shoulder.
In our tests in our tests, the Libelle stroller was rated highly for its easy folding and compactness. It also has some other nice features. It's smooth to roll on all surfaces, and has an expansive canopy that offers enough coverage. It's also surprisingly light and stands in its own right when folded. This makes it easy to store.
We suggest parents who want their strollers to fit into the overhead bins of planes and are looking for models that are guaranteed to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example is perfect for the smallest folding space and comes with a handy travel cover, but it comes with no recliner, and a tiny cargo area that can hold a small tote or diaper bag (no backpacks).
Another alternative is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds down into a concertina design but also features the option of a reversible seat to allow back-to-back or face-to-face riding. The handle is tucked behind the seat, however our managing editor didn't like the way it folded.
The most recent type of travel stroller is the tri-fold, which folds in thirds and provides the best combination of compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for example, has a reclined seat, a non-structured rear storage pouch, and a lockable clasp that keeps it folded. It's a little bigger than the umbrella models from the brand however it folds more compactly than its G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts. It also comes with a padded carry strap that can be worn over your shoulder.
3. Easy to store
The best travel strollers can be folded down to a compact size that can be easily stored. They can be easily stowed in the trunk of a car, or in the overhead bin of an airplane. Some models come with a strap you can use to carry the stroller over your shoulder, so that your hands don't get tired. They also tend to be lighter than normal strollers, which can make them easier to lift and carry when you're ready for a quick walk around the neighborhood or the airport.
This stroller did exceptionally well in our tests of durability and was easy to maneuver across all types of surfaces. From smooth hardwoods to shag flooring this stroller is a great choice. Some of our testers thought it was a bit fragile, and the handlebar wasn't padded to ensure your hands were comfortable. The size of the storage basket should also be considered. It is quite small and some parents have reported that it was difficult fitting a large diaperbag inside it.
We recommend that you call your airline prior to departure to confirm their specific guidelines concerning strollers. They may differ. This is particularly important if you want to gate-check your stroller, which would allow you to travel around the airport without it, and then use it when you're on the plane (though that option won't work for families who need an infant car seat or booster).
If you're looking to purchase a straightforward travel stroller that's lightweight and folds down to a compact size the Contours Itsy is a great choice. It comes nearly fully assembled right out of the box and the only thing you have to do is put the bumper bar into the right position. It has a cup for parents holder and a back pocket however, there is no basket that is large that could make it difficult to carry essentials for long trips.
If you're a frequent traveler we suggest you consider a more robust stroller with better features and is able to hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Mini for instance, has many of its G-Luxe or G-Link siblings however it's smaller and folds more quickly. It is also slightly more durable than an umbrella stroller, and has a padded strap to help take some of the burden off your shoulders.
4. Confortable
The comfort factor is crucial when using strollers for long periods of time. Seats with plenty of padding and a reclining system that can be adjusted to different angles are the best. Also note whether the canopy extends to provide coverage from the sun and if it has mesh windows to allow airflow. Consider a model that has a parent organizer/cupholder and a large basket under the seat, if you have to carry things around. If you're looking for a travel stroller for older children, make sure to check the age range and assess whether your child is comfortable in the stroller without a car seat for infants.
It is also essential to consider how a stroller is rolled. It needs to maneuver easily over various surfaces including smooth hardwoods, shag carpets to cobblestones, and gravel. It should also be able to navigate stairs and curbs with ease. If your plans for travel include a lot of walking, opt for a stroller that is light to help you avoid leg and back pain.
A good quality travel stroller should be simple to use, too. It should be easy to assemble and snap back together when put in the proper position. It should also fold down flat and fit into the trunk of your car or in the overhead compartments of a plane. It should also be upright when folded, so you can grab it using one hand and then hold your child in the other.
If you are a parent looking for a high-quality, lightweight travel stroller the Joie Tourist is a great alternative. It comes with multiple recline positions, so your child can rest comfortably, and its extended canopy offers plenty of sun protection with UPF protection. Plus, it comes with lots of extras including a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover are all included. Charlotte loves that it's suitable for babies up to four years and doesn't require the purchase of an additional car seat adapter.