How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller for Your Trip
Your child’s age and size. Will you be traveling with a newborn? Taking trips with multiple kids? Hitting Disney with an older toddler? Your child’s age and size will be a major factor in deciding which travel stroller is best. A travel stroller that’s car seat-compatible can be a lifesaver for parents with an infant, while models with a higher weight limit and more spacious seat will work well for those with older toddlers.
Your travel style. Are you a family that loves exploring big cities? Are you packing up the car for a road trip? Or do you simply need a stroller to help you swiftly navigate the airport? Considering your travel needs and style will help prioritize the features you’re looking for in a travel stroller.
The stroller’s size and weight. These are key considerations when selecting a travel stroller. Many feature ultra-compact folds that make them ideal for stowing away in packed car trunks or crowded overhead bins. Likewise, travel strollers are often incredibly lightweight (some as light as 10 pounds), which is ideal for whoever ends up carrying it around.
The recline. If you’re planning for naps on the go, make sure you select a travel stroller with a near-flat or fully flat recline.
The canopy. When brands design strollers that are as lightweight and compact as possible, it often comes at the expense of other features, such as the canopy. Be sure to check how far the canopy extends and if it offers any UPF protection.
The storage. Storage on travel strollers is often lacking, but many newer options are increasing the capacity of their under-seat baskets and creating easier access points. Having a solid storage option on a travel stroller is a plus for toting around any baby and toddler essentials.
How it folds and unfolds. When you’re out and about with your hands full, you’ll wanta travel stroller that collapses (and opens) quickly and easily. There are several travel strollers that not only feature one-handed folds and unfolds, but even collapse down in as little as a second.
The Best Travel Strollers to Shop
Tips for Flying With a Travel Stroller
Call your airline. Even if your travel stroller claims to fit in the overhead bin, it’s worth calling your airline to double check their dimension requirements and policies.
Decide how you want to check your stroller. Most airlines let you check your stroller for free, either at check-in (meaning you’d navigate the airport without it; potentially a plus, if you’re planning to put baby in a carrier) or at the gate (meaning you’d be able to stroll baby through the airport and right up to the plane).
Practice folding and unfolding. Most likely, you will need to remove your child and collapse the stroller to go through airport security. Practicing this at home can make for a less stressful transition in the security line.
Bring a protective bag. Even if you’re planning on bringing your travel stroller as a carry-on, take a protective bag (most stroller brands offer one as an accessory) to protect your stroller from damage from other luggage, which will ultimately extend its longevity.
