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Having raised three babies, I always looked for gear to make life with my little ones a breeze. And when it comes to hitting the road, a trusty travel stroller can be your best buddy. But with so many options flooding the market, how do you know which travel stroller is worth your hard-earned cash? Or what models are best for road trips and plane rides. I’m here to dish out the options that meet the criteria: Safety, design, and price.
What to Look for In a Travel Stroller
Before you click “buy” on the unit that catches your eye, take a moment to think about what matters most to you and your little one. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your baby’s first “wheels”.
Size and weight
Remember, you’ll push the stroller around airports, up the stairs, and through crowded streets. So, opt for something lightweight and compact that won’t leave you feeling like you’re dragging around a small car.
Durability
Your best bet is a stroller that can withstand travel wear and tear without falling apart. Of course, you don’t want it to break apart when you’re in an unfamiliar place. Look for detailed craftsmanship and quality materials that can handle rough roads, long walks, conveyor belts, and being dunked in the car trunk.
Features
What features and add-ons are your non-negotiables? Do you need a reclining seat for naptime on the go? Or an extra-large canopy to shield your tot from the sun’s rays? Decide your priorities and use them as a foundation for your pick.
Safety
It is your precious cargo we’re talking about, so make sure the stroller you choose meets all the necessary safety standards. You may also check out online reviews and ask other parents for recommendations. Nothing beats getting information from real-life experiences.
Your Family’s Travel Style
Are you hopping from one continent (or Disneyland) to the next? Or more of a weekend warrior exploring local playgrounds and neighborhood cafes? Your travel habits will play a huge role in determining the type of stroller that’s right for you.
The Best Travel Strollers for 2024
Check out the list of the best travel strollers you can buy for your next road trip.
Bugaboo Butterfly
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a stroller making waves for all the right reasons. Setting it up and breaking it down is a breeze- just as easy as those online videos promised. You’ll appreciate the one-hand fold feature, especially when you’ve got a wiggly baby in tow. It’s also lightweight, so you can toss it in the overhead compartment on your next flight without struggling. If you’re driving to grandma’s house, you’ll be glad to know that it fits snugly on your trunk without hogging all the space. Furthermore, the shoulder straps free your hands to carry groceries, beach bags, and your whole mommy arsenal.
This stroller comes in several beautiful colors- you might even get stopped on the street for compliments. But it’s not just about looks – this stroller’s got brains too. Its smooth maneuverability, spacious storage basket, and adjustable handlebar make it a win-win for both style and practicality.
Joolz AER+
Fans of this brand would be glad to know that the Joolz Aer+ is a serious upgrade from its predecessor. One notable improvement is that the seat now lies flat, making it a comfy place for newborns to get some zzzs. You can now leave the carrycot at home (or in your online shopping cart). Plus, they’ve clearly listened to what parents want with enhancements like a wider basket, larger sun hood, foldable bumper bar, and upgraded seat liner and harness.
Clocking in at just 13.2 pounds, this stroller goes neck and neck with some of the lightest options on the market. Its compact fold and one-handed maneuverability are perfect for navigating tight spaces and busy streets. Traveling by plane will be easy because you can fit it in a traveling bag and keep it in the overhead without breaking a sweat.
GB QBit+ All-City Stroller
The GB Qbit+ All-City has a sleek design, stylish single wheels, and a suspension so cushy your baby will feel like riding on a cloud. Its shopping basket can fit diapers, snacks, bottles – just about everything you need on a day out with your little one. Plus, the vibrant colors and modern mesh fabrics are a total eye candy!
Here’s where it gets really cool – this stroller is as versatile as they come. Need to recline for nap time? No problem. Want to attach your car seat? Easy peasy. Sure, it’s not the lightest option, but that one-handed fold makes up for it. And despite its small wheels, that rear wheel suspension results in a smooth ride, even over Europe’s cobblestones.
UPPA Baby Minu V2 Travel Stroller
The UPPAbaby Minu V2 Travel Stroller is definitely not your bargain basement stroller, but it did not scrimp on quality. Thanks to its top-notch materials, the frame is tough as nails, resisting scratches like a champ. And while the leather handlebar might not be a big deal for some, it adds a touch of luxury that’s hard to resist – keep in mind, it’s real leather, not vegan.
The Minu’s single-action brakes are color-coded for easy use. However, it might take a bit of getting used to if you’re accustomed to a different setup. Don’t let that downside deter you. This stroller features a spacious under-seat basket. It also simply reclines for naptime and has an intuitive one-hand fold. Moreover, the zip-out sun canopy with UPF protection provides a worry-free beach or park day. It might be heavier than other options, but it’s a heavyweight when it comes to functionality.
Silver Cross Jet Series
The Silver Cross Jet Series stroller has some pretty sweet upgrades from its OG version. Right off the bat, these new features are the latest ergonomic seat design, wider wheels, and improved suspension. Even long-legged toddlers can sit pretty comfortably, thanks to the extra padding. And can we talk about the materials? Plush is an understatement! The black version has this cool weave effect, and the tan leatherette details add a touch of class.
This travel stroller is also a dream to push. Those wider wheels keep things sturdy and smooth despite your baby getting bigger. Fans of the old model would be happy to know that it’s still as compact and lightweight as ever, folding down to the size of a small suitcase. They’d be perfect for squeezing into tight spots or jetting off on adventures.
Summer by Ingenuity 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
This stroller is super light and folds up in a snap. The trunk space it takes up is practically non-existent, so you can fit your luggage, cooler, and even dad’s fishing gear. Moreover, the storage basket is like Mary Poppins’ bag – it fits everything and then some.
You can say goodbye to cranky tots during your trip since the seat reclines all the way back for those much-needed naps. Plus, it’s a cinch to adjust with just one hand. The carrying strap is nice, although many parents wish it was padded for more comfort. Still, it gets the job done for short jaunts. Overall, the Summer by Ingenuity 3Dlite Convenience Stroller doesn’t skimp on features. It’s durable, lightweight, and stylish – a real triple threat.
Babyzen Yoyo 2
Babyzen’s newest model, the YOYO2, stays true to its roots by maintaining its lightweight, compact design. Its OG fans are excited to enjoy the innovations – wheel suspension, handlebar finish, safety harness, and weight limit. It also boasts a unique and incredibly practical feature: a shoulder strap that allows you to carry the folded pram or hang it up effortlessly.
As a stylish and lightweight contender, this travel stroller folds down to a truly portable size. It fits snugly into most car boots! Even with soccer gear, groceries, and other odds and ends scattered inside the trunk, you can slide it in with a bit of maneuvering. It’s also small enough to fit in the footwell. It’s perfect for families who love to go on rides – joy, plane, bus, and everything in between. Despite its high price tag, it impresses with its small fold, maneuverability, and overall quality.
Cybex Libelle Lightweight Travel Baby Stroller
This crowd favorite gained stardom by being one of the smallest strollers plying the streets. It’s so tiny that it’s hard not to be amazed when it pings open into a sturdy model. With its unique “tri-fold” design, it folds not just up, but inward, making it incredibly compact. It even fits in a standard reusable shopping bag! Additionally, its stylish design, extendable footrest, and easy maneuverability make it a winner in many parents’ books.
While it may not be the cheapest choice, it’s worth the splurge. It will withstand Disneyland tours, a stroll through Manhattan, or a trip to the French countryside. It will surely become a staple in many of your family’s adventures. There’s one downside, tough, just don’t expect it to carry loads of shopping or baby bags.
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller
The travel stroller is a design marvel, weighing only 14.5 pounds. Its size makes it simple to store beneath the stairs, in the trunk, or behind the car seat. Even though it’s small, it gives your child a comfortable ride while you can move around with ease. It’s just what every on-the-go family needs.
This model’s fold-and-unfold mechanism is what makes it unique. You can collapse or expand it with only one hand, even while holding your bub—a real heaven sent for working parents. Its portability and practicality more than make up for the absence of some of the features found in larger strollers, such as additional storage or a cup holder. It’s perfect for every kind of trip—a summer vacation, a cross-country excursion, or just a fast trip to the store.
Comparing Travel Strollers by Numbers
| Weight (lbs) | Max. Capacity (kg) | Price | Harness | Amazon Rating | |
| Bugaboo Butterfly | 16.10 | 50 | $399.00 | 6-pt | 4.7 |
| Joolz AER+ | 13.20 | 50 | $618.98 | 5-pt | 4.3 |
| GB QBit | 17.80 | 55 | $327.53 | 5-pt | 4.5 |
| Uppa Baby Minu V2 | 17.00 | 50 | $399.99 | 5-pt | 4.8 |
| Silver Cross Jet | 13.60 | 55 | $449.99 | 5-pt | 4.2 |
| Summer Infant 3DLite | 13.00 | 50 | $99.00 | 5-pt | 4.6 |
| BabyZen Yoyo2 | 13.66 | 48.5 | $499.99 | 5-pt | 4.4 |
| Cybex Libelle Lightweight | 13.70 | 55 | $263.96 | 5-pt | 4.6 |
| Baby Jogger City Tour | 14.00 | 45 | $259.97 | 5-pt | 4.6 |
Comparing the Best Travel Strollers’ Features
| fits in the plane overhead? | comes with a bag? | car seat compatible? | lays flat | |
| Bugaboo Butterfly | yes | no | yes | no |
| Joolz AER+ | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| GB QBit | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Uppa Baby Minu V2 | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Silver Cross Jet | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Summer Infant 3D Lite | no | yes | no | almost |
| BabyZen Yoyo2 | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Cybex Libelle Lightweight | yes | no | yes | no |
| Baby Jogger City Tour 2 | yes | yes | yes | almost |
Pick the Best Travel Stroller for Your Child
A travel stroller can spell the difference between a memorable family trip and a hair-pulling ride. With the choices available in stores and online, selecting the right one can overwhelm even the savviest shoppers. We hope this guide simplifies the process by highlighting lightweight, compact, and maneuverable options.
Now, it’s your turn to chime in, moms and dads! What do you look for when choosing your baby’s first wheels? What features are your non-negotiables? Do you look at the price first or the quality? Share your insights in the comments section below and help fellow parents bitten by the travel bug.
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