Ten Strollers That Really Improve Your Life
How to Choose a Travel Stroller
If you travel frequently or if your daily strolls involve a quick out-and-back, and a lot of stops at the local park, consider getting a lightweight, packable stroller. They are easy to fold and fit in trunks, trains, buses and planes.
The Nuna Trvl folds down to a manageable size and can be tucked away in the overhead bins of most airplanes. It's also very easy to assemble and has amazing features, like a simple, adjustable reclining seat.
Easy to Assemble
As its name suggests, this stroller is designed to be easy to put together and use. The frame folds and opens with just one hand. The seat can recline to two different positions. It also comes with a bumper bar that comes off and back on with ease and the handlebar looks and feels nice, too. However, the lack of storage space means that parents will have to carry a huge diaper bag or hang it over the handle (against the advice of a professional).
The stroller that is lightweight rolls smoothly over almost any surface, even on rough sidewalks. It also makes sharp turns. It has larger foam-filled rubber wheels than the other models we have tested. This gives it more bounce and stability. However, some parents have reported that the tires are flimsy.
The stroller is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins of many aircrafts and weighs less than 13 pounds. Its basic design means that it doesn't have many extra features, but it's still an excellent choice for frequent flyers. It's important to keep in mind, however, that collapsible strollers are considered "carry-on" baggage and could require a check when your airline has strict baggage restrictions.
If you're a frequent traveler, it might be beneficial to invest in a stroller with more advanced features and a higher cost. These more expensive strollers often come with more storage options, such as large bins under the seat and are easier to put together and disassemble. In addition, many have adjustable harnesses, as well as other safety features you might not find in more basic strollers. Make sure to contact your airlines to find out their policies on checking strollers, and always follow their instructions exactly to avoid any unpleasant surprises. It's also crucial to read the user manual for your stroller, Best travel pushchair especially the sections on safety. Make sure you know how to use the straps correctly and ensure they are secured. Remember to always supervise your child and use the stroller at a safe speed. This will lower the chance of injury in case your stroller falls over or veers off.
Easy to Fold
A quality stroller for travel should be able to fold down into a compact, manageable package. Some models excel at this, like the lightweight JOOVY TRVL which folded in only four seconds during our tests. It can be able to stand in its folded state. This makes it easy to store and transport in a closet or trunk.
The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is another stroller that folds easily and weighs less than 17 pounds and features an ample underseat storage basket that can fit a large backpack or diaper pram bag. Its reversible footrest doubles as an handle when the stroller is in its collapsed position. This feature was great during our testing, but unfortunately it left the stroller susceptible to damage by airlines when one of our editors omitted to close it closed while checking it in with her flight. The baggage handler snapped off the footrest, and the UPPAbaby guarantee won't cover airline-related damages.
Unlike umbrella strollers, most of the other travel strollers we've looked at make use of a variety hinges and joints to fold into a more squarish package. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe, as an instance, folds down in only three seconds and stands up when it is done. However the button/ring combination isn't always easy, and you have to make sure you are timing it correctly.
It is also important to take into consideration the method by which the stroller locks in its compact closed position. Certain models require you to pull down on a handle or lever located near the rear wheels, while others have red buckles that have to be connected. It's a good idea check the owner's manual for details about the locking mechanism of each model and how it functions.
If you encounter a stroller which is difficult to close, you can use baby oil or WD-40 to lubricate all the joints and connections. If that doesn't work, consult the customer support of the manufacturer or try an repair service for your stroller. But don't force it; forcing a stroller to close that's not meant to be closed can damage it or cause injury to you and your child.
Easy to Carry
If you're planning a day of running errands or a family vacation, it's important to have access to your stroller. Travel strollers fold up in a compact manner and are light, making them easy to carry and transport. They can be tucked away in your car, or even in a closet at home. Some models come with a storage bag for easy transport and security.
Before choosing a travel stroller, consider how you plan to use it. Are you planning to use it for road trips, for airplane trips, or in your daily life? This will allow you to narrow your options. You can save time and energy by choosing a travel stroller compatible with car seats if traveling with a child. If you have a toddler stroller, think about an option with a larger rear seat for more comfort and legroom.
A good travel stroller should be lightweight and small enough to fit into the overhead bins of airplanes, but consult with your airline prior to you buy to ensure it's in line with their size and guidelines. A lot of airlines will gate-check strollers if they're too large to fit into the cabin. Certain airlines will transfer strollers to the hold in the event that their baggage allowance has been exceeded.
If you'll be using your stroller for a lot of time opt for 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 get damaged or punctured. You may also want to put on some wheel covers for additional protection.
Invest in a lock If you are planning to take your travel stroller without supervision to the beach or other public places. Attaching a portable umbrella onto your stroller will offer additional sun protection. You can also attach a utility tote onto the handlebar for shopping without hands or to carry an aloe vera bottle. A set of carabiners in the front of your stroller can allow you to keep snacks and water bottles close to hand.
Easy to store
The best travel strollers are easy to maintain and to store. To keep your stroller clean and ready to use, start by vacuuming all surfaces to get rid of any loose dirt and crumbs. If stains are present the use of a soft cloth, mild detergent and warm water should do the trick. A toothbrush is helpful for places that are difficult to reach. For pushchairs prams pushchairs non-fabric parts of the stroller, like the handlebars and wheels, a damp, clean cloth is enough but it's recommended to regularly grease moving parts to avoid rust.
Some travel strollers such as the chit chat stroller, include an adult tray to store personal items and one or more cup holders, making it easy to take care of things you need on the go. Other models come with a complete tray for parents, which includes the ability to hold a laptop or tablet. These features not only aid parents in keeping their lives organized, but they reduce stress during long journeys.
A quality travel stroller must be able to fold down and fit into tight spaces such as the overhead bins of an airplane or in public transportation. For this reason, many parents choose strollers that fold and fit into its own bag rather than needing to be checked at the gate for baggage.
When evaluating strollers for storage space, be sure to think about the space you have at home, too. If you have a small amount of room, a smaller travel stroller might be your best bet. However, if you plan on frequent excursions that require the stroller to be transported by public transportation or a car the larger model with better everyday performance and storage might be more suitable.
Some strollers are available as part of a travel system that includes a car seat and can be purchased for the same price or less than buying the items separately. This is a good option, but it's important to keep in mind that the quality of strollers included in these bundles can be lower than standalone models. We suggest that you only consider these options as a last resort.