Who says you can’t travel half the world with your baby? With the best travel stroller you can easily take on the road with your little one. From toting all over the town – shopping and meeting grandma – to enrolling in an evening program – you can literally go anywhere! Travel strollers come in handy when you are looking to go overseas to check out your bucket list destinations. What else do you need for a mindfree vacation with your baby?
As most travel strollers come with a huge storage space, you can easily carry a lightweight kettle, a portable coffee grinder and some sandwiches to take in the sun at your nearby park area!
A stroller is a sitting-naping-chilling spot for your baby that acts like a rolling homebase that you can stuff with diapers, milk bottles, spare clothes and some wet tissues. It offers a stress free travel that lets you get out and about as you run your errands and go do you! With a full rounder stroller, you can literally march about in your stilettos!
Now that we have established the freedom a travel stroller can grant you, let’s have a closer look at the 12 best travel strollers to get your ticket to a restful trip.
1. Best Jogger Travel System – Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System
The Baby Trend Expedition comes packed with the expedition travel system – which means that it is a three wheel toddler travel stroller. The Baby Trend EZ-Flex can lock a 4 to 30 lbs baby in an infant compact car seat with latch attached to the car base.
This infant travel stroller with minimum item weight features a front swivel wheel with a strong lock that makes it a lightweight jogging stroller. As a compact stroller, it allows the wheels to swivel for easy maneuverability, with a quick release for extra storage. The wheels with their all-terrain tires can be easily strolled through brick and mud.
The travel system includes a parent tray that can keep upto two beverages – be forewarned of placing a hot beverage on it though. It has a convenient child tray too, you can keep his favorite toys or her favorite snack as you stroll around in your neighbourhood. It is equipped with a large storage basket, to keep your grocery items in it.
The push handle is wide, foam padded for a soft touch and ergonomically designed to look cute yet sturdy! The adjustable canopy with its covered sunroof ratchets makes it the best umbrella stroller that blocks both the sun and the wind.
Product Features:
- Convenient Parent Tray
- Two cup holders
- Compact car seat
- Reclining padded seat
- Front swivel wheel
The strong lock on it has an energy-absorbing foam that provides a side impact and head protection in case you run into a few hiccups. With babies, we all expect a bit of spews then and now, hence the seat pads on this stroller can be inserted easily and are machine washable.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: The carrying handle is smooth and a little bigger, allowing for a firmer grip and easy portability.
- Car seat is upright
- Not good for hot weather
2. Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System – Best Flexible Stroller
Going for a little walk with your baby is always a fun idea. Whether for short grocery runs or a slow stroll to enjoy the weather – in any case, going for the best convertible stroller can let you enjoy your weekends off by travelling out of station too.
The Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System is a great choice for new parents. It comes along with the best jogging stroller travel system which includes the EZ Ride Stroller and the new Ally 35 Infant Car Seat. The compact car seat and the infant travel stroller has a 5-point safety harness for maximum protection and safety.
It is the best lightweight stroller for newborn babies with a padded seat that has multiple recline positions. Like high end strollers it has a covered parent tray with 2 deep cup holders. The handle height is adjustable with a peek-a-boo window on the canopy.
Product Features:
- Dual front wheels
- Height-adjustable handle
- Large canopy with peek-a-boo
- Large storage basket
It lets you take a peek at your baby every now and then, making it the best umbrella stroller for you. The base of this lightweight jogging stroller has latch clips and a seat belt. A plus point for getting a lightweight stroller for newborn babies is that the padded seat with multiple recline positions can help them in calming down with constant strolling. This is a great feature for colic babies who find it hard to settle down and are generally food intolerant.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★★
Why we like it: The rear-facing infant car seat holds newborns from 5 to 35 pounds and is engineered with higher, deeper side wings with EPS foam for optimal side impact protection.
- Canopy is hard to attach
- Two push buttons
3. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System – Best Stroller for Easy Maneuverability
As a mother, it is still a surprise to see how fast kids outgrow everything, which is why you need a toddler travel stroller that will fit your baby even after a few years of infancy. With the Bravo Trio Travel System, you can trust the Chicco brand to accommodate your little ones with a weight range of 4 to 30 lbs and up to 30″ inches of height.
What else is included in the travel system?
A KeyFit 30 infant car seat! You can install this car seat simply and securely every time without worrying about the clips not latching or the strap being loose. For your convenience, the travel system design enables you to shift between KeyFit 30 and Bravo Stroller within a matter of seconds making it a necessary multipurpose on-the-go cart for a mindfree travel experience.
Chicco believes in delivering comfort to working mothers and single mothers alike, hence, they have designed their strollers keeping in mind the comfort of both the parents and the baby. As the two systems click without fault with both latches, it won’t let your infant wake up even if you switch from the car seat to the stroller – very convenient if you ask me.
Product Features:
- Removable seat for easy transformation
- Gorgeously woven jacquard
- One-hand fold
- Auto-positioning wheels
- Convenient parent tray
Like an aeroplane tucking its wheels neatly, this best stroller for toddler swiftly tucks in its folding wheels for storage. The wheels rotate inward to convert it into a compact stroller that can stand independently.
In case you have to push the stroller for long distance walks you can easily remove the stroller seat and the canopy to reduce unnecessary weight. This will also allow you to clean the fabric when not in use. Just reach for the dual fold/carry handle to unlatch the system with two swift moments.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: Well, we love it as a matter of fact. The canopy is adjustable, you can shield your little one from the sun. The reclining seat has multiple positions – it can be raised so that your infant gets a view and it can be pulled all the way down so that they can sleep peacefully.
- A bit heavy
- Buckle length unadjustable
4. Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System – Best Stroller for Infant and Toddler
Safety 1st has been in America for over 30 years. There is a high probability that if you had a travel stroller as a kid, it was from Safety 1st. As one of the oldest companies in baby equipment, it sure is reliable and relevant with millennial parenting too. Most generation X parents showed off its signature little yellow sticker on the stroller, taking pride in purchasing the best for their children.
In the present day, this JPMA certified travel system exceeds the safety standards set by ASTM today, which makes sense because it was invented well before the safety standards for baby equipment were established.
The Safety 1st Travel System makes strolling easy with a rear facing stroller weight limit of 4 to 35 pounds. The stroller comes with a side impact protection that cushions your head and chest region in case it is met with a shock. As babies are quite sensitive at an early age, hence, Safety 1st believes in being equally sensitive with its latch compatibility design that intends to put safety first.
This stroller-car seat system can be used on different terrains from beaches to footpaths without letting you push or drag. The brakes on this system are strong enough for stop the stroller even with your flip flops on.
Product Features:
- QuickClick technology
- Seamless transition from car to stroller
- Oversized canopy with flip out visor
- Five point safety harness
The peek-a-boo window has a mesh pattern that lets air through but protects your baby from birds, playground balls and of course their siblings too. The peek-a-boo feature also lets you keep an eye on your baby, while also ventilating the hood for better airflow. After your long walk, you wouldn’t have to struggle much with its folding, it has a lift-to-fold design that claps back and double overs for portability and storage – it’s as simple as: lift, fold and done!
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: The wheels on it provide maximum agility with easy maneuverability especially when you need to turn around the corners.
- Short buckle strap
- Stroller does not lay flat
5. Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System – Best Pivoting Stroller
Evenflo offers a multipurpose travel stroller with a pivoting mode. It makes sense to go for a travel stroller that meets all your travelling needs, which is why we added Evenflo in our list. It is a given that when travelling with a newborn, there are a lot of baby items you should carry too. With newborn babies, you have to be extra cautious about packing up a spare of spares for each of their necessities.
This is where Evenflo caters to their customer needs by providing them an exceptional multipurpose carriage, stroller, and car seat combo that is durable through long travelling hours. The system includes a Sarema Infant Car Seat and Safe Zone Base.
Apart from the safety measures installed in a car, Sarema Infant Car Seat has its own features to limit the shocks of a rebound moment. In case of a frontal impact, an anti-rebound bar has been installed with a modular frame that can be configured with up to 6 modes of use.
You will be relieved to know that it is a lightweight reversible stroller, with a rear-facing height ranging from 17 to 32 inches. This length allows the baby to face in or out, while the seat can easily convert to carriage, travel system, and frame stroller modes.
Product Features:
- Sleek and versatile
- Blanket boot
- Safe zone base
- Modular frame with 6 modes
- Anti-rebound bar
This car seat with handle has been rollover and side-impact tested in a course of different trial and errors. The integrated belt has a lock-off system that securely and correctly attaches the baby to the base.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why we like it: This stroller has large tires which makes it easy to navigate over multiple surfaces.
- Wider frame
- Car seat is heavy
6. Graco Modes Travel System -Best Convertible Stroller
The Graco Modes Travel System goes a long way from the time your baby is born to the time they grow out of their best compact stroller to hold your hand and walk.
This system has three strollers in one and provides ten different versatile options of riding. It comes with the Graco Snug 35 Infant Car Seat that can hold a 4 – 50 pounds infant that is as tall as 32 inches. This is definitely a stroller for big kids too!
The removable child tray will make it easy for you to feed your baby while he/she sits comfortably in the stroller. The side armrests are removable too allowing the baby to be placed and picked up easily from the stroller.
Product Features:
- 10 riding options
- ProtectPlus Engineered
- 4-position reclining
- 3-position leg rest
This best convertible stroller has a 3 to 5 point harness system which provides a solid protection that supports the stroller to go through different terrains. The automatic storage latch folds up easily and single handedly while holding your baby in the other arm.
This stroller isn’t just for the baby; it comes with a pre-installed parent tray with two deep cup holders to bring your beverage along with your baby for a peaceful stroll.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why we like it: The single front swivel wheels are lockable which improves the stroller’s navigation. It can be pushed forward or pulled backward all day without straining your arms.
- Lacks proper head support
- Wheels need to be lubricated
7. Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Travel System – Best Jogger Stroller
From one generation to the next, the Graco brand has been providing thoughtful, practical and dependable parenting solutions for six decades and counting. Graco’s first ever jogger is an ultimate crossover stroller, which combines the traditional stroller’s lucrative abilities with the development of their latest technologies to provide both comfort and convenience to its buyers.
There is a reason why most mothers till date trust Graco blindly in terms of their product performance and product value. For example, this stroller is an updated version of a previous popular model that has been integrated with the all-terrain jogging system.
It has been loaded with innovative features like the one-second one-hand FastAction fold which matches the jogger’s fast paced daily targets. If you are still not sure about wanting to jog with your baby, rest assured the click connect technology by Graco will securely attach the stroller parts for the toughest of paths.
The National Center for Health Statistics states that around 71.6% of Americans above 20 face the risks of developing life threatening illnesses due to obesity. Despite this alarming news, recent studies confirm that even predisposed genetic obesity can be fought through jogging alone.
As jogging helps you minimise many risks, you definitely need to go out for some air that will refresh both you and your baby.
Product Features:
- Rear facing for infants
- Deluxe padded
- Multi-position reclining seat
- Locking front swivel wheel
- Air filled rubber tires
The seat cushion – in case of any accidents – is removable and machine washable in cold water on the delicate cycle and line dry. The stroller frame and seat pad, however, can be spot cleaned by using simple soap and water. The use of bleach on children equipment is hazardous and should be avoided at all costs.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: It’s signature FastAction technology swiftly folds and unfolds the stroller. It saves time for working mothers and is actually good for your athletic adventures.
- Slight wobbling
- No rain cover
8. Baby Trend Nexton Travel System – Best Umbrella Stroller for Travel
Unlike some of the most expensive strollers, Baby Trend Nexton Travel System has all the features that match high end strollers. Its signature braking mechanism is installed in the rear wheels for a quicker and a smoother break. With prompt one hand folding, it offers the comfort of easy portability.
The seat is padded with soft foam and can recline in multiple positions. The five point harness – a hallmark of a travel stroller – has been put together to keep the stroller’s balance. The three adjustable slots keep the baby at the center, saving them from being tipped over in spite of a sudden hurdle.
Babies are soft and have delicate skin that can be easily reddened under the exposure of sun, which is why an expandable canopy has been added to avoid ultraviolet radiation. The peek-a-boo window will let you keep an eye on your baby to see what’s capturing his attention.
Product Features:
- Includes a Flex-Loc
- Large soft head support
- Covered parent tray
- Removable/washable
- 5-point safety harness and tether strap
Baby Trend is a lightweight stroller for infants and has been highly rated for its car seat including a 3-tiered expandable canopy too, along with a soft head support that is removable as willed. The car seat base secures itself with latch clips and a seat belt. It has four adjustable height levels. The maximum weight limit for the stroller is 50 lbs while the maximum weight limit for the car seat is 30 lbs.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★★
Why we like it: The anti-shock design lets your baby be immune to any sudden movements. You can conveniently transfer them from stroller to the car seat without them blinking an eye.
- Buckles are a bit hard
- Takes a bit of space
9. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System – Best Side by Side Double Stroller
Developed by compiling the feedback of hardworking and multitasking parents, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand is the perfect multipurpose infant travel system. Its durability makes it the best compact stroller for babies by converting it from a single strolling to a double strolling in a matter of seconds. Thanks to its unique slide-and-lock system, it expands the frame to accommodate an alternate infant or toddler seat.
This lightweight stroller for travel allows children to sit at different riding heights. From upright to reclined, it has introduced a parent-facing mode where you can see your baby directly. This is the best lightweight double stroller with its 22 unique configurations that cater to two infant babies at a time.
The compact folding system of the The Pivot Xpand self-stands with the toddler seat attached, while the extra-large storage basket can expand to over 2 feet with front and back access.
If you are thinking of buying something apart from the best stroller for toddlers, like a swinging sway seat with music, then check out our reviews on the best baby swings.
Product Features:
- Up to 22 Configurations
- Extra-Large Storage
- Single-to-Double Stroller
- Compact Folding Design
- Durable Construction
For added comfort, Evenflo’s baby travel stroller allows the infant car seat to attach directly to the frame so that the seat can be converted into an infant mode. It’s durable wheel system has a front-wheel swivel and a rear-wheel suspension to offer a smoother ride over different road surfaces.
For over 10 decades, Evenflo has been a trusted source of precision-manufactured, high-quality travel systems engineered for real-life situations. Additionally, all Evenflo car seats and strollers include a ParentLink customer-service with perks like free live video installation support and real-time chat. It’s maintenance free design does not require to be cleaned often – just wiping clean the harness with soap and water once in a while will do.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why we like it: The adjustable handle is parent-friendly as it allows you to discover the most comfortable fit for your height, with 3 handy positions.
- Wheel material is delicate
- Does not click connect
10. Evenflo Vive Travel System with Embrace – Best Stroller for Premature Babies
Evenflo offers a seamless transition from the car seat to the stroller to keep your baby from waking up. With the trusted embrace of the infant car seat, the Vive packs a ton of value into a slim, foldable footprint.
The Embrace is ideal for premature babies as it straps them to the travel system to protect their heads from hanging low. When your child outgrows their car seat, they can continue to use the stroller on its own until they reach 50 pounds; giving you years of potential use.
Evenflo has been twice as cautious with their stroller than the government standards. They continue to go above and beyond the Federal Crash Test Standard when testing their car seats.
Product Features:
- Full sun visor
- Cell phone compartment
- 2 cup holders
- Stay-in-care base
How to keep the stroller clean?
While cleaning, the plastic body, the harness and the metal parts can be wiped easily with mild soap and water. Be mindful of letting the harness air dry so that it does not rust with time. In any case, make sure the buckles are not immersed in water or lubricated, they get tougher to latch on if they are exposed to water. You can simply use a dry cloth to clean the rest of the stroller.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why we like it: There is a strap at front of the seat that hooks on from between the child’s legs and his chest. You can loosen it for more space or tighten it for added security.
- No peek-a-boo
- Wheels wear off after a while
11. Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Amble Quad Travel System – Best Lightweight Stroller for Travel
Disney has been a childhood favorite for many, and for good reasons. The Minnie Mouse Amble Quad Travel System Stroller with OnBoard 22 LT Infant Car Seat will make your child travel with comfort and style. Built with QuickClick technology for a seamless transition from car seat to stroller, this gorgeous all-in-one travel system features Disney’s Minnie Mouse pattern and Garden Delight.
The included OnBoard 22 LT infant car seat is rear facing. It is characterized by an exceptional side-impact protection and an adjustable stay-in-car base. The quilted canopy can be extended to shade from the sun and the peek-a-boo window lets air flow through for a breather.
Baby items can be kept in the convenient basket that is under the stroller. It is designed for travel, the stroller is lightweight, has a fast, one-hand fold, and stands on its own when folded.
Product Features:
- QuickClick technology
- Seamless transition
- Side-impact protection
- Adjustable car base
- JPMA certified
- Meets ASTM standards
A five-point harness connected with straps keeps children up to 50 pounds safe and secure in the stroller. With adjustable harness heights to provide a customized fit, it is an ideal stroller for 5 year old. With Disney, shopping for your baby doesn’t have to be an ordinary task — it can be a joyful discovery that starts with Disney Baby and ends in your nursery.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★★
Why we like it: This lightweight stroller for infant is JPMA-certified. The infant car seat meets the ASTM standards for safety and includes a one-year limited warranty.
- Basket is loosely attached
- Car seat is difficult to attach
12. Graco FastAction SE Travel System – Best Compact Stroller
As compared to the previous FastAction stroller by Graco, this travel system features a 25% smaller fold. Concurrent with the latest developments, it offers the 1-second, 1-hand fold which switches between the two systems while keeping your other hand free for everything else. Plus, the FastAction travel system includes the SnugRide 30 LX infant car seat. It is perfect for going on little adventures with your little one!
It is easy to carry – from store to a playdate – this lightweight stroller for infant has a sturdy frame that can be assembled with ease. This stroller has canopy shades which provide additional comfort from strong wind and hot sunny days.
Product Features:
- One second hand fold
- Conveniently Compact
- Easy to carry
- Level indicators in car seat
Like most high end strollers, it comes with a parent tray that has 2 deep cup holders. It can recline in multiple positions to keep your little one comfortable at all times.
What if my baby has special needs?
MayoClinic suggests that if your baby was born prematurely or has any health concerns, you might want to go for a stroller that has enough storage capacity to help you carry the necessary equipment, like a cardiac monitor or oxygen.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: It keeps your hands free at all times. The stroller can be pushed effortlessly as you complete your errands. Its large storage basket can safely hold most of your essentials.
- Unfolding is a bit tough
- Clicking doesn’t make a sound
Editor’s Choice – Recommended Best Travel Stroller
A little research from A to Z concluded that even the most expensive strollers did not include all the features that I personally wanted in the stroller I bought. It is difficult to find a stroller for 5 year old but I wanted a stroller that would last for years.
I love how it has a parent organizer tray with a wallet/mobile compartment near the handlebar. This is a huge plus for me, as I am prone to dropping things. I like how the cup holders are at the back of the stroller so that a hot cup of tea might not spill anywhere near the baby!
I will give it a thumbs up for its multiple reclining positions. It can be stooped low to the ground and can stand stall with a canopy shade on so that your baby can get an on the go nap.
It is lightweight and folds up easily, with a hand free, you can easily hold on to your other child.
Best Travel Stroller – Buyer’s Guide
While buying a travel stroller, here are some key pointers you should keep in mind:
Five-Point Restraint System
Look for a five-point harness system. It is a standardised option for safety and usually comes along with most strollers. It secures your baby from above the shoulders, waist and between the legs. It keeps them from sliding off or falling out in case the stroller tips. The straps on the stroller should be adjustable for proper fit – customizable straps work best for a guaranteed protection.
Folding Mechanisms
A stroller with one hand folding can be a boom, especially when you are by yourself and are holding your baby with the other hand. The best strollers fold up easily into compact positions within a matter of seconds. Most of the strollers are not one-hand-operated. A self-standing stroller, that stays upright after folding, is convenient when putting the stroller away in a hallway or a cabinet.
Canopy
A canopy is a must have for protecting your infant from the glaring sunlight and the ever changing weather. Canopies range in coverage and size. From a flimsy canopy to a full pull down shield, the umbrella acts as a shield. Reversible canopies can protect babies from both the front and the rear. It is also important that ventilation, via a peek-a-boo window or mesh panels are used in the canopy. There are strollers that are good value for money but do not have a canopy, in that case, you can buy a separate rain/wind shield.
Wheels and Shock Absorbers
Larger wheels will make it easier for you to navigate through curbs that are rough and uneven. Go for strollers with lockable front swivel wheels so that you can adapt to your terrain effortlessly. If you’re looking for the ease of maneuvering, avoid strollers that have small plastic wheels. Many strollers have shock absorbers or some type of suspension near the wheel mechanisms. This will help your baby stay safe when met with an unfortunate accident.
Storage
If you want your errands to run smoothly, look for a stroller with a storage space. A storage facility beneath the stroller offers security to the contents in your basket. Some models have a zippered compartment to keep your wallet or keys more secure. Storage baskets should be made of sturdy material so that they can withstand the weight of your items without letting them drag on the ground. Don’t be tempted to hang your diaper bag’s strap over the handlebar – it can cause the stroller to tip backwards and fall.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Conclusion
Motherhood can be a tiring procedure, if you feel like it is straining your muscles, you can opt for some of the best massage chairs to keep you up and running. As you might have been homebound during the early days of your motherhood, hence, it is quite exciting when you are finally all set to break out with a travel stroller. Wherever you need be and whichever stroller you have set your eyes on, make sure that it can quickly become a bed for napping, a dining chair and a diaper change station for your baby.
Depending on your style, there are different types of strollers that you can get. From small trips to big spots – here is to start your family rolling again!
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