I’ve learned something on this parenting journey. I’ve learned that travelling with children is a logistical nightmare that is made even worse with a full size stroller.
You know that really fancy, overpriced luxury stroller with all the bells and whistles and oh-so-adorable bassinet? Uh, yeah. Good luck travelling with that dinosaur.
Trust me, it’s a special kind of hell trying to put together a two-part stroller while also holding your screaming baby in the security line at the airport. Not that I would ever be silly enough to try….
Basically, what I’m saying is that a travel stroller is your friend if you’re travelling.
There are a few important features to consider when looking for a travel stroller:
Weight
The lighter, the better. This is the stroller you want to be light enough to effortlessly maneuver when you’re on vacation, travelling on public transport, running out for some easy errands, or basically doing anything else that involves real life.
How It Folds
The way the stroller folds will be the biggest factor in terms of convenience. Look for one that folds up the easiest (fastest!) and preferably, with one hand.
Dimensions
The smaller the stroller folds up, the simpler it will be to travel with. Ideally, it will fold up small enough that it will fit painlessly onto public transport, overhead bins, taxi trunks, and any other mode of transportation you might have to take on your travels.
Construction
Look for a stroller that is light and compact but still durable and able to stand up to travelling the mile. Large quality tires are a must and an aluminum or metal frame will last you much longer than a plastic one.
Extra Perks
A five-point harness is ideal in terms of safety. A reclining seat is wonderful for travelling with a child who still naps. A large sun canopy and storage basket is always appreciated. Bonus points if the seat is reversible. And don’t forget a cup holder for mommy (or daddy’s) much needed coffee!
Now comes the fun - picking your stroller!
This is a great stroller that has many features of a full size stroller but with a much lighter weight and more compact size. It weighs only 13.4 pounds and can be carried with the included strap over your shoulder while you’re still holding your baby in your arms. It has a great quick fold mechanism that unfolds just by pressing a safety button on the handle bar and lifting two finger triggers. It folds just as simply and locks automatically into place with no foot action required.It has a free standing fold and is quite narrow when folded up. It comes with stain and water resistant material, a removal (and washable!) seat pad, and 5.75 inch wheels with two lockable front wheels for a safer and smooth ride.
Extra perks include three recline positions (yes to napping while sight seeing!), a huge sun canopy, adjustable foot rest, cup holder, and taller handles so you’re not hunching over to push the thing!
Available at Snuggle Bugz for $259.99
Baby Jogger is a trusted brand for strollers and the Vue Lite is no exception. It weighs 14.5 pounds and can be carried by its handle in one hand. It has a quick three step fold and a two step unfold, although it does require a little foot action. While the Vue Lite does fold up like a typical umbrella stroller, it is not as compact as others on the market and that can be an issue when travelling so keep that in mind. A huge bonus with this stroller, not often available with other travel strollers, is its reversible seat so that your baby can either face you or the world according to preference. It has 5.5 inch swivel wheels and drives smoothly.
Extra perks include a reclining seat, large sun canopy, adjustable foot rest, and taller handles for more comfortable pushing.
Available at Babies R Us for $149.99
Macleren is the original maker of the umbrella stroller and they have perfected it. It is heavier than other strollers at 17.5 pounds but is a full feature stroller that accommodates most car seats and can be used from birth. Folding is an one handed, two-step process that can be a little tricky at first but you’ll get used to it easily enough and it folds quite compact, which can then be carried by the handle.One of the biggest pros of the Techno XLR is the wider seat and weight accommodation of up to 64 pounds, which is perfect for older children. Diaper changes and naps are also a breeze because of the fully reclining and wider seat. This stroller features 6.5 inch swivel wheels and all wheel suspension which makes for very smooth steering.
Extra perks include a huge sun canopy with a peekaboo window, adjustable foot rest, 4 position reclining seat, storage baskets and extra storage pockets behind the seat, and five-point safety harness.
Available at Lussobaby for $474.99
This a wonderful, innovative stroller that strays from the typical umbrella fold and rather, folds compactly into a square, which can be stowed as carry-on luggage on most flights. It weighs just 13 pounds and is easily carried with its included shoulder strap, leaving both hands free for tending to children. The Nano folds forward and down onto itself, turning it into a folded-in-half square shape (dimensions are 22 x 12.2 x 20 inches when folded). Unfolding is done with a flick, while gravity does most of the work. It has a full size seat and accommodates children up to 44 pounds. This stroller features 6 inch foam swivel wheels and in built rear wheel suspension which makes for a smooth drive, although stairs a bit tricky.
Extra perks include a sun canopy with flip out visor, adjustable foot rest, two position reclining seat, large storage basket, and five-point safety harness.
Available at Snuggle Bugz for $199.99
This is perhaps the only stroller your family might need ever. While it has a full size seat, a downfall is the weight at 17.6 pounds. However, it folds into a compact square (dimensions are 21 x 11 x 28 inches when folded) and has a patented two-way fold that requires only one hand. One of the best features of this stroller is the reversible seating so that your child can either face you or the world. It is also compatible with most car seats and fully reclines for use with infants. The Armadillo features city size wheels and all wheel suspension, making for a wonderfully smooth drive.
Extra perks include a huge sun canopy, adjustable foot rest, multi-adjustable seat, large storage basket, and five point safety harness.
Available at Babies R Us for $289.99
Gurpreet fell in love, got married, had a darling baby girl, and is now rocking another pregnant belly. She’s more brown than blonde with blue eyes but can still appreciate hockey (kind of) and beer (not really).
She is self-employed, self-motivated, self-declared neurotic, and thankfully, self-aware. Her cooking skills are subpar at best but her cleaning skills would win gold at the Olympics if that were a sport. Which it really sorta should be considering how hard some stains can be (grape juice, I’m looking at you) to get out of a pristine white chair.
Gurpreet once received a Citizen of Distinction medal from the Queen of England and she likes to casually throw that into any conversation quite randomly. She's working on somehow getting a royal title next. She is Indo-Canadian, which really means nothing to most Canadians and usually means Mexican to most Americans.
She is basically just trying to manage her life as best she can, one catastrophe at a time. She plans to one day conquer the world but for right now, she’d settle for winning the war against diapers and morning sickness. Bollywood Babies promises to take you along for the ride and maybe we can all figure it out together.
Follow Gurpreet on Twitter: @BabiesBaubles
Visit her at: Babies and Baubles
Printer-friendly version