The Best Strollers for Travel: Lightweight & Convenient
Travelling with a baby or toddler can be a fun adventure, but it comes with its own set of challenges.
Whether you're navigating an airport, hopping on and off public transport, or exploring a busy city, a good travel stroller can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Why a Travel Stroller?
Everyday strollers tend to be packed with extra features that make them more bulky. Whereas travel strollers are specifically designed to be ultra-lightweight and compact.
Key Features to Consider
- Foldability: Look for a stroller that folds easily. Some models fold with one hand, which can be a lifesaver when you're juggling bags and a baby.
- Weight: Heavier models can be cumbersome, especially if you’re lifting them into a car or up the stairs of a train station.
- Size / Dimensions: A stroller that’s compact when folded will fit more easily into the boot of the car and overhead compartments.
- Portability: beyond weight and size, how easy is it to carry the stroller? Does it have a shoulder strap or handle?
- Manoeuvrability: If you can, give the stroller a test drive and opt for a stroller with good suspension and easy-to-steer wheels.
- Comfort: Does the seat recline allowing for naps on the go? Is there soft padding and a comfortable seat? Is there a canopy for sun protection?
- Storage: is there space to carry essentials like nappies and snacks?
- Accessories: Some travel strollers come with rain covers, or cup holders. While not essential, these can enhance convenience and comfort.
- Suitability for plane travel: If you want to take your stroller onto the plane and put it in the overhead locker, size matters. IATA (the International Air Transport Association) suggests that as a general guide carry-on luggage not be larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm
However cabin luggage rules can vary between airlines, the cabin class you are traveling in and even the size of the aircraft. We recommend checking with your carrier.
If you’re planning to check in the stroller, a protective travel bag can be a good idea.
Another option you might have is to use the stroller in the airport right up the gate and then have the airline staff move it to the hold for you. They can then have it ready when you disembark, allowing you to stroll your child to baggage claim. Again, check with your airline.
Note too that even if your stroller is supposed to fit in the overhead, if the plane is full you might be asked to gate-check it.
STOKKE YOYO²
Weight: Stroller with 6+ Seat Pad 6.2 kg. Stroller with Newborn Pack 6.6kg
Folded Dimensions: 52 x 44 x 18 cm
Car Seat Compatibility: Yes, works with selected capsules
Key Features:
- Easy Fold: Plus it unfolds in a second with just a flick of the wrist (hence its yo-yo name).
- Compact Size: It folds small enough to fit in most airline overhead compartments, making it one of the best choices for flying.
- Versatile Travel System: With adapters, the Yoyo can be used with infant car seats, and you can purchase a bassinet or newborn pack to make it suitable for babies from birth. There’s also a Rider Board you can add on for siblings (sold separately).
- Suspension and Manoeuvrability: The Yoyo offers smooth handling and it’s easy to steer. It has an especially narrow frame which makes it great for navigating tight spaces and crowds.
- Customizable Design: The Yoyo is known for its customizable fabric packs, allowing parents to change the colour and style of the stroller as needed.
- Padded shoulder strap: allows you to carry it hands-free
- Ideal For: Parents who need a stroller that’s incredibly compact, stylish and airline-friendly. The Yoyo excels in urban environments and is perfect for families who are always on the go.
NUNA TRVL
Weight: 7kg
Folded Dimensions: 72 x 52 x 35cm
Car Seat Compatibility: Yes, works with selected capsules
Key Features:
- Self-Folding Mechanism: One of the Nuna TRVL’s standout features is its self-folding system, which allows the stroller to fold with the push of a button—perfect for multitasking parents.
- Superior Suspension: The TRVL boasts all-wheel suspension, providing a smooth ride for your child, even over bumps and uneven sidewalks.
- Comfort and Padding: The Nuna TRVL has a well-padded seat and an adjustable recline for nap time on the go.
- MagneTech Secure Snap™: Easy harnessing thanks to the self-guiding magnetic buckle that automatically locks into place.
- Large Canopy and Storage: Good sun cover and an under-seat storage compartment.
- Rain Cover & Travel Bag included.
- Ideal For: Parents looking for a high-quality travel stroller that’s both luxurious and easy to use, with advanced folding technology and comfort in mind.
- Designed for both city living and travel it offers a luxe strolling experience rivals that of an everyday stroller. It is however a little bigger and might need to be checked in for flights.
EDWARDS & CO OTTO
Weight: 7.3 kg
Folded Dimensions: 54 x 50 x 32cm
Car Seat Compatibility: No
Key Features:
- One-Hand Fold: The Otto can be folded with one hand, making it easy to collapse when you’re on the go.
- Newborn-Ready: The Otto can be used with a lie-flat recline from day one.
- Lightweight and Compact: The Otto is lightweight and folds down compactly. It fits in most overhead compartments for domestic & international jets (excludes NZ regional turboprop planes)
- Large Canopy and Storage: The Otto features a generous canopy to protect your child from the sun and has a decent-sized storage basket.
- Travel Bag included.
- Ideal For: Parents looking for a practical and compact travel stroller at a more affordable price.
Which Travel Stroller is Right for You?
Each stroller has its own strengths, so the best one for you depends on your lifestyle, budget, and travel needs. Whether you’re jet-setting or enjoying local adventures, one of these strollers is bound to fit the bill!
If you head into a Dimples store you can give our strollers a test drive. And talk to our knowledgeable team – they can help you decide.
Happy travels!