The Best Travel Strollers Of 2021 – Tot Guide
If picking a travel stroller feels more challenging than childbirth, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide helps you choose the perfect stroller for your traveling needs…
When you’re traveling with a little one, a bulky stroller simply won’t do. You need to be able to zip around busy airports and streets with ease, fold it in a flash, and lift it without breaking your back.
However, you’ll also want features like a reclining seat, a generous storage basket and a decent sun canopy. Don’t fret – the brands we love how options that you’ll love!
In this article, we’ll talk about:
- The different types of travel strollers
- What to consider when purchasing a travel stroller
- Materials to avoid in strollers
- The best travel strollers of 2020
Scroll down to learn more!
Travel stroller types
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Umbrella strollers are lightweight, compact and inexpensive, but they tend to have few features and can be difficult to maneuver.
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Square-fold strollers fold into a square shape, so they’re bulkier than umbrella strollers when collapsed. However, they come with more features and can generally be steered with one hand.
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Tri-fold strollers fold into a compact and lightweight package, and come with great features. But – you can expect a hefty price tag for all those conveniences.
Things to consider when choosing a travel stroller
#1 Size
Your travel needs will help you determine the size of stroller you should choose.
- Do you want it to fit in the overhead compartment of a plane?
- Will you be navigating crowded city streets? If so, you’ll need one of the more compact umbrella or tri-fold models.
- If you aren’t traveling by plane or in crowded areas, you might be happy with a bulkier square-fold.
#2 Weight
Some airlines have weight limitations for strollers that can be checked at the departure gate, so check the Transport Security Administration’s guidelines or your airline’s website if you plan to use your stroller until you board the plane.
If you’ll be taking public transportation during your travels or you’ll have to lift the stroller frequently, you’ll probably prefer a more lightweight model.
#3 Ease of folding
You can fold some travel strollers with one hand – a lifesaver if you’re traveling by plane or on your own.
#4 Sturdiness and maneuverability
If you’ll be using your stroller a lot or going out on long day trips, make sure that it’s sturdy and easy to maneuver so you don’t end up battling with it the whole time. A square-fold or tri-fold will probably be more suitable than an umbrella stroller.
#5 Features
- Do you want your baby to nap in the stroller while you sightsee? A reclining seat and generous sun canopy are musts.
- Do you need room to store your diaper bag and other personal items? Choose a model with an extra-large storage basket.
- Do you have a toddler? They might be more comfortable with a footrest.
- Are you a coffee aficionado? Don’t forget a cupholder.
#6 Cost
It’s probably worth splashing out on a high-end model with all the bells and whistles if you plan to travel a lot. Just look at it as an investment in your sanity.
Materials to avoid in strollers
When shopping for a stroller, selling points like ‘water-resistant fabrics’ and adjustable toy bar may sound dreamy, but the reality could be much darker. It could mean that they’re sprayed with a PFAS chemical and potentially harboring BPA, BPS or harmful phthalates.
At The Tot, we never recommend anything we wouldn’t use with our own family. That’s why we created The Tot Safety Test. Every singly product we have on the site has been reviewed by our Green Living Expert. This means we’ve reviewed third-party testing and certifications.
Here are the main ingredients/materials to watch out for in strollers:
- PVC
- BPA + BPS
- Harmful phthalates
- PFAS chemicals
- Lead and other heavy metals
- Flame retardants
- VOCS
- Toxic dyes + inks
You can learn more about the ingredients we avoid and WHY by clicking here.
The best travel strollers of 2021
Here are the best travel strollers we’ve tried and tested. Ready, set, go!
GB Pockit Stroller
Tiny yet mighty, the original GB Pockit Stroller was the ultimate game-changer when it came to travel strollers! Weight in at onle 9.5 lbs, it folds up so small, you can throw it in your tote bag when not in use!
- Folds into a tiny package that’s easy to carry
- Fits in more airline overhead compartments
- Weighs only 9.5 lbs
- Recommended age/weight: 6 months up to 55 lbs
GB Pockit Stroller
$179.95
GB Pockit Air All Terrain Stroller
The gb Pockit Air All-Terrain is an absolute travel essential, providing total convenience without compromising on comfort or style. Boasting breathable mesh fabric, your child will keep cool even on the hottest days, while a super lightweight design makes strolling an absolute breeze.
And for when it’s time to fly, the unique ultra-compact folding mechanism reduces the stroller to a size that is airplane hand luggage compliant—making it perfect for exploring new places, near or far.
- Folds into a tiny package that’s easy to carry
- Fits in more airline overhead compartments
- Use from 6 months up to 37 lbs
- Stroller weight: 10 lbs
GB Pockit Air All Terrain Stroller
$159.95
Available in more colors
gb Pockit Plus All Terrain Stroller
A bigger version of the All Terrain, this Plus version offers the option for use with a CYBEX carseat. It also offers fantastic maneuverability, a stepless recline function, machine washable fabrics and all terrain wheels.
- Compatible with CYBEX car seats
- Weight: 12.6 lbs
- 6 months up to 37 lbs or use from birth with some Cybex infant car seats
GB Pockit+ All Terrain Stroller
$229.95
Available in more colors
gb Pockit Plus All City Stroller
The single wheels of the Pockit+ All-City are designed for urban parents on the go, with front wheel suspension and the slim profile of the wheels being ideal for smooth city surfaces. And when it’s time to fly, the unique ultra-compact folding mechanism makes the Pockit+ All-City airplane hand luggage compliant.
- Folds into a tiny package that’s easy to carry
- Fits in more airline overhead compartments
- 6 months up to 37 lbs or use from birth with some Cybex infant car seats
- Stroller weight: 12.6 lbs
gb Pockit Plus All City Stroller
$249.95
Available in more colors
The CYBEX Eezy S Twist
This next-generation Cybex Eezy S Twist travel stroller allows you to rotate the seat 360 degrees, recline the backrest, and fold it all up into a compact package that fits in most overhead plane compartments – all with just one hand! It also comes with an XXL sun canopy, a rain cover, an all-wheel suspension system, and a 2-in-1 travel system that accommodates an infant car seat. Talk about features!
- Both parent and world facing seat options
- Suitable for use with compatible infant car seats
- Use from Birth (with infant car seat) up to 55 lbs
- Stroller weight: 17 lbs
The CYBEX Eezy S Twist
$299.95
Available in more colors
Bugaboo Ant
Great things really do come in small packages. Introducing the new Bugaboo Ant — Bugaboo’s lightest, most compact stroller yet with a completely new design language.
It fits in most airline overhead compartments, comes in multiple fabric and frame colors, can be parent or world facing and even has a height adjustable handlebar!
- Can be used parent or world facing
- Can be used with wheeled board
- Car seat compatible
- Use from birth (with infant car seat) up to 50 lbs
- Stroller weight: 15.87 lbs
Bugaboo Ant
$569
Available in more colors
Bugaboo Donkey3 Duo Stroller
Traveling with twins isn’t always a walk in the park, so you’ll want a good-quality double stroller with lots of storage space. The Donkey3 Duo offers a smooth ride and a one-piece fold, and it’s only 5.5 inches wider in double configuration than in mono. It’s not exactly “compact”, but it’s a traveler’s dream as far as double strollers go.
- Can be parent or world facing
- Car seat compatible
- Use from birth up to 48 lbs
- Stroller weight with seats: 33 lbs
Bugaboo Donkey3 Duo Stroller
$1759
Available in more colors
Doona Liki Trike S5
Want a stroller that does double time as a trike? The Doona Liki Trike simply folds and unfolds at the click of a button. Liki allows you to travel comfortably with your child as it fits easily in the trunk of your car or an airplane’s overhead bin. When it comes to versatility, Doona knocks it out of the park!
- Use from 10 – 36 months
- Weight: 14.7 lbs
Doona Liki Trike S5
$299.99
Available in more colors
Nuna MIXX Next Stroller
The Nuna MiXX Next includes innovative MagneTech Secure Snap™, a self-guiding magnetic buckle that automatically locks into place, keeping your tot safe and secure while on the go. The Next is effortlessly maneuverable with one hand and lays completely flat – perfect for those longer layover naps!
- Can be parent or world facing
- PIPA infant car seat compatible
- Use from birth up to 50 lbs
- Stroller weight: 28.3 lbs (without armbar and insert)
Nuna MIXX Next Stroller
$749.95
Continue exploring
- Traveling with kids? Don’t leave home without some winning travel toys. You’ll pat yourself on the back when your little ones are so engrossed that they forget to ask, “Are we there yet?”
- Going on baby’s first vacation? We’ve got tips, packing lists and advice from our globetrotting parents on how to keep both you and your little one cool, calm and collected.
