The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Travel Stroller
Planning the best summer vacation can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you're new to traveling with small kids. One of the biggest sources of stress might be something you haven't even considered: the stroller. You might assume you'll just bring the one you already have at home. However, the stroller you use for daily walks around the neighborhood may not actually be the best option for travel. We learned this lesson the hard way as new parents when dragged our big City Select to Disney World for our first trip with a baby. While I LOVED that stroller for neighborhood walks it was a nightmare carrying and collapsing on and off of planes, Disney busses and boats. We promptly came home and invested in a travel-friendly stroller and never looked back.
The City Select and similar Uppa Baby Vista are fantastic strollers but way too cumbersome for travel.
Lightweight, single-hand fold strollers like the City Mini are much easier for traveling.
The right stroller can make a massive difference in your vacation experience. It can ease your journey through crowded airports, make city exploration more enjoyable, and provide a comfortable resting place for your child.
As our Magic Journeys teams’ families have grown, we’ve all individually gone down the rabbit hole of stroller research, finding options that work best for us. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, we all have and agree on the same criteria for the best travel strollers. We’ll share our recommendations for the best travel strollers on the market, but before we do, let’s break down what to look for in a great travel stroller.
We traveled through Europe with 3 stroller aged kids. Pictured: London
5 Key Features to Look for in a Travel Stroller
Traveling with little kids can be magical, but it can also be exhausting, especially for the little ones. A great travel-friendly stroller offers peace of mind, ensuring your child has exactly what they need no matter where you’re rolling off to. So, how can you make sure you’re making a smart choice in a travel-friendly stroller that’s worth the investment?
Consider our 5 C's: Compact, Comfort, Cargo Space, Customization, and Cleaning.
When choosing a travel stroller, these features are crucial to ensure it meets your needs and provides comfort for your child:
1. Compact
Your stroller should be easy and light to fold. Navigating crowded buses or monorails in Disney or subways/metros on city vacations is much simpler with a stroller that folds up compactly. Look for strollers with a one-hand fold mechanism and a carry strap or bag. A compact stroller is also easier to store in hotel rooms and carry up stairs when needed.
A lightweight one-handed fold stroller is easy to take up and down stairs and on and off of public transportation.
2. Comfort
After a long day of excitement, a stroller with a great recline is a must. Your child can nap comfortably while you enjoy a Disney parade or a great meal at a restaurant you couldn’t wait to try. Ensure the stroller has an adjustable recline that won’t disturb your sleeping child. Adequate padding and support are also essential for your child's comfort during long outings.
Canopy Coverage: Whether you’re heading to Disney Parks, a Caribbean cruise or a beach vacation, the sun can be intense for little ones. A stroller with an excellent canopy provides necessary shade and helps create a peaceful environment for napping. Look for canopies with UV protection and peek-a-boo windows for convenience. Some canopies also offer extended coverage to shield your child from unexpected weather changes.
Leg Support: Make sure your kids try the stroller and see where their feet and legs land. We've seen too many kids rolling around in strollers that don't leave enough room for their legs to comfortably rest. Instead of propping up on uncomfortable, flimsy supports, a good stroller should allow them to stretch out and relax.
A stroller with a great recline and canopy allows kids to sleep comfortably while you explore. Pictured: Paris
3. Cargo Space
Ample storage space for snacks, souvenirs, and essentials is crucial. Whether you’re park-hopping or exploring a city on a cruise excursion the days can be long, and you’ll need to carry quite a bit. Make sure your stroller has a sturdy and accessible basket and consider additional pockets for organization. Some strollers also feature detachable storage options that can be easily carried separately.
Ample under-carriage storage makes it easy to carry all the essentials you need for a full day out.
4. Customization
Adding accessories can make your stroller perfect for your needs. From handlebar consoles to snack trays and seat liners, customization options can enhance functionality making it easier to feed and change kids when you’re on the go. Customizations can be particularly helpful on Disney vacations where you need to park the stroller while you’re on the rides, making your stroller easier to identify among the sea of others in the park. Look for strollers with universal attachment points for various accessories.
Add on trays make it easy for kids to snack & eat.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Traveling can be messy, and strollers need to be easy to clean. Over the years our strollers have weathered diaper explosions, sticky icecream mishaps, mushed snacks, muddy parks and so much more. Look for strollers with removable, washable seat liners and materials that can be wiped clean quickly. This feature is particularly useful after a long day at the park or a messy meal on the go.
Easy to wash strollers mean they can play and enjoy treats without you needing to stress!
What to watch out for
Price and Brand
Don’t be swayed by the most expensive or the trendiest brands. The most important thing is how well the stroller meets your needs and your child’s comfort. The hottest TikTok brands aren’t necessarily the best. Sometimes, lesser-known brands can offer better value and similar features.
“Disposable” Umbrella Strollers
While they may be convenient due to their compactness, many umbrella strollers can be uncomfortable for your child. Some umbrella strollers lack the necessary features for a comfortable long-day use, such as recline and storage space. So many parents buy cheap strollers when they get to Disney Parks and then leave them when they depart so they don’t have to bring them home. Not only are these strollers incredibly uncomfortable vs. other options, it’s also such a huge waste! If you really don’t want to buy a stroller to bring with you, rent one! It’s so much better for your child and the earth. More details on stroller rentals at the end of this post.
Our Top Travel Stroller Picks
Here are our favorite travel strollers that meet all the essential criteria and have proven to be reliable through our many journeys:
Why We Love It: Ultra-compact and lightweight, the YOYO2 folds up small enough to fit in overhead compartments on airplanes. It has a one-hand fold mechanism, a comfortable recline, and a large canopy. The suspension system ensures a smooth ride, and the padded seat keeps your child cozy. The seat fabric is also removable and machine washable, making it easy to keep clean.
Price: $499
Why We Love It: This stroller is designed for urban families on the go and is a great option for smaller kids. It offers a quick, one-hand fold, excellent recline, and a sizable storage basket. The canopy provides great sun protection with an extendable sunshade. The all-wheel suspension makes it easy to navigate rough terrains. The seat fabric is easy to remove and wash.
Price: $449
Why We Love It: Known for its compact fold, the GB Pockit+ is incredibly lightweight and can be carried like a handbag. It offers a reclining seat and a decent-sized canopy, perfect for city travel. The adjustable handlebar ensures comfort for parents of different heights. The fabric is easy to clean with a damp cloth.
Price: $229
Why We Love It: With one of the largest canopies on a travel stroller, the Joovy Kooper ensures your child is well-protected from the sun. It also boasts a smooth, one-hand fold and ample storage space. The large wheels and suspension provide a smooth ride over various surfaces. The seat pad is removable and machine washable.
Price: $249
Why We Love It: The Nano V3 is designed for adventure. It’s lightweight, with a flat recline and an extendable canopy. It folds up compactly and even comes with a travel bag. The travel system compatibility allows you to use it with a car seat for younger babies. The fabric can be spot cleaned easily.
Price: $249
Why We Love It: We’ve had multiple City Mini’s over the years and loved them. This all-terrain stroller is perfect for both urban and off-road adventures. It features a one-hand fold, a near-flat recline, and a large UV 50+ canopy. The adjustable handlebar and all-wheel suspension ensure a smooth ride. The seat fabric is removable and machine washable.
Price: $399
Best Double Travel Strollers
Traveling with two children requires a stroller that can handle double the load while still being convenient and easy to use. Here are our top picks for double travel strollers:
1. Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite
Why We Love It: The double stroller featured in many of our pictures above. This double stroller offers one of the most compact folds in its class, making it easy to store and transport. It features two full-sized seats with independently adjustable recline and footrests, large canopies, and plenty of storage space. The seat pads are removable and machine washable. Its narrower profile (about 30 inches) allows it to navigate tighter spaces such as cruise ship hallways and hotel corridors with ease. Width: Approximately 30 inches
Price: $349
Why We Love It: This side-by-side double stroller is lightweight and has an easy fold. Each seat reclines independently, and the large canopies provide excellent sun protection. It also features ample storage space and a smooth ride. The seat fabric is removable and washable.
Price: $349
Why We Love It: This lightweight double stroller is perfect for travel. It folds compactly, has a large storage basket, and offers great recline and canopy coverage. It’s also easy to maneuver through doorways and narrow spaces. The seat covers can be removed and washed.
Price: $299
4. Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double
Why We Love It: This all-terrain double stroller is durable and easy to push on various surfaces. It has a quick, one-hand fold, adjustable handlebar, and large canopies. The seats recline fully for napping on the go. The fabric is removable and machine washable.
Price: $649
Sometimes, Two Single Strollers Are Better
Sometimes, the best double stroller solution is actually using two single strollers. A double stroller isn’t always the best answer. For instance, most double-wide strollers can't easily fit down hallways on cruise ships (although we did find one we love that does!). Additionally, if your kids are not close in size or age, it can be challenging to find a double stroller that works for both of their needs. Even though our kids are only 2 1/2 years apart, our older child is very tall for her age while the younger is smaller for his. We needed a stroller that gave her more legroom, whereas he was fine in something more compact.
In our family, there were a couple of years when we wanted to encourage our older child to walk during parts of our vacation. We still needed a stroller for the little one, but a double stroller would have made it hard to encourage walking, giving her an excuse to be chauffeured instead of exploring. Having two strollers allowed us to decide when to offer the stroller option to our older child. It also made it easier to navigate the streets of London and Paris, with each parent taking one stroller, versus managing crowded city streets with a double stroller.
Essential Stroller Accessories
Enhance your travel stroller experience with these must-have accessories:
1. Stroller Organizer
Ethan & Emma Stroller Organizer: Keep your essentials like phone, keys, and drinks within easy reach. This organizer has multiple pockets and secure attachment options, making it a top choice for parents.
Price: $29.99
2. Travel Bag
J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag: Protect your stroller during travel with this durable bag. It’s large enough to fit most strollers and comes with a handy shoulder strap for easier transport through airports.
Price: $22.99
3. Rain Cover
Manito Elegance Alpha Stroller Rain Cover: This high-quality rain cover keeps your child dry and comfortable during unexpected weather changes. It fits most stroller models well and offers excellent ventilation.
Price: $39.99
4. Snack Tray or Holder
Brica Deluxe Snack Pod: A snack tray can make feeding on the go much easier. This pod is easy to clean and attaches securely to most strollers, providing a convenient spot for snacks and drinks.
Price: $14.99
5. Seat Liner
Skip Hop Stroll & Go Cool Touch Stroller Liner: This seat liner adds extra comfort and can be easily removed for washing. It’s especially useful for hot climates or messy eaters, keeping the stroller clean and comfortable.
Price: $29.99
6. Cup Holder
Accmor Universal Cup Holder: A sturdy cup holder for your drinks can be a lifesaver. This cup holder is compatible with most strollers and can hold different sizes of cups, ensuring you stay hydrated on the go.
Price: $12.99
7. Cooling Fan
WiHoo Mini Handheld Stroller Fan: For hot summer days, this portable fan can be a lifesaver. It clips onto the stroller and provides a gentle breeze to keep your child cool.
Price: $19.99
Stroller Rental Services
While investing in a great travel stroller can provide long-term benefits and convenience, sometimes renting a stroller might be a more practical solution for your trip. Renting can save you the hassle of transporting your stroller through airports and give you access to top-rated strollers without the upfront cost. Many rental services near Walt Disney World and Disneyland offer City Mini strollers, which meet all our criteria for a great travel stroller.
Here are some recommended stroller rental services:
Kingdom Strollers
Location: Orlando, FL
Why We Love It: Kingdom Strollers offers a variety of high-quality strollers, including the City Mini. They provide delivery and pickup services to your hotel, making the process seamless.
Website: Kingdom Strollers
Magic Strollers
Location: Orlando, FL
Why We Love It: Magic Strollers provides reliable and well-maintained strollers. They offer the City Mini and other top models, ensuring your child’s comfort during your Disney trip.
Website: Magic Strollers
Orlando Stroller Rentals
Location: Orlando, FL
Why We Love It: This service is known for its excellent customer service and range of stroller options. They also provide easy delivery and pickup services at your convenience.
Website: Orlando Stroller Rentals
Cloud of Goods
Location: Anaheim, CA (Disneyland)
Why We Love It: Cloud of Goods offers a wide selection of strollers, including the City Mini, for rental at Disneyland. They also provide delivery and pickup services, making your trip hassle-free.
Website: Cloud of Goods
Baby's Away
Location: Multiple locations including Orlando, FL, and Anaheim, CA
Why We Love It: Baby's Away offers various baby gear rentals, including strollers. They have a reputation for providing clean and reliable equipment with convenient delivery options.
Website: Baby's Away
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right travel stroller can enhance your family’s travel experience, making it more enjoyable and less stressful. Remember, the best stroller is one that fits your specific needs and provides comfort and convenience for both you and your child. With the right stroller and accessories, your adventures will be smoother and more magical.
If you have any questions or need more personalized recommendations, feel free to reach out. We’re always here to help make your family travels magical!
Happy travels!
