Family travel expert Maryanne Peacock reveals the very best travel strollers for your next family vacation
Maryanne Peacock
Once you become a parent and welcome a child into your family, ‘travelling light’ is no longer an option or your reality – in fact, its normally totally the opposite. However, not everything you travel with has to be bulky – and one of these is your traveller stroller. Travel strollers are amazing pieces of baby gear that can make or break a trip – not only does it really comes in handy when rushing through security and to a gate, but also an added bonus when you can fit it in the overhead locker.
In contrast to the larger baby strollers we are all familiar with, travel strollers are a lightweight version that are portable and collapsible – a dream when you need to flip it out in a hurry with one hand.
Here are five travel strollers that should be on your next family vacation:
Leclerc Influencer Air Stroller
A super quick fold and unfold, using just one hand makes the Influencer Air a breeze to use. The newly added ventilation mesh in the back keeps your child cool, and the pocket keeps your phone, keys, or pacifier close at hand. Pack it away neatly in its travel bag for convenience when traveling whether that be in your car, on the train or in the overhead compartment of a plane. Weighing only 6.6kg, the Influencer Air is light, neat and compact with no compromise on the push or the stability of your stroller. What is also great is that it will carry your growing child right up until they weigh 22kg!
The BabyZen Yoyo2
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a high-quality lightweight stroller with one of the smallest folds in this review. This easy-to-use, easy-to-fold option includes a handy carry bag for transporting your stroller with less potential for damage – it also has a ton of accessories making travel all the easier, including an add-on parasol, storage bag that clips onto the back of the stroller, a buggy board for those who have older children, a cupholder and a footrest, that helps you get a few more years out of the stroller. This is my go-to travel essential and I love the manoeuvrability and quality. It has a sleek and polished overall finish and the stroller comes with a cover for rain, mosquitos, and a functionality that almost allows the rider to lie flat when having a nap.
This Bugaboo Butterfly
This Bugaboo Butterfly stroller is ideal for outings near and far. Thanks to its compact design, it folds up in 1 second and takes up very little space so that you can easily store it in the car, under the coffee table, or take it on a flight. With its advanced four-wheel drive suspension and one-handed operation, you’ll be able to cruise around town or anywhere else in complete freedom. The Butterfly is now the brand’s lightest stroller yet at just 7.3kg – slightly less than Bugaboo’s compact city companion, the Bee6. The material is soft and the stroller comes with a removable seat insert which is padded for extra comfort. It is available in three colours, Midnight Black, Stormy Blue and Forest Green, with all three designs sitting pretty on a black chassis – making it look sleek from the get go.
Baby Jogger City Tour 2
The Baby Jogger® City Tour™ 2 folds up small for big adventures—85% smaller than when it’s unfolded. The City Tour™ 2 is the ultimate stroller for travel, with an ultra-compact, one-step fold, a weight of only 6.5 kg, and an included carry bag. But despite its lightness, the City Tour™ 2 doesn’t skimp on features. Baby rides comfortably with multiple recline positions, adjustable calf support, a UV 50+ canopy, and a comfortable padded seat with added depth. There is also a large storage basket underneath that holds up to 5 kg, so you always have everything you need within reach.
MINU V2 Stroller
The MINU offers modern conveniences in a portable, lightweight stroller that can be used as an everyday compact or sized perfectly as a travel companion. There is a leather bumper bar for security and comfort while strolling as well as an adjustable leg rest for enhanced child comfort. The stroller also comes with a new universal attachment to Bassinet or MESA infant car seat with use of adapters which is super helpful for those travelling with a baby or looking for a stroller that is suitable from newborn stage. It is a little heavier than other lightweight strollers on the market, but it folds fast and efficiently, steers well, and has nice storage.
