If you plan to travel frequently with your infant, consider investing in a Best Travel Stroller for Infant that offers a bassinet feature or car seat adapters. Some of our top picks, such as the Nuna TRVL and urbn, come in travel system bundles.
These options have a compact fold and a good recline for the infant seat, and they fit in the overhead bin on airplanes.
Comfort
Your stroller will be a major part of your baby’s day to day life, so it should feel comfortable. For some, a basic lightweight umbrella stroller will suffice, while others prefer a more high-function travel stroller system. Look for a one-hand fold, extra storage, and the ability to snap on a bassinet or infant car seat.
Newborns will need a stroller that can lie flat or accommodate a safe, secure infant car seat, and parents of older toddlers will appreciate a model with a wide, tall canopy. Also be sure to register your stroller, so you will receive any recall notices (we know, it’s a lot to think about!)
If you plan to fly with the stroller frequently, consider a fold that easily fits into airplane overhead compartments or trunks. A sunshade is also a must for sunny days, especially when traveling. Lastly, consider how long you’ll be using the stroller — a model that grows with your child from newborn through toddler stages can save you money in the long run.
Convenience for Best Travel Stroller for Infant
A stroller can be a huge help for parents on the go. When selecting the ideal travel stroller for your infant, consider the types of activities you plan to do on a regular basis. Are you planning to take lots of neighborhood walks with bumpy sidewalks or hikes?
Do you plan to travel frequently with your infant in a car seat? These questions can determine if you need a stroller that folds compactly and fits in the trunk of your vehicle, or one with large wheels that can handle rough surfaces and snow.
Another important consideration is your child’s age and size. A newborn may require a bassinet or deep recline mode, which can only be found on some models of stroller. A toddler may be more comfortable in a larger stroller with a more spacious seat and more advanced features, such as cup holders or trays.
If your family has multiple children, a double travel stroller can be a great investment to save time and energy when traveling as a group. Look for a model with adjustable seats that can accommodate different ages and sizes of babies. Having the right stroller can make your vacation more enjoyable and stress-free. It can also reduce the number of times you need to lug your child around and give you more freedom to sightsee or enjoy a meal on your own.
Safety
A first-rate travel stroller should be easy to fold, and it’s even better if you can do so one-handed. This will save you time in line and ensure that the stroller isn’t dropped or accidentally opened during an airport rush.
It’s also helpful if your travel stroller fits in a backpack style travel bag, which can be easier to carry for you or your partner, especially if you want to switch over to a baby carrier while visiting attractions that aren’t stroller-friendly (see our article on the best baby carriers for traveling).
A fully reclining seat is essential for infants and babies up to 6 months old to sleep comfortably. Many of the newborn travel strollers in this list are compatible with infant car seats, turning them into convenient and versatile travel systems.
Consider whether you’ll need extras such as a cup holder, storage basket or canopy on your travel stroller. Some of the travel strollers in this list come with these features already included, and others may be compatible with them if you purchase additional accessories.
Style for Best Travel Stroller for Infant
Whether your child is an infant or a toddler, you will need a travel stroller that can accommodate their size. Look for a model that has an adjustable handlebar so it can be set at the right height for you to push. Consider a model that has a large sun canopy to shield your baby from the elements and a reclining seat to accommodate sleepy kids.
You will also want to think about the size of the travel stroller when it is folded up and away. Many models are compact enough to fit into a backpack-style travel bag, which can be helpful if you have to haul the stroller onto a plane and/or through a tight airport corridor. If you’re traveling by car, check to make sure that your stroller folds down to a small footprint for storage in the trunk.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, budget-friendly travel stroller for your infant, check out the Summer Infant 3D Mini, which is crazy light at just 11 lbs. It does have some features, though – it has two cup holders in a central console that also holds your phone/keys, a lower storage basket and a slight recline.
However, some users (including our managing editor) report that it is difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces and that turning requires both hands, which can be challenging if you have your baby in one arm.