Are you planning a trip with your toddler but unsure what the best travel stroller for toddlers is?
Are you looking for the BEST travel stroller for your toddler? It can be challenging and overwhelming to decide from all the options on the market.
That’s why I am sharing with you the TWO different travel strollers for toddlers we used when our boys were little. We tested a few different ones, but there are two we fell in love with.
Wondering which are the two best strollers for toddlers? Let’s see.
Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.
Best Compact Stroller for Travel: Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
Weight: 6.2 kg
Size (when folded): 42″ X 14.75″ X 12.5″
Storage: Yes
Recline: Yes
Sun protection: Yes
Infant car seat adaptor: No
🧳 Find more information on the Summer Infant 3DLite on Amazon
The Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller is not just a lightweight stroller for toddler travel but also offers durability and compactness. Ideal for public transportation and city tours, its affordability combined with essential features like reclining capabilities and sun protection makes it a top choice among families.
We used this exact stroller with both our sons on different trips, and it was great, especially if you’re planning on taking public transportation. We had this stroller when we did a European road trip. My son was 18 months old at the time. It’s also great for navigating through airports.
What we like about this stroller:
✅ fairly affordable compared to other travel strollers, and it doesn’t comprise quality.
✅ lightweight stroller. It’s only 6.2 kg
✅ compact. It folds easily, making it perfect for public transportation and airports.
Plus, it reclines, is comfortable, and can weigh up to 22 kg.
🧳 Find more information on the Summer Infant 3DLite on Amazon
Although it’s a great option (and we’ve used it a lot), there are a few downsides.
What we didn’t like about this stroller:
❌ It’s pretty compact, so it may not be suitable for tall kids.
❌ It’s not ideal on cobblestone streets or trails
❌ No possibility of installing with an infant car seat
Plus, the sun canopy could provide more protection
PRO-TIP when traveling with the Summer 3D stroller: Always carry a light blanket on top of the stroller canopy to have more shade. Also, be careful when you put bags on the stroller handles. The stroller will most likely fall when there is no toddler in the stroller but bags on the handle. It happened to us so many times!
Best Travel Stroller for Toddler: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Stroller
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
Weight: 10.18 kg (22.4 lbs)
Size (when folded): 41.3″ X 25.6″ X 43.1″
Storage: Yes
Recline: Yes
Sun protection: Yes
Infant car seat adaptor: Yes. You can purchase an adaptor for babies
🧳 Find more information on the Baby Jogger City Mini on Amazon
Baby Jogger’s City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Stroller stands out. It’s honestly one of the BEST travel strollers for toddlers. Perfect for any travel scenario, from exploring the tiny cobblestone streets in Europe to hiking in the winter. We’ve also used our Baby Jogger stroller when camping with kids. It was perfect for walking around but also for the kids’ nap in the great outdoors.
It’s known for its durability, comfort, and lightweight design. With features like a full-coverage UV 50+ canopy and an easy folding mechanism, it’s the best travel stroller for toddler adventures.
If you like adventuring off-the-beaten-path like we do, this might be the best option for you. It’s an all-terrain stroller, so you can go on some low-elevation gain hiking trails. You’ll also be able to wander on all European cobblestone streets.
We’ve used this stroller a lot. With the single front wheel, it was straightforward to maneuver. I was able to use it with a single hand (which can be super helpful).
What we like about this stroller:
✅ It’s super easy to maneuver with the single front-wheel
✅ Possibility of installing an infant car seat
✅ It has a high weight limit (up to 65 lbs – 29.5 kg), making it a long-term and durable travel stroller
Plus, it reclines a lot, is comfortable, and has a full sun protection
🧳 Find more information on the Baby Jogger City Mini on Amazon
Although it’s a great option (and we’ve used it a lot), there are a few downsides.
What we don’t like about this stroller:
❌ It’s more expensive (in the high $400)
❌ It’s not as compact as an umbrella stroller
Plus, it’s not lightweight (more than 20 lbs).
Alternatives Travel Strollers for Toddlers
While the two strollers highlighted are our top picks, several other options are worth considering for those seeking the perfect travel stroller for toddlers:
- Baby Jogger City Tour 2: A durable and lightweight travel stroller perfect for city and nature adventures.
- YOYO² Stroller: A lightweight stroller for toddler travel that’s easy to fold and carry.
- Mountain Buggy Nano: Combines comfort with adjustability, though it might not fit some airline hand luggage requirements.
- UppaBaby MINU: A travel stroller that’s user-friendly with a multi-position recline.
FAQ: Helping You Select the Best Travel Stroller for your Toddler
How do I choose a travel stroller?
When choosing a travel stroller, it is essential to consider several factors, including the size and weight of the stroller, its portability features (does it fold easily?), how comfortable it is for your child, and whether or not it meets any safety standards you may require. You should also consider where to take the stroller, such as airports or other public places.
Is the stroller manageable to go through narrow cobblestone streets in Europe? Is it easy to take on a plane?
Size and Weight
Most toddler strollers can support more weight, which often means that the frame is heavier, more durable, and weighs more. This is why you want to think about how often you’ll use the stroller and what type of travel you’re likely to do with your kids.
Before buying it, are you comfortable lifting the stroller? Are you taking it on public transport? Can it be folded easily?
Size is also important because it isn’t the same as taking the stroller in your local area on a train or flight.
Storage
The best type of stroller to travel is lightweight, so you don’t need to struggle to push the stroller everywhere. However, you also want to check how much storage the stroller has.
This is useful for storing food, snacks, clothes, and toddler essentials. At the same time, it offers comfort as you won’t have to carry more stuff in your bag.
Does it Recline
Does the stroller recline? A seat that reclines is handy because it allows you to change the position of your toddler so they can sleep comfortably. Although toddlers don’t sleep as much as babies, it’s good to consider this feature.
Something that we recommend checking before buying one is how easy it is to recline.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is a must in any stroller. You need a sun canopy to protect your child from the sun (even the cloudiest days can cause sunburn). But also, this sun canopy helps make the stroller cozy and darker in case your kid wants to relax or sleep.
The sun canopy must cover all angles of the stroller for the best protection.
Comfort
One of the main things to consider is comfort for you and your toddler. You want a stroller with adjustable handles to prevent back pain, head and Body cushion support, and padded shoulder straps.
Should you bring a stroller when traveling with a toddler?
It depends on the type of trip you are taking and your child’s age. Leaving the stroller home might be best if you take a short trip since a toddler can usually walk short distances. If you are traveling for a longer period or going to places with lots of stairs, a stroller may be necessary, or for more convenience, bring your baby carrier. It is way easier for stairs than strollers. And if your child is younger and less mobile, a stroller would help keep them comfortable, especially during long trips.
Final Thoughts: BEST Stroller for Travel with Toddler
Choosing the right travel stroller for your toddler is essential for a smooth journey. The Summer Infant 3Dlite and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 offer excellent features, but always consider what’s best for your family’s specific needs.
Related Articles
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to read the following articles:
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.