PARENTING TIPS
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When shopping for my first stroller, I wanted something with all the bells and whistles–from an extra-large storage basket and built in cupholders to a modular seat and car seat compatibility. But the more features I added to my wish list, the bigger the strollers that fit the criteria became. Regardless, I went with a full-size modular stroller, assuming that if I found a product that had “everything”, I’d never have to buy another stroller.
Well, as Christmas time approached, our first family vacation as a family of 3 also drew near. And I quickly learned how unpractical it would be to bring our bulky stroller along. I mean, who can fit multiple suitcases and a massive stroller in the trunk of a rental car, taxi, or Uber? I quickly started browsing my options for a compact stroller that would be compatible with air travel and would fold small enough to still allow space for luggage.
After that family vacation, I became such a big fan of my compact stroller that it eventually replaced my full-sized stroller. There’s just something so convenient about the compact size and lightweight design of travel strollers, making it a breeze for running quick errands with grumpy toddlers! And they leave so much more space in your trunk for all the goodies you find out shopping.
So whether you’re getting ready for upcoming family vacations or just need something a bit more practical for everyday use, a travel stroller may be the right choice for you! Let’s take a look at four of our favorite travel strollers, the Nuna TRVL, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2, the Bugaboo Butterfly, and the UPPAbaby MINU V2, and examine the features that make each one so popular!
The Nuna TRVL Stroller
Nuna is, without a doubt, one of my favorite baby brands due to their beautifully modern baby gear. And they’ve proven to be pros at designing baby gear that is lightweight while remaining durable and tough for all the wear and tear that inevitably comes with caring for kiddos! From their Nuna Pipa Lite infant car seats (the lightest infant seats on the market) to their compact travel stroller, the Nuna TRVL, there is no doubt that Nuna’s gear is MADE for families that are on-the-go!
Nuna TRVL in Caviar
But even if you’re not a fan of traveling, the Nuna TRVL still has so much to offer. It’s infant car seat compatibility allows you to transform it into a travel system, allowing you to use the stroller from birth through 50 pounds! Let’s break down all the features this stroller has to offer us!
Travel Features
The one-handed, self-folding design sets the Nuna TRVL apart from its competitors, allowing you to have extra hands to hold your little ones while your stroller folds itself. And when it’s time to pop your little one into the stroller, the MagneTech Secure Snap™ buckles allow you to safely secure your child within seconds.
As mentioned previously, the Nuna TRVL is also one of the lightest travel strollers, making it easier to tote with you while it’s not in use. Simply slide it into its travel bag for compact and lightweight storage. The wheels can also be removed for an even smaller fold!
Weight: 13.6 pounds
Carry Handle: Yes, the arm bar serves as a carry handle when folded
Travel Bag: Included with purchase
Storage Basket Weight Capacity: 10 pounds
Parent Handlebar Height: 40 inches
Self-Standing Fold: Yes
Folded Dimensions: 24″L x 20.25″W x 11″H
Child Comfort Measures
The Nuna TRVL is designed with plush, polyester fabrics for optimal child comfort while the built-in mesh panels allow for greater air flow and ventilation which prevents overheating. The all-wheel suspension and locking front tires also allow for a smooth ride whether you’re on cobblestone roads or flat concrete sidewalks. This is a huge bonus when you have a sleeping toddler while you’re out sight-seeing. The near-flat recline also ensures your little one sleeps soundly along the way.
Weight Capacity: 50 pounds
Adjustable Calf Support: Yes
Recline: Near-flat recline
Canopy: 3-panel, UPF 50+ water-repellant canopy
Belly/Bumper Bar: Comes with your stroller purchase and can be fully removed or just rotated out of the way to make it easier to get your little one in and out
Infant Car Seat Compatible: Yes, with the Nuna PIPA infant car seats, no adapters required!
Design and Additional Features
The Nuna TRVL is truly a breathtaking stroller. The luxe leatherette detailing on the handlebar and belly bar make for a gorgeous ride, while the sturdy steel aluminum and high-end polyester fabrics ensure your stroller lasts for years to come! Plus, with four gorgeous colors to pick from, you can get just the right stroller to fit your aesthetic.
Colors: Camel, Caviar, Hazelwood, Lagoon
Fabrics: Non-removable, polyester fabrics; spot clean as needed
Frame: Steel aluminum
Wheels: Removable, puncture-proof rubber wheels with all-wheel suspension and front-swivel lock
Price: $500
Included Accessories: Carry bag, belly bar
Other Accessories Compatible with the Nuna TRVL (sold separately):
The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller
Baby Jogger is another brand you can’t go wrong with! And when it comes to compact and travel products in particular, Baby Jogger has some of the most innovative baby gear on the market (one of my favorites being the ultra-compact City Bistro High Chair that’s perfect for apartment living.) But without a doubt, their best products are their strollers. Built with high-end materials and sturdy frames, Baby Jogger will get you where you need to go without the fear of breaking down on the journey! And if you LOVE travel, their City Tour 2 is the stroller for you!
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller in Jet
With the Baby Jogger City Tour 2, you get a compact stroller with high-end features while paying significantly less than some of its competition! At only $250, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 can be used as a traditional toddler stroller or as a travel system with a compatible infant car seat! You can even purchase the carry cot attachment for a perfectly cozy and comfortable ride for your newborn while you’re exploring new sights and cities!
Travel Features
Similar in weight to the Nuna TRVL, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 weighs in at only 14 pounds, making it another great travel stroller pick. With a simple folding mechanism (simply pull the handle in the middle of the seat) that doubles as a carry handle, you can go from push to tote mode in seconds! And if you have air travel in your future, the included carry bag will ensure your stroller stays clean and protected on the way!
Weight: 14 pounds
Carry Handle: Yes, there is a carry handle in the center of the stroller that allows for easy toting
Travel Bag: Included with purchase.
Storage Basket Weight Capacity: 15 pounds
Parent Handlebar Height: 38 inches
Self-Standing Fold: No
Folded Dimensions: 17.7″L x 7.1″W x 22.2″H
Child Comfort Measures
Although the City Tour 2 stroller is lightweight, it still offers many high-end features to ensure your kiddos are comfortable at all times. The near flat recline allows for great napping, while the 4-panel, extendable canopy provides additional shielding from the bright sunshine! The peek-a-boo mesh window within the canopy also allows for parents to easily check in on sleeping kiddos without disturbing them.
Weight Capacity: 45 pounds
Adjustable Calf Support: Yes
Recline: Multi-position seat that can recline to a near-flat position
Canopy: Large UV 50+ canopy with extension panel and peekaboo window, giving it 4 panels in total
Belly/Bumper Bar: Sold separately
Infant Car Seat Compatible: Compatible with select car seats from Graco and Baby Jogger
- Baby Jogger City Go
- Baby Jogger City Go Air
- Baby Jogger City Go Air 2
- Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 LX
- Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite
- Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Platinum
Design and Additional Features
The City Tour 2 is simple yet sleek in design. With a sturdy, black aluminum frame and 3 neutral colorways, the City Tour 2 is a stroller that won’t go out of style. Plus, with a lifetime warranty on the frame, you know that Baby Jogger stands behind the quality of their products.
Colors: Shadow Grey, Everett Green, Jet
Fabrics: Removable and washable polyester fabric; wash in cold water only
Frame: Aluminum frame with limited lifetime warranty
Wheels: Rubber wheels with front-wheel suspension and front swivel lock
Price: $249.99
Included Accessories: Carry bag
Other Accessories Compatible with the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 (sold separately):
- Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot
- Belly Bar
- Parent Console
- Graco Infant Car Seat Adapter
The Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller
Bugaboo is another one of our favorite brands at The Baby Cubby! (Can you tell we have a lot of favorites?!) Bugaboo constantly challenges the status quo, designing baby gear that is unique, functional, and high-end all at the same time! From their side-by-side single to double stroller (who else does that?!) to their sleek and compact singles, Bugaboo is one of the best picks when browsing baby buggies!
Bugaboo Butterfly in Midnight Black
With the Bugaboo Butterfly, you’ll be ready to fly to any destination with one of the sleekest and most functional travel strollers on the market. And similar to the before-mentioned strollers, the Butterfly is also compatible with infant car seats! However, the Bugaboo Butterfly has a wider range of infant car seat compatibility, enabling 6 different brands to connect to this stroller (with adapters sold separately). This makes it another all-around great stroller pick!
Travel Features
Although not quite as lightweight as some compact strollers, the Bugaboo Butterfly is still a major contender for best travel stroller! With a large storage basket that allows you to store more baby essentials while sight-seeing and a self-standing fold that keeps the stroller upright when your hands are full helping your little ones, the Butterfly makes traveling with toddlers a lot simpler and hassle-free! And it’s folded dimensions meet IATA standards for airline overhead compartments!
Weight: 16.1 pounds
Carry Handle: Carry strap included
Travel Bag: Not included
Storage Basket Weight Capacity: 17.6 pounds
Parent Handlebar Height: 40 inches
Self-Standing Fold: Yes
Folded Dimensions: 9.06″L x 17.72″W x 21.26″H
Child Comfort Measures
When it comes to child comfort, the Bugaboo Butterfly may take the prize. With a 5-position foot rest for ultra-picky kiddos, an included rain cover for extra protection against the elements, and ultra plush fabrics and shoulder pads, your little one will stay comfortable all day long. And with child safety in mind, the Bugaboo Butterfly is fluoride free, REACH certified, PFC free, and PFAS free, so you know it’s being held to the highest of standards!
Weight Capacity: 50 pounds
Adjustable Calf Support: Yes; 5 positions
Recline: Near-flat recline
Canopy: 4-panel zip out canopy with mesh panel for air flow
Belly/Bumper Bar: Sold separately
Infant Car Seat Compatible: Compatible with a wide range of infant car seat brands (adapters sold separately)
Design and Additional Features
Simple yet modern, the Bugaboo Butterfly features a sleek black frame and comes in three natural hues, from earthy Forest Green to deep Stormy Blue. And with removable padding that can be thrown in the washer when sticky fingers find their way onto the stroller, the Bugaboo Butterfly can be cleaned right up so it’s ready to take you on another adventure!
Colors: Forest Green, Midnight Black, Stormy Blue
Fabrics: Water-repellent, removable and machine washable polyester polyamide fabric
Frame: Aluminium
Wheels: Puncture-proof rubber wheels with 4-wheel suspension
Price: $429.00
Included Accessories: Rain Cover, Carry Strap
Other Accessories Compatible with the Bugaboo Butterfly (sold separately):
- Butterfly Bumper Bar
- Butterfly Car Seat Adapter
- Cup Holder
- Smartphone Holder
- Parasol+
- Dual Comfort Seat Liner
- Organizer
- Footmuff (shown below)
- Wool Seat Liner
- Changing Bag
- Changing Mat
The UPPAbaby MINU V2 Stroller
Last but not least, UPPAbaby! UPPAbaby is a leading retailer in the baby gear world, especially when it comes to their high-end strollers! The UPPAbaby VISTA V2, for example, is one of the best selling strollers year after year. But the VISTA V2 is not the only incredible stroller they’ve released in the past few years. The UPPbaby MINU V2 offers a more compact alternative for busy parents that don’t really need the option for another seat, all while still offering many of the perks we know and love from the VISTA!
UPPAbaby MINU V2 in Stella
The UPPAbaby MINU V2 comes in five gorgeous colors and features a 100% full-grain leather handlebar and bumper bar, giving off a luxurious vibe. The MINU V2 is also compatible with many different infant car seats as well as the UPPAbaby bassinet attachment, giving you a stroller that’s so much more than a compact travel accessory. And to make it even better, the MINU V2 even has it’s own PiggyBack board for when your toddler no longer wants to walk. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Travel Features
The UPPAbaby MINU V2 has a lot of excellent advantages that make it a perfect candidate for your upcoming travels! Although not as lightweight as the Nuna TRVL or the Baby Jogger City Tour 2, the UPPAbaby MINU V2 has an extra-large storage basket, allowing you to bring along more essentials on your day out. The spring-loaded fold also makes it super quick to pop open your stroller when you’re ready to use it.
Weight: 16.9 pounds
Carry Handle: Built-in carry handle and shoulder strap
Travel Bag: Not included
Storage Basket Weight Capacity: 20 pounds
Parent Handlebar Height: 41 inches
Self-Standing Fold: Yes
Folded Dimensions: 12″L x 20.3″W x 23″H
Child Comfort Measures
The fabrics in the UPPAbaby MINU V2 are not only beautiful, but cozy, soft, and plush as well, offering kiddos a great napping spot. And with an extra-spacious seat, your infants and bigger kiddos will both love lounging in this stroller.
Weight Capacity: 50 pounds
Adjustable Calf Support: Yes
Recline: One-hand, multi-position recline
Canopy: 3-panel zip-out, extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection
Belly/Bumper Bar: Included with purchase
Infant Car Seat Compatible: Compatible with a wide range of infant car seat brands (adapters sold separately and required for all of the following)
Design and Additional Features
UPPAbaby provides plenty of unique color combos to ensure you get just the look you’re going for in a stroller! Whether you like the classic chestnut leather handlebars, or a more modern look with the carbon black frame and matching black leather handles, there are options when it comes to the MINU V2! And with a sturdy aluminum frame and all-wheel suspension wheels, the luxe style of your stroller will be second-rate compared to its top-notch performance!
Colors: CHARLOTTE (Coastal Blue), EMILIA (Sage Green), GREYSON (Charcoal Melange), JAKE (Charcoal), STELLA (Grey Melange)
Fabrics: Removable polyester fabric
Frame: Aluminum
Wheels: All-wheel suspension, rubber wheels
Price: $449.99
Included Accessories: Bumper bar, carry strap
Other Accessories Compatible with the UPPAbaby MINU V2 (sold separately):
Top 4 Travel Stroller Comparison: Side by Side View
Travel/Compact Stroller FAQ’s
Will these strollers fit into an overhead bin of an airplane?
According to the IATA guidelines, “Carry-on baggage allowance can vary according to the airline, the cabin class you are traveling in and even the size of the aircraft. As a general guide, carry-on baggage should have maximum length of 22 in, width of 18 in and depth of 10 in. These dimensions include wheels, handles, side pockets, etc.”
Of the strollers listed, only the Bugaboo Butterfly falls below these guidelines. However, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 comes very close, only going .2 inches over on one side. However, this does not necessarily mean the other strollers won’t fit. Always check with the airline ahead of time to double check.
In the off-chance the flight attendants and airport staff won’t allow you to take your stroller on board, you can check the stroller at the gate. You will then get your stroller back as you exit the plane so you can continue to use it throughout the airport.
Before gate checking your stroller or before putting it into the overhead bin, it’s best to put it into a protective bag to protect it from damage and dirt. Both the Nuna TRVL and the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 come with a storage bag. If you purchase the Bugaboo Butterfly or UPPAbaby MINU V2, you may want to purchase a travel bag.
Are all travel strollers compatible with infant car seats?
Not all travel strollers are compatible with infant car seats! However, all 4 of the strollers listed in this article are compatible with at least one brand of infant car seat. Double check the compatible car seats list and adapter requirements before deciding on the stroller to ensure it will work for you!
Can you use a travel/compact stroller as an everyday stroller?
Yes! Depending on your lifestyle, you could get by with using a travel stroller every day without needing to buy a full-size stroller. If you live in a big city, for example, a travel stroller may be ideal for you. Travel strollers often have smaller wheels that make it more difficult to handle rough terrains. But if you’re living in a big city with paved sidewalks, you won’t need to worry about having a stroller with big, thick wheels.
A travel stroller would also be ideal for city life because they’re compact, making them easier to store in small apartments or to fit into a taxi or Uber than a full-sized stroller.
If you live in a more rural community and will be off-roading it often, you may want to have a stroller with larger wheels to handle the rough terrain in addition to your travel stroller.
What’s the benefit of having a front-wheel lock on a travel stroller?
The advantage of having a stroller with front-wheels that have a locking option is that it allows you to travel across rough surfaces more easily. Unlocking the front wheel will then allow for better maneuverability and turns on smooth terrain.
Both the Nuna TRVL and the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 have a front-wheel lock, but the Bugaboo Butterfly and UPPAbaby MINU V2 do not.
Do I really need a storage bag for my travel stroller?
Technically, no; you don’t “need” a storage bag. However, if you’re planning to travel on an airplane often, it’s HIGHLY recommended to avoid excessive wear and tear on your stroller for when it gets gate checked. And even if you’re putting it in an overhead bin, the storage bag can protect the handlebars from tears, the frame from scratches, and the wheels from being caught on other people’s baggage that could cause breakage or damages.
Do any of these strollers offer a fully upright, 90 degree seat?
Although none of the strollers listed here sit at a full 90 degrees when upright, several of them get pretty close! If your little one is picky and likes to sit as upright as possible, we recommend visiting us in store to test out the strollers beforehand to see if the upright positioning is enough for your toddler.
Of the strollers listed above, the Nuna TRVL and the UPPAbaby MINU V2 have the most upright seats.
Whether you’re traveling across the world with your infants and toddlers, or just visiting grandma for the holidays, a travel stroller is worth the investment! And who knows, it may just become your favorite baby item you own!
For more gear comparisons or parenting tips, such as how to travel on an airplane with toddlers, be sure to check out our blog at babycubby.com!
