Traveling with a little one can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when it comes to finding the right gear that makes your trip easier. One of the most essential items for on-the-go parents is a travel stroller—something lightweight, compact, and comfortable for both you and your baby. At The Piccolina Shop, we carry some of the best travel strollers on the market, but with so many excellent options, how do you choose the one that best fits your family’s travel needs?
To help you decide, we’ve broken down four of the top travel strollers: the Stokke YOYO, Bugaboo Butterfly, UPPAbaby MINU, and Nuna TRVL. Let’s explore their unique features and how each might suit your lifestyle and travel plans.
1. Stokke YOYO: The Compact Classic
The Stokke YOYO is a trusted favorite among jet-setting parents. It has built a reputation for its sleek, ultra-compact fold and lightweight design, making it a top choice for city travelers and international jetsetters.
Key Features:
- Weight: At just 13 pounds, the YOYO is light enough to carry with one hand and meets most airline carry-on requirements.
- Compact Fold: The YOYO folds down small enough to fit into an overhead bin on airplanes, making it ideal for frequent flyers or those who need to minimize space in cars and hotel rooms.
- Smooth Ride: Despite its small size, the YOYO offers a surprisingly smooth ride with its shock-absorbing wheels and sturdy suspension, making it great for city streets or cobblestone paths.
- Customizable: The YOYO grows with your child, allowing you to attach a newborn bassinet or use the seat as a standard toddler stroller.
Best for: Parents who travel by plane often and need a stroller that folds down small enough to fit in tight spaces, like overhead compartments or crowded cafes.
2. Bugaboo Butterfly: Compact Without Compromise
The Bugaboo Butterfly combines the convenience of a compact stroller with the comfort and luxury you’d expect from a full-size model. Its standout feature is the one-second fold, making it incredibly easy to fold and unfold, even with a baby in one arm.
Key Features:
- Weight: Weighing 16.1 pounds, the Butterfly is slightly heavier than the YOYO, but still light enough for easy travel.
- One-Second Fold: The intuitive folding mechanism is one of the Butterfly’s best features—just one hand and a quick flick, and you’re ready to go.
- Spacious Seat: The extra-large padded seat and tall backrest make this stroller comfortable for bigger toddlers, with room to grow.
- Ample Storage: A large under-seat basket and easy-to-access storage pockets make it practical for storing all your travel essentials.
Best for: Parents who want the best of both worlds—compact fold and ample comfort for bigger toddlers—without sacrificing premium quality or ease of use.
3. UPPAbaby MINU: Lightweight and Functional
The UPPAbaby MINU is a lightweight, stylish option that still provides the high-quality features parents have come to expect from UPPAbaby. Its durability and maneuverability make it perfect for city streets, airports, and everywhere in between.
Key Features:
- Weight: The MINU comes in at 14.5 pounds, striking a balance between lightness and sturdiness.
- One-Hand Fold: The one-hand, one-step fold is simple and fast, perfect for parents who need to juggle multiple tasks while traveling.
- Durability: The MINU offers a smooth ride with its all-wheel suspension and is built to handle a variety of terrains.
- Expandable Features: For newborns, the MINU is compatible with UPPAbaby’s From Birth Kit or MESA infant car seat, providing a seamless transition from car to stroller.
Best for: Families looking for a lightweight stroller with UPPAbaby’s trusted durability and the option to use it from birth with additional accessories.
4. Nuna TRVL: Effortless Self-Folding Convenience
The Nuna TRVL is an excellent choice for parents who prioritize convenience and ease of use. It’s designed with automatic folding technology, making it stand out for busy parents who need to quickly fold and stow the stroller without any hassle.
Key Features:
- Weight: At just 13.6 pounds, the TRVL is lightweight and easy to carry when traveling.
- Self-Folding: The automatic, self-folding feature is perfect for parents who need to fold the stroller while managing their baby and luggage. Just press a button, and the stroller folds on its own!
- Travel-Friendly: The TRVL is airline-certified and fits easily into overhead compartments, making it ideal for frequent flyers.
- Luxurious Comfort: Despite its compact size, the TRVL doesn’t compromise on comfort. It features plush fabrics and suspension on all wheels for a smooth ride.
Best for: Parents who prioritize convenience and want a stroller with automatic folding for ease when traveling, especially by air.
How to Choose the Right Travel Stroller for Your Needs
Now that you’ve learned about each stroller, here are a few tips to help you decide which one is right for your family:
- Type of Travel: Are you frequently traveling by air or navigating tight spaces like public transportation? The Stokke YOYO and Nuna TRVL both fold down to fit in overhead bins, making them ideal for air travel. The Bugaboo Butterfly and UPPAbaby MINU are great for those looking for comfort and versatility while still maintaining a compact fold.
- Weight and Portability: If you need something ultra-light, the Stokke YOYO or Nuna TRVL are the lightest options. For slightly more features and a bit of extra weight, the Bugaboo Butterfly and UPPAbaby MINU still offer excellent portability without sacrificing comfort.
- Ease of Use: If folding the stroller quickly and easily is a top priority, the Nuna TRVL offers automatic folding, while the Bugaboo Butterfly has an easy one-second fold. The UPPAbaby MINU also provides a one-hand fold for quick storage.
- Comfort for Your Child: If your child is on the taller side or you want extra padding, the Bugaboo Butterfly has an extra-large seat and high backrest that will last into the toddler years. The UPPAbaby MINU offers great comfort as well, especially when paired with the From Birth Kit.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right travel stroller depends on your family’s specific needs and the types of trips you plan to take. At The Piccolina Shop, we’re here to help guide you through the process and find the perfect travel stroller for your adventures.
Come visit us in-store to test out the Stokke YOYO, Bugaboo Butterfly, UPPAbaby MINU, and Nuna TRVL, or check out our website to explore more. Whichever you choose, you’ll be one step closer to effortless, enjoyable family travel.
Which travel stroller features are most important to you? Come visit us at The Piccolina Shop in Greenwich, CT to test drive your new travel buddy!