Family Travel

6 OF THE BEST TRAVEL STROLLERS IN 2021

Photograph by Derek Owens_UnsplashSource: Derek Owens_Unsplash

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BABY BUGGIES FOR FAMILY TRAVELS

Personal shopper Daniela Giesen is a leading expert in the baby market. She’s been a specialist in the field of baby products for 15 years. Daniela works as a buyer at prestigious baby store Baby Kochs in Düsseldorf, Germany. She’s also a full-time shopping advisor and specialist in the baby consumer lifestyle industry. She says, “It started with just specializing in baby clothes, but soon I was advising new parents what items were good for newborns.” Daniela has a commercial agency for strollers, and she continues to support parents with all their shopping necessities. When it comes to baby travel essentials, what all parents can’t live without is a baby buggy. But which is the best travel buggy to buy for your baby in the market today? Daniela tries and tests six of the best baby buggies. There’s something for everyone, so don’t get on a plane without one of these!

UPPABABY MINU
UPPABABY MINU

6TH RUNNER-UP UPPABABY MINU

At only 14.5 pounds, it’s super light and compact. It feels stable and secure to handle with ease. It has many plus points when walking around the city. Pull out the UV SPF 50 protection canopy and your baby will be protected from the sun. It even has a peekaboo window with a mesh cover, so your baby will get a breeze (weather permitting) whilst you’re also able to monitor your baby’s movements. Overall, it’s a great stroller for travel and city life, with an easy one-hand fold that’s simple to use. It comes with a strap so you can throw it over your shoulder if needed. Also, if you take off the rear wheels it can fit into hand luggage. It may not fit into all overhead lockers on the plane, but it can fit into some, so check before you travel. It’s suitable for babies from 3 months old (around 14 lbs up to 50 Ibs). But remember to purchase the birth kit if you want to use it for your newborn. The seat is reclinable and it has a hefty basket that carries 20 lbs…wow! And we love the pocket bag that’s attached to the stroller. It’s great for parents if they want to drop off their keys or phones in it, so you won’t need to carry a handbag.

Facts

  • Folded dimensions of Uppababy MINU: 11.5 x 20.5 x 23 inches (29 x 52 x 58cm)
  • Weighs only 14.8 lbs 
  • Maximum weight: 50 Ibs
  • Suitable for babies from 3 months up to 50 lbs
  • Suitable for newborns with the birth kit.

Pros

  • Great sun canopy
  • Really awesome one-handed fold
  • Will last a long time, carrying children at 50 lbs
  • Car seat compatible

Cons

  • Not small enough for most airline carry-on

Uppababy Minu €395
Newborn Set €129
Bumper Bar €34,95
Snack Tray €49,95
Transport Backpack €99,95 
Car Seat Adapter €33,95

BABYZEN YOYO2
BABYZEN YOYO2

5TH RUNNER-UP BABYZEN YOYO2

The aesthetically beautiful stroller has a selection of great colours from peppermint, red, ginger, aqua and many more variants. There are several great accessories to add to the stroller as well like a mosquito net, leg rest, cupholder, ride along board, car seat adapters and a parasol. The latest version features independent suspension in all four wheels which is easier for steering. They’ve also reinforced the frame to give a more stable ride. It’s got a UPF canopy with a peekaboo window, which we love. To fold, press the upper two white buttons, fold the handle downwards and then reach under the seat to press another button and pull one handle at the same time. You can carry it with a strap over your shoulder. It easily fits into hand luggage and into the overhead bin on an aircraft which is the key feature of why this stroller is so popular. It basically fits almost everywhere. 

Facts

  • Folds in 2 steps
  • Aircraft certificated
  • Maximum weight: 48.5 lbs
  • Suitable for newborns with the birth kit

Pros

  • Great steering
  • Smooth ride
  • Peekaboo window
  • Extremely compact
  • Car seat compatible

Cons

  • You can’t adjust the handlebar so it’s tricky for those that are very small or very tall
  • The wheels are small and tough on rough terrain

Babyzen YOYO2 €429
Bassinet €219
Raincover €29
Car Seat Adapter €69
Kiddie Ride-on Board €99

BUGABOO ANT

4TH RUNNER-UP BUGABOO ANT

The Bugaboo Ant is incredibly compact but it’s heavier than the other two strollers. It’s easy to drive with advanced suspension, while its height-adjustable seat lets your child face you or the world in one simple switch. Although the seat does look slightly narrow, it’s still a great choice as a stroller which will grow with you and your baby. It has a handy wheeled board accessory that transforms the Bugaboo Ant into a two-child ride in just a few clicks. A disadvantage is that it takes several steps to fold it and to unfold it which is impractical for most multitasking and busy parents. The procedure seems a little complicated, and in comparison to others in the market it’s a little bit of a turn off.

Facts

  • Maximum weight: 50 lbs
  • Suitable from birth, for extra comfort buy the Bugaboo Baby Cocoon
  • Reversible seat, with parent-facing or facing-the-world position
  • Rear luggage basket holds up to 11 lbs
  • Under seat basket holds up to 6.6 lbs

Pros

  • Comfortable reclining seat featuring three positions
  • Smooth ride with advanced suspension
  • Extremely compact in size
  • Car seat compatible

Cons

  • One of the heavier strollers in the market at 15.8 lbs 
  • The wheels are small and tough on rough terrain
  • Folds in several steps

Bugaboo Ant €499
Rain Cover €39 
Footrest €35 
Car Seat Adapter €39
Backpack €49

JOOLZ AER
JOOLZ AER

3TH RUNNER-UP JOOLZ AER

A striking ergonomic buggy, with a patent-pending backrest that supports your baby’s back and neck in every position. This buggy can be used from birth to toddler (with a separate birth kit) and folds down in one-second – even with the cot attached.  When you need it, your buggy flips open in a second. There’s plenty of storage for toys and groceries too. Lightweight and compact the seat is well-padded and super cosy. The reclining seat almost goes all the way down. To use it you just have to adjust it with a zip. This can be a bit tricky if your child is already sleeping on the stroller and the zip gets stuck. The footrest and handlebar are not included, but it can be purchased as an option. Weighing just 13.4 lbs, it easily fits into an airplane overhead compartment if you take off the footrest and handlebar. It also has an integrated shoulder strap for easy carrying.

Facts

  • Maximum weight: 40 lbs
  • Comes in multi colours
  • Smooth and effortless manoeuvring
  • Sizeable basket underneath
  • Separate cot is needed for babies under 6 months

Pros

  • Fits into cabin lockers
  • Extremely compact in size
  • Only weighs 13.4 lbs
  • Folds in one-piece
  • Car seat compatible

Cons

  • Zip open recline

Joolz Aer €399
Bumper Bar €39
Footrest €29
Car Seat Adapter €39

EASYWALKER MILEY
EASYWALKER MILEY

2ND RUNNER-UP EASYWALKER MILEY

The sophisticated design comes in several colourful choices. The fabrics are sustainable and made from recycled plastic bottles which contribute to helping the environment.  The Easywalker Miley is no ordinary buggy; it is designed for city life. You only need one hand to fold the Miley into a cabin-size package. The compact folded package can easily be carried around using one of Miley’s carrying options: by hand using the designed frame handle; over the shoulder with the comfortable shoulder strap; or as a trolley making use of Easywalker’s trolley extension. It has a bumper bar and a small light to make it easier to see in the dark. You can also buy a soft carrier for your newborn to make it more comfortable. The footrest also makes it very comfortable especially when you fully recline the seat. What you can’t do, however, is buy adapters to fit a car seat, which is such a shame. There are a lot of accessories you are able to buy with it like a cup holder, steering wheel and phone holder.

Facts

  • Maximum weight: 49 lbs
  • Comes in multi colours
  • Smooth and effortless manoeuvering
  • Sustainability – fabric made of recycled plastic
  • Suitable from birth (soft carrycot sold separately)
  • Weighs 15 lbs
  • Four-wheel suspension

Pros

  • Fits into cabin lockers
  • Extremely compact in size
  • Foldable with only one hand, free-standing unit when folded
  • Unique accessory system – attachment of various accessories
  • Large shopping basket
  • Extendable UPF 50+ sun canopy, including ventilation window and viewing panel

Cons

  • No car seat adapter

Easywalker Miley €269
Steering Wheel €19
Cup Holder €19
Mosquito Net €19

MAST M.2
MAST M.2

WINNER! MAST M.2

This is possibly the Rolls-Royce of all baby strollers. Not only does it look stylish and sophisticated; it’s light, compact and comes in an array of colourful designs. It has a fairly large seat for a stroller too, and it can be adjusted to a 170° angle. Along with its comfortable footrest, it makes it possible for your baby to lie almost totally flat, which is great for when they nap or if they are just a few months old.  The footrest can also be adjusted into three different comfy positions. The Mast M.2 is equipped with a safety barrier and a practical sun canopy for sunnier days, whilst a cocoon is also a great added accessory for colder months. The side zip allows your child to get out of the stroller easily and comfortably. The outside of the cocoon is water repellent, so it protects your child from the snow and wind. When the backrest is set back, pull the flap up at the back, zip it up, and there is a net, which allows the air to circulate all the time – great for summer. Through the viewing windows in the canopy, and on the backside of the seat, you always have your child in view. And, of course, your child can look out through the net which is also a nice feature. A real plus point is the safety bar that can be opened on both sides. If you take it out, a car seat can be mounted on the buggy, using an adapter. We totally love this feature! The buggy can be folded easily with one hand. To fold it, push a button on the handle and it folds instantly. It can be unfolded even faster! It is great for travel and can fit with ease on the plane as hand carry. It’s possibly like the easiest buggy to use available on the market today.

Facts

  • Weight up to 45 lbs
  • Comes in multi colours
  • Front and back suspension allows a smooth ride
  • Suitable from birth (soft carrycot sold separately)

Pros

  • Fits into cabin lockers
  • Car seat adapters available
  • Extremely compact in size
  • Weighs 13 lbs so its light
  • Push button foldable, with only one hand
  • Unique accessory system – attachment of various accessories
  • Large shopping basket that carries up to 13 lbs
  • Extendable sun canopy, including ventilation window and viewing panel

Cons

  • N/A

Mast M.2 €249
Newborn Inlay €45
Car Seat Adapter €29
Backpack €79
Cocoon €79

Yoyo2Mast M.2Bugaboo AntEasywalker MileyJoolz AerUPPAbaby Minu
Price€429€249 - €269€499€269€399€398
Rain cover€29Set of 3 - €44€39IncludedIncludedIncluded
Bumper barN/AIncludedN/AIncluded€39€20
Footrest€29Included€35Included€29Included
Mosquito net€19Set of 3 - €44€15€19€29Included
Car seat adapter€69€29€39N/A€39€20
Bassinet€250N/AN/AN/AN/A€75
Newborn inleyN/A€44€69€99N/AN/A
Kiddie ride-on board€109N/A€105€69N/AN/A
Footmuff€109€75€109€59€120€144
Travel bag€59€65€49IncludedIncluded€54
Size52x44x1854x52x2455x38x2359x45x2853,5x45x21,552x58x29
Weight6.2kg5.9kg7.2kg7kg6.1kg6.7kg
Seat22kg20kg22kg22kg22kg15kg
Basket5kg3kg3kg3kg5kg9kg
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