The Best Flight Friendly Travel Strollers Of 2018
The technology consumer market isn't the only sector experiencing growth with frequent product releases and innovation. Strollers are indeed a necessity in the modern world, particularly for parents with a need or desire to travel with young children. Enter the flight friendly stroller.
One of the most sought-after strollers are the ones that you can effortlessly maneuver in tight places like restaurants, malls, cafe's, buses, train stations and airports. Whether you live in a busy city, constantly travelling or just want a second stroller that you can use on the go, read on to find out about some great strollers that are not only lightweight but also compact and designed to fit in most airline's overhead luggage compartments.
Mima Zigi
This compact stroller has full features similar to a full size stroller. The handlebar is adjustable something you don't normally get in a lightweight buggy. The canopy is extendable and has a great sun coverage with 2 large panels and 3 sun visors, the second and third visors has UV protection. Behind the canopy there is a small lever that you push down to automatically close it, pull it back up to fully open.
Another sleek feature of the Mima Zigi is it's unique transparent wheels with all-wheel suspension. The backrest has three recline positions excellent for when your child needs a rest. The basket can carry a fair amount of items and has a back panel that you flip down for easy access. Additionally, this panel has a mesh pocket for storing the rain cover which is included when you purchase this stroller.
If you think this stroller couldn't get any better, it does! It's also a travel system allowing you to use it from birth by using the compatible car seat adapter (sold separately) to attach Mima Zigi carrycot and various car seats models.
To fold the Mima Zigi, close the canopy to ensure the handlebar is in the lowest position then pull the strap on the seat upwards and you're done. You end up with a compact fold in a standing position that can be stored even in the most tight of places. Unfold it by lifting the handlebar upwards.
Best features:
- travel system compatible
- 3-position adjustable handlebar
- large canopy with 3 sun visors
- 3 recline backseat positions
- one hand fold
- front wheel suspension
- 11 liter storage basket
- 5-Point Harness
- EVA wheels
Optional accessories (all sold separately except the rain cover which is included when you purchase the stroller):
- cup holder
- mosquito net
- winter outfit (made of waterproof fabric on the outside and soft wool on the inside includes a warm and cosy hand muff to protect the parents hand's)
- carrycot
- adapter (car seat and carry cot compatible)
- Zigi travel bag (a backpack style storage bag with hand carry strap option)
- footmuff
- baby headrest
- safety bar includes a zip-on sleeve (available in 3 colours: silver, camel and chocolate)
See the Mima Zigi website for more details.
Zoe XLC Best v2
The Zoe XLC Best v2 is a lightweight compact stroller made of high-grade aluminum and weighs 11 pounds. The seat reclines 165 degrees and can be easily adjusted with one hand by releasing or pulling up the string on the back of the seat. A magnetic peekaboo window makes it easy to keep an eye out on your little one.
There's a small storage pocket on the roll-up rear shade. The front wheels are lockable and with suspension and can handle different terrains. The large storage basket underneath this stroller has an elastic on both the front and the back securing your important belongings from falling off. The adjustable leg rest and wide footrest are additional features you will sure to love about this stroller. You'd rather not have your child's feet dangling, right?
A huge 4-panel canopy protects your child from the harmful sun and is extendable to suit your needs. This stroller is recommended for age 3 months up to 18 kg (39 lbs). The compact fold size of Zoe XLC Best v2 has the following dimensions: L (6") x W (17") x H (21").
Best features:
- peekaboo window with magnetic closure
- storage pocket behind the rear shade
- front wheel suspension with lockable and swivel functions
- spacious basket underneath
- adjustable leg rest
- 4-panel canopy
Optional accessories:
- parent Console
- child console (coming soon)
- Travel backpack & storage bag
- single carry strap or 2-pack double carry straps
- ventilated rain & snow weather cover
- removable & interchangeable DELUXE comfort pad/pillow
- replacement removable & interchangeable DELUXE 4-panel canopy
- replacement removable & interchangeable harness DELUXE comfort pad/covers
A durable, stylish and affordable stroller created by a family-owned company of seven: Grandpa, Dad, Mum and two sets of twins.
See the Zoe website for more details.
GB Pockit+
The GB Pockit+ has been upgraded from the original model Gb pockit. The Pockit+ has better fabric, a bigger seat, can recline and has a canopy instead of sun visor. It can also be used as a travel system using the adapters (sold separately) you can connect a GB or CYBEX infant car seat to the pockit+. The adapters also enables you to connect the GB Baby Cot To Go to the pockit+ which can be used from birth to approx. 6 months (9kg).
The multi-position recline seat of the pockit+ makes it easy to nap for convenience. Pull the tether strap down at the back of the seat to recline and pull it up to sit the child upright. Unzip the zipper at the back of the seat to extend the recline. The 2-panel canopy has UPF50+ sun protection. The compact fold dimensions of this stroller is: L (12.5") x W (7.8") x H (14.9").
Best features:
- UPF50+ rounded double canopy
- neoprene fabric
- recline feature
- 5-Point Harness
- wide and deeper seat
- compatible with GB Baby Cot To Go, GB or CYBEX infant car seat
Optional accessories:
- rain cover
- travel bag
- footmuff
- adapters for infant car seats
Travel genius with compact fold and travel system ready.
Babyzen Yoyo+ 0+ & 6+
Being the first stroller to be accepted as cabin luggage, Babyzen has come a long way in developing their stroller. Your child will have a smoother ride in this stroller's 4-wheel suspension suitable for different types of terrains. The basket capacity has increased to at least 60% compared to the previous Babyzen Yoyo. The handle is not adjustable but comfortable enough when pushed around.
The Yoyo+ 0+ and 6+ has a similar frame but configured differently. Yoyo+ 0+ can be used from birth using the newborn nest pack and is compatible with Nuna Pipa, Cybex Aton Q, Cloud Q, and the Maxi-Cosi Mico car seat using the yoyo+ car seat adapters. The car seat adapters are not compatible with the older babyzen yoyo version.
What's also great about the Yoyo 0+ is that you don't have to remove the newborn nest in order to fold the stroller, it folds compactly with the stroller. To attach the car seat, you unclip the canopy and newborn nest from the stroller frame and secure the car seat to the stroller using the adapters. The car seat will sit on top of the nest pack without trouble.
The Yoyo+ car seat adapter comes in two pieces, the top piece is the actual adapter that can stay attached to the car seat and the bottom piece is a clip that stays in your Yoyo+ stroller.
Turn your Yoyo+ 0+ to a Yoyo+ 6+ everyday stroller by adding the fabric seat. You can purchase the Yoyo 6+ stroller on it's own and get the newborn nest pack if needed.
The compact fold of this stroller is: L (28") x W (18.5") x H (40.3") and weighs 6.2 to 6.6 kg depending on the configuration.
Best features:
- bigger basket
- softer fabric
- travel system compatible
- multi-position recline
- padded carry strap
- 5-Point Harness
- soft drive all-wheel suspension
Optional accessories:
- Babyzen BeSafe iZi Go Modular car seat
- Yoyo+ car seat adapters
- Yoyo+ board
- Yoyo+ travel bag
- Babyzen parasols
- mosquito net (suitable for Yoyo+ 0+ % 6+)
- cup holder
- footmuff
See the Babyzen website for more details.
Mountain Buggy Nano v2
Another lightweight stroller that is packed with great features is the Mountain Buggy Nano v2. It weighs 13 lbs / 5.9 kg and is truly compact when folded, L (12) x W (22) x H (20).
The 2-panel canopy and a tuck away sun visor provides adequate sun protection. A mesh window at the back of the seat provides ventilation which is great for summer and there is a fabric extension overlay to cover during winter. The seat reclines 160 degrees which makes the seat deeper. Expect a smooth ride for your child as this stroller has built-in rear wheel suspension and lockable as well as swivel front wheels.
The built-in car seat adapter strap is excellent as you can use a huge variety of car seats particularly the Mountain Buggy protect infant car seat. To achieve a flat lie for newborn, the Mountain Buggy Nano carrycot is needed. The Nano v2 itself is not compatible for newborns.
Best features:
- 2-panel canopy and a tuck away sun visor
- 5-Point harness
- adjustable foot rest
- spacious basket
- 160 degrees seat recline
- rear wheel suspension
- swivel and lockable front wheels features
- travel system compatible
- built-in car seat strap
Optional accessories:
- freerider scooter / buggy board compatible
- travel bag (freestanding base with wheels and can be use as usual luggage
- Nano carry bag
- replacement sunhood / canopy
- Nano special edition colour packs
- newborn cocoon (not compatible with Nano v1
- sleeping bag
- double satchel (storage bag with multiple zipper closed compartments)
- Mountain Buggy protect car seat
- all weather cover set (rain cover and sun mesh)
- grab bar and food tray
- buggy pouch
- reversible liner and/or lambswool liner
- winter ski
- hand muffs
- parasol (stroller umbrella)
See the Mountain Buggy website for more details.
Diono Traverze Stroller
An addition to the compact travel stroller family is the new Diono Traverze stroller which weighs 12.3lbs / 5.6kg, is recommended from birth to 44 lbs (19.9 kg). The backrest lays almost flat comfortable and safe for newborns. The seat is well padded and spacious with mesh sides. The size of the canopy is excellent and also has a mesh panel for ventilation or to serve as a peekaboo window with a magnetic closure.
Similar to the canopy's mesh panel, the storage basket has a magnetic closure as well and is accessible through the back of the stroller. Open it up and and it extends the basket size. A friendly flip-flop break makes parking a breeze.
Best features:
- backrest reclines nearly flat
- pull-along handle for easy transport
- water resistant carry bag
- all-wheel suspension with shock absorbers (made of durable plastic)
- swivel front wheels
- storage pocket behind the seat
- 5-Point Harness
- one hand fold
Optional accessories (all sold separately):
- Diono Sun Net (protection from sun and insects)
- buggy buddy (snacks, drink bottle and small items organiser)
- buggy hooks (hold up to 7lbs /3.2kg’s per hook)
- clip on stroller fan
- 2-in-1 head support (for use in car seats, infant carriers and strollers)
- Diono dry seat (100% waterproof for potty training kids)
See the diono website for more details.
Baby Jogger City Tour
Baby Jogger is a well-known brand for creating well-made strollers and last year they introduced a travel stroller that you will surely love - the Baby Jogger City Tour! It's compact and lightweight and can accommodate a child up to 45 lbs (20.4 kg). It has a 3-panel large sun canopy and a tuck away sun visor. A mesh peekaboo window is located on top of the canopy with a velcro closure. The handlebar is non-adjustable but made of good quality rubber ensuring a comfortable grip. The recline is not fully flat but decent. This stroller is recommended for age 6 months plus.
Best features:
- multi-position recline
- mesh pocket behind the seat for storage
- includes a colour matching carry bag with backpack-style strap
- easy flip-flop foot brake
- EVA wheels & lockable and swiveling front wheel with suspension
- 5-Point Harnes
Optional accessories (all sold separately):
- Parent console
- cup holder
- hand muff
- weather shield
- belly bar
See the baby jogger website for more details.
NOTE: Although these strollers are advertised to fit in most plane's overheard compartment, it is BEST to check with your airline to avoid disappointment.