With Shelter-in-Place, travel might seem like a dream, but these lightweight “travel” strollers are great for every day use too! Many now push like a full sized stroller, are compatible with an infant car seat AND save your back if you have stairs up to your home.
Today I will be comparing my three favorite travel strollers. Here is a quick breakdown in case you don’t have time for my entire video below (my strength is in gear knowledge NOT video production so please forgive me in advance!).
Weights 15.8 lbs, fits a child up to 50 lbs, compatible with infant car seats (Maxi Cosi, Nuna, Cybex) and costs $399 – $455 (with 20% through Bugaboo’s sale going on NOW through 4/30)
Best Features: The Ant is a super-compact stroller that works from birth on up that pushes like a dream. The stroller features high density, foam-filled wheels that don’t wear down, an all-wheel suspension system, and a built-in attachment for a Comfort Wheeled Board (board sold separately at $125) so two kids can ride. Our favorite feature, other than the unparalleled ease-of-push in this category, is that the seat faces in and faces out. This feature can be a blessing not only for use with a newborn but also for a toddler who needs some quiet time for a nap while you are out and about. We also love the trolly feature on the stroller and how you can place your boarding materials and essentials in the back pockets and roll right up to the gate.
Downsides? When Bugaboo first came out with the Ant the seat didn’t seem deep enough but Bugaboo soon added the Ant Leg Rest (sells for $39.99). You will likely not need the rest extender for the first year as it works best for kids with longer legs but it can be a great addition. Secondly, while the design is sheer brilliance (and totally original) you might need to practice folding the stroller a couple of times to get it down quickly. There are a few steps involved but the ease of push and versatile seating options well make up for this.
Weights 11.9 lbs, fits a child up to 55lbs, compatible with infant car seats (Maxi Cosi, Nuna, Cybex) and costs $399
Best Features: The Maclaren Atom is one of the lightest strollers in its class but still manages to feel incredibly sturdy while having one of the highest weight limit (55lbs!). We love the all-wheel suspension, one-handed fold, fully removable fabric including an oversized canopy with ventilated peek-a-boo window, use from birth on up AND the fact that Maclaren has global safety standards and a life-time warranty, so they are really walking the walk on to manufacture gear truly meant for circular economy. Bonus, the Atom style set also includes a reversible seat liner, travel bag and rainguard!
Downsides? The seat only faces forward and it may not sit up as straight as your child would like, especially if you have a highly curious tot.
Weights 14 lbs, fits a child up to 50 lbs, not compatible with infant car seats, costs $199
Best Features: the Lara offers ease of push, soft and comfortable ride for baby, multi-positionable footrest, super-simple one handed fold and is a favorite for nannies and grandparents everywhere. There are also two different storage compartments in the back, an included cupholder, a peekaboo window in the canopy and a very pleasing price tag!
Downsides? No suspension, the seat only faces forward and the recline does not go down as deep as the other two strollers.
Quick Look:
- Works for birth on up: Ant and Atom
- Compatible with a carry-cot/bassinet: Ant and Atom
- All Wheel Suspension: Ant and Atom
- Fabric that is fully removable and machine washable: Ant and Atom (Lara seat fabric and underseat basket can be removed for machine washed but canopy can not)
- Peek-a-Boo window in canopy: Atom and Lara
- Authorized Repair Program (quick repairs, many parts easily obtainable straight to consumer): Ant, Atom, Lara
- Positionable Leg Rest: Atom and Lara (Ant has an add on leg rest available for an additional cost of $39)
- Best Warranty in order: Atom (lifetime), Lara (3+1 year), Bugaboo (2 years). Do keep in mind that when purchasing through Stroller Spa, breakage is less likely to occur as we offer complimentary tutorials and upkeep for the duration of your use.
Further thoughts or questions? Please reach out here. We are always happy to help!
Lots of love and stay safe and healthy <3
