Ah, the joys of parenthood — the first laughs, the cuddles, and oh, the gear! If you’re anything like me, trying to choose the right stroller and car seat can make you feel like you’re preparing to scale Everest rather than just navigate the city streets.

Enter the Doona Car Seat & Stroller Travel System 2-in-1 Combo, a unique “car seat mobility solution” that fills a niche for certain types of parents (not everyone!). We asked a group of our readers to contribute to this Doona car seat review, so you’re getting more than the perspective of one single person. Let’s go…

A Unique Car Seat to a Stroller Combo

Picture this: You’ve just managed to get your little bundle of joy comfortably settled in their infant car seat after them passionately arguing against it. Now, you’ve reached your destination, and it’s time to get them out… but wait, you don’t have to wake them up! The Doona seamlessly transitions from an infant car seat into a stroller; it’s basically the Transformer of the baby gear world.

That’s Right… It’s a Car Seat with Legs 

This innovative product seamlessly transforms from a car seat to a stroller in seconds, making it a perfect solution for on-the-go parents who need to transition quickly without sacrificing safety or ease of use. 

Its compact design means it fits easily into the trunk of a car or the corner of a room, saving precious space in car or home. The practicality of this design is a win for city dwellers. Plus, the stable install without a base means you can jump from sidewalk to Uber without breaking a sweat. 

Keep reading for our in-depth, non-bias Doona car seat review.

How Much Does the Doona Cost?

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, you need to know that the Doona car seat stroller is one of the priciest infant seats on the market; it runs from $550 to $650, which is undoubtedly at the very high end compared to regular (ahem, civilian) infant car seats.  

But remember, the initial investment in a Doona is higher because its dual functionality, especially if you aren’t shelling out money for a separate stroller.

Who Should Use The Doona Car Seat and Stroller

The Doona is designed for those who put a premium on convenience, utility, and, admittedly, those who don’t mind the extra weight.

Keep in mind, the Doona will only be used for about 12-15 months, depending on how quickly your child outgrows it by height (infant car seats are almost always outgrown by height rather than by weight).

Doona fits the bill for the following niches:

• Urban parents: Those living in cities who appreciate the Doona’s compact size and maneuverability for navigating busy sidewalks and public transportation where a full-size stroller (or 2 separate pieces) is too much to schlep.
  
• Parents with Older Kids: Far and away, the biggest fans of the Doona are parents with older kids. Doona is perfect for those quick dropoffs and pickups when you just need to run in and out, like to the preschool or school door, without having to carry along and assemble a separate stroller. 
  
• Parents who run a lot of errands in the car, with baby in tow: Are you the type of person who does a lot of errand-running in-person? Some people prefer to shop in person. One of our reviewers loves the Doona because her other child has medical needs, and they were in and out for medical appointments several times per week.
  
• Travel enthusiasts: Families who travel often and need a quick, easy solution for moving between car, airport, and exploring destinations. Doona installs easily on a plane. It’s the ideal solution for navigating the airport, airplane and ground transportation situation, especially if you have older kids to chase around.
  
• Those with limited living space: People with smaller living spaces or minimal storage who value the Doona’s dual functionality, saving the need for separate car seat and stroller storage. If you are living in a studio in NYC or Tokyo, nobody has room for a separate stroller.
  
• Active, on-the-go families: Those with a fast-paced lifestyle who benefit from the convenience of transitioning from car seat to stroller without waking a sleeping baby. Are you the type of parent who can’t sit still and is always out and about (by car)? You know who you are
  
• First-time parents: New moms and dads looking for a simple, straightforward, and safe mobility solution for their newborn who don’t want to worry about car seat/stroller compatibility or those who don’t want to mess with assembling a stroller and car seat every time. You’re already sleep-deprived, let’s not make the situation worse by added mechanical complexity to your life. For this reason, we also recommend it for…
  
• Grandparents: Looking for a no-brainer car seat/stroller solution for your grandkid? Provided you have smooth surfaces to stroll on and understand the added weight of the car seat, this is a perfect solution for grandparents.
  
• Minimalists: Families who prefer to own fewer, more versatile items that serve multiple purposes and contribute to a clutter-free lifestyle.

Doona Reviewers Say…

“The Doona has saved me with preschool pick up and drop off this year, total game changer and is perfect for allll the appointments especially as it fits into exam rooms nicely. It has fit in nicely but doesn’t replace our UppaBaby Vista. Different uses and we were lucky enough to get our Doona used to help with the steep price tag!” – reader C. Beck

“It is definitely heavier than the Chicco Keyfit 30, but totally worth not having to worry about a stroller when getting three in and out of the car.” – reader C. Yegian

“Living in a big city (Los Angeles), it was the perfect car seat stroller for our needs – we could take an Uber/travel without worrying about a car seat, super compact for moving around and riding on the subway/busses, and just so convenient to be able to transfer a sleeping baby in any situation. We are definitely using it for our second baby as well!” – reader L. Straw

The Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller Is Especially Great For Those Who Don’t Have A Car

With the Doona, you seamlessly transition from a secure car seat to a nimble stroller in seconds, a feature that seems tailor-made for the car-free parent. It eliminates the need for cumbersome gear ill-suited to the urban lifestyle, where space and convenience are paramount. Whether you’re hailing a cab for a playdate or navigating the city’s bus or subway, the Doona’s compact design makes it easy.

Conveniently, the Doona installs best without the base, and uses a European belt path with color-coded markings to guide you through the baseless installation, so it’s easy to install on the fly (vs. the Evenflo Shyft, for example).

Pros and Cons

Why We Love the Doona Infant Car Seat

To recap, there are so many reasons we recommend the Doona Car Seat Stroller Combo.

• Seamless Transition: The built-in stroller situation is truly unique – and the biggest selling point of this stroller.
• Urban-Friendly Design: Its compact size is ideal for navigating narrow aisles and bustling sidewalks, 
• No-Base Installation: Perfect for families who are always on the move, the Doona’s flexibility accommodates the “it’s complicated” relationship many of us have with car ownership.
• Ease of Travel: For those of us who’ve juggled a baby in one arm and a stroller in another, the Doona feels like a deep breath of relief. Whether you’re navigating through airport security or hopping on the subway, the Doona handles it all with grace, empowering parents to explore the world with their little ones confidently.
• Safety Features: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Doona car seat and stroller a 5-star rating in October 2016 for its overall ease of use. The Doona also received a 5-star rating in frontal collision tests, which are the most common type of car accident. Note that Doona is not sold in Canada or Australia because it was designed to meet US safety standards.
• Saves Precious Space: Living in the city means making the most out of every square inch, and the Doona is a champion at conserving space. Its dual functionality eradicates the need for both a bulky car seat and stroller combo, though it may not be the only stroller you own.
• Stress-Free Maintenance: The Doona is incredibly easy to keep clean, which parents can appreciate. The covers are removable and washable, making those inevitable spills and messes a non-issue. Plus, the high-quality materials ensure it stands up to the test of time and use, staying fresh and functional through all of life’s little adventures.

However, every hero has its hurdles:

Cons for the Doona Car Seat Stroller

• Weight: Number one complaint. You may find that you become frustrated with it as your baby gets heavier. Trying to lift a car seat (and stroller) that weighs about 17 lbs., plus the weight of your baby, in and out of a vehicle isn’t for the faint of heart – or for a mom who is recovering from a Cesarean birth!
• Limited Storage: The Doona encourages you to adopt a minimalist approach to packing, challenging you to distinguish between must-haves and nice-to-haves. However, you can purchase additional storage options.
• Price: Definitely one of the priciest infant car seats on the market.
• Handle Height: The handle height is on the shorter side, making if challenging for taller parents (seriously, no one over 6’0″ should be using this stroller. For tall folks, keep reading below re: Evenflo Shyft)
• Wheels’ Off-Road Capability: While it thrives in urban environments, the Doona prefers to stick to smoother paths. This is definitely not the stroller for unpaved terrain.
• Crash Test Results: The reviews are mixed, here. While Consumer Reports rates it highly for safety, other third parties disagree (specifically compared to other infant car seats): “While considered safe by federal standards, it does not potentially offer an additional margin of protection like higher-scoring seats might.”
• Wide base: Wider base does not fit well in smaller cars.

Doona Car Seat Stroller vs. The World

I know a lot of you are wondering if the Doona is worth the high price tag?

Let me start by saying it is highly unlikely that Doona will be the only stroller you need, especially for first-time parents. We find that second-time (and more) parents usually already own another stroller, but first-timers will most likely want a beefier/more full-featured stroller for longer stroller trips – one that can handle rougher terrain, has more storage etc. 

Let’s compare it to the alternatives:

Doona vs. Evenflo Shyft DualRide

The new(ish) Evenflo Shyft DualRide ($499) made it’s debut last year (2023). Let’s compare the Doona vs. the newer Evenflo product.

The Doona offers a slightly better build quality, which might be expected, as Evenflo is generally considered an economy brand. But don’t discount the Evenflo…

In essence, the Evenflo Shyft offers a similar product at a similar price, but with the niceties you don’t get with the Doona (Evenflo definitely going for the value play…). Specifically, the Evenflo Shyft offers a taller handlebar and a no rethread harness.

In the newborn department, both seats claim to fit preemies down to 3 lbs (Evenflo) and 4lbs (Doona).

The Evenflo Shyft DualRide also excels with additional features for convenience, such as detachable carriers, a storage bag, a belt-tensioning device and Bluetooth alerts, which are a part of the mid and upper-level packages. The base on the Evenflo also has an anti-rebound bar, while the Doona does not.

However, the DualRide has some drawbacks, particularly in smaller vehicles where it requires extra space during installation, which might not be ideal (neither of them are, which is ironic). Also, the process of installing the DualRide without its base involves cumbersome reattachment of wheels, a step that is not required with the Doona (if you install the seat with the wheels attached, the two front wheels must be removed). Note also that the Evenflo weighs about 3 lbs more than the Doona (with the wheels on). Doona is already a very heavy infant seat, so adding 3 lbs is getting into the ridiculous territory, weight-wise.

Ultimately, it comes down to which one best suits your needs, especially since they are around the same price.

At the end of the day, Doona is lighter weight (ha) car seat stroller solution and has a slightly better build quality, but has very a very short handlebar and requires a manual rethreading to adjust the strap height. The Evenflo comes with more accessories, has taller handlebar, an anti-rebound bar, but is heavier and requires removal of the front wheels to get it into the car. They are both designed for the in-and-out of the car lifestyle – or very urban lifestyle.

Decisions!

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A lot of parents also ask…

What about the Doona Travel Stroller vs City Mini?

When choosing between the two, Doona is a simpler solution, seeing that it’s one piece, and City Mini, parents often find themselves weighing the benefits of convenience against those of long-term usage.

Both strollers cater to the urban family, but in different ways. We are really comparing apples and oranges, here, because they are very different product types.

For those weighing the two, the Doona, is a unique, all-in-one solution that simplifies the transition. Using the City Mini, on the other hand, requires you to carry a separate stroller, but offers more storage, a more comfortable ride and more creature comforts, like a larger sunshade. It really depends on whether you want one simple piece or gear – or two.

So you’ve owned a larger, full-featured stroller in the past, so you are wondering  – 

What about the Doona vs UPPAbaby Vista?

I’m not really sure why people are asking this. When comparing the Doona with the UPPAbaby Vista, we’re comparing two vastly different strollers; it’s almost like comparing a car and a golf cart.  

The UPPABaby Vista is a large, full featured stroller that even fits 2 children. The Doona is the exact opposite; a minimalist, 2-in-1 piece of gear meant for ultimate efficiency. They are truly on opposite sides of the spectrum.

Getting More Out of Your Doona With Snap-On Storage and Doona Accessories

Enhancing your Doona experience can be a game changer, especially when you’re navigating the bustling city streets or preparing for a long day out. We highly recommend the add-ons, especially the storage. With the right add-ons, your Doona can transform from a simple car seat-stroller into a super-efficient travel system.

Here are some add-ons to consider:

• Doona Infant Insert & Head Support: Crafted from bamboo fabric, these ensure your baby is snug, supported, and comfortable from those first rides. The breathable material is perfect for keeping baby cool and comfy.
• Doona Snap-on Storage: Increase your storage capacity without compromising the Doona’s slim profile. It’s ideal for extra diapers, wipes, and those just-in-case outfit changes, making it perfect for longer outings.
• Doona Rain Cover: The Doona rain cover is specifically designed to fit snugly over your Doona, keeping your little one dry and cozy, whatever the weather.
• Doona Sunshade Extension: Protect your baby’s delicate skin with this additional layer of UV protection, especially during those sunny day strolls or when you’re out and about in the summer months.
• Doona Wheel Covers: Handy for when you transition from outdoor strolling to indoor use, these covers keep your floors clean by covering the wheels of your Doona.
• Doona Travel Bag: For the family that loves to travel, this bag keeps your Doona safe and secure on flights, and makes carrying it through the airport a breeze.
• Doona Essentials Bag: Perfectly designed to maintain your Doona’s stability and easy maneuverability, this bag attaches to the front of your Doona, providing easy access to all your essentials and extra storage.. of course!
• Doona Cup Holder: Because let’s be real, parents need their coffee (or tea or smoothie) on-the-go. This cup holder securely attaches to your Doona handlebar, providing easy access to your favorite beverage while strolling.

Each of these add-ons serves to enhance the Doona’s functionality, making life a little bit easier for the adventurous, on-the-go family.

So, is this car seat and stroller worth it? Final Thoughts on the Doona Travel System Car Seat and Stroller Review 

Doona is a great solution for specific niches of people, especially those who have older kids (toddlers, preschoolers) – and need a quick in-and-out of the car solution. If your daily adventures are mostly on smooth sidewalks or navigating through subway stations craving for that tiny stroller footprint, Doona’s practically singing your name. Planning on jet-setting with baby in tow? It’s also a no-brainer win.

We don’t recommend Doona for parents over 6’0″ (ish) or for those who cannot bear the added weight of carrying around a heavy seat (between collapsing the legs and installing it into a car). We also don’t recommend it for those who want a lot of bells and whistles on their stroller, like ample storage. If you’re the type who likes to to pack the kitchen sink when heading out, maybe a separate stroller system would be your jam, offering that extra room for all your (and baby’s) essentials.

Where to Buy the Doona

Doona is available on Amazon, Nordstrom and Pottery Barn Kids.

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How To’s/FAQs

How To Use The Doona: Switching From Car Seat To Stroller

The magic of the Doona rear-facing infant Car Seat & Stroller combo lies in its elegantly designed mechanism that allows it to transform from a car seat into a stroller in just seconds — and it’s incredibly straightforward to use.

At the heart of its design, the lever is conveniently located at the back of the car seat. 

When it’s time to switch from car seat to stroller mode, simply press the button on the lever, and then pull it up. This action releases the wheels, which smoothly roll out and lock into place, creating a sturdy, ready-to-go stroller. 

To return to car seat mode, just push the stroller’s legs up until they click back under the seat, ready to be safely installed in the car. It’s this seamless transition that makes the Doona not just a piece of baby gear, but a supportive companion for parents navigating the challenges of city living with a little one in tow.

For those of you who want step by step instructions:

1. Locate the lever at the back of the car seat.
2. Press the button on the lever.
3. Pull the lever up to release the wheels.
4. Allow the wheels to smoothly roll out and lock into place, transforming it into a stroller.
5. To revert to car seat mode, push the stroller’s legs up until they click under the seat, ready for car installation.

How to Switch the Doona From Stroller To Car Seat

Switching the Doona from stroller to car seat mode is as graceful and straightforward as you’d hope, ensuring you can keep up with the pace of city life while your little one rests securely. Here’s a gentle step-by-step guide to help you effortlessly transition the Doona back to its car seat configuration:

1. Ensure the stroller is stationary: Before you begin, make sure the Doona is still to prevent any movement during the transition.
2. Press down on the red safety button: Located near the lever, this button ensures the transition process is intentional and safe.
3. Lift the lever found at the back of the Doona: By doing so, you initiate the folding of the wheels. This lever, designed with your convenience in mind, requires minimal effort.
4. Guide the wheels upwards: With a smooth motion, push the wheels up towards the base of the seat. They’ll glide effortlessly into place, locking securely as they prepare to take on their role as a car seat once again.
5. Check that everything is secure: Once the wheels are tucked away, double-check to ensure everything is locked in place. Your Doona is now ready to be installed in the car, offering another layer of warmth and security for your precious cargo.

Remember, these moments of transition aren’t just about changing the form of a piece of baby equipment; they’re opportunities to pause and appreciate the incredible journey you’re on with your little one. The Doona is more than just a travel system; it’s a partner in your adventures, designed to make each step (or roll!) as smooth and worry-free as possible.

How To Release the Doona From The Latch Base

Releasing the Doona from the Latch Base is a straightforward process that has been thoughtfully designed to ensure convenience and safety. Here’s a comforting step-by-step guide to help you through:

1. Position Yourself Comfortably: First, stand alongside the Doona. It’s important you feel stable and have a good view of the mechanism to proceed confidently.
2. Locate the Release Handle: You’ll find the release handle at the back of the Doona car seat, just above where it connects to the car seat base. This handle is designed for easy access.
3. Press the Release Handle: Gently but firmly press the release handle. This action disengages the car seat from the latch base.
4. Lift the Doona: With one hand on the release handle and the other supporting the Doona, lift it straight up out of the base. It should come away smoothly, without the need for excessive force.
5. Check Your Surroundings: Before moving away, make sure the path is clear. Safety first, always.

Remember, each step in the process of using your Doona, from installing it in your car to walking down the street, has been designed with your family’s safety and comfort in mind. Releasing the Doona from its base is just another example of how intuitive and user-friendly baby gear can make all the difference in your daily life, letting you focus on the joy and adventure of outings with your little one. If at any moment you feel unsure, take a breath and go through the steps again. You’ve got this, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

How to Safely Strap the Doona into a Car

Ensuring your Doona is securely strapped into the car is paramount for the safety and comfort of your little one during travel. Here’s a reassuring step-by-step guide to help you secure the Doona with confidence and attach the car seat into a car:

1. Position the Doona Correctly: Place the Doona car seat rear-facing in the back seat or rear of your car. This position is recommended for the highest level of safety for infants.
2. Align the Seat Belt: Thread the car’s seat belt through the designated guides on the Doona car seat. There are clear markings to show you exactly where the belt should go, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
3. Buckle Up: Fasten the car seat belt, ensuring there are no twists in the belt and it locks in place. Pull the shoulder part of the seat belt to tighten the lap section, creating a firm fit that doesn’t allow the Doona to move more than an inch side to side or front to back.
4. Check the Recline Angle: Make sure the Doona is reclined at the correct angle for your baby’s maximum safety and comfort. The Doona comes with an indicator to help you find the right angle.
5. Final Safety Check: Give the Doona a gentle shake to ensure it’s securely installed. The car seat should not move significantly. If it does, recheck the belt paths and tension, adjusting as necessary.
6. Comfort and Peace of Mind: Before setting off, make sure your baby is comfortable and securely fastened within the Doona itself. Adjust the harness so it’s snug against your baby’s body, with no more than one finger’s width of slack.

By following these careful steps, you can feel assured and at peace, knowing your baby is safely secured in the Doona car seat while you travel. It’s all about making those car journeys not just safer but also more enjoyable for you and your baby, allowing you to make the most of every day, whether you’re off on an exciting adventure or simply navigating the routine.

Remember, taking a moment to ensure everything is set up correctly can offer immeasurable peace of mind. You’re doing a great job, and we’re here to support you with every mile and smile along the way.

The post Doona Car Seat and Stroller Review appeared first on Lucie's List.

Of course, if I come prepared with something to keep them busy (you know, things like… kids travel games), things are (a little) better. We crowd-sourced some of the top travel games, toys, and activities to keep kids entertained on trips. (See also: Our Favorite Kids Media, because there is *no better time to throw out whatever screen time rules you usually follow than when you’re traveling.)

A note: Everybody has different preferences here… Personally, I want to throw anything with lots of parts and pieces straight in the trash (because my kids would 100% drop them every 6 seconds and I would spend the entire car/plane/train ride picking said pieces off the ground), but some kids actually do really well with these activities. And keep in mind that it’s helpful to have some fun new games or activities that are also *small/easy to pack for your actual trip — even if you choose to skip them on the plane/car and pull them out for playtime at your destination. Hopefully there’s something for everyone here.

Quiet Toys for Driving and Airplane Travel

These travel toys are perfect for keeping littles busy on trips, and some of them even offer quite a bit of educational value to boot. Here are some of our top *quiet toys for road trips and airplane rides.

Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad ~ $7

Um… reusable stickers? Yes please. These extra-large reusable sticker pads have five different colorful backgrounds and more than 150 reusable stickers. These stickers don’t have any adhesive on the back so they only stick to the pad pages (not your car, windows, the plane, or anything else). Store the stickers on any page in the activity pad or keep them in a plastic bag.

Wikki Stix ~ $8

Kids (and adults!) can create all sorts of fun sculptures with Wikki Stix. They’re sticky enough to hold whatever shapes kids make with them, but they don’t leave any gooey messes on surfaces. They’re also an awesome sensory toy — when I see my kiddo revving up for a meltdown, I often hand her a pack of these and she calms down pretty quickly. Best part? Kids can make masterpieces over and over again. Wikki Stix are my favorite toy to pull out at restaurants, too.

My First Brain Quest Q&A Cards ~ $8

Raise your hand if you loved Brain Quest as a kid . Well get excited because this is the toddler version! Not only will it entertain your child, but it’s also an amazing opportunity to engage with your kiddo when you’re on-the-go (or anywhere for that matter… ).

Tic-Tac-Toe ~ $9

All the tic-tac-toe you want and none of the wasted paper. This classic game is magnetic and travel-sized, ideal for a flight, a road trip, or even just a visit to the dentist. It’s great for kids ages 4+, but younger children can play it too.

Travel Scavenger Hunt Game ~ $9

Inspired by car bingo but with way more cool things to find, this Travel Scavenger Hunt Game is easy to learn and fun to play! It’s intended for ages 7 and up, but a toddler can easily play too with a little bit of direction from an older sibling or parent. The card set features 54 different cards, each with an object to search for while on the road. Fun for the whole fam.

Classic (car travel) Car bingo ~ $11 (set of 3)

Who doesn’t remember these??? It makes me feel nostalgic for the two (count ‘em) cross-country trips I took as a kid. No iPads back then (or seat belts for that matter, lol). Each of these bingo cards has a slide shutter window so you don’t have to deal with any tiny pieces.

Play Foam Go! ~ $14

Kinetic Sand is great, but it can still make a mess. This non-toxic Playfoam, on the other hand, is mess-free! It comes in a convenient travel case with a handle and — get this — it never dries out. With eight different bricks of foam and four built-in shape molds that won’t get lost on the floor, your toddler will enjoy hours of fun on any trip.

Melissa & Doug Water Wow On-the-Go Bundle ~ $19

If you haven’t tried these Water Wow pads, you’re going to love them just as much as your kid does! Simply fill the paintbrush with water, securely fasten the top so it won’t spill, and “paint” the pages with the damp bristles to reveal a fun watercolor picture. *Best part: you can then wipe the page dry to erase and do it all over again! This bundle comes with three different activity books.

HABA Town Maze Magnetic Puzzle Game ~ $22

Your toddler won’t even notice the hours spent traveling with this fun game. The object of the puzzle is to try to get the colored balls to their matching color garage, but you have to watch out for blocked roadways. This travel-friendly magnetic puzzle board game encourages your child to concentrate and work strategically.

Busy “Board” Backpack ~ $21

This is a fun activity and a backpack all in one. Entice your toddler with all kinds of fun buckles, zips, laces, snaps, Velcro, and more to keep them busy during travel. The bag itself is roomy enough to store necessities like diapers, snacks, a water bottle, plus other travel toys. Did we mention it’s also machine washable?

Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring ~ $23

These truly magical invisible markers don’t leave color on anything except the special coloring pad. Trust me: kids think it’s magic too! The set comes with two 30-page coloring pads and two different sets of classic and pastel-colored magical markers. No more worrying about your little artist coloring the inside of your car, the tray table on the plane, or herself (we’ve all been there).

Buckle Toy ~ $24

This cute toy teaches toddlers how to snap and click buckles into coordinating colors. Not only is it entertaining — what toddler doesn’t love fastening buckles?! — but it’s also awesome for hand-eye coordination. When your tot’s done playing, you can snap it to the car seat or stroller for easy storage.

LeapFrog Scribble and Write ~ $27

Fun and educational, this scribble and write toy encourages tots to practice their numbers (1-10) and letters. Bonus: the easy-to-grip stylus is attached to the scribbling pad so it won’t get lost on the floor of the car or airplane.

Boogie Board LCD Writer ~ $19

For your budding artist, the Boogie Board offers a fun and creative way to draw and create art on the go without leaving any messes behind. It has a translucent LCD writing surface which allows kids to draw and trace shapes, letters, hands, etc., and the pallet grip makes it easy to hold. It includes a double-sided stylus pen for drawing thin or thick lines, and also comes with five different accessory packs to enhance your kid’s fine motor skills and encourage their imagination.

Best Activity Books for 3, 4, and 5-Year Olds

Activity books are also an excellent go-to when you’re traveling. It’s okay if your kid’s not a fan of coloring — many of these books offer different activities to keep them entertained, such as tracing letters, making tape art, or practicing fastening zippers, snaps, or buttons. Without further ado, here are a few favorite toddler activity books:

Airport Sticker Activity Book ~ $2

“Airplanes go zoom” is very apropos: the airport theme offers a great opportunity to speak with your child about planes, the runway, the control tower, and all the other fun happenings at the airport. These stickers are reusable, so they can be applied over and over again… or you can just sit back and enjoy the silence while your tot plays. We like that option too.

Preschool Activity Book: Trucks, Cars, and Airplanes ~ $6

This travel-themed activity book is a great way to get toddlers excited about going on a trip (especially if they’re a little hesitant to travel). Kids ages 3 to 5 will enjoy the car, truck, and airplane-themed activities that involve working with colors, letters, numbers, shapes, words, and patterns. All your little one needs to get started is a box of crayons or colored pencils.

Melissa & Doug Tape Activity Book ~ $7

This sturdy plastic spiral-bound activity book includes four rolls of easy-tear tape that your child can use to decorate and fill the 20 reusable pages. Use the tape to fill empty dashes, stripes, train track ties, and more — all without making a mess.

First Words Sticker Activity Book ~ $7

The First Words Sticker Activity Book is not only fun, but it also introduces toddlers to words and language concepts. The illustrations are super cute and each one has a corresponding learning activity. Bonus: it’s small enough to throw in your diaper bag, purse or carry-on.

Wipe Clean Early Learning Activity Book ~ $8

This wipe-clean activity book (which comes with a dry erase marker) lets your child draw, trace, and color over and over again. Not only do the creative exercises pass the time while traveling, they offer plenty of opportunities to practice early spelling, math, and drawing skills. Both child and mom approved!

My Book Of Easy Mazes ~ $8

This activity book is based on the Kumon Method, which is a specific educational philosophy that introduces learning concepts with a step-by-step approach to help your child reach his or her full potential — this one is filled with lots of fun mazes for kiddos to try.

My First Book Of Cutting ~ $8

What’s more entertaining for a traveling toddler than cutting with scissors?! (Kidding… kind of). This is Kumon Method book (see above also) introduces your tot to child-safe scissors and gives them a chance to practice cutting while also developing manual dexterity.

Paint By Sticker Books ~ $9

These books are great for children 4+ — they’re sticker puzzles (match the sticker to the number with the same shape) that take time and focus to put together and have kept my daughter busy for an hour at a time multiple times over. Choose from tons of different themes (dinosaurs, spring, magic, etc.) — kids seriously love these!

Busy Books ~ $12

These busy books come with fun figurines so your little one can bring the different scenes to life with creative play. You can choose from a variety of fun characters and stories, like Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol, Lion King, and more. Just make sure to bring a plastic baggie to contain the little figurines when your toddler is done playing.

deMoca Quiet Book ~ $36

This Montessori activity is ideal for 2- and 3-year-olds. Soft and easy to carry, the deMoca Quiet Book encourages toddlers to match colorful Velcro shapes, play with zippers, snaps, buttons, and tell time. It also comes with a zippered washing bag so you can wash off any questionable junk — airplanes are gross! — that gets stuck to it.

Free Preschool Travel Games

If you’re on a tight budget, and/or the last thing you need is more STUFF to keep track of on your trip, there are plenty of ways to keep your kids busy without having to buy a single thing…

The travel games listed below are completely FREE and they’re also fun for all ages, including preschool-aged kids! Here are quick instructions on how to play each of these fun travel games. (HEADS UP: Some of these require a little bit of planning on your part, so be forewarned.)

20 Questions

Yes, you’ve probably heard of this one before, but it’s a great road trip game for kids (and adults) of all ages. Plus, we all know toddlers already love to ask questions, so this is right up their alley. First, have someone think of a person, place, or thing. Then, everyone else in the car can take turns asking yes or no questions like, “Is it red?” “Does it have feet?” or “Does it eat grass?” to figure out what it is. After everyone has asked a total of 20 questions, let each person take a stab at what it might be. If you’re playing with young children who need a little more direction, you could also play this with a category, such as “animals” or “characters.”

Family Storytime

If your toddler enjoys listening to audiobooks or reading books at home, they also might enjoy some family storytime on the road. For this game, have one person start the story with “Once upon a time” followed by one complete sentence. Then, each person in the car can rotate to have turns adding a single sentence to the story. To keep things from getting out of control, set a time limit and tell the most creative story possible. Your toddler will love having the chance to participate, but it’s always a challenge to cap their contributions to just one sentence per turn!

The Alphabet Game

Looking for a fun way to practice letter recognition with your toddler? The Alphabet Game is a great way to do it on the road. Simply start at “A” and search for each letter of the alphabet on random signs, trucks, license plates, and such. The goal of the game is for each person to point out every letter in the alphabet (in order from A to Z) before the others can. Although your toddler might not be able to keep track of their progress, they’ll have fun pointing out letters and identifying them as the older members of the family compete to get to the letter “Z” first. *You can also play as a team, rather than competing.

Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

Before your trip, make a list of things you might see on your drive. (*For young toddlers, this list would be best if it were made up of pictures of the items, not words.) Print off one or several copies of your list and make sure you don’t forget to pack it! Once you’re on the road, hand your kids the list and have them search for each item as you drive. If they are able to find everything on your list, offer them a small prize like a toy or the opportunity to pick out a treat at the next rest stop. Nothing like a little motivation, eh?

Cow Game

It’s always fun for little ones to see cows, goats, and other farm animals while you’re driving through the countryside. This simple game requires nothing more than some good ‘ol farmland. Turn your road trip into a fun game by challenging your toddler to yell “Mooo!” every time you drive past a cow. If you have multiple kids, have them keep track of how many cows they each see with a simple point system and a small dry erase board. (Just a friendly warning, but you may or may not want some earbuds to make it through this one, LOL.)

I Spy

This classic road trip game is simple and easy for little ones to play. Entice your toddler by starting off with something like, “I spy with my little eye… something cute.” (The answer, of course, is your kid!) They’ll enjoy the interaction with you and it’s also a great way to practice using senses like sight, sound, and smell with your growing tot.

Crazy Questions

Before your trip, write down a list of fun questions to ask your toddler. Examples might include, “What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?” or “If you could pick any animal as a pet, what would it be?” This road trip game is such a fun way to have conversations with your little ones, get to know them better, and chip away at potentially torturous hours in the car.

Guess Who Said It: Disney Version

One of the best free toddler travel games involves your little one’s favorite Disney movies. If you plan to let your toddler watch a movie on your trip, have them watch one of their favorite Disney hits. Afterward, read them quotes (that you have prepared ahead of time) from the movie and have them guess who said it. Not only will this get their brain going and test their memory, but it will also keep them preoccupied with an activity for just a little bit longer before they start begging you to watch another movie or show. You can also do your best imitations of each character’s voice to get them giggling.

Trivia

Before you hit the road, prepare a list of trivia questions that involve some of your tot’s favorite characters, stories, and other interests. Ask the questions to see how much your little one really knows about each topic. You can make it even more fun by rewarding each correct answer with a small prize, like a sticker or a gummy bear.

Animal Name Game

To play this game in the car or on the plane, one person will have to name an animal. Then, the next person has to name another animal that starts with the last letter of the previous animal. (For example: turtle, elephant, tarantula, alligator… and so forth.) You’ll likely need to help your toddler identify the last letter in each animal name, but it’s a great way to practice letter sounds on the go.

Now that you have plenty of fun travel games, activities, and tricks to keep your little ones busy on your next vacation, you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Hopefully, these tools will help you ward off as many meltdowns as possible so everyone can enjoy themselves and spend some quality time together. Bon voyage!

The post Travel Games and Activities for Children appeared first on Lucie's List.

Searching for a double stroller that’s super narrow, compact, lightweight and easy to travel with? The Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ double stroller has all these features, plus great storage, takes a car seat and has a simple one-handed fold to boot. Yes, this stroller was built for travel. Keep reading our Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ double stroller review for more…

The Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double is a new double “tri-fold” on the stroller scene, and we’re VERY excited about it! It’s another awesome pick for traveling with two — and a cheaper option than the Nano Duo. 

Size & Weight

At 23 lbs and 30 inches wide, the Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double Stroller is extremely lightweight and fits easily through standard doorways. It’s also Disney-size approved, and great for maneuvering around crowds of people there or any other theme parks, busy/crowded places, etc. 

Car Seat Compatibility 

It’s very rare to find a compact travel stroller that accepts a car seat. 

The Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double Stroller accepts one of the following car seats (bummer for those of us with infant twins, I know): SummerAffirm 335, Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35, Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35, Chicco Keyfit 30, Chicco Fit2 and Baby Trend Secure Snap Gear 35 Infant Car Seats. 

*Bonus: you don’t need to use an adapter to attach a car seat to the stroller. Woohoo! 

Seats

This is where it gets exciting! Again, your typical lightweight travel stroller is barebones in the comfort department. Not this one! 

The 3D Pac CS+ Double can hold children up to 50 lbs per seat (100 lbs total!), and is suitable for kiddos 6 months and older without the use of a car seat. Each seat has a multi-position recline (about halfway down, 45 degrees) with individually adjustable leg rests, and individual 3-panel canopies with sun visors and peekaboo windows. 

The seats are both equipped with a nicely padded, adjustable 5-point harness, and measure about 27 inches from the seat to the top of the canopy — between that and the 50 lb weight capacity, this double will last you for a while! 

Each seat also features a mesh storage pocket for your kiddos to stash snacks, water bottles, little toys, etc. This is a nice (parent-favorite) feature, as it means they won’t constantly be asking you to hand them these things!  

Canopy, Basket, Handlebar, Brake

Again, the individually-operated canopies on the 3D Pac CS+ Double are three-paneled, with flip-out sun visors and peekaboo windows. They aren’t the hugest canopies in the world, but for a travel stroller, very impressive!

Parents: you’ll appreciate that the peekaboo windows are mesh — awesome for airflow in warmer climates (warm weather vacations, here you come!). 

There’s actually a shocking amount of storage on this travel stroller, including a large underseat storage basket that can fit a lot!!! It also has child and parent cup holders, parent storage pockets on the seatbacks, and the previously mentioned in-seat mesh pockets. 

The handlebar is foam-padded; however, it’s not adjustable, meaning this stroller may not be ideal for either really tall, or particularly short parents. 

This stroller features a simple-to-engage, one-step brake that is summer-shoe friendly (again — fab for those who live in or like vacationing to the warm weather!). 

Wheels/Maneuverability

The wheels on this stroller are meant solely for flat, smooth, paved surfaces. If you live in or are planning to travel to an area with hilly or rocky terrain, this is probably not the double stroller for you. That said, it maneuvers great on smooth terrain, such as paved sidewalks, theme parks, the mall, etc. 

Fold

Another area where this stroller shines: it has a one-handed, compact fold, and a carry strap to sling it over your shoulder for easy transport. To fold it, just press down on the grey button located on the handlebar, while simultaneously twisting it the bar… and voila.  

Once folded, it locks into place and self-stands. Note that some reviewers say they are unable to fold this stroller with just one hand, and others say it’s not as compact of a folded package as a double umbrella, but you don’t get all these features with a double umbrella. 

Bottom Line

The Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double Stroller makes for a fabulous option for traveling (or even everyday use) with two. This economy travel stroller is lightweight, folds compactly and still has most of the features parents want in a stroller, including storage, good canopies and a super easy fold. It also takes an infant car seat. But remember, this is an economy stroller that may not have the highest build quality, especially compared to the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo. 

The downsides, of course, are that the handlebar isn’t adjustable — a bummer for super tall parents. Like most lightweight strollers, the wheels are made for smooth surfaces and won’t do well on any kind of terrain. 

The post Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double Stroller Review appeared first on Lucie's List.

Whether you’re looking for the easiest double stroller to fly with and cart through the airport, the best double all-terrain for hiking or camping, or the double stroller with the most compact fold, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled this list so you can pick the best double stroller for travel for your specific needs. See also: Traveling with Twins

For simplicity’s sake, we’ve broken down the best double strollers for travel into 3 distinct categories: 

1. Double Umbrellas 
2. Tri-Fold Doubles
3. Lightweight Regular Doubles

While each category touts different features and serves different purposes, each is great for travel: they’re all lightweight and easy to fold, carry and maneuver. *Note that we didn’t include anything in the tandem stroller department because the fold on most tandems tends to be too unwieldy (long) for travel, though many sit n stands tend to be lightweight and okay for travel.

Without further ado we’ve picked our Top 10 double strollers for travel… and here they are:

Umbrella-Style Doubles

Double umbrella strollers are inherently good for travel because they are lightweight, fold easily and compactly, fit in most trunks, and can be gate-checked on most airplanes. They also all meet Disney-size requirements. Yay!

The big downside to a double umbrella stroller is that they usually don’t come with a whole lot of features, and their storage space (or lack thereof) and smaller canopies leave something to be desired. Also, you definitely need to push a double umbrella stroller with two hands because of the separated handles.

With that, here are our favorite double umbrella travel strollers, listed in order of lowest to highest price. 

1. Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller ~ $74- Barebones Budget Pick

This double umbrella stroller is only 18 lbs (!!) and is a great barebones, no-frills budget double umbrella that’s awesome for travel. It folds easily and compactly, comes with two hanging storage bags on the backs of each seat plus two parent cupholders, and each seat has a 5-point safety harness, though not the best in the sun canopy department (very small).

Read more about the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller here. 

2. UPPAbaby G-Link 2 ~ $349 — Upscale Pick

At only 22 lbs, the G-Link 2 is incredibly light and compact (great for pushing through airports, storing in overhead compartments, throwing in your trunk, etc.). Plus, unlike many of the other double umbrella strollers out there, this one actually has some nice, upscale features. For instance, it’s equipped with a three-panel sun canopy, and a fairly large and accessible under-seat basket that can hold up to 10 lbs! Bonus: the backs of each seat have a pocket to store your small essentials, such as a phone, wallet, chapstick, paci’s, etc.

Read our full UPPAbaby G-Link 2 review – or the overall summary below:

Excerpt of Review:

“With its lightweight aluminum frame, the G-Link 2 is one of the easiest double strollers to schlep up and down the stairs [like. we. do.].

The width is also something to note: at 28.5″ (much narrower than most), it’s sure to fit through any doorway. And despite becoming lighter, each seat can still hold up to 55 lbs of baby meat (for a total of 110 lbs), which is very generous. 

We also love that each seat operates and reclines independently. You know, for when one kiddo wants to sit up and see the world while the other one wants to snooze the day away.” 

KEEP READING about the UPPAbaby G-Link 2

Tri-Fold-Style Doubles

Tri-fold strollers are a newer class of stroller on the scene. In addition to being lightweight, they fold into thirds (most other strollers in the world fold in half).

This makes for a pretty compact fold, which is inherently good for travel. While the fold is not quite as compact as umbrella strollers, tri-folds often come with all (or some) of the features of a regular full-size stroller, like a large storage basket. Double tri-folds are brand new on the scene – at present, there are only 3 of them on the market.

In short, they are the most compact, yet full-featured strollers out there. They are also lightweight.

1. Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double Stroller ~ $212 — Economy Tri-Fold Pick

The Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ double is a new double tri-fold in the double travel stroller scene — and we’re VERY excited about it! It’s another awesome pick for traveling with two (and a cheaper option than the Nano Duo — see below). This stroller also accepts an infant car seat!

Read our full Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Stroller Review – or the overall summary below:

Excerpt of Review:

Searching for a double stroller that’s super narrow, compact, lightweight and easy to travel with? The Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ double stroller has all these features, plus great storage, takes a car seat and has a simple one-handed fold to boot. Yes, this stroller was built for travel. Keep reading our Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ double stroller review for more…

The Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double is a new double “tri-fold” on the stroller scene, and we’re VERY excited about it! It’s another awesome pick for traveling with two — and a cheaper option than the Nano Duo. 

At 23 lbs and 30 inches wide, the Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double Stroller is extremely lightweight and fits easily through standard doorways. It’s also Disney-size approved, and great for maneuvering around crowds of people there or any other theme parks, busy/crowded places, etc.

KEEP READING about the Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double Stroller

2. Joovy Kooper X2 ~ $459 — Middle of the Line Tri-Fold Stroller Pick

*currently out of stock

The Joovy KooperX2 is brand new to the tri-fold, side-by-side double stroller scene, and we’re totally here for it. Since this stroller is so new, we wanted to share our preliminary thoughts before doing a major deep dive — but rest assured, what we’ve seen so far, we really like. You can also watch Joovy’s quick video overviewing some of the stroller’s highlights here. 

The Joovy Kooper x2 replaces the Joovy Twin Groove Ultralight, which was a double umbrella stroller. Generally speaking, this new class of “tri-fold” strollers is causing the double umbrella body style to become obsolete, as tri-folds are generally just as compact and lightweight, yet offer features you’d find in a full-featured stroller.

The Kooper X2 comes in six different striking colorways: Black, Forged Iron, Glacier (turquoise), Olive, Paprika and Sand (see colorways below), and is suitable for babies 3+ months all the way through 50 lbs (!!) — you’ll get years of use out of it. 

For comparison’s sake, the Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double — another tri-fold double — can also hold children up to 50 lbs, but the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo can only hold 33 lbs per seat. Though not a tri-fold double, but another Joovy double side-by-side with other similar features, the Scooter X2 can hold 45 lbs per seat.  Thus, like the 3D Pac C+ and the Scooter X2, the Kooper X2 is great for older and younger children alike.  

However, while the 3D Pac C+ accepts one infant car seat and the Nano Duo accepts two infant car seats, the Kooper X2 doesn’t accept any car seats at all. Bummer. (For reference, neither does the Joovy Scooter X2.)

Weighing in at 28 lbs, the Kooper X2 is very lightweight, making it easy to push one-handed and carry up and down stairs (for apartment and/or city dwellers). However, as compared to others in its class, the Kooper X2 is on the heavier end. The Summer Infant 3D Pac CS+ Double weighs 23 lbs, while the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo weighs only 20 lbs. Just something to note if you’re sensitive to the weight of the stroller.

That said, people LOVE the Kooper X2’s easy, one-handed fold, and its compact folded size — it folds into thirds which means it can fit in any trunk with room to spare, and it’s great for travel and can easily be stored. Bonus: it self-stands once folded. 

But, in our opinion, here’s the best part about this stroller: it folds down WITH its two included snack trays attached. As in, you do not have to remove the child trays before folding down the Kooper X2. They stay on ALL THE TIME! How awesome and convenient is that?! 

Good for naps on the go, the Kooper X2’s seats have fairly deep (but not totally flat), adjustable reclines and 3-position leg rests. In addition, the large UPF 50 canopies are individually-operated, with peekaboo windows, and offer all-weather protection. Note that the Scooter X2 only has one canopy for both seats — this can cause major problems when one child wants some sun and the other prefers shade (been there, done that… ). 

Like the Scooter X2, each seatback has a mesh cup holder and a zipper pocket to store small belongings, such as keys, phone, wallet, etc. 

Some other notable features of the Kooper x2 include: a large storage basket that can hold up 22 lbs (the Scooter X2 also has a humongous storage basket); a one step linked parking brake (summer shoe friendly, yes!); it’s Disney-size approved; and it boasts the biggest wheels of any compact double stroller on the market — wheels are made from EVR, a mix of rubber and EVA plastic (which Joovy will replace for you if you wear them out). Note, however, that like its competition, the wheels are not all-terrain — this stroller rolls best over flat, even ground. 

Downsides

Now let’s get into some of the not-so-great things about the Joovy Kooper X2. One of the most common user complaints is about the brake — many commenters (especially tall folks) say it’s easy to accidentally step on the brake when strolling. One user reported that she often steps on the brake while pushing the stroller, abruptly stopping it and startling both her and her child. Eek! 

Another common user issue is that the seats don’t sit completely tall, even in the most upright position. This can make it tough for smaller kids to get comfortable, reach their snack trays and see out (note this is a common problem with strollers in this class). Likewise, the seats don’t recline to a fully flat position either. 

Lastly, some parents note that the seatback cup holder is very flimsy (no one wants a hot cup of coffee spilled all over their legs, amirite?), and that the storage pockets located on the backs of the seats are too small to hold much of anything besides a phone, keys or a diaper or two (that said, the underseat storage is huge, so… there’s that). 

All in all, though brand new on the market, the Joovy Kooper X2 is already very highly-reviewed. For parents of two kids (up to a whopping 50 lbs!) who do a lot of traveling, and/or don’t have a ton of trunk or storage space to stash a double stroller, we definitely think you should check out the Joovy Kooper X2. 

3. Mountain Buggy Nano Duo ~ $599 — High Quality Tri-Fold/Everyday Stroller Pick

The MB Nano Duo is only 20 lbs and, thanks to its tri-fold design, makes it a VERY compact double stroller. The Nano Duo truly is your quintessential “traveling with two” stroller. Bonus: it takes up to two infant car seats! It’s also really just a great overall twin stroller for newborns, or a baby and a toddler.

Read our full Mountain Buggy Nano Duo Review – or the overall summary below:

Excerpt of Review:

“The single Mountain Buggy Nano was one of the first “tri-fold” strollers to ever hit the market. “Tri-folds” are the smallest and most compact of the lightweight strollers; they are also the lightest in weight, so we are super excited about this review.

We dubbed the single Nano the “tiny workhorse” of strollers, so we were ecstatic to hear of a double version of this lightweight wonder. We’ve never seen one before… could it be done??

If you have twins or small children closer in age, this lightweight, compact side-by-side double stroller may be just what you need. While the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo certainly isn’t your all-terrain or heavy-duty double jogger, it is ideal for travel and everyday car errands.”

KEEP READING about the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo

Lightweight (Regular) Doubles

Even without the slim umbrella fold, these strollers are lightweight, quality doubles with some nice usability features that make them solid picks for travel (though they are not the most compact type of double stroller).

1. Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Double Stroller ~ $209 — Economy Pick with Solid Features

This lightweight (23 lbs) budget double stroller has more features and storage than you’d expect, plus an easy fold making it awesome for traveling with two kids.

Read our full Kolcraft Cloud Plus Double Stroller Review – or the overall summary below:

Excerpt of Review:

“If you’re looking for a budget double stroller that’s great for travel (or every day throw-in-the-car use), and has plenty of solid features, check out our Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Double Stroller review. This stroller is not sexy, but it does hit some high points — all for under $200.

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus weighs in at just 23 lbs (lighter than some single strollers!), and can hold kiddos up to 40 lbs per seat (80 lbs combined). No, that’s not a huge weight limit, but this should definitely get you through your toddler years. 

This stroller measures 31 inches wide, which should get you through most standard doorways, and it’s Disney-size approved. Yay!”

KEEP READING about the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Double Stroller

Consider this: 

Jeep Destination Ultralight Side-by-Side Double

Price: $228
Weight: 28.66 lbs

The Jeep Destination Ultralight SBS Double stroller is another fairly barebones, lightweight double that generally compares to the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, minus a few key details which I’ll discuss below.

Like the Kolcraft, each seat can hold up to 40 lbs. That’s not bad for such a lightweight double. Other key features include nice-sized pop-out canopies with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows; swing-away bars that make it easy for kids to get in and out of stroller seats; a compact, self-standing fold and carry strap for easy schlepping (great for travel!); and 7-inch swivel lock front wheels and 10-inch back wheels with suspension for a smoother, more comfortable ride.

It also features independent multi-position reclining seats equipped with 5-point safety harnesses and adjustable footrests (note: this is is one area in which the Jeep shines over the Kolcraft — the Kolcraft doesn’t recline very far, and does not have adjustable footrests).

However, like the Kolcraft, the Jeep does not accept car seats. Therefore, babies should be about 6+ months to ride (and have solid neck control).

Where the Kolcraft beats the Jeep:

• At $162 it’s less expensive (Jeep is $257).
• At 23 lbs it’s lighter (Jeep 28.6).
• Kolcraft comes standard with snack trays and parent cupholders, while the Jeep does not have either.

Bottom Line: The Jeep Destination is an easy-to-maneuver, lightweight stroller that’s great for travel (and Disney!). At approximately 30 inches wide, it will fit through standard doorways. It also has solid under seat storage and is easy to fold and unfold. One Amazon reviewer commented that this stroller is a “hidden gem.”

2. Zoe Twin+ ~ $529 — Lightweight, full featured and expandable

At 19 lbs, the ZOE Twin+ is an incredibly lightweight stroller that will comply with all airline gate-check weight limits (yes, even on American Airlines). It’s Disney-size approved, has an easy and compact fold, and the added bonus of versatility — it can grow to a triple or quad with an expandable tandem add-on seat.

It’s great for travel due to the large underseat storage basket, large four-panel sun canopies (!!), and comes with two kid cup holders, a parent cup holder and one kid snack holder. Parents love this stroller for travel and even everyday use. 

Read our full Zoe Twin+ Stroller Review – or the overall summary below:

Excerpt of Review:

“When The Twin+ (Zoe XL2) stroller (which comes in “classic” and “luxe“) first came out there was so much buzz about it they couldn’t seem to keep it in stock! We wanted to know if it was really all that, so we picked one up and gave it a whirl. Note that in the Twin+ stroller review, we will be discussing the “classic” version of The Twin+.

Yes, a lightweight, side-by-side stroller in this price range is every parent’s dream.

While the Zoe brand is newer to the stroller scene, the founders are not. They’re a small, family business who’ve combined their fashion design expertise along with their baby product experience and set out to make an affordable, double stroller that parents of twins would love. They recently re-named their strollers — for instance, this one used to be called the Zoe XL2 Best V2, and now it’s The Twin+. The Twin+ is much easier to say (and remember ;-).”

KEEP READING about the Twin+ Stroller

Consider This: Connect for Babyzen YOYO²

• Price of Babyzen YOYO² frame, cushion and canopy (sold together): $449
• Price of Babyzen YOYO Connect: $379

Similar to the concept of the Zoe Twin+, Babyzen has recently introduced the Connect, which, like its name implies, is an additional stroller frame/seat that hooks on to the back of select models of the YOYO². (So, if you already own the YOYO², this might be a good option for you!). Good for twins and siblings of differing ages, together the Connect and YOYO² offer 5 different setups to accommodate two children from birth to toddler, and can hold kiddos up to 48.5 lbs. Super compact and lightweight — and small enough to fit in most overhead bins — this is another solid option for travel.

3. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double ~ $469 — Lightweight, Narrow and Sturdy Build, for Younger/Small Kids

This bad boy is the doubles version of Baby Jogger’s travel stroller, the City Tour. At just 23 lbs and 26 inches wide it’s incredibly light and narrow. Though it doesn’t take car seats or come with accessories, the City Tour 2 Double is a great travel and everyday stroller for smaller, lightweight kiddos. Something else to note: due to its small size and wheels, it rolls best over flat, even terrain — like the airport, paved sidewalks, the zoo, etc.

Read our full Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double Stroller Review, or the overall summary below:

Excerpt of Review:

“As double strollers go, this one is extremely lightweight at a mere 23 lbs — an incredibly low weight for a double stroller. The width is also something to write home about; at 26 inches wide, the City Tour 2 Double is wonderfully narrow and easily fits through standard doorways.

Another detail that makes the City Tour 2 Double nice for travel is that you can fold it with one hand (which does take some getting used to), and it auto locks once folded. The one-handed fold is super helpful when you’re managing multiple kiddos and all their belongings; it’s little things like this that you will really appreciate! Once it’s folded and locked, it won’t fly open as you lift it into your trunk, pack it in its carry bag, or throw it onto the security conveyor belt.” 

KEEP READING about the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double.

4. Valco Baby Slim Twin ~ $599 — Light & Narrow

Newer on the scene is Valco Baby’s Slim Twin stroller. At only 24 lbs and 26 inches wide (!!) this stroller is one of the very lightest and slimmest doubles on the market. Though it doesn’t have all the features and luxe details of Valco’s Snap Duo Trend, we think travel is where this stroller really shines. Light and compact enough to easily throw in the trunk, maneuver through an airport, or stroll the streets of your vacation destination, the Slim Twin might just be the perfect travel (and everyday) stroller for your duo.

Read our full Valco Baby Slim Twin Stroller Review — or the overall summary below:

Excerpt of Review:

“Are you looking for a super lightweight and narrow side-by-side double stroller that’s easy to maneuver, perfect for travel, fits through doorways and grocery store aisles with no problem, and easily fits in your trunk with room to spare? Then you must check out Valco Baby’s newest double stroller (which effectively replaces the Neo Twin): the Valco Baby Slim Twin (~ $599). At only 24 lbs and 26 inches wide, it lives up to its name; the Slim Twin is the narrowest of all of Valco’s double strollers, and one of the slimmest double strollers on the market (almost 5 inches smaller than most side-by-side strollers!).”

KEEP READING about the Valco Baby Slim Twin Stroller.

5. Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend ~ $749 — Lightest, Luxe Travel Stroller

Oh, snap! A great day-to-day stroller as well, parents LOVE the Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend. Not only is this stroller insanely light (24 lbs), but it’s compact, has a simple fold, offers great maneuverability, and has a ton of luxe features to boot.

If you’re headed to a warm weather destination, you’ll love the mesh paneling for added ventilation and airflow and the amazing sun canopy coverage that will block your littles from any harmful UV rays.

Read our full Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend Stroller Review – or the overall summary below:

Excerpt of Review:

“If you’re looking for a side-by-side double stroller that’s both lightweight and loaded with unexpected luxe features, check out the Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend.

People absolutely love this stroller — with it’s simple fold, great maneuverability, storage and lightweightedness, the Snap Duo makes for an awesome day-to-day and travel double stroller. Also… it’s pretty. (Note that this stroller comes in Charcoal, Denim, Grey Marle and Black.)

To clarify, this is not an “all-terrain” stroller (for that, look to the Tri-Mode), but it rides and maneuvers pretty well.

KEEP READING about the Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend Double Stroller

We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect double travel stroller to fit your family’s needs. Have fun on your adventures, friends. Bon voyage!

The post Top Double Travel Strollers appeared first on Lucie's List.

Camping, I thought, was something other people did.

But then I lost a bet, went car camping for a weekend with my husband, and… loved it. It turns out that I think sleeping outdoors in a tent is unbelievably refreshing — not to mention the campfire and the delicious food and adult beverages we brought with us to top off the whole experience.

But I think what actually made all the difference for me was that my husband came PREPARED. He, to his credit, anticipated my every complaint and neutralized each one by having all the right “stuff” — we had a top-notch tent, sleeping bags warm enough for the Arctic, pads and extra blankets, camp chairs, lighting, even “camp slippers” with treading on the bottom (yes, they were just Uggs knock-offs).

Point being: the right tent camping gear can make or break it, for real. (Also, bad weather.)

With kids, this is all the more true. 

Much like a beach day with kids, family camping trips with kids are altogether different than adults-only camping. 

When our team debated covering family camping gear, we joked that the world is divided into “campers” and “no-effing-way-ers” (we’re guessing that since you’re here, chances are you’re the former). We also agreed that trying to talk anyone in the latter group into going camping with kids would be a lost cause.

That said — think about it! Once you’ve made the upfront investment in gear, camping is such an affordable way to travel.

If you’re overwhelmed at the thought of jumping into a full-blown camping trip with kids, think about starting small. For your first time, pitch a tent in the backyard and see how it goes. We promise, you won’t need to talk your kids into it — toddlers and little kids LOVE camping, people. They just do. (They’ll be asking when is your next camping trip at breakfast the next morning, guaranteed. )

Ready to give it a whirl? Know that every little thing will take FOR-EH-VER, and that meltdowns still happen (as does DIRT). But so do stars and s’mores and big smiles and snuggles.

OK, parents — time to gear up, family camping style.  

Major Categories

1. Get a Family Tent That Fits
2. Gear Up for Bedtime
3. Gear up for Mealtime
4. Light Your Path
5. Layer Up
6. Important Odds & Ends

1. Get a Family Tent That Fits

Obviously, first things first, you’re going to need a tent. We recommend up-sizing, as most “4-person” tents are really best for 2, and most “6-person” tents are realistically comfortable for 4 (even kids). The “number” simply represents how many bodies can be crammed in there like sardines. Yes, a family camping tent is one place where bigger really is better (unless you are backpacking). You’ll appreciate the extra breathing room.

Here are your best bets: 

Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Set-Up (6-person) ~$167 — Editor’s Choice

You can’t go wrong with this tent — it’s insanely easy to set up, breathable, and is actually pretty affordable in the tent camp (get it?!). 

You can also upgrade to the 10-person version (~$379, sheesh), which is roomier and comes fully-equipped with a nice little curtain/divider for separate rooms. Or, you may want to consider the dark room technology canopy (~$144), which blocks light (a nice feature for naptime and summer nights/early AMs). Both of these spin-offs are awesome for kids!

*Note — The Coleman cabin tent design is “weatherproof,” and it comes equipped with an “integrated rainfly,” but we 100% recommend getting an actual rainfly accessory to defend against the elements, as the “built-in” version is, well, chincy. There’s nothing worse than a wet tent — and though this really is a great one, it’s prone to leaking without a dedicated rainfly.

Ozark Trail 8-Person Cabin Tent ~ $169 – Economy Pick

The Ozark 8-Person Cabinet Tent from Walmart is a spacious and versatile camping solution perfect for family trips. Its generous size comfortably accommodates up to eight people, with ample headroom and multiple storage pockets for gear.

The tent features a cabin-style design, providing a home-like feel with large windows for ventilation and panoramic views. Setup is relatively straightforward, thanks to color-coded poles and clear instructions. However, some users have noted that the rainfly could provide better coverage during heavy rain. Overall, this tent offers excellent value for its price, combining comfort and functionality for enjoyable family camping experiences.

Screen Houses and Shelters

Although it’s not strictly necessary, a screen shelter “house” can also be a very welcome addition to a family campsite. Well worth it on its own, it’s especially nice to have a dedicated bug-free, shaded space when you’re camping with kids (snacks/meals, diaper changes, getting-into-pajamas, playtime, etc.). Think of it as a portable screened-in porch.

The LL Bean Woodlands Screen House (~$449) is a classic can’t-go-wrong pick. For a more wallet-friendly option, the Coleman Skylodge (~$159) will do the trick, although it’s more prone to the elements (i.e, it’s more flimsy… but it still works well enough for leisure campers). 

2. Gear Up for Bedtime

When camping (or traveling, really) with a child, SLEEP is always at the forefront of my mind. The best advice we have: do what you can to keep some continuity and familiarity, but know that things will probably pan out a little bit differently. There’s no getting around the fact that sleeping in a tent is different than sleeping at home, and that’s okay!

My kids do best overall when we stick to our regular routine as much as possible (and young children broadly thrive when they have a sense of predictability). Naptime is a bit shorter, but it still happens; bedtime is a bit later, though we follow the rhythm that we have at home (complete with pacis, lovey, and whatnot). Oh! And we also use portable/rechargeable white noise machine, which I think is helpful.   

Here’s what to pack to make sleep happen while you’re family camping:

Kid-Size Sleeping Bags

Kelty Kids Sleeping Bag ~$54 — Best “Mummy” Sleeping Bag for Kids

Mummy-style sleeping bags (with hoods) are great for littles who don’t yet understand how to snuggle up in a sleeping bag on their own. Kids LOVE them, and this version from Kelty keeps kids safe and warm even in temps as low as 30 degrees (may be too hot for warm nights).

This cozy bag^^ is super soft and the length is adjustable. (Note — if you’re looking for a more economical pick, Columbia makes a similar kids mummy bag that sometimes goes on sale… Coleman used to offer one — and you can still occasionally find it some places — but it’s mostly out of stock these days.)

LL Bean Flannel-Lined Kids Sleeping Bag (40 degrees) ~$89 — Best Block Sleeping Bag for Kids

The LL Bean kids sleeping bag is a classic pick suitable for temps down to 40 degrees. (Now we’re talkin’.) You can’t go wrong with this one. 

For Babes

If you’re planning an adventure with a little one who’s still too young for a sleeping bag or blanket (in cool or cold weather), a warm bunting will do the trick.

Sleep Nest Travel ~$42

For temps down to 55-65 degrees F

The Sleep Nest Travel from Baby DeeDee is a functional — and economical — choice for a baby sleeping bag. This one comes with removable sleeves and a two-way zipper so it can be worn with a five-point harness (i.e., in a stroller).

Morrison Outdoors Kids’ Sleeping Bag ~$159

For temps down to 20 degrees F

(~$159 for the baby/toddler bag and $199 for the 4-6 YO version)

Another other very cool (though less versatile) option is the Morrison Outdoors Kids’ Sleeping Bag — it’s like a sleeping bag and a snowsuit had a baby. Definitely this is a top choice is you’re anticipating cold nights.

Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Sweater Bunting ~$169

Not rated for temps (b/c technically it’s a jacket), but has 700 down-fill-power.

Many seasoned family campers like the Patagonia down bunting, which is super warm but still light and breathable. *One thing to note with the Patagonia suit, though, is that it has a hood — which always made me squeamish WTR to bed time… * Note: runs huge (long).

*If your child sleeps in a bed/toddler bed, proceed onward… if you have a baby/toddler in a bassinet or crib, skip ahead to baby sleeping options. 

Sleeping Pads for Children

Next up, a kid-friendly sleeping pad for slightly older kids: let us preface this section by saying do not skimp on a sleeping surface! Chances are that if you’re the type who’s interested in taking your little kiddo camping, you’re already a seasoned camper and know that sleeping directly on the ground is a no-go, but just in case we’ve hooked any newbies: don’t sleep in your bag directly on the ground. I don’t care what the temperature is, you’ll be cold, or uncomfortable, or both.

You could opt for a classic inflatable camp sleeping pad, but kids easily fall off those suckers. Think of it like trying to sleep on a slip ‘n slide.

Plus, some kids putz around with the inflation valve, which can result in a) them constantly waking you up to fix the pad, or b) them sleeping directly on the ground… either of which would be enough to drive you batty, which we don’t want. The fewer “things that can pop” the better…

Thus, might we suggest some alternatives: 

Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed ~$25 — Economy Pick

Toddlers and preschoolers love these insanely-popular travel beds, and they’re perfect for camping — they keep kids off the cold ground without any fuss.

These raised cots (suitable for kids up to 75 pounds) fold up nice and easy, like a canvas camp chair (the soccer-mom kind), and are frankly nice to have around for general car travel (hotel rooms, your sister’s house, etc.), sleepovers, house guests, and the like. It comes with a fitted sheet (and apparently people use them as dog beds, too…)

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Foam Mattress ~$47-$57 — Editor’s Choice

This tried and true foam mattress folds/unfolds super quickly (like an accordion), is incredibly comfortable, equally durable and has a textured/rippled surface that helps kids stay in place while they’re asleep. Plus, since it’s not inflatable, you don’t need to worry about the air level. Downside: it takes up a little more space when packed. 

Baby Sleeping Spots

If you have a baby/toddler who is still in a bassinet or a crib, any of our favorite travel cribs (at all different price-points) would be fine for camping trips. One reader also suggested the KidCo Peapod, which is genius — it’s like a tent for inside the tent! — but it’s $$$ (~$99) and tough to find anymore.

And of course, a classic play yard (aka playpen/Pack N Play) would totally fit the bill — in fact… all things considered, we might recommend a play yard, since it also gives you somewhere to put your kiddo to play/hang out, on a surface that isn’t… the ground. Our budget pick for a play yard is the Graco Pack ‘n Play, and our upgrade pick is the 4moms breeze.

Sleep Soundly — Travel Sound Machines

Lastly, in line with the goal of keeping things as familiar as possible for The Bedtime Routine, you may want to think about bringing along a travel sound machine (or, there’s an app for that). If your child sleeps with a lovey or special blanket, don’t forget it!

3. Gear up for Mealtime

Camping is about spending time in nature, appreciating the great outdoors, etc., etc., yes, yes —  but camping with kids is also about… food. 

Yes — family camping revolves around the picnic table. Literally.

Translation: your kiddos may spend precisely 94% of your camping experience eating. So plan ahead and prep as much as you can. Bring tons of EASY snacks (we love fruit, cheese, and those applesauce pouches that kids everywhere are obsessed with) and do as much meal prep as possible in advance. Trust me, it’s waaaay easier to dole out pre-made PB&Js or heat up frozen meatballs on the camp stove than make them on the spot from scratch. 

That said, camp cooking is part of the experience! We suggest trying something quick and simple to start (eggs in the morning, grilled cheese for dinner, beans/chili, etc.). A stove will be the centerpiece of your new makeshift camp kitchen, lol. We love this one in particular:

Coleman Camping Stove ~$52

This is the quintessential camp stove. With 2 burners and a compact fold, this stove is a must for camping families. Bring extra propane so you don’t run out. 

You’re going to need somewhere to store all of your food, drinks and ice:

Coleman 316 Series Cooler ~$109 — Economy Pick

This affordable cooler has a loyal fan base and will serve you well. It’s great for weekend camping trips, as it works wonderfully for a couple of days before “The Melt” will hit you (usually around Day 2). Note that you have to really push the seal to close it and yank it to open it up, which is actually ideal when you have little children around… built-in childproofing! 

(Psst — we like hard coolers vs. soft coolers for car camping with kids because they help prevent smushing. Plus, extra seating…) 

Pro Tip: We prefer to use frozen water bottles (vs. ice) so your cooler doesn’t turn into an aquarium. To do this, just freeze several water bottles (deep freeze is better) several days in advance and voila!

YETI Tundra Haul Cooler ~$450 — Upgrade Pick

Whoa, I know: pricey.

YETIs have a reputation for being the Cadillac of coolers, and they really are top notch. Our YETI has literally kept ice for DAYS on our porch in the summer. Yes, YETI insulation is no joke. Plus, these things are literally indestructible — they’re like little ice tanks. Since they are heavy as sh*t when full, we recommend this wheeled version so you can tow it around easily at your campsite. It’s an investment, but if you spend a lot of time outdoors, this cooler is an MVP that should last a lifetime.

If you like the idea of a YETI but not the price tag, RTIC’s block cooler is similar in design and quality, but often retails for ~$100 less. Definitely worth checking out.

For actual mealtime, there are a ton of kid-specific travel items that will make your weekend much more enjoyable by simply streamlining things. We suggest: 

• A travel high chair: the Summer Infant Pop and Sit Portable Booster (~$34) is perfect for camping. Use it on its own or attach it safely to a chair. To get kids up higher, we also love the camp-chair style Ciao Baby Portable High Chair (~$63).

• Kids utensils: the stakes are always low with Take & Toss. At $17, the complete set is economical, lightweight, and easy to clean. (See also: Baby Feeding Gear)

• Your sippy cup of choice (or a water bottle, depending on age)

• Bottle paraphernalia & baby food: *when camping, go for convenience, folks. Always. If you’re formula feeding, splurge on premade formula so you’re not driving yourself crazy with mixing and whatnot at your campsite. If you’ve already started solids, same kind of thing: pack store-bought baby food to keep things easier.

Parents — don’t forget that coffee! Tons of friends love a good french press, and there’s always the good ol’-fashioned percolator, but personally I’m partial to my Aeropress. Yes, coffee while camping is a must-have! 

4. Light Your Path

One of my favorite things about camping is just how DARK it gets at night. I love it. 

Little kids? They love headlamps. And lanterns. Flashlights. Think about giving your kiddo her very own to love and use for the weekend (note: kids seem to be professional at losing these babies — keep an eye out!). 

Make sure you have lights to sufficiently light up your campsite, as well as plenty of individual options for walking around the campground at night, sitting at the table for a meal in the dark, and/or getting to and from the facilities. 

Headlamps

There are tons of headlamps out there; and if you’re just out for casual car camping weekends, probably even the cheap ones will suffice. Though, I’ll say that the Black Diamond and the Petzl Actik headlamps are the all-around favorites among serious campers. For toddlers and little children who can have their own, the Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp (~$29) is a solid bet, although it’s not quite as high quality as the company’s adult products.

Lanterns

Get a couple of the Black Diamond Moji Lanterns (they’re awesome) for “real” use, and pick up one of Coleman’s colorful kid-sized lanterns for your kiddo — thank us later. We also love the Firefly! lanterns, which come in various shapes (shark, astronaut and more).

5. Clothes for Camping Weather

If you’re heading out during a heat wave in the middle of July, bring along some items to help keep everyone cool (and sane). *Make sure your kiddo has a sunhat — even if it’s not sunny, it will help protect against ticks and whatnot. The right clothes can set the stage for a great day hike, various outdoor adventures, and a good night’s rest.

Reader tip: pack a battery-operated fan for especially humid afternoons.

Alternatively, if it’s shoulder season (or tends to run cool, depending on where you are), you’re going to want to make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes and extra layers (see below for some itemized recs). On the west coast, you can count on cool nights. You could also bring along an extra camp blanket for good measure.

• Wee Woolies merino wool pajamas (~$84)
• A winter sleep sack
• Lots of warm layers
• A hat (see our favorite winter hats) and/or mittens for nighttime 

6. Don’t Forget: Odds & Ends

Lastly, there are a handful of miscellaneous things to consider packing up:

• A travel diaper changing pad (either a reusable one or disposables), and make sure your diaper bag is well-stocked! Pack some doggie poop bags for dirties. 
• *Bug spray: a MUST
• *Sunscreen: YES
• Hand sanitizer, duh
• Water
• Kids shoes that are easy to take on and off (either rain boots or summer slip-ons)
• S’mores supplies! (And Fatwood to light your campfire in a jiffy)

• Your favorite hiking carrier or infant carrier (and an infant carrier cover to keep warm)
• Baby bath (readers prefer the Stokke Flexi Bath Portable Tub) — or, a plain old Rubbermaid tub (pro tip: use it also for easier handwashing at the campsite)
• Bluetooth Speaker – we recommend the Wonderboom, a personal fave that is fully waterproof and very kid-friendly

For those of you planning a trip, remember to keep things low stakes. And don’t beat yourself if it’s not insanely amazing — the first two times we went camping (with our first-born at 6- and 9-months), we reserved a site for the whole weekend and ended up cashing in early. We all slept like sh*t, it was WAY colder than we expected, and in the end, I just wanted to go home, shower, and have a nice night. 

And you know what, we did have a nice night! 

However difficult (did I say difficult? I meant “different,” I swear) camping with kids is compared to camping adults-only, camping with babies is serious work! But remember: every year, things get easier — little kiddos are “better” campers than toddlers, and toddlers are “better” campers than babies. And as always, the more of a script littles have, the better they do. So camp it up, friends. What else are you doing this summer? 

And for those of you who’ve been-there-done-that and rocked a family camping trip, please, please share your tips and tricks in the comments below — we’d all love to hear your suggestions.

Cheers!

The post Camping Gear for Families with Babies and Toddlers appeared first on Lucie's List.

Turns out, it is light for a double stroller and well worth the price. In fact, it’s been one of our most-loved, most-used pieces of “baby gear” in the last two years (hence its muddy appearances in all my photos), which is why I was eager to review it (BTW, this is one of the only unsponsored Thule Chariot Lite reviews out there).

SINGLE Thule Chariot Lite Review Stats: MSRP $949. Comes as a stroller and bike trailer; jogger wheel and ski kit are sold separately.

• Weight capacity: 75 lbs.
• Width: 25”
• Stroller weight: 26 lbs. 

DOUBLE Thule Chariot Lite Review Stats: MSRP $1,049. Same note: comes as a stroller and bike trailer; jogger wheel and ski kit are sold separately.

• Weight capacity: 100 lbs. total
• Width: 31.5” (yes, it can sneak through standard doorways)
• Stroller weight: 27.5 lbs. (that’s correct — this is only 1.5 pounds heavier than the singles version!)

The Thule Chariot Lite is a GREAT all-around stroller, not to mention all its special sporting capabilities. Besides being able to use it as a bike trailer, a cross-country ski pulk, and a jogger, we’ve continued to use it almost exclusively as our everyday double-stroller. We’ve even traveled with it. In short: yes, the Thule Chariot Lite can truly wear many different hats.

Basics

The stroller itself has a screen cover that zips closed on each side and clips securely at the bottom. The screen is really nice for daily use (no bugs), but we especially love it for biking purposes. We often take our bikes over commuter bridges, and there’s lots of dust and dirt flying around from the cars, so I love that the screen protects my kids from all of that. 

You can affix the clip-on sunshade (UPF 50) overtop of the screen, and it slides up and down for more or less sun blockage very smoothly. 

Lastly, the clear plastic rain cover hooks on over all of that (or on its own) and really has a nice snug fit to keep the interior dry. As a bonus, this lining seals in warmth. We use it a lot during the winter (or on very windy days) to help keep the kids warm. We’ve snuggled them up with a blanket over their laps, and I’m always amazed how warm they manage to stay after having been out for an hour (or more) in the snow and ice. (Meanwhile guess who’s freezing?! Me.) See also: Best Stroller Footmuffs/Bunting

Push/Steering

The “push” on the Thule Chariot Lite is simply amazing. The stroller — even weighed down with a toddler, a preschooler, and pounds of gear — is a breeze to push. It maneuvers really well and has that glorious “glide” effect that BOB devotees will love. 

The front two (small) tires are plastic and the rear two (huge) tires are air-filled (we’ve only ever had to re-inflate them a couple of times in the two years we’ve owned it), and the suspension is really impressive, especially for a double. The Thule glides smoothly over bumpy terrain both in stroller and biking mode thanks to the GIANT 20″ tires in the back (compare this with 16″ tires on full size joggers, like BOB).

The handlebar adjusts easily and has a wide range (see below), so the push is nice whether you’re on the shorter or taller side: 

The locking mechanism is a brake on the right base of the stroller; it’s easy to engage and disengage with one foot and holds in place really well. There’s no hand brake on this stroller, which is somewhat surprising given that it has the option to use as a jogger, though you can buy one separately if you want it (you live on steep hills or whatnot).

Seats

The double stroller features two seats that are connected (as opposed to separated, like most double strollers). This is great because it makes for a smaller footprint (at 31.5”, this stroller is quite sleek for a double and can fit through most doorways), but it can feel snug in there for the kiddos, something to consider if your kids don’t do well in tight quarters. That said, my 4-year-old is as big as the average 6-year-old and he still fits in with his little sister just fine.

If, on the other hand, your kids get along alright, having the shared seat (vs. separated seats) is actually wonderful. My kids share books, snacks, and toys on stroller rides and seem to generally like the proximity (as do I — they like to serenade me with their best rendition of “Let it Go”). There’s the typical squabbling here and there, but overall the joint seat feature works well for us — plus there’s no fighting about who’s in the front or the back, facing front or back, etc. Very egalitarian.

Each seat has a 5-point safety harness that’s easy to buckle and unclip (but not so easy that my kids have ever (un)done it). There’s no ability to adjust/recline the seats, and it is not car-seat compatible at all… which means that you cannot use this stroller with a newborn baby — the seats just sit up too upright.

For infants, you can purchase an infant sling ($99, below), which easily hooks onto either seat. Thule advertises it for 1-10-month olds, but we were not comfortable using it with our daughter until she was more like 5/6-months old. It’s safe to say you’ll want the sling for any child under 1 year. Even in the sling, a young baby is propped up such that I’d be worried about the “neck slump” factor — so I wouldn’t recommend using the sling until your baby is old and strong enough to sit up well enough with some support. 

*One final point about the seats on the Chariot Lite — they are low and out of your sight. Translation: they are not so easy for you, the parent, to access. Any time I need to check in on my kids, I have to stop the stroller, lock it, walk around to the front, stoop down, and (sometimes) remove the rain cover or unzip the screen to see what’s going on in there. This can definitely be a bit of a pain, so if that would be a deal breaker for you, it’s important to keep in mind. The difficult-to-access factor is magnified, of course, during any of the more sporty outings, as you can’t super-easily get or talk to your child from up ahead on your bike or skis, but this is the case for any trailer of this type.

Storage

The storage on the Thule Chariot Lite is in the rear of the stroller (rather than underneath) — it’s essentially a big expandable storage pouch. Although some users complain that they’d like more storage space, I have to say that we’ve successfully — and relatively easily — loaded it up with TONS of stuff for outings. The netting has a nice stretch to it, and it can really hold quite a bit: beach bags, diaper bags, water bottles, blankets, etc. We’ve carried all of that (combined) on multiple occasions.

Fold

The Thule Chariot Lite has color-coded buttons that make it really simple and intuitive to fold and unfold. To fold, you push in the blue buttons on either side of the stroller, and it collapses down (forward) into itself; then, you fold in the handlebars in the same way (pushing the blue handlebar buttons on both sides). Folded all the way down, a clip lock on the left side clicks into place and keeps everything contained. Collapsing the whole thing is actually pretty simple, although it does require both hands.

To fully break it down for its smallest footprint, the wheels can be removed (the back ones slide off by pushing the blue buttons in; the front ones slide down and out by pulling the blue lever to release them). 

With the back wheels off, this monster will fit in my trunk, laid flat (I have a mid-size SUV). It’s definitely annoying to have to break it down each time I use it (although I suppose it’s easy enough to do), but it’s not an issue if you aren’t transporting it.

Biking

The Thule Chariot Lite comes standard with the bike conversion kit and all the necessary hardware to use the stroller as a bike trailer (including a flag and reflectors). 

It’s actually surprisingly simple to get the stroller set up in bike mode. It takes me about 3-5 minutes. (However, the first time you attach it may take ten minutes since there is a piece you need to secure to your back bike wheel. Yes, with tools.) 

To convert to bike-trailer mode, you have to remove the front wheels (once removed, they fit facing up on the top so they don’t get lost). Then slide the bike attachment into the front left “slot” until it locks into place. You secure that with a small clip, then affix the other end via a ball and socket connector to your rear wheel. (Cue to 2 minutes on this video to see the setup; it takes the model less than a minute.)

Jogging 

OK — so this stroller technically calls for “the jogging kit” ($119) — a front big jogging wheel (see below) — to run with it. 

If you’re a serious runner, I imagine you’d want this, and yes, that’s an expense. HOWEVER, if you are not an avid runner, you can definitely use this stroller without the formal jogging attachment. I consider myself a casual runner (i.e., I run anywhere between 3-6 miles at a time, at lightning speed — kidding! 9-minute miles riiiiiight here — mostly on pathways) and use the Thule Chariot Lite without the true jogger wheel. It’s still comparable to my BOB in the push at a jogging clip, IMO, but you know better than anyone whether this is something you need/want. 

If you buy any of the add-on kits/accessories for your Thule stroller, *make sure you double check the model number and the compatibility before you buy. Unfortunately Thule doesn’t have a master chart anywhere, but you can click on your trailer here to see which exact parts and add-ons will be compatible with your model. They have excellent customer service, too, so you can always call to check if you’re unsure.

Skiing

There’s a lot to love about the stroller on its own, but the COOLEST thing about the Thule Chariot Lite is that you can use it as a ski pulk and take your kiddos cross-country skiing. Yes, you do need another heinously-expensive accessory — the Skiing Kit ($349, gulp) — but if you’re a skier, it’s just SO fun to be able to get out there. 

Similar to the bike component, you remove all the wheels (including the rear wheels), and click skis into place at the base (!). Then the ski “puller” slides into the front. Once you’re all set up, the belt clips around your waist and off you go! (You can watch the set-up here.) I was worried the belt would be uncomfortable to ski with, but it’s actually quite thick with padding, and it didn’t bother me at all. Bonus — your cross-country ski outing will be an even better workout.

Seriously, though, this apparatus is truly cool. Cross country skiing with your kids is one of our favorite ways of staying active outdoors (with kids!) in the winter.

Thule Chariot Lite Review — Bottom Line:

The Thule Chariot (single or double version) is a very high-quality stroller that can play the role of everyday stroller, jogger, bike trailer, and ski pulk. It’s a fantastic stroller in its own right, with excellent, user-friendly features like screen, sun, and rain covers, color coding, and adjustable handlebars. But given its expense, it’s probably best for families who are interested in taking advantage of its multi-sport capabilities.

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Friends, if you have a Pack ‘n Play, you can get by in life. 

In other words, if you only bought a Pack ‘n Play, it would fit the bill for so many categories: a bedside bassinet, a crib, a travel crib, somewhere safe to put baby down while you fold the laundry/shower/eat an apple/sit on your porch/carry in your groceries/work/workout… everything we affectionately call “GSD” (getting stuff done). It will last you well into toddlerhood, guaranteed. So if you’re working with a tight budget, limited space or simply don’t want to overbuy unnecessary baby stuff, get one of these and call it a wrap.

Seriously, it’s just that useful.

At home, you can move the Pack ‘n Play around your house fairly easily, and it assembles and disassembles in about 30 seconds. When taken down, it folds into a nice, portable, rectangular package you can take anywhere. They’re all pretty heavy and clunky (~25-35 pounds), though, just FYI. 

Despite its weight, by far and away, the PNP is the most useful baby item we have bought to date (and no, Graco doesn’t pay me to say this stuff).

Heads up: Graco makes a zillion different versions of the PNP with different trim, levels and features, but don’t get overwhelmed. At the end of the day, a Pack ‘n Play is a Pack ‘n Play is a Pack ‘n Play. 

There are basically three main options worth considering, which can be a bit confusing. I mean, how different can they really be, right? That’s why we wanted to do a Pack ‘n Play review — to help you choose the right one for your family.

1. Classic Pack ‘n Play

The bare bones version of this classic will set you back ~$70 and will not let you down. It’s a little lighter (~19 pounds), and it doesn’t have much by way of bells and whistles, but here’s the big secret: you really don’t need any! You *may want to “upgrade” to the version that DOES come with a bassinet insert that raises the base level of the sleeping surface, because this is a big help with newborns when you’re laying them down/picking them up (however many zillion times a day… this part is definitely nice to have). It’s about an extra ten bucks; we think it’s worth it.

2. Pack ‘n Play with Portable Seat & Changer

This next upgraded version (~$169) is your classic play yard with an optional removable seat and (flip it over to reveal)… a flat changing surface. You can’t go wrong with this model; it’s a long-time fave. The seat (pictured below) sits on top of the PNP — or you can remove it and use it wherever you want, like a bouncer. It cups the baby on all sides; it’s like putting an egg into a carton, and it’s perfect for the first couple of months.

Again, you can flip over the napper to reveal a diaper changing surface, but I honestly don’t know many parents who used this feature very much — it’s just a little awkward, so I always just used the changing table, or the floor/bed when we were traveling. 

3. Pack ‘n Play Snuggle Suite

If you want more bells and whistles, this one (~$329, below) adds a storage “cubicle” at the end for diapers and such as well as an electronics module with music/soothing sounds and a vibration feature.

You can also remove the seat and use it separately with this one: 

You may also be interested in Pack ‘n Play-sized fitted sheets. You can also get a more permanent mattress to add comfort to your little one’s ZZZs, but you don’t need this until toddlerhood (or at all). If you do get a mattress, just be sure that you get one that’s meant to be used with the PNP!

Like I said, there are a seemingly infinite number of PNP options and upgrades, but these are the all-around favorites. Don’t overthink it! 

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Of some sort.

And even though we’ve always been fans of the classic Graco Pack ‘n Play, 4moms is definitely onto something with the Breeze Go and Breeze Plus play yards. Yes, friends, there is a LOT to like here.

Most parents agree the ease of use is well worth the extra dollars. It’s super easy to fold and unfold – seriously, it’s “insanely easy”… like, it makes the Pack ‘n Play look like rocket science, in comparison. You can do it with a single hand, in seconds. No muss, no fuss. It’s, well… a breeze (get it?)! 

Compared to the Graco Pack ‘n Play, which is not necessarily intuitive to put together and take apart, the Breeze is foolproof. For this reason, we especially recommend it as a crib or portable play yard for grandparents.

The 4moms breeze gives you a sturdy, durable sleep or play space (one mom on Amazon even said she crawled in with her baby sometimes!); it’s undoubtedly a high-quality item.

4moms Breeze Models

There are two models available: the Breeze Plus ($299) and the Breeze GO ($239). The former comes with a removable bassinet and changer (a must-have for babies under 6 months), while the GO (the travel crib version), doesn’t. Other than that (and the color), we’re talking about the same thing. 

At 23 pounds (28.5 with the bassinet and changer), the 4moms Breeze is comparable to the Pack ‘n Play and other play yards in terms of weight, and it also comes with a carry case for easy transport. Note that the handles are long, so carrying it low may cause it to drag on the floor if you’re short. On the flip side, you can actually carry this one over your shoulder, which many find easier.

Much like with the standard-issue Graco Pack ‘n Play, we think a play yard like the 4moms Breeze is a GREAT option that kills many birds with one stone: this can function as a bedside bassinet, a crib, a portable crib, and a play yard (aka playpen) for an active toddler. Yes, you can get many years of use out of this thing!

The downsides: some parents complain that the Breeze play yard sheets are pretty pricey ($30 for the bassinet mattress fitted sheet and $40 for the play yard fitted sheet). Given that you may want 2-3 sheets, this does raise the cost of an already-expensive product. Other than that, there are virtually no complaints with this play yard.

4moms Breeze Review — bottom line: Though much pricier than other play yards ($300 vs. $100 for a basic Pack n’ Play), the 4moms Breeze wins in the ease-of-use category with an extremely intuitive fold (and unfold); not to mention, it’s much more attractive. If you’re buying for a new baby, choose the Plus model, which comes with a removable bassinet and changer for infants under 6 months.

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The first type is your basic umbrella stroller, which folds long and skinny. Umbrellas are usually lightweight and can be very cheap (cheaper than other types of strollers, at least). The downside to umbrella strollers is that many of them lack key features parents want while traveling, such as a decent storage basket, canopy, etc. Also, umbrella strollers must be steered and pushed with two hands.

Not a deal breaker, just an FYI.

The second is the regular ol’ lightweight “square-fold” stroller. These travel strollers take up the most space when folded, but generally offer better features and one-handed steering (usually).

The third and newest type is a “tri-fold” style stroller, which typically has the best of both worlds: a very small fold and decent features. This type of stroller folds into thirds instead of in half. The tri-fold travel strollers tend to be the most lightweight and compact, but also the most expensive.

You can see them folded and unfolded below to get an appreciation of the relative sizes:

Best Travel Strollers: Index

Keep reading below (or click on a link) for more details.

Umbrella Strollers for Travel

Everyone knows umbrella strollers are great for travel. They’re lightweight, fold compactly, and fit into most trunks. It’s pretty easy to find cheap umbrella strollers, though the nicer ones are surprisingly expensive. Note that as tri-fold strollers are gaining popularity, umbrella strollers seem to be slowly on their way out, so the selection is not what it used to be.

Here are our favorite umbrella strollers specifically for travel. See also: Best Umbrella Strollers (for general purposes). 

Summer Infant 3DMini ~ MSRP $60, 11 lbs – “quick and dirty option”

The Summer Infant 3D Mini umbrella stroller is crazy lightweight (only 11 lbs!) and easy to fold. It comes with some features; it has two cup holders in a storage console that also holds your phone/keys, a lower storage basket, a canopy (not that large, but better than most for the price), and has a slight recline for nappers.

If you’re looking for a cheap, bare bones stroller for travel that won’t break the bank, this one’s a really great option. For kids 6 months and up.

Summer Infant 3D Lite ~ $114, 13 lbs

If you’d like to go a step up in terms of quality, Summer Infant also makes the Summer Infant 3D Lite, which is 13 lbs. It comes with more features and is slightly more “luxurious” than the Mini (but still an “economy” build quality, if ya know what I mean…).

For starters, the seat is roomier and can recline further (but not flat, so use from 6 mo+), which is better for longer trips. With an aluminum frame, this stroller should last you a little longer (up to 50 lbs) and the anti-shock wheels offer a smoother ride. The 3D Lite also has a padded 5-point harness and an expandable canopy. However, some parents complain that the seat is not ideal for taller, older children.

Here’s our quick vid:

The 3D Lite comes with plenty of storage, including a decent-size storage basket and a rear storage pocket for your cell phone and keys. The height of the handlebars is perfect for taller parents. Surprisingly, the parent organizer/cup holder on the “Mini” is better. With an easy, compact umbrella fold and a handy shoulder strap, we think the 3D Lite is perfect for travel – and won’t break the bank.

UPPAbaby G-Luxe ~ $199, 16 lbs

The high-quality G-Luxe umbrella stroller is one of the few true umbrella strollers left standing (the G-Lite has been discontinued, sadly). The G-Luxe is a high-quality stroller loaded with awesome features. It has an easy fold, a huuuuuge multi-paneled sun canopy to keep baby protected from those evil UV rays, and weighs in at 16 lbs. It has a mesh seat for ventilation purposes (great for summers and hot climates), and a full recline.

Read more about the G-Luxe here.

Regular Fold Strollers for Travel

There are other travel strollers that are very lightweight, but have a more boxy fold.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus ~ $71, 11.8 lbs

This economy stroller weighs in at just under 12 lbs, is very affordable, and gives you some bang for your buck.

To level with you, this is the stroller you want if you don’t care that it looks cheap and crappy, and you want a deeper recline, a much larger storage basket, and even a snack tray. It also has a parent tray with two cup holders, which is much appreciated.

Who really cares that it’s not sexy – it’s just for travel anyway, right?

Zoe The Tour v2 ~ $259, 13 lbs

Tri-Fold Travel Strollers

The newest generation of lightweight travel strollers are what I call “tri-fold” – that means they fold into thirds, which makes for a VERY compact fold. The Mountain Buggy Nano was the first to fold this way; since then, many others have followed.

It’s a different folded footprint than an umbrella stroller, which is long and skinny. Neither is better or worse, per se, they’re just different. That said, tri-fold strollers tend to have better access to storage and because the handlebars aren’t separated you can steer them with one hand (sort of).

Many of these tri-fold travel strollers tout they can fit into an overhead storage compartment on an airplane, which is more to illustrate how small the fold really is (I can’t think of any reason you’d actually want to put a stroller in the overhead bin – seems like overkill to me – just check it at the gate for free). 

GB Pockit Air All-Terrain ~ $149

10.4 lbs

A stroller that can fit in your bag – seriously!

This stroller is lightweight and has an extremely compact fold. In fact, it’s the world’s smallest folded stroller, though it won’t (obviously) give you many features.

The Pockit stroller is all of 10.4 lbs. and works from 6 months to 55 lbs.

The Pockit folds down in two steps (and about 30 seconds, once you get used to it… and you do need both hands to fold) to become 12x14x7 inches—which is well below carry-on regulations, and as the name suggests, can fit into the “pockit” of a large tote or backpack.

This stroller pushes easily on flat surfaces, and also got an “all-terrain” makeover, with four double-wheels, that makes it easier to maneuver on cobblestones and other uneven surfaces.

It has a flat overhead sun shade that will do absolutely nothing to block the sun unless it’s high noon and directly overhead (and it tends to blow up/back in the wind) – but hey, they had to cut something to get it to fit into your bag! Another issue is the lack of a reclining seat and a carry strap.

Some parents (our managing editor included) say the stroller feels a bit flimsy and wobbly. Also, make sure the stroller is fully open and do not hold on to the folding buttons that are at the tip of the handles, as some users said the stroller collapsed… while their babies were in.

At the end of the day, this is an awesome stroller to keep in your bag “just in case” your child gets tired of walking (or you get tired of lugging him around in a carrier). It is that and nothing more, which for many is exactly what they need when traveling.

Contours Itsy Stroller ~ $152

12.3 lbs

We like the Contours brand because it takes popular styles of strollers and makes them more affordable for the masses. The Itsy stroller is Contours’ latest travel stroller with a unique self-standing, one-handed fold. At 12.3 lbs, The Itsy is almost as light as the Pockit, but has more to offer: a sturdy make, dynamic dual-wheel suspension, a UPF 50+ sun canopy, a generous underseat storage basket and more.

The stroller seat, which does not recline (the one downside for little ones who tend to snooze on the go), can hold a child from 6 months up to 40lbs. Overall, parents love this stroller, especially for the price point. They say it feels sturdy, has a smooth ride and is easy to use on the daily and on the go. Plus… no assembly required when you take it out the box.

In other words, there’s nothing bad to say about this stroller. For the money, we think this is a contender for best travel stroller. 

Mountain Buggy Nano ~ $209

13 lbs

The 13 lb Nano is the little black dress of the stroller world. 

The Nano comes with a belt-style universal car seat adapter, and its accessories include a travel bag and a shoulder strap. The current model (2020) has a deeper seat recline than its predecessor, a better sun shade with a flip-out visor, and extra slim wheels. 

The Nano folds in two steps into a rectangle that is 21 x 12 x 20 inches. It has a 44-lb weight capacity (so it can carry kids up to age 4).

You can buy a separate “cocoon carrycot” (aka bassinet) for your newborn. It also has a ventilated seat back (for your tropical trips) and a fabric overlay (for your wintry wanderings). If you travel a lot or just want a super lightweight, high quality stroller for bopping around town, the chic Nano should do the trick. Bon voyage!  

See the demo of the Nano, taken at the ABC Baby Show, below:

Colugo ~ $325 (Editor’s Choice)

16 lbs

The Colugo is an awesome, newer stroller that we like very much. It’s also a great all-around city stroller. Here, we are in the 16-lb territory, which is no longer uber-lightweight, but this stroller is solidly built with great all-around features, and one that you would be happy to use in your day to day as well.

Please read more about it in this separate review.

UPPAbaby Minu V2 ~ $399

16.9 lbs

We’re in love with the UPPAbaby Minu tri-fold stroller, which just got an update. The MINU V2 is lightweight (though heavier than its predecessor), has a compact fold, and an amazing canopy. It can carry kids up to 50 lbs and, unlike umbrella strollers.. Note that if you already have a VISTA, the bassinet is compatible with the V2.

Following the steps of its big sisters (the Vista and the Cruz), the Minu boasts a basket that is nicely sized (for a compact stroller…), plus it has an extendable canopy with tons of sun coverage, all-wheel suspension, and a seat pocket for keys/phone, etc. Yes, people who are already loyal to the UPPAbaby brand and own the larger Vista or Cruz are very happy with this new compact offering.

As 16.9 lbs, the MINU V2 is not only heavier than the original (14.8 lbs), it’s also the heaviest travel stroller on the market. The extra pounds are due to some pretty awesome seat updates, like an adjustable calf support.

It’s also now compatible with a Piggyback ride-along board that allows you and your standing child to be next to each other while you push the stroller, creating better leg room and visibility (a plus from the BabyZen’s stroller board).

It comes with a storage bag for travel, and car seat adapters for Nuna Pipa/Maxi Cosi/Cybex and UPPAbaby Mesa infant car seats.

Attention short people: many under 5’4″ have complained the handlebar is too high (and it does not adjust). Also note that there is no cup holder, though you can buy one separately. This stroller is easier to fold than its competitor, the BabyZen Yoyo+, though larger and heavier.

New/Upcoming Travel Strollers

While umbrella strollers seem to slowly become obsolete, trifold strollers seem to be dominating the 2022 market. We’re specifically keeping an eye out for the following strollers by two of our faves:

Nuna TRVL ~ $500, 13.6 lbs

If you know us, you also know that we are big fans of all things Nuna. It’s just a solid baby brand, whether you’re after a car seat, a stroller or a high chair. We’re most excited about Nuna’s new compact addition: the TRVL, which we foresee will be the Minu’s closest competition. This stroller will especially appeal to parents who opt for the Nuna PIPA car seat, which is compatible with the TRVL (no adapter needed!).

The fold is easy and one-handed, which is a definite advantage from the YOYO2. The TRVL also self-stands and self-locks with a self-guiding magnetic buckle.

So far the reviews are really promising!

Bugaboo Butterfly ~ $449, 16.1 lbs

Bugaboo is joining the trifold club, and it’s doing it with a bang (and with the brand’s usual class). The Butterfly stroller folds and unfolds with one hand in one second and has an expendable canopy, four-wheel suspension and more. At just around 16 lbs, it is most comparable to the Minu and the Colugo in terms of air. This stroller is compatible with the Bugaboo Turtle Air and One car seats by Nuna, as well as many popular car seat brands using Bugaboo Butterfly adapters (sold separately).

Babyzen YOYO2 ~$449

13.6 lbs

Babyzen is a neat company out of France – and you know how I feel about France… . The stroller was named the Yoyo because it goes up and down so easily (like a yoyo… get it?).

The lightweight and compact BabyZen YoYo2 folds up soooooo tiny (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 — small enough to carry on most airlines), but doesn’t skimp on other features in the name of convenience. Yes, this stroller was designed specifically for luxe travel and city living. Yes, it’s the priciest of all the travel strollers reviewed here, but totally worth it if you have a travel/urban lifestyle (IYKYK!).

The seat reclines (about 140 degrees, which is generous), and its wheels roll easily over uneven terrain. In fact, the stroller uses Hytrel, a high-tech polymer to make its suspension resilient and durable, and to provide smoother rides (even on cobblestones) than its predecessor. This technology is new to the Yoyo2.

The stroller is sleek and luxe, especially with its new elegant leather handlebar.

This video is from 2017 and demonstrates the original Yoyo+:

The plush, padded YoYo2 seat carries kids up to 40 lbs. It has a decently-sized storage basket (good for a small diaper bag) and another storage pouch behind the canopy. The canopy rivals that of the Minu and the stroller comes with a very comfortable carry strap and a rain cover.

The stroller is compatible with the European car seats: Nuna Pipa, Cybex and Maxi-Cosi Mico (adapters sold separately).

If you want to use this stroller with a newborn, you should take a look at the BabyZen YoYo2 Complete ($629), which includes the stroller plus a newborn bassinet. You can also add a Newborn Pack separately ($180). As the overall design and size of the stroller frame hasn’t changed with the YOYO2, all existing accessories that fit the YOYO+ also fit the new model.

*Some reviewers note that they tend to kick the back of this stroller if they have a longer stride.

For older siblings, the YOYO2 offers a riding board: the Yoyo+ Board. This is a great addition for families with two or more children, but note that the riding board gets in the way of your pushing. You’ll have to walk on the side.

In addition to the riding board, other optional accessories include a travel bag, footmuff, parasol, insect shield, and cupholder.

BabyZen launched YOYO Connect, which hooks to the back of your YOYO2 to turn it into a… drumroll… a double (tandem) stroller! Once a double stroller, the YOYO2 has 5 different setups (2 that are suitable for twins and 3 that are suitable for siblings of different ages).

A Great Alternative to a Foldable Airplane Stroller

Wait – we have one more cool thing to show you!

Lugabug ~ $40

If you’re a “carry-on” person (you know who you are!), definitely check out the Lugabug. As you know, it’s very difficult to push a stroller and a suitcase at the same time (but not impossible! I’ve done it many times – HA).

The Lugabug is a seat that attaches to your suitcase – your kiddo simply hops on and you can wheel them all around the airport (since it attaches to your suitcase, it’s only really helpful if you’re not planning to check your bag).

I get soooooo many questions and comments when I travel with my Lugabug, I feel like a walking advertisement. I love it for my short weekend flights when I’m traveling light and don’t want to check luggage. Highly recommend. Note: It’s better to use it with higher quality luggage (for cheap luggage, you risk breaking the wheels).

Seriously, this thing is way cool — I’ve enjoyed it very much! Max weight is 60 lbs.

There you have it – our top picks for travel strollers. Happy trails, bon voyage, and safe travels, parents!

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We’ve pooled our collective travel records to share our favorite travel child proofing solutions. These are all easy – they’re portable, cheap, quick, or all of the above. Have fun!

First Things First

When you arrive at your hotel room or rental house, you want to do a general clean sweep of the space. Take note of how everything looks (you might even snap a few photos on your phone to help with this), and then start your work:

First, remove knick-knacks and breakables from surfaces and put them up in a closet or on a high shelf out of reach. You might even want to remove things like remotes, travel brochures, information cards, etc. — anything you don’t want your child to destroy should get put away out of reach.

My advice: don’t be shy with this step. I’ve done a lot of “redecorating” while traveling with two small children, and every minute spent doing so was well worth it. Even if there are things you forget to move back, don’t sweat it — an out-of-place lamp is better than a broken one! And everyone’s vacation is way more enjoyable when you’re not constantly yelling at your kiddos to leave things alone or prying delicates from their tiny fingers.

Entrances and Exits

See also: Babyproofing Your Fireplace and Pool Safety Basics for Children

The next step is to ascertain the door situation, as well as openings for any “special” features, like a fireplace, fire pit, hot tub, pool, etc. Make sure that your own room/home has locks that work, and check that things like pool gates or outdoor fences also lock. If there are any gaps, see what you can do to fix them closed as best as possible while you’re there. For homes, you can always bring door knob covers (effectively, locks) along.

If you’re staying somewhere with a pool, be extra-vigilant — read up on keeping your baby/toddler safe near a pool ahead of time. There are some wearable or portable devices you can bring on vacation that may give you some extra peace of mind.

If you have an AirBNB or a rental home, and your child is staying in her own room, this is also a good time to check that door. Can your child accidentally lock herself in (this can easily happen with those twist door handle or push button locks)? Again, a simple door knob cover can help with this, and barely takes up any space in your suitcase.

See also: The full Childproofing Door Knob Covers and Locks review

Drawers/Cabinets

See also: The complete Drawer and Cabinet Locks review

If you’re staying anywhere with a kitchen or a sizable living space, there are probably going to be drawers and cabinets you’d like to keep your kiddo out of. There are several easy fixes:

• Use rubber bands/elastics/hair ties to bind knobbed cabinet doors together; this works best for younger babes (compared to older toddlers).

• Use dog collars from the dollar store (!) to bind cabinet doors with handles together (these are especially smart because you can adjust them in length!).

• Use painter’s tape to “lock” cabinet doors together. Note that this is ideal for cabinets you don’t need to use frequently, but quite annoying for any spaces you plan on needing access to. Also, keep in mind that duct tape can leave residues and harm finishes, so painter’s tape is better. Another more “permanent” fix like this is a zip tie. (To do this: wrap the tape/zip tie around cabinet doors/handles/knobs multiple times.)

• You can also just bring along some easy cabinet locks:

• Drawers… sigh. They’re TOUGH, ya’ll. It’s a problem. We don’t have an easy drawer fix but here are a couple ideas:
  
  • You could throw some kind of pole/stick through drawer handles (a tension rod, yardstick, a literal stick, etc.), like so (see below).
  • You can also use a long utensil, like a serving spoon or spatula, to keep drawers closed (two at a time).
  • for single drawers you won’t need access to often, you could use a sh*tload of painter’s tape to stick them closed.

Outlets

See also: The full Outlet Covers review

• Regular old outlet covers are incredibly cheap and easy to pack.

• Or, you can use painters tape to cover up outlets.

Toddler Bed A La Mode

• To create a makeshift toddler-safe bed, push a bed up against the wall, and then tuck pool noodles or pillows under the fitted mattress on the opposite (exposed) side of the bed — these act as a functional bed rail. Genius!

• Or, you can place the mattress on the floor.

Little Sleepy Head Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed ~ $49

This portable inflatable toddler mattress makes sleeping at hotels and relatives’ houses more comfortable for everyone. It sits low to the ground and features security rails to keep your tot secure and comfortable all night. Comes with electric pump, mattress sheet and carrying bag.

Tables

• If you have a crawler or an early (toddling) walker, you might want to bring along some corner guards to cushion coffee table edges or other corners.

Bath Time

See also: The full Baby Bath Safety review

• Spout covers are easy enough to pack.

• You can also purchase an inflatable baby bathtub to bring and blow up, depending on your packing space.

Travel Medicine Kit

Medicine RX Safe Travel Bags ~ $24

America’s poison control centers receive roughly half a million calls each year from accidental pharmaceutical exposures in children; the vast majority of these happen to children under 5. Nearly all of these are a result of unsupervised children getting into medication. Those colorful, delicious ibuprofens are so alluring! And so dangerous. Hopefully you keep your medicines in a safe place at home, but don’t get caught off guard when you travel.

Enter this childsafe Bag (pictured above); kids cannot get into it! This is the perfect place to keep your meds when you travel, or even at home. Also!! In our research, we found that grandparents are four times more likely than parents to keep prescription medicine in easy-access places. Please have a convo with your parents about keeping their medicines put away when your kids are visiting— or vice versa. [See also: Babyproofing for Grandparents]

For me, this bag is a no-brainer. I have one for my meds and one for the kid’s emergency travel meds, like kid’s ibuprofen, kid’s Benadryl, cough medicine, etc. I use the whole thing as a travel kit with a thermometer, Band-Aids, etc., so everything’s in one place.

If your family travels frequently, we highly recommend keeping all of this stuff handy in a little bag. With a specific “travel kit,” you always have your items ready and never need to pilfer from your own child proofing stuff at home. In it, you should include:

• Door knob covers
• Cabinet locks (either traditional ones, or supplies for one of the other hacks we described above)
• Painters tape
• Set of corner guards
• Outlet/plug covers

See also: The full Babyproofing Window Safety review

• Use painters tape to hold any cord/blinds strings up out of reach.
• Close and lock all windows that could pose a falling hazard — unfortunately there’s no “travel window lock,” but most (modern) accommodations will have locks (well, they should, anyways).
• You know how most rental homes tend to have those really sheer window coverings that block about 2% of the light from the sun? These aren’t a babyproofing item per se, but we highly recommend these portable travel blackout shades — they make rooms dark in an instant so you at least have a chance of sleeping in! We don’t think the suction cups work very well, but you can use your handy-dandy painters tape to keep them in place. Helloooo, nap time!

Whew — OK. Happy travels! NOW you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the view.

Cheers, y’all! Now get out there and see the world .

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