|
Compact Strollers for Holiday Travel
With gas prices low and the economy improving, more families will be traveling for the holidays this year than in recent memory, according to AAA. Whether traveling by car, train, or plane, families with tots in tow will appreciate the lightweight compact strollers that Consumer Reports recently tested. Here are four models that will get you and your little one on your way.
A super-compact but full-featured stroller, the Mountain Buggy Nano folds down to the size of a small suitcase and fits in an overhead airplane bin. The stroller weighs 13 pounds and is suitable for children from 6 months old to 44 pounds. Included with the Nano are a belt and adapters to secure an infant car seat, so it can also be used for a newborn. Although storage in the stroller is a bit skimpy, this is a great choice for travel.
Pros. The Nano was nimble with very good maneuverability. Features, especially folding, were not intuitive, but very easy once you’ve done it once or twice. Extras include a travel bag.
Cons. The canopy can be a conundrum. When closed it can interfere with hand placement on the handlebar and gets in the way when folding the stroller. When open, the canopy obscures your view of the child passenger. The smallish basket has limited accessibility from the rear and is easier to reach from the front. The instructional videos on Mountain Buggy’s website are more helpful than the owner’s manual.
Another travel option is the ultra-lightweight (about 7.5 pounds) Maclaren Mark II, an umbrella-style stroller with carry handle and strap.
Pros. It folds compactly and is easy to carry around. Plus, our testers noted that the Maclaren Mark II was surprisingly maneuverable for such a small, lightweight stroller.
Cons. The seat back does not recline, so if your child likes to lie back to nap, he’s out of luck. It’s not car-seat compatible and is not suitable for babies under age 6 months or who can’t sit up on their own. Testers found the handlebars a bit stiff and uncomfortable. Access to the storage basket is limited by the frame, especially from the rear.
The Snugrider Elite car seat carrier frame accepts Graco SnugRide infant seats of either the Click Connect or Classic Connect series, which vary in weight limits from 30 to 40 pounds, or the Graco Infant SafeSeat.
Pros. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to use. Maneuverability was very good in our tests. It’s car-seat compatible as sold, without the need for extra adapters. The large storage basket features a zippered pocket to hold small items such as your phone or keys.
Cons. Although very good overall in maneuverability, our testers noted a slight wobbly feel when pushing the Snugrider. And because it’s a car seat carrier frame, once your child outgrows his infant car seat, he’s also outgrown this stroller.
Another compact option for travel but at 19 pounds, it’s heavier than it looks. Nuna calls its stroller the “Small Wonder” due to its many features and compact folded size. It’s suitable from “the moment your baby enters the world” through toddlerhood. Other features include a fully-reclining seat, one-touch brakes, and a 3-position seat back with zipper adjustments.
Pros. Our testers found the Nuna PEPP to be easy to fold and open, even though folding required two hands. It stands when folded. The fully reclining seat means the PEPP can be used from birth.
Cons. Heavier than the other three, the Nano PEPP isn’t car seat compatible as sold. You can buy an adapter for $50 that works with Nuna and some Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant car seats. Testers found the handle to be hard and uncomfortable when pushing. The basket is small and narrow with limited access. The restraint system’s buckle is somewhat tricky at first.
More choices
For the results of our tests of traditional, all-terrain, and double strollers see our full stroller Ratings and recommendations.
—Joan Muratore
Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide
Check Consumer Reports’ 2015 Holiday Guide for our picks of the best gifts, details on the latest deals, time-saving tips, and much more. And see our countdown calendar for top gift ideas for everyone on your list.
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.
|
.JPG)
No comments:
Post a Comment