8 Compact Strollers for Easier Thanksgiving Travel
Erica Loop
Erica Loop
Erica Loop is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh. When she's not busy creating kids' activities for her blog Mini Monets and Mommies, you can find her trying to hang out with her teenage son, being chased by her two Olde Boston Bulldogs or teaching a children's karate class (she's a third degree black belt!).
Clothes? Check. Coats? Check. Diapers and wipes? Check. Bag of random toys, blankies, and other assorted lovies that your little one absolutely, positively can’t live without? Check. Now that you’re a mom, packing for what used to be a simple Thanksgiving trek back to your childhood home suddenly seems like you’re preparing for a three-week safari. You probably don’t need half the gear you’re lugging along. And you definitely don’t need a stroller that barely folds and is heavier than you are. Forget about those bulky baby rides — check out these totally tote-able strollers. They might just make your Thanksgiving travels a bit easier.
Baby Jogger City Tour
Talk about being made to travel. The City Tour is full of features but easy to tote around, folding down small enough to meet most carry-on size requirements. It also comes with a backpack to stash the stroller in when your little one isn’t riding in style. This model has an almost-flat recline feature, a padded seat, and a canopy that’s UV 50+ — just in case you’re going somewhere sunny on your holiday.GB Pockit Stroller
This is a legit record breaker — literally. In 2014 it scored a Guinness World Records win as the most compact stroller. If you’re looking for folding power, the Pockit’s got it. Not only is it perfect for the plane, train, or however else you’re traveling, but it’s also easy to take around town while you’re visiting friends or relatives.Quinny Zapp Xtra
With three forward and two rearward positions, this is a compact option that will get your little one around town in style. It’s got a shopping basket underneath that holds up to 11 pounds of goodies and is made with water-repellent fabrics. Even if you get one of those soggy November days, you can still take the fam out for Thanksgiving weekend adventures.Summer Infant 3D Lite
Not only is this little gem durable and lightweight, but it has something that many strollers don’t: a carry strap. Fold it up and sling it over your shoulder when you’re boarding the plane or bringing it into the hotel.Chicco Bravo Trio System
You don’t want to bring a totally separate car seat and stroller: Who wouldn’t rather have a system that works together? This one is a standout. The car seat component has a bubble-level indicator, making it easier to install. Then there’s the stroller — it’s got a height-adjust, so you, Grandma, and your S.O. can all walk baby around. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but it can grow with your kiddo. And that means you won’t need a new one in a year, two years, or even three.Babyzen Yoyo+
This is another one that grows with your child. So go ahead and pack this now, pack it next year, and then for a few years after. Even a newborn can rest easy — and don’t worry about a bulky bassinet taking up packing space. It completely folds up, going from cradle-like to fabulously flat. But that’s not all: It comes with a variety of accessories, including a riding board for older children.Stokke Xplory
Just in case you were wondering what over a grand buys you — here it is. This stroller moves so that you can raise baby higher up, promoting eye contact. It also has multiple seating positions that let you keep on using it for years. The super-maneuverability makes it ideal for your vacation-time needs.Maclaren Volo
The Volo is light to carry and easy to fold. This middle-range stroller (pricewise, that is) is easy to maneuver through the airport, but still gives your little one the support they need.Erica Loop
Erica Loop is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh. When she's not busy creating kids' activities for her blog Mini Monets and Mommies, you can find her trying to hang out with her teenage son, being chased by her two Olde Boston Bulldogs or teaching a children's karate class (she's a third degree black belt!).