Is it just me or do you need 10 different strollers when you have a baby?? Do you actually need a travel stroller? And if you do get a travel stroller, do you need to get a travel bag for it AND your big stroller too? This is the question I asked myself before having a baby and once she was here as we planned for our first trip. We debated getting a travel stroller up until the *very* last minute before our first trip. There are so many questions and logistics involved in the stroller game so here’s my hot take as a frequent flyer! I also interviewed tons of friends that have multiple kids to get their feedback as well.
The short answer: No, you do not *have* to have a travel stroller. You CAN take any stroller you have and check or gate check it if it does not fit in overhead storage.
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Why do you need a travel stroller?
Some reasons you may want to have a travel stroller…
If you would like to carry your stroller on the plane and have it fit in overhead storage, then YES you need to get a travel stroller. This is the only option. Thankfully, it does not count as part of your carry-on allotment so it’s like a free bonus item. However, if there is not room or it does not fit, you’ll have to gate check it (still free).
If you plan on having only one child then maybe you should get a lightweight travel stroller (potentially as your main stroller).
If you really need a lighter weight stroller – can’t lift, have back problems, etc. Then, maybe a travel stroller would suit your needs best.
If your flight is international and has a long layover where you plan to keep the stroller with you through the airport, then you might want one for convenience vs having to carry a baby. (You CAN still use the normal stroller and gate check it though).
If you are jetsetting around multiple countries in Europe and have multiple connections, then maybe it would be easier to have a small one that fits in overhead storage (check airline requirements though – Euro planes can be smaller.)
If you are a travel blogger or plan to travel frequently with your child. It would definitely be worth the investment if you plan to travel with your little one all the time. If you only travel once or twice a year, it may not be worth the price tag for you to have a second stroller.
So, did I get a travel stroller?
The answer is NO, not yet. We have the Uppababy Vista Stroller which we decided on because it can eventually accommodate two children and we hope to keep growing our family. On our first trip, we decided to take the Vista instead of purchasing a second stroller right away. You CAN check it either at the check-in counter or gate. I suggest doing so before security since you have to remove the wheels, get it in the travel bag, etc. It’s a process. We did all of that at home for ease and efficiency. Since this is quite an expensive stroller, invest in the Uppababy Travel Bag for it, definitely place an Apple Air tag inside and maybe get a lock too.
I decided it would be best to wear my baby through the airport so I just didn’t need a stroller until I reached my destination. When they are that small, it’s best to wear them anyways for germs, etc. Quite frankly, I wore her most of the time on our trip and rarely used the stroller anyways. It’s really about your preference, baby’s age, and what your baby likes.
If I get a travel stroller one day it would be the Uppababy Minu because (with an adapter) it can accommodate the Mesa infant carseat. I’ve also heard rave reviews from the Cybex and YOYO.
Why didn’t I get a travel stroller you ask?
Here’s my reasoning for waiting on a travel stroller.
- Because once we have more kids, we’ll need a stroller to fit 2 even when we travel. This makes the small travel stroller pointless at that stage.
- I planned to wear my baby through the airport and CHECK the stroller so it really doesn’t matter the size unless I wanted to carry it on.
- When you buy a travel stroller, you lose some storage, durability, etc.
- The Vista accommodates both my Mesa carseat and Bassinet without special attachments needed. This was helpful with an infant. I liked that I could still use the bassinet or carseat on the Vista since my baby was only 2 months old on the first trip.
- I could still check the big Vista stroller for FREE – you are allowed to check a carseat and stroller for FREE in addition to your other bags!
- Eventually we will most likely get a side by side stroller with 2 children so that would mean we have THREE strollers!! Yikes!
- I would not be pleased if I was forced to gate check it. If I have a tight connection or my child is losing it, I do not want to be waiting on my stroller to be unloaded.
- Lastly, where am I going to store all of these strollers when not in use?? Definitely not enough room in my house!
Does this mean I will never get a travel stroller?
No. I may get one, but it did not have to be right away for the first trip. I decided we would take what we had and see how it went. Personally, it worked great for us with an infant on a domestic trip. Sure the Vista is a bit larger and heavier, but not by that much. It also held our diaper bag (plus the cooler, carrier, etc) in the underneath storage when we went places.
We looked at renting a smaller stroller in our destination and may try that in the future as well! Such a great idea.
What did my friends with multiple kids say?
Wow, I’m glad I can learn from friends! Parents with 2 kids eventually got and loved a side by side stroller. The favorite is the Zoe because it is small, lightweight, and the only one that can get through a doorway. They travel with this one now. The problem is, this does not accommodate 2 kids if one is an infant because they can not sit up yet. This is why I’m glad to have the Vista that can accommodate an infant plus a toddler!
Well, that was very long winded, but I hope this helps provide some perspective and things to consider. Take my experience and see what makes the most sense for your specific needs and plans! Let me know any questions in the comments and I’m happy to help!
Strollers and travel gear mentioned in this post:
We personally use the Uppababy Vista, the Travel Bag for it, and this Amazon carseat cover. We love them all! The travel bag is really nice and it’s covered by Uppababy if any damage occurs.
*click any image link to shop our exact ones*