UPPAbaby G-Lite Stroller

Why Shelly recommends it:

Meet our new favorite featherweight: Weighing in at the same 8.8 lbs. as the tried-and-true Maclaren Volo, the revamped G-Lite offers even more features we love. Dig that extra pull-down sunshade extension, consider the removable (and reversible) cup holder that comes standard, a stain-defender fabric seat cushion that removes and washes easily when needed (and you know it will be needed). Moreover, the solid wheels are wider and all feature shock-absorbing suspension. Like the Volo, The UPPAbaby G-Lite also has a shoulder carrying strap that's indispensible for travel. Unlike the Volo, it's also free-standing when folded. For children 6 months to 50 lbs. Folds to 15.5 x 11" x 42". Note: Neither the G-Lite nor Volo offer a reclining seat option, so browse below for other models that offer this feature.

Find it online at:   Amazon   Baby Earth 

Maclaren Volo

Why Shelly recommends it:

Good luck catching the New York subway without seeing one of these. The Volo's quick-and-easy umbrella fold, combined with its ultra lightweight frame, ergonomic foam-grip handles, and built-in shoulder strap quickly made it a favorite among city dwellers--not to mention travelers. Its sturdy aluminum chassis also makes light work of steering, and it truly is responsive to one-handed pushing and steering. With a handle height of 41 inches, it has also proven quite comfortable for parents of all heights. As mentioned above, the seat does not recline at all, which is why they say it is for children 6 months and older--though the seat is subtly reclined where it is positioned. If you'll need your child to snooze in your stroller during travel (layovers, hours in museums, etc.), you may find it well worth the upgrade to a model that can recline and may also offer a leg rest. More features we like: Unlike most lightweight strollers, the Volo is rated up to 55 lbs. and will also accommodate taller children than most models, plus it includes a fitted rain cover (no extra purchase necessary). For more bells and whistles, see the other strollers and Maclaren models below. Folds to 13.5" x 11" x 41". Weighs 8.8 lbs.

Find it online at:   Amazon    BabyEarth    Diapers.com    Right Start 

Why Shelly recommends it:

QuickSmart Backpack Stroller

Why Shelly recommends it:

UPPAbaby G-Luxe

Why Shelly recommends it:

It's made in the USA with advantages of my favorite foreign competitors, and the newest model includes an adjustable foot rest that's great for snoozing babies plus a deep "pop out" canopy extension for shade (you can see it retracted up under the canopy here). Near-full recline, basket, ergo foam-grip handles, sturdy but light aluminum frame, cup holder included, self-standing when folded, 5.5" wheels, and essential shoulder carrying strap. Use it from 3 months up to 50 lbs. (compare with the Maclaren Triumph). Folds to 11" x 9.5" x 42.6". Weighs 11 lbs.

  Find it online at:     Amazon.com   Baby Earth Right Start

Chicco C6 lightweight stroller

with travel bag

Why Shelly recommends it:

Value--and soooo much better than a generic umbrella stroller. The Chicco Capri C6 gives you a compact umbrella fold, plus a two-position seat recline, all-wheel suspension, and a storage basket underneath. The C6 even includes a shoulder carrying strap right on the stroller itself, plus a travel bag is also included with its own shoulder carrying strap as well. Ages 6 months to 3 years. Weighs 11 lbs.

Find it online at:    Amazon.com   Baby Earth   

Combi Flare Stroller

Why Shelly recommends it:

Having traveled the globe with a Combi over the shoulder, Shelly's quite familiar with the selling points--and sticking points of Combi's travel strollers. The new Flare improves upon two sticking points of the past: 1. At 40", the handle height is 2"-3" taller than most previous models, making it more comfortable to push and maneuver for taller parents. 2. While most travel strollers are not made to be used with infant car seats, the Flare is compatible with the Combi Shuttle 33 infant car seat, making it useful from your first day home, if you're so inclined. It is also rated up to 55 lbs., to hopefully serve you on many, many trips to come. Other great features included: shoulder carrying strap, bumper bar with cup holder, and an adjustable recline suitable for use from 6 months, or from birth with compatible infant car seat. Folds to 10" x 16" x 40". Weighs 11.7 lbs.

   Find it online at:  Amazon.com      Baby Earth    Diapers.com

Why Shelly recommends it:

Longevity. I have used it for my 5-month-old as well as my 5-year-old during a single trip. You can use the Triumph from 3 months through 4 years, though I personally recommend it for babies 6 months and older because the recline is not quite enough to keep infants from "slumping." Unlike many lightweight travel and umbrella strollers--the Triumph accommodates the longer legs, taller bodies, and greater weights of older children. The sturdy frame and ergonomic handles also make Maclaren strollers easier to push with older children than many other models. Enjoy the same quick-and-easy one-handed fold, ergonomic design, and other shoulder carrying strap of the Volo, with the added bonus of a multi-position reclining seat. For 3 (or more) months to 55 lbs. Owing to its narrower canopy, the Triumph also folds slightly smaller than the Volo, plus its wheels are a full 5" diameter and offer a slightly smoother ride. Rain cover included. Folds to 10" x 10" x 41". Weighs 11lbs.

 Amazon.com

   Baby Earth   Right Start

Combi Cosmo Stroller

(Compatible with Combi Shuttle 33 car seat)

Why Shelly recommends it:

While the Cosmo offers great travel features, including Combi's compact tri-fold design and a convenient shoulder carrying strap, it also offers the extra comforts you'd want in an everyday stroller, like the cup holder and snack tray on the guard rail--don't underestimate the value of that as you dole out the Cheerios and link on the toys while passing time in lines during travel.  The Combi Cosmo also offers a fully reclining seat that can be used from birth and includes an infant boot.  The padded seat rest is also removable and washable so you can get a fresh start--and end--to each trip. Suitable from birth to 45 lbs. Folds to 10.5" x 18" x 40". Weighs 13.4 lbs.

Find it online at:    Amazon.com     Baby Earth 

Britax B-Nimble 

Why Shelly recommends it:

While it may not be the most obvious "plus" to parents shopping for a first travel stroller, there comes a time when a reversible seat pad may save your sanity on a family vacation. Of course, there is more to like about the Britax B-Nimble than its removable, reversible, and washable seat pad. It can be used from birth by itself and is also one of the few lightweight strollers that can be used as a travel system with an infant car seat ("Click and Go" adapters work with Britax B-Safe and Chaperone infant seats and all major brands including Chicco Key Fit, Chicco Key Fit 30, Graco Snugride 32, Graco Snugride 35, and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio accepted with included adapter). The adjustable leg rest also helps keep kidlets comfy during long strolls through the zoo or layover  naps at the airport. In addition to the under-seat storage basket, there is a parent storage pouch on the back of the hood. And as for a shoulder-carrying strap? You can bet your binky it's included on this model. Suitable from birth up to 55 lbs. Folds to 41.5 x 12 x 9. Weighs 14 lbs.

Maclaren Quest Sport

Why Shelly recommends it:

Good for infants. Add to the features of the Triumph an extendable leg rest to support little legs, a UV-treated peek-a-boo window in the back of the hood, and a storage pocket on the back of the canopy (Volos and Triumphs don't have windows or pockets). The seat has 4 reclining positions reclining seat. It also has treaded 5" wheels and. Note that the Quest has a carrying handle and not a shoulder strap. If your child is already past the point of using the leg rest and you can do without the peek-a-boo window, you might prefer to travel with the lighter weight, less expensive Triumph (above). Also, compare with the Chicco C5 below. For children 3 months and up. Folds to 10" x 10" x 41". Weighs 13.4 lbs.

Find it online at:   Amazon.com     Baby Earth     Right Start 

Why Shelly recommends it:

Add a few bells and whistles to the Maclaren Volo and Triumph models and you get the Techno XT. This deluxe model features a fully reclining seat and a UV-protective sun canopy that can extend down to your child's knees when needed. Ergonomic handles adjust from 41 to 44 inches, making it ideal for taller parents--or households with staggered parents. 6.5" wheels are larger than other Maclaren models and help ensure a smoother ride. Built-in carrying handle instead of a shoulder strap. Rain cover included. Suitable from birth to 55 lbs. Folds to 11.5" x 10.5" x 42.5". Weighs 14.2 lbs (fully equipped).

Find it online at:   Baby Earth   Right Start

Why Shelly recommends it:

The newest model of Quinny Zapp (Xtra) has even more features to love, including a reversible forward-facing or rear-facing seat for the child, with three reclining positions facing forward or two facing the parent. Outside of the new QuickSmart backpack stroller, it's the most compactly folding stroller we know of. At only 27" x 10" x 11" folded, you can pack it in your suitcase and still have room for your clothes (or pack it in its own travel case sold separately). Better yet, think of all the room it could save you in your cruise ship cabin, sleeper car--or rental car for that matter. The Quinny Zapp Xtra can be used from birth when used with an adapter for the Maxi-Cosi infant car seat. It also has a storage basket and rain cover. Use from 6 months up to 50 lbs., or from birth with Maxi Cosi car seat adaptor. Weighs 17.5 lbs.