When To Travel With A Stroller And When To Leave It Behind

When it comes to family travel, there’s always one big question that crosses every parent’s mind: Do you bring the full-size stroller or umbrella stroller on your adventures, or do you pack light and leave both at home?

Shelly Rivoli, travel writer and author of Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Travel with Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler, knows this crossroads well and is quick to point out just how much this single decision can shape your entire trip.

“There are so many things to figure out when travelling with a baby for the first time, and this is definitely one of them,” Rivoli explains. “A stroller making it easier to navigate new places is undeniable, but it’s not without challenges. You might worry whether it’ll survive the flight, handle the baggage process, or even fit smoothly alongside your travel bags through crowded airports and city streets."

So, how do you decide whether to bring a stroller or leave the wheels behind? Ahead, we break down the pros, cons, and smart alternatives to help you plan your travels with little ones.

Factors to consider when deciding whether to bring a stroller or not

If you’re unsure about whether to bring a stroller on your travels, family travel advisor Kayla LeClerc suggests considering your child’s age, the type of trip you’re planning, how long you’ll be away, and what kinds of transportation you’ll use.

Each of these factors can affect whether a stroller will make your journey easier or just add extra hassle. Here's why:

Age

Age is an important factor when deciding whether to bring a stroller on your trip, particularly because younger children can tire quickly with all the extra walking.

“Little legs tire more easily when there’s lots of walking involved—even if you don’t use a stroller at home anymore," she explains. "Having a stroller can help prevent meltdowns and ‘carry-me’ requests, so everyone can enjoy the activity.”

Type of trip

The kind of trip you’re planning for your family can also determine whether packing a stroller makes sense. For example, LeClerc points out that visits to theme parks or sightseeing-heavy destinations often involve long days and plenty of walking, making a stroller essential to keep your child comfortable.

Duration

It’s also worth considering the length of your trip. As LeClerc notes, "Even the most energetic youngsters can start to feel the strain after a few days, so don’t be surprised if independent walkers ask for a break by day three or four. That’s why you shouldn't necessarily rule out bringing a stroller."

Transportation

The way you travel to your destination plays a significant role in determining whether a stroller is necessary. For example, if you’re driving, LeClerc suggests considering how much space you’ll have for your belongings, including a stroller.

When using trains or buses, she recommends thinking about how often you might need to fold the stroller and whether it’s easy to carry in its folded form.

For air travel, LeClerc advises considering whether having the stroller at the airport—and the convenience of gate checking it—would make your journey easier, or if you’d prefer to travel without it altogether.

When a stroller is basically essential

Theresa Bauman, an independent travel consultant, says there are some instances when strollers can be a travel essential.

“For destinations where there’s a lot of walking, like theme parks, conventions, or cities, I found that bringing a stroller often made things much easier,” she explains. "Even in crowded places, where moving around can be a challenge, I felt that my toddler was safer riding in the stroller than just holding her hand."

If you’re travelling with infants or very young toddlers, Bauman notes that a stroller can be helpful not just for your child, but also to carry diaper bags, purses, and snacks. “Using a stroller gave my back a rest, especially when I needed to carry my baby or toddler. Without one, I’d have to juggle a baby, a diaper bag, or sometimes both,” she says.

Airports are another place where a stroller can come in handy, especially with long layovers, walks between gates, or waiting at the ticket counter. Bauman suggests that in her experience, the stroller often made things go more smoothly.

“When my daughter was a baby, we’d bring a stroller for the layovers. I would wear her in a carrier, while my husband used the stroller for our luggage. Then, when we waited at our gate, she could nap in the stroller,” she recalls. "Now that my toddler is nearing four, loves to walk instead of being in a stroller, and doesn't nap every day, we find the stroller more of just an extra thing we're bringing along."

Drawbacks of travelling with a stroller

While strollers can be convenient, there are some important drawbacks to consider. Sarah Huff, senior manager and baby gear product expert at BabyQuip, highlights several practical challenges parents might encounter, especially concerning a stroller’s size, weight, and portability.

"Bulky strollers may be hard to fold quickly, store in compact areas, or navigate through crowded environments such as TSA checkpoints," she explains. "Frequent loading and unloading can also prove tedious, particularly when travelling alone with a child."

Your destination itself can create additional hurdles. As Huff points out, "Srollers are difficult to manage in places lacking ramps or elevators, like older buildings or public transit systems with limited accessibility.

Storage is another common issue. “Many hotel rooms and rental cars offer limited storage, especially if you’re travelling with extra luggage and baby gear,” Huff explains. "Some restaurants and tourist attractions might also lack suitable places to park or store a stroller."

When to consider travelling without a stroller

Sometimes, travelling without a stroller just isn’t the easiest option. Chris Oberman, a dad and the travel blogger behind Moving Jack, explains that getting around on city public transportation can be more complicated than expected.

"The subway, for example, can be especially challenging because elevators are often cramped, poorly maintained, or already in use by people with heavy bags or special needs, making for longer waits and added hassle," he says.

Oberman notes that leaving the stroller at home might make sense if you’ll be staying in one place or not walking much. “When the amount of walking is minimal, skipping the stroller can actually feel freeing,” he shares.

Alternatives to traditional strollers for travel

Opting out of a traditional stroller doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience. Whether you use a soft baby wrap, explore local stroller rental options, or take advantage of public transit, there are more possibilities than you might expect.

Here’s how each alternative can make travelling with your child easier:

Consider soft baby wraps

Christian Petzold, a travel and tourism expert, says that soft baby wraps can be a great alternative to strollers.

"For babies under six months, including newborns, soft baby wraps like the Boba Wrap or stretchy slings are wonderful," he explains. "These wraps are lightweight, portable, and offer a hands-free solution in settings where strollers would be cumbersome, such as airports, cobbled city centers, or long lines."

Use soft-structured or backpack baby carriers

Soft-structured and backpack carriers offer another option for families with older babies. According to Petzold, these carriers provide essential support.

"Soft-structured carriers provide more parental back and shoulder support while securely holding the child in position. I usually suggest these for areas with stairs, narrow sidewalks, or hills where a stroller would be too draining," he explains.

For more active trips, such as hiking or visiting national parks, Petzold recommends framed backpack carriers, which are suited for toddlers weighing up to 40 to 45 pounds.

"These evenly distribute weight, and many of them also have built-in sunshades, storage, and hydration features, which is ideal for longer outings," he adds.

Opt for foldable travelling wagons

For families with two or more young children, Petzold recommends foldable travel wagons. Designed specifically for family outings, these wagons feature all-terrain wheels, kid harnesses, sun shades, and ample storage, making them particularly useful for trips to theme parks.

"Most parks currently allow wagons of a set size," he notes, adding that these wagons are especially convenient since they can carry a tired toddler, freeing up a parent’s hands.

Look into stroller rental companies

If parents want to travel light or plan to visit walkable cities, Petzold recommends renting a stroller at their destination.

“Companies like BabyQuip, Cloud of Goods, and even many hotels offer excellent stroller rentals that can be delivered right to your hotel or picked up at the airport,” he says. “You can choose exactly the type of stroller you need, from a lightweight umbrella stroller to a full-size model with a storage basket—all without the hassle of lugging your own through baggage claim.”

Use mass transit

Lastly, Petzold highlights a commonly overlooked tip: plan your schedule to avoid excessive walking by making use of mass transit. "For example, many cities like Copenhagen, Singapore, or Vienna have buses, trams, and trains that are clean, reliable and stroller-friendly."

Why a travel stroller may be worth it

If you’re considering bringing a stroller, a travel or umbrella stroller can be a worthwhile purchase. Designed for life on the go, these strollers are compact and lightweight—often small enough to fit in overhead compartments or even bring aboard when seated in an exit row.

Travel expert and TV personality Natalie Preddie says that there are plenty of great options to choose from. “There are so many great, easy-to-fold, lightweight options available," she shares. "Our travel stroller—and its awesome accessories like a fan, skateboard, and diaper bag attachments—lasted through three kids! I still miss it at times.”

However, before making your decision, be sure to check that the stroller’s restraint system is certified to meet current safety standards for travel equipment.

Tips for travelling successfully, whether you bring a stroller or not

No matter if you decide to bring a stroller or not, keep these tips in mind as you travel.

Arrive early

Travelling with your family can be stressful enough, so arriving early can help you avoid the rush. This allows you to have plenty of time to check bags, clear security, and take care of any other stroller logistics without feeling hurried.

Plan ahead

"Whether you decide to bring your own stroller, secure window seats for your family, or rent equipment at your destination, planning ahead makes all the difference," LeClerc says. "

Take breaks

If you decide to forgo the stroller, LeClerc says it is important to plan for frequent breaks and utilize playgrounds or rest stops. "Always be flexible so that you can take a break when little legs need one," she advises.

Flexibility also extends to your travel itinerary, too. "Don't try to cram too much into one day," she adds. "You're only setting yourself up for failure if every minute of every day is accounted for with no room for slowing down or taking breaks."

Be aware of airport policies

"Most airlines allow strollers to be gate-checked at no charge, meaning they can be used through security and up to the gate," Huff says. "However, parents should be prepared to collapse the stroller at security and again before boarding, usually right at the airplane door or entrance. Also, keep in mind that at your destination, the stroller is most often returned to the gate, but in some cases, it’s sent to baggage claim."

Making the best choice for your family's adventure

When it comes to must-have essentials for life with a baby, strollers and car seats rank right up there. They’re not just a means from point A to point B; they also double as a familiar seat for your child for naps on the go and provide extra security for toddlers in crowded spaces.

Rivoli adds, “They’re also lifesavers when it comes to stashing backup jackets, snacks, and all those ‘just in case’ extras you’ll inevitably need throughout your day.”

However, strollers aren’t without their drawbacks. Bulkier or two-part models, Rivoli suggests, can be tricky to bring onto planes, buses, or taxis. They also risk getting damaged and adding extra weight to your airport haul.

That's why Rivoli says it's best to assess your own family's needs: "Factors like your child’s age, energy level, temperament, and vacation plans all play a role in how helpful a stroller will be," she says.

Experts

• Shelly Rivoli is a travel writer and the author of Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Travel with Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler.
• Kayla LeClerc is a family travel advisor and the owner of Whimsical Wishes Travel Concierge, a boutique travel agency specializing in personalized, full-service vacation planning.
• Theresa Bauman is an independent travel consultant and agent affiliated with Academy Travel, Inc., a full-service travel agency.
• Sarah Huff is the senior manager and baby gear product expert at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental platform and travel resource for families.
• Chris Oberman is a dad and the travel blogger behind Moving Jack.
• Natalie Preddie is a travel expert and TV personality.
• Christian Petzold is a travel and tourism expert.