It can be difficult to find the right travel stroller for your family vacation. You want something compact and light, yet sturdy. Then you need to make sure it can handle cobblestones and uneven pathways. Add in maneuvering snow, and your criteria seems impossible to check off.
However, don’t fret! We’ve found the best travel stroller for winter family vacation, whether you need a single, double, or carrier.
We’ll even provide great winter stroller accessories for keeping your little travelers warm during your winter family vacation.
Best for snow
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is the best stroller for everyday use, travel, and even snow.
Best for flying
The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is a luxury stroller that’s snow-capable, and has a dedicated travel bag to protect it in flight.
Best double
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller was make to handle any terrain you throw at it, even with two little travelers.
Essential Gear Criteria: What Makes a Stroller or Carrier “Winter-Ready?”
Wheel Quality and Suspension
Your travel stroller should have all-terrain or never-flat rubber wheels – not hard plastic! This will ensure that you’re equipped to stroll smoothly without your wheels locking up in the slush.
The stroller should also have a good suspension system. Front wheel suspension is absolutely necessary, and all wheel suspension is even better!
Do travel strollers work in the snow? While most compact travel strollers struggle in deep snow, if you’ve got the right wheels (all-terrain) then you’re much better equipped to handle slush, ice and well-trod pathways.
What is the best type of tire for winter strollers? Solid rubber or never-flat pneumatic tires are your best bet. These types of tires offer good grip for navigating slush and icy walkways.
Canopy Coverage and Fabric Durability
Above all, having a large, extendable canopy is important to help block the wind. Make sure it’s weather resistant in case you’re caught in a light rain or snow.
Accessories for Warmth
How do you keep a baby warm in a stroller in the winter? Having the right accessories and layering is the key to success for traveling with a stroller in the winter.
First, keep your baby or toddler in thin, moisture wicking layers, like merino wool (the best) or synthetic materials (more affordable). Next you want to strap them in the stroller, then tuck them in a blanket.
We also recommend a footmuff for your stroller, which will help keep them warm from underneath. Having a good rain shield can help keep their body heat inside their bubble, too.
The Best Travel Stroller for Winter Family Vacation
Winter travel strollers should have an easy, compact fold, while still being sturdy enough to handle airports and wintery city breaks.
P.S. Not sure you want to actually own one of these strollers? Try renting one on BabyQuip instead!
| Stroller | Best for | Weight | Wheels | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Jogger City Mini GT3 | Snow and mixed terrain | 21.6 lbs | Forever Air tires, all-wheel suspension | Amazon |
| UPPAbaby Cruz V3 | Newborns, snowy walks | 26.5 lbs | Never-flat tires, FlexRide all-wheel suspension | Amazon |
| Mockingbird 3.0 Single-to-Double | Daily use, growing families | 27 lbs (35 lbs as double) | Never-flat tires, all-wheel suspension | Amazon |
| Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double | Snowy doubles | 36 lbs | Forever Air tires, all-wheel suspension | Amazon |
| Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend | Flying with two | 24 lbs | Upgrade to Infinity wheels, rear-wheel suspension | Amazon |
Top Single Travel Strollers for Winter Vacations
Baby Jogger City Mini GT3: Best All-Terrain Single for Travel
Best for: snow and slush | Weight: 21.6 lbs | Price: $$
Pro: Forever Air tires never go flat, and all-wheel suspension for bumpy iced over sidewalks
Con: Not a very compact pick, so it’s bulky to carry through airports
If your winter trip involves slushy sidewalks, packed snow and the occasional cobblestone, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT3 is a great pick. The Forever Air tires never go flat, and the all-wheel suspension is sturdy enough, so you’re not wrestling the stroller through every icy bump.
While not super compact, it still folds down enough to gate check for free. Check prices on Amazon.
UPPAbaby Cruz V3: The Crème de la Crème
Best for: newborns and snowy walks | Weight: 26.5 lbs | Price: $$$
Pro: A smooth, sturdy push that works well for newborns.
Con: Pricier and bulkier than a true travel stroller
Traveling with a brand-new baby in winter? The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is a smooth, sturdy ride with a premium feel, and it’s a great fit for newborns. It’s the one to choose if you want a “real” stroller for snowy neighborhood walks and city breaks, not just a travel stroller.
The wheels are bigger than on the Minu, which helps on uneven winter sidewalks. Find the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 on Amazon.
This stroller also has a specific padded travel bag, so you’ll know your stroller is safe during transit. Pair the UPPAbaby Footmuff with the Cruz Rain Cover, and you’ll have one toasty little traveler!
Mockingbird 3.0 Single-to-Double: The Stroller We Use Every Day
Best for: growing families | Weight: 27 lbs | Price: $$
Pro: Converts from single to double, smooth stroll that holds up after years of use
Con: Not a compact fold, quite heavy
I have used this stroller for a daily 3 mile walk for over 2 years and this thing still strolls like a dream. We experience true winter, and it’s still great for pushing through snow and over ice.
The best part is that it starts as a single and coverts to a double when baby number two arrives, so you don’t even have to buy a second stroller. We love the huge storage basket (which sometimes my toddler rides in) and how easily you can push it.
We’ve taken this stroller over the cobblestones of Vilnius and the snowy sidewalks of Chicago, and I’d still recommend it to anyone.
The biggest drawback is how heavy it is. It’s not the easiest to haul around in a stroller bag, but honestly I’d rather have a heavy stroller that can actually handle the terrain anyways. Check prices for the Mockingbird on Amazon.
Double the Adventure: Best Double Travel Strollers for Cold Weather
When searching for a double travel stroller for a winter family vacation, you still want an easy, compact fold.
However, you also want to take unfolded size into consideration. Especially if you’ll be visiting a stroller-friendly Christmas Market in Europe, you’ll need to make sure the stroller is narrow enough to fit through doorways. But you still want your kids to be comfortable with roomy seats and separate reclining functions!
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double: Best All-Terrain Stroller
Best for: snowy doubles | Weight: 36.5 lbs | Price: $$
Pro: Forever Air tires and all-wheel suspension handle snowy sidewalks and cobblestones
Con: The heaviest stroller on the list, and it won’t fit in overhead bins, so plan to gate check it
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double is the best all-terrain double stroller for your winter family vacation. Find this all-terrain stroller on Amazon.
It’s a bit heavier than the other models on our list (36 lbs), but the forever air tires and all-wheel suspension make it the clear choice for snowy sidewalks and uneven terrain (cobblestones).
This stroller won’t fit in the overhead bins once folded, but you can easily gate check it for free if you’d like to use it through the airport. Don’t worry – it’s still slim enough to fit through most doorways!
Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend: Lightweight Durability
Best for: flying with two | Weight: 24 lbs | Price: $$$
Pro: The lightest double here, which makes airports much easier
Con: You’ll want to upgrade to the Trend Infinity Wheels for snow
The Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend travel stroller is an exceptional choice for air travel! It’s incredibly light design (24 lbs) doesn’t compromise the sturdiness of the stroller, so you’ll feel safe pushing your little travelers around in it. Check out the Snap Duo Trend on Amazon.
To optimize this stroller for wintery conditions, upgrade to the Trend Infinity Wheels.
This stroller is best for families wanting a lightweight option for flying, who are willing to upgrade the wheels for better maneuverability in the snow.
Stay Warm and Mobile: Best Baby Carriers for Winter Travel
Baby carriers are a great option for babies and young toddlers in crowded cityscapes and blistery winter family trips. You won’t have to worry about stairs or searching for elevators!
You two can share body heat, plus you can layer up to stay even cozier.
Ergobaby Omni 360: Comfortable Support for Infants to Toddlers
The Ergobaby Omni 360 keeps back pain away with the lumbar support, so you can use it longer for your kids. The lumbar support also helps with all the extra bundling you’ll be doing!
This carrier is designed for babies and toddlers 12-45 lbs, but they do offer an infant insert for babies as small at 7 lbs.
Infantino Flip: The Budget Carrier
For a budget-friendly option, the Infantino Flip carrier holds its own, plus it’s machine washable. This carrier even allows you to wear baby on your back, which can really help distribute the weight.
Check out their fun patterns on Amazon.
Baby Carrier Safety and Layering for Cold Weather
Are snowsuits safe to wear in a baby carrier? We’d advise against wearing a bulky snowsuit inside a carrier, just like in a car seat. First of all, your baby will be safer and more comfortable. Second, you can share body heat more easily, keeping them warmer.
Put your baby in lightweight, thin layers, then use a blanket or windproof carrier cover to snuggle in.
Since this will mean your coat is open, you can also get a baby wearing coat or even a universal coat adapter so you both stay cozy.
Winter Travel Hacks: Essential Accessories and Packing Tips
Must-Have Comfort Accessories
Warm Footmuffs
A cozy footmuff is essential for keeping your little travelers warm both on top and underneath.
Many strollers offer footmuffs specific to the model. Otherwise, a universal footmuff is an excellent, more affordable option.
Stroller Rain Cover
A rain cover or weather shield is great for keeping your little travelers dry from both rain and snow, of course.
Additionally, these shields are fantastic for trapping body heat in their own little bubble to help keep them warm, even if it’s cold or windy outside.
A good universal rain shield will have vents to prevent the “window” from fogging up. You can also get a universal double rain shield if needed.
Baby Wearing Coat Adapter
Much preferred over a carrier cover, a universal baby wearing coat adapter allows you to wear your own coat, while still snuggling up with your baby.
The best part? It works with both Mom’s and Dad’s coats!
Conclusion
You don’t have to sacrifice convenience for cold weather sightseeing. With the right travel stroller and accessories, you can have a less stressful winter family vacation.
Did this guide help you prepare for your winter family trip? If so, please share this list of the best travel strollers for a winter family vacation with other traveling families!
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