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Choosing a Compact Stroller

How to choose the best compact stroller for your family

With your tiny adventure partner in tow, you’ll want a stroller that allows you to zip in and out, no matter where the day takes you. A compact stroller fits the bill. The right one takes you and your baby or toddler down city sidewalks, through the airport, into the metro, and more. 


But not just any compact stroller will do! In this article, we’ll offer a few tips for how to choose the best compact stroller, such as checking the size and weight, making sure it’s comfy, and choosing the right accessories. Let’s take a look. 


How to choose the best compact stroller


Check the size and weight


Woman folding a compact stroller to fit in an overhead compartment


If you’re looking for a compact stroller you want it to be, well, compact. Check the size and weight to be sure the stroller is as light as you want it to be and that it fits where you need it to go (think: your trunk or an airplane). 


For example, the Bugaboo Bee 6 weighs in at 20.8 pounds and measures 29.92 by 18.5 by 13.39 inches in its two-piece fold. This compact design makes it a dream ride for newborns and toddlers alike. 


Meanwhile, the ultra-compact Bugaboo Butterfly weighs only 16.1 pounds and is ideal for babies over six months old and toddlers. 


Small and lightweight, you can stow this stroller under a table, bring it on the metro, or take it on the plane since it meets the requirements for carry-on luggage from the International Air Transport Association.


Zoom around the city with your little partner in crime. Wherever your adventures take you, the Butterfly can come along for the ride. 


Decide if you want a travel system


Before you purchase a compact stroller, we recommend thinking through whether or not you want a travel system. 


What is a travel system? We’re glad you asked. 


A travel system (also known as a car seat stroller) includes a car seat that fits into the car seat base in the car as well as your stroller frame. That means you can move your baby from the stroller to the car (and back again) without ever taking them out of the car seat


Sound handy? It is. 


The good news is that travel systems aren’t just for full-size or double strollers. The Bugaboo Bee 6 Travel System Bundle is a compact stroller with a Turtle One by Nuna car seat that pops in and out. 


Baby in car seat


This car seat keeps your baby secure and makes your life simpler. It’s been designed based on principles of smart simplicity and easy and intuitive design. It’s also comfy to boot. 


With adjustable head support, a merino wool insert, and a UPF 50+ smart shade, the Turtle One by Nuna car seat stroller system keeps your baby comfortable whether you’re in the car or strolling the sidewalk.  


To sum things up, if you want a compact stroller and you want a travel system, you can have both. 


Opt for comfort in a compact stroller


Speaking of being comfy, your baby deserves to ride in comfort! You’ll want to consider several factors to give your baby the best stroll possible. 


We’re not just talking about cozy fabrics, although that’s part of it. Comfort also includes shock absorption and much more. 


Let’s take a look at a few things to look for:


  • Shock absorption through advanced suspension and puncture-proof wheels
  • Bumper bars for extra support and safety when your toddler points things out
  • Comfortable fabric on the seat
  • Adequate sun protection (such as a canopy)
  • An adjustable leg rest
  • A reclinable seat


Accommodate your newborn


For a compact stroller that is secure for your tiny newborn, check your stroller specifications to be sure that it’s appropriate for a newborn baby.


For example, the Bugaboo Butterfly is ultra-compact, but it’s designed for kids over six months old. If you’re shopping for your newborn, go with the Bugaboo Bee stroller and bassinet bundle. This stroller provides all the ease of a compact stroller with a bassinet for your precious one. 


Just like families, compact strollers come in all shapes and sizes.


Look for a quick fold


You want your compact stroller to be small but also quick to fold and unfold! Small and agile means that you’re on the move in no time, whether you’re walking with the stroller or toting it. What do we mean by quick to fold?


The Butterfly compact stroller can be folded or unfolded in just one second and with only one hand. That’s what we call quick and easy. 


If you plan on folding and storing your stroller a lot, you may also want to look for one that stands by itself when folded, such as the Bee 6. Whether you’re out at a restaurant or keeping the stroller in your closet, opt for one that’s small, foldable, and self-standing. 


Dad with his daughter using self-standing compact stroller

Treat yourself to storage


When your family is on the go, you might need to bring along a lot of goodies. You don’t have to sacrifice storage just because you want a compact stroller. 


Look for a compact stroller, such as the Butterfly, that still offers a large underseat basket for storing all the goods. The Butterfly underseat basket can be accessed from both sides and holds up to 17.64 pounds. That’s a lot of stuff!


A compact stroller with ample storage


Another way to add storage to your stroller is by adding a bag. The Bugaboo stroller organizer has three easy-access pockets on the outside to quickly grab a snack or paci and two zippered pockets on the inside for the more valuable items, like car keys and your phone. 


It’s easy to attach to and remove from the handlebar thanks to sturdy Velcro straps. When you take it off, the organizer also converts into a tote bag. Grab and go made easy. 


Want an even bigger bag option that can be attached to your compact stroller? Our changing bag or changing backpack fits the bill. 


The changing bag is made with water-repellent, high-quality fabric on the outside, making it spill-proof. On the inside, you’ll find wipe-clean compartments perfect for separating wet from dry. 


With universal adapters and integrated attachment hooks, this bag is compatible with all Bugaboo strollers. 


Meanwhile, the changing backpack is revolutionizing how diaper bags can look, letting you carry all the baby essentials while staying in fashion. Need to bring your laptop along, too? There’s a compartment for that.


The backpack is made with 100% recycled fabrics and fits perfectly on your Bugaboo stroller. 


Match your vibe


Young mom walking with her baby in a pink and black stroller


Your stroller will go everywhere with you, so choose a color you love. Find a shade that matches your family’s vibe!


You can do this by choosing a stroller fabric color that you love or making sure that one of the accessories comes in a favorite color. 


The Bugaboo Butterfly comes in midnight black, forest green, or stormy blue fabrics. Meanwhile, the Bee 6 is available with a black or aluminum base and black or grey mélange fabrics and offers the sun canopy in a variety of shades so you can add a splash of color that makes you smile. 


Choose the right accessories 


Last but not least, don’t forget to outfit your compact stroller with the right accessories to complete the experience. Having a cup holder and a smartphone holder means you can sip your favorite drink and have your phone within reach as you stroll. 


If you’re out and about with a baby and a toddler, attach a comfort wheeled board to the Bee 6. In just a few clicks, add the wheeled board onto your compact stroller so your toddler can sit or stand while you push your baby. 


For the cold days, keep your adventure pal warm with a high-performance footmuff, a must-have winter stroller accessory. With a down-filled cover and an integrated hood, this footmuff offers ideal temperature and moisture control.


A compact stroller for family adventures 


Family walking with a compact stroller


With a compact stroller, you’ll navigate city sidewalks, long walks, and all sorts of travel with ease. Plus, a small stroller that’s easy to fold is a cinch to carry and store. To choose the best compact stroller for your family adventures, refer to the tips we mentioned above.


Check the size and weight, decide if you want a travel system like the Bee 6 Travel System Bundle, choose comfort, look for a quick fold, and treat yourself to plenty of storage! Once you have your stroller, add accessories, such as a cup holder and smartphone holder.


With a compact stroller such as the Bugaboo Bee 6 or Butterfly, you and your baby are ready for whatever comes your way!