Minimalist Travel With Kids: How to Choose the Right Stroller (and Why a Baby Carrier is Always in My Bag)

When we travel, we travel light.

Like really light.

Every child carries their own backpack.

If they’re too little to carry it, they’re too little to have one.

No exceptions.

We don’t shlep half the house “just in case.”

We don’t pack things that live in the suitcase the whole trip.

And we definitely don’t drag gear through airports and train stations unless it’s really worth bringing.

I’ve written more about this on my blog,talk lots about it in my course, and in my book, but here’s the short version:

Minimal travel means more energy, more freedom, and more time for the actual trip instead of managing stuff.

Which brings us to one of the biggest debates for traveling with small kids:

Do you bring your nice, good-quality stroller… or go light with a compact one?

When I Choose a Good Quality, Larger Stroller

If we’re doing a lot of walking, hours on our feet exploring cities, sightseeing, and using public transportation, I want my good quality stroller.

A sturdy (big wheeled) Bugaboo or UPPAbaby-type stroller is built for this.

Big wheels, smooth ride, comfortable seat, full recline for naps, big canopy, and a basket underneath for jackets, snacks, and all the extras.

The right high-quality stroller can get onto public transport and trains easily… if there’s level access. Remember though, there won’t always be elevators. Which means you need at least one other adult who can help lift it up and down stairs.

When I Choose a Compact Stroller

If we’re renting a car and not walking much, I’m not wasting trunk space on a heavy stroller.

A compact travel stroller is all I need - something light, easy to fold, quick to pop open, and fine for short walks.

They’re great for airports, hopping in and out of cars, and squeezing through narrow spaces. But they’re not as comfy for long naps, and they tip over if you hang too much off the handles.

The Airport Problem

If you bring a big stroller and you have a layover, don’t expect to see it again until your final destination. That means you could be stuck in an airport for hours without it. (As a by the way: I don’t recommend doing long layovers without going out…)

This is why my golden rule is: always travel with a baby carrier.

I’m talking about the easy, soft cloth ones that fold up into nothing and slide into your personal bag.

At the airport, I pop the baby in the carrier and I’m hands-free to manage boarding passes, and other kids.

You can even leave the stroller at the hotel /

Where every you are staying, and use the carrier for certain outings.

The Real Decision

For me, it comes down to this:

• Lots of walking? Take the good quality stroller, and make sure you have help for stairs.

• Not much walking / renting a car? Take the compact stroller.

• Every trip, no matter what? Take a baby carrier.

Good Quality Larger Stroller (e.g., UPPAbaby, Bugaboo)

Pros:

• Smooth ride, great for long walks & cobblestones

• Comfortable naps with full recline & big canopy

• Big under-basket for snacks, jackets, shopping bags

• Feels sturdy & safe for baby

• Can double as a “home base” for long days

Cons:

• Heavy to lift up stairs or into taxis

• Not always easy to maneuver in crowded places

• If you gate-check it, you may not get it back at a layover

• Risk of damage in transit

• More to store, fold, and manage in airports

Compact Travel Stroller

Pros:

• Light, folds quickly, fits into small spaces

• Easy on public transport & in narrow areas

• Great for short walks and quick outings

• Often cheaper to replace if damaged

• Some models fit in overhead bins (no gate-check)

Cons:

• Not as comfy for long naps

• Limited storage under basket

• Tips if you hang too much weight on handles

• Bumpier ride on cobblestones or uneven streets

Baby Carrier (Soft Cloth Wrap or Soft-Structured Carrier)

Pros:

• Ultimate freedom on stairs, buses, attractions ect

• Keeps baby close & calm

• Hands-free for luggage and other kids

• Packs down small into personal bag

• No need to gate-check or worry about loss/damage

Cons:

• Can get heavy for you after long stretches

• Can get hot in warm climates

Because minimal travel is about making life easier, not harder.

The less I’m pushing, folding, and lifting, the more I’m actually enjoying the trip.

If you want to see how this “less stuff, more freedom” approach works for your home and life, it’s exactly what I teach in the Frum Minimalism Home Reset.

Because packing light for a trip is just one part of living light every day.

Join the course here → https://www.frumminimalism.com/resetyourhome.