One of the cheapest and most lightweight strollers to travel with is the "umbrella" stroller. The name applies because when folded up, the unit collapses like a large umbrella and carries easily. It can be tucked into a car or an overhead storage unit in a plane. However, because the umbrella stroller is so minimal, it provides very little comfort for a child. Storage capacity underneath is nonexistent, and the model only works for one child at a time.
The sit-and-stand stroller provides a hybrid dual transportation for children with half the weight of a full-blown stroller. It provides generous underneath carrying capacity for diapers, wipes, bottles and clothes -- or whatever you need. The front end uses a standard seat while the back end allows an older child to either stand and hold on or sit. The sit-and-stand still folds up easily but uses a stronger frame, giving it strength and maneuverability.
For travel that involves hiking or walking on terrain other than pavement, strollers with off-road tires and higher frames work best. Bob strollers, jogging strollers and similar designs incorporate lightweight canvas surfaces, big bicycle tires and aluminum framing. This combination makes the units easy to handle, secure for children and durable. Off-road strollers also fold fairly flat, providing easy storage in a car trunk when needed.
An upgrade from umbrella strollers, lightweight strollers provide a stronger frame than a basic umbrella stroller but don't incorporate all the bulk of a traditional stroller. This makes them promising for travel. Lightweight strollers commonly use curved handles with small wheels to reduce size, provide one seat with a canvas hood and a small basket underneath for storage. They don't incorporate the cross-frame structure that makes traditional strollers much stronger.
