Our Favorite Stoller Alternatives for Active Families
Sometimes traveling with a stroller is a hassle. Trust me; we’ve been traveling full-time since our son was 14-months-old, and some days we aren’t in the mood to deal with his stroller. Now that our little guy is 3-years-old, we have started using some stroller alternatives to make traveling with him easier.
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To make your life easier, we’ve provided the top 8 stroller alternatives for babies and toddlers, along with some of the most popular brands.
There are several options for each stroller alternative, so you can find what works best for your baby or toddler. We’ve personally used several of these items or plan to use them in the future.
Read More: 10 Compact Strollers for Travel
Stroller Alternatives for Babies
Traveling with a baby is so much easier than many people think. Honestly, it’s the best time to travel with kids. Infants are the perfect travel partners.
You don’t need as much as you think, especially if you plan on using public transportation with your little one. You can get away with leaving your stroller at home and just taking a car seat.
Here are some of our favorite stroller alternatives for babies.
Related Post: Best Age to Travel with a Baby
Baby Carriers
The #1 alternative to strollers is baby carriers. You can use a baby carrier from birth to five or six years old, depending on your little one’s height and weight.
Baby carriers allow you to go hands-free, so if you have a clingy baby, you can still get things done while attending to your little one.
Here are our top three baby carriers that are the perfect stroller alternative for families on the go.
Read More: The Best Baby Carriers for Travel
Baby Tula Coast Baby Carrier
The Baby Tula Coast Baby Carrier is our favorite stroller alternative for newborns. You can use this carrier from birth until your little one is well into their toddler years.
I will admit that we are a little biased about Baby Tula. We love this brand. It was one of the few brands that showed a representation of all family structures.
We love this baby carrier because of the breathable mesh, additional padding, versatility, and adjustable neck pillow.
If your little one is under 12 months, this is the best way to travel with them through the airport to keep you hands-free. Check your stroller and forget it.
There is so much to love about this baby carrier, and I highly recommend it for travelers.
Related Post: Our Tula Baby Carrier Review
Infantino Flip
The Infantino Flip is the most affordable baby carrier on our list of stroller alternatives for travel.
Although the weight capacity is lower than the other stroller alternatives on our list, it’s perfect for babies.
If there is one best-kept secret amongst travelers, babies are one of the best travel companions. Strap your little one to your chest or back, and you are on the move.
Although this carrier doesn’t have as many features as the other offerings on our list, it’s versatile. There are different ways to wear your little one to keep both you and your baby comfortable.
Read More: The Best Strollers for the Beach
LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons
The LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons is one of the best-selling baby carriers for babies.
With six carrying positions, this baby carrier is the most versatile stroller alternative on our list. Wear your baby or toddler in the front, back, or even on your hip while being hands-free.
The most popular features parents love are the temperature control panel, padded shoulders, narrow/wide position, and a storage pocket.
You get your money’s worth with this baby carrier because you can use it with your newborn or toddler. This stroller alternative can easily last you up to four years.
Hip Seats
Hip seats are great for babies once they have gained neck and head control. They make it easier to hold your little one while sparing your hip and back pain from having weight unevenly distributed across your body.
I had a hip seat attached to our first baby carrier, and it was a life-saver. It made it easy to hold our baby without putting stress on our bodies.
If you have a baby that demands a lot of attention, this could be a great alternative to a stroller. Keep in mind; that not all hip seats have support, so you may not be hands-free.
Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier
Sunnors Hip Seat Carrier
ThreeH Baby Hip Seat Belt
Baby Wrap
My wife loved using baby wraps when our little one was a newborn. She took it everywhere and even used it inside the house while cooking or doing laundry.
Many parents love that they can get a good fit and be close to their little ones.
Honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan, but that’s because I prefer the soft struct carrier. I’m too lazy to deal with wrapping it around my body and finding a comfortable fit.
If you want lightweight and breathable material, consider using a baby wrap as a stroller alternative for babies and even toddlers.
Boba Wrap
KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier
CuddleBug Baby Wrap Sling
Stroller Alternatives for Toddlers
Once your little one hits 3-years-old, they can use some fun stroller alternatives. They may feel like a big kid, but they’ll still get tired of walking around theme parks or exploring while on vacation.
These alternative stroller options let your little one get rest when they need it, but they’ll also still feel like a big kid. Here are some of our favorite stroller alternatives for toddlers.
Wagons
I know what you are thinking. If I don’t want to push a stroller, why would I use a wagon?
Wagons are great stroller alternatives because you can fit so much inside and pull or have your little one pull for you.
Our son loves pulling wagons, so we put him to work and do most of the pulling for us, so we walk.
Wagons can be used anywhere for pretty much anything, so I think it’s the perfect stroller alternative for a day at the beach, running errands, going for walks, or heading to the park.
Read More: Best Beach Wagons for Toddlers
Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon
It’s easy to see why the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is the most popular wagon for families with toddlers.
This is one of the most versatile stroller alternatives for families with multiple little ones. Some of the most popular features are the snack tray, storage, all-terrain wheels, sunshade, and much more.
There is a pull and push mode with an adjustable handle to fit any parent’s height. I love the outside storage bag to put your keys, phone, and anything else you need to keep handy while pulling the wagon.
With an overall weight capacity of 110 lbs., you can bring everything you need to enjoy a day at a theme park (not Disney), get through the airport, or even spend the day at the park.
As an added bonus, you can purchase the additional attachment to include a car seat or toddler seat to the front of the wagon.
There are so many possibilities for this wagon. It’s the perfect travel companion and stroller alternative for active families with little ones.
Radio Flyer Folding Wagon
Radio Flyer is one of the oldest brands when it comes to wagons for toddlers. The Radio Flyer Folding Wagon is one of the most affordable wagons for toddlers.
Although this wagon does not have many of the features of the other wagons on our list, it is the most lightweight and portable.
There are three ways to use this wagon. You can use it in ride-mode, for hauling, and as a bench, which is perfect for a day at the beach.
The padded seats make the ride more comfortable for your little one. Although there isn’t a parent storage tray, there are pockets to store drinks and loops to attach extra items.
With a maximum weight capacity of 150 lbs, you can haul everything you need for a fun day at the beach or run errands.
Of all the wagons on our list, this is the lightest option. Along with being lightweight, this wagon can easily be folded with one hand and stored.
Overall, if you are looking for an affordable wagon for your little ones, this is it.
Baby Trend Expedition Wagon
The Baby Trend Expedition Wagon is a happy medium between the two wagons above. You get the features of a more expensive wagon without the price tag.
Some of the most notable features of this wagon include padded seating, a parent console, snack tray, storage pockets, a sun canopy, and a mosquito net.
You can push or pull your little ones, so this wagon offers versatility. Although sold separately, you can attach a car seat if you have an infant too young to sit in the wagon.
Overall, if you are looking for an affordable, durable, and versatile stroller alternative for your baby and toddler, this could be it!
Mini Scooters
Mini scooters are fun alternatives to strollers for toddlers who are old enough to push themselves. These scooters have three wheels, so your little one can ride without balancing on two wheels.
Many of these scooters have seats, so your toddler can take a break when they get tired, but you remain hands-free.
Here are our favorite mini scooters for toddlers to use as an alternative to strollers.
SKIDEE Kick Scooters
The SKIDEE Kick Scooter is the most popular scooter for toddlers. With lights, music, and a seat, this scooter has everything your little one needs to be independent.
The adjustable and removable seat makes it easy for your little one to ride along, standing up or sitting down.
Your little one will love the lights on the wheels, and you will love that there are no batteries to replace. That sounds like a win/win for everyone.
The Learn-to-Steer technology makes this scooter more stable, making it perfect for younger toddlers. This is the perfect travel toy to let your little one burn some energy during a long road trip at a rest stop.
The seat and bar are adjustable, so as your little one grows, they can continue to ride. If you are a little weary, this scooter includes a 1-year warranty.
You don’t have anything to lose with this fun stroller alternative for our toddler. Give it a try!
Hurtle 3-Wheeled Scooter
Globber Go Up Sporty
Toddler Carriers
I am a big fan of toddler carriers. It is one of my favorite stroller alternatives now that our son is 3-years-old and can talk longer distances.
When we leave our stroller, we use the toddler carrier when our little guy gets tired. It’s a lot more comfortable than carrying him.
If you have a toddler that needs a little help every once and a while, consider a toddler carrier.
Baby Tula Toddler Carrier
Related Post: Our Tula Toddler Carrier Review
LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Airflow
Beco Toddler Carrier
Hiking Carriers
Hiking carriers are great for active families who plan to walk off-road trails with their little ones.
These carriers put your little ones in the ideal position so they can relax while you do all the walking.
They differ from regular baby carriers in that they offer more features such as storage, rain covers, sunshade, hydration pack, and advanced weight distribution.
You don’t want to be like me and end up carrying a stroller up a mountain. Yes, I did (the Smoky Mountains National Park Laurel Falls Trail). It was an absolute nightmare.
Osprey Poco Child Carrier
Reviews
Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier
Luvdbaby Premium Backpack Carrier
Piggyback Rider
The Piggyback Rider is popular amongst dads who do not want to wear a traditional baby carrier. It’s made by dads for dads, so your little one can hang (technically stand) with their favorite guy all day.
Your little one can hang out on their shoulders, which is perfect for places like Magic Kingdom or Sesame Place for them to see parades, characters, or fireworks.
This standing carrier is for kids 2-years-old, and up and under 50 lbs, so it shouldn’t be used until your little one can stand for extended periods. It’s a compact and portable option for families on the go.
Your toddler won’t miss a thing, which makes this a great alternative to using a stroller. The anti-skid bar keeps them in place, just in case you have a wiggly little one.
You can walk normally; because the carrier distributes your toddler’s weight at your core, allowing you to walk in a natural posture and be hands-free.
Trikes
I love trikes because they grow with your toddler, so it feels like you are getting your money’s worth.
Although they start as strollers, your little one will eventually start to pedal by themselves, and you are just walking behind them instead of pushing.
Hopefully, your toddler isn’t as lazy as our little one because he refused to pedal. He just sat with his feet on the wheels while we did all the work. Ugh, toddlers have it made.
smarTrike Toddler Tricycle
The smarTrike Toddler Tricycle is one of the best-selling tricycles for toddlers because there are so many features.
This toddler tricycle is 7-in-1, so there is a configuration for every stage of your baby’s development.
The best part is how portable it is. Take this trike on a road trip, and your little one can have a blast during some of your breaks.
The front shockers absorb the impact from uneven surfaces, so your toddler will have a smooth ride on any surface. Easily control the direction with the touch steering technology for when your little one needs a little help.
Another great feature is the 5-point safety harness, which protects your baby as they learn to ride.
When you have to push this trike, there is a parent tray to store your phone, keys, snacks, and a drink.
Honestly, this is the best stroller alternative for families that spend a lot of time in the park or go for long walks.
Stroll ‘N Trike
Yvolution Y Velo Flippa
Conclusion: Safe Stroller Alternatives
The 8 strollers we’ve highlighted are all great options for families on the go.
They make it easier to travel with your baby or toddler without having to grab a bulky stroller along, and they come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles!
Which of these best suits your needs? Let us know if you have any questions about our selections – we love everything travel, and we’re here to help you!
