best compact strollers

New compact and mini strollers for 2018

In Gear, Kids by Nicole Yontz1 Comment

Bigger is no longer better – at least in the world of strollers. We recently took a trip to the 2017 ABC Baby Expo where, when it came to strollers, “mini” was the word on everyone’s lips.

Why we love compact and mini strollers

Personally, I love a mini stroller and think having one in your collection is necessary. But with all the new folds and more luxury features in a smaller footprint, a mini stroller can now truly be your only stroller now. I have a smaller crossover SUV, so when I pack for a trip space is at a premium. Having a stroller I can just toss on the floor of the back seat is a life saver. Let’s take a look at the new mini and compact strollers set to hit shelves in the coming year.

gb Pockit +

At the ABC Baby Expo 2015, the gb Pockit stroller took the show by storm. We kept hearing about the amazing fold of the worlds smallest stroller. Since then, I had the opportunity to review it and still use it to this day. It’s been my go-to small space stroller — with some obvious sacrifices. Namely, we missed the small canopy and lack of recline.

Well, the good people at gb heard our cries. In early 2018, they will be releasing the gb Pockit+. The all-new gb Pockit+ offers a larger, more traditional canopy, an easy recline, their award-winning two-fold design. In addition, it will be the worlds smallest travel system, compatible with the gb Asana, the gb Asana DLX and all Cybex infant car seats. This sounds like a dream come true for frequent fliers! The gb Pocket+ will retail for $230 and will be available January 2018.

 

Uppa Baby Minu

I am oh-so impatiently waiting until spring 2018 because that’s when the brand new Uppa Baby Minu is set to hit stores, and once you see this baby you will be too. The Uppa Baby Minu is a compact lightweight stroller from a brand you’ve come to expect for consistency terrific strollers. With, what seems to be, the largest storage basket in a compact stroller, a generous recline and amazing trifold design, and an easy to carry strap, all for a reasonably priced $400, the Uppa Baby Minu will have you counting down the days right along with us. 

Cybex Eezy S Twist

Cybex has been long known for absolutely gorgeous award-winning designs that look more like works of art rather than strollers. This year Cybex hit us with another beauty called the Cybex Eezy S Twist, a brilliant design that allows parents to fold the stroller using one hand, either forward or rear facing, into a size that’s small enough to fit into an overhead airline compartment. Mind blown. Other great features include a full canopy, all-wheel suspension, infant car seat compatible (gb and Cybex car seats only), and an almost fully flat recline which will make this stroller suitable from birth. Oh, and I forgot to tell you the best part – all of this greatness will retail for – wait for it – $300. Yeah – mind blown.

Kinderwagon

Looking for a compact umbrella style stroller for two? Look no further than the Kinderwagon Hop. Weighting only 21.5 pounds, this mighty mini is great for twins or two close in age. If you have a little more of an age gap, Kinderwagon has the Jump, which has a platform on the back end allowing your older child to jump on and off when needed. It’s even car seat compatible (Graco Snugride Classic and Combi Shuttle) with built-in adaptor straps! Simplicity at it’s finest in a size no bigger than a standard umbrella stroller and priced at $260.

Mima Zigi

Mima Zigi might not be a name you’re super familiar with now, but just wait until you see this beauty. Weighing only about 18 pounds, it has 3 reclining positions, adjustable handlebar height, is infant car seat compatible with adapters, has a large canopy and equally massive storage basket, and easily folds down to an airline compliant size. What?! The Mima Zigi comes in 3 stylish colors and retails for $700.

 
Oxo Tot Air

Being in the stroller biz I’ve had many go through my hands, but would you like to know which stroller I went out and bought for myself after seeing a review on our site? I snagged the Oxo Tot Cubby+, and I haven’t regretted it a single minute. It is an excellent compact lightweight full-service stroller. So after hearing about the brand new Air, Oxo Tot’s first foray into the umbrella stroller arena, I knew I had to get it ASAP. Once again, Oxo did not disappoint.

The Oxo Tot Air weighs only 11 pounds, has all the advantages of an umbrella stroller in a super compact fold, a roomy storage basket, a zip pocket in the back for things like phone and keys, a ridiculous UPF 50 canopy, flip-flop friendly brake system, breathable mesh, machine washable fabric and a built-in carry strap. I did my test run with the Air on Halloween, which equates to the gauntlet in my neighborhood. Through rocky terrain, crossing streets, up and down grassy hills, over curbs and navigating crowded sidewalks, the Air constantly exceeded my expectations. My almost-three-year-old was able to pop in and out when needed, had plenty of room and seemed happy as a comfy clam on the long walk back home. The Oxo Tot Air comes in 3 beautiful colors and is a steal at $180.

Evenflo Pivot Travel System

If you’re looking for an incredible deal on an all-in-one travel system, look no further than the new Evenflo Pivot Travel System with SensorSafe SafeMax Infant Car Seat. For a retail price of $330 you get the Pivot modular stroller frame (15 pounds) and both a forward and rear facing seat, a large 3-panel canopy, multiple recline positions, large storage basket, and the amazing SafeMax Infant Car Seat with SensorSafe Technology and anti-rebound bar.

The SafeMax Infant Car Seat with SensorSafe Technology is the first of it’s kind. A gentle chime reminds the driver the child is still in the backseat. It also alerts the driver if the child unfastens the chest clip while driving — as some sneaky kids do. What an incredible deal for an compact traditional travel system.

Which stroller are you looking forward to seeing?

Meet the Author | Nicole Yontz


A SoCal girl transplanted to the Arizona desert, Nicole Yontz is the go-to girl for all things gear. She shares her home with her handsome husband, their two daughters (Audrey & Abbey), two dogs, one fish, and countless dust bunnies. When she’s not busy testing out the latest and greatest in gear on her darling little guinea pigs, you will often find her getting a pedicure as she does every single week. Because there’s no law that says you can’t.

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