ARTICLES
Travel Stroller Accessories Worth Buying
By Alex’s parents, StrollerSelect editors · Published · How we research
The stroller is the big decision, but a few small accessories decide whether it arrives in one piece and stays useful on the trip. Here’s what we’d actually buy, and what we’d skip.
1. A padded gate-check bag (buy this)
Gate-checked strollers ride in the hold with the luggage and get handled roughly. A padded bag protects the frame, keeps the fabric clean, and keeps small parts like cup holders and rain covers together. Many premium travel strollers include a travel bag, so check your stroller’s review page before buying one. For example, the Joolz Aer² includes a travel pouch.
Look for padding, backpack straps (so your hands are free), and a size that matches your folded stroller. → Browse padded gate-check bags
Heads-up: a bag adds bulk. If you’re counting on the overhead bin, measure the stroller in the bag against your airline’s carry-on box using our Will It Fit tool.
2. A tracker (buy this)
A small Bluetooth tracker hidden in the basket or clipped to the frame tells you whether a gate-checked stroller made your connection. It’s peace of mind for a few dollars. → AirTag holders for strollers
3. A universal rain cover (buy for Florida, Europe and the UK)
Some strollers include one, most travel strollers don’t. A universal cover folds to the size of a phone and turns a downpour into a non-event. → Universal rain covers
4. A sun or sleep shade (buy if your child naps on the go)
Travel-stroller canopies tend to be shorter than full-size ones. A breathable blackout or UV shade helps with naps on planes, at theme parks and on beaches. Choose one made for strollers with airflow, and never cover a stroller with a blanket that blocks ventilation.
5. A stroller organizer or cup holder (nice to have)
Travel strollers skimp on storage. A slim organizer on the handlebar holds your phone, passports and a coffee, but keep heavy items in the basket so the stroller doesn’t tip. → Stroller organizers
6. An FAA-approved child harness (for kids 22-44 lb with their own seat)
If your toddler has their own seat but you’d rather not carry a car seat, the CARES harness is an FAA-approved restraint for children 22 to 44 lb who can sit upright in their own seat. It weighs about a pound and fits in a diaper bag. → CARES harness
7. A car-seat travel bag or cart (if you’re bringing a car seat)
If you’re checking an infant or convertible car seat, a padded bag protects it. A small cart or strap lets you roll it through the airport. Some infant car seats click directly onto a compatible stroller, which is the easiest airport setup of all. Our newborn picks note car-seat compatibility.
What we’d skip
- Bulky hard-shell stroller cases. They’re great for checked luggage, but you can’t gate-check them easily, and they defeat the point of a compact stroller.
- Heavy handlebar bags. They make light travel strollers tip backward.
- Stroller-specific accessories you won’t use again. Universal versions travel better and fit the next stroller too.
Still choosing the stroller itself?
Start with our strollers that fit in the overhead bin or the lightest travel strollers. You can also grab our free flying-with-a-baby checklist.
Accessory links go to Amazon search results so you can compare current options. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.