Is your annual family trip getting closer, and you still cannot decide whether to bring a stroller or a carrier?
If this is the first time traveling by plane as a new parent, you must know all the pros and cons of baby carriers and strollers.
Both a carrier and a stroller are travel-friendly options, but you will always favor one over the other.
Before you book your flight, these are the things you need to consider.
We talk about traveling to warmer and colder climates and visiting locations with a baby stroller or carrier.
Let’s test which one is the better choice between stroller vs baby carrier!
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Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is a soft fabric you wrap around the chest while securing the baby inside.
If you are new parents, you will feel more comfortable with using the carrier first.
Studies have shown that baby wear increases intimacy and also prevents crying. It’s also beneficial in preventing developmental hip dysplasia, a condition a small infant is prone to.
A baby carrier makes traveling with small babies so much easier! They are light, easy to carry and do not take up much space. You won’t have to worry about managing a crowded airport as well.
Babies fall asleep easily in the baby wrap, which leaves your hands free for the entire airline procedure.
Choosing a baby carrier instead of a large stroller is a great alternative. Then, after landing, you can easily book an Uber, catch a bus or rent a car without worrying about stroller storage.
There are a few types of baby carriers, such as:
- Slings
- Baby backpacks
- Framed carriers
And, you can choose the one you like best based on the wearing style.
If you opt for the baby carrier for your next trip, practice putting it on beforehand. Babies that are not used to body wraps may feel a slight discomfort at first.
- They increase the parent-baby bond and have numerous health benefits.
- A baby carrier is terrific for colic babies as it relieves pain and offers a safe environment.
- Allows easier breastfeeding when traveling and when on the move.
- Easier to manage in a crowded airport or public transportation as you don’t have to drag a heavy stroller around.
- You are hands-free when going past the airport security. This will allow you to hand in your passport, plane ticket, and others much easier.
- Lightweight and portable. A baby carrier does not take up space, and you won’t have to worry about losing it through a gate check.
- Budget-friendly
- Great for everyday use & running errands
- Suitable for the early days of a baby’s life and can be used as soon as you leave the hospital.
- No need to go overboard with extra clothes during wintertime. Your body temperature will keep the baby warm.
- Difficult to wear for long periods, especially once the baby gets bigger
- Not suitable for parents with back and shoulder pain. Parents prefer strollers if they experience a lot of back strain from carrying the child.
- A carrier can only carry one child at a time. If you have twins, it’s best to use double strollers.
- If you have an older child, you would still have to use a stroller and a carrier simultaneously.
- Requires practice if used for the first time.
- Not all babies enjoy being carriers. If your little one is a fussy sleeper, opt for a stroller instead.
- Baby carriers are not practical if you are traveling to a warmer climate. Excess sweating will be uncomfortable for both you and the baby.
- You cannot benefit from the stroller basket, so you must carry all the extras manually.
Baby Stroller
A baby stroller is a hand-pushed device on wheels. It can be accommodated to fit newborns, toddlers, and even preschoolers!
With the wide range of travel strollers on the market, you can easily find the one that fits the best.
Compared to a full-size stroller, a travel stroller is styled to fit the needs of a traveling parent. It will all come down to the baby’s weight and personal preference.
Traveling with a stroller can sometimes be challenging, especially if you don’t check all the travel-friendly features. However, many moms will confirm the benefit of a large stroller basket. All your necessities, including the diaper bag, will easily fit, so you won’t need to carry them manually.
When you bring the car seat and the stroller for your flight, our best recommendation is to get a Car Seat Travel Cart. The cart allows you to carry the car seat without risking damage. As for the stroller, you can rent one once you land.
Baby strollers are necessary once your baby gets too heavy for the carrier.
According to your baby’s age, you can pick a jogging stroller, a convertible stroller, or even a sit-and-stand stroller for the older child!
- Newborns will enjoy a full recline seat which allows a comfortable nap
- Most strollers fold in a compact package for the car trunk.
- Strollers are a better option for a long walk in comparison to a baby carrier
- You can always get a double stroller for the other child, while a carrier only allows you to carry one at a time.
- Includes a snack tray
- The stroller has a lot of storage space for all of your baby necessities
- If you carry a lot of extras, you can always drape them over the stroller handles
- Easier to accommodate cold and hot weather. The stroller includes a sun canopy for protection, and you can purchase a footmuff for the winter.
- Some models are too heavy, requiring you to purchase a separate lightweight stroller you would use only for traveling with kids.
- They can wake a sleeping baby if you are going over rough terrain.
- Not all strollers are suitable for theme parks. Before your trip, you must check the theme park regulations and ensure you bring a good stroller.
- There is the risk of damaging or losing the stroller through gate check
- Even though they are great for storing baby essentials, you will need to empty the stroller when passing the airport security completely.
- Places like staircases, shopping malls, or public transport are not stroller-friendly.
- You must check the room size of your stay beforehand. Many hotel rooms are not big enough for you to store the stroller, especially if it’s not foldable.
- When renting a car, you must check if the stroller can fit in the car trunk
- If traveling solo, it’s often not manageable to fold the stroller with one hand and carry the baby in the other.
Baby Carrier vs Stroller: What You Should Consider?
Criteria | Baby Carrier | Baby Stroller |
|---|---|---|
Safety | Lose | Win |
Price | Win | Lose |
Convenience | Draw | Draw |
Weather | Lose | Win |
Comfort | Lose | Win |
Feeding Time | Win | Lose |
Over Rank | 2nd | 1st |
Safety
A baby carrier is not as safe as you would think. Because they oppose a large threat if not installed properly, a stroller is a much safer option.
Before using a baby carrier, you must properly position the baby’s hips. If baby carriers are attached inadequately, it increases the risk of hip dysplasia.
A tiny baby may also slip out of the leg opening on the carrier. It’s also important to consult your pediatrician before using a carrier, as preemies are not a good candidate for one!
As for strollers, they are safe to use for all ages. Many strollers have a reclinable seat so that you can find the perfect position for your baby’s age. With the safety harness, your baby will be safe even during nap time. They come with various features and extra accessories to accommodate the stroller to your liking.
Final Winner: Stroller
Price
Carriers are the best budget-friendly choice.
You can find a high-quality baby carrier that is comfortable for you and the baby without breaking the bank. However, it’s less likely you will find a quality stroller for the same price.
Final Winner: Carrier
Convenience
Choosing a stroller or baby carrier will mainly depend on your daily routine.
Strollers are the best for traveling. They offer a big storage basket with multiple comfort features that keep your little one safe and sound.
However, baby carriers are a good alternative for public transport. You won’t have to deal with a cumbersome stroller on your way in, and handling the baby in a big crowd is much more manageable.
If you have a long day ahead of you, you can always pack the carrier with the stroller and use them both!
Final Winner: Both
Weather
A stroller is a better option, whether you plan on visiting a hot or cold climate. But, even if you weren’t a stroller person by now, you have to admit that they offer more benefits.
You can always purchase a stroller fan and drag the sun canopy down for hot weather. Not only does it offer cool protection, but it also allows your baby to nap in peace.
Adding more layers of clothes will do the trick when the weather gets chilly. Also, you can purchase a rain cover and a footmuff that will keep the baby cozy. Plus, you can find stroller models with all-terrain wheels that even walk smoothly on snow and ice.
If you opt for a baby carrier, even for a few hours in hot weather, we recommend you dress the baby in airy, comfortable clothes. Since the baby carrier acts as an additional layer of fabric, your little one can be wearing diapers only. But, you also need to cover all the exposed body parts, especially if you are walking in the sun.
There are also a few baby carrier models made from a mesh material. It promotes air circulation and keeps the baby comfortable.
Final Winner: Stroller
Comfort
When traveling with kids, comfort is key!
Opting for a baby carrier is necessary if you are traveling with an infant for the first time. If your baby enjoys being carried most of the time, carriers are a much smarter option than a stroller.
But, here’s where you would opt for a stroller:
Sightseeing requires lots of walking, so renting a stroller will be the better choice. Your back will appreciate it at the end of the adventure day! Also, as babies tend to nap most of the time, a stroller with a recline will be your best companion.
Final Winner: Stroller
Feeding Time
A stroller is the best option if your child is eating solid food! Considering a snack tray, many parents opt for a stroller in this scenario.
However, if you are still breastfeeding, baby carriers are the way to go! During feeding time, a carrier acts as a privacy shield so you can breastfeed without taking the baby out of the wrap.
A baby carrier is breastfeeding-friendly so that you can feed your little one discreetly.
Final Winner: Carrier
Traveling With a Baby Carrier or Stroller
Criteria | Baby Carrier | Baby Stroller |
|---|---|---|
Road Tripping | Draw | Draw |
City Travels | Lose | Win |
Beach Vacation | Lose | Win |
Hiking | Win | Lose |
Cruise Vacations | Win | Lose |
Daily Use | Draw | Draw |
Disneyworld Trips & Theme Parks | Lose | Win |
Museums & Zoo | Win | Lose |
Over Rank | 2nd | 1st |
Road Tripping
If you are road-tripping with children, it would be best to consider bringing both the stroller and the carrier.
A stroller will allow you to bring more things on your trips, such as spare clothes or a diaper bag. On the contrary, visiting a museum or a shopping mall will be manageable with a carrier.
Some locations are not stroller-friendly; in this case, a carrier is necessary.
Depending on your location of traveling, check for uneven terrain. You might use your all-terrain stroller instead of a travel stroller for the trip.
Final Winner: Both
City Travels
If you plan to visit Italy, Spain, or the rocky roads of Colorado, a stroller is a way to do it! There are a variety of travel-friendly all-terrain strollers you can choose from. City travels can get tiring soon, especially if you are visiting with kids.
Bringing a baby carrier will only make sightseeing and walking tedious.
You need to be prepared for various locations, so it’s best to tuck in a carrier in the stroller. If the road does not allow you to walk over with wheels easily, it’s time to switch to a carrier.
Final Winner: Stroller
Beach Vacation
When you are planning a vacation on the beach, your first instinct is to pack light. Unfortunately, this will require you to bring a stroller as a better option. Strollers are not the first thing that comes up when you think of lightweight, but they hold many beach essentials.
But, if the beach is close to your accommodation, choose a baby carriage. The stroller will only get in the way once you get on the sandy beach.
Remember that carriages do not offer the sun protection your baby needs. Many strollers have UPF canopies that protect your little one from the dangerous sun rays and keep them in the shade.
Final Winner: Stroller
Hiking
The only option for hiking with kids is to bring a baby carrier! In this situation, strollers are out of the question! Hiking terrains are often not flat, and even all-terrain strollers sometimes cannot handle them.
Final Winner: Carrier
Cruise Vacations
Cabins on the ship are often too small for you to fit the suitcase, let alone a stroller. A baby carrier is the better option here. It will not take up valuable space.
Final Winner: Carrier
Daily Use
Deciding on whether to bring a baby carrier or stroller will mainly depend on what you are used to for daily use. Many parents agree that baby carriers are the best baby gear for running errands. It keeps the baby snug while your hands are free.
Once your baby starts walking, you can use a stroller daily. Loading the groceries is much easier and will save you a lot of manual carrying.
Babies that do not enjoy being carried for long will need a stroller. Although this can sometimes counterfeit your travel plans, it’s important you put the baby’s comfort first.
Before you travel with a baby, try out both options at home. Your baby might get used to both, so you can always prepare before the trip.
Final Winner: Both
Disneyworld Trips & Theme Parks
You can bring both the stroller and the baby carrier to Disneyworld. Many parents prefer having both options, just in case you or the baby gets tired.
A stroller is more valuable due to the large storage space, all-terrain wheels, and better comfort.
However, considering how crowded Disneyworld can get, managing the stroller can often be challenging. In this case, your best option would be to carry a lightweight foldable travel stroller. These strollers are great for crowded spaces but are not the best in comfort.
Baby carriers are suitable for small children, but once they get older, it will be exhausting for the parent to carry them. So it’s best to take both options with precaution.
Final Winner: Stroller
Museums & Zoo
Similar to Disneyworld, these locations can get crowded rather quickly. However, some museums and zoos have different regulations, so it would be best to check them online before visiting.
In addition, not all locations like this are stroller-friendly. Some may have escalators, while others have narrow passages a stroller cannot approach.
A baby carrier is more convenient in these locations.
Visiting the Zoo or the museum will not take as much time as Disneyworld would. Hence, carrying the baby should not be tricky to manage. With a baby carrier, you don’t have to worry about stairs, out-of-service elevators, rocky terrain, or curbs.
Final Winner: Carrier
FAQs
Is a baby carrier better than a stroller?
A baby carrier is far better than a stroller as it’s easier to manage in large crowds, stairs, airport security, and public transportation. It’s also a lightweight and portable alternative to a stroller, especially for traveling with a newborn.
Baby carriers are the best option if you have a colic baby. Its style creates an intimate bond with the parent and offers a sense of relief. However, once your baby gets heavy and older, you need to switch to a stroller.
Should I use a stroller or baby carrier at the airport?
Using a stroller at the airport is a better option when traveling alone. You can attach your personal belongings to the stroller’s handles, quickly take out the passport and continue with the airport procedure.
But, if you are traveling with a partner, one can wear a carrier while the other is in charge of the luggage. Once you land, you can rent a stroller if you fear losing one in the gate check.
Is it OK to put a newborn in a carrier?
Yes, it’s safe to put a newborn in a carrier. As long as the infant weighs at least 7 pounds, you can start wearing a carrier as soon as you leave the hospital.
Which is more efficient, a baby stroller or a baby carrier?
A baby carrier is more efficient if your baby has not started walking yet. However, once your baby gets too heavy for carrying and wants to explore the world around him, it’s time to switch to strollers.
The stroller and the carrier have their advantages, but it all comes down to choosing accordingly with the baby’s age and weight.
Can a stroller be used for newborns?
If a stroller offers a full-recline seat resembling a bassinet, it can be used for newborns. Otherwise, it’s better to opt for a pram during the first six months of a baby's life.
Are baby carriers allowed in Disneyland?
Yes, baby carriers and backpack carriers are allowed in Disneyland. A baby can be in the carrier even during a ride that does not have height requirements.
Final Words
There are many elements you need to consider before your trip. Think about the baby’s age and weight, feeding time, naps, and the ground terrain of your location. Remember to allow your baby to familiarize themself with the stroller and the carrier.
We hope we have made a choice between a baby carrier or stroller a bit easier, and you can finally start planning your trip!
Stroller vs baby carrier: What’s the bottom line?
Although both have their advantages and disadvantages, in the end, it all comes down to what’s more suitable for you. But it's undeniable that they are the best travel options for baby gear.
