7 Best Stroller Alternatives For All Occasions

Stroller Alternatives

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thank you for your support!

Share this post

We researched and tested various stroller alternatives to bring you a comprehensive list of options that are compact, lightweight, and excellent when you are on the go.

The Trail Magik Kid Carrier is our favorite because it is extremely versatile, lightweight, compact, and can be used for any occasion.

We travel, hike, backpack, and spend a lot of time outside. The Trail Magik Kid Carrier has been a lifesaver because we don’t have to carry a bulky baby carrier, stroller, or heavy wagon.

You can store the carrier inside the pocket of your backpack or diaper bag. If your child wants to take a break from walking, simply pull it out and hook it onto the shoulder straps of your bag.

Our top 3 stroller alternatives

Trail Magik Kid Carrier
  • Best stroller alternative overall
  • Versatile and compact
  • Great for hiking, traveling, or when you are on the go
  • Fits in the pocket of your bag
JetKids BedBox + Crew Backpack Travel Bundle
  • Ride-on suitcase for kids
  • Converts into a bed, perfect for flights
  • Can store your kids' toys and entertainment items
  • Can hold the inflatable mattress for extra comfort
Wonderfold Wagon Pull & Push Double Stroller Wagon
  • Durable and affordable stroller wagon
  • Holds up to 180lbs
  • Has lots of storage
  • All-terrain wheels

7 Best stroller alternatives for toddlers and kids

We have other stroller alternatives for all types of occasions. Here are our suggestions.

1. Trail Magik Kid Carrier

The best child carrier that weighs less than one pound and fits in the bottle holder of your backpack.

Hands down this needs to be on everyone’s list as one of the best stroller alternatives if you are active and love the outdoors or to travel.

We ditched our regular child carrier for the Trail Magik. Before we had the Trail Magik, we wore a diaper bag on our back and a bulky child carrier in front.

It was a huge inconvenience because there was no way to store the child carrier when we were on the go.

The Trail Magik solved this problem. It is advertised as a backpacking kid carrier because it attaches to a backpacking backpack. But we have used it with a diaper bag and a day hike pack.

The biggest benefit is how compact and lightweight it is. It weighs less than a pound and it fits in almost any pocket of your bag.

It is very easy to install. You simply clip it on the shoulder straps and waist belt of your bag for it to fit comfortably and it creates a seat for your child.

To store it away, you can unclip it and remove it, fold it, and put it inside your bag.

Just note that it is not intended for children under 1 year of age. Your child has to be facing you so make sure that their face is not pressing on your chest.

When you are ready to buy, use coupon code LatinxMontessori to save 10% off your order.

  • Great for 1-year-olds and up to 43 pounds.
  • Folds compactly and fits in your backpack.
  • Great for backpacking, traveling, or when you are on the go.
  • The best replacement for traditional baby carriers.
  • Made from 100% Cordura® Fabric & 100% Heavy Nylon Webbing.
  • Easy to put on and take off.
  • Comes in different colors.
  • Your child has to face you.
  • Not great for infants.

Image: Pish Posh

2. JetKids BedBox + Crew backpack Travel Bundle by Stokke

The best stroller alternative for kids makes traveling a breeze.

We are huge fans of Stokke. The quality of their products is great and this is one of the best stroller alternatives for travel.

The JetKids BedBox has made traveling easy. We still carry the Trail Magik with us but having a ride-on suitcase that converts into a small bed for our little one has been a game-changer.

Flying can be tough for your child and stressful for you because you are carrying luggage, bags, and other stuff to keep your child entertained.

With the JetKids BedBox, your child can ride on it throughout the airport. Once you get to your seat on the plane, you can turn it into a bed or leg rest for your child.

Your child will rest comfortably throughout the flight and you will feel less overwhelmed since you don’t have to carry your child in your arms. That can get very uncomfortable!

You can also store your kid’s favorite toys inside the BedBox. This eliminates the need to carry a separate backpack with toys and entertainment items for your child.

This bundle comes with the BedBox and Expandable Kids Backpack which is a great deal. You save about $29 with the bundle.

To add extra comfort to your child’s trip, you can add the CloudSleeper, which is an inflatable mattress that also fits in the BedBox.

  • The best stroller alternative for traveling with kids
  • Ride-on suitcase with lots of storage.
  • Your kids can ride the suitcase throughout the airport.
  • The suitcase converts into a small bed for your child.
  • Can be used in planes, trains, and ferries, where a seat extender is convenient.
  • Fits in the carry-on compartment and under the seat of the airplane.
  • Approved by many airlines.
  • Only children ages 2 to 7 can ride on the suitcase (they need balance).

Image: Maisonette

3. Wonderfold Wagon Pull & Push Double Stroller Wagon

Strong, lightweight, and compact stroller wagon to take to the park, the beach, or around town.

If you’re looking for the best double stroller alternatives, then you are going to love this stroller wagon.

Sometimes you have to sacrifice durability over weight or weight over space. But the Double Stroller Wagon by Wonderfold Wagon has everything you need.

It is light enough to carry everywhere you go, fits into small spaces, and holds a decent amount of weight.

This is why we chose it as our third option and the top stroller wagon when you are on the go.

We like how smooth it rides on various terrain because it has large, all-terrain wheels that can go over gravel or sand. This is perfect if you take it to the beach.

It seats two children, who can be secured with a 5-point safety harness. We only have one child but we can store lots of stuff on the other side of the stroller.

The removable canopy is a life-changer too. It can get sunny and hot where we live and the canopy offers plenty of shade.

We also like the 1-step foot brake system. If you are walking on a slope, you can simply press the brake with your foot so the wagon doesn’t roll with your child… Yikes!

It is also easy to transport. It only weighs 34 pounds, can hold up to 180 pounds, and measures 26” x 16.6” x 34” once folded. That’s pretty darn good.

A good added feature is the rear basket that offers extra space to hold extra items like water, your keys, or your wallet.

  • It hits all the major requirements: lightweight, compact, and durable.
  • The maximum weight limit is 180 pounds.
  • Can hold 2 children.
  • Comes with all-terrain wheels.
  • It is very easy to maneuver. 
  • You can pull or push and has an adjustable handlebar and pull bar.
  • The removable canopy offers good protection from the elements.
  • The only downside is if you have a big family, you will need a bigger stroller.

Image: Pish Posh

4. Keenz 7S+ Stroller Wagon (4 Passenger)

This is a heavy-duty stroller wagon perfect for a growing family and to transport heavy items.

Speaking of a bigger stroller, the Keenz 7S+ Stroller Wagon is a top-of-the-line wagon that allows you to carry up to 300 pounds of stuff!

Not only can you carry up to 4 children, but can you also transport sports equipment, a small grill, your dogs, or anything you want!

We like the small cooler that comes with the stroller because it keeps our favorite drinks cold on hot summer days.

You don’t need to worry about storage because there is plenty of it. 

The stroller includes the cooler, shoe storage under the cooler, an organization panel, 4 storage pockets, and 2 external side pockets, all at no additional cost!

The stroller also comes with super large wheels, the biggest we’ve seen. You can go over any terrain easily. The large wheels also make maneuverability effortless.

We love the canopy of this stroller. Besides providing lots of shade, it comes with panels that you can pull down for extra shade or privacy. 

These shade panels block light coming from all directions and are great if your child naps in the stroller.

  • The shades offer privacy and extra protection from the sun.
  • Heavy-duty to transport the heaviest items.
  • Great for up to four kids.
  • Can hold up to 300 pounds.
  • Has a lot of storage, including a cooler, shoe storage, and extra pockets.
  • No need to buy additional accessories, it has everything you need.
  • A bit expensive (but the quality is excellent).
  • It weighs 51 pounds.
  • Not as compact as other wagons. You’ll need a lot of space in your car.

Image: Ten Little

5. Banwood Trike

The perfect 2-in-1 tricycle that allows your child to cruise alongside you everywhere you go.

This is an adorable vintage trike by Banwood that brings a lot of memories. Maybe you had a tricycle just like this one?

This trike is great when you go to the park or on a walk. It is also perfect if your child is learning to pedal because it helps them coordinate the pedaling motion and steering.

That requires lots of concentration as they try to put the two together. But don’t worry if your little one has trouble pedaling.

This trike comes with a removable push bar that attaches to the back of the trike. This will help your child get started safely because you can control the speed and direction.

Of course, there is no way of storing things on the trike and this may be the only drawback if you are looking for a stroller alternative with storage.

But if you want to be active and bring your kid along, then this is a great choice.

  • We love the vintage design of this trike.
  • It comes in various colors.
  • The seat is made from oak wood and is padded with vegan leather for comfort.
  • It comes with a wicker basket, bell, and removable push bar.
  • Great for children ages 3 to 6.
  • The handlebar can be adjusted from 17.72″ to 19.88″.
  • No storage.
  • Not compact.

Image: Ten Little

6. Banwood Balance Bike

This is a high-quality balance bike to help your child improve their balance and coordination.

We were impressed by the quality of this Balance Bike by Banwood. Just like the Trike, we love the vintage design of this balance bike.

I highly recommend balance bikes over training wheels because your child will improve their motor skills, balance, and confidence as they learn to ride a bike.

It is also a better and easier transition to a pedal bike without training wheels. Your child will also get a lot of physical activity because they use their feet to propel themselves forward.

My daughter is currently learning how to use her balance bike. I can see that she is nervous and scared but excitement takes over as she makes small progressions.

Similar to the trike, this is a great stroller alternative if you don’t need to carry extra items. 

More than anything, it provides a positive bonding experience as you help your little ones ride their balance bike.

  • We like the vintage design.
  • The quality of this balance bike is great.
  • Provides lots of physical activity to your child.
  • Helps improve your child’s balance, concentration, focus, and independence.
  • Your child will become very confident at taking on new challenges.
  • It comes in various colors.
  • No storage.
  • Not compact.

Image: Ten Little

7. Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe Scooter

This scooter has been designed to nurture the development of your child from year 1 to year 5.

As a child development expert, I always focus on the developmental benefits of a child. 

The Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe Scooter is designed to have three distinct riding stages that coincide with your child’s developmental milestones

In the first stage, you can adjust the ride-on seat and O-bar so your child rides comfortably. The O-bar is ergonomically designed so your child’s small hands get a good grip.

In the second stage, you remove the ride-on seat so your child learns how to stand on the scooter with one foot and push with the other. 

In the third stage, you can remove the O-bar and install the regular handlebar. By now, your child has improved their grasping skills and has better coordination to ride the scooter.

While there may be other scooters with good features, I focus on the developmental benefits rather than features and because of that, I highly recommend this scooter.

  • 3-in-1 scooter that grows with your child.
  • The only scooter I know that helps develop your child’s skills.
  • Designed to nurture your child’s development.
  • Can hold up to 110 pounds.
  • Comes in various colors.
  • Compact and easy to transport.
  • I honestly don’t see any drawbacks other than not having storage options.

Why consider these stroller alternatives

Strollers are a great way to get around but they do have some limitations. 

For example, we switched from a Mockingbird Stroller to a Thule Jogging Stroller because we wanted to stay active. The jogging stroller made running with our daughter possible.

But similarly, we couldn’t take the running stroller hiking, so we got the Trail Magik Kid Carrier to get out on the trails.

We own some of these items and use them depending on the occasion. The stroller wagon is helpful when we go to the river or park and need to pack lunch, gear, or other stuff that is heavy to carry by hand.

Your child can ride their trike or scooter at the park or join you when you take your daily walk. Honestly, it is worth having a few of these stroller alternatives.

 

What to do next?

These are the best stroller alternatives for different occasions. Our favorite is the Trail Magik Kid Carrier. It is extremely versatile and fits in the pocket of our bags for easy storage.

For traveling, the JetKids BedBox and Backpack is a must-have item. So choose one or a few and have a great time with your family!

About Leslie - Latinx Montessori

Hello, I am Leslie. I am on a mission to help you support the growth and development of your child. With the right tools and proper guidance, you can navigate parenthood with confidence and assertion! My goal is to equip you with knowledge to help you construct a strong foundation for your child’s life.

Suggested articles

You May Also Like

When do you start baby-led weaning - Latinx Montessori

When Do You Start Baby Led Weaning?

Baby led weaning typically starts when babies are around six months old and showing signs of being ready to start solid foods, such as sitting up with support, having good head and neck control, and showing interest in food.

Read More »

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Get The Free Gentle Parenting E-Book

Gentle parenting is a leap forward towards setting a solid foundation for your child’s life trajectory.