Parenting doesn’t stop when you book a flight, & if you’ve travelled with kids, you know how quickly things can feel complicated. As parents ourselves, we design with that reality in mind. From packing smarter to protecting the gear you rely on daily, travel asks a lot before you’ve even reached the airport.
Today we’re going to discuss travelling with a stroller: Things to consider, and why we recommend purchasing a stroller bag.
Are buggy bags really necessary?
If you’ve travelled recently, you’ll know airports are busier than ever. Tight turnarounds, packed flights, and overstretched baggage handlers mean luggage isn’t always treated gently, even items labelled fragile.
Now picture this in parenting terms.
You’ve invested in a quality buggy/stroller, one you rely on daily. It’s not just gear; it’s how you get through the day, manage naps, move with confidence, and keep life feeling manageable. Handing it over loose at the airport is a gamble most parents don’t want to take.
A buggy bag helps protect your buggy from:
- Scratches, dents, and broken parts
- Weather exposure on the tarmac
- General wear from being stacked, dragged, or dropped
But more than that, it gives you peace of mind, one less thing to worry about while juggling children, passports, snacks, and boarding passes.
What to look for in a stroller bag
Not all stroller bags are created equal. Just like choosing a stroller, it’s about finding something that suits your lifestyle and travel habits. Here’s what matters most.
Wheels that actually work
A stroller bag should roll like modern luggage, smoothly and effortlessly. Airports involve tiles, concrete, footpaths, and car parks, often back-to-back. Good wheels mean you’re not hauling awkward weight while also managing kids.
If it trundles well, you can move quickly and stay hands-free for what matters.
Durability that lasts
The whole purpose of a stroller bag is protection — so the fabric needs to be tough enough to handle real-world travel.
Look for:
- Heavy-duty fabric (around 400 denier or more)
- Reinforced panels in high-wear areas
- A solid base so the bag can stand upright
Your bag shouldn’t fall apart while protecting something valuable.
Strong, reliable stitching
This is where quality really shows.
Well-constructed stitching holds its shape, carries weight evenly, and won’t unravel after a few trips. Reinforced seams and stress points matter, especially when your stroller is being lifted, shifted, and stacked behind the scenes.
Water resistance
Airports and tarmacs don’t stop for rain.
A water-resistant stroller bag helps protect your stroller from moisture, spills, and damp conditions during transit. It’s an underrated feature, but one you’ll be grateful for when you arrive and everything inside is dry and ready to go.
Security features
While no bag can eliminate risk entirely, added security goes a long way.
A lockable stroller bag (ideally TSA-approved) offers peace of mind when your stroller is out of sight. It also helps avoid accidental opening or tampering during handling.
Simple, effective, reassuring.
Carry handles that make sense
There will be moments when wheels won’t cut it, stairs, curbs, taxis, luggage belts.
Look for:
- Two sturdy carry handles
- Handles placed at the top and side
- Comfortable grip (bonus points for rubberised handles)
These details make lifting easier and kinder on tired hands.
Do you really need to spend hundreds?
Buggy/stroller bags vary wildly in price, and higher cost doesn’t always mean better performance.
Many premium-priced bags use similar materials and construction to more reasonably priced options. Instead of paying for branding alone, focus on functionality, durability, and thoughtful design.
After all, that money is better spent on experiences once you arrive.
One bag, multiple strollers
Universality matters, especially for growing families.
A stroller bag that fits multiple brands and models gives you long-term value. The phil&teds® travel bag is designed with a solid base, so it stands upright and fits most strollers, making it a practical option even if your gear changes over time.
Using your stroller allowance wisely
Many airlines allow a separate stroller allowance, and this can work in your favour.
If your stroller bag has extra space or is expandable, you may be able to include baby essentials like clothing, nappies, or soft items. Policies vary by airline, but many won’t question a few additional baby items packed alongside your stroller.
A flexible, expandable bag can be a real asset when travelling light feels impossible.
A real-life travel moment
Travelling with kids for the first time often feels like a leap of faith.
Imagine arriving late at night, everyone exhausted, baby overtired, and all you want is to get to your accommodation smoothly. Seeing your stroller arrive intact ready to roll the next morning can genuinely change how that first day feels.
That’s the quiet power of good travel gear. It doesn’t steal the spotlight it just works.
Brian and Alison go to Raro:
A Real-Life Parenting Travel Story
Brian and Alison decided they wanted to head off to paradise for a few days. Since baby Simon was born, the couple had pined to travel again, like they did the good ole days.
They spent weeks planning their maiden voyage with their child in tow because they wanted everything to be perfect.
The day of the trip was like the day of reckoning. They were nervous and felt like they were really taking a chance travelling with their stroller and baby gear they had accumulated.
Fast forward to the airport
After arriving at the airport, Bryan lifted the stroller bag out of the taxi and trundled it through the airport, manoeuvring easily between the tables in the food court. As they arrived at the oversized baggage check-in, customs officials were making a scene furiously searching another families baggage. Alison made a few quick enquiries and discovered there was no padlock on it. Simon and Alison had nothing on their conscience knowing that their stroller bag was padlocked shut from the get go. Once they’d checked in their bag, a gate check label saved them from having to use any extra stickers. While sitting in the Koru lounge, Simon gazed out onto the tarmac and watched the baggage handlers load the plane's cargo holds. He winced as a worker nonchalantly threw a folded stroller into the cargo bin before it was loaded into the plane. He couldn’t believe what he just saw.
5 hours later they landed in the Cook Islands at 2 am local time. The local musician serenading the new arrivals with his bright yellow ukulele wasn’t enough to cheer baby Simon up. He hadn’t slept the whole journey. The family were exhausted and couldn’t wait to get to the hotel room to sleep before their adventures in the morning. You chilli travel bag glows like a beacon as it emerges amongst the sea of black suitcases onto the carousel. Simon grabbed the stroller bag and lead his family to the shuttle to get to the hotel.
The next day...
First thing in the morning Alison unpacked the stroller and packed down the stroller bag to store it away, out of eyeshot. After the week long excursion to paradise, they had picked up too many souvenirs to fit into their luggage. Luckily their travel bag expands, making it capable of taking so much more while still remaining within the stroller allowance. They knew that Air New Zealand allowed a 20kgs stroller bag limit. phil&teds travel bag - pack&go was packed with all of the features needed to protect their stroller and much more.
The takeaway
A good buggy/stroller bag is a bit like insurance. You hope you won’t need it, but you’re relieved it’s there.
When you’ve invested in a stroller you rely on daily, spending a small percentage more to protect it makes sense.
The right buggy/stroller bag should be:
- Durable and lightweight
- Easy to roll and manoeuvre
- Secure and water resistant
- Comfortable to carry
- Expandable for added flexibility
- Easy to pack down and store
We hope this guide helps you feel more confident when travelling with your stroller and encourages you to keep saying yes to adventures, even with kids in tow.
Have you travelled with a stroller recently?
Share your experience or tips with other parents, sometimes the best advice comes from those who’ve done it the hard way.
Please leave a comment with your experiences of travelling with a stroller.
