| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly. Lightweight. Simple to fold and unfold. Approved by TSA. Comes with a cupholder. | Relatively short stroller compared to our other selections. Cupholder can easily detach in the trunk. |
The Delta Children Icon may not seem like much at first glance, but I was pleasantly surprised by its features and value for the price. The seat offers comfortable padding, and it includes a belly bar for easy handling when folded. The frame is compact while still being tall enough for my taller child. Although it comes with a cupholder, it’s on the small side, which I prefer to use just for my toddler’s water bottle, and I often find myself knocking it off the stroller when loading it into my trunk, which can be quite vexing. Weighing in at 15.6 pounds, it is slightly heavier than some alternatives, yet lighter than the Bugaboo, making it manageable to carry. It boasts an excellent folding mechanism and can stand upright as well. Additionally, unlike the Bugaboo, you can carry this stroller using the belly bar. The storage basket is adequately sized to hold my backpack-style diaper bag.
According to Delta Children, this stroller is TSA approved for overhead compartment storage, and its dimensions (10.9 x 16.5 x 23.6 inches) make it a bit slimmer than the Bugaboo mentioned above, though still slightly larger than typical carry-on luggage. It’s advisable to verify your airline’s regulations regarding strollers, even with this compact size. Unfortunately, it lacks any compatibility or adapters for infant car seats, which is disappointing. Another downside is that this stroller is relatively short—I’m 5’4″, and when I wear higher shoes, I find myself leaning slightly to push it comfortably.
15.6 pounds.
★ For taller caregivers: The Ergobaby Metro+ ($299) bears a strong resemblance to the Delta Children Icon, but it features an adjustable handlebar, making it a preferable option for taller parents. (Finding adjustable handlebars on travel strollers is quite uncommon!) It is also compatible with car seats, which is advantageous if you wish to use it from an earlier stage, and the seat is slightly larger, allowing your child to use it for a longer duration than some other budget strollers. Although it has a more robust frame than the Icon, it doesn’t fold or unfold as seamlessly as the Icon or my other recommendations, nor is it as easy to carry. However, if you’re particularly tall, you may find the trade-offs worthwhile for improved reach.
