As a frequent traveler and someone who doesn’t like being home in one spot for too long, a great travel stroller is a must-have for me. An easy-fold travel stroller can make outings so much less stressful, especially when they’re easy to check at the airport gate. If you’re like me and want to a solid, reliable travel stroller that makes your life easier, the Joolz Aer 2 is a worthwhile investment.
While this stroller model certainly isn’t the cheapest travel stroller on the market, it’s a durable, stylish choice for parents seeking a luxury option. In this review, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the features of the Joolz Aer 2 Stroller, and also highlight a few of its key limitations.
Joolz Aer 2 Stroller Features
From the moment I took this stroller out of the box, I was impressed with how sturdy it felt, despite being ultra lightweight. At under 15 pounds, nearly any parent can lift this stroller and enjoy the easy one-hand foldability. There’s a number of smart features that make this stroller really nice, including the easy wheel lock on the footboard and the hand luggage-friendly bag included.
The fabric on the seat is of good quality, and seems made to last. At over $500, it can seem like a lot to spend on a stroller, but at the same time, if you travel frequently during your baby’s first years of life, it can pay for itself with its added convenience.
I truly do love this stroller, but there are a few limitations worth noting:
- Not ideal for shorter parents, as there’s no adjustable handlebar. In fact, I think this stroller is designed with taller parents in mind.
- Limited storage basket space, though this is common to all travel strollers.
- No parent-facing seat.
Joolz Aer 2 Cot Attachment
Priced around $300, the optional add-on cot for the Joolz Aer 2 stroller is a worthwhile upgrade for parents of newborns. Yes, adding $300 on top of a stroller that’s already over $500 seems pretty excessive, but it makes a huge difference.
Having the bassinet/cot attachment is ideal for longer outings, giving your newborn a comfortable place to sleep while on the go. I found the instruction manual detailing how to attach the cot a bit challenging to follow, but the included YouTube video made it much easier to understand. Once you get the hang of how to switch between the cot and the seat, it’s pretty easy.
One of the features I really appreciate with the cot/bassinet attachment is the ultra-large UPF 50+ canopy with ventilation. This helps enhance breathability, especially if you like to go on walks during the hot summer months. While you don’t necessarily need the cot if you’re someone who stays in the house a lot, it can be nice to have if you end up having to spend time outdoors.
Joolz Aer 2 Stroller
Optional Add-Ons to Joolz Aer 2 Stroller
For the luxury price tag, you don’t get much included in the purchase of the stroller itself. Inside the box, you get the stroller and the travel bag, but beyond that, any upgrades you want will cost you extra.
The Joolz Aer 2 system add-ons include the hanging organizer to give you more storage, a basket organizer, the cot/bassinet attachment, car seat adapters, a footboard, a mosquito net, a cup holder, and more. Really, you have endless opportunities to deck out your wheels as much or as little as you need. That being said, it will come at a price if you want to get all of the accessories for the complete set.
Specifications
- Weight: 14.3 pounds.
- Folded Dimensions: 9.2 inches high x 17.3 inches wide x 20.9 inches long.
- Unfolded Dimensions: 33.5 inches long x 17.7 inches wide x 41.9 inches high.
- Warranty: 10 years.
- Travel Pouch: Included.
- Car Seat Compatibility: Yes, but must buy add-on car seat adapters.
- Bassinet Compatibility: Yes, but must buy add-on bassinet/cot.
- Age Range: Newborn to toddler years.
- Max Child Weight: 50 pounds.
Pros
- Easy fold, can be done with one hand.
- Carry-on friendly, travel pouch included.
- Super smooth ride.
- Feels sturdy and luxurious.
- Bassinet/cot and car seat compatible.
- Sleek look, neutral color options.
Cons
- Limited storage basket space.
- Expensive pricepoint.
- No cup holder (you can add, but you have to purchase it as an extra).
- No adjustable handlebar, not ideal for shorter parents.
Joolz Aer 2 Stroller vs. Full Size Stroller
Years ago, having a travel stroller as your primary stroller probably wasn’t enough, but today’s travel strollers are designed with advanced features that make them more than suitable for use as your primary stroller.
If you’re planning on only purchasing a travel stroller as your primary stroller, I think the Joolz Aer 2 Stroller makes a great pick. It’s easy to fold with one hand, airport carry-on friendly, and glides smoothly over mostly-flat terrains. While it’s not going to give you as much space and storage as a full-size traveler, it’s really easy for on-the-go parents that like to travel often.
Be aware, the wheels are certainly smaller than those on regular, full-size strollers, so if you’re looking for a stroller that will glide over rocky terrain, it might not be the best choice as your primary stroller.
Joolz Aer 2 Stroller
In My Expert Opinion
Overall, I love the Joolz Aer 2 Stroller and its many helpful features. It’s an excellent choice for parents seeking an easy-fold travel stroller to take for quick errands or when traveling. For a travel stroller, I don’t think you can really ask for much more than the features offered here.
As a short woman, though, there’s one primary drawback that makes it hard to fully love this stroller: the lack of an adjustable handlebar. At only 5 feet (5’1″ on a good day), this stroller’s handle bar is simply too high for me to comfortably push for more than a minute or two.
For my husband (5’8″), the Joolz Aer 2 is the perfect stroller. I hope that in future models, they add adjustability to the handlebar. That would take this stroller from a 7/10 to a 10/10 for me, giving parents of all heights the option to push it comfortably. If you’re at least 5’4″, though, I think you’ll find the Joolz Aer 2 stroller to be the perfect travel companion.
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