A compact stroller you can gate-check takes most of the stress out of airports with a baby. On Air Canada, the magic numbers are 25.5 cm across and 92 cm long, folded. Fit those and it's allowed on top of your carry-on allowance and handed back at the aircraft door.
The compact stroller
Folded size matters more than anything else, so check it against Air Canada's limits before you buy. An ultra-compact folding stroller that folds in one hand (you'll be holding a baby at the gate) and weighs under 7 kg is the one to look for. A shoulder strap helps on stairs and buses.
For bigger kids and long sightseeing days, a lightweight umbrella stroller under 6 kg with a reclining seat is simple, cheap to replace if it gets damaged, and great for naps. Check its folded length against your airline's limit too.
WestJet works differently
For a lap infant, WestJet lets you check two pieces of infant equipment, like a stroller and a car seat, at no charge, or check one and gate-check the other. Large strollers on Air Canada, by contrast, are checked at the counter and count toward your checked bags.
At the gate
Gate-checked strollers come back scratched and dirty. A padded gate-check stroller bag keeps parts together, and a bright colour helps you spot it at the aircraft door. A baby carrier is the other half of the plan: you board and walk the aisle with your hands free while the stroller is in the hold. Many airlines will ask you to take the baby out of it for take-off.