Navigating Rider Boards From A Traveling Mom's Perspective -

What is a Rider Board?

A rider board, also known as a buddy board, is a convenient attachment designed to be connected to the back of a stroller. It serves as a small platform where an older child can stand or sit while the parent pushes the stroller. This innovative accessory allows parents to transport multiple children with ease, especially when the older child has outgrown the stroller and their little sibling is now using it.

Best Rider Boards For Toddlers — Using the Thule Glider Board

If You’re Short On Time, Here’s My Final Thoughts: (More Details Below)

If you don’t have a stroller yet, consider purchasing from a brand that makes their very own rider board if you know you’ll be wanting to use one in the future/now. You can use off-brand rider boards for brand strollers but I’ve found that 9 times out of 10, I’d recommend sticking to their branded rider board for your stroller brand.
For the off-brand rider boards, my toddler’s two favorites are the Lascal and the Larktale. Consequently, those are also my two favorite off-brand ones that I’ve tested because they seem to maneuver the best and be the highest quality.
Rider boards are convenient for short durations (in my opinion). They are definitely not as comfortable as a stroller seat but make it a great option for toddlers who don’t need it for long amounts of time.
If you’re wanting to travel as light as possible and your stroller brand doesn’t come with a rider board, pair it with the Lascal mini (or maxi if you’ve got a little bit more space). The Bombi stroller or Colugo stroller + the Lascal work great together. Discount code WHEREISBRIGGS will get your a free accessory with purchase of a stroller on the Bombi website.
Some of my favorite compact stroller + branded rider board combos include the Ergobaby metro+ and its rider board, the Babyzen YOYO stroller with its Buggy Board and the Uppababy Minu with its piggyback board.
If you want a little bigger stroller or need larger wheels than a compact travel stroller typically has, but also don’t want a huge full-size stroller, a good middle-of-the-road option would be the Thule Spring with its’ rider board.

Why Consider a Rider Board for Travel?

Traveling with children can be a daunting task, but a rider board can significantly ease the journey. Here are some compelling reasons to consider adding a rider board to your travel gear:

Convenience and Efficiency: A rider board allows you to move swiftly through airports, amusement parks, or city streets without worrying about managing a separate stroller, or purchasing a double stroller, or dealing with a tired child who needs to be carried.
Safety and Comfort: Keeping your child close and secure on a rider board reduces the risk of them wandering off in crowded places. It also provides a comfortable place for them to rest when their little legs get tired.
Versatility: Rider boards are versatile and can be attached to most strollers (but not all), making them a practical choice for parents who already have a stroller they love.
Space-Saving & Money-Saving: Instead of carrying an extra stroller a rider board is compact and easy to store, making it perfect for travel.

Types of Rider Boards

When choosing a rider board, it’s essential to consider the different types available to find one that best suits your needs:

Standing Boards: These are the most common type, featuring a platform for the child to stand on. They are usually lightweight and easy to attach.
Seated Boards: Some rider boards come with a small seat, offering the child a place to sit down and rest. This can be particularly useful for longer outings.
Convertible Boards: These versatile options can switch between a standing platform and a seated board, providing flexibility based on your child’s needs.

Brands With Their Own Rider Boards

Many stroller brands design their own rider boards to ensure compatibility and seamless integration with their strollers. If you already have one of these strollers, you’re in luck as you won’t have to try and find a universal board that works with your stroller! Pro-tip: If you haven’t bought a stroller yet but think you might use a rider board in the future, you might want to consider one of the following strollers!

Here are my favorite brand-specific rider boards that I’ve tested!

1. Thule

Thule, known for its high-quality outdoor and transportation solutions, offers a dedicated rider board for their strollers. The Thule Glider Board is compatible with the Thule Spring, Thule Shine, and Thule Sleek strollers. We’ve personally tested the Thule Glider Board with the Thule Spring stroller and it worked great! It’s designed to provide a smooth ride for the standing child and easily attaches to the rear axle of the stroller.

Watch this Instagram Video of us attaching the glider board to the Thule Spring stroller.

2. Babyzen

The Babyzen YOYO Stroller Buggy Board, designed specifically for the Babyzen YOYO stroller, is an innovative accessory that enhances convenience for parents traveling with multiple children. This buggy board easily attaches to the rear of the YOYO stroller, providing a sturdy platform for an older child to stand or sit while the stroller is in motion.

3. Bugaboo

Bugaboo is a premium stroller brand renowned for its innovative designs and functionality. The Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Board is designed to fit the Bugaboo Bee5 and Fox models. It’s also compatible with the Cameleon, Cameleon3, Bee+ (2010), Bee3, Buffalo, Donkey, and Donkey2 strollers with the addition of a 2017 Comfort Wheeled Board adapter (sold separately).

4. UPPAbaby

UPPAbaby strollers are known for their stylish design and practicality. The UPPAbaby PiggyBack ride-along board is designed for use with Vista (models 2015-2019) and Vista V2 strollers. This board is on the small size of all the boards that I tested and compared. Which may be a pro or con for you.

5. Baby Jogger

Baby Jogger offers the Glider Board, which is compatible with various Baby Jogger strollers, including the City Mini 2, City Mini 2 Double, City Mini GT2, City Mini GT2 Double, City Select, City Select 2, and City Select LUX strollers.

6. Ergobaby

Ergobaby recently announced their new ride-along board which is compatible with their Metro+ stroller and the Metro+ Deluxe stroller. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love their travel stroller as it’s compact with lots of cool features.

Watch me unbox the Ergobaby Rider Board and attach it to the Metro+ Deluxe Stroller.

Universal Rider Boards

Here are my favorite universal rider boards! Please check to make sure your stroller is compatible with these boards before purchasing. The brand will say universal but sometimes your stroller won’t work.

1. Lascal BuggyBoard

The Lascal BuggyBoard is a popular choice for parents seeking a reliable and easy-to-use rider board. It’s designed to fit a wide range of strollers, making it a versatile option for many families. They offer three different sizes. I tested their maxi size.

Features:

Easy Attachment: The BuggyBoard attaches quickly and securely to most strollers, with universal connectors that ensure a snug fit.
Stable Design: Equipped with durable wheels and a non-slip surface, it provides a stable and safe ride for your child.
Compact Storage: When not in use, the board can be easily folded up, keeping your stroller streamlined and easy to maneuver.

Con:

Wobbliness on Uneven Terrain: Some users report that the board can be wobbly or less stable on uneven surfaces. I feel like for a rider board with small wheels, it actually performs quite well. I think you just need to have the understanding that it’s not going to behave like a stroller with large jogging wheels.

2. Englacha 2-in-1 Cozy x Rider

The Englacha 2-in-1 Cozy x Rider offers the flexibility of both a standing board and a comfortable seat. This dual functionality makes it an excellent choice for families with toddlers who need a break from walking.

Features:

Dual Functionality: Switch between a standing board and a seat, providing comfort and convenience for your child.
Universal Fit: Designed to fit most strollers, it ensures easy installation without the need for additional adapters.
Adjustable Position: The board’s height and angle are adjustable, ensuring a comfortable ride for children of different sizes.

Con:

Bulky Design: The dual functionality makes it bulkier than other rider boards, which can affect maneuverability and if you’re trying to travel light, this may not be your best option.

3. GemonExe Universal 2-in-1 Stroller Ride Board

Overview: The GemonExe Universal 2-in-1 Stroller Ride Board is a versatile and durable option that can be used as both a standing board and a seated board. It’s designed to provide comfort and convenience for your child during long outings.

Features:

2-in-1 Design: Easily convert from a standing board to a seated board, offering flexibility based on your child’s needs.
Universal Compatibility: The board is designed to fit a wide range of stroller models, making it a great investment for families with different strollers.
Stable and Safe: Features a non-slip surface and sturdy construction for added safety and stability.

Con:

Hard Seat: The seat can be hard and uncomfortable for the child during long rides. I feel like it won’t be that big of an issue for most kids though as the rider board is mostly designed for short amount of times.

4. Larktale 2-in-1 Ride Along Stroller Board

Overview: The Larktale 2-in-1 Ride Along Stroller Board is designed with convenience and safety in mind. It’s perfect for parents who need a reliable and easy-to-use rider board for their stroller.

Features:

Convertible Design: Use it as a standing board or a seated board, providing comfort and convenience for your child.
Easy Installation: The board attaches quickly and securely to most strollers, ensuring a hassle-free setup.
Compact and Lightweight: Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and store when not in use.

Con:

Attachment Security: Some users have reported that the attachment mechanism can loosen over time, requiring frequent adjustments. I have yet to experience this but maybe with more use I might’ve encountered that issue.

Final Thoughts:

If you don’t have a stroller yet, consider purchasing from a brand that makes their very own rider board if you know you’ll be wanting to use one in the future/now. You can use off-brand rider boards for brand strollers but I’ve found that 9 times out of 10, I’d recommend sticking to their branded rider board for your stroller brand.
For the off-brand rider boards, my toddler’s two favorites are the Lascal and the Larktale. Consequently, those are also my two favorite off-brand ones that I’ve tested because they seem to maneuver the best.
Rider boards are convenient for short durations (in my opinion). They are definitely not as comfortable as a stroller seat but make it a great option for toddlers who don’t need it for long amounts of time.
If you’re wanting to travel as light as possible and your stroller brand doesn’t come with a rider board, pair it with the Lascal mini (or maxi if you’ve got a little bit more space). The Bombi stroller or Colugo stroller + the Lascal work great together. Discount code WHEREISBRIGGS will get your a free accessory with purchase of a stroller on the Bombi website.
Some of my favorite compact stroller + branded rider board combos include the Ergobaby metro+ and its rider board, the Babyzen YOYO stroller with its Buggy Board and the Uppababy Minu with its piggyback board.
If you want a little bit more room (or larger wheels) than a compact travel stroller but also don’t want a huge full-size stroller, a good middle-of-the-road option would be the Thule Spring with its’ rider board.

Conclusion

Universal rider boards are a fantastic addition to your travel gear, offering convenience, safety, and flexibility. Each of these boards has unique features that cater to different needs, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your family’s adventures. Happy travels!