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The Best Travel Strollers

Elise Czajkowski

By Elise Czajkowski

A good travel stroller can make the difference between a jaunty vacation and a miserable slog.

We researched dozens of travel strollers, tested seven on a variety of trips involving planes, trains, buses, and cabs, and concluded that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the best option to keep parents and tots happy. Unlike most travel strollers, you’re sacrificing very little in comfort and maneuverability with the Minu V2—which is why many people find it’s also the ideal everyday stroller.

If you’re looking for a lighter, simpler option, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller is a great budget pick.

Everything we recommend

stroller travel system lightweight

Uppababy Minu V2

The best travel stroller.

This comfortable, sturdy travel stroller handles bumpy streets better than the competition and is easy to fold one-handed. Many parents love it for everyday use as well.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

stroller travel system lightweight

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller

Simple and sturdy.

This less-expensive option handles rough terrain well and offers the best on-the-go napping option of all the strollers we tested.

What we looked for

Being able to quickly collapse or unfurl the stroller is crucial when traveling.

We prioritized strollers that are easy to steer one-handed over bumpy surfaces and around tight turns.

A travel stroller should be small enough to store easily, whether in a closet or a packed car trunk.

You shouldn’t need to look at the manual to relearn how to use your stroller each time you pull it out.

Neither the Minu V2 nor the City Tour 2 Stroller is compatible with any of the picks in our guide to infant car seats ; if that’s a must, the Mountain Buggy Nano (2020+) is another good option . And if putting your stroller in an overhead compartment is a priority, we recommend the Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller .

The Uppababy Minu V2 has many features that allow it to function as a full-size stroller, including an underseat basket that holds up to 20 pounds, a simple recline option that’s good for napping, and a handy backseat pocket for storing odds and ends. Its one-hand fold is impressively simple, and of the travel strollers we tested, it has the easiest harness to adjust and the most-intuitive brakes. It also has a large, zip-out sun canopy with UPF protection. You can use it—without attachments—with children as young as 3 months, or with Uppababy’s bassinet or select car seats with newborns. A kid doesn’t officially outgrow it until they reach 50 pounds—which is often grade-school age. But at 17 pounds, it’s heavier than our budget pick.

The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller isn’t quite as simple to fold, recline, or buckle as the Minu V2, but it has the most comfortable handlebar of the travel strollers we tested, a decent canopy with UV protection, and a good amount of underseat storage (though it is harder to access than the Minu V2’s). Its large, adjustable footrest, long seat, and deep recline make it the best stroller that we tested for on-the-go naps, even for older kids (it fits kids up to 45 pounds). At 15.1 pounds, it’s a couple of pounds lighter than the Minu V2 and, unlike that stroller, comes with a travel bag.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, our pick: uppababy minu v2, budget pick: baby jogger city tour 2 stroller, other good travel strollers, the competition.

I’ve been writing about strollers for Wirecutter for more than two years, and I’ve tested dozens of strollers from 16 brands in that time. For a 2023 update to our guide to travel strollers, I researched more than a dozen popular models and tested seven with my 1-year-old son.

My husband and I brought these strollers on international flights, regional trains, and local buses, and we loaded them in and out of cabs and cars of various sizes. Other Wirecutter parents tested strollers on their summer trips, and I badgered people around my neighborhood about their experiences with travel strollers.

This article builds on the work of writer Sonjia Hyon, who logged 130 miles testing nine travel strollers for an earlier version of this guide.

For many families, a travel stroller will never be necessary; for others, it may be the only stroller they ever need. In general, travel strollers are smaller and lighter than full-size strollers and fold down to fit easily in many forms of transportation.

If you don’t travel regularly, or you’re mostly visiting people who have a spare stroller, you can forgo one entirely and rely on carriers and car seats. On the other hand, I know plenty of parents who use a travel stroller as their everyday go-to; it’s a particularly good option for anyone who is living in a small space or has to carry a stroller up and down steps on a regular basis.

Travel strollers have increasingly replaced umbrella strollers as the go-to lightweight, foldable option for travelers, which became clear when we noticed brands discontinuing their umbrella strollers and making travel models instead. They are primarily distinguished by their fold; a travel stroller collapses into a more compact, suitcase shape while umbrella strollers fold into a long, golf bag shape. This extra convenience comes at a cost; travel strollers are generally much pricier. All of the so-called budget travel strollers we tested in 2023 were more expensive than the priciest model we considered for our guide to umbrella strollers .

Three travel strollers folded up and resting next to each other.

You do, of course, have to make some compromises. The travel strollers that fold the most compactly are likely to be the hardest to fold; the lightest strollers do not maneuver as well as heavier options. And all lack some features that many parents love in their full-size strollers, such as large storage baskets, reversible toddler seats, and adjustable handlebars.

If you’ve already purchased a full-size stroller that you like and are looking to add a travel stroller, you may want to look first at options from the same brand. Stroller manufacturers keep many things consistent across their lines, so you’ll find that elements like the type of brake, the style of the buckle, and the feel of the handlebar are familiar. For instance, the Uppababy Cruz V2 and Minu V2 share the same harness that’s easy to adjust and buckle, which I consider to be one of the most important elements in a good stroller.

Nine of the travel strollers we tested standing side by side.

More travel strollers are available now than when we began testing in 2018, as high-end brands have begun to offer more luxe options. We began our 2023 research by looking at the updated models of our three past picks—the Uppababy Minu V2 has replaced the original Minu, the Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller has replaced the Yoyo+ Stroller, and the Mountain Buggy Nano (2020+) has replaced the original Nano. We also read online reviews for dozens of strollers to determine other good options to test. Based on our research, we determined that a good travel stroller is:

Easy to push and maneuver: Because a travel stroller needs to perform in a variety of environments inside and outside, we prioritized strollers that are easy to push on uneven terrain and able to maneuver through tight spaces. We only tested strollers that could be pushed and steered one-handed. I took seven strollers home and tested them several times in different conditions, including over cobblestones and uneven streets, in and out of subways, and up and down stairs. I also put them through a test course in our Long Island City, New York office, using sandbags in the toddler seat to test maneuverability and the one-handed push.

Easy to fold and unfold: A travel stroller needs to be easy to quickly fold and unfold; ideally, you should be able to collapse or unfurl a stroller while holding a squirming baby or kicking toddler. In my testing, I timed how long it took to fold and unfold each stroller and if it required one or two hands.

Easy to carry and stow: The stroller should fold down to a compact size; some even get small enough to fit into the overhead compartment on an airplane. We didn’t prioritize that ability, since different airlines and planes have different requirements, and it may be up to individual flight crews to decide if you can put a stroller in the overhead bin. We weighed each stroller ourselves, and the ones we tested ranged from 13 to 17 pounds, a close enough number that it didn’t end up being a major factor in our decision making. We also looked for strollers that have a shoulder strap or travel bag for carrying.

We liked to see that strollers had an option for clicking in an infant car seat, though neither of our picks are compatible with our best infant car-seat picks .

We also looked for a reclining seat, an easily adjustable harness, a decent-size canopy for sun protection, and an accessible underseat storage basket. I tested how easy it was to clean up food messes by smearing jam and whipped cream on all of the strollers and seeing how hard it was to remove stains with just baby wipes or fabric cleaner. Where small children go, messes follow—that’s why we devoted an entire article to  how to clean a stroller .

The Uppababy Minu V2, our pick for best travel stroller.

The Uppababy Minu V2 is an exceptionally comfortable travel stroller for children and parents. It’s similar to the previous version of the Minu, which was our top pick for years, but it improves on that model with a simpler-to-adjust harness, a bigger sun canopy, and an adjustable footrest.

I found that it was sturdy enough to maneuver on bumpy cobblestone streets, light enough for one person to haul up short flights of stairs with a child buckled in, and simple enough to fold one-handed and throw in the back of a car. It has a comfortable handlebar, ample underseat storage, a large canopy with UPF protection , and a harness that adjusts quickly and intuitively.

A folded Uppababy Minu V2 standing up on its own.

It has a fantastic one-handed fold. The Minu V2 is the only one of our picks with a one-handed fold—you slide a lever and push a button simultaneously on the handlebar, push the whole thing forward, and the stroller collapses onto itself. The unfold is also fairly simple; undo a latch on the side and pull up on the handlebar, and it all flings open. The stroller stands up pretty well on its own when folded. In our tests, we found that it took less than 10 seconds to fold or unfold the stroller.

It’s easy to carry. The Minu V2 includes a carry handle and a shoulder strap, so it’s easier to pick up for short hauls than our other pick. (Though at 17 pounds, it’s not particularly comfortable to tote around for long periods.) Uppababy also sells a travel bag that lets you access the TravelSafe program , an additional two-year warranty added onto the original product warranty that offers replacements for parts damaged during air travel.

The harness is simple. The simple plastic buckle is easy to close and open. I find the Uppababy’s harness straps to be the easiest to use of any strollers I’ve tested because the shoulder and waist straps are permanently connected (on other strollers, including the city tour 2, our budget pick, they can separate). This does mean wiggling your child’s arms in and out of the straps, which some parents find more taxing. The harness straps are also the easiest to adjust of any that we tested; simply slide the strap up and down along the back of the child’s seat to change the height, and pull on the ends of the straps to tighten or loosen.

The recline and incline function on the seat is straightforward. You simply pull down a buckle to recline and pull up on two straps to incline. It does take some effort to incline with a toddler in the seat, but none of the travel strollers that we tested were any easier.

The brakes are intuitive and easy to engage, even when you’re barefoot. Like the Uppababy Cruz V2 , a pick in our guide to full-size strollers , the Minu V2 has two brake pedals—a red to lock and a green to unlock—that are easy to engage and, based on their position, allow you to see from a distance if the stroller is locked.

It can be used for a long time and has plenty of storage. With an additional attachment, the Minu V2 can be used with the Uppababy bassinet as well as several infant car seats , making it a good option for newborns, and it can fit a child as young as three months without any accessories. The seat can hold a child up to 50 pounds, the maximum of the travel strollers we tried, and the underseat storage basket can hold up to 20 pounds, the most of any travel stroller we tested, making it popular as an everyday stroller, with good reason. It lacks some of the best features of the larger, more expensive Uppababy Cruz V2 —a reversible toddler seat, a storage basket that can handle a grocery haul, an adjustable handlebar—but it’s narrower, lighter, and faster to fold.

View of the storage pocket on the Uppababy Minu V2, showing sippy cup and a pair of sunglasses in it.

The canopy, seat fabric, and underseat basket can be removed for hand-washing. In our cleaning tests, it was hard to get stains out of the green fabric of our stroller; even after using a stain remover, we could see dark splotches on the seat.

Uppababy strollers come with a two-year limited warranty and an extra year if you register your stroller within three months of purchasing.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The first Minu V2 that we tested held up well for several weeks of travel—and then, one day it refused to fold. We contacted Uppababy, which said this is not a known issue (although we found a few online complaints of a similar issue with the original Minu) and that anyone with this problem would be issued a new frame immediately; our replacement stroller has held up just fine so far. Given Uppababy’s reputation for good strollers, we’re fairly confident that we simply got a lemon.

At nearly 17 pounds, the Minu V2 is the heaviest of the strollers we tested. It’s also one of the largest when folded, meaning it may need to be gate-checked when boarding a plane. (Though it is larger than almost all airlines’ official requirements for on-board luggage, it may fit in the overhead bins on larger airplanes.) In our travels, it required some careful, Tetris-like finagling to squeeze it into a hatchback alongside our luggage, although one tester was able to fit it behind the driver’s seat of a sedan.

Like all of the travel strollers we tested, it sometimes requires a little shoving to get it to collapse fully. And because of the way the canopy is attached, it sometimes felt flimsy, and it occasionally popped off the frame on one side when unfolding or carrying the stroller up stairs with a child inside.

Weight: 17.3 pounds Frame dimensions: 20.5 by 36 inches (WL) Folded size: 20.5 by 23 by 13 inches (WLH) Child weight, height limit: 50 pounds, 40 inches Storage basket weight limit: 20 pounds Car seat compatibility with an adapter: Uppababy Mesa; Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Infant Car Seat, Mico NXT Infant Car Seat, Mico AP Infant Car Seat, and Mico Max Plus Car Seat; Nuna Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite Lx, Pipa Lite R, Pipa Rx, and Pipa Lite Rx; the Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, and Aton M Second child adaptability: ride-along board available for purchase Wheel diameter: front wheels 5 inches, rear wheels 6.5 inches Included accessories: bumper bar Add-on accessories: cup holder , travel bag , parent organizer , bassinet , ride-along board , snack tray , rain shield , and basket cover

The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller, our budget pick for best travel stroller.

If you’re willing to sacrifice a one-handed fold, an easily accessible storage basket, and a notably easy-to-buckle harness, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller is a remarkably solid and maneuverable stroller for its price. It handles bumpy streets and cobblestones without complaint, and I found the handlebar’s height and material more comfortable than those on the other less-expensive options we tested.

The City Tour 2 Stroller also has a large adjustable footrest that allows a young toddler to lie almost completely flat; paired with its built-in UV 50+ sun canopy, it’s a great option if on-the-go naps are a priority. For many parents, the best thing about this stroller is that it doesn’t feature anything too noteworthy or fussy; it’s a simple stroller that just works.

The fold is simple, but it requires two steps and both hands. Slide a lever and push a button to fold down the handlebar, then pull up on a strap on the inside of the seat to collapse the whole thing. (If you have the adjustable footrest up, you need to put it down for maximum compactness.) To unfold, undo a latch on the side and click it all into place. In our testing, it took about 10 seconds to fold the stroller (including lowering the footrest) and about 7 seconds to unfold.

The buckle has five pieces but stays together well. The shoulder and waist straps on each side click together, which allows you to simply slide your child’s arm through the shoulder straps rather than attach five separate pieces. One tester found that these pieces tended to separate when her toddler was getting out of the stroller, requiring her to clip them again the next time. But the straps remain snug once buckled. Reclining and inclining the seat is simple—pinch a clamp and pull down on the seat to recline, then pinch the same clamp and push up to incline. As with all of the travel strollers we tested, inclining can be a challenge with larger children.

The underseat basket can easily hold a day’s worth of stuff. The underseat basket holds 15 pounds—not as much as our top pick, but more than most of the strollers we tested.

A person carrying the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller in the travel bag.

The seat fabric of the City Tour 2 Stroller can be machine washed; other parts should be hand-washed. In our cleaning tests, we found that food wiped easily off of the black fabric, and any lingering smudges disappeared with stain remover. Unfortunately, we can’t say if this was due to the dark color or the fabric itself, but this stroller comes only in black or gray (you can also buy a blue-green, special-edition model that’s about $60 more) while the Minu V2 comes in many colors.

It also comes with a travel bag, which adds another layer of protection if you’re gate-checking a bag or putting the stroller away for long-term storage.

Baby Jogger strollers come with a lifetime warranty for manufacturer defects on the frame, and a one-year limited warranty on the fabrics. And though it doesn’t offer the same sort of TravelSafe program as Uppababy, the company said they “are always willing to help our customers where we can with damaged goods.”

The canopy can be hard to unfurl. The peekaboo window is secured with Velcro, which means it could wake up a sleeping child when undone. (The peekaboo flap can also be held open with a button.) The single brake pedal must be pushed up from the bottom to unlock, which is tricky if you’re barefoot or in open-toe shoes; the Minu V2’s two pedals are easier to use. And though the City Tour 2 Stroller does come with a travel bag, the stroller itself doesn’t feature a shoulder strap for carrying.

The seat’s most upright position is somewhat reclined. As with other Baby Jogger strollers that we’ve tested, the seat is never fully upright, which can be frustrating for a bigger kid who wants to look around (or a parent who doesn’t want a toddler to nap). The harness can be a challenge to adjust—the waist straps in particular take some time—and to change the height of the shoulder strap, you need to rethread the straps through the back of the toddler seat, which can’t be done with a child in the stroller. Unlike the Minu V2, the back of the seat doesn’t have a pocket for small items.

The stroller does not stand on its own when folded. It always needed to be propped against a wall or laid down flat. And I found that I sometimes smashed my hand when pushing down to make sure that it was folded as compactly as possible. The stroller also doesn’t have a mechanism for the whole stroller to stay attached to itself when folded; if you grab the handlebar when the stroller is folded, it will pull away from the body.

A folded Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller lying down flat.

At 5 foot 2, one tester found it was difficult to fold the handlebar down and needed to stabilize the stroller by putting her foot on the underseat basket for leverage; at 5 foot 7, I didn’t have the same issue.

Weight: 15.1 pounds Frame dimensions: 20 by 39 inches (WL) Folded size: 20 by 22.5 by 9.5 inches (WLH) Child weight, height limit: 45 pounds, 40 inches Storage basket weight limit: 15 pounds Car seat compatibility with an adapter: Baby Jogger City Go Infant Car Seat, City Go 2 Infant Car Seat, and City Go Air Infant Car Seat; Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite and SnugRide SnugLock 35 Platinum Second child adaptability: stroller cannot be adapted; City Tour 2 Double Stroller is also available, but we have not tested it yet Wheel diameter: front wheels 5 inches, rear wheels 6 inches Included accessories: travel bag Add-on accessories: belly bar , parent console , and weather shield

If you need or want to travel with a car seat: The Mountain Buggy Nano (2020+) is equipped with a universal car seat adapter—a genius feature that all stroller companies should adopt. Not only can you use many infant car seats with the nano—including any of our infant car seat picks —but it works with lightweight toddler car seats and convertible travel car seats like the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat , which we recommend as the best convertible car seat for travel .

But the canopy rests against the handlebar when closed, making the stroller uncomfortable to push for long periods, especially in the heat. It also has finicky harness straps that never felt tight enough and a brake that’s easy to trip accidentally.

If a stroller that fits in most overhead compartments is crucial: Consider the Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller , which has the smallest fold of any of the strollers we tested. It meets the International Air Transport Association standards for carry-on bags, and I’ve seen people putting it in the overhead bins on several flights—even though at 17.3 inches wide, it is wider than the official width limit of 14 inches on many airlines. The fabric was also the easiest to wipe clean of every stroller we tested.

But its multistep folding mechanism is frustrating; it involves pushing a button and pulling a handle underneath the seat, which means crouching down and feeling around for the right spots. It’s also difficult to push and steer in a hurry; in our tests, it veered off course easily when pushing one-handed. And the front tires had a tendency to spin uncontrollably after hitting a bump, creating a drag that took a few seconds to correct.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide; it only includes strollers that are still available for sale.

The 16-pound Bugaboo Butterfly is well made and easy to maneuver, but multiple testers said they found the handlebar uncomfortable to push, particularly on hills. I also found that I sometimes struggled to get it unlocked and unfolded in a hurry—an important feature of a travel stroller.

At about $500, the nearly 16-pound Nuna Trvl is the most expensive travel stroller that we tested, and it has some excellent features, including the simplest fold we saw on any travel stroller. But it is very large when folded with the belly bar attached, and when the canopy is closed, it covers the handlebar, making it uncomfortable to push.

The dual handlebars of the Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller , our umbrella stroller pick , make it nearly impossible to push one-handed—an important feature if you’re traveling by yourself and need your other hand for carrying other items. If you don’t mind using two hands and relying on a simpler but less maneuverable stroller than those recommended in this guide, you can save money by using an umbrella stroller over a travel model.

The Zoe the Traveler is only 13 pounds and has some nice features, including a parent cup holder, but it didn’t maneuver as well as I’d like. I struggled to push it off the subway, and it nearly tipped forward from a small, uneven bump in the sidewalk. It was also one of the hardest strollers to unfold.

We tested the 11-pound Zoe XL1 Best in 2018 (which has since been renamed The Tour+) and dismissed it after finding it harder to push and maneuver than other travel strollers we tested. It would frequently stop suddenly, causing the parent to pitch forward.

The 9.5 pound GB Pockit Air All-Terrain and the 13-pound GB Pockit+ All-City were dismissed because they didn’t feel sturdy.

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller was dismissed because it did not feel durable, was challenging to maneuver, and didn’t have a working lock.

This article was edited by Rachel Hurn and Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guide

stroller travel system lightweight

Elise Czajkowski

Elise Czajkowski is a freelance writer and editor covering strollers for Wirecutter.

Further reading

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After testing 17 lightweight, portable car seats, we have five good options for infants, toddlers, and big kids to recommend.

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The Best Stroller Wagons

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The Thule Spring stroller and the Uppababy Cruz V2 stroller, shown side by side.

The Best Full-Size Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

We considered more than 100 full-size strollers to determine the best ones to transport your kids and all of their stuff. These are the top five.

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A quality travel stroller makes a world of difference when traveling with little ones.

stroller travel system lightweight

The Best Travel Strollers

Toddler filling black Joolz Aer with fruit.

Courtesy of Joolz

The Joolz Aer is the best overall travel stroller on the market.

When traveling with babies and toddlers , having the right gear – especially an easy-to-maneuver travel stroller – is essential. If you're in the market for a stroller you can take on the plane, train and beyond, read on to find the best option for your family as recommended by parents.

The Top Travel Strollers of 2023

Best overall travel stroller: joolz aer, best umbrella stroller for travel: uppababy minu v2, best double stroller for travel: uppababy g-link 2, best travel stroller for big kids: evenflo pivot xplore all-terrain stroller wagon, best travel stroller for infants: doona car seat & stroller, best travel system stroller: nuna trvl stroller, best budget travel stroller: summer 3dlite convenience stroller.

Looking for more information on how to select your ideal travel stroller? Consult the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

(Note: All stroller dimensions are listed in order of length by width by height.)

Joolz Aer in taupe against white background.

Folded dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches Stroller weight: 13.4 pounds Minimum child age: 6 months Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

When it comes to quality travel strollers, the Joolz Aer is the best investment you can make. Not only does this stroller's lightweight and compact design make it easy to store in the overhead compartment of a plane, but it also opens and closes with a one-handed motion – an essential feature for multitasking parents. Little ones travel comfortably and safely thanks to a five-point harness, extended seatback and adjustable recline, as well as a rain cover. Available in six modern colors – from sage green to taupe – the Joolz Aer also comes with a stroller bag. Parents rave about this travel stroller, with some noting they prefer it to the highly rated BABYZEN YOYO2.

The Joolz Aer is designed for babies 6 months and older; it can be used from birth with select infant car seats, secured by a car seat adaptor you'll need to purchase separately.

Price: $449 or less Shop now: Amazon | buy buy Baby | Nordstrom | Joolz

UPPAbaby MINU V2 in gray against white background.

Courtesy of UPPAbaby

Folded dimensions: 12.5 x 20.3 x 23 inches Stroller weight: 16.9 pounds Minimum child age: 3 months Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

If you're looking for an umbrella-style stroller for travel, consider the UPPAbaby MINU. Its latest model, the V2, features a swift, one-handed setup; a five-point harness; an adjustable recline and foot rest; an extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection; and a vented peekaboo window. It's also equipped with a generously sized storage basket that can hold up to 20 pounds of additional items. While the MINU is recommended for babies at least 3 months old, you can use this even sooner with UPPAbaby's Mesa Infant Car Seat and adaptors, or with adaptors for other car seats.

Terry Ward, a Florida-based travel writer and co-founder of Florida Beyond , still raves about this travel stroller, which her kids recently outgrew. "I loved the MINU so much that it became my go-to stroller at home, too," she says, adding that it has a great resale value. "I sold it for more than half of what I bought it for after three years – these strollers are really in demand."

The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is available in five color variations and features a stylish full-grain leather bumper bar and handlebar.

Price: $449.99 or less Shop now: buy buy Baby | UPPAbaby

UPPAbaby G-LINK 2 in black against white background.

Folded dimensions: 40 x 20 x 14.5 inches Stroller weight: 22.3 pounds Minimum child age: 3 months Maximum child weight: 55 pounds per seat

If you have twins or two stroller-age kiddos and need a tandem stroller for travel, the UPPAbaby G-LINK 2 is a solid choice. Available in charcoal and black, this highly rated double stroller offers two UPF 50+ canopies and independent, multiposition reclining seats. Like the UPPAbaby MINU, this one is a cinch to set up and maneuver, and it features an easy-to-access storage basket that accommodates up to 10 pounds. There's also a sturdy cup holder for that must-have caffeine boost.

Reviewers note that the G-LINK 2 is surprisingly compact given its double capacity, and that it's also ideal for tall toddlers.

Price: $349.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | buy buy Baby | UPPAbaby

Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon in "Adventurer" pattern against white background.

Courtesy of Evenflo

Folded dimensions: 23 x 27.5 x 37.5 inches Stroller weight: 34.7 pounds Minimum child age: 6 months Maximum child weight: 55 pounds per seat

Another great travel stroller for two kids or older kids (up to age 5) is the Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon, which has two seats and can be used as a wagon or a stroller depending on your needs and destination. Its all-terrain wheels make it ideal for navigating any landscape – from cobblestone streets to sandy beaches – and a large storage basket and cup holders allow you to easily pack additional travel necessities. "It's basically a portable U-Haul for anything else you're dragging along," says Ward, who upgraded to the Xplore when her kids outgrew the UPPAbaby MINU. It also has an adjustable canopy for protection from the elements.

Price: $399.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | buy buy Baby | Evenflo | Target

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Doona Car Seat & Stroller shown in three different set-ups, against white background.

Courtesy of Doona

Folded dimensions: 23.6 x 17.3 x 26 inches Stroller weight: 17.2 pounds Minimum child age: None; can be used from birth with infant insert Maximum child weight: 35 pounds

When it comes to travel strollers, nothing quite compares to the Doona Car Seat & Stroller, which is exactly what it sounds like: a (genius) car seat and stroller in one. Aside from its magical ability to transform from a car seat to a stroller and vice versa in seconds, this travel stroller features a five-point harness, an adjustable handlebar and removable textiles for easy (inevitable) washing. It is Federal Aviation Administration aircraft-approved to fit in most overhead bins and comes in a variety of colors.

Angela Burks of La Vida Mom loves how easy it is to travel with the Doona Car Seat & Stroller. "I like that I don't have to worry about getting an additional car seat for a car service or rental when I arrive at the airport," she says. Another bonus? It doesn't require a car seat base.

The only downsides of this travel stroller are that your child will outgrow it when they hit 35 pounds in weight and/or 32 inches in height, and its hefty price tag given these limitations.

Price: $550.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Doona | Target

Close-up of Nuna brand infant stroller, Walnut Creek, California, August 15, 2021. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Folded dimensions: 24 x 20.25 x 11 inches (without arm bar) Stroller weight: 13.6 pounds (without canopy and arm bar) Minimum child age: None; can be used from birth with infant car seat Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

If you're looking for a travel system stroller that'll grow with your baby, you can't beat the Nuna TRVL Stroller. The Nuna PIPA series car seat clicks right into the stroller – no adaptors necessary – and can then be removed when your little one is old enough to sit upright in the stroller seat. This luxury stroller features a five-point harness with magnetic technology, a multiposition reclining seat, adjustable calf support, a removable and adjustable arm bar, and a UPF 50+ canopy. Like some of the other travel strollers on this list, this product easily opens and closes with a one-handed motion and comes with a carrying bag. It is also certified GREENGUARD Gold and free of harmful chemicals.

Price: $500 or less Shop now: Nordstrom | Nuna

 Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller in black against white background.

Courtesy of Summer

Folded dimensions: 42 x 11.5 x 12.5 inches Stroller weight: 13 pounds Minimum child age: 6 months Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

You get what you pay for in many situations, but parents say they're impressed with the Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller given its cheap price tag, noting it has seamlessly navigated bumpy streets in Europe , Disney theme parks and other family vacation destinations. This easy-to-assemble travel stroller features a carry strap (useful for schlepping it when not in use), five-point safety harness, four reclining positions, and an adjustable and removable canopy. It also has a storage basket and cup holder, and comes in four colors.

Price: $99.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Walmart | Summer

[Read: The Top Kids Luggage .]

How to travel with a stroller and car seat

Perhaps the easiest way to travel with a stroller and car seat is to invest in the two-in-one Doona Car Seat & Stroller , which can be used for children up to about 35 pounds and stored in the overhead bin of a plane. However, other travel stroller systems can also ease the burden of all that gear – especially for those traveling with infants. Here's how to travel with a stroller and car seat in the following situations:

If your baby is in an infant car seat: Simply attach a compatible infant car seat to your everyday or travel-specific stroller and wheel your baby through the airport. When you arrive at the gate, check your car seat and stroller free of charge. (Children 2 and younger can fly for free as lap children on most airlines.) If you'd like to purchase a seat for your baby and bring your car seat on the plane – recommended by the FAA and American Academy of Pediatrics – you'll need to ensure it is FAA-compliant . Alternatively, you can wear your baby in a carrier and use the car seat and/or stroller for storage.

If your baby is not in an infant car seat: If your child is somewhere between an infant and a toddler but no longer uses an infant car seat at home, you can technically get by without a car seat since they can ride through the airport in a stroller or carrier and then sit on your lap during the flight if they are younger than 2. However, you'll need to rent or borrow a car seat when you arrive at your destination.

If you have a toddler older than 2: Children are not legally required to have a car seat for air travel, though it's still recommended by the FAA and AAP (and you will likely need one when you get to your final destination anyway). It's easiest to wheel your child in the travel stroller and transport your FAA-compliant car seat by simply carrying it (not preferable, of course) or using one of the following assists:

  • Travel cart: Most luggage carts (including the ones offered at the airport) cannot go through security, so look for a foldable travel cart – this one by HÖLM is a good option – that can easily be placed on the security screening belt and then used to transport your belongings to the gate.
  • Car seat luggage strap: Strap the car seat to your carry-on bag with a heavy duty luggage strap like this one .
  • Car seat backpack: You can free up your hands by wearing a car seat backpack .

If your toddler won't sit in the stroller: Use your stroller as a travel cart instead – strap the car seat and anything else you can get on there. Once you get to the gate, you can either check your car seat (typically free of charge) or bring it with you on board.

Travel Stroller FAQ

Deciding whether you need a travel stroller is an entirely personal decision. Some people are content to travel with the stroller they use at home, while many prefer travel strollers since they are typically less bulky than their everyday counterparts.

No, a stroller can typically be checked at the gate free of charge and picked up on the jet bridge post-flight. It's always best to review your airline's stroller policies before flying, however.

Yes. Simply put it on the X-ray belt with the rest of your belongings.

The Joolz Aer and Doona Car Seat & Stroller can fit in most overhead bins. However, it may be easier to gate check your stroller (typically for free) so you have less to carry on to the plane.

While a stroller bag is not required, it can be useful for protecting your stroller from potential dirt and damage if it needs to be checked at the gate, as well as storing additional items – think: diapers (which can double as extra padding), wipes and other small essentials. Some travel strollers come with a branded stroller bag, but if you'd like a different option, check out these highly rated bags:

  • Zohzo Stroller Travel Bag
  • J.L. Childress Gate Check Travel Bag
  • Gate Check PRO Stroller Bag

Disney World requires that both single and double strollers do not exceed 52 x 31 inches (length by width) when fully assembled. Below are the best strollers for Disney World that meet these requirements (listed with unfolded dimensions in inches):

  • Joolz Aer : 32.7 x 17.7
  • UPPAbaby MINU V2 : 35.5 x 20.3
  • UPPAbaby G-LINK 2 : 27.5 x 28.5
  • Doona Car Seat & Stroller : 32.3 x 17.4
  • Nuna TRVL Stroller : 32.5 x 20.25
  • Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller : 27 x 18

The UPPAbaby strollers and Nuna TRVL Stroller are especially ideal for Disney parks since they offer UPF 50+ canopies for protection from the sun. Wagons are prohibited entirely.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross used her personal experience as a frequently traveling mom, as well as her research skills and conversations with other parents, to determine which travel strollers are truly the best. She first traveled with her infant in a front carrier before transitioning to the Joolz Aer , which she's successfully used on multiple flights with her growing toddler.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Diaper Bag Backpacks
  • How to Get Your Child a Passport
  • The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers
  • The Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the World
  • The Top Family Travel Insurance

Top Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

Two kids in the pool smiling at the camera at Woodlock Resort.

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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  • Strollers /
  • Car Seats /

Best Travel Systems for Parents Who Want a Car Seat + Stroller Combo

Travel systems—car seat + stroller combos—make getting out with your baby a lot easier., by jen labracio, cpst | medically reviewed by holly peretz ot.

Pinterest logo.

When you’re ready to get out the door with your baby, a car seat and a stroller are key. Thanks to the genius who designed the first travel system―an infant car seat that attaches to a stroller―you can make one purchase and get both essentials. 

We’ve weighed feedback from thousands of Babylist families, spoken to several experts and tested dozens of car seat stroller systems over the years, and we think the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System is the best travel system for most families. It combines our top infant car seat pick, the KeyFit 35 , with the Corso LE stroller, creating a travel system that’s high-quality, easy to use and competitively priced.

And since we know parents shopping for a travel system often appreciate a good value, we’ve chosen three additional favorites in an affordable, mid-range and luxury price point so you can find the best combo for your budget and your lifestyle.

Why Trust Babylist?

Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands of people annually via our Best Baby Products survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries. 

I have over half a decade of experience with baby gear of all types, especially car seats and strollers. I’ve tested countless travel system combos both in my role as Babylist’s gear editor and as a mom of two young boys, ages ten and two. I also spoke with many industry and safety experts while writing this guide, including Joe Colella, the Director of Child Passenger Safety at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee, pediatrician Kelly Fradin , MD, FAAP and Courtney English , a pediatric occupational therapist. I also talked to a car seat safety expert, Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Samantha Taylor of Mama Knows Car Seats . 

I interviewed Babylist Showroom Registry Consultants Tatyanna Hunter Jones and Pateel Markaradi, part of a trained team of experts who work on the Babylist Beverly Hills floor, answering questions daily about baby gear and helping parents-to-be build their baby registries. I also incorporated travel system feedback from thousands of parents through Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey of over 6,000 Babylist users and talked to parents at Babylist for their input.

The Best Travel Systems

Best Overall: Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System

Best Affordable: Graco Modes Nest Travel System

Best Mid-Range: Nuna x Babylist PIPA urbn & TAVO Travel System

Best Luxury: UPPAbaby Aria Infant Car Seat & Vista V2 Stroller Travel System

How We Judged

Ease of use. Most parents choose a travel system for convenience. All of the car seat stroller systems on our list work seamlessly both together and on their own. 

Best of both worlds. Many travel systems on the market offer a great stroller but a not-so-great car seat—and vice versa. We chose car seat stroller systems with the best of the best in both categories.

Features. We focused on features like safety, ease of install, canopies, a multi-position seat, storage and recline options when choosing our best travel system picks. 

Value. Travel systems range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand. We factored in cost while making our top choices to provide you with a solid option at any budget. 

Best Overall Travel System

Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System - Veranda - $599.99.

Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System - Veranda

  • Car seat is a parent + safety expert favorite
  • Slim car seat, works 3-across in most cars
  • Stroller has great maneuverability + many high-end features (for a mid-range price)
  • Rear suspension and rubber tires = smooth ride
  • Car seat is heavier than some other options
  • Stroller handlebar isn’t adjustable
  • No snack tray or cup holder included

Most parents choose a travel system for two reasons: convenience and value. Chicco’s Corso Travel System checks both of those boxes—and more.

This travel system includes the KeyFit 35 infant seat, a popular parent and expert favorite and our top pick for best infant car seat . It’s “remarkably easy to install,” according to CPST Taylor, and fits babies of all sizes well. It also has high rear-facing height and weight limits, meaning you’ll be able to rear-face your little one longer than in many other car seats. (This is called “extended rear-facing,” and it’s a term you’ll likely come across as you research car seats.)

“According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s safest for infants and toddlers to ride rear-facing in a car seat for as long as possible,” explains Colella. “This recommendation is based on data showing that rear-facing seats offer better protection in crashes for children from birth through 23 months of age.”

The included stroller is just as praiseworthy. Every time I push it, I forget I’m not maneuvering a stroller that’s double the cost. That’s because of the many premium features like large, foam-filled tires and rear-wheel suspension for a smooth ride, a multi-position reclining seat, an adjustable canopy and footrest and leatherette trim. The seat is modular so you can face your baby toward you or out into the world. And the stroller seat is fully removable, turning it from a full-featured toddler stroller into a lightweight, skeleton frame that’s much easier to manage when you’re using it with just the infant car seat.

There aren’t many downsides to this travel system, especially considering the price. The few I’d note include that the car seat is on the heavier side (just over 10 pounds), which can make a difference when you’re getting it in and out of a car, and is a longer seat front-to-back, so fit could be an issue in more compact cars and/or if your front seat driver or passenger are tall. Speaking of tall folks (I’m 5’10”), the stroller doesn’t have an adjustable handlebar. And the storage basket has a 10-pound weight limit, which is lighter than most and isn’t ideal if you use your stroller for heavier items like groceries.

Real Parent Reviews

“This travel system has been so great, and is holding up well 8 months in. The car seat is really easy to adjust as baby has grown, and is so easy to install. And I love that the 35-pound weight limit means we’ll be able to have her rear-facing for longer. The stroller is the thing that I use the most, and it is one of the best pieces of baby gear we have. It’s super maneuverable and very easy to push one-handed. We walk every day in our city neighborhood with old broken sidewalks and the stroller handles all that terrain beautifully. The stroller can also be used comfortably by people of different heights. I’m 5’5” and my husband is 6’2” and we can both comfortably push the stroller. My husband doesn’t kick the stroller when he’s walking (something that I’ve read can be an issue for tall people with other strollers).” — Kate H

“As a CPST I trust Chicco and all of their products. The ease of the KeyFit35 install is to die for. The car seat also feels comfortable and sturdy. I also love this stroller! The one-hand fold and the sleek design. It looks beautiful with the flower-like wheels and leather handle. It’s also a beautiful color. I would recommend to anyone.” — Patience Mabin

“I get so many compliments on my Corso LE travel system. I love it so much… It is a smooth, stylish ride. My only conundrums are the following: I’m 62 inches tall (5ft 1.75in) and the handlebar is to my chest. I don’t mind it too much, but it would be nice if the handlebars were adjustable. I wish the storage basket supported a bit more weight. I haven’t had any issues yet, but the limit of 10 lbs is always on my mind while food shopping alone…Overall, definitely recommend this stroller. Very easy to fold and store. I love the handle it has, and it’s a great price.” — Ysa

Additional Specs

Best Affordable Travel System

Graco Modes Nest Travel System - Sullivan - $399.99.

Graco Modes Nest Travel System - Sullivan

  • Good value considering safety + features
  • Infant car seat is easy to install; also has anti-rebound bar
  • Stroller includes bassinet mode
  • Child snack tray and cup holder included
  • Plastic wheels, no suspension system (rides can be bumpy)
  • Self-standing fold only works when toddler seat is forward-facing
  • Folding and unfolding take some getting used to

Affordability can be a roadblock with some travel systems. Even mid-priced systems average about $500, and many creep well over that mark. The Graco Modes Nest is our favorite for an affordable pick, coming in at under $400.

Like the Chicco system above, the car seat included with this travel system is a parent favorite from the brand’s SnugFit line, a line of seats known for their ease of install. “The SnugLock arm on the base makes installation in any vehicle an absolute breeze,” says Taylor. The seat weighs under 10 pounds and features an anti-rebound bar (a bar that reduces the movement of the car seat in the event of a crash, adding a layer of safety) and five recline positions for proper installation and a comfortable fit. It also has a high rear-facing weight and height limit.

The standout feature of the Modes Nest stroller is optionality. It’s three strollers in one, working as an infant car seat carrier (you can click the car seat directly onto the stroller frame), a bassinet (called a pram in this case) and a toddler stroller with the ability to flip the seat parent- or forward-facing. The bassinet is a noteworthy addition here. While babies sometimes fall asleep in an infant car seat, AAP safe sleep recommendations say you need to transfer them to a firm, flat sleep space as soon as possible. The bassinet mode in this stroller allows you to stroll safely while your baby snoozes and not worry about moving them from a car seat. The toddler seat also has three different height positions, a nice perk when your baby is parent-facing so you can keep them close. Especially considering the price, these are all impressive (and convenient) features.

The biggest downside of this travel system lies in the stroller. Like many lower-priced options, there isn’t much suspension and the stroller’s wheels are plastic, making for a bumpy ride over anything other than smooth pavement. (More expensive strollers will have foam or air-filled tires.) This wouldn’t be my pick if I lived in a more rural area with dirt or gravel paths or if I was in a big city with uneven sidewalks. Many parents also note that this travel system is a pain to put together. But for the right family, the Modes is a solid choice and a great value.

“The car seat was easy to install and feels very tight and secure with the added Snuglock feature. It easily adjusts its harness height with just the squeeze of a button and the carry bar can be adjusted with one hand as well. The shade cover comes down nice and far and has a very elegant look to it as well….The stroller is very beautiful and customizable. My favorite feature is the HUGE storage basket! That is a must for me…The sun shade on the toddler seat comes down nice and low and the seat reclines in multiple positions. The braking system was easy to push and lift. The stroller frame itself is lightweight and easy to stick in the trunk for an outing. It works very well with the car seat…The main problem I had with the stroller was that it cannot handle going over any type of lip or ledge in the sidewalk. If it hits a bump it jarringly stops and can not glide over it. It then has to be lifted over said bump which is not easy to do since the storage basket collapses and doesn’t give much foot levering support.” — Macai

“I’m tall and this stroller does not have me hunching over. I feel very comfortable pushing it around and the height adjustment on the seat is wonderful. Another bonus is that it is very sturdy and has decent-sized storage underneath. On the downside, sometimes it’s not a smooth action when folding it closed if the wheels are pointing a certain way.” — Jaymills

Best Mid-Range Travel System

Nuna Nuna x Babylist PIPA urbn & TAVO Travel System - Refined - $699.00.

Nuna Nuna x Babylist PIPA urbn & TAVO Travel System - Refined

  • Baseless infant car seat with a quick, easy install
  • Car seat weighs just 7 lbs
  • 4-wheel stroller suspension = smooth ride
  • Thoughtful stroller features: adjustable handlebar, breathable seat, magnetic buckles
  • Car seat has lower height and weight limits compared to many infant seats
  • Stroller seat isn’t reversible to be parent-facing
  • Child snack tray sold separately

Coming in at just under $700, this travel system is on the pricier side of mid-range but I think worth the extra splurge. It combines a popular car seat and stroller into one beautiful, functional system. “Just stop stressing and get this one,” one Babylist parent commented. (And if you’re stacking it up against other Nuna travel systems, I agree. The urbn also comes paired with the MIXX stroller, but it’s almost double the cost and I don’t think the MIXX’s features warrant that price tag. You can also pair the urbn with the TRVL , the brand’s lightweight stroller, but that combo is better suited for travel—and you can read why later in this guide.)

The infant car seat that’s included in this duo, the urbn, captivates me every time I install it. (You can see the installation for yourself in Nuna’s video .) That’s because it’s completely baseless and doesn’t even require a seat belt; simply push a button on either side of the seat to reveal the built-in lower anchor connectors and then attach them to the anchors in your vehicle’s back seat. That’s it! It’s foolproof and takes just a few seconds. And more so, it’s safe, as a properly installed car seat is a safe car seat. It’s also one of the lightest infant seats on the market, weighing in at seven pounds.

These features mean the urbn is a great seat for any family, but especially if you plan to use your seat on the go in rideshares or taxis. “I love being able to move the car seat in and out of any car without worrying about a base,” one Babylist parent told us.

High points of the TAVO are things parents have come to love about Nuna strollers, including a huge storage basket, four-wheel suspension for a smooth, easy push, an adjustable handlebar and a fairly compact fold considering the stroller’s size. I’m always impressed with Nuna’s attention to the little details that make a big difference. I love the breathability of the all-season seat and the magnetic buckles that make the task of getting your baby in and out of the stroller a bit less arduous.

The urbn does have a lower height and weight limit than many infant car seats, which is something to keep in mind when you’re thinking about your infant seat’s longevity. And the stroller doesn’t have a modular seat, so you won’t be able to parent-face your child unless you’re using the infant car seat attachment.

“After extensive research, this is the set we decided on. It had the most benefits for the price point. The baseless quick install has been a breeze. The stroller is really nice. It feels luxury and well-made and steers like a dream. The only con is that this is not a small, lightweight stroller. It will take up trunk space and it isn’t super light. It is great all around, however. The biggest benefit is that it has a built-in infant lounge position, which means you can use it from birth without the car seat.” — Dana N.

“I naively thought we’d never need a stroller (I could just carry the baby everywhere right?), but now that we have the TAVO I wish we had gotten it so much sooner. It’s a joy to use and makes everything about navigating the world with baby easier. They thought of it all when designing this model. It’s incredibly simple to use and everything about it is so smooth. Took a few tries to get the hang of the baseless car seat install, but now it’s a breeze to install and I love that there’s not a base always taking up a seat in the car.” — Ryan Q.

Best Luxury Travel System

UPPAbaby Aria Infant Car Seat & Vista V2 Stroller Travel System - Jake - $1,249.98.

UPPAbaby Aria Infant Car Seat & Vista V2 Stroller Travel System - Jake

  • Stroller can fit up to 3 kids (with attachments; sold separately)
  • Great suspension and huge storage basket
  • Lightest car seat on the market at 6 lbs
  • Car seat has anti-rebound panel and load leg
  • Stroller has bulky fold
  • Car seat is long front-to-back, may be a tight fit in smaller cars

If you have the budget and this stroller and car seat fit your lifestyle, this is my favorite travel system to recommend to parents-to-be who are up for a splurge. It’s similar to the car seat stroller combo I used (and loved) for years with my first son, although at that time the system came with the brand’s first infant car seat, the Mesa—and now that it includes the Aria instead, I love it even more. (But more on that later.)

UPPAbaby’s Vista V2 stroller consistently makes it into our best strollers guide. Almost 30% of the 6,000+ Babylist users who completed our Best Baby Products survey voted it as their favorite stroller—the highest percentage for any stroller on the list—saying it’s “worth every penny” and calling out the stroller’s quality as “amazing.”

The Vista is a pleasure to push. It steers easily with one hand, turns on a dime and takes on rougher surfaces like cracked sidewalks and gravel effortlessly. It also grows along with your family, accommodating two infant car seats, two bassinets and countless other combinations. Other features parents love include the modular seat (so baby can face you or the world), huge storage basket (with a 30-pound weight limit to hold all the things) and adjustable handlebar.

The Aria is just as great. It weighs just six pounds minus the canopy and inserts, the lightest infant car seat on the market and four pounds lighter than the brand’s other infant seat, the Mesa V2 . Even I was surprised at how light it was when I picked it up—and I’ve tested a lot of car seats. Safety features include an anti-rebound panel and a load leg as well as an easy-to-install LATCH system complete with visual indicators that turn red if something’s not right with installation.

Minus the price—this travel system’s obvious downside—know that the Vista V2 is a large stroller that’s not for everyone. (Need something to travel with or a stroller that you can pop in and out of your trunk a few times a day? The Vista probably isn’t for you.) The Aria takes up a bit more room front-to-back than some other seats, a concern if you drive a compact car or need more room in the front seat.

For a slightly more affordable option, check out the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 & Aria car seat stroller combo. The Cruz is more compact than the Vista and doesn’t convert to hold two+ kids, but you’ll save almost $400.

“We’ve been a big fans of UPPABaby strollers so we were excited about this pairing when looking for a travel system for our second baby. I could not be happier with the Aria. It’s SO light—I still can’t believe how much easier it is to carry than the last infant car seat I used. I also wanted a seat that prioritized safety and the Aria more than delivers. It’s also easy to install both with or without the base.” — JL

“So many options for car seats but we choose the V2 and it made sense to have the car seat as well. This was helpful when traveling to the doctors’ appointments on the 1st months. It’s easy to lift and place on frame with no hassle.” — Ellena

“Holy grail of strollers…Bassinet has been amazing for walks & for our baby to sleep during hockey games. The car seat is easy to maneuver from car to stroller which makes shopping & travel super easy! We can’t wait to use the toddler seat & love that this will transition with us when we decide to have a 2nd baby! The stroller is smooth and I can control with one hand when other hand is occupied…Worth every penny.” — Nikki W.

Other Travel Systems We Love

If you’re looking for something more specific in your travel system, like an extra lightweight option or something for jogging, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few more of our favorites. 

Best Lightweight Travel System

Nuna PIPA urbn & TRVL LX Travel System - Cedar - $950.00.

Nuna PIPA urbn & TRVL LX Travel System - Cedar

  • Compact, lightweight stroller with easy fold
  • Baseless infant car seat, weighs just 7 lbs
  • Carry bag included
  • Car seat has lower height and weight limits compared to other car seats
  • Handlebar isn’t adjustable like with other Nuna strollers
  • No snack tray available

If you plan on traveling frequently while your baby is an infant, or simply prefer a more lightweight stroller for everyday use, this is my travel system of choice. It includes the urbn, the baseless infant car seat reviewed above, and the TRVL stroller, Nuna’s lightest and most compact stroller. Standout stroller features include a quick, one-handed fold, a compact size (it stands on its own and weighs just over 13 pounds) and a smaller but easily accessed storage basket.

“Assembly was super easy and the quality of the materials and fabric is amazing. The set is compact, lightweight and the stroller is very agile with an effortless push/pull/turn functionality. The stroller’s easy collapse and standalone feature makes life much easier. I am giving it 4 stars and not 5 for the following reasons…Car seat requires rethreading harness which is less than ideal. Handlebar on stroller is not adjustable and when the canopy is pulled back it touches the handlebar, and therefore rubs against your hands. It would be nice if you could adjust the handlebar by being able to move it up, down, or out towards your body to avoid this and also for general height consideration of the person pushing the stroller. The button to secure the car seat in the stroller is very firm and not easy to click back and forth. The storage basket is very small and will not hold a normal-size diaper bag unless you squish it in. Adjusting the straps within the stroller isn’t difficult but the remaining slack dangles and isn’t easily secured. Overall, I think the quality and functionality outweigh some of the cons but its something for Nuna to consider when designing future models.” — Kristina D.

Easiest to Fold Travel System

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Travel System - Opulent Black - $719.99.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Travel System - Opulent Black

  • Stroller folds with one hand in seconds
  • 3-wheel design = easy to maneuver
  • Car seat includes anti-rebound bar
  • Bulky items/large diaper bags may be difficult to fit in the storage basket
  • Stroller seat isn’t modular; only faces outward
  • Car seat is heavy and fabric isn’t very breathable

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 stroller is a parent favorite and a Babylist bestseller thanks to its agility and unparalleled one-handed fold. This travel system matches it with the brand’s City GO 2 infant car seat.

The GT2’s slim profile and ability to quickly turn corners make it perfect for crowded city streets or suburban sidewalks. You can whip it closed with one hand and carry it up stairs or onto a commuter train no problem—it’s lighter than most full-size strollers. And because of its tight fold, it fits in smaller trunks. The compatible City GO 2 car seat is just as great. You can install it with or without a base (perfect for taxis or ride shares) and it pops right into the stroller.

“We are an NYC family, but also do quite a bit of driving, so we wanted a car seat that could easily pop in and out of the car. The stroller is super easy to fold with the one-pull handle, and we easily carry it up one flight of stairs. It’s not a feather, but it’s not that hard to carry one handed with something else in the other. I wish the stroller bucket was bigger, but we knew going in it wasn’t as big as others.” — AFS1122

Best Travel System for Jogging

Chicco Activ3 Jogging Travel System - Solar - $579.99.

Chicco Activ3 Jogging Travel System - Solar

  • Easy to access stroller brake and front wheel swivel lock controls
  • Oversized treaded tires and good suspension
  • Comes with easy-to-install car seat
  • Shallow storage basket
  • Front wheel needs to be removed for stroller to fold flat, otherwise the fold is bulky

While you can’t jog with your baby until they have strong head and neck control, usually around six to nine months, you can use this stroller with the infant seat attachment to walk with your little one from day one. This is the best choice for an out-of-the-box travel system from the same brand. (There are other jogging-friendly travel systems out there, but most you’ll need to DIY by mixing and matching brands.)

Babylist parents call this car seat stroller combo “amazing” and “in a league of its own.” It includes the easy-to-install KeyFit 30 car seat and the Activ30 jogging stroller. The jogger has something called a Control Console, a unique area near the handlebar that includes a hand-operated parking brake (to keep the foot area clear), a front swivel wheel lock (to keep the stroller steady when you jog with it) and a height-adjustable handlebar. It also folds more compactly than most jogging strollers.

“As a runner the stroller is easy to handle and the car seat is sturdy and stays in place the entire time while running, jogging, walking. I love how easily it folds up and fits in my car. It’s such a well-made product and I feel as though my child is safe and that as a parent makes me feel better.” — Amy C.

How We Chose Our Best Infant Car Seats

We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.

We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including me, Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel systems.

We interviewed several experts, including Joe Colella, Director of Child Passenger Safety at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee and pediatrician Kelly Fradin , MD, FAAP. We also spoke with Courtney English , a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and Child Passenger Safety Technician Samantha Taylor of Mama Knows Car Seats . 

We talked with Babylist Showroom Registry Consultants Tatyanna Hunter Jones and Pateel Markaradi. They’re part of a trained team of experts who work on our Beverly Hills showroom floor, answering questions daily about baby gear and helping parents-to-be build their baby registries.

We researched information on car seat safety and reviews from several leading car seat experts, including Car Seats for the Littles and The Car Seat Lady , as well as information from the AAP. We also considered the NHTSA’s Ease-of-Use Ratings .

What Is a Travel System?

A travel system is a car seat and a stroller that attach. Just unclip the car seat from its base in the back seat, snap it into the stroller and you’re off—and vice versa. 

Sometimes also referred to as a car seat stroller combo, you can purchase a travel system in two forms:

As a package deal from the same brand (the type of travel systems we’re reviewing here), or

As a “make your own” set that combines a stroller and a car seat from different brands using adapters.

Travel systems from the same brand:

Guarantee that your car seat and stroller will work together—no adapters required.

Eliminate some decision fatigue.

Can be more economical than a DIY version.

Build-your-own travel systems:

Give you more choices and the ability to mix and match brands as you’d like. You’re not locked into one brand for both your car seat and stroller, which means you’ll be able to customize each item to best suit your lifestyle. But…

Not all car seats and strollers work together. And the ones that do often require separate adapters. Check Babylist’s Infant Car Seat and Stroller Compatibility guide to learn more.

Do you need a travel system?

TL;DR: you don’t need a travel system, but you do need a way to get your newborn from point A to point B—and a travel system can help.

Unless your stroller comes with a bassinet attachment or fully reclines and is approved for newborn use, it’s not suitable for your little one until they can sit up unassisted—which usually isn’t until they’re around six months of age (or 25 weeks , if you’re counting). And even if that is the case, you’ll still need to move your infant every time you want to transfer them from the car seat to the stroller (and back again).

Here’s where a travel system comes in. A travel system solves for strolling with your newborn before they’re able to sit up independently. It also means you won’t have to disturb your little one every time you need to make the switch between your car seat and your stroller.

“Parents are shopping for/prioritizing travel systems because they like the convenience of taking baby from stroller to car and vice versa,” says Hunter Jones, a registry consultant in Babylist’s Beverly Hills showroom. “Guests will come in looking for an infant car seat that will click onto the stroller,” Markaradi, another showroom consultant, echoes.

You’ll need a travel system right from birth if you plan on using your car to transport your little one. At around six to nine months old, your baby will learn to sit up independently and will likely want a better view of the world—and then you can use the stroller on its own. And because you can use the stroller from infancy through toddlerhood, it’s the only stroller you’ll need to purchase.

Want to skip the travel system altogether? You have a few other options for newborn transportation.

A stroller frame is a bare-bones frame with the sole job of wheeling around your infant car seat. They’re typically inexpensive but stop being useful once your baby outgrows the infant car seat at about a year old, and most lack some of the nice-to-have features you’ll find on a standard stroller.

You can wear your baby in a baby carrier until they’re old enough to sit up unassisted and graduate to a stroller. But this can be tough on some parents’ backs, and you’ll lose the convenience of the car-seat-to-stroller-and-back-again transfer.

Using a Travel System Safely

Travel systems are safe for newborns, but there are some guidelines to keep in mind.

The AAP’s safe sleep guide recommends against the use of car seats for sleep outside of a car. If your infant falls asleep in their car seat, they should be removed and placed in a crib or bassinet (or other safe sleep space) as soon as possible.

But what if your baby falls asleep in their car seat while you’re driving and is still asleep when you arrive at your destination? According to pediatrician Dr. Fradin, the best practice is to remove them and transfer them to a safe sleep environment.

“However, many parents, myself included, will want the child to finish their nap for a brief period. If you choose to do this to reduce risk be sure the baby is not overheating by removing hats, blankets and ventilating the car. Also, keep the straps snug and place the car seat on the floor under your direct supervision.”

“If babies are in an approved stroller with the car seat properly restrained, I think of it the same as being in a vehicle,” explains Dr. Fradin. “Keep them cool and supervised.”

And since you may be using your infant car seat more frequently than parents who don’t rely on a travel system, keeping in mind what some experts call “the two-hour rule” is recommended.

“Safety experts [say] to limit car seat use to no more than two hours in a 24-hour period,” says English, a pediatric occupational therapist. “This is because research shows that when a baby is positioned in a semi-upright position for longer durations, it can restrict airflow to baby's lungs resulting in breathing issues. Additionally, it puts baby's spine in a stressful position when semi-inclined for longer durations.”

How to Choose a Travel System

Since a travel system includes two products, an infant car seat and a stroller, you need to think through the features of each (and how you’ll use them) both separately and as a pair.

Choosing an infant car seat

An infant car seat faces the rear of a vehicle and is designed specifically for younger babies. Infant car seats can be used from day one until your baby reaches the seat’s maximum height or weight limit (usually anywhere between 30-35 pounds, depending on the specifics of your seat).

As you review infant car seat options, look for a seat that meets these criteria:

Fits your child.

Fits your vehicle.

Can be used consistently and correctly on every ride.

All car seats sold in the US must meet the same strict safety regulations and pass all testing and requirements set forth by the NHTSA. But these three things—how a car seat fits your child, how easy it is to install and how easy it is to use day in and day out—are inextricably linked to a car seat’s safety. You can buy a seat with added safety features, but if it’s tricky to install or doesn’t fit well in your car, none of the extra bells and whistles matter.  

These are the features to think through when shopping for an infant car seat.

Size and weight, including how a seat will fit in your vehicle

A seat’s height and weight minimums and maximums

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren, a way to secure your car seat to your vehicle that uses built-in anchors and straps instead of your vehicle’s seat belt)

Safety features such as an anti-rebound bar, side impact protection and a load leg (a metal pole that extends from a seat’s base to the floor of a vehicle and can help absorb crash forces to a baby’s head and neck)

Ease of cleaning and fabric type

Canopy size

For more information on how to choose an infant car seat, including the features to prioritize and why, safety information, determining car seat fit and our expert-recommended seat picks, check out our Best Infant Car Seats guide.

Choosing a stroller

You’ll be using your stroller longer than your infant car seat. Also, the specific needs and lifestyle of a family often impact the type of stroller they need more so than what infant car seat they choose. Here’s what to think about. 

Evaluate your lifestyle. “Just because one stroller worked for a family member or your bestie doesn’t mean it will be the perfect stroller for you,” stresses Hunter Jones. Think through your lifestyle and your daily needs to help you narrow down a pick.

Think through features. Things like a modular seat, fold, wheel type and suspension, an adjustable handlebar, a storage basket, fabric type and canopy size are features that can affect how you use your stroller day-to-day.

Factor in family size. If you’re planning on having multiple children close in age, you may want to consider a convertible stroller from day one instead of registering for a single stroller and then having to purchase a double shortly after.

Consider safety. Look for a five-point harness, an easy-to-operate brake and a good fit.

Keep cost in mind. Strollers range widely in cost. More expensive models will often have all-wheel suspension, better maneuverability, modular seats, high-end fabrics or the ability to convert to a double, but there are many high-quality, more affordable stroller options, too. It’s all about finding what works for you and for your budget.

How to Choose a Stroller walks you through making a decision step-by-step. You can also consult our Best Strollers guide for a deeper dive into all things strollers and our most-loved product picks.

Once you’ve narrowed down your stroller and car seat options, you can decide if a travel system is the best option for you and which one meets your family’s particular needs.

Jen LaBracio,

Senior gear editor, cpst.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor and a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). When she’s not geeking out over car seats, testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, do all things Peloton, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

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The Best Travel Strollers We Tested on Planes, Trains, Automobiles, and Every Kind of Terrain

They’re easy to push, easy to fold—and actually easy to fit in an airplane’s overhead compartment.

In This Article

Our Favorite Travel Strollers

  • Is a Travel Stroller Worth It?
  • Strollers on Planes

Stroller Reviews

  • Our Testing Process

Our Experts

  • Factors to Consider
  • Stroller Safety

Parents / Leticia Almeida

When my son was stroller age, we were not yet in today’s golden era of travel strollers. You either risked gate-checking your fancy SUV-size standard stroller , or you took a less-expensive umbrella stroller that you didn’t mind getting beat up. But those of you with little ones right now are in luck, as there are dozens of ultra-light, ultra-compact travel strollers available that you can fold one-handed and sling over your shoulder while juggling a baby or your other bags, toss in your car trunk, and even stash in the overhead compartment of a plane. 

For more than two years, I’ve been testing these strollers in our lab, while other parents on our staff take them (and their kids) all over the world to help you choose the best travel stroller for your next trip. While every family’s needs are different, the ideal travel stroller should be durable, portable, maneuverable, lightweight, and worth your money . Plus, it should be comfortable and practical to use when you get to your destination.

  • Best Overall: Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller
  • Best for Airplane: Cybex Coya
  • Most Comfortable: Uppababy Minu V2
  • Easiest to Push: GB Qbit+ All City
  • Best Luxury: Nuna TRVL Stroller
  • Best Double: Uppababy G-Link V2
  • Best Budget: Munchkin Sparrow
  • Best for Car Travel: Baby Jogger City Tour 2
  • Best for Trains and Buses: Babyzen YOYO2

In our New York lab , we assembled, wheeled, turned, pushed, dropped, and folded each stroller to find which met our standards. My co-author also spoke to two pediatricians about stroller safety, as well as the comfort and health of the grownups behind the wheels. 

Through the months, in addition to adding new products, I’ve changed this list based on what our staffers experienced while traveling with them. One luxury pick I once loved broke after its first gate-check. Another that I initially thought was overrated got rave reviews from our real-world tester, not to mention the many parents I stopped on the streets of Brooklyn to ask about it (the life of a shameless parenting editor!). So, we’ll continue to test travel strollers throughout the year and will keep coming back to update you with the very best of the best. — Sabrina Rojas Weiss

Is a Travel Stroller Worth It? 

A travel stroller can make your excursions much more efficient and convenient. “Because families need to carry extra snacks, clothes, and other supplies while traveling with kids, a portable stroller can help lighten the overall luggage load,” says Betty Choi, M.D. , a California-based pediatrician, author, and mother of two. “If a stroller folds easily and feels light, it may help conserve your energy for carrying all of the other important things.”

In order to be small, foldable, and light, many travel strollers sacrifice storage space, extra comfort accessories like leg rests or large canopies, and technical features like shock absorbers. For this reason, you may not want a travel stroller to be your main everyday stroller—at least not if you have a very small baby or walk through various terrain on a regular basis. But many parents, especially those with older toddlers, are happy using just one super compact set of wheels, and if that’s the case, a good travel stroller is absolutely worth your purchase.

Can You Take a Travel Stroller on the Plane?

If you want to check your stroller, most airlines won’t charge you for it. And most will also allow you to gate-check a folded stroller if you need it to get through the airport. Many of the compact strollers on this list are also advertised as fitting into overhead bins—which is a welcome option for those of us who dread getting to your destination only to discover your much-needed stroller is a mangled, ruined mess. If you choose to take your stroller as carry-on, that will count as your larger item. We tested the strollers in this list in a space the size of a standard overhead bin, but bin sizes vary by airplane. Policies also vary by airline, so always ask (and ask again!) before you fly. And still, come prepared with a storage bag in case the flight is overbooked and you’re asked to gate check anyway.  

Best Overall

Joolz aer+ stroller, why we like it.

When asked to share her experience with the Joolz Aer+ stroller, our lab tester gave one word: “WOW!” She was impressed with how quick it was to assemble (just two minutes) and loved the overall design. Even when loaded with a 25-pound sandbag or squirmy toddler, this stroller glides around with ease . We could smoothly turn corners while using just one hand and that the wheels had excellent shock absorption. Perhaps her greatest compliment for this stroller, however, was about how effortless it was to fold up. Whether you’re about to board an airplane or hop on the tram at Disneyland, you won’t have to worry about how quickly you can fold up your stroller with the Joolz Aer+.

Portability: Not only did we find this super easy to fold one-handed in the lab, but our real world testing parent can’t stop telling us how much she loves this feature. She even impressed all the nurses and patients at the pediatrician’s office with a demo. 

What Parents Say

“We were in and out of a car every weekend with this stroller over the summer, and it could not have been easier to carry and load into the car. Folding it in five seconds when your car is double parked excruciatingly close to oncoming traffic is the best feeling in the world.” —Claire, mom of a 1-year-old

But Take Note

This stroller has plenty of positives, but it is expensive. Priced at $449, the Joolz Aer+ may be a great contender for your baby registry so that a group of friends or family members can pitch in on it together. 

The Details:

  • Size open: 32.7 x 17.7 x 41.5 in
  • Size folded: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 in
  • Weight: 13.4 lbs
  • Age range/weight limit: 6 months to 4 years

Parents / Jessica Juliao

Best for Airplane

When our tester used this stroller for a three-week trip to Europe, her primary concern was how easy it was to travel with. Thankfully, the Cybex Coya did not disappoint. Our tester told Parents that the Coya folded down into an “extremely compact” size that fit in the overhead bin of the airplane and inside the trunk of small European cars . “That was a huge win and made travel SO easy!” she said. “It really made our life as a stressed, traveling adult very easy.”

We also really like that this stroller is designed with your baby’s comfort in mind, no matter the weather. First, it has a  padded insert  that will keep your baby warm in cold weather. When removed, the mesh backrest allows lots of airflow, and the extendable UPF 50+ sun canopy protects kids from the hot sun. 

Portability: Our tester loved that the Coya’s carrying strap was long enough to fit over her shoulder, which made it really easy to carry onto an airplane or run through the train station with multiple bags. 

“This was our only stroller we traveled with, and it went through possibly every mode of transport—train, planes and automobile. The stroller also went through possibly every type of terrain—snow, mud, city sidewalk, and a small hike. It fit in the overhead bin of both [cross-Atlantic] and [European] flights.” —Hanna, mom of a toddler

While it may be considered a minor detail, parents should keep in mind that the handlebar on this stroller is not adjustable. Also, the seat is always slightly reclined, which can make it harder for kiddos to look out and about when they’re seated. 

  • Size open: 31.1 x 17.3 x 38.2 in
  • Size folded: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 in
  • Weight: 14.6 lbs
  • Age range/weight limit: 6 months up to 55 lbs

Parents / Joy Kim

Most Comfortable

Uppababy minu v2 stroller.

This stroller is equally as comfy for parents to push and it is for little ones to ride. Your tot will love napping in its spacious seat that holds up to 50 pounds and reclines to an ideal level. And you won’t have to worry about them sitting in direct sun because of the generous sun canopy that unzips to an almost horizontal level and the mesh peekaboo window that welcomes extra air flow. 

For the adult behind the wheels, there’s a padded leather handle bar, pocket to stash a water bottle and phone, and a large storage basket that holds up to 20 pounds. Thankfully, this stroller has four-wheel suspension , which we found made it easy to take sharp turns and weave in and out of crowds, even while pushing it with one hand. 

Portability: With a little practice, parents will find that this stroller folds up quickly. After pressing the buttons on the handle to trigger the folding process, it collapses down on its own, which may require only one hand for a seasoned user. Plus, this stroller stays upright when folded and can be carried by its handle or padded strap.

“I took a stroll around Central park with this bad boy, and it performed well on crowded streets and even rocky uneven roads. It was easy to maneuver and super lightweight.” —Stella, mom of a 1-year-old

This stroller is on the heavier side—about 17 pounds—and probably won’t fit in overhead compartments of smaller planes. We recommend purchasing Uppababy’s travel bag, since it includes insurance against damage to the stroller by the airline once you enroll in the TravelSafe program. 

  • Size open: 35.5 x 20.5 x 41 in
  • Size folded: 12.5 x 20.3 x 23 in (with bumper bar)
  • Weight: 16.9 lbs
  • Age range/weight limit: 3 months to 50 lbs

Parents / Jhett Thompson

Easiest to Push

Gb qbit+ all city stroller.

This travel stroller landed near the top in our testing because it’s comfortable, easily maneuverable, portable, and durable. We especially loved its all-wheel suspension, which allowed it to move easily over different terrain in the Parents lab, including gravel, wood, and carpet. In fact, we barely noticed a difference when transitioning from carpet to gravel! 

This stroller has a padded seat that reclines nearly all the way back and comes with a breathable mesh at the top, which allows kids to nap comfortably while in transit. We also appreciate the adjustable footrest, which when placed in the straight-out position makes this stroller suitable for a newborn. 

Portability: We found this stroller to be easy to close and fold with one hand. The shoulder straps are comfortably padded, and it has a buckle that’s reasonably simple to do.

It proved a bit challenging when trying to wrangle a wiggly toddler into it at times. At slightly more than 17 pounds, this stroller is a bit heavier than some of the others we tested. It also doesn’t have a shoulder strap and might not fit in all overhead compartments. 

  • Size open: 33 x 17 x 41.7 in
  • Size folded: 17 x 10.4 x 22.8 in
  • Weight: 17.2 lbs
  • Age range/weight limit: Birth (with infant car seat) to 4 years (0-55 lbs)

Parents / Conor Ralph

Parents / Phoebe Cheong

Best Luxury

Nuna trvl lightweight stroller.

The Nuna Trvl is a luxurious travel stroller whose comfort, functionality, and efficiency rival that of an everyday stroller. We knew we were in for a treat when we saw that it comes in colors like “caviar” and “hazelwood.” Just like you’d expect from a luxury car, this stroller had one of the smoothest rides out of any that we tested and is covered in high-end finishes.  “All the materials feel really luxurious,” our tester shared. “The padding is very soft—like memory foam—and the handles and bumper bar [are covered in] faux leather.” 

We also love that this stroller is equipped with a water-repellant, UPF 50+ canopy that provides ample shade and multiple mesh windows that open with ease. It also fits into the overhead bin of most planes and has an under-seat compartment that is large enough to fit a backpack or diaper bag , which is a big plus for traveling. 

Portability: Aside from looking good, this stroller is also really practical. It’s super easy to fold one handed and felt very light when carrying it around—even though you have to carry it by the bumper bar because it doesn’t have a shoulder strap.

“Throughout the airport or getting in and out of the car, I’m able to easily fold it using my right hand while my left hand/arm is busy carrying other items, or a child! … After a month of using it in my neighborhood, through two airports, and throughout the Magic Kingdom, it’s still gliding over sidewalks like butter.” —Ashleigh, mom of two

If you’re in a hurry—which parents often are in an airport—you may find that the bumper bar can be a pain to put on and take off. 

  • Size open: 20.25 x 32.5 x 44 in
  • Size folded: 20.25 x 24 x 11 in
  • Weight: 13.6 lbs
  • Age range/weight limit: Up to 50 lbs

Best Double Stroller

Uppababy g-link v2 double stroller.

Editor's Note: The insights below are from when we tested the older Uppababy G-Link back in 2022 and have not yet tested the Uppababy G-Link V2 listed here. The new version is 2.5 pounds lighter and 2 inches narrower than its predecessor, but the rest of the details remain mostly the same.

Whether you have twins or young children of different ages, having a comfortable double stroller (that isn’t a pain to push around) is a must for travel. We love the Uppababy G-Link 2 because it maneuvers like a single stroller and has all the features needed to make kids comfortable. In addition to multi-position independent reclining seats, it has extra-large canopies and UPF 50+ sun shades. Plus, there are a few accessories that are included just for parents, including a removable cup holder, double storage pockets, and an oversized basket to keep all the essentials within reach. 

Despite having side-by-side seats, the G-Link V2 has a relatively narrow footprint . Less than 30 inches wide, it is slender enough to move through standard doorways but spacious enough for two children to sit comfortably. It’s also less expensive than some of the single strollers on our list, which is always a pleasant surprise for parents with two kids! 

Portability: Despite the larger size, this stroller is easy to fold up with one hand and can stand up when folded. Carrying it isn’t a hands-free experience, however, since it doesn’t have a shoulder strap. 

Since it’s naturally larger than single strollers, you’ll have to gate check this one before you board the plane. 

  • Size open: 27.5 x 28.5 x 42 in
  • Size folded: 40 x 20 x 14.5 in
  • Weight: 22.3 lbs
  • Age range/weight limit: 3 months up to 55 lbs per seat

Parents / David Carr

Best Budget Travel Stroller

Munchkin sparrow stroller.

Never has it been easier to pop a stroller into an overhead bin than it is with the Munchkin Sparrow. It folds up quickly and fits neatly inside a tiny carrying bag, so you can slide it into the bin without getting impatient looks from other flyers. Once inside its carrying bag, this stroller stands just 14 inches high, which is within the carry-on luggage parameters for most major airlines. 

Although it’s compact, this stroller has a slightly bigger seat than others in this category and can hold a child until they weigh 55 pounds. Our real-world testing baby was very comfortable in it. We also like that it has a breathable, mesh headrest and extendable handles for parents of varying heights.  

Portability: Weighing slightly less than 13 pounds, this stroller is easy to tote around, especially when packed away in its small carrying case that comes with handles.

“It folds up so small, I am able to fit it on the floor of the backseat [of my car] and have plenty of room for everything else.” —Allison, mom of an 8-month-old

The storage is seriously lacking in this stroller, you need two hands to fold it, and its sun canopy provides only the slightest sliver of shade. It’s also not the best on unpaved paths. 

  • Size open: 39 x 18.5 x 28 in
  • Size folded: 15 × 14 × 6.25 in
  • Weight: 12.8 lbs
  • Age range/weight limit: Up to 55 lbs and 41 in tall

Best for Car Travel

Baby jogger city tour 2 stroller.

If you're planning a family road trip, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is a great choice. It takes up considerably less room than a standard stroller does and slides easily into a trunk or backseat. Though it may be compact in size, the City Tour 2 is quite sturdy and moves well. In testing, it performed just as well as some of our top picks while cruising over bumps and around tight turns. We really liked how well it did over gravel. Best of all, it’s built to keep kids comfortable. It reclines far with an adjustable calf rest, has extra padding around the straps, and has a generous sun canopy with a peekaboo window to check on your kiddo. 

Portability: This 14.5-pound stroller comes with a handy carrying bag , which makes transporting it to and from the car a piece of cake. 

Though it slides into a car like a dream, this stroller doesn’t fit into an overhead bin. It isn’t the best looking, either. 

  • Size open: 33 x 23 x 40 in
  • Size folded: 6.8 × 16.9 × 21.6 in
  • Weight: 14.3 lbs

Best for Trains and Buses

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller.

Whether you live in a city where you rely on public transit or plan to visit one, the Babyzen Yoyo2 is bound to make your life a whole lot easier. You can stash it just about anywhere (including an overhead bin), and it has a uniquely narrow frame , which makes it just right for weaving through crowded sidewalks, farmer’s markets, or outdoor art exhibits. 

Despite its compact size, this stroller’s seat is surprisingly roomy and padded, which we found to be necessary as it struggled to maneuver over rough surfaces. Still, we appreciate its various features that make it a safe, comfy ride for kids, including the five-point harness, multi-positioning reclining backrest, and UPF 50+ canopy extensions, and the soft, faux leather handlebar for parents. 

Portability: This stroller’s key feature is how small it is, both when in use and fully folded. It folds up into a convenient package and has a comfortable, padded shoulder strap that allows you to carry it hands-free while climbing up and down subway stairs—or in and out of trains and buses—so you can focus on carrying your kiddo. 

“[When packing my car] I was carrying my baby and a bag and wearing the stroller on my shoulder. My husband asked me if I wanted him to take the stroller from me. I had honestly forgotten that I was wearing the stroller!” —Rachel, mom of a toddler

Though the brand says it's a one-handed fold, our testing parents needed two hands—which isn’t always convenient when boarding a plane, train, or bus. Also, most of its accessories, including the newborn insert, are sold separately. 

  • Size open: 41.7 x 33.8 x 17.3 in
  • Size folded: 20.5 × 17.3 × 7.1 in
  • Weight: 13.7 lbs
  • Age range/weight limit: 6 months (birth with bassinet add-on) to 48.5 lbs

Other Notable Travel Strollers

  • Doona : This stroller is basically an infant car seat with wheels, which saves you the step of your baby from one seat to another. However, your baby will outgrow it within a year, which makes it hard to justify the price. 
  • Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe Baby Stroller : While our tester thought that it was “nice looking,” “super compact” when folded, and overall “lovely” to push, they weren’t a fan of its 19-pound frame that didn’t come with a handle or shoulder strap.   
  • Uppababy G-Luxe : Our testers said that the G-Luxe makes “tight turns” and “rolls smoothly” and loved that it “stands up when folded.” However, as a standard umbrella stroller, it’s not as small as the ultra-compact strollers on this list. 
  • Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Stroller : This luxury option has a comfortable seat, a fully extendable canopy, and excellent maneuverability. But when our tester had to gate-check it and hadn’t fully folded the footrest, it snapped clean off. For such a price, we don’t think it should be quite so fragile.
  • Contours Itsy : Though it’s one of the lightest strollers we’ve tried and is great for airplane travel, the seat doesn’t recline, and the weight limit is just 40 pounds.

Our Testing Process 

To test the travel strollers on our list, we enlisted parents and caregivers on our staff to put them to use both in the lab, at home, and on their travel excursions. While testing, they considered the following attributes: 

  • Ease of Assembly: While timing themselves, our testers assembled their strollers, following the manufacturer’s instructions as needed. They noted how easy or difficult the process was and if they needed special tools or help from another adult. 
  • Design: Our testers paid close attention to features that made the stroller comfortable for a baby and helpful for a parent, such as a five-point safety harness, reclining seat, adequate padding, ample storage, cup holder, and a sun canopy. 
  • Durability: To make sure a stroller was durable, each tester dropped their stroller from table height onto the floor and inspected it closely for any damage. 
  • Maneuverability: Whether pushing a baby or 25-pound sandbag, each tester took their stroller for a brisk walk, making sure to push it over various surfaces, bumps, up and down stairs, and around tight turns. And while at home and family vacation they paid attention to how their strollers handled the various terrain. 
  • Ease of Folding: When collapsing their stroller, our testers noted whether or not they could do so with one hand (sometimes while holding a baby in the other), if they had to empty the storage basket before doing so, and if it stood upright when folded.  
  • Portability: After folding, testers used the bag, strap, handle, or bar to determine how easily they could carry their stroller. They also noted whether or not it fit into an overhead bin and how easy it was to pack it into the trunk of a car. 
  • Value: After considering each attribute, our testers gave their honest opinion on their stroller’s overall value. Specifically, they shared if they thought it would last a decent amount of time, if it lived up to their expectations, and if they would pay full price for the stroller or wait until it goes on sale. 

We interviews the following health care experts to gain a better understanding of what parents should look for in a travel stroller and how to use one safely with their child: 

  • Betty Choi, M.D., a pediatrician, author, and mother of two
  • Wendy Hunter, M.D., FAAP , a pediatrician and host of The Pediatrician Next Door

Factors to Consider When Buying a Travel Stroller

  • Folded Size: While travel strollers are typically lightweight and small, this doesn’t always mean they are portable. Parents should consider how easy it is to carry the stroller (does it have a shoulder strap or handle?), if it stands up when folded, and if it will fit in the trunk of a car or overhead bin of an airplane. 
  • Weight: There may be times when you have to fold up the stroller and carry it, so choosing one that is around 15 pounds or less will make it much easier to do so when the time comes. Having a lightweight stroller will also make traveling with kids a little less stressful, especially when you have to raise it into the overhead bin of an airplane or into the trunk of a car. 
  • How and Where You’ll Be Traveling: Before purchasing a travel stroller, parents should consider the types of destinations they plan to visit. If you will be traveling by plane, choose a stroller that folds up easily and fits into an overhead bin. If you plan to do lots of walking over various surfaces, one that has excellent maneuverability and all-wheel suspension, like the GB Qbit+ All City , will serve both you and your child well. If you plan to be on the go a lot throughout your travels, consider a stroller that has a padded, reclining seat, wide, extendable sun shade, and ample storage, so that your baby will be comfortable and you can store all your necessities for the day. 
  • Your Budget: Every family’s budget is different and an important factor to consider when buying a travel stroller. Ultimately, as long as your stroller has a comfortable seat, five-point safety harness, sun shade, and a place to store your baby’s things, he or she will have everything they need. 

How to Use Travel Strollers Safely

While strollers are generally safe to use, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reminds parents that injuries can happen when they’re not used correctly. When choosing a travel stroller, the AAP recommends parents take the following precautions: 

  • Safety Standards: Buy a stroller that was manufactured in the past few years. If it was made before 2014, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission to see if it’s been recalled. 
  • Seatbelt: Always secure your child according to the manufacturer’s instructions by using the safety harness—ideally, a five-point safety harness . 
  • Break: If your stroller has removable wheels, make sure that they are securely installed before using it. Whenever the stroller is parked, always use the brake to ensure it doesn’t roll away. 
  • Age & Weight Guidelines: Dr. Hunter tells Parents that travel strollers are safe for infants as long as they meet the manufacturer’s height and weight guidelines. “It’s safe for babies to use a front-facing reclined stroller when they are about 3 months old,” Dr. Hunter says. “They can be seated in a more upright stroller around 6 months.” You should also avoid letting children sleep in the stroller—especially if they’re younger than 4 months old because they have a higher risk of suffocation.
  • Storage: “Check that the stroller doesn’t fall over when you hang items on the back,” says Dr. Hunter. You can do this by keeping heavy items (diaper bags, purses, or backpacks) in the storage basket under the seat. Avoid hanging anything from the handlebars to prevent the stroller from tipping over.  

Laura Lu, MS , is a commerce and parenting writer at Parents and a mom of two. She has conquered theme park visits and braved airline travel with her kids, during which a travel stroller has been her trusty sidekick in getting her from point A to point B with ease. 

Sabrina Rojas Weiss is the associate editorial director for commerce at Parents and mother of an 11-year-old. She took her son’s trusty Uppababy G-Luxe all over the country, and it survived many a baggage handler. She’s tossed a lot of strollers off of tables to test durability in the lab.

Tips for Traveling with Young Ones this Holiday Season . American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023.

Safety tips help protect children from stroller injuries . American Academy of Pediatrics. 2016.

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I tried this luxury travel stroller and finally felt like the cool mom that I was always meant to be

I'm the soon-to-be mom of two and I tested the Silver Cross Jet 5 travel stroller for three weeks with my toddler. 

I’m pregnant and a toddler mom, so the NBC Select team has made me their de facto tester for parenting and maternity products. I guess that makes me an expert. While crafting my baby registry, the Silver Cross Jet 5 stroller was on the short list, so I jumped for joy (as much as I can jump at 8 months pregnant) when the team asked me to review it.

SKIP AHEAD How I tested | What I liked | Some things to note | Other strollers | Why trust NBC Select?

stroller travel system lightweight

select I’m pregnant and refuse to wear jeans — here are my favorite maternity leggings

Silver cross jet 5 stroller.

Silver Cross Jet 5 Stroller

The newly launched Silver Cross Jet 5 stroller is marketed as the perfect travel stroller — in fact, the brand says that you can push the stroller up to the gate, effortlessly fold it up and store it in the overhead compartment. While I found that it didn’t replace my everyday stroller, I absolutely adored it for the dreaded “traveling with kids” times. 

How I tested the Silver Cross Jet 5 stroller

I tested this stroller for three weeks and evaluated its size, weight and durability —  grocery shopped, walked my son to camp and strutted around a mall. I also lifted the stroller (again, I’m 8 months pregnant), folded it up and stored it in my home and trunk. My initial impressions on some key features are below:

  • Size : Compared to the YOYO Zen (another beloved travel stroller) , both strollers fold really well, but the Silver Cross can fold even smaller and more compact than the Yoyo, in my experience.
  • Weight : While weight doesn’t seem like an important factor, at 37 weeks pregnant, I wanted this stroller to be something I could manage on my own. After all, I’m a strong independent woman who just happens to also be pregnant. The stroller folded with ease and could be taken in and out of a car by myself , with ease.

How small the Jet 5 folds.

What I like

With a 37-week-pregnant belly and a 2.5-year-old, I don’t leave the house unless I have to. My hands are already full enough, but then you add the diaper bag, snacks and emotional support stuffed animal — it’s just too much. And the amount to carry doubles when we go on a road trip or a vacation. That’s why a lightweight stroller is of the utmost importance. Our car has been feeling even smaller and smaller these days, so the Silver Cross Jet 5 — weighing 15.87 lbs — stroller came at the perfect time. With the new baby on the way, I also loved the double perk of working for my 27-pound toddler and a newborn.

I’d be remiss not to mention how sleek and modern the stroller looks — you’d be like, “C’mon Becca, it’s right in front of you.” While convenience is key (and the stroller delivers that), I was so excited by the leather details, fancy magnetic buckles and padded seat — I’m not a regular mom, I’m a cool mom who wants a cool stroller. The material feels as silky as the top of a newborn’s head. For the first time, I felt like a stylish mom wheeling my Jet 5 down the grocery aisles. 

The Jet 5 fully reclines, allowing for long naps for newborns to toddlers

If I’m buying a travel stroller, it needs to fit in the plane’s overhead bin. My husband and I have too many horror stories of checked strollers being damaged (stories for another time). With the Jet 5, you can roll your child right up to the plane. Plus, it folds in one smooth motion with one hand, allowing for smooth boarding. The stroller also comes with a protective cover to ensure there is no damage when being loaded in your car or overhead bin. 

Parents know the struggle of buckling your bucking child into the stroller when trying to leave the house, and the sleek three-click magnetic buckle did not let me down. I didn’t have to worry about snapping my fingers accidentally or pinching my toddler’s skin. 

The Jet 5 comes with magnetic buckles, that are difficult for a toddler to open themselves

Something largely important for safety in a stroller is a good locking feature — where the wheels lock to prevent the stroller from rolling away. Some have locks on the handles and some only have one peddle to click up and down. I love the Jet 5’s bottom two locks, colored in green and red for an obvious, yet effective method to lock your stroller.

Dual locks with  step on and off functionality

Size and weight

When the box arrived, I could not believe it fit a stroller inside something that small. Whether you have a small house or car, this stroller can fit into any corner or trunk space, with plenty of leftover space. At just 15.87 lbs, I love that I can lift and maneuver this stroller all by myself while juggling a running toddler. 

Advertised as ”suitable from birth to 55 lbs and is car seat compatible,” the Jet 5 carries the heaviest weight that I have found in a travel stroller. That means that my little one still has 20 more lbs to go before he’s too big for it. The newborn car seat adapter is also *chef’s kiss*. 

Easy to use car seat adapter, for lightweight easy transitions in and out of car

The Jet 5 also comes with a lie-flat feature, which is incredibly handy for napping toddlers. You can even keep the sun out of your sleeping baby’s eyes with the hood, which has UPF 50+ protection. 

Things to note

In my experience, this stroller is meant for travel and is not ideal for work or everyday use. I found that the lack of storage was a little frustrating for everyday use — I could only fit minimal small items, meaning I had to be strategic about fitting things under the seat.  Also, if you’re heavily pregnant, access to the basket is tricky; You need to bend over and maneuver around a bar in the front middle of the basket, so taking out items is a bit laborious.

The Jet 5 starts at a hefty price of $475, which is on the higher end than some other travel strollers. If you want additions like a phone holder, snack tray or cup holder those are an additional $30 per item. The stroller does come with a protective cover and raincover, which is a nice addition. But, the quality and size making the price worth it, in my opinion.

Other baby stroller products to consider

Along with the Silver Cross Jet 5 travel stroller, I’ve tried many other everyday and travel strollers (remember, I’m an expert). If you’re still undecided on the Jet 5, then check out a few of my other recommendations.

Guava Roam Stroller

Guava Roam Stroller

Other parents will understand: the most exciting thing about this stroller is the storage.  It’s not hyperbole when I say that you barely need a diaper bag when using the Guava — the side pockets hold toddler snacks and water, the behind-seat pockets hold adult snacks and the below-stroller pockets are great for larger items. I also love how elevated and organized the pockets make the stroller feel —  one less chaotic mess for me to tackle.

BabyZen Yoyo2 Stroller

Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller

Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller

With one flick of the wrist, you can fold and unfold the YoYo stroller, which is huge for traveling and commutes. It’s typically a part of my normal stroller rotation, so I would also highly recommend this option.

Strolee Travel Stroller

Strolee Travel Stroller

The pricepoint on this travel stroller is pretty competitive. It can recline almost completely flat and is travel-friendly, meaning that it can fit in the overhead compartment. It can also turn into a tandem double stroller in under 30 seconds, according to the brand.

stroller travel system lightweight

select This is the best baby stroller I’ve ever used — seriously

Final verdict .

I love the Silver Cross Jet 5. If you are in the market for a travel-friendly stroller, this is a great, stylish option (albeit pricey one). I would not suggest it for everyday use given that the snack and diaper-storage pockets are limited.

Why trust NBC Select?

I am the senior commerce photo editor and producer at NBCUniversal. I’m also the mom to a two-year-old and pregnant with my second baby. I’ve tested nearly a dozen baby strollers to find the best one for my growing family. I’ve also written reviews for Shop Today, including my review of Amazon workout shirts and gifts for Mother’s Day .

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Senior commerce photo editor

  • First Year Products

Enjoy family adventures with these 13 lightweight and compacted travel strollers, tested by parents

best travel strollers to take on holiday

Hauck Travel N Care Stroller

John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller

John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller

Graco Myavo Compact Stroller

Graco Myavo Compact Stroller

Joolz Aer stroller

Mamas and Papas Airo Pushchair

MARIA MARTIN with daughter in Babyzen Yoyo stroller

BABYZEN YOYO²

Joie Pact Lite

Silver Cross Zest Stroller

stroller travel system lightweight

Cosatto Trail

Ergobaby Metro +

Ergobaby Metro+

Bugaboo Butterfly

Bugaboo Butterfly

Joie Baby Tourist Signature Pushchair, Shale

Joie Baby Tourist Signature Pushchair

Hauck Sport Stroller

Hauck Sport Pushchair 

Whether you're jetting off for some sun or just planning a family staycation this summer, you're probably wondering how to travel with a pushchair for your baby without overloading your car or exceeding your luggage allowance, but this is where the best travel strollers can help. Leave your pushchair at home and invest in the best travel strollers to make your journey a whole lot easier.

Robust enough to cope with cobbled streets and sandy beaches but light enough to carry up a flight of stairs, a lightweight stroller is also more compact, so it'll take up minimal space. Some can even fit into the overhead compartment on a plane. They're the ultimate convenient travelling companion.

You may already have a pram or pushchair and be wondering if you need a stroller too. The difference between a stroller and pushchair might not seem immediately obvious, but especially when travelling, a stroller, which is lighter and more compact than your everyday pushchair will be very welcome. Typically, a stroller is lighter and smaller than a pushchair or buggy. This means they are great for folding up in the boot of a car, taking on a plane or even hiding away when eating in a restaurant. Prams and pushchairs do tend to be more sturdy and durable, and often come as part of a travel system with the option of a carrycot for newborns, and are often compatible with a car seat. Strollers are great for older children and toddlers though who might like to hop in an out of their stroller on holiday or on a day out.

Best travel strollers at a glance:

• Best travel stroller overall: Hauck Travel N Care Stroller - Buy now on Amazon UK • Best for taking as cabin luggage: Joolz Aer - Buy now on Very • Best for a city break: John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller - Buy now on John Lewis • Best travel stroller with one-hand fold: Graco Myavo Compact Stroller - Buy now on Amazon UK

While travel system prams can be more suitable to everyday life, a travel stroller can be a lot more practical than having to take all the sections of a travel pram or car seat on holiday so you can pack more holiday essentials.

How we chose the best travel strollers

With several mums on the team, Mother&Baby is best placed to find the best travel strollers as used and tested in real life by our own babies. Plus, we have a huge panel of real mums who test products every year for the annual  Mother&Baby Awards , meaning we get to find out the best award-winning products that have been put through their paces thoroughly and independently by our readers.

Awards testers are asked to score the product they are reviewing in four areas: usability, design, quality and value for money. Each product is scored out of 10 with each of these areas in mind, and the final score determines which products make the coveted bronze, silver and gold spots in that product category.

Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.

The best travel strollers 2024

1. hauck travel n care stroller, best travel stroller overall.

Rrp: £ 149.95

The Hauck Travel N Care Stroller was awarded Gold for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

The Hauck Travel N Care Stroller is a budget-friendly yet premium option for parents on the go. Setting it up is a breeze with its simple assembly, and the intuitive one-handed fold mechanism makes it an amazing time-saver for busy parents, which we loved. Testers also found this stroller lightweight which makes it great for travelling. Deputy Digital Editor for Mother and Baby, Stephanie Spencer, said, "really compact and easy to open, especially if you’re on your own! I like that you can sling it over your shoulder easily, too."

While the Hauck Travel N Care Stroller boasts many impressive features, including an adjustable footrest, removable/washable covers, and ample storage basket, some users have noted that the canopy could be extended further to provide more extensive coverage from the sun, especially during intense sunlight hours and when travelling in sunny locations, although Stephanie Spencer said, "the sun shade covers right over, probably more so than other strollers I’ve used so extra shading in the sun."

A real plus is that it is easy to clean so it won't matter too much about melting ice-creams or any unfortunate travel sickness. We also loved that it comes in a range of colours and Stephanie Spencer really liked the olive green colour. Our tester was impressed with how flat it lies for naps and also commented on how easy it is to use saying, "it’s smooth to push along, too."

Read our full Hauck Travel N Care Stroller review.

  • Lightweight
  • One-handed folding
  • Large storage
  • Easy to clean
  • The hood could extend more
  • Handy and compact travel companion
  • Agile, comfortable and safe travel
  • Practical handling for active parents
  • Light, handy and robust
  • Self-standing and small folding
  • Adjustable seating and lying area
  • Canopy with UV protection and peek-a-boo window
  • Easy to care material

2. John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller

Best for a city break.

https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeUlldWV5dTllEHABdW00OVlpZTwkHRFtLFFMLQQVVSRVTQ1JAQV1RTh8QRkQNCFVXRU0HDlJRUxZCVAlRBgMNAgIF&x=v1

The John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller was awarded Silver for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

The John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller offers convenience and practicality. We loved the look of this travel pram, which gives style at an affordable price point. But testers also noted that it is easy to collapse, which is what you need when travelling, as well as being lightweight so it is convenient to transport even when folded. Our dad tester, Chris, commented, "being easy to both collapse and fold open, it’s become our preferred choice for when we decide to take shorter walks to get out of the house."

We found this pram was amazing for city living and smooth pavements but struggled a little on more uneven terrain. So, if you are looking for something that looks great for a city break, this is an ideal choice. Dad, Chris, thinks it is a great second pram and noted, "it’s also proven to be an invaluable failsafe for those situations where one of us has ‘forgotten’ that the pram is in the boot of whichever car they happen to have driven off to work in, meaning we don’t have to carry baby far on the way to nursery."

Read our full John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller review.

  • Easy to collapse
  • Suitable on smooth pavements but does not handle uneven terrain very well
  • Steel frame Five-point harness Two-year guarantee

John Lewis & Partners

3. Graco Myavo Compact Stroller

Best travel stroller with one-hand fold.

With an automatic, one-handed fold, the Graco Myavo is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to take on the go, just what you need when travelling with a little one. Our tester, Senior Writer, Samantha Ball, said, "it's a brilliant compact design, incredibly easy to use and lightweight enough to carry." We like that it has the option of a three- or five-point harness system to keep your little one secure and a detachable bumper bar to make it easier to put them in and take them out. Additionally, the UPF50+ canopy provides amazing comfort and protection from UV rays, enhancing the stroller's appeal and making it a fantastic option for parents planning a holiday.

Testers liked the compact design and integrated folding lock which ensures hassle-free transportation and storage, plus they noted it fits easily into car boots, leaving ample space for other essentials. While it can be folded one-handed, testers found that the mechanism for the one-handed fold can be tricky to use at first, and also commented that their child sometimes slid down in the seat. That said, Samantha Ball, was impressed by the one hand fold commenting, "the one-handed fold alone was enough to impress me."

However, the Graco Myavo still excels in usability and build quality. Its smooth manoeuvrability over various terrains and easy recline feature makes it a practical choice for everyday use. Plus little ones seems to find comfortable too, with Samantha Ball adding, "my daughter was actually happy to stay sat in the stroller and I loved that she felt comfortable enough to stay sat in it, as she would normally try to climb out. The Graco Myavo is definitely a great travel stroller."

Read our full Graco Myavo review

  • One-handed fold
  • Lightweight design
  • Large storage basket
  • The one-handed lock feature can be tricky to use at first
  • Automatic standalone fold
  • Integrated folding lock
  • Removable bumper bar
  • UPF50+ canopy

4. Joolz Aer

Best for taking as cabin luggage.

https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeVVdYVkFZV1RHUxNTRUwHVl8YEhcNV0dbTUFKUg5bXEIbVFJAFUlFRFoAWlcLFhRBRwMGBx5QVFIfVgBWAgJfDwUH&x=v1

The Joolz Aer was awarded Bronze for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

With a width of just 44cm, the lightweight Joolz Aer can be taken straight onto the plane and popped into the overhead locker which we love and it is a real plus for a travel stroller, especially with a carry handle to make carrying it even easier. Plus, even better the stroller is available in three colours, including refined Black, and it is made from recycled plastic bottles rescued from our oceans so it is kind to the environment too.

The large, extended hood offers UPF 50 sun protection to keep your baby safe, and also has ventilation to keep your little one cool. Its robust construction and premium feel make it suitable for both urban and rural walks, accommodating children comfortably while being easy to manoeuvre for parents of varying heights, although the reclining transition is not very smooth and reviewers thought this could be improved.

The Aer's compact fold and integrated shoulder strap make taking this pram out quite literally a walk in the park. It fits into car boots effortlessly and still leaves ample space for other essentials like trikes, scooters and shopping. Plus, customers commented, "it collapses small enough so it can be stored easily and is also great for restaurants as it again goes down so easily so you have more room."

We loved that despite its lightweight design, the stroller maintains a high-quality feel and reviewers really liked it saying, "we bought this buggy when I was eight months pregnant for our 2.5-year-old and I just wish we had got it sooner," while others noted that it's "lightweight yet feels sturdy."

Read our full Joolz Aer buggy review

  • Narrow design
  • Fits in the overhead compartment
  • Made from sustainable materials
  • Good Ventilation in the hood
  • Comfortable seat
  • Seat recline could be smoother
  • One-hand one-second fold
  • UPF 50+ sun hood with ventilation
  • Adjustable harness
  • Click & go 5-point buckle 
  • 4-wheel suspension
  • High handle bar for taller parents
  • Reclines to sleeping position
  • Fits in overhead plane storage
  • Comes with shoulder strap
  • Comes with travel pouch and rain cover
  • Available in six different colours

Mamas & Papas

5. Mamas and Papas Airo Pushchair

Best for travelling abroad.

Rrp: £ 299.00

Super-slim and perfect from birth and for growing toddlers, the Airo pushchair is perfect for navigating tight spaces. Not only is it Mamas & Papas' lightest ever pushchair, but the stroller can even be worn as a backpack when your little one would prefer to toddle on their own, which we think makes it the perfect travel stroller. Mother&Baby Editor, Maria Martin, has tested the pushchair and said, "Myself and my 1-year-old have been testing the Airo out for about 15 months. The pushchair has served us well as a light compact travel assistant that's come in useful when boarding aeroplanes and also when out on busy city day trips."

Testers liked that it folds with one hand and is solid and sturdy, thanks to the unique dual-sided wheel lock. Maria Martin also commented that "it folds down to a compact size and is super lightweight. We've been able to fit this into every car boot possible." With adjustable positions for your baby, a bumper bar, and a quick-fit five-point harness, testers loved that you can be safe in the knowledge that your little one is comfy and secure. Plus it is cabin friendly so can be carried onto the plane.

Impressively, despite being compact, it has great under seat storage. Maria Martin found that "the under-seat storage compartment is big enough for snacks, water bottles, hats, etc. We added a couple of buggy clips too, which have helped attach a change bag whilst on the move." Although some reviewers did note that the seat is smaller than on other strollers and so may not be as comfortable for larger toddlers. That said, our tester, Maria Martin added, "I love that the seat can lie completely flat and that the Airo can be used with a sun-shield/insect net (sold separately) – handy when nap times are calling, but home is nowhere in sight."

Read our full Mamas & Papas Airo review

  • Cabin-friendly
  • Decent storage despite its compact size
  • Easy one-hand fold
  • Some found the seat smaller than most
  • Adjustable handle height positions
  • Easily adjustable straps with the quick fit 5-point harness
  • One hand quick fold
  • Unique dual-sided wheel lock
  • Adjustable footrest

6. BABYZEN YOYO²

Best travel stroller for newborn and beyond.

Becoming one of the go-to for many mums and dads, this versatile stroller wears a few different hats, it’s easy to take around cities and can be picked up when catching the underground or bus. Plus, it's also easy to take on an aeroplane and can be popped into the overhead lockers. Our Group Editor Maria Martin tested the strolled and said, "this stroller is a game changer – I just love how sturdy it feels while static or on the move."

Testers really liked that the lightweight YOYO2 incorporates Hytrel elastomer suspension on all four wheels, meaning it is a very comfortable ride for your tots, but also convenient for parents to carry, our tester, Maria, noted, "its lightweight feature is impressive, making it all too easy to get in and out of my car boot." BABYZEN also uses their patented Soft Drive system, eliminating the need to lock the front wheels on rough terrain for easier manoeuvrability so you can steer with one hand if needed. We also liked that the seat feels well-padded and Maria agreed, adding, "it’s comfortable for my little one."

It is worthwhile noting that the price is just for the frame so if you want a colour pack then you need to pay extra, which disappointed some reviewers. There's also the option to add a newborn pack which means you can use the stroller from birth. Our reviewer, Maria, was impressed with the fact it "folds into a cabin baggage size, keeping all straps in place," which makes it an ideal travel stroller.

Read our full BABYZEN YOYO² review.

  • Fits most airline cabin baggage restrictions
  • Four-wheel suspension for all terrains
  • Price is for frame only, the colour packs are an additional £60-£80
  • Soft faux-leather handlebar
  • UPF 50+ sun protection canopy with peekaboo window
  • Zipped back pocket
  • Safety wrist-strap
  • Multi-positioning reclining backrest with a 5-point harness
  • Hytrel® elastomer suspension

7. Joie Pact

Best travel stroller with lie-flat seat.

https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeTF5QQ11BSlhYQk1RWQ9LFl1ZDgwMVh9XV14cFytbWV0bZVZRTBRZWR8mX1QHFhRxWA8VA1BGFWpGF1cNWFVKGUUYBw4JAQAB&x=v1

If you're a frequent flyer looking for a practical travel pushchair, the Joie Pact might just be it. Impressively light, a doddle to fold, and seriously compact, we love that it even comes with its own storage bag and has an integrated carrying strap. It is also compatible with some models of Joie car seats which makes it even more convenient when travelling. One reviewer said, "I bought this as I need to travel by train with my 5-month-old. I can fold and unfold it with ease with one hand, whilst holding my baby. It's extremely lightweight, and the strap is great for carrying it."

Reviewers really liked the all-wheel suspension which ensures a smooth ride for your baby on all types of terrain and we love the lie-flat seat, which is suitable from birth. However, there was some criticism about the back rest which doesn't fully rise and could be more comfortable.

Overall testers were impressed and said the stroller was good quality and they like how compact it is so it doesn't take up too much room in the boot of the car. One mum tester was impressed and commented, "it feels of good quality and will grow with my baby. It's perfect for travelling with and folds up very small to fit the boot of a car."

  • Comes with a convenient carry strap
  • Includes its own storage bag
  • Compatible with certain models of Joie car seats
  • The backrest doesn't fully rise
  • Forward facing seat
  • 5 point harness
  • Lockable front swivel wheels
  • Dual wheel suspension
  • Adjustable leg rest
  • Handle height adjustable from 97 to 105.5cm
  • 1-hand recline adjustment
  • Multi recline positions

The Entertainer

8. Silver Cross Zest Stroller

Best premium travel stroller.

The Zest pushchair from Silver Cross is bursting with features to make everyday strolls a breeze, plus with fun designs we think it is really stylish too. It is one of the lightest travel prams on the market, perfect for parents who need something light yet robust and great for family holidays with little ones, as one reviewer said "I bought this pushchair for my five-month-old baby to take on holiday, and it was perfect."

The lie-flat seat and adjustable drawstring recline let you find the most comfortable position for your little one and adjust their seating position without disturbing their nap and testers liked the extendable UPF 50+ hood which keeps your little one shaded on sunny days, plus also has an air-flow mesh panel to keep them cool and dry, which testers loved, commenting that it is, "light and cool in the heat."

While the stroller is easy to manoeuvre and easy to carry when needed, reviewers found that it is difficult to push on tough terrains due to the suspension which could be improved. That said, one reviewer agreed it is not great on all terrains but did say, "it moves perfectly over hard ground."

One customer commented on the under storage basket saying, "the only drawback, which wasn't really a problem for us but if you rely on the under-pushchair storage, then it can be difficult to access when the baby is in the pushchair and lying down." However, overall we like this stroller for travelling because it helps with keeping cool in the heat and the hood provides great protection, plus it is extremely lightweight.

Read our full Silver Cross Zest stroller review.

  • Fun designs
  • Easy to manoeuvre
  • Convenient to carry
  • Suspension across all terrains could be improved
  • Basket hard to access when baby is lying down
  • Upf50+ sun protection hood
  • One motion fold and carry handle
  • 5-point safety harness with chest and harness pads
  • Full lie-flat seat with one-hand recline

9. Cosatto Trail

Best travel stroller for design.

Rrp: £ 299.95

This is a robust travel stroller and we love that it is suitable up until 25kg, plus it has an extra spacious seat for your little one. With puncture proof tyres this stroller will tackle even the most tough family adventure and the basket can hold up to 8kg so will be able to store all your travel essentials. One reviewer said, "This buggy is really easy to fold with 1 hand while holding a toddler, goes nice and small and is easy to lift - not as super lightweight as some but no problem for lifting in and out of the car. Great size basket and sturdy so can hang lots on the handle without risk of tipping. Have taken this to parks, over cobbles and gravel and dirt tracks and it handles well!"

Some reviewers found the stroller heavier than other strollers, but once folded it is easy to transport. Reviewers commented, "it's great, I walk everywhere as I don't drive and it's so much better than my last stroller. It has really good suspension so it is good at getting up paths, it also has some other helpful features such as a bell. In addition, if you travel abroad, it can fold so you can wheel it easily while folded so it's perfect for transporting. I honestly can't fault this stroller at all."

Of course, the design is outstanding and really adds a touch of style to this stroller for all your family adventures, plus it is great for longevity because it last flat from birth and will last well into the toddler years.

  • Lots of fun designs to choose from
  • Sturdy over most terrains
  • Heavier than other travel strollers
  • UPF100+ double-tiered hood for ultimate shading
  • Extra-large basket
  • Fabric made from recycled bottles
  • Front and rear suspension
  • Includes extras such as a bell and cup holder

10. Ergobaby Metro+

Best sturdy travel stroller.

The Metro + will keep your precious cargo comfy, whether you're in Barcelona or Bromley, thanks to smooth suspension and puncture-proof tyres. We love that the seat has plush padding, as well as an adjustable leg rest and faux-leather handlebars, which make the stroller perfect for smaller or taller parents. Reviewers were impressed and commented saying, "after a lot of research, we picked the metro based on sturdiness, weight, large sun canopy and tyre size."

This is a lightweight stroller and easily fits on buses, tubes, trains and planes, weighing just 7.8kg. Reviewers also commented that it is compact when folded and can even fit in the footwell of a car. However, while the stroller feels strong the shopping baskets do not feel as secure which bothered some reviewers.

Nevertheless the sleek, streamlined design is still impressive and makes this a great choice for adventures. One reviewer added, "we brought it on holidays and are really happy with the product. The stroller feels much heavier than 6kg - more towards 7kg but does fold up pretty compact."

Read our full Ergobaby Metro+ review.

  • Sleek, streamlined design
  • The compact fold can even fit in car footwell
  • Adjustable handlebar
  • Shopping baskets could be more secure
  • Perforated vegan leather handlebar
  • Night-reflective details
  • Hidden ‘newborn nest’ flaps

11. Bugaboo Butterfly

Best travel stroller to grow with them.

https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeUlldWV5dTllEHABdW00GTFVWAAoNHlBNTUYASgdYSRVGQERaW1FRXkBMX18GClBVXxZIAF9TW1IdFQ5TBQYJDg0%3D&x=v1

Bugaboo is always popular and the Bugaboo Butterfly is impressively compact, plus we like the one-second fold which is great for travelling but also for day to day city life. Parents were impressed with how easy it is to set up and open, with one reviewer saying, "I opened the box, and you simply push in two buttons with one hand, and the whole thing pops right open. It also closes that easily as well." Plus, they liked that it is really lightweight, plus because it is compact, it doesn't take up much room in the boot of the car, which is extremely handy because we all know how much stuff you need to pack when away with children.

While it might be small and light, you can still put up to 8kg in the basket, which is perfect for a shopping trip. Unfortunately, the Bugaboo Butterfly is not suitable for newborns so you will need an alternative travel buggy for those early days, but it is suitable from 6 months and can hold a weight of 22kg. For travelling there is a shoulder strap to make carrying it much more convenient and reviewers described it as "comfortable." Plus it can be carried onto the plane as hand luggage.

We also love that this is compatible with various Bugaboo accessories, which is great for parents who have already purchased accessories for a Bugaboo pram. The reviewers like the different colours with one reviewer saying, "I got green, which is the prettiest colour for our sweet little boy." They were also impressed with the car seat adapter which is easy to add to the stroller, and one one customer added that "his Nuna Air car seat just pops right on," and he continued, "I love this stroller and how it can grow with our little boy for several years to come."

Read our full Bugaboo Butterfly review.

  • Compatible with certain car seats
  • It comes with a convenient carry strap
  • Easy and compact fold
  • Not suitable for newborns
  • Underseat basket holds up to 8 kg
  • Full suspension
  • UPF 50+ sun canopy with extendable breezy panel
  • Almost fully flat one-hand recline

12. Joie Baby Tourist Signature Pushchair

Best travel stroller for hands-free folding.

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Suitable from birth, with a flat reclining seat, this tiny traveller is proof that big things can come in small packages, with three different modes to choose from including a carry cot, infant carrier and forward facing option. Reviewers liked that it offered multi-position recline to help your little one sleep soundly when out and about.

Weighing just under 6kg, the Tourist offers easy hands-free folding, as well as a handy carry strap and a storage bag which is great for travelling through airports or on planes, but also on buses and trains. For every day trips out to the shops, or day trips with the family, there is a roomy basket for all your essentials which we love. Reviewers agreed with one customer commenting, ""I purchased Joie Tourist for my one-year-old baby girl. I switched from a massive and heavy pushchair to a light one; it's so easy to use and can be folded and unfolded with one hand. It fits everywhere, and the design is lovely. I would recommend it."

Some testers found the harness is not that easy to use and can be fiddly so suggest it could do with improvement, but they liked the lockable front wheel for tough terrain and were impressed with the lie flat option making it suitable from birth. It is a great stroller to see you through from the newborn days right through the toddler years.

Read our full Joie Baby Tourist review.

  • Harness could do with improving
  • One-hand auto fold
  • Lie-flat recline
  • UPF 50+ water-repellent canopy
  • 5-point safety harness
  • One-touch braking system
  • Clever autoclick™ magnetic buckles

13. Hauck Sport Pushchair 

Best travel stroller for affordability.

Hauck's Sport stroller is the ideal travel companion, not only for public transport but for travelling too. The Hauck Sport has an easy and compact fold that will fit in most car boots, so getting where you need to be is simple with very little hassle. Reviewers were impressed with its simplicity, with one commenting, "I bought it to take on holiday with me, and it was easy to fold, super light and worked absolutely fine. It doesn't have any fancy features, but you really can't expect them for the price. I'd recommend this product."

Our reviewers thought its lightweight frame makes it easy to push around, which is great when out and about every day or on holiday. Plus, the basket underneath has enough space for all your essentials. Testers did note that the wheels could be improved because they are a bit small. But for an affordable stroller, this is a great option, and we liked that it is strong and durable to withstand travelling and everyday use.

Price is a big plus here and one customer said, "I was pleasantly surprised about this stroller. Considering how little it costs, it really does do the job!" We like that it is lightweight and durable but won't break the bank.

  • Easy to fold
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Wheels could be improved
  • Swivelling and lockable front wheels
  • Multi-adjustable backrest
  • Large shopping basket
  • 5-point harness and front bar

What to consider when buying the best travel strollers

Hayley Hanigan, the Founder of baby equipment rental service,  Tiny Explorers , gives us her tips on what to look for when choosing a travel stroller.

Compact and Lightweight : Hayley says, "a travel stroller should be compact and easy to fold, making it convenient for travel. Look for strollers that can fit into airplane overhead compartments."

Portability : "Consider strollers with a carry handle or a travel bag for easy transportation. Some models even come with a shoulder strap for hands-free carrying."

Reclining Seat : "Look for a stroller with a reclining seat so your child can nap comfortably during travel. Some strollers have multiple recline positions."

Sun Canopy : "A large sun canopy is crucial to protect your child from harsh sunlight. Some canopies also have UV protection."

Cleaning : "Can you remove the materials easily to clean the sand and lolly stains?!"

Storage Basket : "Check if the stroller has a spacious storage basket for carrying essentials like diapers, snacks, and small bags."

Safety Features : "Ensure the stroller has a 5-point harness to secure your child. Also, look for a brake system to keep the stroller stationary when needed."

Compatibility with Car Seats : "If you plan to use the stroller with an infant, consider one that is compatible with your infant car seat. This allows you to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing their sleep."

Another factor you can consider to ensure travelling with little ones is easy and stress free is the folding mechanism. Folding and unfolding your pushchair should be easy and intuitive, even when you're holding your baby. One that's freestanding when folded will take up less space in your accommodation when it's not in use. Also consider the pocket because somewhere to stash your valuables is a handy feature in a holiday stroller, but make sure it is big enough to hold your purse, phone and keys. Finally don't forget the wheels. Some lightweight strollers have adjustable wheels that can handle different types of terrain. Lockable swivel wheels are ideal for manoeuvring between shiny shop floors or hotel lobbies and rougher ground. If you're heading for the beach, choose all-terrain wheels with good suspension.

{#h-how-we-chose-the-best-travel-strollers}

Maria Martin Mamas&Papas Airo

For the essential products, our annual  Mother&Baby Awards  shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. Thousands of our mum and dad testers have been putting these carriers and slings through their paces all year round and reporting back to help us coordinate this list of the best carriers out there.

Our shopping experts have also done their research to find the best travel strollers that have the best specifications with excellent reviews. So, which travel strollers came out on top?

Do you need a travel stroller?

Lightweight travel strollers are the perfect holiday pushchair if your existing buggy feels too cumbersome to travel with. But they're not just for holiday use – lots of parents replace their baby's first pushchair with a lightweight stroller once their baby starts walking, especially when a light, manoeuvrable pushchair is a practical choice. There are compromises to be made, though, and not all are suitable from birth.

How light do you need it to be?

A pushchair is considered lightweight if it is 7kg or less, but some weigh nearly half this! A very light pushchair will inevitably be less robust, so think about just how light you need it to be – will you be lifting it on and off trains with your baby strapped in, or carrying it with your baby in your arms when boarding a plane?

How compact do you need it to be?

When folded, most lightweight pushchairs are compact enough to fit into a standard car boot without taking up all the space. Others are designed to fold even more compactly. Check that it's freestanding when folded, too.

Emily Gilbert   is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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12 Lightweight Car Seats and Strollers 2024 (Light & Safe)

As parents, we already have enough to lug around, so we don’t need a heavy car seat and stroller added to the mix.

Newborns need to go pretty much everywhere we go. That’s why it’s essential for mom’s on the go to have a lightweight car seat and stroller combo.

Our Favorites

doona seat

Best Value System Doona+

car seat and stroller

Reclining Seat Peg Perego YPSI

car seat and stroller

Best Carrier Seat Maxi Cosi Tayla

Lightweight Car Seats and Strollers

1. doona+ car seat stroller travel system.

The Doona+ is perhaps the best lightweight car seat stroller combo. This unique design is an all-in-one car seat and stroller option suitable for babies 4-35 pounds.

This one-of-a-kind seat instantly transforms from a car seat to a stroller with the push of a button. 

The Doona+ comes equipped with an infant insert for birth through 3-months that provides additional head support. The adjustable handlebar functions as a stroller handle and anti-rebound bar all-in-one!

Because it is an all-in-one car seat and stroller combo, you’ll need to purchase a new stroller once your baby outgrows the car seat. But, it is probably the lightest travel system available at only 17 pounds.

What We Liked

  • It comes with an Infant Essentials bag
  • FAA approved
  • Comes fully assembled 
  • Vibrant color options 
  • 5-point adjustable harness

What Can Be Improved

  • It can’t be used as a stroller only
  • Rear-facing/Infant use only
  • It may not fit all airline seats – check in advance of booking.

Seat Base: LATCH base Seat Weight : 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) Stroller Weight: 17.2 (7.8 kg) Seat Dimensions : 17.4 x 26 x 22.4 in Stroller Dimensions: 32.8 x 39 in. Total Weight: 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) – It is an all-in-one piece, so there is no added weight

2. Peg Perego YPSI Lightweight Travel System

The Peg Perego YPSI Travel system includes the Primo Viaggio 4/35 Nido and the YPSI stroller.

The Dual Stage Cushion System comes standard, providing extra support for smaller babies in the neck and seating area. 

The seat has three recline positions that parents can use on a stroller combo, making naps on the go easier! In addition, the recline option allows for ergonomic positioning for optimal comfort.

The Peg Perego YPSI  lightweight car seat stroller combo is heavier than some, but the car seat is only 10 pounds, so it’s easy to transfer from car to stroller.

  • Comfort Recline position outside the car or on a stroller
  • No re-thread harness
  • FAA-certified for aircraft use
  • Color indicators to ensure the seat is installed correctly.
  • Expandable UPF 50+ hood
  • Limited color choices
  • The buckle is stiff and difficult to re-latch
  • The seat needs adaptors to work with some travel systems.

Seat Base: LATCH base Seat Weight : 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) Stroller Weight: 22.6 lbs (10.25 kg) Seat Dimensions : 28.5 x 17 x 26.5 inches Stroller Dimensions: 20 x 44.25 x 40.25 inches Total Weight: 32.6 lbs (14.8 kg)

3. Maxi Cosi Tayla Coral XP Travel System

The Maxi Cosi Coral XP seat is a lightweight car seat with stroller option for small babies. The car seat is suitable for babies 4-22 lbs, but the stroller can accommodate children up to three years or 50 pounds.

The seat has plush, premium cushioning to provide additional head and neck support and soft harness pads to prevent irritation. In addition, the anti-rotation bar provides extra head and neck stability while driving. 

One unique feature this seat offers is an ergonomic, cross-body shoulder strap for easier carrying.  The Maxi Cosi Coral seat is designed for smaller babies and ideal for premies, but larger, full-term babies may quickly outgrow the seat.

  • Nesting System – Inner carrier weighs only 5 lbs
  • 360 Full coverage sun shade
  • Anti-rotation stability leg
  • Fire-retardent, machine-washable fabric
  • Only holds babies up to 22 lbs
  • Compatible with travel systems but requires adapters
  • No recline option

Seat Base: LATCH base Seat Weight : 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) Inner Carry Shell 5 lbs (2.3 kg) Stroller Weight: 24.5 lbs (11.1 kg) Seat Dimensions : 31 x 17.5  x 18 inches Stroller Dimensions: 42.5  x 23  x 46 inches Total Weight: 36.8 lbs (16.7 kg)

4. Nuna Tavo Next Stroller + PIPA RX Car Seat Combo

car seat and stroller

The Nuna Tavo and Pipa RX lightweight stroller car seat combo is a stylish, feature-packed combo for busy moms. The stroller’s Free-flex suspension makes rides, even on tougher terrain, smooth and easy to maneuver. 

No adapters are needed when these two are used together, making assembly a cinch. 

This is the best lightweight travel system for parents who need their baby to nap on the go; the 360 canopy and dream drape provide protection and privacy while your little one sleeps.

The seat also has breathable jersey knit fabric to keep your baby comfortable and cool. Parents can use the RELX base or the European belt bath system when installing the seat.

  • Full-coverage canopy
  • Free-Flex suspension
  • Free of added flame retardants
  • Compatible with other travel systems but requires adapters.
  • Some parents say the stroller is bulky, even when folded.
  • Limited color options

Seat Base: True Lock RELX base Seat Weight : 7.6 lbs (3.4 kg) – Does not include the canopy or infant insert Stroller Weight: 23.2 (10.5 kg) Does not include the canopy or infant insert Seat Dimensions :22.5 x 17.5  x 23 inches Stroller Dimensions: 20.8 x 28.35 x 22.4 inches Total Weight: 30.8 lbs (14 kg)

5. Baby Jogger City Sights + City GO 2 Car Seat and Stroller

car seat and stroller

The Baby Jogger City Sights and City Go 2 Car Seat combo is an affordable option for parents looking for a lightweight infant travel system.

The City Go 2 car seat holds children up to 25 pounds, and the stroller will accommodate your toddler until 45 pounds. 

When the stroller is used with the car seat, glider board, or second seat (conversion kits sold separately), there are 16 possible configurations.

This lightweight travel system is an excellent option for parents of multiples or who have a toddler and a baby. 

The City Go 2 Car Seat has mixed reviews by parents, some love it, and others say their baby outgrew it too quickly.

  • One-hand adjustable headrest
  • 4 recline positions
  • EPP energy-absorbing foam
  • Quiet UV50+ canopy
  • Parents can use the stroller independently of the car seat
  • Parents say it runs small and doesn’t fit babies over 26 inches despite the label saying 32.”
  • Warning labels irritating to the baby’s skin (behind the head)
  • Infant inserts are rigid

Seat Base: RAPIDLOCK Seat Weight : 10.5 lbs (4.8 kg) Stroller Weight: 28 lbs (12.7 kg) Seat Dimensions :17 x 28  x 24.5 inches Stroller Dimensions: 25.75 (W) x 38.5 inches (H) Total Weight: 38.5 lbs (17.5 kg)

6. Chicco Corso Primo ClearTex Lightest Travel System

car seat and stroller

The Chico Corso and Clear Tex seat is the best lightweight stroller car seat combo for environmentally conscious parents.

It has a GREENGUARD Gold Certificate indicating it has been tested for low chemical emissions to provide healthier air quality. 

The stroller has a hand zip pocket on the back so mom can keep the essentials close and secure and a large basket underneath. This stroller car seat combo has the option to face your baby towards you or away. 

It’s one of the heavier travel systems available, but the stroller accommodates kids up to 50 lbs, extending the time you can use it.

  • FlexCore suspension in the stroller
  • The car seat includes an anti-rebound bar
  • Large sun shade, great for protecting baby during walks
  • The stroller has a one-hand quick-fold design
  • Comfy, soft fabric parents love
  • Limited color options – all options are very neutral grays and blacks 
  • One of the heavier travel systems
  • Straps can get in the way when loading the baby into the seat.

Seat Base: LATCH Seat Weight : 18.5 pounds (8.4 kg) Stroller Weight: 24.8 (11.2 kg) Seat Dimensions : ‎28 x 16.75 x 22.5 inches Stroller Dimensions: 34.5 x 24.8 x 42.8 inches Total Weight: 43.3 lbs (19.6 kg)

7. Peg Perego Booklet 50 Light Travel System

car seat and stroller

The Peg Perego Booklet 50 Light is the best lightweight stroller with a car seat option for parents with limited space. At only 19 inches wide, the Booklet 50 maneuvers through tight spaces, like city sidewalks and subway cars. 

In addition, the compact fold design makes storing or placing in the back of a taxi or trunk a cinch.

This Primo Viaggio 4-35 car seat has three recline positions while strolling to provide their baby with the utmost comfort! The recline option makes it easier for your baby to nap on the go by providing ergonomic positioning.

  • Three adjustable recline positions on the stroller
  • Compact fold design
  • Very expensive
  • It needs adaptors to work with some travel systems.

Base : Right-Tight system Seat Weight : 10 lbs (4.5 kg) Stroller weight: 20.6 lbs (9.3 kg) Seat Dimensions : 28.5 x 17 x 26.5 Stroller Dimensions: 19.25 x 40.75 x 40.25 Total Weight: 30.6 lbs (13.9 kg)

8. Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 + City GO2 Travel System

car seat and stroller

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 stroller is one of the best lightweight stroller systems for city parents.

It has all the great perks of a bigger stroller, like a storage basket (which holds up to 10 lbs) and full coverage canopy but with a slim, sleek design. 

One major perk of this lightweight stroller travel system is that the stroller accommodates kids up to 65 lbs, so you can use it long after your child outgrows their infant car seat. 

The City GO2 car seat has mixed reviews on its size; however, it is an incredibly safe car seat and has met or exceeded all safety standards in crash tests.

  • Adjustable calf support on the stroller
  • Large storage basket under the stroller
  • Small storage space on the stroller
  • Some parents say the stroller recline is too deep 

Seat Base: RAPIDLOCK Seat Weight : 10.5 lbs (4.8 kg) Stroller Weight: 20 lbs (9.1 kg) Seat Dimensions :17 x 28  x 24.5 inches Stroller Dimensions: 25.6 (W) x 23.1 (H) Total Weight: 30.5 lbs (13.9 kg)

9. Maxi Cosi Zelia2 Max 5-in-1 Modular Travel System

car seat and stroller

The Maxi-Cosi Zelia2 Max 5-in-1 Modular Travel system is a mid-priced stroller and car seat combo. The stroller alone weighs over 40 lbs, so it is not the lightest stroller travel system.

But parents love the large storage basket and easy maneuverability of the stroller.

Another perk is that the stroller fully reclines in both directions. It also has a quick, self-standing fold making storage simple. 

Parents seem to love the stroller but have some qualms about the car seat and the stroller and seat combo.

However, other parents say it is the perfect seat for their baby, so check online reviews before deciding for yourself.

  • XL storage basket
  • Self-standing fold
  • The stroller includes a parent cup holder
  • Accommodates kids up to 65 lbs
  • Fun, bright color options
  • It doesn’t have a 360 canopy
  • Parents say the seat gets stuck in the base when trying to remove it
  • Difficult to connect to the stroller

Seat Base: MAXI LOCK Seat Weight : 8.1 lbs (3.7 kg) Stroller Weight: 46 lbs (20.9 kg) Seat Dimensions :24.5 x 17.5 x 30.5 inches Stroller Dimensions: 18.5 x 23.5 x 23 inches Total Weight: 54.1 lbs (24.5 kg)

10. Chicco Activ3 Jogging Travel System

car seat and stroller

The Chicco Activ3 Jogging Travel System is one of the safest lightweight stroller car seat combos.

For example, the Chicco Keyfit has some of the best crash test ratings among car seats and uses energy-absorbing foam throughout the seat for the utmost protection.

This lightweight stroller with car seat combo is ideal for active parents. The wheels are foam filled for extra cushioning while jogging, and it has a hand break keeping the foot area unobstructed.

The biggest downside is that the seat lacks the European belt path option, so it’s not ideal for parents who use taxis frequently. However, you can use the American belt option if needed.

  • Fun and stylish patterns
  • Parent tray with 2 cup holders
  • FAA Approved
  • Full coverage canopy with peek-a-boo window
  • Large storage basket
  • No European belt path option
  • Small shade canopy
  • It uses a re-thread harness

Seat Base: LATCH Seat Weight : 9.6 pounds (4.35 kg) Stroller Weight: 32.5 lbs (14.7 kg) Seat Dimensions : 22.5 x 17 x 27 inches Stroller Dimensions: 47.5 x 25 x 42 inches Total Weight: 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg)

11. Chicco Viaro Car Seat and Stroller Combo

car seat and stroller

The Chicco Viaro and KeyFit 30 car seat is one of the lightest car seat stroller combos.

It weighs only 25 pounds and is a compact and lightweight combo with a sporty, stylish look.

The stroller’s front wheel suspension provides a smooth ride, and the 3-wheel design makes maneuvering easy.

  • Adjustable and removable canopy
  • Baby tray with cup holders on stroller

Seat Base: LATCH Seat Weight : 7lbs (3.2 kg) Stroller Weight: 18 lbs (8.1 kg) Seat Dimensions : 22.5 x 17 x 27 inches Stroller Dimensions: 38.0 x 25.5 x 41.25 inches Total Weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)

12. Graco Modes Nest Lightweight Travel System

car seat and stroller

The Graco Modes Nest is the best lightweight car seat and stroller option for parent’s on a budget. However, despite its affordable price tag, this lightweight travel system stroller is sleek, stylish, and has plenty of top-notch features.

The Graco Modes stroller has a 3-1 design for use with the car seat, an infant pramette, or a toddler stroller. It also offers three different height options when used as a toddler stroller.

It is also one of the best lightweight travel system strollers for parents who plan to use their stroller for shopping and errands. It has an XL, expandable storage basket.

  • Lightweight aluminum frame
  • Parent holder
  • Height adjustable handle
  • It cannot convert to a double stroller
  • It lacks a 360 canopy
  • Some parents say its a bit bulky for a single stroller

Seat Base: LATCH Seat Weight : 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) Stroller Weight: 26.8 lbs (12.2 kg) Seat Dimensions : 22.5 x 17 x 27 inches Stroller Dimensions: 38.0 x 25.5 x 41.25 inches Total Weight: 43.3 lbs (19.6 kg)

L. Elizabeth Forry

L. Elizabeth Forry

L. Elizabeth Forry is an Early Childhood Educator with fifteen years of classroom teaching experience. She earned a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from The University of North Dakota and has a Bachelor of Arts in English and one in Music from Lebanon Valley College. She has taught children in Japan, Washington D.C., Chicago, and suburban Maryland. She is trained as a reading therapist, has a TEFL certification, and has done extensive work with children regarding mental health, social-emotional development, and gender development. She has written curriculum for children and educators and has led training sessions for parents and educators on various topics on early childhood development. She is the mother of two boys and resides outside of Annapolis, Maryland.

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The Best Lightweight Strollers for Travel in 2024

These strollers are perfect for traveling with toddlers and newborns.

best lightweight strollers

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Parents of little ones quickly learn to not leave the house without a fully-packed diaper bag and a stocked stroller. But the load can get heavy quickly, and as your kid grows you might hit a breaking point when you need a lightweight stroller. These "umbrella strollers" can fold up small (like an umbrella) and stow away in your foyer or trunk. Lightweight strollers also make airplane travel easier, because they're easy to send through security and to gate-check.

In order to find the best lightweight strollers, we reviewed over 30 strollers over the course of the past two years. For this update, we also got hands-on with newer variants of previously tested models as well as newer-to-market options.

Our top picks:

MINU V2 Stroller

Best Overall Lightweight Stroller

Uppababy minu v2 stroller.

3Dlite Convenience Stroller

Best Value Lightweight Stroller

Summer infant 3dlite convenience stroller.

Butterfly

Best Lightweight Stroller for Travel

Bugaboo butterfly.

Our Lab experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test every type of baby product you can think of from baby toys to top-performing nursery gliders and high chairs . For most, we rated them for key factors including ease of fold, maneuverability (We run them around a track!), stability (We hang weights from the handles) and storage space (We place the same fully packed diaper bag in each basket to see how it fits.)

Why don't parents start with lightweight strollers? Some do. But consider: A lightweight stroller does not roll as smoothly as something with large wheels and a serious suspension system. If your baby is tiny, they will be less jostled and more cushioned when riding in one of the many great full-size strollers or car seat and stroller combos . As your baby gets bigger, they will be just fine in a smaller, lighter-weight stroller. And when you have a preschooler who wants to hop in and out of their stroller, you'll be grateful to have a lightweight one.

After our picks, stick around to learn more about how we test lightweight strollers in and out of the Lab and what to look for when shopping for one. If you are looking for even more options, check out our roundups of the best strollers for travel and the best portable car seats to improve short and long trips with the little ones.

If you're looking for a lightweight stroller you can use every day for several years, consider this top-of-the-line pick, a recent GH Parenting Awards winner. Despite having small wheels, the MINU V2 is great at handling rougher terrain. That's because it has the shock absorption and all-wheel suspension usually found in full-size strollers. This makes it a little over 15 pounds, but our testers still found it lightweight and easy to carry.

Other features we love for your child's comfort: The canopy zips out to provide lots of shade. The seat does not recline fully but it does lean far enough back for comfortable relaxation. Buy the adaptor and you can even snap the MESA car seat onto this. The footrest is adjustable, which is a nice touch.

Parents will appreciate that the storage basket can hold up to 20 pounds of whatever you need to put in there, though the basket is not particularly large. We found that we could fold the whole stroller with one hand and in one quick motion, so you should be able to do it while holding your baby in your other arm. Plus we're suckers for the real-leather trim at the handle and on the bumper bar, the bar that crosses your baby's lap and lets you hang toys to keep them occupied. While there is no cupholder included, there is a parent pocket you can use to hold your cell phone or your reusable shopping bags.

Some assembly is required, and we particularly got caught up trying to attach the canopy correctly, but we found the manufacturer's videos helpful. The good news is that once it's set up, you're good to go, and the no-rethread harness means this is simple to modify as your kid grows. If you want to check this at the airport, consider the travel bag accessory .

This $100 lightweight pick is also one of our best stroller picks. A carry strap on the back makes it easy to sling this over your shoulder if you have to carry it around , for instance, if your toddler insists on walking. If, on the other hand, your self-proclaimed "big kid" really needs a rest, the seat reclines for them.

The basket is fairly wide and open, but note that it can only hold 10 pounds. Likewise, the canopy has a pop-out sun visor but it is not as generous as many others. Those eight tiny wheels are great for maneuvering this through the supermarket — It did great on our obstacle course! — but they would not do well on a rocky trail. We see this as an excellent choice mainly for daily errands, runs to the playground and trips to preschool.

This does include a very small parent pocket (you could fit some dollar bills for the ice cream truck in there, but not much else) and a single cupholder. It's got more than 11,100 five-star reviews on Amazon, with most parents saying it's an easy, affordable choice.

With silky fabric and a fold that literally takes a second, there's a lot to appreciate about this new compact stroller, a winner of one of our GH Family Travel Awards. Kids can take comfort from the tall seat that reclines, the extendable footrest and the giant canopy that blocks the sun.

Both our GH Lab experts and our home testers liked how well this handles. This is another lightweight stroller that has suspension wheels similar to a more deluxe model. We noticed it could fly over New York City sidewalks smoothly. A big selling point is that it folds down quickly into a little rectangle to fit in the overhead compartment of a big airplane. (It might not fit in a small plane, but could be gate-checked.) One note: Buckling a child in requires connecting four pieces, and each makes an audible click — helpful because you know it's connected, but a little loud if your young tot is drowsy.

The Butterfly comes with a rain cover which is super useful. But like other strollers on this list, this one has other accessories sold separately including a cup holder and storage bag that fits on the handles. The Butterfly is so new that there's not yet a travel bag for it, but we suspect the brand will come out with one.

Joolz AER Stroller

AER Stroller

There's a reason this has a price close to a full-size stroller: It has quality construction backed by a lifetime warranty . It also comes with accessories such as a rain cover and travel bag that other brands ask you to buy separately.

The Dutch brand has a patent pending on the seat construction for its ergonomic, supportive design — it's like a little nest that's supposed to conform to a child's body. The seatback is also taller than many, making it able to accommodate a growing preschooler. Testers said that their kid was totally comfortable riding in this for an afternoon, though in the Lab, we found the recline feature a bit cumbersome to implement.

The seat doesn't lay completely flat but it does recline for relaxation. If, for this price, you want to use the AER from birth, you can buy a separate bassinet attachment , then replace the seat with the bassinet for the first six months. They also sell car seat adaptors to turn this into a travel system but note this only fits three brands of car seats: Nuna, Cybex and Clek.

Colugo The Compact Stroller

The Compact Stroller

Another GH Parenting Award winner, this pick comes in many fun colors and with a bunch of accessories . Our Lab really liked that the stroller could be folded down with just one hand. We found it easy to turn with the sturdy rubber (not plastic) wheels and liked that it came with a cupholder, raincover and carry backpack, plus a seat-pad layer that could be thrown in the washing machine.

The seat folds nearly flat for naps, but this is still suggested for babies 6 months and up, according to the manufacturer. We like the magnets in the buckle, though it took us a few tries to get used to the harness. Watch the brake while walking since they're placed right by your feet and are easy to accidentally step on.

Delta Children Jeep TurboGlyde Side by Side Double

Jeep TurboGlyde Side by Side Double

Double strollers are always going to be heavier than single strollers and to get one under 20 pounds, you have to either lose the canopies or the under-stroller storage.

We chose to lose the basket storage. The Jeep TurboGlyde has four storage pockets on the back of this double, though you don't want to add too much weight or, according to our tests, it will tip backward. Mostly what we loved when testing the TurboGlyde Double is the incredibly small fold and the sun protection , and the price is extremely nice for a travel or errand-running double stroller.

Testers say it is easy to push kids of different weights in this, for instance, a 1-year-old and their 3-year-old sibling. The seats don't recline much, so if you want a double stroller for long outings, look for a full-size double stroller .

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller

City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller

If you want a lightweight option that lasts you for years, we like that this deep, padded seat has a near-flat recline that's appropriate for infants and big kids alike . Buy the car-seat adaptor and this is a good lightweight choice for newborns who are able to ride in their car seat atop the stroller seat. They should be able to move out of the car seat and to the regular seat by 6 months.

As parents, we appreciated that this comes with its own carry bag for travel. We found the fold to be super easy; you squeeze a latch at the handle and it collapses down in a few easy seconds. It's not exactly a one-handed fold — our testing showed it to be much easier with two hands — but it is fast. The basket is a fairly standard size, not tiny but not huge, so we'd spring for the add-on parent console that gives you a place to rest your water bottle and hide your phone.

Note: Baby Jogger is a brand that, as the name suggests, started as a company that made strollers for jogging. Now, they make a ton of baby gear that has nothing to do with running for exercise; this stroller is great for running errands, but is not for actual jogs! See or guide to the best jogging strollers for those. We also have a lightweight pick for jogging at the end of this list.

gb Pockit Air Lightweight Stroller

Pockit Air Lightweight Stroller

If your number one priority is a stroller that's as featherweight as can be, this weighs just over 10 pounds and the fold is incredibly small . Here's the thing: To get there, it has just a sun visor rather than a full canopy, a small basket and the seat is a really simple sling of fabric. That said, our testers said it's perfect for traveling and for short errands with a toddler.

You almost have to see the folding action to believe it — the wheels turn in so the stroller forms just a thin square. It fits anywhere, including an airplane overhead, under an airplane seat in front of you and maybe even in your diaper bag!

If you like the idea of this small fold but would prefer a larger canopy and a little more of a seat, see the Pockit+ All City version — though it's a bit more expensive and a bit heavier.

Evenflo Pivot Xplore Stroller Wagon

Pivot Xplore Stroller Wagon

Our pick for the best overall wagon stroller also happens to be lightweight — for a stroller wagon. Obviously, nothing with wheels this big is going to be light as air, but the fact that it's a little under 35 pounds makes it a great choice if you'll be lifting your wagon in and out of the car or occasionally taking it up and down steps to the beach or a park.

This stroller wagon can be pushed or pulled. Separate sun-protective canopies let you position them differently for each kid. Each child has a snack tray with a cupholder and there's a generous storage bucket on the back. Stroller wagons are not the best for tired kids, as the seats don't recline, but they are good if you have a lot of stuff to haul and if the kids will be jumping in and out of the wagon.

Our testers say the assembly comes together quickly and the stroller is easy to fold. It works on most terrain (we would stop short of saying all terrain). One tester points out that this, like all strollers, is not totally weatherproof — if it rains, a stroller wagon can collect water in the bottom. But the mesh sides of this model help it dry out and allow for airflow on warm days.

Cybex Libelle

Libelle

When space is super tight, lightweight strollers don't get much more compact than the Cybex Libelle which, like the Pockit, folds into a rectangle shape. Folded, it measures just 12.6" by 18.9" by 7.9". You will need to use both hands to get it there, while your kid stands next to you or someone else holds your toddler, but in testing, we were able to fold it quickly.

It unfolds fast too — you just unlock it and give it a quick shake to snap it open. It boasts all the functionality you'd want in a lightweight stroller, including easy recline and a UPF 50+ canopy, and it also has a nicely adjusting footrest that can help make this more of a little bed for resting.

This stroller is compatible with the Cybex infant car seat , sold separately if you want to use it from birth.

Thule Spring Stroller

Spring Stroller

If you like the sporty look of a three-wheeler, we liked testing this stroller with lots of parent-friendly touches . There's a telescoping handle, so if you and your partner are different heights it can adjust.

There's a wrist strap, normally only found on jogging strollers, which gives you a feeling of extra security as you push this along. While it does not fold especially small, it stands up on its own when folded, which makes stashing it anywhere from beside you at a restaurant to inside your foyer a lot easier. And the fold is one of our favorites, you just pull up a lever that's under the seat.

It has a high weight limit, great if you have a Kindergarten kid who still needs a stroller on long outings. Both the canopy and the basket are wide, and the seat reclines nearly flat for naps. All of that adds to the weight, so this comes in a little over 20 pounds — not exactly lightweight, but light for a three-wheeler with all of its features.

Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller

Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller

Jogging strollers are going to have a bit more weight to them thanks to their big, bike-like tires that keep things smooth as you breeze down your path. The front wheel can lock so that the jogging stroller stays on course.

Because this is crafted with aluminum and a slim design, it comes in under 30 pounds , about the best you can hope for with a stroller meant for running. It doesn't skimp on its nice wide canopy, and it includes both an organizer with a cupholder and a basket underneath.

While the fold is never especially compact with any jogging stroller, including this one, it does fold very easily using just one hand. One note: These are real air-filled tires, so the stroller comes with a pump. Some online users say it's possible for the wheels to puncture and need a tire change.

Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller

YOYO2 Stroller

Because seat cushions are sold separately from the frame, you can use this excellent lightweight stroller for your newborn. First, you buy this stroller frame, then add the Newborn Pack that makes it safe from birth. It's truly a newborn-friendly lightweight option that does not require you to use your infant car seat with it.

The frame, shown, comes in either black or white and has a shoulder strap for carrying the folded stroller. There's also a bag to use for travel or storage. The separate newborn pack comes in your choice of six colors and includes a mattress, canopy, foot cover and head support. Once your baby is ready to sit up and use a regular seat you'll want to buy one of the $70 Color Packs which provide a seat cushion, canopy and zippered back pocket. It means you can change the color of your stroller and get a fresh new cushion when you transition from infancy to toddlerhood.

City families who tested this for us love how compact the system is. The small footprint of this stroller makes it a breeze to push down a crowded sidewalk, and the stroller takes up little room in a small home. We suggest leaving it set up at home because folding it is a little awkward. It's easy enough to do if you want to put it in the trunk of a car or into the overhead on an airplane, but in everyday life, we'd just leave this little stroller in its open position.

If you do fall in love with the YoYo, it has a unique way of turning into a double stroller by hitching one YoYo to another, or you can have your big kid ride behind with the board attachment . We like that it adapts and changes as your family grows, and it may be more economical than buying a full-size stroller now and a full-size double stroller later.

RELATED : 50 Must-Have Baby Registry Items

How to find the best lightweight stroller for you

a lightweight stroller is tested with a dummy baby at the good housekeeping institute

Take note that with the advantage of going light, you will find yourself trading off some sturdiness (the wheels will be smaller and lighter weight) and storage (an under-seat basket, if it exists, will be smaller than that on a full-size stroller). That's why it's important to recognize which features matter to you most.

We find sun protection to be a non-negotiable, which is why we're not featuring any of the super-cheap umbrella strollers that have no visor or canopy. When you're shopping for the best lightweight stroller for your family, we recommend you consider the following:

✔️ Physical footprint: Lightweight strollers typically take up a smaller amount of space, but some fold down to be more compact than others. A stroller with a larger storage basket and wide canopy might not fold as small.

✔️ Folding capabilities: Some strollers feature single-hand folding — this comes in handy when you're by yourself and need to carry your baby in one arm while you fold the stroller.

✔️ Canopy size: Some strollers feature an adjustable or extendable canopy and others claim to have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) to safeguard against the sun.

✔️ Adjustable seat: Check to see if the seat offers multiple reclining positions. The further back a seat folds, the better it might be for a baby under a year old. For any age, a reclined seat is great for tired kids heading home for a nap. But regardless, always make sure to check the age limit and weight limit before you purchase any stroller.

✔️ Wearable features : Some strollers come with a convenient carrying case or strap that you can sling over your shoulder if you want to carry it folded.

How we test lightweight strollers

black stroller with a child inside being pushed by a parent down a street in brooklyn

The Good Housekeeping Institute has reviewed more than 30 strollers over the past two years using a combination of in-Lab and at-home tests with both expert and consumer reviewers. We also asked manufacturers to provide American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) certification to verify that strollers pass ASTM's safety standards.

At our Institute, we perform tests to assess maneuverability, stability, ease of reclining the stroller, ease of getting babies in and out of the seat including buckling and unbuckling the five-point harness, ergonomics for the parents pushing the stroller, storage space (We try placing the same diaper bag in each basket to compare how it fits.) and more, giving each factor a score of 1 to 5.

We also take the strollers outside and push them over varied terrain including pavement, grass, dirt and cobblestone and we make obstacle courses to judge the navigation effort required.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

a woman tests a lightweight thule spring stroller outside of a restaurant, part of good housekeeping's tests for best lightweight strollers

For well over a century the Good Housekeeping Institute has tested consumer-product claims and made recommendations based on data-rich evaluations.

Our stroller testing and coverage was led by Rachel Rothman , who also oversaw GH's annual Toy Awards and Parenting Awards . Rothman is the mom of three young kids.

Our most recent update was written by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn who has covered the stroller market for a few decades, most recently for Parents magazine.

Headshot of Jessica Hartshorn

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents .

Headshot of Rachel Rothman

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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10 Best Lightweight Travel Strollers In 2024

By  Jennifer Ward

Value for Money

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller

Key Features

  • Ultra-lightweight travel stroller 
  • Front-swivel wheels   
  • Adjustable calf support    

Best Budget

Kolcraft  Cloud Plus Lightweight

  • Ultra-lightweight  
  • Reclinable seats     
  • One-hand and self-standing fold      

Writers Choice

 Gb Pockit Lightweight Stroller  best lightweight travel stroller

  • Ultra-compact folding
  • Standing Fold         
  • Lockable swivel wheels 

Nowadays, traveling with babies or running errands with toddlers has become easy because of amazing lightweight  travel strollers . I have a knack for exploring, and apart from that have to visit all the way to Florida, to my mothers’ once a year. I am also a mother of three; I often need to carry two of them on a stroller. Instead of a bulky and full-sized stroller, to me, a lightweight travel stroller is more convenient. 

Parents around my neighborhood often ask me which lightweight stroller to buy for traveling? Here I have included a list of outstanding strollers that are available in the market and relevant information to guide you through so that you can buy the best one that suits you.     

See Also: Best double travel Stroller

  • Travel strollers   
  • Things that bother      
  • Use a travel bag  

First, let’s check out different types of strollers for travel:   

Different Types of Stroller

Traditional strollers    .

The traditional strollers are bulky and take much space for storage. Some of the traditional strollers are compatible with car seats, bassinet, or baby cots. Reclining seats, swivels wheels, an ample storage space, child tray, etc., gives the baby maximum comfort. But the traditional strollers do not compactly fold and are heavy to travel with it.   

Umbrella strollers   

The umbrella strollers are light in weight and easy to fold into a small version. The strollers have comfortable padded seats, swivel wheels, a large canopy, single-tap fold, carry straps or handle, etc. The Umbrella stroller has most of the features that are suitable for travel.    

Travel strollers   

The travel strollers feel like the weight of feathers. These strollers have reclinable seats, a sturdy frame, a comfortable handlebar, a storage basket, and yet fold into a compact shape. For easy travel, the strollers have a carry handle or a carry strap so that you can keep your hands free.   

Different brands have included unique features for a lightweight stroller. Let’s look at some of the best lightweight travel strollers.  

1. Baby Jogger City Tour 2

Baby Jogger City  Tour 2-Ultra Compact Travel Stroller

You can tour the world with your infant with Baby Jogger’s Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller. This iron-made stroller comes with a large and spacious seat, adjustable leg rest, and a substantial canopy that is too large in this lightweight travel stroller category. 

  • Adjustable calf support     
  • A carry bag to easily carry the stroller     
  • Non-adjustable handlebar     

Why we love it      

  • Ultra-lightweight travel stroller:  Baby Jogger City Tour stroller is designed for traveling overseas with ease. The stroller compactly folds, and it is lightweight makes it easier to carry with hands.      
  • Front-swivel wheels:  For a smooth ride, the front swivel wheels are added to the stroller. Moreover, the front wheels have a latch to brake and stop the stroller for parking.     
  • Adjustable calf support:   The calf support of the stroller can be adjusted to support your baby’s little feet. The feet of infants will be able to reach the leg rest, which will keep their feet from hanging.   
  • A carry bag to easily carry the stroller:  After folding the stroller, you can carry it in a bag included in the box. The carry bag protects the frames from any scratches and makes it easier to carry with other baggage.    

Things that bother      

  • Non-adjustable handlebar :  The handlebar cannot be adjusted according to the height of the parents.    

2. Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a  Disney-approved lightweight stroller . A sleek and compact Cloud Plus stroller can accommodate a baby up to 50 lbs.  

  • Reclinable seats.     
  • One-hand and self-standing fold.      
  • Large storage basket       
  • Not fit for infant car seats.      
  • Ultra-lightweight:  The Cloud Plus stroller from Kolcraft weighs only 11.8 pounds. The stroller compactly folds and makes it convenient to carry the stroller for day-long trips.  
  • Reclinable seats:  The seat of the stroller is reclinable at multiple positions to offer the best comfort to the baby. The seats are reclinable to a near flat position on which the baby can relax or take a short nap.    
  • One-hand and self-standing fold:  For road trips or flights, an easily foldable stroller is convenient. You can fold the stroller with one hand, and the folded stroller will stay standstill without any support. The self-standing feature of the stroller can be stored in a small space easily.    
  • Large storage basket :  For long day trips or picnics, the stroller has a spacious storage basket to carry baby essentials, towels, toys, etc. You can carry your groceries in the storage basket along with other things.  Moreover, the storage basket is easily accessible from the front and back.  
  • Not fit for infant car seats: Unfortunately, car seats cannot be attached to this stroller.   

3. Gb Pockit Lightweight Stroller     

Gb Pockit Lightweight Stroller Blue     

The Pockit stroller from Gb has been named as the most compact stroller in 2014 Guinness World Records, yet it can accommodate a maximum weight limit is 55 lbs. The innovative two-step folding enables you to travel with this stroller on a plane or in the car.   

  • Ultra-compact folding mechanism.     
  • Standing Fold.         
  • Lockable swivel wheels.     
  • Breathable seat   
  • Small canopy      
  • Ultra-compact folding mechanism:  This stroller can be folded and reduced into the shape of a handbag. The folded stroller is easily storable in a car trunk at any place without any excess space. Moreover, it is a hand luggage compliant stroller, which is beneficial when you travel by plane.    
  • Standing fold : This lightweight stroller is foldable while standing. The pushing button is present on the handles, and pushing them folds the stroller. A manual lock keeps the folded stroller folded and lets it stand by itself.    
  • Lockable swivel wheels: The stroller has a parking brake on the rear wheels. The wheels rotate 360 degrees, making it easier to take turns in a narrow alley.    
  • Breathable seat:  The seat of the stroller is made of breathable mesh fabric. During summer days, the babies won’t get sweaty as air can easily pass through the seats.    
  • Small canopy:  The stroller has a sun visor which only provides shade to the head of the baby. The baby will stay exposed to the sun or rain with this canopy.    

4. Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller      

Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience-Stroller Black Silver Frame

The Summer Infant stroller is incredibly lightweight and comfortable for travel. Trendy and easy to maneuverable Infant 3D lite stroller is a convenient travel companion. It folds compact comes with carrying straps to carry it anywhere you like.   

  • Lightweight for everyday travel.      
  • Shockproof and lockable wheels.      
  • Reclinable seat with 5-point harness.     
  • Compact fold
  • Complex brake system     
  • Lightweight for everyday travel:  The stroller is lightweight and comfortable to move around every day for parents. Traveling, shopping all becomes easier with this stroller.    
  • Shockproof and lockable wheels:   The dual wheels of the stroller are easy to maneuver on all surfaces. The front wheels are shock resistant, and the rear wheels are lockable for parking. Just a simple press activates the brake of the wheels.    
  • Reclinable seat with 5-point harness:   The seat of the stroller has internal padding that supports the baby’s back and is reclinable at 4 positions. The 5-point harness will keep the baby safe at any reclinable position.   
  • Compact fold : The stroller is easy to fold and allows it to store in a small place. Auto folding lock activates as you fold the stroller. It is also easily portable with a carry strap given on the stroller.    
  • Complex brake system:   Although the brakes are easy to use, you need to turn on the brakes individually on both the rear wheels.    

5. Summer Infant 3Dmini Convenience Stroller     

Summer Infant 3Dmini Convenience Stroller

Consider going for an outdoor picnic on this Summer Infant 3Dmini Convenience Stroller. It is lightweight and has a durable frame for travel-time. It folds compact and comes with a canopy with a flip-out sun visor to protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays .

  • Travel-friendly.     
  • Auto-lock and anti-shock front wheels     
  • Canopy with pop-out sun visor.    
  • Multiple positions reclinable seats   
  • No adjustable leg rests. 
  • Travel-friendly:   The stroller is light in weight and can be compactly folded to travel. You won’t feel the burden of this stroller when you are traveling, and padded seats ensure the infant’s comfort.     
  • Auto-lock and anti-shock front wheels:   The stroller has double wheels on both the rear and front. These wheels aid in moving through the rough surfaces and curves quickly. The front wheels’ anti-shock function offers you total control over rough terrain like an all-terrain Stroller . The auto-lock will provide safety if you forget to lock the wheels manually. While traveling, hands usually don’t stay free. In those times, the auto-lock feature may come handy.      
  • Canopy with pop-out sun visor:  The canopy is extendable and gives ample coverage. You can open the whole canopy on hot summer days or snow days. 
  • Multiple positions reclinable seats:   For the comfort of the baby while traveling, the stroller is designed with reclinable seats. Recline the seats as needed to provide a cozy feeling to your baby.    
  • No adjustable leg rests:  The leg rest is not adjustable. It does not offer extra comfort for your baby’s feet.  

6. Dream on Me Lightweight Stroller      

Dream On Me Coast Stroller Rider

Dream on Me is a compact, lightweight stroller that can be folded like a book and dismantled to make it a scooter or a rider. Furthermore, it has a button to adjust the height of the stroller. A versatile stroller for convenient travel.   

  • Convertible to a rider, scooter, and stroller.     
  • A guard rail support     
  • One-hand Fold.   
  • Soft ride wheels     
  • No canopy for sun protection.     
  • Convertible to a rider, scooter, and stroller:  The stroller offers 3 ways of usability. Dismantling the parts is easy and allows your child to use it as a rider, scooter, and stroller when needed. The stroller has a connector which makes it possible to use the stroller in various ways.      
  • A guard rail support:  The kids move a lot when they are above 6 months without knowing the danger. To protect from losing balance, sturdy rail support is designed at the front of the stroller. The guard rail is padded to prevent hurting tiny hands and feet.    
  • One-hand fold:  The stroller has handled with a folding button to fold the stroller in seconds. When folded, the stroller folds like a book and eases the stroller’s carrying on stairs or in any narrow area.    
  • Soft ride wheels:   The stroller has single swivel wheels on both the rear and front for effortless moving. The soft ride wheels require less effort for pushing the stroller.    
  • No canopy for sun protection:  The stroller does not come with a full-fledged sunshade or a canopy to protect your baby from the sun. Your baby may be exposed to the sun.   

7. Chicco Liteway Stroller          

Chicco Liteway Stroller

Chicco’s Liteway is a travel-friendly lightweight stroller. It folds compact and comes with an extendable canopy, adjustable leg rest, and a padded reclinable seat for the comfort of the baby.   

  • Reclinable seats   
  • One tap brake     
  • Canopy with a peek-a-boo window  
  • Compact fold   
  • Not suitable for infant car seats.      

Why we love it        

  • Reclinable seats:   The seat of the stroller is reclinable at 4 positions. The seats are padded and have enough space to give a comfortable space to the babies.    
  • One tap brake:  The stroller has brakes on the rear wheels for parking. Both the rear wheels have brakes and are activated with a single tap with a toe. 
  • Canopy with a peek-a-boo window:    A canopy helps shade infants’ eyes from the harsh sun. This stroller has a canopy with a peek-a-boo window to give you a view of your baby while you are pushing the stroller.    
  • Compact fold :  The lightweight stroller folds compactly and auto-locks to fit it inside a car boot. You can carry it with the handle for convenience or push it with the handle.  
  • Not suitable for infant car seats : The frames of the stroller are not designed to install car seats.    

8. UPPABaby Minu V2

UPPABaby Minu V2

UPPABaby Minu V2 is the 2022 edition and second generation of the sturdy UPPAbaby Minu, an ultra-compact stroller that can be used right from birth. The stroller is both bassinet and car seat compatible making it a 3-in-1 system. It’s a very lightweight stroller, weighing only 16.9 lbs.  

  • Compact and lightweight 
  • One-step fold  
  • All-wheel suspension 
  • UPF 50+ canopy protection 
  • Roomy basket 
  • No Sun Visor  
  • Compact and lightweight: The Minu V2 stroller folds so compactly, allowing you to carry it on the shoulder when it’s not in use. It’s a very lightweight stroller weighing just 16.9 lbs.  
  • One-step fold:  The minu v2 stroller is known for its easy folding mechanism. Not only does the stroller fold compactly, but it can also be folded with one step using one hand. The stroller can be folded even with the bassinet attached to it. 
  • All-wheel suspension:  The front and rear wheel of the Minu V2 comes with advanced wheel suspension. This creates a smooth and comfortable strolling experience for you and your baby.  
  • UPF 50+ canopy protection:   To protect the baby from the sun’s harmful rays, the Minu V2 stroller has an extendable canopy with a peekaboo window. For extra protection, the canopy comes with UPF 50+ sun protection.  
  • Roomy basket: The stroller comes with a big roomy basket that can carry up to 20 lbs. The basket easily accommodates all necessities of the baby and even your day-to-day grocery shopping.  
  • No sun visor: even though the stroller comes with a large and oversized canopy, it doesn’t come with a sun visor which would be an excellent addition to the stroller.   

9. BABY JOY Lightweight Stroller       

BABY JOY Lightweight Stroller

BABY JOY Lightweight Stroller is a lightweight and easy-to-fold stroller that is convenient for traveling. The seats have the capacity of 50 lbs. easily. The canopy is made of 300D Oxford to give protection against sunlight and rain. A perfect lightweight stroller for traveling with your loved little one!  

  • Swiveling front wheels     
  • Large storage space      
  • 5-Point harness    
  • Adjustable canopy    
  • Not suitable for infant car seats
  • Swiveling front wheels:   The dual front wheels of the stroller are swivel wheels. For riding the stroller in the straight line, the wheels can be locked by engaging the locks.  
  • Large storage space: The storage basket is huge to carry the baby’s belonging, toys, and some of the groceries at the same time. The basket is easily accessible from the back.  
  • 5-Point harness:  The baby will stay safe on the fully padded seats because of the safety harness. The 5-point safety harness keeps the baby secure when asleep or awake.    
  • Adjustable canopy:   The canopy of the stroller is large and expandable to give the proper shade to the baby. It opens in two folds and protects the baby from direct exposure to the sun.   
  • Not suitable for infant car seats:   No car seat will be attachable to this stroller.    

10. Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller        

Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller

Super lightweight, only weighs 13 lbs., super-compact folded, this Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller is very convenient to carry and push around. Moreover, it supports car seats, a rare feature in the lightweight stroller category!     

  • Ultra-compact fold  
  • Car seat compatible    
  • Large canopy   
  • Large storage basket    
  • Front swivel wheel  
  • Fixed leg rest.  
  • Ultra-compact fold: The stroller folds into a nano version and makes it easier to carry for traveling. It has a two-step folding process. The first fold is done at the joint of the canopy, and then the seat is folded. The folding requires both hands but is done in very little time.     
  • Car seat compatible : This stroller chassis is compatible with car seat without any seat adapters. You can travel with your newborn on this stroller on a car seat or a carrycot.  
  • Large canopy:   The canopy opens in three portions to protect from the intense UV rays. The canopy compliments the reclined position of the seats so that the baby does not get sunburned.    
  • Large storage basket:  A big storage basket is placed at the bottom of the seat of the stroller. On the vast space of the basket, you can keep baby’s food bags, diaper bags, and some toys. 
  • Front swivel wheel:  The front wheels are swivel wheels allowing a 360-degree rotation when passing through a curb. The wheels smoothly rotate to pass the curbs without giving a bumpy feel.    
  • Fixed leg rest:  The leg rest stays fixed; it’s not adjustable to offer comfort for the baby.  

When do You Need a Lightweight Travel Stroller?   

You need a lightweight stroller for outdoor picnics, long day trips, or for traveling from one place to another for a short time. A lightweight stroller is a balance of a traditional full-sized stroller and umbrella stroller. Babies comfortable on the padded and reclinable seat will receive sun protection from the canopy and a smooth ride from no-flat wheels. Usually, the lightweight travel stroller folds compactly to fit in the car boot or on the plane’s overhead compartment.   

What to Look For In a Lightweight Travel Stroller?   

A compact, lightweight stroller is an advantage for parents. It makes their everyday chores easier as babies can stay with them without any discomfort. So before buying a travel stroller, You have to know what to look for in a stroller and make sure the stroller has the following features:    

  • Light in weight   
  • Compact and easy fold   
  • Comfortable and adjustable seats  
  • Easily lockable wheels  
  • Spacious storage basket   

How To Fly With a Stroller?   

If you fly a lot, you need to find an air-travel-friendly stroller. Take note that different airlines have different rules and regulations for carrying baggage, including a stroller. Below find some of the things to consider while flying with a stroller.   

Check-in the stroller as baggage  

Parents prefer to fold the stroller for light travel and use a baby carrier to carry their baby to the airport. If you are carrying a large stroller, you have to check that with your baggage. In that case, you can carry the diaper bag in backpack style so that you can keep both hands free for other work.  

Gate-check the stroller  

You should gate-check the stroller at the gate if you intend to use it until you board the plane. The gate agent will tag the stroller for security purposes. As you prepare to onboard, you can give the stroller to staff to store them with your baggage.    

If you have a connecting flight, waiting for the delivery of the stroller can waste a lot of precious time.   

Onboard with stroller   

Some strollers compactly fold into a small version that you can accommodate inside an overhead storage area. If your stroller meets the regulation of traveling airlines, then you can carry the stroller with you. As you are on board, fold the stroller and store them for ease of movement.  

Use a travel bag  

If you check your stroller with your luggage, there’s a good chance it’ll get damaged. Cover the stroller with a plastic bag or use a stroller cover bag to keep it safe while being transported. 

Final Thoughts 

I prefer to travel with lightweight travel strollers for the convenience it brings. The best travel strollers are lightweight, easily collapsible for a compact fold, sturdily built, and comfortable for your baby. Most of all, these strollers are easy-to-use, smoothly maneuverable, and super convenient, which made me use a lightweight travel stroller for running errands. Hope you find the one from the list that suits your need.

FAQ   

Should i opt for a single-wheel or double-wheel travel stroller.

A single-wheel stroller is comfortable to ride on cityscapes. If you want to ride rough terrains, a double-wheel stroller makes it easier to maneuver.  

How can I help protect my stroller when flying? 

Using a stroller bag will provide protection to the stroller and save it from scratches when flying or traveling.  

Can you use a lightweight travel stroller for everyday use?

A lightweight stroller is mostly used for traveling as it has some limited features. You can use a lightweight travel stroller for everyday use if it satisfies your all requirements.

Is a stroller considered a carry-on? 

Strollers are considered as assisting vehicles. So, they don’t fall under carry-on luggage allowance and are allowed to fly for free.

Amazon Disclaimer: I research, test, review, and recommend the best products. My content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. If you buy something through links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Stroller Insider is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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stroller travel system lightweight

Check Out These Travel Stroller Systems That Let You Save Big by Buying Both

I f you're a savvy expectant parent or you know someone who will be soon, you're probably hunting around for a stroller- car seat combo, also known as a travel system. There are plenty of safe, well-made options out there to choose from, and it’ll save you some serious time (and money) in the long run. Not only will you save hours researching and shopping for an individual car seat and stroller, but when your precious baby is here, it’ll be a breeze to move the newest member of the family from the car to the stroller. Plus, one of the absolute best things about it is that you never have to truly disturb a sleeping baby.

Because, let's face it — you're going to need an infant car seat (they won't let you leave the hospital without one), and you're going to need a stroller . Getting a travel system ensures that your car seat and your stroller work together seamlessly, which makes the whole process easier from start to finish.

Keep scrolling for quick info on the best travel systems, followed by things to consider as you're buying, a breakdown of our selection criteria, and our full reviews.

The Best Travel Systems

  • Best Overall: Baby Jogger City Select 2 Single-to-Double Modular
  • Best Budget: Graco FastAction SE
  • For Parents Who Expect Luxury: Uppababy Vista V2 Stroller + Mesa Infant Car Seat
  • Best Jogging System: BOB Gear Revolution 3.0
  • Best Lightweight: Chicco Mini Bravo Plus
  • Best Style-Meets-Substance: Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe 5-in-1 Modular Travel System, New Hope Black

What to Consider

Travel systems look trickier than they actually are. I’ve spent countless hours testing the stroller/car seat combos, and I can tell you they’re all pretty darn easy to figure out. It’s mostly about what you need as a parent and what you expect as a consumer.

I understand that the first thing you’re going to notice is the price tag (it’s hard not to!). And holy cow, these can be a big investment. But there are good travel systems at a variety of price points, from just a couple hundred dollars to upwards of $1,500. There will be significant differences in durability, and the materials in the lower-end models won’t be as luxurious or, honestly, aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean that less expensive models aren’t great, because every travel system on this list is the best of its type.

Other things you want to think about when buying a travel system are how you're using it, how much it weighs, the height and weight limits of the stroller and the car seat, and how the whole thing cleans up (kids can be messy — we get it).

How You’re Using It

If this is a system that’s going to be taken up and down stairs a lot, if you need it to store in a small space, or even if you just happen to have a bad back, you’ll want to look for a travel system on the lighter side.

Now, there’s no such thing as a “light” travel system. Car seats typically weigh over 10 pounds, the stroller itself can be 20+ pounds, and then you add a baby? It’s a lot — but there are more compact models on this list if you’re aiming to keep things light.

I've also included a jogging stroller on this list. As a runner, I know how hard it can be to hit the pavement as a new parent, and the right travel system can help in this area. While you won't be doing any running with your newborn, getting a jogging stroller travel system means that you don't have to buy another stroller when the time comes. Plus, with the adjustable lock-or-swivel front wheel, there's no reason this can't be your everyday stroller.

Lastly, if you’re planning on growing your family soon or you’re having twins, you should consider investing in a single-to-double stroller, which is also included in the list below.

Stroller Weight and Height Limits

How much does the stroller weigh? The car seat? What are the length and weight limits of both the seat and the stroller? You'll want to consider all of these factors because they can vary pretty widely.

How Do You Clean It?

Why must babies get poop on absolutely everything? It's one of life's great mysteries, but it's just as sure as death and taxes. Knowing how you're going to have to get the stroller and car seat clean is crucial. If you don't mind hand-washing, then you're less limited, but many of us are looking for the magic, golden words: machine-washable.

How We Chose

Every single stroller/car seat combo on this list has been tested by myself for a minimum of four hours of pushing with and without the car seat. I spoke with representatives from every company on this list to make sure that they are the safest, best-designed travel systems on the market. They've survived rigorous use and have been evaluated for durability, comfort of the ride, steerability, ease of cleaning and folding, and general overall quality. Each system on this list is a system that I would use personally, or recommend to family and friends.

Not sure if you're going to have a second baby, or when? The Baby Jogger City Select 2 gives you options. Much like the UppaBaby Vista 2 (below), it's a single-to-double, but it's about 20% smaller when it's folded, which parents love, and it's $700 cheaper, which is also pretty important. Honestly, though? With the exception of some of the finishing, they are extremely similar strollers. The ride is smooth as silk, taking curves, ruts, bumps, and uneven surfaces like the boardwalk and cobblestone streets without becoming unwieldy.

The folding bit is downright impressive. While it's not a one-handed fold, it is an easy fold. It's also the most compact fold for a single-to-double that I've seen or tested. It doesn't scrimp on the size of the seat, which is comparable to the UppaBaby, nor the size of storage, which beats the competition.

And let's take a minute to discuss the car seat. It's spectacular. It has an anti-rebound bar that redistributes the impact of collisions. The RapidLock belt-tensioning base is easy to operate and stash, and the side-impact protection on the seat is tested to the highest standards. Installation isn't hard to accomplish, and once it's in? It feels secure and steady.

The Graco SnugRide car seat is hands-down the most well-known infant car seat in the United States. It's the car seat I used for my oldest, I am constantly putting it on car seat lists , and it's the car seat millions of parents choose every year. It's reliable, durable, affordable, and easy to install. It has an easy leveler, multiple positions of recline, and one of the easiest harnesses on the market. It's also the car seat included in this travel system.

The stroller is a kids' dream, too. It has an oversized canopy, a fold-flat seat, a gigantic snack and drink tray, and a huge cargo compartment. Graco definitely has parents in mind with its own tray and cup holder (we could all use snacks), quick fold, one-handed close, durable wheels that make maneuverability easy, and machine-washable fabrics, all for under $250.

Yes, this travel system is expensive — but you're getting the top-of-the-line car seat, stroller, and bassinet. It's a single-to-double stroller, with multiple configurations ranging from one car seat on the stroller to two car seats, to a bassinet and a jump seat, and more.

Almost all of it is machine-washable, it's durable enough to last through multiple children, and it performs smoothly. The wheels glide over any surface you throw at it — including sand, with the dual suspension making the whole thing such a smooth ride that babies snooze right over bumps in the terrain. The seat itself reclines almost fully flat if needed, so when your tot is a toddler, they can get in a good snooze.

One thing you might not have thought about is car seat installation — and, trust me, this one is one of the easiest out there. I have latched and unlatched the base, and taken the car seat on and off multiple times, and I never even so much as chipped my pricey manicure (which we all know is a big feat for a mama!).

I personally love this stroller and this car seat. My nephews have been using it for over a year, and my sister-in-law and brother rave about its durability, ease, steering, style, and general quality. My sister-in-law never had a problem maneuvering it, and let me tell you, my youngest nephew is a delightfully beefy fellow. However, again, this is a spend, and in this economy? It's asking a lot.

This made-in-the-USA travel system is a high-quality option for new parents who want to keep their baby safe while jogging or taking a nice stroll. Britax is known for its car seats that surpass general safety standards, and the baby gear brand offers a stroller that'll fit one of its most popular car seat models (B Safe 35) perfectly.

Britax car seats incorporate safe cell impact protection, which is a hex-shaped technology designed to absorb extra energy and protect your baby beyond federal standards in the case of a serious crash. It also features a deep foam-lined shell. We love that Britax paired it with the BOB Revolution Flex because it offers storage, a protective canopy to face the elements, a fast one-hand fold, and a lightweight frame. All in all, it has an easy ride with multiple reclining positions.

The advanced suspension system and air-filled tires, along with the adjustable handlebar make this the obvious choice for parents looking for an active lifestyle with their tot. The whole stroller glides easily but with enough heft that you don't feel like it will get away from you. Personally, I love the feel of this jogger as I push it — it’s stable while remaining light and nimble. It takes the ruts and divots of roads and the boardwalk with ease. I do wish that the brakes were a bit more intuitive, but they're not difficult, just a bit ungainly.

The lightweight stroller included in this travel system features a one-hand fold and auto-positioning wheels for ease of use. Setting the system up is easy, and safe car seat installation is straightforward and simple. The car seat isn’t bulky, so it’s easy to carry and transfer from the car to the stroller. Plus, it clicks right into the stroller within seconds. The stroller features sturdy, agile wheels so that even on rougher terrain, your baby should experience a smooth ride.

It's light and easy to use — and while Chicco may be a more affordable system, they don't skimp on materials, and that's obvious when you consider that the KeyFit car seat is often the top-selling car seat of any brand. It's also one of my favorite infant car seats, period. It's easy to install, lightweight, wipes clean quickly, and buying extra bases is affordable and simple.

Maxi-Cosi's wonderful Zelia stroller and Mico XP car seat were designed with a real eye toward aesthetics. This stroller comes in several beautiful colorways with leather accents, brushed black aluminum hardware, and clean lines.

The mechanics of the travel system is on par with the looks. The car seat is a wonder with air protect side impact protection, wool-free fire retardant, chemical-free fabrics, an easy-to-thread harness, and leveling indicators that make installation simple. It's also one of the easiest strollers to learn how to fold, which is saying a lot — I'm not kidding. Generally, it takes me anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to learn a new fold, and I'm an expert. I read the Maxi Cosi manual once, and I got it.

The stroller has rugged wheels that will never puncture but still glide over the pavement. The multiple recline seat with a deep canopy makes for the perfect place for your kid to relax in the afternoon. The seat itself can face the parent or the outside world depending on your baby's preference as well. All of the fabrics are machine-washable, and parents love that even after tons of washes, the fabrics' colors don't fade.

I do wish that the harnesses were easier to thread and that it had more accessories, but other than that, it's a great system. It's one of the most popular car seats for a reason, and the stroller is just as wonderful.

You can bring baby anywhere with ease with the right travel system. No matter what your needs are, there's a perfect stroller and car seat combo that will make life way easier for you.

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Venture 3-Wheel Stroller Travel System

Venture 3-Wheel Stroller Travel System

Venture 3-Wheel Stroller Travel System

Available Accessories

Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 PLUS Infant Car Seat Base

Product Details

Download Product Instruction Manual - Stroller

Download Product Instruction Manual - Infant Car Seat

Infant Car Seat Base: Compatible Infant Seat

  • Parent tray with 2 cupholders and a center console
  • Child Tray with 2 cup holders and a center console
  • Large Basket with front and rear access for all essentials
  • In-seat center fold, collapses with one hand
  • Slim and compact when folded for easy storage
  • Includes EZ-LIFT™ Infant Car Seat with Base
  • Handlebar of the EZ-LIFT™ can be used as an anti-rebound bar
  • Car seat includes EZ-LIFT™ side grip that is ergonomically-friendly and helps with weight distribution while carrying the car seat
  • Car seat is lightweight, weighs less than 8 pounds
  • Car seat is certified for air travel and meets and exceeds federal safety standards
  • Car seat compatible with EZ-Lift base only.

Description

Enjoy smooth rides and easy storage with Baby Trend Venture 3-Wheel Stroller Travel System. The parent tray features a center console with two cup holders, securing your phone and keeping essentials within easy reach. The child tray holds two cups and snacks for your little ones. A spacious storage basket, accessible from both the front and back, adds flexibility for placing your items. Equipped with in-seat center folding, this stroller collapses into a slim, compact unit using just one hand. 

Additionally, the lightweight, EZ-Lift Infant Car Seat includes an innovative Side Grip for ergonomic carrying and a carry that doubles as an anti-rebound bar for added safety in extreme situations. Certified for air travel, this system exceeds federal safety standards. Designed for convenience and maneuverability, our Venture 3-Wheel Stroller Travel System covers all your needs.

Recommended Use

  • Stroller: The upright position should be used only for a child that is at least 6 months old. The child occupant must not exceed 50 lb or over 42" tall when used with the maximum weight on the child tray, parent tray and basket. Do not exceed 60 lb including the weight used in the accessories.
  • Car Seat: 4 ~ 30 lb and up to 29.5"

Certified for Aircraft Travel

Refund Policy

THE FOLLOWING IS FOR ONLINE PURCHASES FROM BABYTREND.COM ONLY

Clearance Items

All Clearance items can only be returned within 7 days of purchase. All clearance items are sold through our Closeouts category section. Only items within the Closeouts category are consider as Clearance items. For order inquiries please email us at [email protected] . Please provide your name, order number and the date you placed the order. Baby Trend does not accept returns of items purchased through any third-party, including its retail partners. Baby Trend does not accept returns of any items that have been used for any period. You MUST request and receive a Returns Authorization number (RA#). Returns without a RA# will NOT be accepted. All returned items must be returned new and unused in the original packaging & return shipping costs are the responsibility of the purchaser. Please use a package delivery service able to track and/or insure your return items. A 25% restocking fee will apply and will be deducted from the refund amount. A refund of the merchandise value, tax less the restocking fee will be refunded upon receipt and confirmation. Original shipping charges, if any, will not be refunded. By placing an order on babytrend.com , you are accepting the terms of this return policy.

Regular Priced Items

Returns for regularly priced items are accepted within 30 days of purchase from the babytrend.com website. Baby Trend does not accept returns of items purchased through any third-party, including its retail partners. Baby Trend does not accept returns of any items that have been used for any period. You MUST request and receive a Returns Authorization number (RA#). Returns without a RA# will NOT be accepted. All returned items must be returned new and unused in the original packaging & return shipping costs are the responsibility of the purchaser. Please use a package delivery service able to track and/or insure your return items. A 25% restocking fee will apply and will be deducted from the refund amount. A refund of the merchandise value, tax less the restocking fee will be refunded upon receipt and confirmation. Original shipping charges, if any, will not be refunded. By placing an order on babytrend.com, you are accepting the terms of this return policy.

Returns for exchange are accepted within 30 days of purchase from the babytrend.com website for item with equal or lesser value ONLY. Return without RA# will NOT be accepted. You MUST request and receive a Returns Authorization number (RA#). Returns without a RA# will NOT be accepted. All returned items must be returned new and unused in the original packaging & return shipping costs are the responsibility of the purchaser. Please use a package delivery service able to track and/or insure your return items. Baby Trend does not accept returns of any items that have been used for any period. A replacement item will NOT be shipped before the original item has been received and confirmed. By placing an order on babytrend.com, you are accepting the terms of this return policy.

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12 Best Lightweight Stroller Travel System - (2024 Updated)

Here are the best lightweight stroller travel systems which put safety first, are easy to assemble and use, and lay flat for compact storage.

Parents are always looking for the best lightweight travel system that can take them anywhere they need to go without having to lug around a lot of extra weight.

With so many options available, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you and your family. In this article, we will offer our top three picks for the best lightweight stroller travel systems for 2024.

Comparison Table

Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System with OnBoard 35 LT Infant Car Seat, Monument

Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System with OnBoard 35 LT

TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com.  TLR Rank  has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites.  Learn more

  • Brand Safety 1st

Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Travel System | Includes the FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller and SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat, Gotham

Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Travel System | Includes the FastAction

  • Brand Graco

Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System - Veranda | Grey

Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System - Veranda | Grey

  • Brand Chicco

Graco Modes Nest Travel System, Includes Baby Stroller with Height Adjustable Reversible Seat, Pram Mode, Lightweight Aluminum Frame and SnugRide 35 Lite Elite Infant Car Seat, Sullivan

Graco Modes Nest Travel System, Includes Baby Stroller with Height

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System with SafeMax Infant Car Seat

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System with SafeMax Infant Car

  • Brand Evenflo

Maxi-Cosi Zelia² 5-in-1 Modular Travel System, Midnight Black

Maxi-Cosi Zelia² 5-in-1 Modular Travel System, Midnight Black

  • Brand Maxi-Cosi

Chicco Bravo 3-in-1 Trio Travel System, Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller with KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and base, Car Seat and Stroller Combo | Camden/Black

Chicco Bravo 3-in-1 Trio Travel System, Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller with

  • SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS – A removable seat and canopy transform the stroller to a lightweight infant car seat carrier and offers secure, click-in attachment via the child tray – no adapter needed.
  • COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE – The Bravo Stroller features a one-hand, multi-position reclining seat, child tray with cup holders and large storage basket. A UPF 50+ canopy with peek-a-boo mesh window provides privacy and protection from the elements.    more

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System, Millennium Orange

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System, Millennium Orange

  • Brand Baby Trend
  • Jogging stroller is great for walking or jogging
  • Multi-position reclining seat    more

Graco FastAction SE Travel System | Includes Quick Folding Stroller and SnugRide 35 Lite Infant Car Seat, Redmond

Graco FastAction SE Travel System | Includes Quick Folding Stroller

GRACO FastAction SE Travel System Includes Quick Folding Stroller and SnugRide 35 Lite Infant Car Seat, Derby

GRACO FastAction SE Travel System Includes Quick Folding Stroller and

Graco Modes Element Travel System, Includes Baby Stroller with Reversible Seat, Extra Storage, Child Tray and SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat, Redmond

Graco Modes Element Travel System, Includes Baby Stroller with Reversible

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System With SafeMax Car Seat, 2 Piece Set (Pack of 1

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System With SafeMax Car Seat, 2

Last update on 2023-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What is most important things when buying

With so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are the best. But with a little research, you can find the perfect product for your needs.

Seating Capacity

Though some parents may feel cramped or jolted when carrying a larger stroller around, most lightweight strollers can comfortably seat one or two children. When choosing the right lightweight jogger for your family, it's important to consider the seating capacity. With select models available as singles and doubles, there is a perfect option for almost every family size.

Single-rider models are generally optimal for smaller families who only need one stroller. These compact strollers fold up easily and fit in tight spaces, making them ideal for morning errands or short walks around the block.

Double-strollers offer more comfort and space than single-rider models, but may be harder to transport if you have a lot of things with you. If you're Planning on Keeping a Child entertained Both On and Off of Your Stroll choose a double-stroller.

These models come equipped with an additional tray that can accommodate both a child as well as their toys. Some even feature built-in cameras to keep your kiddo entertained while you shop or run an errand.

Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Travel System | Includes the FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller and SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat, Gotham

Customer ratings

Here are some reasons why you should read customer ratings before making your purchase:

First off, reading customer ratings will help ensure that the stroller you choose is well-made and durable. Many parents share detailed reviews of their favorite lightweight strollers on Amazon, Walmart, and other online retailers, so it's important to have a trusted resource at your disposal when researching this important purchase. By reading these reviews, you can make an informed decision about which type of stroller is best for your needs and baby.

Secondly, research has shown that customers who read customer ratings are more likely to buy a product they've read good reviews about. This is because they understand that the quality of the product is guaranteed. By reading reviews before making your purchase, you're taking one more step to ensuring a positive experience for both yourself and your little one.

Finally, by reading customer ratings before buying a lightweight stroller, you're investing in your baby's future health and safety. After all, if something goes wrong with the stroller while using it (and it often does), being able to accurately assess its condition can be quite helpful in seeking out appropriate repairs or replacements.

You may like:   The Best Lightweight Stroller And Car Seat

When you’re out and about with your little one, lightweight strollers are essential. Not only do they make traveling a lot easier, but they also tend to be more versatile in terms of use than traditional strollers. That means you can take them anywhere, from the mall to the park. So what are some of the best lightweight stroller special features?

For starters, many lightweight strollers come with adjustable levels of recline so your baby can nap or relax comfortably. Additionally, many models come equipped with a built-in bassinet for newborns or infants up to 30 pounds, making them perfect for taking on short errands or travel.

Finally, a number of lightweight strollers also come with additional features like travel systems and sunshades for extra protection against the sun and rain.

  • Best Lightweight Stroller For Everyday Use - (Newest)
  • The Best Lightweight Stroller Travel System - Top Choices
  • The Best Delsey Paris Luggage Set

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Lightweight travel stroller, otto self-folding lightweight travel stroller.

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Graco Verb Travel System | Includes Verb Stroller and SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat, Merrick | Stroller and Carseat Combo

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Graco Verb Travel System | Includes Verb Stroller and SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat, Merrick | Stroller and Carseat Combo

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

  • Includes the Graco SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat, rear-facing for infants from 4-30 lb and up to 30"
  • Click Connect technology provides a one-step, secure attachment of infant car seat to stroller
  • Suspension gives your child an always-smooth ride
  • Locking front swivel wheel for improved maneuverability
  • One-hand, self-standing fold with carry strap for portability and easy storage
  • Stroller weighs less than 20 lb
  • Parent's tray with cup holders and storage to carry your essentials
  • Child's tray with cup holder pivots for no-fuss stroller entry

Frequently bought together

Graco Verb Travel System | Includes Verb Stroller and SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat, Merrick | Stroller and Carseat Combo

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The Lightweight Travel System

The Graco Verb Travel System gives you a stylish and smooth ride for your child. It includes a top-rated SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat (for baby from 4-30 lb) with Click Connect technology, which connects to the Graco stroller with a secure, one-second attachment.

Strollers should be easy to use and easy to put away. At less than 20 lb, this stroller helps make your life as a parent easier; you can carry the stroller with one hand and your little one with the other. The lightweight baby stroller also has suspension and a locking front-swivel wheel for an always-smooth ride and a multi-position reclining seat.

The Smoothest Part of Parenting

Product description.

The Graco Verb Click Connect Travel System gives you a stylish and smooth ride for your child. It includes a top-rated SnugRide Click Connect 30 Infant Car Seat (for baby from 4-30 lb), which connects to the stroller with a secure, one-second attachment. The lightweight stroller has suspension and a locking front-swivel wheel for an always-smooth ride and a multi-position reclining seat. There are plenty of convenience features to keep you and baby happy, including parent's and child's tray with cup holders and a large basket. You'll appreciate the one-hand, self-standing fold and the included carry strap makes transporting simple.

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My 5th stroller + My Advice & Review on why I like this one

stroller travel system lightweight

Graco verb travel system review

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Honest Review of Graco Verb Travel System

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stroller travel system lightweight

HONEST Stroller and Car Seat Review

stroller travel system lightweight

Honest review - Graco travel system

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stroller travel system lightweight

The Secret Window On This Stroller Is Amazing!

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stroller travel system lightweight

My Graco Verb Stroller after 3 years of use #FounditonAmazon

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stroller travel system lightweight

Graco Verb Stroller - Great for running errands

Looking for specific info, customer reviews.

  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 85% 10% 3% 1% 2% 85%
  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 85% 10% 3% 1% 2% 10%
  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 85% 10% 3% 1% 2% 3%
  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 85% 10% 3% 1% 2% 1%
  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 85% 10% 3% 1% 2% 2%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the portability, appearance, ease of folding, and ease of use of the stroller. For example, they mention it's easy to put together and use, and it has a good sized basket underneath. Some appreciate maneuverability, value, and quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the stroller. For example, they mention it's well-made, sturdy, and reliable. Some say it'll last them many years to come. Overall, most are happy with the product's quality and value.

"...recommend the Graco Verb Travel System for its practicality and reliability , also the value is great. The car seat is rated for infants up to 30lbs...." Read more

"So easy to use, lightweight but sturdy . My son is 10 months old this is still our favorite purchase for him. You won’t regret this one!" Read more

"...This is the most affordable and best stroller so far." Read more

"...Buttons dont get stuck, easy to buckle . And the STROLLER is the best part❗️ *chefs kiss* The wheels move effortlessly! Im not joking on that...." Read more

Customers find the stroller easy to put together and use. They mention that the base installs easily, feels very secure, and snaps into the strollers and car seat holder. They also say it's comfortable for baby and convenient for parents to use.

"...It was so easy to set this all up (even when I was pregnant) and it continued to be easy to use...." Read more

" So easy to use , lightweight but sturdy. My son is 10 months old this is still our favorite purchase for him. You won’t regret this one!" Read more

"...It was easy to put together , it folds really quick and back up with 1 hand too...." Read more

"...🙌🏾😩This system is PERFECT for my little one- was VERY easy to assemble , The seat snaps in PERFECTLY to the base...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the stroller. They mention that it's very light weight, pretty, and cute. Some say that the strollers are easy to fold.

"...The overall design is sleek , and the adjustable harnesses ensure a secure fit for my little one...." Read more

"...Its very light weight and very pretty (I got the pink one). I like the design on the inside as baby for a little bit can't really see well or color...." Read more

"...Very well made, the colors and design were above my expectations !..." Read more

"...It's very cute and so is the matching carseat. The carseat base is terrible. There is no actual level on it...." Read more

Customers find the stroller easy to fold and maneuver. They say it's good for walking and lightweight. They also say the car seat is easy to hold while walking around and clicks into the strollers base for a seamless transition from car to stroller.

"...30 Infant Car Seat provides excellent safety features and easily clicks into the stroller for a seamless transition from car to stroller without..." Read more

"...Overall it’s great! The car seat is easy to hold while walking around and when you use the car seat in the stroller you can completely shade the..." Read more

"So easy to use, lightweight but sturdy. My son is 10 months old this is still our favorite purchase for him. You won’t regret this one!" Read more

"...I pulled out the stroller and carseat by myself. Its very light weight and very pretty (I got the pink one)...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the value of the stroller. They mention that it is great for the price, cheap, and useful. Some are also surprised at the quality for the money.

"...Verb Travel System for its practicality and reliability, also the value is great . The car seat is rated for infants up to 30lbs...." Read more

"...I would highly recommend this to first time parents! Great system for a great price !" Read more

"...It's easy to assemble and I love the price ." Read more

Customers find the stroller very easy to fold. They mention that it rides smoothly, and it folds really quick. Some appreciate the handy strap for carrying. They also like the way it fold for putting in the back of the van, and say that it opens and closes very easy.

"...Verb Stroller is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and folds effortlessly for convenient storage ...." Read more

"...The stroller is ease to open and close and we have no issues with the stroller closing on its own...." Read more

"...It was easy to put together, it folds really quick and back up with 1 hand too...." Read more

"We picked this stroller because it was the easiest to fold and unfold of all of the ones that we tried...." Read more

Customers like the maneuverability of the stroller. For example, they mention it maneuvers easily, moves smoothly, and the wheels roll with ease. Some say the strollers steers nicely and has a nice big basket.

"...The Verb Stroller is lightweight, easy to maneuver , and folds effortlessly for convenient storage...." Read more

"...And the STROLLER is the best part❗️ *chefs kiss* The wheels move effortlessly ! Im not joking on that. They move 360°...." Read more

"...As soon as my husband tried it he exclaimed “this one!” The stroller rolls very well and is easy to steer...." Read more

"...Everything snaps into place very easily. The stroller steers great , rides super smoothly, and is very easy to fold." Read more

Customers like the storage space of the stroller. For example, they mention it's easy to store, has good size wheels, and fits into tight spaces. Some say the basket underneath is good sized and has drink holders and a small pocket. Overall, most are satisfied with the storage capabilities of the product.

"...The Canaopy keeps the baby protected from sun and has plenty cupholder space , basket space, AND will expand for when the kiddo gets bigger...." Read more

"...be usable, but that's a trade off to get a stroller that fits easily in the trunk and is lightweight enough to take shopping or anywhere indoors...." Read more

"This stroller is fantastic. Easy to fold, fits into tight spaces ...." Read more

"...Only negative on that part is the holder area is not big enough to put my phone (iPhone 14 pro max) in so I have to put that in the storage area..." Read more

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The Very Best Strollers, After Rigorous Testing By A Mom Of Three

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A stroller is often one of the first big purchases you make for your baby, but the options can be overwhelming to new parents. At a minimum, the best strollers are comfortable and safe for your child—and easy for you to use, maneuver and stroll. After a month of testing 15 strollers with my three kids (and testing the top winners for longer), I found the Uppababy Cruz V2 stroller to be the best stroller overall for most families. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, I chose the Britax Willow Brook Travel System as the best value option, given it comes with a top-notch infant car seat and a stroller—and all for less than $350.

After testing 15 top-rated models, the author found the best strollers with the smoothest strolls ... [+] and most convenient features.

For this guide, I tested full-size strollers you would likely use as your main stroller. Many might find that they end up wanting another stroller or two as their family grows: often a lightweight, compact travel stroller is added, sometimes a specialized jogging stroller —and later, a double stroller.

I found several full-size strollers that I believe are worth considering, depending on your family’s needs. Take a look at the list of all the winners from my testing process below:

  • Best Stroller Overall: Uppababy Cruz V2 Stroller
  • Best Stroller Runner-Up: Nuna Mixx Next Stroller
  • Best Value Stroller: Britax Willow Brook Travel System
  • Best Single-To-Double Stroller: Uppababy Vista V2 Stroller
  • Best Stroller For Toddlers: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller
  • Best Lightweight Full-Size Stroller: Peg Perego Ypsi
  • Best Lightweight Full-Size Stroller Runner-Up: Thule Spring Stroller
  • Best Stroller To Splurge On: Silver Cross Wave Stroller
  • Best Stroller To Splurge On Runner-Up: Bugaboo Fox 5

Best Stroller Overall

A versatile stroller with longevity, uppababy cruz v2 stroller.

I'm a freelance journalist and product reviewer specializing in parenting and education. My writing has been featured by AARP, Scholastic, Insider, Yahoo, MSN, AAA and more. I spent six years as a high school English teacher, and then began writing full time after my daughter was born. I'm the proud mom to her as well as twin boys (and a fur baby). I have a bachelor of science in education from Penn State and a master of arts in education from Michigan State. You can learn more about me or connect with me on  my website . 

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Stroller weight: 25.5 pounds | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Dimensions: 16.5 x 22.8 x 33 inches (folded); 37.5 x 22.8 x 40 inches (unfolded) | One-handed fold: No | Car seat compatible: Yes

  • People seeking a well-built stroller with a smooth ride 
  • Parents who value high-quality materials and user-friendly operation 
  • Those seeking flexible seating options 
  • You’re planning on having more kids close in age

A Smooth, Easy Stroll

The Uppababy Cruz V2 feels ubiquitous on any given day at the park or on a city street (along with its convertible cousin, the Uppababy Vista V2), and of course, there’s a reason for its popularity. After rigorous testing, it bested its full-size stroller competitors thanks to its high-quality materials, intuitive features and an extra-smooth stroll buoyed by its top-notch suspension system. This stroller is nimble and feels fun to push, and I appreciated details like the feel of the leather handle. It also offers an extra-roomy storage basket, holding a well-stocked diaper bag with room to spare. (Read my in-depth review of the Cruz V2 for additional details.)

As kids go through various ages and stages, the Uppababy Cruz V2 grows with them, meaning you could use it from birth through toddlerhood. It accepts infant car seats or a bassinet for newborns, and the bucket seat flips inward or outward, so the youngest babies face you and tots get a view of the road before them, which might just keep the fussing down at both ages. The seat also has a no-rethread harness, making it easily adjustable.

The Uppababy Cruz V2's bucket seat offers multiple recline positions.

Comfortable, High-Quality And Easily Adjustable

A hallmark feature of a good stroller is an easy one-handed push, which I certainly found in the Cruz V2. One drawback that might grate on some parents is that the button to adjust the handlebar height sits smack in the middle of the push bar, so you’ll need to avoid hitting it.

Something to note about the Cruz V2 along with most of my other top picks is the bucket seat. This type of seat is a favorite among many parents, but it takes some getting used to if you’ve never seen one before. Bucket seats stay in an L-shaped position even when you recline them, so your child’s knees will stick up in the air when reclined. All of my kids have found them comfortable, and it seems many other families do, too. “We have some parents that complain about not wanting that when searching, but not really any parents coming back to us wanting to get a different stroller due to this reason,” says Kyleyn Gosewisch, a customer care specialist at Strolleria , a baby gear speciality retailer. “So I think most children are quite comfortable in them.”

If you’re looking for a high-quality and sturdy stroller that’s easy to push and provides plenty of room to store your belongings, the Uppababy Cruz V2 is your best bet. That said, it does not convert into a double stroller. You can add a Piggyback or ride–along board to it, so that an older sibling can ride on the back of the stroller while you push, but if you plan to have two children close in age, you may want to consider a single-to-double stroller instead, such as the brand’s Vista V2 stroller or one of the other tested convertible strollers listed in this guide.

Best Stroller Runner-Up

High-quality with features ideal for babies, nuna mixx next stroller.

Stroller weight: 29.3 pounds | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Dimensions: 27.5 x 23.6 x 19 inches (folded); 32.7 x 23.6 x 45.3 (unfolded) | One-handed fold: No | Car seat compatible: Yes

  • Newborns, babies and young toddlers
  • Use during all four seasons 
  • Parents who want a smooth ride and top-quality materials 
  • Your child is older or bigger

A Full Recline So You Can Use It From Birth

The Nuna Mixx Next is a bit more expensive than my top pick, but it’s a really good stroller that I wanted to include here. It’s easy to assemble and has a nice one-handed push on all terrains, plus the magnetic buckle and fold mechanisms are user-friendly. When you fully recline the seat and fold up the footrest, it’s safe for a newborn, which can’t be said for most traditional stroller seats. The seat also has a mesh back, which is great for summer. It also comes with an insert, to add extra warmth for colder months.

But A Smaller Seat

While I liked this stroller overall, the seat is rather small, and I don’t see it lasting into the toddler years very well, especially for larger children. When compared to the Uppababy Cruz V2, the seat is about an inch smaller in both width and depth. At a higher price, some families might prefer to go with something they can use until their kids outgrow strollers entirely.

The fact that the Nuna Mixx Next can be used from birth without a car seat or bassinet attachment is a major bonus for families who don’t need a car seat or who don’t have a lot of storage space in their home. It’s also a good pick for taller parents or those with long strides because the handlebar extends very far.

Best Value Stroller

A complete travel system at a budget-friendly price, britax willow brook travel system.

Stroller weight: 22 pounds | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Dimensions: 16 x 23.5 x 36 inches (folded); 34 x 23.8 x 42 inches (unfolded) | One-handed fold: No | Car seat compatible: Yes

  • People who value function and affordability 
  • Parents who want an all-in-one system to use from birth
  • Those shopping on a tighter budget
  • High-end finishings and materials are important to you
  • You’re shopping for a toddler

The Britax Willow Brook Travel System includes both a stroller and an infant car seat from the brand, offering parents multiple products in one—and an item that can be used to bring their new baby home straight from the hospital. The stroller offers many of the features of more expensive options without the higher price, and the car seat carries Britax’s well-regarded ClickTight technology for easier installation. Use the car seat from 4 to 30 pounds.

A Sturdy, Affordable Stroller That’s Easy To Use

Compared to other budget-minded strollers, the Brook felt sturdy and was easier to push with one hand. It’s easy to maneuver and glides smoothly and easily on pavement. I did find it pretty bumpy on grass and sidewalks. It folds readily and with less complication than some of its competitors, though it does take two hands. It was one of the fastest to assemble during testing.

I appreciated that the stroller seat can face forward or backward, and it reclines easily with one hand into three different positions. Even the angle of the footrest is adjustable. It’s also one of the lightest full-size strollers I tested, at 22 pounds. I appreciate the included child tray and parent cupholder, which are often lacking on the trendier, more expensive strollers.

The Brook stroller offered many of the same features as higher-end strollers at a much lower price.

Where the Brook stroller falls down is in the smoothness of some operations. For example, it requires you to lock each wheel independently when putting on the brake, which is a bit tiresome but could also present a safety issue if you forget to lock both sides. While I prefer to push one of the higher-end strollers, this Britax travel system does more than get the job done, and I trust that my kids are safe and comfortable while riding in it.

Best Single-To-Double Stroller

Easily add on a second seat when you're ready, uppababy vista v2 stroller.

Stroller weight: 27 pounds | Weight limit: 50 pounds (toddler seat), 40 pounds (rumble seat), 20 pounds (bassinet) | Dimensions: 17.3 x 25.7 x 33.3 inches (folded); 36 x 25.7 x 39.5 inches (unfolded) | One-handed fold: No | Car seat compatible: Yes

  • Those planning for a second child soon
  • People who prefer a larger stroller and storage basket 
  • Families seeking out high-quality materials and touches
  • Your lightest child weighs 40 pounds or more

An Extra-Sturdy Stroller That Converts To A Double

The Uppababy Vista V2 is a larger, convertible version of the Cruz V2; it’s high-quality, has a smooth ride and is easy to use. It also has a generous basket, which holds up to 30 pounds, so you’ll be able to load up both of your kids and all their things. The Vista’s wider frame (about 3 inches more than the Cruz) gives it a lot of stability but may also make it difficult to navigate tight spaces.

You’ll get a lot of accessories when you purchase this stroller, including the bassinet, as well as a storage bag, a mosquito net and a rain cover. With the included bassinet, you can start using the stroller from birth—and potentially with two kids right out of the box. Once your baby is too big for the bassinet, you can buy the tandem RumbleSeat V2 . Add a piggyback accessory for a third child to stand on in the back, too.

The Second Seat Isn’t Perfect

The biggest drawback of the Vista V2 is that the tandem RumbleSeat only supports kids up to 40 pounds, so once your smallest child reaches that weight, you’ll need to look elsewhere for a double stroller, but this is an increase over the previous maximum of the seat. Still it’s at least a 10 pound difference (and more in other cases) in terms of the weight limit on a standard stroller seat. Given its price, it’s frustrating that this stroller can’t carry two older toddlers or a family through its final stroller years. Additionally, the configurations don’t allow for the bassinet to be on the top when used with the toddler seat, but that is an option on the Silver Cross Wave Stroller reviewed below.

Best Stroller For Toddlers

A higher weight limit and comfortable seat for bigger kids, baby jogger city mini gt2 stroller.

Stroller weight: 22.4 pounds | Weight limit: 65 pounds | Dimensions: 33 x 23.5 x 15 inches (folded); 25.6 x 43.1 x 41.3 inches (unfolded) | One-handed fold: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes

  • Bigger and taller kids who have outgrown other strollers
  • Those who prefer a handbrake 
  • Navigating bumpy sidewalks and varied terrain
  • You need a stroller that converts to a double
  • You prefer more customization, like seats that flip around

No-Fuss Features With A Wide, Comfortable Seat

This nimble and lightweight stroller was the most accommodating for my 4-year-old with its spacious and deep seating. Babies and kids who like to nap in their strollers will also likely enjoy the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller . When you recline the seat and prop up the calf rest, you’ll get a nice long area that’s almost completely flat: in other words, ideal for bigger toddler naps. This makes on-the-go diaper changes easy, too. The seat reclines with two straps and a buckle, so you can customize the recline angle. However, I wasn’t able to make the backrest go as upright as I would have liked it to. For parents, you can also adjust the angle of the handlebar.

An Easy Fold But Smaller Storage Space

The City Mini GT2 offers my favorite fold of all the strollers I tested: Simply pull up on the strap with one hand and it folds nice and flat and automatically locks in place. It cannot stand on its own when folded, and that might be an issue for some. The storage area, which you can access from the front or back, is a bit small and difficult to reach. I wasn’t able to fit a well-stocked diaper bag in the storage area, which was unfortunate in this otherwise great stroller.

If you prefer a handbrake, you’ll find one on the City Mini GT2 down to the right of the handlebar. This three-wheeled stroller, a setup that mimics true running strollers, handled all terrain well, and it did particularly well on gravel and large sidewalk bumps. It’s one of the best strollers I tested for navigating uneven terrain.

Best Lightweight Full-Size Stroller

A convertible stroller that doesn’t compromise on quality, peg perego ypsi.

Stroller weight: 22.5 pounds | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 32.25 x 15.25 inches (folded); 20 x 39.25 x 40.25 inches (unfolded) | One-handed fold: No | Car seat compatible: Yes

  • Those who want the benefits of a full-size stroller without the bulk or weight
  • Parents who prefer to spend a little more for smoother, higher-end features 
  • Families with or planning for a second child
  • You need a stroller that’s easy to assemble

A Sturdy, High-Quality Build

When compared to other strollers in the lightweight full-size category, the Peg Perego Ypsi is much sturdier, and I trust that my kids will be safe in the stroller. Some others I tested easily tipped over or got knocked off course by light wind, but not the Ypsi. It’s also easy to steer one-handed from the adjustable handlebar. I found it a cinch to buckle my child in, too, and the canopy extended far enough to block the sun from my kid’s eyes. While some lightweight and compact strollers lack material quality, I didn’t find this to be the case with the Ypsi. The seat is a nice size for a lightweight stroller, and my kids look comfortable sitting in it.

It offers all the features of a full-size stroller without being heavy and bulky. It’s also easy to carry one-handed. I had no problem carrying it up and down the stairs, whereas other strollers I tested made that task much more difficult than it should have been. I appreciate this stroller’s high-end, sleek look, too.

The Ypsi is lightweight for a full-size stroller and folds compactly in a standing fold.

It Converts From A Single To A Double Stroller

Families planning for more than one child might be particularly interested in the Ypsi given the number of seating configurations it offers. You can add a Peg Perego bassinet to it, a car seat and an additional seat for a second child. The seats are reversible, providing additional customization. As a mom to twins, I like that this stroller can handle two bassinets, two car seats or two toddler seats; it’s one of the few strollers that can truly take twins from birth through toddlerhood.

A Frustrating Assembly

Unfortunately, this was the most difficult stroller to assemble among the testers, and there is a frustrating rectangular piece of plastic on the bottom of the stroller that looks like a brake, but isn’t, which was confusing.

Best Lightweight Full-Size Stroller Runner-Up

Compact with a one-handed fold, thule spring stroller.

Stroller weight: 21 pounds | Weight limit: 64 pounds | Dimensions: 12.6 x 17.7 x 30 inches (folded); ‎35.2 x 23.4 x 38.6 inches (unfolded) | One-handed fold: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes

  • People who need an easy and compact fold
  • Frequent day trippers
  • Parents with a long stride 
  • You don’t want to fuss with difficult buckles and straps

An Easy-Breezy Stroll And Fold

Like the Ypsi, I also found the Thule Spring a nice lightweight stroller to push—and with an exceptionally easy one-handed fold. People who need a lightweight stroller that also has a small footprint might appreciate the compact size of this three-wheeled stroller the most, both when it’s folded and unfolded. It features my favorite type of fold: a one-handed fold by pulling up on a handle. Once folded, it can lie flat or stand upright. This makes it ideal for traveling or storing in small spaces.

A Higher Child Weight Max With Ample Storage

As a lightweight stroller, it also has one of the highest weight limits of anything I tested at 64 pounds, and much higher than the typical 50 pound maximum. This makes it useful into the preschool years for trips to the amusement park or other outings where an older child might need a break after a long day of walking. Given its smaller size, I was surprised to find that a well-stocked diaper bag fit in the storage basket.

With A Few Drawbacks

The Thule Spring is not quite as user-friendly as the Ypsi. Three-wheeled strollers are often easier to steer than four-wheeled strollers, but I didn’t find the Spring to be any easier to steer than many of the four-wheeled strollers I tested. It was also difficult to steer one-handed. The buckle was one of the most difficult to use of all the strollers I tested, because I had to slide the sides of the buckles into the center clip before the top buckles, and I often found this difficult to do with squirmy babies.

Best Stroller To Splurge On

A convertible stroller that arrives with everything you need.

Silver Cross

Silver Cross Wave Stroller

Stroller weight: 26.6 pounds | Weight limit: 55 pounds | Dimensions: 37 x 23 x 15 inches (folded); 43 x 23 x 37 inches (unfolded) | One-handed fold: No | Car seat compatible: Yes

  • Those who value high-end details and finishings 
  • Families with two kids (or plans for more), as it converts to a double 
  • People who want a no-fuss user-friendly design 
  • You’re on a tight budget

If you want to go all out with your stroller purchase, the Silver Cross Wave Stroller is an excellent choice with high-end details. It comes with a bassinet, rain covers, mosquito nets, a hip bar, an adult cupholder and extra-plush seat padding. It can also convert to a double stroller and accommodate three kids with a ride-on board , as does the Uppababy Vista V2 and the Peg Perego Ypsi. That’s not the only reason it has such a high price, though. It’s incredibly solid and sturdy, and it has one of the smoothest and easiest pushes of all the strollers I tested.

Extra-Plush Padding And Spacious, With Higher-End Finishes

The Silver Cross Wave has a user-friendly magnetic buckle, and the strap pads are nice and thick. The seat and padding materials are incredibly soft and plush. It’s a breeze to push one-handed, and the canopy feels thick and sturdy. It’s also one of the few strollers that comfortably fit my 4-year-old. My biggest complaint about this stroller is a relatively arbitrary one: The adult cupholder attaches to the outside of the chassis, and it’s easy to catch it on things as you walk through tight spaces. Thankfully, it’s also easy to remove it if it gets in your way.

Unlike many of the other strollers that are compatible with a bassinet, the Wave comes with a bassinet as part of the original purchase. You can also add on a bassinet stand, which makes this a good travel option if you can accommodate its larger size. You’d simply need to set up the stand in your hotel instead of renting or traveling with a travel crib.

When I switch between testing different strollers, I’m always amazed at how much sturdier and smoother this one feels compared to almost every other stroller. When my dad took a turn taking the Wave for a spin, he called it the “Cadillac of strollers.” I personally just can’t get over how plush and comfy the padding on the seat is.

Best Stroller To Splurge On Runner-Up

A smooth and solid ride with a sleek look, bugaboo fox 5.

Stroller weight: 26.9 pounds | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Dimensions: 17.3 x 23.6 x 35.4 inches (folded); 36.6 x 23.6 x 41.3 inches (unfolded) | One-handed fold: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes

  • A smooth ride on all terrains 
  • No-fuss buckling 
  • Parents who want an all-in-one purchase that includes a bassinet 
  • You want your stroller to lock when folded

An Easy One-Handed Push And A Near-Flat Recline

The Bugaboo Fox 5 is a high-end stroller that is a joy to push, especially one-handed. Despite being difficult to assemble, it won me over with its smooth push, no-rethread safety straps and more seamless features. The chassis feels solid, and my kids seem comfortable in the seat. The canopy extends quite far and the seat reclines nearly flat, making it great for naps on the go. Your child is also surrounded by plush padding with this stroller, which I found prevented any scratches or pinches on my kids’ necks.

You can adjust the canopy and footrest to accommodate your growing child. Plus, your purchase comes with a bassinet, so it’s another great option for families who want to buy one stroller that can take their kid from newborn to toddler. These factors combined with the sleek, smooth design and high-quality materials make this a good pick for families who want to splurge on a gorgeous, feature-laden stroller.

I found the fold on this high-end stroller more difficult than I would have liked.

A Less-Than-Perfect Fold

Folding the Fox 5 is complicated, though, and it doesn’t lock when folded. In theory, the fold is as simple as pushing the handlebar down, but I always found myself needing to tug on it to get the fold to work. This makes it difficult to transport, so I recommend this stroller for families who don’t need to fold it often for storage or travel. I also found that the recline handle gets stuck—a lot. Overall, it’s not as user-friendly as the Silver Cross Wave, and I found too many flaws that made it not quite worth the best overall in the higher-end category, unless your family prefers a particular feature or the look of it.

The Uppababy Vista V2 Is $250 Off During The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Can ai help your baby sleep maxi-cosi’s kindred collection says yes, other strollers i tested.

I tested six strollers that didn’t make the cut.

Joolz Hub+ : The Joolz Hub+ is touted as a lightweight pick, but it weighs almost 25 pounds, and like many of the lighter strollers I tested, it tipped easily around turns. The seat was too small for my 4-year-old, and my 1-year-old twins didn’t find it comfortable either.

Thule Shine : My husband and I both found the Thule Shine difficult to maneuver, especially one-handed. The frame also felt flimsy, and I had to pick the wheels up to make tight turns when my 4-year-old was in it. My editor experienced the same with tough turns and a feeling that the stroller might tip.

Babyzen Yoyo2 : While popular for its compact design, the Babyzen Yoyo2 didn’t handle gravel or sidewalks well, and the wheels often shook without warning. It also tipped easily, got blown off course by the wind and had a more complicated fold than expected for a travel stroller, so I can’t recommend it as an everyday stroller.

Chicco Bravo : The Chicco Bravo is a budget option that just felt too cheap, and the stroller tipped on a very slight incline during testing. It was almost impossible to steer one-handed, and though it comes with a child snack tray, it’s positioned so far out that my 1-year-olds couldn’t reach it.

Peg Perego Vivace : The Peg Perego Vivace stroller was noisy and didn’t feel stable. The front wheels came off the ground when turning, the stroller tipped easily and it struggled to handle small sidewalk bumps.

Joovy Qool : I initially wanted to select the Joovy Qool as one of the best convertible strollers, because this roomy, affordable stroller offers a number of seat configurations, including the addition of a third seat ideal for larger families. However, during extended testing with my kids, the construction didn’t hold up, and it proved to be of poor quality after months of weekly use. The seat continually popped out of the frame, one of the front wheels fell off, the handlebar didn’t stay in the extended position and one of my kids was able to pull the straps out while buckled.

I assembled and tested 15 to find the best strollers, testing each for numerous attributes.

How I Tested The Best Strollers

For over a month, I intensely tested 15 strollers along with my husband, mom and mother-in-law. All three of my kids used each stroller: my 40-pound 4-year-old and my 25-pound 1-year-old twins. I continued testing the top winners for additional weeks.

  • Maneuverability on various terrains : I took each stroller on multiple walks, making sure to test each one on pavement, gravel, sidewalks and grass. I also set up a testing course near home that included an S-curve, a U-turn and a narrow space to squeeze through. Each stroller also took turns getting packed into our minivan and going on outings to youth sporting events, stores, doctor’s visits and more. In all terrains and situations, I noted how easy it was to maneuver the stroller one-handed.
  • Ease of use : I evaluated ease of use by testing each stroller’s features with my kids, including buckling my children and adjusting the safety straps, locating and setting the brake, extending and collapsing the canopy and reclining the seat. By testing with kids of different sizes, I got a good idea of how each stroller might be to use for younger babies versus older toddlers. This also forced me to repeatedly adjust the straps to accommodate their differing heights and sizes. I also folded and unfolded each stroller multiple times and loaded them into the trunk of a compact car and the rear cargo area of a minivan.
  • Assembly : I assembled each stroller, either by myself or with my husband’s help. I recorded how long it took to assemble each stroller, how difficult it was to assemble each and if there was anything that stood out regarding assembly, either negatively or positively.
  • Comfort : While this is a notably subjective category, I took note of how comfortable my 1-year-olds seemed to be in each stroller, and my 4-year-old provided her feedback regarding comfort. I recorded any additional comfort features, such as padding, mesh ventilation and seat recline.
  • Storage space : To evaluate storage space, I put a well-stocked diaper bag in the basket of each stroller. I also noted any extra storage pockets or parent consoles and cupholders.

Besides testing for maneuverability and the smoothness of features, I also tested the strollers for ... [+] practicality, including how much storage space each offered.

How To Pick The Best Stroller

A stroller is a major purchase that you’ll use for years, and in many cases, for multiple children. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for the best strollers.

All strollers legally sold by U.S.-based retailers meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards , so you can rest assured that they are reasonably safe. Some manufacturers seek out an additional, voluntary review and certification from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) .

“Parents looking to catch a good deal on a stroller may inadvertently purchase a stroller that does not meet current safety standards when purchasing the stroller secondhand, or occasionally even new, from a website or online marketplace,” says Holly Choi, cofounder of Safe Beginnings First Aid , an infant and toddler safety organization. Because of this, it’s important to know what features to look for in a safe stroller.

Look for a stroller that has a five-point harness and an easy-to-access brake. Additionally, look for a stroller made of high-quality materials that feels solid and sturdy—and less likely to break or collapse. Choi also recommends strollers that have a passive restraint like a hip bar. A wrist strap for the caregiver is an additional safety feature that can help prevent the stroller from getting away from you.

Additionally, once you purchase a stroller, be sure to read the directions. “Use the product according to the instructions and follow all of the warnings,” says Lisa Trofe, JPMA’s executive director. “One of the most frequent mistakes we see, especially with older children, is not using the restraint system correctly, or not using it at all.”

Ease Of Use

Look for a stroller that folds and unfolds easily, and consider the storage space both in your home and your vehicle. You want to choose a stroller that fits into your lifestyle, so consider whether a compact fold is important to you. You might also look for a stroller that’s easy to push one-handed, offers an easily accessible storage area and an extendable handle. The latter is particularly important if you’re tall or have a long stride.

Additional Features

Think about how you’ll use your stroller when you consider what additional features might be important to your family. Many parents use strollers for walks in the park and errands, jogging, main transportation, family trips and travel. Here are some common additional features and reasons you might consider them in a stroller:

  • Bassinet attachment: Infants need to lie down flat for safe sleep, so this add-on is great for napping newborns.
  • Single to double: A convertible stroller that allows for the addition of a second or third seat is ideal if you have (or are planning to have) more than one child.
  • Snack tray: Not a must-have, but this accessory can help to occupy toddlers.
  • Reversible seat: This feature allows you to easily pick up and turn your child’s stroller seat around to face you or to face outward. Many find that their older babies and kids prefer to face outward to see what’s going on, while parents might prefer to keep a newborn facing toward the caregiver.
  • Type of fold: Every stroller worth your money should have a near-seamless fold given how often parents are folding and lifting their kiddie wheels into a car, into an overhead bin or just packing it up to stow for the day. But some families might need a faster or easier one-handed fold for frequent travel or mobility issues. Other families might want a compact fold or a standing fold for small space restraints.

My Expertise

I’m a freelance journalist and product reviewer with five years of experience testing parenting products. I’m also a mom to three children and a former high school English teacher. I specialize in baby and kids gear and product reviews, helping parents make purchasing decisions they can feel good about.

As a product reviewer, I’ve tested various strollers before the 15 I tested for this guide, and as a mom, I’ve researched, bought and used five other strollers before this guide, and I use strollers on a daily basis. I also spoke to five parenting and stroller experts to help inform this guide: Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA); Kyleyn Gosewisch, a customer care specialist at Strolleria, a retailer focused on strollers and baby gear; Marielle Marquez, pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Thrive Little ; Holly Choi, cofounder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid , an organization offering baby and kids safety resources; and Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community and a baby gear product expert at BabyQuip , a baby gear rental site.

Alicia Betz

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Facts.net

39 Facts About Samara (Samarskaya Oblast)

Iolanthe Weiss

Written by Iolanthe Weiss

Modified & Updated: 01 Aug 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

  • Volga River Facts

39-facts-about-samara-samarskaya-oblast

Samara, located in the Samarskaya oblast of Russia, is a vibrant city with a rich history and mesmerizing landscapes. Nestled along the banks of the Volga River, it is a bustling hub of culture, industry, and innovation. With a population of over 1 million people, Samara boasts a diverse and dynamic community.

From its origins as a prominent trade center in the 16th century to its role as a key aerospace and automotive manufacturing hub in modern times, Samara has undergone significant development and transformation. This article will delve into 39 fascinating facts about Samara, highlighting its landmarks, traditions, and hidden gems that make it a remarkable destination.

Key Takeaways:

  • Samara, also known as Kuybyshev, is a vibrant city on the Volga River, famous for its space exploration, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.
  • With its iconic Stalin’s Bunker, Zhiguli Mountains, and vibrant nightlife, Samara offers something for everyone. From delicious traditional cuisine to world-class universities, this city is a treasure trove of history, culture, and adventure.

Samara is situated on the banks of the Volga River.

As the largest city on the Volga River, Samara boasts stunning waterfront views and offers various water-based activities for locals and tourists.

It is the sixth-largest city in Russia, with a population of over 1 million people.

Samara is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population and a vibrant urban atmosphere.

The city was founded in 1586 as a fortress.

Samara has a rich history dating back over four centuries, and its founding as a fortress played a significant role in its development.

Samara was known as Kuybyshev from 1935 to 1991.

During the Soviet era, the city was renamed Kuybyshev in honor of Valerian Kuybyshev, a prominent Bolshevik leader.

The iconic Stalin’s Bunker is located in Samara.

This underground complex served as a shelter for Joseph Stalin during World War II and is now open to the public as a museum.

Samara is often referred to as the “Gateway to Space.”

The city houses the renowned TsSKB-Progress Rocket and Space Center , which has played a critical role in Russia’s space exploration efforts.

The renowned Zhiguli Mountains are located near Samara.

This picturesque mountain range offers breathtaking views and countless opportunities for outdoor activities.

Samara is home to the famous Samara Space Museum.

Here, visitors can learn about the history and achievements of Russian space exploration through interactive exhibits.

The Samara Embankment is one of the longest in Europe.

Stretching over 5 kilometers along the Volga River , the embankment offers stunning views, recreational areas, and vibrant nightlife options.

Samara is known for its beautiful beaches.

During the summer months, locals and tourists flock to the sandy shores along the Volga River to enjoy sunbathing and various water sports.

The Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theater is a cultural gem in the city.

Known for its magnificent performances and stunning architecture, the theater is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

The Zhiguli Beer Factory is located in Samara.

This famous brewery produces one of Russia’s most beloved beers, known as Zhigulevskoye.

Samara is a major transportation hub in Russia.

The city has a well-developed network of roads, railways , and airports, connecting it to other parts of the country and beyond.

The iconic Samara Square is the geographical center of the city.

Surrounded by historic buildings and bustling shops, the square is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

Samara is home to several prestigious universities and research institutions.

The city offers excellent educational opportunities, attracting students from all over the world.

The Samara State Aerospace University is renowned for its aerospace engineering programs.

It has produced many accomplished professionals in the field of space exploration.

The Samara State Medical University is one of the top medical institutions in Russia.

It has a strong reputation for its academic excellence and medical research.

Samara has a rich literary heritage.

Many prominent Russian writers, including Maxim Gorky and Alexey Tolstoy, have ties to the city.

The Samara Philharmonic Orchestra is known for its exceptional performances.

It attracts renowned musicians and hosts various concerts throughout the year.

The city’s architectural landmarks include the Samara Academic Drama Theater.

This beautiful theater showcases outstanding performances and boasts a stunning neoclassical design .

Samara is famous for its vibrant nightlife.

The city offers a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences.

The Samara Krasnaya Glinka Airport offers domestic and international flights.

It serves as an important gateway to the city and the surrounding region.

The Samara Railway Station is one of the busiest in the country.

It connects Samara with major cities across Russia and neighboring countries.

The Samara State Art Museum houses a diverse collection of artworks.

Visitors can explore various artistic styles and admire masterpieces by both Russian and international artists.

The Zhiguli Hydroelectric Station is located near Samara.

This impressive structure generates electricity and plays a vital role in the region’s energy production.

The Samara Arena hosted matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

It is a state-of-the-art stadium that can accommodate over 40,000 spectators .

Samara is a haven for nature enthusiasts.

The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including national parks and forests.

The Samara State Historical and Architectural Museum is a treasure trove of local history.

It showcases artifacts and exhibits that highlight the city’s past and its contributions to Russian history.

Samara is a city of festivals.

Throughout the year, various cultural events and celebrations take place, attracting artists and performers from all over the world.

The iconic Stalin’s House of Culture is a symbol of Soviet architecture.

It is now a popular cultural center that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and theatrical performances.

The Samara Square named after V.V. Kuibyshev is a major gathering place for locals.

Surrounded by shops and cafes, it provides an ideal spot for people-watching and enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Samara has a thriving film industry.

The city hosts several international film festivals and has produced many acclaimed Russian filmmakers.

The Kurumoch International Airport serves as a gateway to Samara.

It offers domestic and international flights , connecting the city to destinations around the world.

The iconic Samara State University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Russia.

It has a rich academic heritage and offers a wide range of degree programs .

Samara is known for its delicious traditional cuisine.

Visitors can savor local dishes such as zharkoye, pirozhki, and Samara-style pickles.

The Samarskaya Luka National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

It boasts diverse ecosystems, stunning landscapes, and numerous hiking trails.

The Samara State Technical University is renowned for its engineering and technical programs.

It prepares students for successful careers in various industries.

Samara is a city of sports.

The city has produced many accomplished athletes and has hosted numerous national and international sporting events .

Samara is a city of bridges.

The city’s numerous bridges, including the iconic Zhiguli Bridge, provide convenient river crossings and add to the city’s architectural charm.

As you can see, Samara (Samarskaya oblast) is a city teeming with history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in exploring its architectural wonders, immersing yourself in the arts, or enjoying the outdoor adventures it offers, Samara is sure to captivate your heart. Plan a visit and experience the magic of this remarkable city firsthand!

In conclusion, Samara, also known as Samarskaya oblast, is a fascinating city with a rich history and numerous interesting facts. From its iconic landmarks to its vibrant culture, there is so much to discover and explore in this beautiful region of Russia. Whether you are interested in architecture, nature, or simply immersing yourself in the local atmosphere, Samara has something to offer everyone.With its strategic location on the Volga River and its diverse population, Samara has grown into a thriving city that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Its impressive aerospace industry, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife make it an ideal destination for both business and leisure travelers. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Samara people, who are known for their friendly nature and welcoming spirit.Plan your visit to Samara and prepare to be captivated by its charm and allure. Whether you’re strolling along the iconic promenade, exploring the beautiful parks, or indulging in the local cuisine, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime in this enchanting city.

Q: What is the population of Samara?

A: According to the latest estimates, the population of Samara is around 1.2 million people.

Q: What is the best time to visit Samara?

A: The best time to visit Samara is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm, and various outdoor activities can be enjoyed.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Samara?

A: Yes, Samara is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Samara State Philharmonic Hall, the Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, and the Samara Embankment.

Q: Can I explore nature in Samara?

A: Absolutely! Samara boasts stunning natural landscapes, including the Samarskaya Luka National Park , Zhiguli Mountains, and the Volga River, where you can enjoy activities such as hiking, boating, and picnicking.

Q: Is it easy to get around in Samara?

A: Yes, Samara has a well-developed transportation system, including buses, trams, and taxis, making it convenient for visitors to navigate the city and explore its attractions.

Q: Are there any traditional festivals or events in Samara?

A: Yes, Samara hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Samara International Music Festival, the Samara Aerospace Show, and the Samara Summer Festival, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Q: What are some popular dishes to try in Samara?

A: Some popular dishes to try in Samara include Zharkoye (meat stew), Pryaniki (gingerbread), Kulesh (a traditional Russian soup), and Blini (thin pancakes served with various fillings).

Q: Is English widely spoken in Samara?

A: While English may not be widely spoken, especially in rural areas, most hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions in Samara have staff members who can communicate in English.

Q: What are some nearby attractions to visit from Samara?

A: Some nearby attractions to visit from Samara include Togliatti, known as the “motor city” of Russia, the Samara Bend, and the historical town of Volgograd .

Q: Are there any shopping opportunities in Samara?

A: Yes, Samara has several shopping malls, street markets, and boutique stores where you can find a variety of goods, from local souvenirs to international brands.

Samara's fascinating history and cultural richness make it a captivating destination for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of Russia. Dive deeper into Russian culture by learning about the intricacies of the Russian language. Discover more about the heart of the Russian Federation with intriguing facts about the Kremlin . And don't forget to explore the natural beauty of the region by uncovering the secrets of the mighty Volga River , which has played a significant role in shaping Samara's identity.

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