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The Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Parents & Experts

Lightweight and compact, a travel stroller can help make your next family vacation a little bit easier., by jen labracio | medically reviewed by holly peretz ot.

Travel strollers make leaving home with your little one easier and more convenient. Today’s travel stroller is a minimalist’s dream. Most have many of the same high-end features as the best traditional strollers all rolled into a compact, portable package. Many break down to fit in the overhead bin of a plane or can be folded down quickly (and with one hand) and slung over your shoulder. Some parents even use them as their day-to-day stroller.

We’ve folded and unfolded, packed and unpacked and (sweatily) pushed a lot of travel strollers over the years. After conducting our own testing and talking to both travel experts and the real heroes—parents who travel frequently with their babies and toddlers—we think the Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller is the travel stroller you should bring along on your next adventure. It offers a smooth ride over almost any terrain and folds compactly in seconds with just one hand.

And if you want to keep shopping, we also chose six other top picks across more specific categories like the best travel stroller for everyday use, the best choice for planes and our favorite double travel stroller.

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.

In addition to being Babylist’s gear editor, I’ve also been a mom of two boys for over a decade. I’ve traveled with them at every stage both domestically and internationally on airplanes and on several long road trips. I’ve had the opportunity to test dozens of travel strollers in both my professional and personal life, and used those insights to inform my best-of picks. I reviewed travel stroller feedback from thousands of parents through Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey of over 6,000 Babylist users. I also spoke with a group of Babylist team members, all parents who travel frequently with their little ones, and picked their brains about the strollers they love and why. And I talked to Kim Militello, a former flight-attendant-turned-Babylist-employee (and a mom of three) about all things travel + kids. 

The Best Travel Strollers

Best Overall: Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller

Best for Toddlers: Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller

Best Affordable: Summer Infant 3Dquickclose CS+ Compact Fold Stroller

Best for Everyday Use: UPPAbaby MINU V2 Stroller

Best for Planes: Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller Bundle

Best Double: Zoe The Twin V2

Best Travel System: Nuna PIPA urbn + TRVL Travel System

How We Judged

Suspension and maneuverability. A smooth, easy-to-turn stroller is a better experience for you and your baby, especially when you’re traveling. We ensured all of our picks made strolling as effortless as possible.

Ease of use. All of the strollers on our list are easy and intuitive to use. We focused on fold, size and weight when choosing our best travel strollers because we know from our own experience—and from what we’ve heard from thousands of Babylist parents—that folks prioritize these features when choosing a travel stroller. 

Features. We made sure all of our picks had thoughtfully designed features to make you and your baby the most comfortable while you’re away from home like large canopies, good storage, recline options and carry handles.  

Value. Travel strollers range from under $100 to over $500. We didn’t limit our best-of picks by price, but we did factor it in while making our top choices so you can be sure you’re spending your money wisely.

Best Travel Stroller Overall

Joolz Aer + Lightweight Stroller - Sage Green

• Quick, compact one-handed fold and built-in carry strap
• 4-wheel suspension rides smoothly like a full-size stroller
• Compatible with top-rated car seats + bassinet (sold separately)
• Small storage basket
• Expensive, especially if used infrequently for travel
• Some parents noted a flimsy brake that may not fully engage

I’ve tried many travel strollers over the last decade, and the Joolz Aer+ is the one I come back to again and again. Parents in our Best Baby Product survey highlighted the Aer+ as “lightweight and smooth” and repeatedly called out its compact fold and incredible maneuverability. And Babylist team member and mom of three Amanda pegged it as her all-time favorite travel stroller.

“I’ve brought it on several trips and it’s great quality and extremely light. It fits in the overhead compartment, which makes it great for going through the airport. It is easy to push/handle and you can push it with one hand,” she told us.

Pushing the Aer+ doesn’t feel much different than pushing a larger, more expensive stroller—and that’s one of the main things I love about it. That’s because the Aer+ has four-wheel suspension, an uncommon feature in travel strollers. It glides effortlessly across uneven surfaces like bumpy sidewalks and dirt paths.

Combined with the incredibly easy one-handed fold (after a few tries, it won’t take you more than two or three seconds, ever), the compact design and the comfortable seat that contours to fit your child’s body, this stroller is a great choice for travel and everyday use. (It currently occupies a permanent spot in the trunk of my car in addition to coming along on all trips.)

The Aer+ is newborn-friendly and compatible with Nuna and Clek car seats ( adapters sold separately), so it works if you want to use it from day one. The stroller folds small enough to sling over your shoulder—there’s a carry strap built right in—and tote up and down stairs, on public transportation or anywhere else you need to go. It also comes with a rain cover and travel bag.

The stroller’s biggest con is the basket size, which is small, but it’s still large enough to fit an average-sized diaper bag. You’ll also need to purchase the footrest separately if you want one, which is frustrating for a stroller at this price point.

Real Parent Reviews

“The Aer is an amazing stroller. Like over cobblestone and brick with no trouble and actually the easiest stroller to open or fold one-handed while being wicked lightweight. [My son] also LOVES being in it.” — Babylist Best Baby Products survey parent feedback

“I thought I needed the big fancy stroller everyone has…but after five months I just wanted something more mobile, portable, [and with a] smaller footprint and this has just been the greatest stroller and so much comfier than the other one for my baby.” — Babylist Best Baby Products survey parent feedback

“I live in New York City and have five strollers because it has been so challenging to navigate the streets. Everyone in my area has a different travel stroller so I was hesitant to buy something different but I’m so glad it did. This is the best purchase by far. I wish I would’ve known about this before registering for so many different products. It truly is a one-hand fold, which is great for the train, plane, car and going up and down stairs. It is light, moves with one hand and is sturdy. It’s narrow enough to go down aisles but also roomy for my child. There is an extended shade, which is perfect and there is an air vent so I can see her. I absolutely love it. It has made my life and my child’s life so much easier and SAFER! I purchased the extra foot extension for my one year old which folds with the stroller and the handlebar. In my opinion, it is worth the money.” — Vanessa D.

Additional Specs

Best Travel Stroller for Toddlers

Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller - Midnight Black

• Compact, quick, one-handed fold and built-in carry strap
• 4-wheel suspension for a smooth ride
• High backrest = good for older/taller kids
• Highest upright position is still fairly reclined, which can cause kids to slouch or slide down
• A few pounds heavier than our top travel stroller pick

There are two travel strollers I recommend to families regularly: the Joolz Aer+ (which I’ve raved about sufficiently above) and Bugaboo’s newest compact stroller, the Butterfly. This style-forward stroller shares many of the same thoughtful features as the Aer+. It also has a four-wheel suspension system, a huge perk when I pushed it on anything other than smooth pavement and perfect for toting around my larger toddler. While it doesn’t maneuver quite as easily as the Aer+ (and recognize I’m being really nitpicky in saying that), it’s pretty darn close; it moves and turns really well and I was able to steer it with only one hand. The fold is just as impressive; I also did it one-handed, and the Butterfly folds down to about the side of a small bag and will fit in the overhead bin on most airlines. There’s also a built-in carry strap, a must-have for me.

Where the Butterfly differs from the Aer+ is in its backrest. It’s high; my 95th-percent-in-height almost three-year-old still fits perfectly in it. If you’re a parent of a taller or older kid, this feature is noteworthy as it means you’ll be able to use the Butterfly longer. There’s also an almost full recline and a built-in footrest for extra comfort, two more toddler-friendly features. And the sun canopy on the Butterfly is one of the best I’ve seen of all the travel strollers on our list.

The Butterfly is pricey. The storage basket is larger than the Aer+’s but still on the smaller side. And the back wheels are fairly close together. That setup, combined with a handle that doesn’t extend (which is the norm for compact strollers), means that if you’re on the taller side like me (5’10”), you may kick the back of the stroller while you’re walking. And although I wouldn’t consider it heavy, it is one of the heavier travel strollers on our list by about three pounds.

“After using it on multiple flights to places around the world, I’m so happy with this choice! It’s become our go-to stroller over our full-size even for everyday life. When unfolded it definitely feels a little bigger than some of the other FAA-approved travel strollers, but this is great for taller parents and for kids to grow into.” — Theresa A.

“The basket had a high weight capacity for such a compact stroller & the seat back is tall which gives me peace of mind with my 96th percentile tall baby. Overall an amazing stroller and I appreciate that it comes with the rain cover.” — Ysabel E.

Best Affordable Travel Stroller

Summer 3Dquickclose CS+ Compact Fold Stroller

• Lots of features + great functionality for the price
• Opening and closing is fast and easy
• Small wheels + no suspension = a bumpy ride
• Fold isn’t as compact as other travel strollers
• Detachable cup holder and cell phone holder stick out on the sides and are a bit flimsy

If you can’t or don’t want to spend upwards of $500 on a travel stroller, or if you don’t travel frequently enough to justify a higher price tag, Summer Infant’s 3Dquickclose is your best bet. At under $100, this lightweight stroller matches many of the features found on the much higher-priced travel strollers on our list. It’s about 17 pounds, which is only a pound heavier than the Bugaboo Butterfly. Its most noteworthy feature is the fold; it’s quick and one-handed, and there’s a carry strap to make it easy to take on the go.

Performance-wise, the 3Dquickclose lacks a suspension system and has plastic wheels, so you won’t get as smooth of a ride as with more expensive picks. But it still has a ton going for it, especially considering the price. The 3Dquickclose handles well on paved surfaces. It’s easy to push and steer, the recline is adjustable and the fabrics are soft. The storage basket is big enough to tuck away an average-sized diaper bag or a jacket and some snacks, and the canopy provides good shade. One of the best features is infant car seat compatibility. The 3Dquickclose accepts a variety of seats from popular brands like Graco, Chicco and Baby Trend, and there are no adapters needed—just secure the seat with the included strap.

If you’re debating between this stroller and another lower-cost option like an umbrella stroller ( Summer’s 3D Lite Convenience Stroller is a popular umbrella-style pick), I’d choose this one. The 3Dquickclose is more compact, easier to maneuver, can be used from birth and has much better storage and sun coverage, among other things.

“I bought this stroller because it folds down very compact and my car doesn’t have the biggest trunk, but this is sturdy enough to travel on the airplane as well. My kid hates sun in their eyes so the extended canopy is a must. I like that there is a car seat belt that tucks into the stroller for when you need to put an infant car seat on the stroller. The basket is big enough to hold a diaper bag and even another purse or bag. It’s super easy to fold the stroller down and open it back up again, you can quickly do it one-handed. It’s not a cheap feeling stroller, it has a good weight to it but the shoulder strap for carrying it from the car to wherever will help. Main cons are: the seat padding isn’t great so I might see options for additional padding if my kid is gonna sit/sleep in the stroller for longer than an hour or 2, the wheels are plastic whereas I would prefer a stronger material like rubber, and the handrail to push the stroller stays in only one position instead of being able to adjust the angle & height. Overall I definitely recommend this stroller especially for those looking for a compact stroller as this one folds down the most compact that I’ve seen.” — NJ

“Let’s start with the negatives…1. No snack tray for baby…but you can buy it separately. 2. The cup holder and phone holder are very flimsy but they do the job. 3. The storage basket is somewhat large for the size of the stroller, but there is a bar that kind of limits the full access to it. 4. Wheels are plastic. Now to the positives. 1. Super easy installation. 2. Extremely easy to fold and unfold. 3. Super smooth to maneuver. 4. You can lock the front wheels if desired. 5. Looks expensive. 6. LOVE LOVE LOVE the extended sunshade for the baby. 7. The peep window on the sunshade is far back enough that you don’t have to “look for” the baby. 8. I’m short (5 ft) and my husband is average height (5ft 10in) and both of us feel comfortable where the handle height is. 9. The recline is easy to use. 10. The buckles are easy to use and I love that the cover for the crotch strap is wide. 11. You can use your Graco car seat with it. Overall I really really like this stroller. It is small enough to travel with or fit in compact places but large enough to have all the benefits of a full-size stroller. I would tweak it just a tad bit but you honestly can’t beat the price for what you are getting. — Ashley L.

Best Travel Stroller for Everyday Use

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Stroller - Jake

• 4-wheel suspension + large basket = a stroller built for travel & everyday use
• One-handed, compact, self-standing fold
• Includes carry strap and storage bag
• Two separate foot brakes for stop-and-go
• Canopy can be flimsy and become detached
• Heavier and bulkier than other travel strollers

When I became a parent, travel strollers were just what they sounded like: strollers used for travel. Fast-forward a decade and the world of lightweight strollers is something else entirely. UPPAbaby’s Minu is a great example of these advances, a compact stroller that can also be used as an everyday option.

From your neighborhood to your family adventures and everything in between, the Minu offers all the conveniences of a day-to-day stroller in a travel-friendly package. According to many Babylist parents we spoke to, this stroller can do it all.

“We never bought a full-size stroller because [the Minu] met all our needs,” one mom told us. “It’s light, easy to use, and fits overhead on a plane. Our infant carrier was a different brand and still clicked in like a breeze when our girl was little. There are available attachments if you want cup holders and other extras. There are cheaper travel strollers out there, but since getting this one was enough for us to forgo a full size, it provides a great value.”

Babylist team member Cassie, a mom of a toddler and a new baby, agrees. “It’s truly our primary stroller, not just travel. Given what I know about the Minu I often tell my husband I’d likely just get that if I was expecting now, and not also get the Vista.”

A few of my favorite features on the Minu V2 include the one-handed fold, the huge sunshade, the comfy seat with multi-position recline and a roomy, easy-access basket. The spring-action, shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension makes for a smooth ride even over bumpy terrain, so it’s a stroller you can use both in the suburbs and in a city. The Minu stands when folded and features a carry strap and a storage bag for easy transport.

As-is, the Minu works for babies three+ months; that means if you want to use it with your newborn, you’ll need to add the bassinet or an infant car seat plus adapters, which will cost you. And while it folds compactly, it is bulkier than some of the other travel strollers on our list when it’s broken down. It’s also a little heavier, weighing in at about 17 pounds. And the seat back is on the shorter side.

“Amazing stroller. Great for traveling (fits in overhead bin), shopping (takes up minimal trunk space), walks in the park (very smooth ride, even over grass!). Has oversized canopy to block sun and folds with one hand. Bought it for travel, but use it as our primary stroller because I love it so much.” — Jessica

“We love how little this stroller is, and that smaller babies can still fit in the seat. Unfortunately the canopy is not very secure so gets messed up every time we fold it up which is fairly annoying. Other than that, it’s very well designed and we use this 90% of the time over our Vista because it takes up less car space and is easier to fold up. — Jillian Tellez Holub H.

Best Travel Stroller for Planes

Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller Bundle - Black Frame/Aqua Color Pack

• Compact fold, fits in overhead bin
• Lots of options for customization and accessories (for an additional cost)
• Comfortable, padded seat and straps
• Fold isn’t intuitive; takes some practice
• Shorter seat back, so not a good choice for taller kids
• Narrow storage basket won’t fit average-sized diaper bags

Traveling by plane presents a challenge when your little one still uses a stroller. “Checking a stroller means it goes with the rest of the luggage and no one’s really paying special attention to it,” says Militello. “It goes up and down ramps, gets thrown from one area to the next, and [you have to] pick it up on the carousel.” Gate checking is an option, but many parents still don’t love the idea of letting such an expensive item of baby gear out of their sight.

The YOYO2 folds the most compactly of any of the travel strollers on our best-of list, and will fit easily in the overhead bins on most planes. (PSA: It’s always worth a call to your airline just to be sure.) It’s the stroller of choice for many light-packing parents who don’t want to deal with the hassle (or risk) of gate-checking a stroller when they fly. “[The YOYO] is the best travel stroller and it has been SO easy to travel with overseas and around the country and you can carry it on,” one parent told us in our Best Baby Products survey. “It’s super light, easy to clean and works like a dream.”

It performs like a champ off the plane, too, easily steering through crowds and narrow spaces. It’s also endlessly customizable, a unique feature I really like. You can change out the seat and shade fabrics with a new color pack , add a custom footmuff for cooler temps or a stroller board for an older child and even add a storage bag that uses wheeled support so your stroller won’t tip. And it’s compatible with many popular infant car seat brands.

The fold on the YOYO2 isn’t as intuitive as other travel strollers on our list; there are two steps, and it takes some practice. The canopy is on the shorter side. This travel stroller does come with a rain cover, but all the other extras and custom adds will cost you, which can add up quickly as this stroller is expensive on its own.

“As a mom of four, I always had my hands FULL of various things…so dealing with a huge bulky stroller was NOT IT. I had a big, full-size Nuna at one point. It was a great stroller but it was too much stroller. We got the Yoyo2 and it was a game-changer. It’s so lightweight but still sturdy. It could maneuver through tight spaces like clothing racks at stores or big crowds without any issues. For a lightweight stroller, it even handled various uneven terrain well enough, which was an initial concern. Plus it folds down to be smaller than a carry-on piece of luggage, whereas my big stroller literally took up my entire trunk. Critically, it’s a little tricky to learn how to fold and needs two hands but that wasn’t a deal breaker. It got easier the longer we used it. And while it can handle mildly uneven terrain (think small cracks in sidewalks, gravel roads, etc), if it got any more uneven than that, it was a chore to get it to work.” — Angela

“Fits in airplane cabin. We took it on so many trips!” — Emily

Best Double Travel Stroller

Zoe The Twinᵛ²

• Slim frame while still feeling roomy and comfortable (fits Disney size requirements)
• Easily converts to a triple or quadruple stroller with additional seats
• Huge sunshade and storage basket
• Doesn’t roll well on uneven ground or rougher terrain
• Some parents complained about the cup holder on the outside of the frame getting caught in doorways
• Fold isn’t compact

Double strollers often feel big and bulky, even those designed specifically for travel. That’s not the case with Zoe’s The Twin. It’s a delight to open, close and even lift in and out of your car, making it perfect for traveling with two (or more) kids or for times when you don’t want the hassle of a larger stroller.

I was able to open and close the stroller in seconds (and without reading the instruction manual) the first time I tried. Because traveling with kids often involves all of the snacks, I appreciate that this travel double comes with a child snack holder right out of the box. (There’s a parent cup holder included, too.) The stroller weighs about 19 pounds, which is really light for a double. And it’s only 29 inches across, so it fits through standard doorways with ease and is Disney-approved. If you’re traveling with more than two kids, the Twin converts into a stroller for three or even four by adding a triple or a quad seat.

On the cons side, The Twin doesn’t handle well off-road—it’s designed for smooth surface strolling. It also doesn’t accept infant car seats or bassinets, and it doesn’t recline flat, so it’s not a great choice for newborns.

“Had my eyes on this baby since the day I found out I was on my way to 2 under 2! I couldn’t have been happier with this decision. Lightweight, compact when folded, EASY, and so cute…canopy provides sun coverage when necessary, but the best is watching my babies be NEXT to each other and not separated.” — Jordan M

“The stroller is extremely easy to maneuver and the folding feature is the best for storage. Our family takes the Twin everywhere. We have put over 100 miles on it and it still rides like it’s brand new.” — Michaella

“This stroller is super lightweight despite the amount of room, oversized canopy and a large storage basket. My toddlers have plenty of room and enjoy riding in it next to each other. I do wish the wheels were a little better at navigating pavement bumps and cracks, it gets tricky, especially with the added weight of both kids.” — Brie

Best Travel Stroller Travel System

Nuna PIPA urbn & TRVL LX Travel System - Cedar

• Baseless infant car seat included (no adapters needed)
• Compact, lightweight stroller
• Includes carry bag
• Car seat has lower height and weight limits than others
• No snack tray attachment available
• Stroller handlebar isn’t adjustable like with other Nuna strollers

If you know you’ll be traveling frequently throughout your baby’s first year, you may want to invest in a travel system (a stroller and car seat that attach; here’s more on how to pick a travel system ). This combo is my favorite and what I wish I’d had eight years ago as a new mom living in New York City who didn’t own a car. It combines the ultra-popular TRVL, the brand’s first dive into the lightweight stroller market, with the urbn, a first-of-its-kind car seat.

TL;DR on infant car seat installation: almost all infant seats can be installed without a base, but require a seat belt—along with time and patience. But not the urbn! There’s no base, no seat belt required for installation AND the LATCH system is built right into the seat’s base. This means the seat installs effortlessly and in seconds. I’m blown away every time I try it; you simply press a button on each side of the seat and push to attach it directly to your vehicle’s lower anchors. That’s it. It’s as foolproof as it gets, and especially ideal if you’ll be using your car 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.

The included TRVL stroller is just as great. The two standout features for me are its fold (one-handed, quick and ridiculously easy) and its compact size (it stands on its own and weighs just over 13 pounds.) While not huge, the basket is large enough to hold your essentials + a bit more and is easy to access, and the TRVL’s maneuverability is good enough that you’ll be able to steer easily with one hand.

Keep in mind that the TRVL is on the pricier side and doesn’t have a carry strap, but the maneuverability, suspension and versatility help explain the higher price point. I found it worked as a travel stroller, but also as an everyday stroller, too. There are also lots of thoughtful design details like magnetic buckles, a no-rethread harness and a leatherette bumper bar and handlebar. The urbn car seat has a lower height limit than many infant car seats—not ideal, but not a huge dealbreaker, either.

“I love this travel system. The car seat alone is lightweight and the stroller has many options and is easy to fold down. It’s not light but strongly built so I figure that’s the trade-off.” — Elizabeth R.

“The baseless quick install has been a breeze. Whether he is going in my car, my partner’s, uncle’s, or his grandma’s—no need for a base for quick insert.” — Dana N.

“Love this stroller. So light and easy to push and fold. I was able hold my 20+lb baby, fold this and put it on the X-ray belt without holding up the security line. It’s the closest I’ve come to feeling like superwoman. It also fit comfortably in the overhead bin. Only downside I would say is the storage space underneath as it is a lot smaller than we’re used to with our Nuna Demi Grow.” — Meghan T.

How We Chose Our Best Travel Strollers

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 strollers.

We spoke to Kim Militello, a Babylist team member and a mom of three who previously worked as a flight attendant for many years, about traveling with kids (and all of their gear). We also spoke to a group of Babylist team members, all parents who travel frequently with their little ones.

We read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on our Babylist staff about their real-life product experiences.

Travel Stroller Basics

Some families use a traditional stroller for everything, even traveling. But having a lighter, more nimble travel stroller pays off when you really need it: for airports, narrow city sidewalks, public transportation or just to lighten the load.

Stroller pros and cons

These are some of the pros and cons of using different types of strollers for travel:

Traditional strollers: Everyday strollers typically have convenient features like lots of storage space, adjustable handlebars, cup holders and large canopies. Many also have suspension systems and can accommodate an infant car seat. But they’re heavier and bulkier to fold, which makes using and storing them in tight spaces more difficult (think: narrow doorways, airplane overhead bins or small car trunks).

Umbrella strollers: Bare-boned and exceptionally lightweight, umbrella strollers lack many amenities you find in traditional strollers like adjustable seats and cup holders. They have skimpy canopies, minimal cushioning and seat support and don’t fold small enough to fit in airport storage bins. You also can’t push an umbrella stroller with one hand. Umbrella strollers are good for when you occasionally need a slimmer, fast-fold stroller.

Travel strollers: Also called lightweight or compact strollers, travel strollers strike a balance between traditional and umbrella stroller styles. They’re lighter than the standard stroller, easy to fold and compact in size when collapsed. (Some travel strollers fold in half, called a square fold, while others feature a more compact tri-fold.) Travel strollers have some full-size amenities like large sun canopies and a storage basket and most even have extras like cup holders.

Do I need a travel stroller?

Figuring out the best stroller to use for travel comes down to what type of trade-offs you want to make around budget, space and personal preferences. There’s no right or wrong answer, and what works for one family may not work for another. “We traveled all around the world with the UPPAbaby Vista V2,” Xan, a Babylist team member and mom of two, told us. “With two kiddos, it is the best! It’s the most universal when it comes to traveling on different sidewalks and surfaces and it holds a ton.”

Before you invest in a travel stroller, ask yourself:

How often do I travel, and to what types of destinations?

How much do I want to spend?

Where will I store the stroller when it’s not in use?

Also note that lots of parents find that a travel stroller can work just as well as a full-size option for everyday use; just keep in mind that unless the travel stroller you choose is compatible with an infant car seat or comes with a separate infant kit, you’ll need to wait to use the stroller until your baby is six months old and can sit up unassisted. 

What to Look for in a Travel Stroller

A travel stroller should be easy to take with you on trips and be a comfy spot for your little one. Consider these features as you research and shop.

Size and weight. You’re going to be lifting, carrying and storing your travel stroller often, so the stroller’s size and weight are important. Look for one that’s lightweight and manageable. Also pay attention both to the folded and unfolded size of your travel stroller. If you’re planning on using it for an older toddler, also be sure it’s large enough to accommodate them.

Fold. You’ll be folding and unfolding your stroller often while on the go, whether it’s to take it in and out of your car, stash it under a table at a restaurant or store it in the overhead compartment of an airplane. Choose a travel stroller with a quick, easy fold, preferably one you can do one-handed.

Maneuverability. Not all travel strollers are created equally. Some offer much more maneuverability and a better suspension system than others; however, these features often come at a cost. Thinking through how often you’ll be using your travel stroller and what types of terrain you’ll encounter most often can help determine whether or not a more expensive stroller is worthwhile.

Canopy size. Most travel involves at least some, if not a lot, of outdoor time. A large canopy is essential for protecting your little one from the elements, especially the sun.

Comfort and convenience features. Similar to a full-size stroller, look for features that will make you and your little one more comfortable, especially while traveling. Things like an adjustable seat with a full or nearly full recline, an ample storage basket, an adjustable handlebar and easy-to-clean fabrics are all important. And don’t forget a built-in strap or a separate carrying case for easy transport.

Flying with a Travel Stroller

Spend a few minutes in any parenting forum and you’ll likely see a question from an anxious new parent about flying with a baby—and all of their stuff. It’s daunting, and there are a lot of questions to answer. How do you get your stroller from point A to point B when you’re flying? Will it count toward your carry-on and baggage allotment? And what if you need to use your stroller in the airport? Good news: You can pick how you want to travel with your stroller, depending on your needs.

Check the stroller with your baggage. Some parents unload the stroller during check-in and switch to using a baby carrier through the airport instead. “The advantage to this is that you don’t have to carry it with you around the airport if you’re not using it,” says Militello. Pair a front carrier with a backpack-style diaper bag so your hands will be free to deal with other things (like the best travel toys that will make your trip a breeze). Just remember that your stroller will be subject to the same rough treatment as the rest of your checked baggage—no special attention and lots of tossing around. And note that if you have a large stroller, you may be required to check it as baggage anyway. This usually doesn’t count toward your baggage allotment.

Check the stroller at the gate. Want to use the stroller until you board the plane? You can check the stroller with the gate agent—it just needs to be tagged—and then pick it up outside the aircraft door when you arrive. “When you gate check a stroller, it’s handled more with care,” says Militello. “Gate-checked items are usually more fragile and are hand carried from the entrance of the airplane to the bottom of the airplane and vice versa. They’ll deliver your gate-checked item right to the exit of the plane when you get off so you don’t have to to go the luggage carousel and will have immediate access to it once you deboard the plane.” Just remember if you have a connecting flight to catch, waiting for your stroller to be placed on the jet bridge can eat up precious time.

Stow the stroller on the airplane. If your stroller collapses small enough, it can be stored in an overhead bin. Having your stroller with you eliminates the potential for damage and the hassle of waiting for it on the jet bridge or at baggage claim. But strollers count as a carry-on item. “You typically only get one carry-on item, so choose wisely!” Miletello recommends.

Keep these other tips in mind:

If you check the stroller with baggage, you do run the risk of damage. If you’re not using a travel stroller bag, ask the agent at check-in for a plastic bag to cover and protect it during transport.

If you’re taking the stroller through security, it will need to be folded and put through the X-ray machine. Don’t stuff the undercarriage basket until after security.

If your checked stroller doesn’t come out with the suitcases at baggage claim, check the oversized luggage area. It may have been set aside there. (This may also be where your travel crib is, if you checked one.)

Do you need a travel stroller bag?

How you plan to use your travel stroller will affect whether or not you need a travel stroller bag. If you plan on flying with your stroller and want to check it with your luggage or at the gate, then you’ll probably want to use a travel stroller bag. Look for a padded option to help protect your stroller in case it gets dropped or tossed around. If you’re not planning on flying much or if you’re using your travel stroller as a day-to-day option, then a travel stroller probably isn’t a must-have. Some travel strollers come with a travel bag while others require you to purchase one separately, so check with your particular brand. There are generic travel bags that may work, too.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, 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

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

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

May be out of stock

Budget pick

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 a year, and I’ve tested dozens of strollers from 16 brands in that time. For this 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 .

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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 only comes in black (you can also buy a blue-green, special-edition model that’s about $100 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.

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

Elise Czajkowski

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

Further reading

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

The Best Travel Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

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

The Best Stroller Wagons

by Liz Iversen

Got kids and gear you need to schlep to the soccer field, the beach, or the neighborhood block party? A stroller wagon might be for you.

The Best Umbrella Stroller

by Elise Czajkowski

An umbrella stroller should be hassle-free and inexpensive enough to buy as a spare to store at Grandma’s house.

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This keeps it 100% reader supported and free of ads or sponsorships. Thanks for your support!

Best Travel Strollers

There are three basic types of strollers that work well for travel. The differences lie in how much space these travel strollers take up when folded – and which features are being sacrificed to make them so compact and lightweight.

The first type is your basic umbrella stroller , which folds long and skinny. Umbrellas are usually lightweight and can be very cheap (cheaper than other types of strollers, at least). The downside to umbrella strollers is that many of them lack key features parents want while traveling, such as a decent storage basket, canopy, etc. Also, umbrella strollers must be steered and pushed with two hands .

Not a deal breaker, just an FYI.

The second is the regular ol’ lightweight “square-fold” stroller . These travel strollers take up the most space when folded, but generally offer better features and one-handed steering (usually).

The third and newest type is a “tri-fold” style stroller , which typically has the best of both worlds: a very small fold and decent features. This type of stroller folds into thirds instead of in half . The tri-fold travel strollers tend to be the most lightweight and compact, but also the most expensive.

You can see them folded and unfolded below to get an appreciation of the relative sizes:

Best Travel Strollers: Index

Keep reading below (or click on a link) for more details.

Umbrella strollers for travel.

Everyone knows umbrella strollers are great for travel. They’re lightweight, fold compactly, and fit into most trunks. It’s pretty easy to find cheap umbrella strollers, though the nicer ones are surprisingly expensive. Note that as tri-fold strollers are gaining popularity, umbrella strollers seem to be slowly on their way out , so the selection is not what it used to be.

Here are our favorite umbrella strollers specifically for travel. See also: Best Umbrella Strollers (for general purposes). 

Summer Infant 3DMini ~ MSRP $60, 11 lbs – “quick and dirty option”

The Summer Infant 3D Mini umbrella stroller is crazy lightweight (only 11 lbs!) and easy to fold. It comes with some features; it has two cup holders in a storage console that also holds your phone/keys, a lower storage basket, a canopy (not that large, but better than most for the price), and has a slight recline for nappers.

If you’re looking for a cheap, bare bones stroller for travel that won’t break the bank, this one’s a really great option. For kids 6 months and up.

Summer Infant 3D Lite ~ $114, 13 lbs

If you’d like to go a step up in terms of quality, Summer Infant also makes the Summer Infant 3D Lite , which is 13 lbs. It comes with more features and is slightly more “luxurious” than the Mini (but still an “economy” build quality, if ya know what I mean…).

For starters, the seat is roomier and can recline further (but not flat, so use from 6 mo+), which is better for longer trips. With an aluminum frame, this stroller should last you a little longer (up to 50 lbs) and the anti-shock wheels offer a smoother ride. The 3D Lite also has a padded 5-point harness and an expandable canopy. However, some parents complain that the seat is not ideal for taller, older children.

Here’s our quick vid:

The 3D Lite comes with plenty of storage, including a decent-size storage basket and a rear storage pocket for your cell phone and keys. The height of the handlebars is perfect for taller parents. Surprisingly, the parent organizer/cup holder on the “Mini” is better. With an easy, compact umbrella fold and a handy shoulder strap, we think the 3D Lite is perfect for travel – and won’t break the bank.

UPPAbaby G-Luxe ~ $199, 16 lbs

The high-quality G-Luxe umbrella stroller is one of the few true umbrella strollers left standing (the G-Lite has been discontinued, sadly). The G-Luxe is a high-quality stroller loaded with awesome features. It has an easy fold, a huuuuuge multi-paneled sun canopy to keep baby protected from those evil UV rays, and weighs in at 16 lbs. It has a mesh seat for ventilation purposes (great for summers and hot climates), and a full recline.

Read more about the G-Luxe  here.

Regular Fold Strollers for Travel

There are other travel strollers that are very lightweight, but have a more boxy fold.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus  ~ $71, 11.8 lbs

This economy stroller weighs in at just under 12 lbs, is very affordable, and gives you some bang for your buck.

To level with you, this is the stroller you want if you don’t care that it looks cheap and crappy, and you want a deeper recline, a much larger storage basket, and even a snack tray. It also has a parent tray with two cup holders, which is much appreciated.

Who really cares that it’s not sexy – it’s just for travel anyway, right?

Zoe The Tour v2 ~ $259, 13 lbs

Tri-fold travel strollers.

The newest generation of lightweight travel strollers are what I call “tri-fold” – that means they fold into thirds, which makes for a VERY compact fold. The Mountain Buggy Nano was the first to fold this way; since then, many others have followed.

It’s a different folded footprint than an umbrella stroller, which is long and skinny. Neither is better or worse , per se, they’re just different. That said, tri-fold strollers tend to have better access to storage and because the handlebars aren’t separated you can steer them with one hand (sort of).

Many of these tri-fold travel strollers tout they can fit into an overhead storage compartment on an airplane, which is more to illustrate how small the fold really is (I can’t think of any reason you’d actually want to put a stroller in the overhead bin – seems like overkill to me – just check it at the gate for free). 😉

GB Pockit Air All-Terrain ~ $149

A stroller that can fit in your bag – seriously!

This stroller is lightweight and has an extremely compact fold. In fact, it’s the world’s smallest folded stroller, though it won’t (obviously) give you many features.

The Pockit stroller is all of 10.4 lbs. and works from 6 months to 55 lbs.

The Pockit folds down in two steps (and about 30 seconds, once you get used to it… and you do need both hands to fold) to become 12x14x7 inches—which is well below carry-on regulations, and as the name suggests, can fit into the “pockit” of a large tote or backpack.

This stroller pushes easily on flat surfaces, and also got an “all-terrain” makeover, with four double-wheels, that makes it easier to maneuver on cobblestones and other uneven surfaces.

It has a flat overhead sun shade that will do absolutely nothing to block the sun unless it’s high noon and directly overhead (and it tends to blow up/back in the wind) – but hey, they had to cut something to get it to fit into your bag! Another issue is the lack of a reclining seat and a carry strap.

Some parents (our managing editor included) say the stroller feels a bit flimsy and wobbly. Also, make sure the stroller is fully open and do not hold on to the folding buttons that are at the tip of the handles, as some users said the stroller collapsed… while their babies were in.

At the end of the day, this is an awesome stroller to keep in your bag “just in case” your child gets tired of walking (or you get tired of lugging him around in a carrier). It is that and nothing more , which for many is exactly what they need when traveling.

Contours Itsy Stroller ~ $152

We like the Contours brand because it takes popular styles of strollers and makes them more affordable for the masses. The Itsy stroller is Contours’ latest travel stroller with a unique self-standing, one-handed fold. At 12.3 lbs, The Itsy is almost as light as the Pockit, but has more to offer: a sturdy make, dynamic dual-wheel suspension, a UPF 50+ sun canopy, a generous underseat storage basket and more.

The stroller seat, which does not recline (the one downside for little ones who tend to snooze on the go), can hold a child from 6 months up to 40lbs. Overall, parents love this stroller, especially for the price point. They say it feels sturdy, has a smooth ride and is easy to use on the daily and on the go. Plus… no assembly required when you take it out the box.

In other words, there’s nothing bad to say about this stroller. For the money, we think this is a contender for best travel stroller. 

Mountain Buggy Nano ~ $209

The 13 lb Nano is the little black dress of the stroller world. 

The Nano comes with a belt-style universal car seat adapter, and its accessories include a travel bag and a shoulder strap. The current model (2020) has a deeper seat recline than its predecessor, a better sun shade with a flip-out visor, and extra slim wheels. 

The Nano folds in two steps into a rectangle that is 21 x 12 x 20 inches. It has a 44-lb weight capacity (so it can carry kids up to age 4).

You can buy a separate “ cocoon carrycot ” (aka bassinet) for your newborn. It also has a ventilated seat back (for your tropical trips) and a fabric overlay (for your wintry wanderings). If you travel a lot or just want a super lightweight, high quality stroller for bopping around town, the chic Nano should do the trick. Bon voyage!  

See the demo of the Nano, taken at the ABC Baby Show, below:

Colugo ~ $325 (Editor’s Choice)

The Colugo is an awesome, newer stroller that we like very much. It’s also a great all-around city stroller. Here, we are in the 16-lb territory, which is no longer uber-lightweight, but this stroller is solidly built with great all-around features, and one that you would be happy to use in your day to day as well.

Please read more about it in this separate review .

UPPAbaby Minu V2  ~ $399

We’re in love with the UPPAbaby Minu tri-fold stroller, which just got an update. The MINU V2 is lightweight (though heavier than its predecessor), has a compact fold, and an amazing canopy. It can carry kids up to 50 lbs and, unlike umbrella strollers.. Note that if you already have a VISTA, the bassinet is compatible with the V2.

Following the steps of its big sisters (the Vista and the Cruz), the Minu boasts a basket that is nicely sized (for a compact stroller…), plus it has an extendable canopy with tons of sun coverage, all-wheel suspension, and a seat pocket for keys/phone, etc. Yes, people who are already loyal to the UPPAbaby brand and own the larger Vista or Cruz are very happy with this new compact offering.

As 16.9 lbs, the MINU V2 is not only heavier than the original (14.8 lbs), it’s also the heaviest travel stroller on the market. The extra pounds are due to some pretty awesome seat updates, like an adjustable calf support.

It’s also now compatible with a Piggyback ride-along board that allows you and your standing child to be next to each other while you push the stroller, creating better leg room and visibility (a plus from the BabyZen’s stroller board).

It comes with a storage bag for travel, and car seat adapters for  Nuna Pipa/Maxi Cosi/Cybex  and UPPAbaby Mesa infant car seats.

Attention short people: many under 5’4″ have complained the handlebar is too high (and it does not adjust). Also note that there is no cup holder, though you can buy one separately. This stroller is easier to fold than its competitor, the BabyZen Yoyo+, though larger and heavier.

New/Upcoming Travel Strollers

While umbrella strollers seem to slowly become obsolete, trifold strollers seem to be dominating the 2022 market. We’re specifically keeping an eye out for the following strollers by two of our faves:

Nuna TRVL ~ $500, 13.6 lbs

If you know us, you also know that we are big fans of all things Nuna. It’s just a solid baby brand, whether you’re after a car seat, a stroller or a high chair. We’re most excited about Nuna’s new compact addition: the TRVL, which we foresee will be the Minu’s closest competition. This stroller will especially appeal to parents who opt for the Nuna PIPA car seat, which is compatible with the TRVL (no adapter needed!).

The fold is easy and one-handed, which is a definite advantage from the YOYO2. The TRVL also self-stands and self-locks with a self-guiding magnetic buckle.

So far the reviews are really promising!

Bugaboo Butterfly ~ $449, 16.1 lbs

Bugaboo is joining the trifold club, and it’s doing it with a bang (and with the brand’s usual class). The Butterfly stroller folds and unfolds with one hand in one second and has an expendable canopy, four-wheel suspension and more. At just around 16 lbs, it is most comparable to the Minu and the Colugo in terms of air. This stroller is compatible with the Bugaboo Turtle Air and One car seats by Nuna, as well as many popular car seat brands using Bugaboo Butterfly adapters (sold separately).

Babyzen YOYO2  ~$449

Babyzen is a neat company out of France – and you know how I feel about France… 😍. The stroller was named the Yoyo because it goes up and down so easily (like a yoyo… get it?).

The lightweight and compact BabyZen YoYo2 folds up soooooo tiny (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 — small enough to carry on most airlines), but doesn’t skimp on other features in the name of convenience. Yes, this stroller was designed specifically for luxe travel and city living. Yes, it’s the priciest of all the travel strollers reviewed here, but totally worth it if you have a travel/urban lifestyle (IYKYK!).

The seat reclines (about 140 degrees, which is generous), and its wheels roll easily over uneven terrain. In fact, the stroller uses Hytrel, a high-tech polymer to make its suspension resilient and durable, and to provide smoother rides (even on cobblestones) than its predecessor. This technology is new to the Yoyo2.

The stroller is sleek and luxe, especially with its new elegant leather handlebar.

This video is from 2017 and demonstrates the original Yoyo+:

The plush, padded YoYo2 seat carries kids up to 40 lbs. It has a decently-sized storage basket (good for a small diaper bag) and another storage pouch behind the canopy. The canopy rivals that of the Minu and the stroller comes with a very comfortable carry strap and a rain cover.

The stroller is compatible with the European car seats: Nuna Pipa, Cybex and Maxi-Cosi Mico ( adapters sold separately).

If you want to use this stroller with a newborn, you should take a look at the BabyZen YoYo2 Complete ($629), which includes the stroller plus a newborn bassinet. You can also add a Newborn Pack separately ($180). As the overall design and size of the stroller frame hasn’t changed with the YOYO2,  all existing accessories that fit the YOYO+ also fit the new model .

*Some reviewers note that they tend to kick the back of this stroller if they have a longer stride.

For older siblings, the YOYO2 offers a riding board: the Yoyo+ Board . This is a great addition for families with two or more children, but note that the riding board gets in the way of your pushing. You’ll have to walk on the side.

In addition to the riding board, other optional accessories include a travel bag , footmuff , parasol , insect shield , and cupholder .

BabyZen launched YOYO Connect, which hooks to the back of your YOYO2 to turn it into a… drumroll… a double (tandem) stroller! Once a double stroller, the YOYO2 has 5 different setups (2 that are suitable for twins and 3 that are suitable for siblings of different ages).

UPPAbaby Minu V2 vs. Babyzen YOYO2

If you’re trying to decide between the two of them…

• Size : The YOYO2’s fold (20.5” x 17.3” x 7.1”) is definitely more compact than the Minu V2 and can fit in most airplanes’ overhead compartments. The Minu’s fold is slightly larger (20.5″ x 23″ x 11.5″), though still very compact. The YOYO is also significantly (3 pounds) lighter.
• Weight Limit:  50 lbs for the Minu V2, 40 lbs for the YOYO2.
• Wheels : The Minu has slightly larger back wheels (7” as compared to the YOYO’s 6”).
• Folding : Folding the Yoyo2 takes two hands and some practice (folds from a lever on the bottom); the Minu V2 is easier and more intuitive to fold.
• Basket : The Minu’s basket is slightly more generous than the Babyzen’s.
• Handlebar : The Minu’s handlebar is 42.5 inches high, to the YOYO’s 43″.  Neither adjust and they are both better for tall people. 
• Canopy : Both strollers have flip-out visors attached to the sun canopy for extra coverage; the canopies are comparable.
• Infants : Both can handle infants 0-6 months with the purchase of a bassinet; the Minu V2 has a “From Birth” kit for $199 (or you can use the Vista Bassinet if you have one), the Yoyo2 has the Newborn Pack for $225. Both offer car seat adapters for Euro seats.

A Great Alternative to a Foldable Airplane Stroller

Wait – we have one more cool thing to show you!

Lugabug  ~ $40

If you’re a “carry-on” person (you know who you are!), definitely check out the Lugabug. As you know,  it’s very difficult to push a stroller and a suitcase at the same time  (but not impossible! I’ve done it many times – HA).

The Lugabug is a seat that attaches to your suitcase – your kiddo simply hops on and you can wheel them all around the airport (since it attaches to your suitcase, it’s only really helpful if you’re not planning to check your bag).

I get soooooo many questions and comments when I travel with my Lugabug, I feel like a walking advertisement. I love it for my short weekend flights when I’m traveling light and don’t want to check luggage. Highly recommend. Note: It’s better to use it with  higher quality  luggage (for cheap luggage, you risk breaking the wheels).

Seriously, this thing is  way  cool — I’ve enjoyed it very much! Max weight is 60 lbs.

There you have it – our top picks for travel strollers. Happy trails, bon voyage, and safe travels, parents!

What are your thoughts on the bugaboo butterfly? The store I went to recommend it over the UPPAbaby Minu. I would LOVE it if you could compare the two 🙂 Thabk you for your AMAZING website!

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The 15 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested the best travel strollers on the market for maneuverability, design, durability, and portability.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You May Also Want

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Phoebe Cheong

If you're traveling with a child under 4 years old or so, you need a stroller. But your everyday stroller might not be ideal for packing into trains, planes, and automobiles or for bringing in and out of a hotel. If you plan to travel even somewhat often with your little ones, you might want to invest in a travel stroller, which is typically smaller and more scaled-back with a collapsible frame. Many travel strollers fold multiple ways to reduce the length, width, and height, while others fold one way into a narrow but still-long piece. In the end, you want your travel stroller to be comfortable and safe for your child while folding up into a very compact, easy-to-carry package.

We tested more than 32 travel strollers from top brands such as Uppababy, Nuna, and Babyzen. We measured and weighed them, then spent eight and a half hours in our New York City lab putting them all through the wringer, looking at each stroller's maneuverability, design features, durability, and portability. We then sent them out into the real world to be used by families like yours to guarantee stroller longevity and functionality.

Best Overall

Joolz aer+ baby stroller.

It folds up into an extremely compact, easy-to-carry package that is great for storing at home or on flights.

The seat can only be hand-washed and air-dried.

The Joolz Aer+ looks great, rolls smoothly, and features plenty of padding for the little rider sitting in it. It wowed us right out of the box and was one of the quickest strollers to assemble with just a quick-snap connection to a secure and stable stroller. While the Aer+ is about one pound lighter than earlier models, it is still the same size and features all of the perks parents look for in a high-quality stroller. The roomy shopping basket can hold up to 11 pounds, the canopy is adjustable, and the seat reclines to multiple settings to help keep your little one comfortable as they grow.

Throughout our tests, we tossed the stroller off of a counter to see how it held up and it remained in impeccable condition with little to no scratching and no major breaks or rips. Even when fully loaded up, the wheels moved smoothly and limited turbulence as they are designed to absorb shock from pebbles, rocks, and other rough terrain. We could easily collapse the stroller down using only one hand — which is perfect for use when flying — and it can once again be assembled with just the click of a button. At just over 13 pounds, it's also easy to carry, so you can transport this stroller just about anywhere life takes you.

The Details: 13.2 pounds | 41.5 x 32.7 x 17.7 inches assembled | 8.5 x 21 x 17.7 x inches folded | 50-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Travel + Leisure / Phoebe Cheong

Best Overall, Runner-up

Nuna trvl lightweight stroller.

Not only does it roll well, but the one-handed folding process was the smoothest of all the strollers we tested.

It's not especially small when folded and is a little unwieldy to carry.

During testing, when we pressed the buttons to collapse and fold the Nuna Trvl, it felt like some spring-loaded mechanism started the process for us and made it easier. That's the kind of helpful detail any parent or caretaker appreciates. And that folding process was quick, easy, and doable with one hand. The Trvl isn't quite as light as some of the other strollers, however, and it has no strap for carrying over the shoulder (although the bumper bar turns into a handle for carrying when the stroller is collapsed). It's also not clear whether the Nuna Trvl will fit in all airplane overhead compartments; It was a tight squeeze when we placed it in ours, with the wheels sticking out a bit.

The Trvl has a lot of great design features, including an adjustable leg rest and simple, adjustable reclining system for your baby. The strap clasp is magnetic to save a little time, and the canopy has a peekaboo window and good ventilation. The bottom storage basket is also on the larger side for a travel stroller and can comfortably fit a backpack. The stroller gilded beautifully over each surface we tried; there was no difference between rolling over the smooth hardwood and the shag carpet, and it handled gravel without issue. And it held up just fine in the durability test.

The Details: 15.4 pounds | 41 x 26 x 20.5 inches assembled | 11 x 27.25 x 20.25 inches folded | 50-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Claire Cohen

Best Budget

Kolcraft cloud plus stroller.

It comes with a tray for baby's food and drink but is still extremely lightweight and easy to fold.

There isn't a ton of space in the undercarriage for storage.

Strollers are unnervingly expensive; many new parents experience sticker shock when they first see those price tags. The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is not. And while it's not the prettiest of the bunch (there's some loud branding), it folds easily — it can even be done one-handed with a little effort and coordination. We love that unfolding can also be done one-handed.

The Cloud Plus doesn't fold down quite as small as most every other one we're testing; the shape is somewhere between an umbrella and normal travel stroller. It's very lightweight, which we love, but since it doesn't fold small enough to fit in an overhead bin and doesn't have a strap or handle, it's not as portable as other options.

This stroller is the only one we tested with a tray for the baby's food and drink; the tray is removable if you're looking to save space. There are also two small cup holders for the adults, though our travel mug did not fit in them. The storage basket can fit a small backpack. The recline system is pretty easy to use and goes back three-fourths of the way to horizontal, and the canopy is good but not great. Same goes for the seat padding.

It rolled well on smooth surfaces, though there was some resistance on the carpet and a lot more on the grave. But we were able to push it through, and the stroller is light enough that when the wheels aren't rolling you can still keep moving. It's not the smoothest ride, but passable. The tray came unclasped during the durability test, but there was no actual damage. Overall, the price-to-performance ratio of the Cloud Plus is so good that it's an excellent budget option.

The Details: 11.8 pounds | 38 x 27 x 18 inches assembled | 10 x 33 x 17.5 inches folded | 50-pound weight limit

Travel & Leisure / Phoebe Cheong

Best for Warm Weather

Gb qbit+ all city stroller.

The back is made from breathable mesh to allow for airflow.

The handlebar isn't adjustable and the stroller is a bit heavier than other options.

The GB Qbit+ All City reminded us of the Nuna Trvl, but at a significantly cheaper price. The only areas the stroller fell short of the Nuna model are the canopy, which is not especially nice or expansive, and the fact that it's slightly harder to carry since it's a little heavier and has no actual carrying strap. That said, there's plenty to love about the Qbit. One-handed folding is smooth, and buckling and unbuckling the straps is easy. The seat is nicely padded, the entire back is made of breathable mesh to keep your child from overheating. The leg rest is simple to maneuver and goes all the way flat. The seat also reclines almost all the way back so that your baby can take a comfortable snooze. The included bumper bar comes off and on easily, and the handlebar looks and feels nice. There's enough storage for a backpack, too. As for maneuverability, it rolled great on all our testing surfaces and made crisp, tight turns. If you want something similar to and almost as good as the Nuna Trvl, this is your travel stroller.

The Details: 17.6 pounds | 41 x 24 x 17 inches assembled | 10.5 x 23 x 16.5 inches folded | 54.8-pound weight limit

Best Folding

Uppababy minu v2 stroller.

It folds up far more compactly than other UPPAbaby models.

The canopy sticks out a bit when the stroller is folded.

The Minu has a lot of the features familiar to UPPAbaby devotees — unstructured rear storage pouch, locking clasp to keep the stroller folded, excellent canopy — but unlike the brand's G-Luxe and G-Link models, this one is not an umbrella stroller. We actually think that makes for a better travel stroller. The Minu folds up more easily than other UPPAbaby models and far more compactly than an umbrella model. The fold can be done with one hand, but keep in mind the canopy needs to be tucked in once it's folded. A padded carrying strap easily fits over the shoulder. When carried, the Minu isn't the lightest or smallest option on our list, but it's portable enough and fits fine in an overhead compartment.

The Minu's seat back reclines nicely and easily for naps, and the handlebar feels good on the palms. The canopy's magnetic mesh window is handy and easy to keep open, and the sun shade for keeping the brightness out of your baby's eyes is one of the best we saw in our tests. The seat's padding is ample, though we'd like it if the leg rest were adjustable. We did appreciate the sizable bottom storage basket.

In terms of maneuverability, the Minu performed fine. It didn't make quite as tight turns as the Joolz or Nuna, and it felt a bit heavier to push, but it handled the gravel really well. A canopy rod popped out of place when we pushed the stroller off the table, but we were able to fix it pretty easily. Overall, while the stroller is expensive, it's not the priciest on the list and is worth it for the well-crafted features.

The Details: 14.75 pounds | 41 x 31 x 20.5 inches assembled | 12 x 22.5 x 20.25 inches folded | 50-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best for Cities

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller.

It's very well-padded, folds up into a tidy package, and has a convenient carrying strap.

The clips and buckles can be hard to maneuver.

Folding the Babyzen Yoyo 2 took two hands and, while not difficult, was a little more involved a process than with some other strollers. Unfolding is pretty easy, except we noticed our feet getting caught in straps a few times. While folding and unfolding were slightly disappointing, we love how portable this stroller is. It folds up very small and has a comfortable padded shoulder strap as well as a metal bar for easy carrying. And it fits easily into an overhead storage bin so it's a great option to consider when flying with a baby .

The Yoyo 2 has nice features, too. The seat padding is especially cushy, and the seat reclines three-fourths of the way back to horizontal (though the recliner is a bit tricky to figure out). There's also a pocket in the back and a decent storage basket underneath that can fit a small bag. The canopy is good, though we'd prefer the peekaboo window to be mesh instead of plastic.

This stroller especially stands out for its handling. We were able to maneuver this stroller through the safety cones with such ease, we could really see this stroller being helpful at a crowded grocery store or airport.

The Details: 14.7 pounds | 41 x 28.8 x 17 inches assembled | 8 x 20 x 16 inches folded | 40-pound weight limit

Best Double

Uppababy g-link v2 stroller.

It folds more easily and rolls more smoothly than we expected from a stroller this size.

It doesn't fold down very small, and unfolding it could be easier.

For such a large contraption, this double stroller folds with surprising ease. We were even able to do it one-handed with a little effort, which none of us expected. Unfolding is a little trickier, as it takes some force to unhook the locking clasp. As a double stroller, the G-Link 2 is not the most compact package when folded. Plus, it's an umbrella structure, so this one probably isn't fitting in many overhead bins. Carrying it was a little unwieldy, as should be expected with a double stroller, but there is a helpful handle, and the stroller is lighter than it looks. You can actually wheel it along when it's folded instead of carrying it, but it's not easy, and it bumped into us when we did so.

We like the canopies on the G-Link 2: quality material and good coverage. There are little storage pockets behind each seat, and it comes with a cup holder. You can also fit a purse or very small backpack in the undercarriage basket. The seats have generous padding, which extends to form a sort of calf rest for the riders. The straps buckle easily and have different height options; the seat backs have two recline positions and are super easy to adjust.

The stroller rolled well over all the surfaces, even the gravel, and it made much tighter turns than we anticipated. We also like that there are no wheels in the middle of the frame (as most double umbrella strollers have), which makes it easier to push without kicking the wheels or frame. Finally, it showed no damage after our durability tests.

The Details: 21.8 pounds | 41 x 25 x 28.25 inches assembled | 14 x 40 x 17.5 inches folded | 55-pound weight limit per seat

Cybex Libelle Compact Stroller

It's a modern-looking stroller that's easy to move.

It lacked some of the features we'd have liked to see at its price.

The Cybex Libelle Stroller looks sleek and is easy to fold down into an easy-to-store size. Unfolding this stroller is incredibly easy — perfect for families on the go. The wheels of this stroller turn more easily than some other styles and provides a smooth ride over most surfaces.

Due to its simplistic design, this stroller doesn't have extra pockets or cupholders, but its lightweight and compact style makes this a great option for traveling since the stroller can fit in the overhead bins of most airplanes. Just be aware that this model does not include a carrying strap, so if you plan to walk for long periods of time with the folded stroller, you'll have to carry it by its medal frame.

It handled pretty well over the smooth hard surfaces with no noticeable hiccups, but it struggled a bit on the gravel.

The Details: 13.7 pounds | 41 x 20 x 20 inches assembled | 8 x 22 x 14 inches folded | 55-pound weight limit

Best Maneuverability

Bugaboo butterfly stroller.

It takes next to no effort to push this stroller over terrains of all types.

The instructions have pictures rather than words, so they’re a bit unclear.

From sharp turns to steep curbs to rocky terrain, the Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Stroller easily traverses it all. Built with advanced four-wheel suspension and a lightweight frame, we loved how little effort it took to push the stroller, even with one hand. The wheels seemed to absorb bumps and shock well, keeping the seat stable and the baby in place. 

We were equally impressed with the stroller’s packing and traveling capabilities. Weighing in at just over 16 pounds and boasting a compact size when folded down, the Butterfly is easy to carry and even hoist in the air to stow in a plane’s overhead bin. It’s also simple to assemble, and it remained perfectly intact and undamaged after we dropped it.

Other useful features of this stroller include a Velcro rain cover, seat cover, spacious under-seat basket, padded handlebar with a wrist strap, reclining mechanism, and an easy-to-use foot brake. 

The Details: 16.1 pounds | 36.4 x 17.7 x 40.3 inches assembled | 17.7 x 9.1 x 21.3 inches folded | 48.5-pound weight limit

Best for Air Travel

It easily fits in overhead bins and is a high-quality, durable option.

At 14.6 pounds, it's one of the heavier strollers we tested.

The Cybex Coya is a stylish and durable stroller that families will be happy to use for their daily activities and while traveling. It folds up quickly and easily slides into airplane overhead bins for easy access as you board and de-board. The comfortable seat padding is removable for cleaning and the canopy comes down for sun and rain protection. The five-point harness is also incredibly easy to adjust and the seat itself reclines to be almost flat. Pair that with the adjustable leg rest and you have the perfect spot for your youngster to nap on the go.

We also love the cushioned handlebar that adds some extra comfort when pushing the stroller and the zippered pocket in the back of the canopy where you can store your phone or wallet for convenience. The cargo area is also a great size considering the overall compact nature of this stroller and easily fit our packed diaper bag . After our toss test, the stroller is still in great condition, although we do recommend investing in a dust bag if you're nervous about bumps and scratches while traveling.

The Details: 14.6 pounds | 38.2 x 17.3 x 31.1 inches assembled | 7.1 x 17.3 x 20.5 inches folded | 55-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Compact

Contours itsy.

Once folded, this is about the size of a large grocery bag.

Parents of older, larger children may not find it as useful.

If you like to live your life simply, the compact and convenient Contours Itsy may be the stroller for you. Right out of the box, it’s already nearly fully assembled — all you have to do is snap the bumper bar into place, which takes almost no effort. On top of that, it’s a no-frills option, so there’s no cup holder or oversized basket to weigh it down, take up space, or make things complicated. 

We did, however, love features like the secure bumper bar, easy-to-use harness, canopy with UV 50 sun protection, and padding on the crotch strap, which makes the stroller look comfortable. They also appreciated the small size of the foot rest, basket, and entire stroller in general, because it made using and transporting it a breeze.

When it was time to stow the stroller away (or pack it up for travel), we got a kick out of just how tiny it folds up — in its simplest form, it’s not much larger than a grocery bag. It’s also ultra-lightweight and easily folds with just one hand. 

The Details: 12.3 pounds | 32 x 39 x 18.2 inches assembled | 11 x 22 x 11 inches folded | 40-pound weight limit

Best Comfort

Baby jogger city tour 2 stroller.

This rolls smoothly on various terrains, making it comfortable for riders and pushers.

It did not fit in our overhead bin and isn't easy to fold one-handed.

Folding this stroller was pretty simple, though not quite as smooth as it was with some of the others. The unfolding process was a little finicky as well and took some practice. So what do we like about the Baby Jogger City Tour 2? The price is reasonable, it performed solidly on most of our tests, and it maneuvered exceptionally well over all surfaces. We noticed little perceptible difference between its rolling over the shag carpet and smooth wood surface, and while other strollers struggled a bit on the gravel, this one navigated it with ease.

In terms of portability, the City Tour 2 doesn't feel bulky and has a good hand carrying handle. We would have liked to see a shoulder strap, however, and it did not fit in our overhead bin. The seat back has a lot of recline, and the drawstring to pull and push the seat forward and back is easy to use. The seat has good structure and good padding; the straps work well and can be adjusted to different height levels. There's lots of leg room and adjustable calf support for the baby, and the canopy has a peekaboo window and goes up and down smoothly. We'd have appreciated some more storage space; you can't fit a backpack anywhere. When we pushed the City Tour 2 off a table, we did notice that a small foam pad came off, though we couldn't even figure out where it came from, and it did not structurally damage the stroller.

The Details: 14 pounds | 40 x 26 x 20 inches assembled | 7 x 22.5 x 19.5 inches folded | 45-pound weight limit

Best Umbrella

Uppababy jordan g-luxe stroller.

The umbrella folding feature is more straightforward to use than other folding models.

The button/ring-pull combination for folding it is a bit finicky and has to be timed perfectly.

The first thing to note here is that ​​umbrella strollers only fold one-dimensionally, so the result is narrow but long…like an umbrella. The other strollers on this list fold down via multiple joints and in multiple directions for a smaller and more squarish package; neither is necessarily better, but you'll want to decide what you want before buying a travel stroller.

This particular UPPAbaby model is a bit tricky to fold because the handle/ring combination used to do so is finicky and has to be timed perfectly. Once you get that, the folding is smooth, but the whole button-and-ring thing is a little annoying. As with most UPPAbaby products, however, the G-Luxe's features are pretty nice. There's an included cup holder that fits a travel mug easily, and the canopy is expansive with extra sun shade (there is no peekaboo window, however). The leg rest for the child is easy to adjust, and the straps feature a five-point harness and adjustable height levels. The seat padding is substantial without looking bulky, and the recline system, while only providing two settings, is exceptionally easy to use. The unstructured (perhaps too unstructured) pocket behind the seat is pretty spacious and in a good location, but the storage basket at the bottom of the stroller isn't particularly big.

The G-Luxe maneuvers well, with good tight turns, though it rattled noticeably over the gravel. It held up well during our durability tests and sustained no damage.

The Details : 16.5 pounds | 42.5 x 23.5 x 18.5 inches assembled | 15 x 41 x 11.75 inches folded | 55 pounds weight limit

Best Lightweight

Zoe the traveler.

It's one of the lightest options on this list.

The attachable snack tray is sold separately.

If you're heading off on a family trip and looking for a simple, lightweight travel stroller, this minimalistic design will do the trick. It's incredibly easy to assemble and takes just a few minutes to click the wheels and bumper bar into place. It also comes with a parent cupholder and back pocket to help keep your hands free throughout your journey. We did note that the cargo area is the perfect size for a small tote bag or purse, but it may not be large enough to fit diaper bags or weekender bags .

We love that this stroller comes with a removable seat liner that can be thrown in the washing machine after a trip to keep clean and fresh. The canopy can also be unzipped to expand and it has a peek-a-boo feature on top so you can check on your child without stopping. This stroller is also easy to push around on every type of terrain — especially around tight corners. The stroller is light enough to lift up stairs, but we do recommend you use two hands when carrying down the stairs. When it's time to disassemble the stroller, simply press a button on the handlebar and bend the stroller forward. It’s so easy we didn’t even need instructions to figure out how to do it. You can even fold and unfold this one-handed, perfect for on-the-go travels.

The Details : 13 pounds | 41 x 30 x 18 inches assembled | 22 x 19 x 10 inches folded | 45 pounds weight limit

Most Adjustable

Thule shine.

The leg rest and handlebar are adjustable, providing comfort for parents and passengers.

It can be hard to turn on sharp corners.

For such a compact stroller, the Thule Shine has plenty of storage, an expandable canopy with UPF 50+ protection , a reclining seat, and adjustable leg rests — everything you need for a busy parent and growing youngster to travel comfortably. We love the fast assembly of this stroller and the security of knowing everything clicks together when positioned and popped in correctly. There is an adjustable handlebar that is super easy to figure out, an extra rain canopy that you can pack and bring with you, and it is so easy to fold down. The harness does need to be clipped in a specific order before it can be fully buckled, which might become difficult with a fussy child, but we did find the seat to be comfortable and loved that it was extremely adjustable.

During our tests, it only suffered minimal scuffing and we never felt as though it would tip or fall while maneuvering through an obstacle course. We were able to fold the stroller with just one hand, but it was difficult to get it fully locked into the travel position without using two hands. It does stand upright once folded, so you can pop it down quickly for storage, whether you're coming back home and stashing it in a closet or boarding a plane. The stroller also fits easily into car trunks, but is most suitable for gate checking and is not likely to fit in overhead airplane bins. Overall, the stroller felt durable and was light enough that most parents would be able to carry it when needed. We felt like it would last through at least a couple of kids should your family use it multiple times, which is perfect for growing families.

The Details : 21.6 pounds | 35 x 42 x 20 inches assembled | 13 x 27 x 20 inches folded | 49 pounds weight limit

Other Travel Strollers We Liked

Some of the travel strollers we tested did not make our list of recommendations. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back.

Summer Infant 3DLite : This is a decent budget option, but the price-to-performance ratio was just not quite as good as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus.

Doona Infant Car Seat and Latch Base : The easy-to-maneuver pick collapses into a car seat but the use case for this is too specific to pay as much as it costs, and many other stroller frames can fit a car seat.

Gb Pockit Air All Terrain : This one is incredibly light and folds easily, but there are basically zero features.

Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller : While this is a sleek and stylish option, i t's not easy to carry, and the canopy adjustment makes a lot of noise, which could wake up a sleeping baby.

Munchkin Sparrow : The lightweight design is smart and thoughtful, but everything from the canopy to the storage bin is simply too small. 

Once we fully assembled all strollers in our New York City testing lab, we measured their height, length, and width, both fully opened and fully folded down. We also weighed each one, since weight is a particularly important aspect if anyone will be carrying the stroller during a trip. Then after carefully reading instructions, we repeatedly folded and unfolded each stroller. We took copious notes to record whether the folding process was intuitive and easy to execute. We considered how difficult it would be to do with a baby in one arm or with a whiny toddler pulling at our legs.

While each stroller was in its most compact setup, we tested it for portability. Is it easy to pick up? Comfortable to carry? Are there good handles and straps? Is it compact enough to fit in an airplane overhead bin (we constructed our own makeshift one according to standard airline measurements using a storage rack and a box). We recorded all this and more.

Next we carefully examined each stroller for included features. We looked for seat reclining and cushioning, cup holders, baskets and other storage space, canopy cover for protection from the weather, seat cushioning and reclining, and more. We tried the features out and took detailed notes on whether they were functional and helpful. We also practiced buckling and unbuckling the straps.

Then we put 25-pound sandbags in every stroller. We wheeled them forward and backward over hard floor, carpet, and gravel. We practiced U-turns and pivots and even wheeled them through a miniature obstacle course of cones. We also noted how well the brakes worked and if they were easy to engage.

Finally, we gave all of the strollers a durability test. We dropped each one from waist height and then pushed each off of a table slightly higher than that. We examined each after the falls to see if there was any damage.

After completing our lab tests, we sent each stroller out to real families to use these strollers over a period of six months to really put them to the test. Throughout the testing period, we asked how each stroller was holding up in terms of durability, comfort, portability, and more and updated our findings here.

Tips for Buying a Travel Stroller

Consider the types of travel strollers.

Not all travel strollers are designed with the same priorities in mind. Some may emphasize a lightweight and packable style while others are focused on maneuverability or durability. There are umbrella strollers, that are best for toddlers, but light enough for travel; jogging strollers with advanced suspension for smooth rides; and even full-sized strollers that may not seem best for air travel, but often include great features like storage compartments and padded seats when portability is less of an issue. When it comes to selecting the best travel stroller for your family, think about portability and convenience, but don't forget about comfort and bonus accessories to make your trip a smooth and unforgettable experience.

Pay attention to folded size

The biggest difference between a regular stroller and a travel stroller is that a travel stroller should pack up more compactly. You'll want it to fit easily into car trunks or train/airplane compartments without taking up much space. The Joolz Aer , our top pick, folds down to 8.5 (height) x 21 (length) x 17.75 (width) inches. That's a good guide for a stroller that will fit nicely into the aforementioned compartments.

Look for storage space and additional features

Just because your travel stroller might be a smaller and more scaled-down version of your everyday stroller, you shouldn't have to suffer from a lack of convenience. Good travel strollers still offer some storage space for small bags, toys, snacks, etc. Remember, you can always add a drink caddy for both your stroller and luggage. The seat for your baby should be padded and comfortable and able to recline; keep an eye out for a canopy that offers good coverage and buckles and straps that are easy to use. So, while compact folding and good portability are what make a travel stroller a travel stroller, be sure to look closely at the other features a stroller does (or does not) include.

Prioritize comfort and safety

At the end of the day, your stroller needs to be safe and comfortable for your child. Check for good, padded seats that recline. Make sure the straps don't look like they'd cut into your baby's shoulder or chest, and take note if there are leg rests. Note if the wheels can handle different surfaces well enough to keep the stroller from shaking and rattling too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can fit it in the overhead, you can bring it on board. If you have an umbrella model or are using your regular (non-travel) stroller, your best bet is to gate check it. But many travel strollers fold down so compactly that they fit easily into an overhead bin. In general, carry-on luggage should be 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 inches) or less. You can reference the FAA website for more guidance.

In short, a travel stroller is lighter than an everyday stroller and folds down far smaller. This means that the frames are usually thinner and have several folding joints, and the wheels will be smaller and less suited for rough terrain. Storage space, cup holders, and other accessories will usually be kept to a minimum. But a good travel stroller should give you everything you really need and even function well enough to be used every day — all while folding down nice and small and being easy to carry or pack away.

Traveling with a toddler? You're going to need a lot more than a travel stroller to help things go smoothly — or at least as smoothly as traveling with kids can be. These items will make your next trip a little easier, whether you're taking a road trip or flying internationally.

Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat : This lightweight car seat is great for families who are traveling with lots of luggage — it weighs only 16 pounds and doesn't feel as bulky to carry around as other options. Installation only takes about 15 minutes.

​​ Stokke JetKids BedBox : Kids can ride on this spacious suitcase through the airport (a lifesaver for little ones who get bored while traveling), then turn it into a footrest or bed on the plane. It also comes in multiple colors and can be decorated with stickers.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Chris Abell is the Associate Editorial Director at Travel + Leisure , and he is a parent and frequent traveler. He's owned the Uppababy G-Luxe and the Joolz Aer, and he helped design and execute the testing for all the strollers on this list. Chris and commerce updates editor Hillary Maglin worked with a team of other editors and parents to test these strollers in our New York City lab space.

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Related Articles

The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Make your trip comfortable and fun for all with these top picks

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

A lightweight, collapsible travel stroller is a must-have accessory for parents on the move. There are many options to choose from, with the right stroller depending on your specific requirements. If you’re planning on traveling locally, a stroller that packs away into the trunk of your car may suffice; but if you're traveling overseas, you may prefer one that complies with airline carry-on restrictions. If you’re buying for a newborn, a fully reclining seat is necessary, while car seat compatibility is another factor.

We tested nearly two dozen strollers in our lab and rated each on their design, portability, maneuverability, durability, and overall value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested.

• Others We Tested
• What To Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, nuna trvl lightweight stroller.

• Design 4.8 /5
• Portability 4.2 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Value 4.7 /5

Convenient one-handed fold

Suitable for newborns

Handles a variety of terrain with ease

Potentially unwieldy when removing from overhead bin

Our testers loved this stroller. "It was one of the best, if not the best, in the entire test," one tester concluded. But it's also one of the most expensive. The top marks begin with the fold and unfold, which was easy to do with practice. "Whoa! It folds for you! With alacrity," one tester reported. Our testers also liked smart features including easy and full reclining positions, good ventilation, a mesh window in the canopy, a big storage compartment, and a magnetic strap clasp.

But what really set this one apart from others was the smoothness of its ride. "It glides like a dream on every single surface," a tester reported. "There was no difference between the smooth hardwood and tile and the shag carpet. The gravel was also incredibly easy to maneuver, with little to no jolting or bumping up and down."

The nitpick our testers found was that it wasn't the easiest to fit in the overhead bin space, and our testers were concerned it could flop open when retrieving it at the end of a flight. Sure, this stroller is expensive. But if you've got the budget, this was one of the best of the batch.

Weight: 15.4 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 11 x 27.25 x 20.25 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 26 x 20.5 inches | Seat Dimensions: 10 x 13 inches

Best Overall Runner-Up

Gb qbit+ all city stroller.

• Portability 4 /5
• Maneuverability 4.9 /5

User friendly

Solid handling

Long lasting

Canopy could be improved

Gb's QBit+ All-City stroller scored nearly as high as the Joolz AER in our lab test but cost less. In particular, the QBit+ did best in our durability, maneuverability, and foldability tests. Folding requires pressing two buttons, but our testers could do it with one hand. "Locking it when unfolding takes a second, but overall it was really good," a tester noted. The QBit+ also passed our maneuverability tests with flying colors. And there was no damage to it during our durability tests.

Our testers noted that while the canopy has coverage and a mesh peekaboo window, it doesn't go down very far. It also didn't score best in our portability test since it did not come with a carrying strap. "We wouldn't want to carry it folded for long periods of time," a tester reported. But, for the cost, our testers thought the QBit+'s other features more than made up for it. "This stroller would be great as a regular stroller—not just for travel," a tester said.

Weight: 17.6 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 10.5 x 23 x 16.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 24 x 17 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 13 inches

Best Budget

Summer infant 3dlite stroller.

• Design 3.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.6 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

Budget-friendly

Cushioned handlebar

Ample storage space

Not the best for frequent fliers

What's better than a reliable, easy-to-operate, and durable travel stroller? Well, one that checks all these boxes without breaking the bank. The 3Dlite is that stroller. Though a bit bumpy over uneven terrain, it performed quite well in the maneuverability test and suffered no damage despite being dropped multiple times from several heights. A convenient carry handle makes porting around this mid-weight option relatively painless—but you'll have to gate-check it as it didn't fit in our simulated overhead bin.

Our testers would have liked to see improved features, namely a canopy that offers more coverage and a shoulder strap with padding. But, if you won't be traveling by plane much, the 3Dlite is a solid pick that will get the job done.

Weight: 13.6 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 10.5 x 42 x 12 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 43 x 24 x 18 inches | Seat Dimensions: 6 x 13 inches

Best Double

Uppababy g-link v2 stroller.

• Assembly 4.9 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 4.4 /5

Opens and closes well

Solid canopy

Excellent handling

Heavy (somewhat expected in a double)

Some details could be improved

For those with twins, friends, or siblings close in age, our testers like the G-Link V2 Double Stroller best. Our testers liked how easy the fold is, noting it can be done with one hand (although unfolding was a bit tougher). They also liked how easy it was to recline the stroller and that the recline had two positions. It also maneuvered skillfully. "The shag carpet was pretty easy with little drag or resistance," one tester noted. "The gravel impressed me, too; it was relatively smooth and barely bumpy." Another tester liked that there were no wheels in the middle of the frame (like most double umbrella strollers have). "It makes it easier to push without kicking the wheels or frame," they noted.

While our testers reported they'd liked to have seen windows in the canopy and pads on the shoulder straps, overall, they scored this stroller very well.

Weight: 21.8 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 14 x 40 x 17.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 25 x 28.25 inches | Seat Dimensions: 10 x 11 inches

Best Sun Shade

Uppababy g-luxe stroller.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 3.9 /5
• Maneuverability 4.7 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

Solid portability

Loaded with functional extras

Supports itself in the collapsed position

Operating takes practice

Not great for packing into small places

An adequate sunshade is an important feature for many caregivers. The G-Luxe stroller offers loads of extra shade with its oversized canopy. But that's not the only feature our testers loved about this stroller. They also enjoyed the large cupholder, which fits travel mugs; how easily the footrest worked; the location of the pocket behind the seat; its padding; and the five-point harness with an adjustable shoulder strap.

Folding was a bit tricky and annoying at first with a handle and ring combo, but once you get it, the folding is smooth, our testers reported. While the stroller wasn't very small when folded, our testers did like the strap. "It feels light when you sling the strap over your shoulder, and it's nice that it will leave your hands free to carry more things," one tester noted. It performed well in the maneuverability test. Bonus: This stroller can stand on its own when folded.

Weight: 16.5 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 15 x 41 x 11.75 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 42.5 x 23.5 x 18.5 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 11 inches

Best Lightweight

Kolcraft cloud plus stroller.

 Amazon

• Design 3.9 /5
• Portability 3 /5
• Maneuverability 4.2 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

Works well (once you figure it out)

Only option with a tray

Portability is not great

If you're looking for a lightweight budget option, we like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus for its foldability, durability, and overall value. You're not going to get all the bells and whistles with this stroller. But you will get a functional item at a much more reasonable price than others on this list. Our testers liked how easy it was to fold and unfold, noting that this could be achieved with one hand (with some strength and coordination). The Kolcraft didn't have the smoothest ride, but our testers could push it through gravel even if the wheels stopped spinning because of its lightness.

You will sacrifice a few things with this option—mainly portability. While the stroller is one of the lightest we tested, it does not come with a case, strap, or handle. It also didn't fold down small enough to put in an overhead bin, meaning you'll need to check it at the gate if you fly with it, but our testers were impressed with the durability of the stroller. Overall, we view this as the Honda Accord of the batch. Does it have the performance and features of the more expensive models on this list? No. Is it great value, and will it get you—and, more importantly, your little one—from location A to B? Absolutely.

Weight: 11.8 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 10 x 33 x 17.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 38 x 27 x 18 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 13 inches

Most Maneuverable

Baby jogger city tour 2 stroller.

• Maneuverability 4.8 /5

Comfort features for the rider

Great value for its cost

Not as convenient for air travel

Our testers raved about the maneuverability of the City Tour 2. "The maneuverability on the Baby Jogger is exceptional," one tester said. "There was little perceptible difference between shag carpet and smooth wood and tile surfaces. And while other strollers struggled a bit on the gravel, this stroller navigated it with ease."

While the maneuverability of this one is stellar, there's a lot more to it than just that. The folding and unfolding were relatively easy. Our testers loved the recline, structure, and padding. They also liked small touches like extra legroom and adjustable calf support. While the storage space was minimal and there was no cupholder, our testers liked the functionality of the canopy and that it has a window.

One issue: It didn't fit in the overhead bin space, so checking it at the gate is necessary. But overall, our testers thought it was a solid performer for the stroller's price.

Weight: 14.5 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 7 x 22.5 x 19.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 40 x 26 x 20 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 13 inches

Best Portability

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller frame.

• Design 4.4 /5
• Portability 5 /5

Excellent padding

Easy to stow

Solid over rough terrain

Not intuitive for folding and unfolding

For the best portability, our testers liked the Babyzen Yoyo2. It's not the lightest stroller we tested (but it's on the lighter side). And it's not the most compact (but it's close). But its compact size, relatively lightweight, plush and comfy shoulder strap, and metal bar handle combined to make this the overall best for portability.

Our testers also liked the canopy window, back pocket, basket underneath for boosted storage, and how easily it fits in the overhead bin space. They also liked how well it was handled. "There was minor resistance on the gravel, but it was smoother than many other strollers over the bumpier surface," one tester noted. "It maneuvers well for back and forth and changing directions."

Weight: 14.7 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 8 x 20 x 16 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 28.8 x 17 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9.5 x 12.5 inches

To make traveling as seamless as possible with a young companion, you'll want a travel stroller that's easy to fold and unfold, carries comfortably from place to place, and handles well over various surfaces. The Nuna Trvl Lightweight Stroller has all this plus top-notch durability. If you're looking for something affordable and lightweight, we also recommend the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller .

Our editors and testers tapped into prior knowledge of strollers and stroller brands and conducted internet research to select products. Once a group of products was set, we whittled the list down based on the strengths and price of each stroller to get a range of functions and price points.

All products mentioned in this roundup were tested in our Brooklyn, New York lab. Products were tested for the following attributes: folding/unfolding, design, portability, maneuverability, and overall value. We also weighed and measured each stroller.

We followed the instructions to fold and lock each stroller and then unfold it. We rated it based on how easy these actions were and if they could be achieved with one hand. The design was ranked based on the stroller's extra features and how well (or not) those features worked. We were looking for things like adjustable handle heights, reclining positions, storage space, and canopies, among other things.

For portability, we folded each stroller into its most compact state and carried it around our testing lab, up and down stairs. We also created a simulated overhead bin space using a baker's rack. Maneuverability was tested with a traffic cone obstacle course in our lab and on different surfaces including hardwood, tile, shag carpet, fake grass, and gravel.

Durability was tested by dropping the folded strollers from waist height and from on top of a table. Lastly, the overall value was rated based on the cost of the stroller and how it performed in the tests compared to others.

Other Travel Strollers We Tested

Doona : We liked that this was the one stroller tested that also works as a car seat. It also performed very well in the maneuverability test, as one tester noted being able to maneuver through the cones one-handed. However, it was tough to fold and unfold (we had to watch a video to figure it out). Overall, our testers concluded that it was a specific product, and while it was good, it wasn't great enough to make our top picks.

Cybex Libelle Stroller : The Cybex Libelle Stroller was another good, just not great performer. It was fine in our tested categories and will get the job done. Our testers just liked the other ones listed above better. Our testers particularly liked how easy it was to fold and unfold.

Jeep Scout Double : Folding the Jeep Scout Double was not intuitive and took some figuring out. "Once you get used to it, it does get easier, but it's not very intuitive," concluded one tester. While this one falls into the budget range, our testers didn't care for it.

Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller : The Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller was lightweight and compact. It also did well in the maneuverability test on turns and with one hand. But this one had some quirks, like a reverse folding canopy and an unfolding process that was counterintuitive enough to keep it off our favorites list.

Jovial Portable Folding Stroller : Overall, the Jovial Portable Folding Stroller wasn't a super strong performer in our lab tests. It did fine—just nothing to put it over the top. The folding and unfolding took some effort. The handlebar was a bit low, and the canopy felt somewhat flimsy. And it struggled on the gravel during our maneuverability test.

Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller : Waking a sleeping baby is a big no-no. And while the Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller had some features our testers liked (folding and unfolding, excellent maneuverability, and good reclining), it was loud, particularly the canopy. "It just didn't impress across the board for the price," one tester concluded.

Colugo The Compact Stroller : The Colugo Compact Stroller checked many boxes. It can be folded and unfolded with one hand. It has padded shoulder straps. And it was pretty good at maneuvering and handling turns. But it performed poorly on gravel. And the buckles for the straps hurt our testers' hands. Plus, the canopy's performance deteriorated throughout the test.

What to Look For in Travel Strollers

If you're buying a travel stroller, you're after one that'll be lighter and more compact than your everyday model. Look for high-tech materials that are sturdy without adding extra weight. You'll find materials such as aluminum, polyester, and plastic are popular. Anything less than 15 pounds for an individual model is an excellent place to start, which applies to all the picks on our list. Fully collapsible models can be carried on board airlines, and weight restrictions for these are uncommon but not entirely nonexistent. Check your airline's requirements and restrictions before your trip.

A comfortable child on vacation is a happy child on vacation—so you'll want a stroller that will keep your child at ease during long days of sightseeing and exploring. Look for reclining seats, adjustable canopies, and padded harnesses. Keep in mind that features that add comfort often add weight. Consider a more minimalist design if you're planning to use a travel stroller primarily to get from point A to B or will be loading and unloading frequently. On the other hand, if you're road-tripping to natural or attraction parks , you and your little rider will appreciate those added comfort items.

Extra Features

Sure, you can go bare-bones with a stroller that's little more than a nylon sling chair on wheels, but you may also want features like cup holders or a rack underneath to hold larger bags. Your ideal travel stroller fits the specific needs of your family and the type of trip you have in mind. That extra storage space could save you from carrying another bag or two, which could turn a potentially stressful event into a relaxing and fun outing, depending on where you're headed.

The best travel stroller to take on a plane is one that fits in the overhead bin space, is lightweight, and is one that you feel comfortable using. When in doubt, check the folded dimensions of the stroller, matching it with the overhead bin space of the plane you'll be flying on.

You don't need a separate travel stroller. But if you do a lot of traveling—whether that's flights or road trips with your kids —we recommend having a travel-specific stroller. Many of the ones we suggested could double as your everyday stroller.

Jess Macdonald is a travel expert and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2016. She has honed her skills as a freelance writer specializing in travel, scuba diving, and wildlife conservation. She's also a mom of two who has traveled extensively (both at home and overseas) with her kids.

Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor at TripSavvy. While not a parent himself, he's learned the importance of having a good travel stroller after spending a month road-tripping the Western US and Midwest with his four-month-old niece.

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11 best lightweight strollers for hassle-free and compact travel

Whether for everyday trips or travel abroad, set out with these lightweight and collapsible pushchairs, article bookmarked.

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With their shrunken footprint and ease of manoeuvrability, travel-style buggies can make life run more smoothly for city dwellers and frequent fliers alike. Just as these folding, compact strollers can become small enough to fit into overhead lockers, they can also be stored away without much hassle when not in use – great for those with tighter living spaces.

Like many parents, we bought a larger buggy ahead of our baby being born, not considering at all how cumbersome it might be on public transport, or how much space it would take up in our London home. We resigned ourselves to having to buy a cheap travel buggy separately to take on flights, along with the separate running buggy we had accumulated, too.

In reality, living in the city meant we only really need the larger buggy for the odd occasion where you want to pile the basket full of shopping, or take on especially muddy paths – and even that’s a convenience thing, not an essential.

The wheels of a compact buggy can make uneven surfaces trickier to navigate but, if you live in a city and are far more likely to traverse public transport than you are a country lane, a compact travel buggy can absolutely be the only investment you need make.

The models suitable for everyday use tend to have a comfier seat, suspension, a decent recline system and the option to add accessories, such as a footmuff or bassinet. Something to watch out for with these buggies versus traditional travel systems is that the accessories you’d expect to be included are often sold separately – such as footrests and rain covers which can make the cost mount up.

16 best prams and buggies 2024 – tried, tested and approved by parents

7 best running buggies for zooming around with your little one

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6 best all-terrain strollers for making off-road adventures a walk in the park

How we tested the best compact strollers

Over the course of three months, we put a range of compact strollers through their paces, with the help of our one-year-old and a three-year-old mini testers. We tested in all weather conditions, and graded the buggies on ease of fold, weight, handling, look and feel, and durability. We have covered both crossover buggies we believe are truly sturdy enough for everyday use, and those realistically designed for travel-only.

The best compact strollers for 2024 are:

• Best compact stroller overall – Joolz aer+: £429, Joolz.com
• Best budget all-rounder – Mamas and Papas airo: £299, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget travel option – Didofy aster 2: £199.99, Didofy.com
• Best for air travel – Babyzen yoyo2: £399, Babyzen.com
• Best for taller parents – Ergobaby metro + deluxe: £369.90, Ergobaby.co.uk
• Best : Compact stroller overall
• Folded dimensions : 53.5cm x 45cm x 21.5cm
• Weight : 6kg
• Age suitability : From six months up to four years old
• Incorporates recycled plastic bottles
• Top-quality wheels
• Premium look and feel
• Those with larger feet might want something easier to handle

We are obsessed with this buggy. Not only does it look chic, weigh just 6kg and fold seamlessly into aircraft overhead cabin size (even with the footmuff on), it also has some serious green credentials, with its transferable 10-year warranty, the material being made from recycled plastic bottles and in a rather sweet touch, a tree being planted with every purchase.

For travel or city life, parents need look no further than this elegant and thoughtful design. It is simply best in class for so many of the features, from the sturdy, comfortable handlebar, to the impressive full recline for the baby. What we felt really set it apart, however, was the quality of the wheels. Coated in a soft EVA foam rubber material they are noticeably silent and make for a smoother ride. It seems a small plus, but the clattering of plastic on a pavement doesn’t calm the jangled nerves of a parent.

Everything about this buggy looks and feels premium, from the canvas material, to the soft handlebar. The canopy is also excellent for warm weather and folds nearly completely down, with a handy peekaboo gauze above the baby. The other excellent feature is the fully flat recline.

The only downside we could find was that, while we were getting used to the buggy, we accidentally kicked the centrally located brake a couple of times. So, if we were being super picky, we would suggest those with larger feet opt for something slightly easier to handle.

Mamas and Papas airo

• Best : Budget all-rounder
• Folded dimensions : 25cm x 45cm x 55cm
• Weight : 7.6kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to four years old (or up to 22kg)
• Premium finish
• Looks great
• Weightier than some other models

We really like the look and feel of the airo, which has a premium finish and is incredibly sturdy. The fold on it is excellent and it very neatly locks and freestands – ideal for holidays or storing in tight spaces. It’s pretty lightweight at 7.6kgs, but not flyweight like some other models. It also comes with a separate sun shield and rain cover as standard, both of which are very high quality.

The airo also looks nice – it has an attractive padded seat and is consistent with the high quality of other Mamas and Papa’s products. It can be used with a footmuff and a newborn pack is also available to buy separately (£149, Mamasandpapas.com ).

Didofy aster 2

• Best : Budget travel option
• Folded dimensions : 55cm x 47cm x 25cm
• Weight : 6.2kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to 22kg
• Lots of included accessories
• Wheels don’t feel particularly premium

The great thing about the aster 2 is it comes with everything you need, with no need to buy any extra accessories – even the footmuff and drinks holder. It is also incredibly lightweight, at just 6.2kg, which makes it ideal for slinging in an overhead locker or the boot of a car.

Like many of the others we tested, the fold is easy to achieve single handedly and folds down seamlessly into a freestanding square. The recline on the aster is also pretty much flat, and it has the same drawstring mechanism of many of the others, which allows a silent recline in any position.

We liked the design of the handlebar, too – this pops to the side with no faff – while the underbasket is also generous and it comes complete with a footrest, ideal for taller passengers. We also loved that the canopy not only has SPF 50 protection but is waterproof, too – so there is no need to faff with the raincover during a light shower. The only real cons to consider are that the wheels and narrow wheelbase, like many of the pure travel options, feel less premium and thus the buggy does rattle on very uneven ground. It felt more difficult to steer with our larger passengers, too.

Bugaboo butterfly

• Best : For comfort
• Folded dimensions : 54cm x 23cm x 45cm
• Weight : 7.3kg
• Chic design
• Hand luggage-compatible when folded
• Roomy basket
• Plasticky wheels
• Only suitable for babies aged six months plus

For those familiar with the quality of the Bugaboo brand, the butterfly does not disappoint. Its simple and chic design also makes it a nice-looking option, while another plus is that all the Bugaboo accessories fit, such as the universal footmuff. The buggy folds and is able to free stand even with the footmuff attached – again making this a serious contender for only needing the one buggy.

The fold is excellent and it is International Air Transport Authority (IATA) compatible, meaning it’s small enough to be classed as hand luggage when folded. It also has a handy shoulder strap for carrying. While the stroller doesn’t quite lay flat, more like 145 degrees, our babies had no issues sleeping in it. In fact, the chair is noticeably more cushioned and roomy than many other buggies we tried. For the quality and comfort of the seat we rank the butterfly as top in class. The recline mechanism of the pulley strap is also pretty much silent and easy to use, even with the weight of the baby.

The brake is in the middle at the back between the back wheels, but the smaller design means larger-footed parents don’t kick it. Another nice piece of design is the sprung-loaded and roomy basket – it can comfortably carry up to 8kgs and is noticeably larger than the competition – again, handy if this is your only pushchair. The spring-loaded basket also makes putting things into it easier when the baby is reclined – which can be tricky on other models.

The only downsides we noted are the plasticky wheels and the fact it is only suitable from six months old because there is no option to attach a separate bassinet. However, the Bugaboo has an impressive four-year warranty, so you should get your money’s worth for years to come.

Babyzen yoyo2

• Best : For air travel
• Folded dimensions : 52cm x 44cm x 18cm
• Folds down very tightly
• Mostly suitable for overhead lockers
• Very lightweight
• Slightly fiddly fold
• Wheels are abit noisy

The yoyo2 is the buggy du jour in the city. Originally designed for air travel, this gorgeous piece has gone beyond just a good piece of kit and is now also somewhat of a fashion item, and we can see why.

There are several things we love about the yoyo but the fold is probably the best feature because it goes way smaller than any of the other buggies and is super lightweight to carry at 6.2kgs. It is the buggy most airlines recognise as being suitable for the overhead lockers, so frequent travellers will have no issues here.

The recline doesn’t go quite flat, but nearly, and our baby had no issue sleeping in it. The pulley system is also silent and easy to use. The brake is sturdy and off to the side, which is great if wearing sandals. Meanwhile, the peekaboo window is in just the right spot on the generous canopy (which is made with SPF 50 material). Storage underneath is also ample – this stroller is able to carry much more than you might think.

Another small plus, the strap and buckle system is very well thought out – there are no fiddly bits of material to fall down over any of the adjusting parts – something any parent will be grateful of with a wriggly passenger.

The only cons to the yoyo, and we are being picky, are the slightly fiddly fold, compared with that of the Joolz (£429, Joolz.com ) and Bugaboo butterfly (£419, Amazon.co.uk ), and the slightly noisy wheels (this seems to be the norm with smaller buggies, though). The fact it doesn’t fold well with the footmuff attached is also a bit annoying – the Velcro attachment and the smaller fold size means you have to reattach it at the bottom when you unfold it again. It also doesn’t free stand when folded with the footmuff, but this is really not a major detractor.

Baby Jogger city tour 2

• Best : For suspension
• Folded dimensions : 59.5cm x 49.5cm x 19cm
• Weight : 6.5kg
• Value for money
• Deceptively spacious
• Fits most airline overhead lockers
• Easy to manoeuvre

This is a great option for users who want an affordable compact buggy suitable from birth for both travel and at home, as it comes in significantly cheaper than the premium models. It also comes with the option of adding a bassinet (£129, Naturalbabyshower.co.uk ) at a reasonable price compared with the pricier buggies. Despite its diminutive size, the buggy feels very spacious and was particularly comfortable when testing with our taller, older children. There is plenty of room in the padded, generous seat and the adjustable calf support and footrest make it comfortable for sleeping babies and toddlers alike.

Folded, it is larger than the other travel options, but still collapses tightly enough to fit in most airline overhead lockers – but, like with all of the travel buggies, many airlines may ask you to store it in the hold. If this happens, the Baby Jogger comes with a handy travel bag.

The stroller also only weighs 6.5kgs, but the feature that sets it apart is the very good suspension and handling – if you find yourself on uneven surfaces a lot, this buggy fares very well and is akin to our best buy in terms of a smooth ride and manoeuvrability. The recline is also near flat and silent and easy to use with the pulley system. Meanwhile, the canopy is also generous and has SPF 50+ protection. So, though it doesn’t share the chic design of pricier models, this buggy is excellent value for a very good quality product.

Ergobaby metro + deluxe

• Best : For taller parents
• Folded dimensions : 54cm x 45cm x 24cm
• Weight : 7.8kg
• Includes most extras
• No need to buy an extra bassinet
• Comfortable padding
• Weightier than some

We loved the sturdy and comfortable Ergobaby, not only for its no-nonsense look and feel, but also the fact it is a premium product at a decent price point, without the need to buy extras, apart from the footmuff (£94.90, Ergobaby.co.uk ) if you needed to. It is slightly heavier (7.8kg) than other models but the extra weight is coming from the fully adjustable handle and the solid, lockable frame, which makes the buggy best in class for bigger children and taller parents.

Another benefit to the Ergobaby is it requires no extra bassinet to be suitable for newborns, thanks to a clever feature called the newborn nest, where the footrest is adapted to create a bassinet out of the existing seat. Like the aer+ , it has rubber wheels, which make for a much smoother ride than the plastic-wheeled competition, and the generous basket has plenty of room for a decent amount of shopping.

The seat itself is exceptionally well padded, and our mini testers old enough to talk opted for this buggy over many of the others, in terms of comfort. The seat itself is also nicely elevated away from the ground. In fact, the only con we would note about the Ergobaby is the weight when folded, but it more than makes up for this in terms of reassuring stability and functionality. It also folds down very tightly to 54cm x 45cm x 24cm.

Out n About GT

• Best : For off-road strolling
• Folded dimensions : 56.5cm x 36cm x 95cm
• Weight : 8.8kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to ‎22kg
• Doesn’t require extra purchases for newborns
• Car-seat compatible
• Durable wheels
• Won’t fold small enough for aircraft overhead bins

While this stroller does not fold tightly enough for an aircraft overhead bin, it does fold very flat into a small car boot. It is also narrow enough to fit down the aisle of a London bus, and boasts the off-road capability of a much larger model, making it ideal for both in the city and a muddy park walk. The handle also adjusts, which makes this another buggy great for the taller parent, and it’s spongy and feels nice to push. The material is also easy to clean – something we found very useful.

Another plus is it lies completely flat, so is suitable from birth, with no added purchases required. The buggy is also car-seat compatible with select brands, so it’s effectively a very cost-effective and compact multi-terrain travel system. At 8.8kgs, it’s not as lightweight as some of the other models, but the weight is coming from the heavy-duty wheels and excellent suspension. Speaking of the wheels, they are puncture-proof and incredibly durable and silent, like tiny bike wheels, and the buggy comes with a rain cover and bumper bar as standard.

We really liked this buggy for its price point, versatility and capability on tough terrain, too. It is unavailable at the moment, but you can sign up to be notified once it’s back in stock.

Inglesina quid 2

• Best : For budget air travel
• Folded dimensions : 46.5cm x 58cm x 19cm
• Weight : 5.9kg
• Supremely lightweight
• Slightly more elevated buggy seat
• Ideal for frequent fliers
• The extra accessories will be costly

The premium feel of the Inglesina and the fact it is the lightest in class at 5.9kgs should pique the interest of frequent fliers. It really is flyweight, and looks great – we tested in the gecko green and loved it. The material is high quality and it has a nice, wide wheelbase – something you come to notice when your passengers are heavier – and it also has a taller handlebar.

Small but thoughtful touches with this buggy made us fall in love with it, such as the excellent and smartly designed carrying handle, which sits on the side when folded, and the fact it freestands without any of the fabric touching the ground – a valuable hygiene plus. Another nice touch is the baby snug pad (£69, Inglesina.uk ), which is similar to a newborn insert on a car seat, allowing the buggy to be used from birth with no need for a bassinet.

The buggy seat also feels slightly more elevated, so the child is not so low to the ground, again, a nice plus, particularly for taller parents. The fold is one-handed and without faff, and the recline is a silent drawstring. A really good-looking, thoughtfully designed travel option, it’s ideal for frequent fliers, though, like many of these buggies, the extra accessories mount up.

Cybex orfeo

• Best : Bright travel option
• Folded dimensions : 15.5cm x 47.5cm x 52.5cm
• Age suitability : From birth to four years (or up to 22kg)
• Exceedingly lightweight
• Bright colourways
• Convenient shoulder strap
• Time-saving harness

Like the quid 2 (£299, Inglesina.uk ), the orfeo weighs just 5.9kgs and looks poppy and summery in its cheery colourways. That’s not where the similarities end, either. This stroller, too, has a simple fold, is extremely lightweight and, performance-wise, pushes and sounds similar on the pavement. The difference with this one, though, is it has a handy shoulder strap, as opposed to a handle for carrying. The colour palettes are also a bit more fun and in-keeping with a summer holiday vibe – we tested the beach blue and loved how it stood out in the street.

A small thing, but the harness is great on this buggy and performs more like a car seat with one pull tightening all the straps. We loved this time-saver and our baby was always safe and snug. We also really loved that the fabric is machine washable at 30C – ideal after a healthy cover of sunscreen and ice cream.

Like all the top travel options, it’s a seamless one-handed fold into a small square shape, with a decent silent recline. Folded, it really does feel tiny, with a depth of just 15.5cm – so handy in small spaces. Those with a Cybex car set can also attach it to the orfeo – a plus if you’re a fan of the brand and want to mix and match.

Nuna triv next compact pushchair

• Best : Premium compact stroller
• Folded dimensions : 31.5cm x 57.5cm x 69cm
• Weight : 8.72kg
• Premium feel
• Not the most lightweight

The Nuna triv next compact pushchair combines practical simplicity with a premium feel. It’s easy to fold (no matter which way it’s facing) and doesn’t take up too much space. It’s not the lightest travel buggy but, at just under 9kg, it’s light enough to tackle stairs regularly and the handy carry strap is a simple touch that makes it relatively easy to juggle the pram and baby at the same time. You only need one hand to fold it, which is great, and it stands up on its own when folded.

It’s compatible with other Nuna products (bought separately), converting it into a complete travel system with a 360 car seat, making it a sort of hybrid between a purpose-built travel buggy and the full range. The zip-off canopy is smart, with a flip-out eyeshade, and it’s UPF 50+. Baby’s comfort is ensured by an all-season chair with breathable mesh for summer and the bigger back wheels make it pretty sturdy and robust.

We tried the caviar version, all black with a brown leatherette handle, which was slick enough to stand out but not garish – just how we like it. The main downside to the Nuna triv next is the price tag. At £600 it’s one of the most expensive buggies we reviewed, but that does include a rain cover. It also comes with the adaptors to attach any Nuna infant carrier, making it pretty versatile. Having said that, it is a premium item in both look and feel, and feels worth it.

Compact strollers FAQs

Which brands sell the lightest pushchairs.

Both the Inglesina quid 2 stroller and the Cybex orfeo weigh in at just 5.9kg, which is markedly lighter than many other models on the market. Meanwhile, our best buy boasts a weight of just of just 6kg – comparatively slight when compared with our most weighty pick at 8.8kg.

What pushchairs are recommended for airlines?

Whether you can bring yours onto the plane as hand luggage will depend on the airline you’re flying with. That being said, very small and foldable strollers can often be placed in the overhead luggage (provided there is enough space).

Which pushchairs are best for small cars?

Small and foldable pushchairs will lend themselves well to fitting into the boot of your car. Better still, an especially helpful feature to consider is whether the chassis is compatible with a car seat. This will make transporting your child to and from the car less of a hassle, while it can also save you some space.

Can the prams collapse as one unit?

Collapse mechanisms with buggies and pushcairs vary, but there are models that allow you to collapse your buggy with one quick and easy motion, often with the click of a button. Then there are models that require a few steps to fold down – these may not always be as compact as those that can close in one simple motion.

The verdict: Compact strollers

The testing of these buggies took months, and we really put them through their paces in all weather and terrain conditions. All of the buggies that make this shortlist are excellent purchases – we tested many more that didn’t make the cut – but for us the Joolz aer+ is very much the standout in terms of comfort, features, handling and style. It also has a fantastic guarantee and is kind to the planet. You need buy no other buggy from birth to toddler with this excellent and stylish product.

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The 7 best travel strollers, according to parents who use them.

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

The Best Travel Strollers

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.)

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

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

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

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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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

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

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.

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Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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10 Best Compact Strollers To Make Traveling With BB Easy— Near And Far

Need a lightweight, compact stroller for travel, or even just normal daily life? If yes, how smart of you. And if not … then you *should* be. A lightweight baby stroller (aka, an umbrella stroller) is as essential as a car seat or a diaper bag . Trust us, it’ll change your life, whether you’re taking a spin around the neighborhood or headed on a family trip to Disney (fingers crossed). But there are so many options to choose from — double and travel options, the futuristic car seat hybrid — it can be difficult to know which is best for your lifestyle.

RELATED : 8 Of The Best Umbrella-Ella-Ellas That Are Cute And Functional For Rainy

Need help narrowing it down? We chatted with experts Sylvana Ward-Durrett and Luisana Mendoza de Roccia, co-founders of Maisonette, a digital marketplace that curates your favorite children’s brands and indie boutiques in one stylish and convenient place.

How To Choose The Best Compact Stroller For Your Needs

Luisana suggests starting with the basics. “Look for two things: durability and ease,” she says. “How easily the compact stroller folds up is key.”

Next, make a list of what matters most to you. “There are many options on the market for compact strollers, and some prioritize different sets of features than others,” says Sylvana. “So it’s all about finding what works best with your lifestyle and what features you want to prioritize.”

RELATED : The Best Backpack Diaper Bags For Multi-Tasking Moms Who Carry A Ton Of Sh*t

Some key things to consider when browsing the best compact strollers of 2020…

• Can you snap your carseat in it? (Some offer this standard, some with an adapter, others not at all.)
• If your babe is younger, what’s the minimum weight that the compact stroller can carry? Does it accommodate a newborn, or would you need to purchase an additional infant kit?
• If your babe is older, when will their weight hit the maximum limit?
• How easy is the compact stroller to clean? Can the cover be removed and thrown in the washer, or will you be spot-treating every single spill?
• What kind of terrain will you be riding on? (Generally, the bigger the wheel, the smoother the ride.)
• Where will you be storing it? Will it fit easily in your car? Your closet?
• How much storage on the compact stroller is essential to you? (Some compact strollers now offer double-decker storage and extra hidden pockets.)
• How easy is it to carry? How much does it weigh? (To make things easy for you, we provided weights of all our picks for the best compact travel strollers of 2020 below.) Does it come with a carrying case or strap?
• Do you like the general look and feel? (You’ll be spending a lot of time attached to this thing.)

Once you decide on the features you’re looking for, scroll down to check out our picks for the best compact strollers.

RELATED : The Best Twin Car Seats For Towing Two Around Town

Best Compact Strollers

WEIGHT: 14.3 lbsIf quality and portability are your top two priorities, then your compact stroller search stops here. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is especially designed for travel with its lightweight feel and ultra-compact size. In fact, it even comes with its own carrying case, making it ideal for road trips or packing on planes. Adding to its travel-friendliness is its smooth maneuverability, large built-in storage basket, and multi-position reclining seat that allows for naps on the go. While it can accommodate toddlers up to 45 pounds, its also compatible with the Baby Jogger Infant Carseat if you’re hitting the road with a newborn (and all the luck to you).

WEIGHT: 21.5lbsIf you want to look like a million bucks without spending a fortune, this stylish stroller is so chic. The leather-wrapped handlebar and brown-and-navy color combo are totally classic (there’s a red version, too), but modern features like one-handed folding and rear or front-facing capabilities mean you and BB can have the best of both worlds. Other features you and your little will love include a spacious storage bin, a five-point safety harness, an adjustable footrest, and more.“This stroller has been a life saver since I’ve been quarantined at home,” a reviewer says. “Since purchasing this stroller, we have been going for daily morning walks, it feels great to get outside. If we do encounter anyone, the canopy expands with a zipper and shields my daughter completely. The stroller is lightweight and easy to assemble. It has a smooth ride which is nice for going on brisk walks.”

WEIGHT: 15 lbsBeing a mom-on-the-go can best be described as a balancing act of sorts — all the more reason to have a stroller that can do ALL the things. We’re partial to the easy-to-use push bar that can be maneuvered with one hand. The lovely Graco NimbleLite Stroller has a reclining seat and two cup holders (yes, TWO… one for baby’s sippy cup and one for your steaming cup of coffee that, fingers crossed, you’ll actually be able to drink at a decent temp). Next up: We’re fan-girling over the storage basket that’s roomy enough to stow away a sand bucket, a box of animal crackers, and maybe a board book or two. Last but not least, this bad boy folds up easily making travel and public transportation a breeze. One Amazon customer raves: “This is a fantastic travel stroller. We used this on a family trip to Glacier National Park and this held up through four plane trips and everything else we threw at it.” 

Best Easy Compact Strollers

WEIGHT: 15.4 lbsIt’s a car seat … it’s a stroller … it’s both! Aka the Doona, this futuristic-looking hybrid is possibly *the* most travel-friendly option out there. While it’s pricey and only suitable for babies up to 35 lbs, if you take your L.O. from car to street (or plane, or train) A LOT, or you want something extremely portable for a trip, this genius contraption is a total lifesaver.“This is probably one of the coolest pieces of baby gear I’ve ever purchased,” says a reviewer. Coming from [having] the the lightest on the market at the time, it was still heavy and awkward to carry, the way that all infant seats are. The Doona takes all of that heavy lifting out of the equation, no more stiff arms! The smoothness of its opening and closing transition is amazing, I expected it to be more clunky, but it opens and closes with the push of a button (and a push of the back wheels for closing). I also expected it to be bigger for some reason, but it’s right on par with any other infant seat, except it has wheels.”

“I have been wanting the Bugaboo Ant for some time now and I really wish I had bought it sooner!” one customer says. “The first thing I was really impressed by was their use of all recyclable packaging materials. The stroller is lightweight, but very sturdy. All of the materials feel premium and it is a really sleek looking stroller that I am excited to travel with. I have two children, a 10-month-old and a 3.5-year-old, and it is very easy to accommodate both of them with the easily-adjustable seat height and super smooth push.”

WEIGHT: 26.4 lbsWhile the Baby Jogger City Select isn’t the most lightweight stroller on this list, it is the most versatile for growing families. The brand’s new-and-improved model has luxe design features like chic earth-toned colors, leatherette accents, and performance fabrics that help regulate little ones’ temperatures in the heat or cold. But the City Select’s most enviable trait is that it’s modular, making it a smart investment for parents who have babies on the brain. With add-ons like second seats, compatible car seats, and glider boards, this stroller can be converted into an impressive 16 configurations, accommodating children up to 45 pounds per seat. All this, plus its easy-fold, compact design (which is 20% smaller than the leading compact stroller), make it a top choice for active families, especially if they’ve got (or will soon have) multiple kids.

Best Lightweight Compact Strollers

“We had a bigger, bulkier stroller before this one, and after using this stroller, it has made our lives so much easier,” says one Amazon reviewer. “First thing, is it’s so much move maneuverable, we brought this to the museum, which was packed, and we were able to move it around with ease. Second, the stroller is so much lighter than the previous stroller we were using. We used to hate bringing our son out to places because we would need to drag along his heavy stroller, but this stroller is so much lighter that we don’t mind bringing him out anymore. This stroller is easy to collapse and doesn’t required much trunk space, very travel friendly.”

Says one reviewer, “This stroller is AWESOME! The assembly took all of 2 minutes, the most of that time was spent taking everything out of the plastic wrapping. The canopy unzips and extends pretty far down, the locking function is right by your feet on each back wheel, the cargo net underneath is good size, and the stroller is just the right size for my son. I also loved the fact that I could buy this in lime green so our stroller will stick out in the parks in a sea of black, blue, and red strollers!”

Best Budget-Friendly Compact Strollers

“This Cosco Umbrella Stroller is great!” says a Walmart reviewer. “You have to attach 2 wheels to the frame when it arrives but that was simple. It is super lightweight. I’m able to pick it up with one hand put it in the car or take it out. It folds up to where it barely takes up any room in the trunk of my car or foyer of the house. I am only 5’3″ and I can just about stand up straight while pushing it.”

Notes a Walmart customer, “Honestly, wow. Price is so fair for what it comes with. It’s so light, which make it so easy on-the-go. It’s so easy to assemble, fold, and store. Basket is much needed. Baby can sleep and be very comfortable in it. It comes with cup holder on top and tray for Baby (in my other stroller just those two parts cost $100). All of my errands seems to be so fast since I start using it.”

SHOP THE STORY

WEIGHT: 15 lbs Being a mom-on-the-go can best be described as a balancing act of sorts — all the more reason to have a stroller that can do ALL the things. We’re partial to the easy-to-use push bar that can be maneuvered with one hand. The lovely Graco NimbleLite Stroller has a reclining seat and two cup holders (yes, TWO… one for baby’s sippy cup and one for your steaming cup of coffee that, fingers crossed, you’ll actually be able to drink at a decent temp). Next up: We’re fan-girling over the storage basket that’s roomy enough to stow away a sand bucket, a box of animal crackers, and maybe a board book or two. Last but not least, this bad boy folds up easily making travel and public transportation a breeze. One Amazon customer raves: “This is a fantastic travel stroller. We used this on a family trip to Glacier National Park and this held up through four plane trips and everything else we threw at it.” 

WEIGHT: 21.5lbs If you want to look like a million bucks without spending a fortune, this stylish stroller is so chic. The leather-wrapped handlebar and brown-and-navy color combo are totally classic (there’s a red version, too), but modern features like one-handed folding and rear or front-facing capabilities mean you and BB can have the best of both worlds. Other features you and your little will love include a spacious storage bin, a five-point safety harness, an adjustable footrest, and more. “This stroller has been a life saver since I’ve been quarantined at home,” a reviewer says. “Since purchasing this stroller, we have been going for daily morning walks, it feels great to get outside. If we do encounter anyone, the canopy expands with a zipper and shields my daughter completely. The stroller is lightweight and easy to assemble. It has a smooth ride which is nice for going on brisk walks.”

This article was originally published on Dec. 11, 2019

Best Travel Strollers: 9 Picks, Tested and Reviewed by Parents

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Traveling is a beloved pastime for millions, leading to treasured memories in different places, experiencing new cultures, seeing a family member who lives far away, or riding that roller coaster you had always wanted to ride. Thanks to all the ingenious products available today, you don’t have to set aside your passion for traveling just because you have kids. As long as you have the right tools, traveling with kids can be much easier. 

At the top of that list, a quality travel stroller. That’s why I spoke to globetrotting parents to get their recommendations on the best travel strollers available today. Read on for those picks, plus everything you need to know about choosing the best travel stroller for your family. 

What to look for when shopping for a travel stroller

Below are important  factors experts consider when shopping for a travel stroller.

“For most people, the most important factor when considering a travel stroller is how compactly it folds and if it will fit in the overhead bin on most standard flights,” says Marianne Perez-Fransius, the co-founder and CEO of Bébé Voyage , an online community for traveling parents. “Always check what the dimensions are when the stroller is folded and how easy it is to fold down at the door of the plane.”

“For some, weight considerations are important: either what the weight of the stroller is (many prefer lighter weight strollers) and/or what the max load weight of the stroller is (especially for those with older or bigger children),” Perez-Fransius says. These two measurements don’t always correlate directly, so check both. While I can’t recommend it officially, especially for a stroller that has some wear and tear, many of the parents I spoke to noted that they have continued to use their favorite travel stroller even after their child surpassed the weight limit.

Durability and Storage

Are you an amusement park family? Museum frequenters? National park aficionados? The types of activities your family likes to do while traveling are going to dictate how durable of a stroller you will need and how much storage space it will need to have.

Our top picks for the best travel strollers

Best full travel system travel stroller: doona infant car seat and stroller.

“My family used the Doona for our girls when they were infants as it was the two in one travel solution of a stroller and car seat in one and is FAA approved,” shares Jennifer Saxton , a mom and the Founder and CEO of Tot Squad , an online parenting marketplace. The Doona is a car seat that can safely be buckled into a car that also has fold-out legs with wheels and an adjustable handle to transform it into a stroller in seconds, making it the perfect all-in-one travel system for on-the-go.

Specifications:

• Stroller weight: 16.5 pounds
• Child weight limit: 35 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 28 inches x 18 inches x 19 inches
• Unfolded dimensions: 39 inches x 17 inches x 32 inches
• Carry bag: No
• Price at publication: $550

What we like:

• No need to bring along a car seat
• FAA approved for use on an airplane

What we don’t like:

• On the heavy side if you need to carry it anywhere

The bottom line: The Doona is the ultimate all-in-one car seat and stroller combo for travel.

Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat/Compact Stroller System with Base in Nitro Black at Nordstrom

The doona is the ultimate all-in-one car seat and stroller combo for travel., best travel stroller for toddlers: uppababy minu v2 stroller.

We have loved our Uppababy Minu. While it’s a little bigger than other travel strollers, our son has always been tall for his age. The recline allows him to nap while on the go. He is now 4 and 45 inches tall and still naps comfortably,” shares mom Carissa Cummings. “The wheels are also sturdy enough to handle the cobblestones of Europe, and it fits in the overhead bin. Uppababy also makes a nice backpack bag for it.” If your kids are tall, this stroller is an A+ pick. “My kids are now 7 and 5 (and in the 99% for height) and they still took turns riding in it on a recent trip to Denmark and Norway,” adds mom Megan Harrington. “10/10 recommend!”

• Stroller weight: 16.9 pounds
• Child weight limit: 50 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 11.5 inches x 20.3 inches x 23 inches
• Unfolded dimensions: 35.5 inches x 20.3 inches x 41 inches
• Carry bag: sold separately
• Price at publication: $450
• Easy-to-use one-handed fold
• UPF 50+ sunshade
• Multiple seat positions for different age and size children 
• Not as compact as some of the other picks 

The bottom line: Whether your toddler is average height, tall, or growing fast, they will be comfortable in this stroller.

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Stroller in Greyson at Nordstrom

Best travel stroller for infants: babyzen yoyo2.

For the travel stroller that will grow with your baby from their youngest, the BabyZen Yoyo2 can’t be beat. Simply add the newborn pack or bassinet at purchase and you’re good to go for years. “We got a BabyZen Yoyo for both our kids. We found it to be sturdy enough to use both as an everyday stroller and as a travel stroller,” shares Perez-Fransius of Bébé Voyage . “I love how easily and compactly it folds. We've definitely had it under the table in a crowded restaurant and stored it in our very full coat closet. And it lasts from infancy all the way up until kids are approximately 5 years old, so definitely worth the investment considering how long you can use it for.” 

• Stroller weight: 13.7 pounds
• Child weight limit: 48.5 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 20.5 inches x 17.3 inches x 7.1 inches
• Unfolded dimensions: 41.7 inches x 33.8 inches x 17.3 inches
• Carry bag: Included, backpack sold separately
• Price at publication: starting at $499
• Lots of ways to customize as your kids grow
• Easy to maneuver with one hand
• Fits easily in overhead bin
• Once you start adding features it gets really pricey

The bottom line: This high-quality stroller will grow with your baby from infancy, though it’s certainly an investment.

BabyZen Yoyo2

Best double travel stroller: joovy kooper x2 double stroller.

“The Joovy Kooper X2 has been great for our twins!” says Sheetal Patel, a parent of four. “It’s easy to fold, lightweight, and I can push it with one hand while keeping track of our other two kids or pulling a suitcase.” Add in tons of storage space on the bottom and trays that fold with the stroller and you’ve got a surefire winner.

• Stroller weight: 28 pounds
• Child weight limit: 99 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 26 inches x 30.3 inches x 12.8 inches
• Unfolded dimensions: 31.7 inches x 30.3 inches x 41.3 inches
• Price at publication: $430
• Attached pockets and cup holders for storing valuables
• Reasonably priced for a double stroller
• Self-standing fold 
• Not the smoothest ride on terrain that isn’t flat

The bottom line: The Joovy Kooper X2 has everything parents look for in a travel stroller, just doubled. 

Joovy Kooper X2

The bottom line: the joovy kooper x2 has everything parents look for in a travel stroller, just doubled., best budget travel stroller: gb pockit air all terrain travel stroller.

“A lot of our community members love the GB Pockit because it folds down small enough to fit in a tote bag and is very lightweight while still being sturdy,” Perez-Fransius says. “I would definitely consider that one to be a top pick, especially if you go between baby wearing and using a stroller.” The lowest profile version, the Air All Terrain, is guaranteed to fit in an overhead bin and doesn’t break the bank. “I used this exclusively with my first child for airplane travel (fits right under the airplane seat or overhead bin so you don’t have to check it!) and typically kept it in the car for quick errands and outings since it was so compact and easy to open,” adds Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar, writer, children's product expert, and mom of three.

• Stroller weight: 10.4 pounds
• Child weight limit: 55 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 11.8 inches x 7.1 inches x 13.8 inches
• Unfolded dimensions: 28 inches x 17.5 inches x 39.8 inches
• Price at publication: $150
• Very simple but does the job
• Incredibly light for carrying
• Not as many comfort features

The bottom line: Sturdy and reliable for less than half the price of most of my other picks.

GB PockIt Air All Terrain Travel Stroller

Best travel stroller for cities: mountain buggy nano stroller.

“This stroller has been through Europe airports and cobblestones, frequented NYC at least twice a year—it’s great for a rush hour-packed subway car—and been to spots in central and North America. The wheels are lasting forever,” says mom Alisa Brenner. “Plus it works with all infant car seats! I know 5 is probably too old for a stroller now, but I take it on all our trips as it’s so compact and just more enjoyable. We did a tour of German castles this summer and I can’t imagine carrying my kid up the roads that much.”

• Stroller weight: 13 pounds
• Child weight limit: 44 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 21 inches x 12 inches x 20 inches
• Unfolded dimensions: 33 inches x 21.2 inches x 38.5 inches
• Carry bag: Yes
• Price at publication: $220
• Comes with a universal car seat adapter
• Has an attached carry handle and shoulder strap
• Sun shade is small

The bottom line: Regardless of the city or country you’re in, this stroller is perfect for those tight spaces and busy streets. 

Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller

Best all-terrain travel stroller: thule urban glide 2 jogging stroller.

“We’re active people and this stroller’s big tires ensure you’re ready for any terrain, even off-road. We just did Italy and this was a huge factor with all the cobblestones. It will even gently go up and down steps,” says parent Ted Hoz. “I like to run on vacation and bringing one of the kids with me isn’t uncommon. And at nap time, the seat back can recline very quickly without removing the child. The rear tires pop on and off super easily and it folds down into a more compact form than you’d expect.”

• Stroller weight: 25.3 pounds
• Child weight limit: 75 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 34.2 inches x 27.2 inches x 13.3 inches
• Unfolded dimensions: 41.1 inches x 27.2 inches x 40 inches
• Price at publication: $520
• Huge wheels are game for anything you have planned
• Also comes in a double 
• Doesn’t fold as small as the other travel strollers, but definitely sturdier

The bottom line: While not a traditional travel stroller, the Thule Urban Glide can handle any activity you have planned.

Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller

Best umbrella travel stroller: chicco liteway stroller.

If you’re doing more road-tripping than flying, an umbrella stroller may be the more functional pick than one of the other travel strollers on this list—it folds into a long, narrow package instead of a flat(ish) rectangular one, meaning it can take up less space in the trunk of a car or even tucked at the feet of a little one’s car seat. And when it comes to umbrella strollers, you can’t go wrong with the Chicco Liteway. It has a sturdier construction and more storage space than most umbrella strollers, in addition to a reasonable price tag.

• Stroller weight: 17.2 pounds
• Child weight limit: 40 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 46 inches x 10 inches x 11.75 inches
• Unfolded dimensions: 35 inches x 19 inches x 40 inches
• Price at publication: $110
• Roomy storage basket
• A larger sun shade, as umbrella strollers go
• Individual handles (a hallmark of umbrella strollers) make it tricky to steer with one hand

The bottom line: A quality, low-priced pick for road-trippers.

Liteway Umbrella Stroller - Moon Grey | Chicco

Best travel stroller for everyday use: bombi bēbee lightweight stroller.

I recently flew with my two-year-old using this stroller and it was a breeze. The one-handed fold is one of the best I’ve seen; we gate checked the stroller and I was able to lift him out, hold him in one arm and fold the stroller and place it to the side with the other hand while barely breaking stride before getting on the plane. This is also the stroller we take on daily walks with the dog and the wheels have held up great, even after a mad dash through the airport on that recent trip.

• Stroller weight: 16 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 21 inches x 20.75 inches x 10.5 inches
• Unfolded dimensions: 33 inches x 18 inches x 40 inches
• Price at publication: $200
• Stylish and functional for everyday use
• Made from eco-friendly materials
• Not a ton of storage space

The bottom line: Functional and sturdy enough to use as your everyday stroller and also a breeze to travel with.

Bombi Bēbee Lightweight Stroller

How we selected the best travel strollers .

To come up with my list of the best travel strollers, I consulted the people who would know best (hint, it’s the same folks who know about the best baby bibs , high chairs , and kids bikes ): the parents who use them. Specifically, I consulted with members of the Bébé Voyage community of traveling parents, who were eager to discuss the strollers that they love and why. From there, I looked for patterns in their feedback to determine the stroller that best fit each category.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is a travel stroller worth it.

If you do a lot of traveling, I think so. The most prominent features of travel strollers, in comparison to regular strollers, are that they are lightweight and fold into small, compact packages. Regular strollers, and most of those that are sold as part of travel systems, are large and heavy—and if they do fold, can still take up tons of space. Plus, many of the travel strollers on this list can do double-duty as your everyday stroller, making them well worth the investment. A kids smartwatch on the other hand? That’s up to you.

What is the difference between a travel system and a stroller?

A travel system is a car seat and a stroller that are sold together. The car seat is fully mountable on the stroller without any extra accessories and the stroller can also be used on its own once the child is big enough. Travel systems also typically come with a car seat base for use in the car. A stroller, on the other hand, is just a stroller: some are compatible with attaching car seats, while others are not. 

What is the best stroller to take on a plane?

Fitting in the overhead bin on a plane was one of the biggest considerations I made when selecting the best travel strollers. Many of the strollers on this list will do just that, and the parents I spoke to agree that the Babyzen Yoyo2 and GB PockIt will fit in the overhead bin anywhere you go, while the Uppababy Minu, Mountain Buggy Nano and Bombi Bēbee likely will if the bins aren’t too packed. That said, gate checking is always an option. 

What stroller folds the smallest?

Of all the travel strollers on our list, the GB PockIt Air All Terrain folds the smallest, with the Babyzen Yoyo2 coming in second.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

The 9 best strollers for travel

Until you have kids, it's impossible to imagine that deciding which stroller to purchase could come with as much hemming and hawing as shopping for a car. And when you factor in the need for a stroller that travels well — be it in the airport, on a train, pushing through Manhattan crowds or over those cobbled streets in a quaint European village — there are even more things to consider.

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Is the stroller easy to fold and unfold when you've got a feisty toddler to contend with at a busy airport departure gate at the same time? Is there ample storage space and easy access for your diaper bag? Is it lightweight enough to qualify for gate check with the airlines (check out 20 airline stroller policies around the world )? Does it have lots of dangling bits and bobs that will make it more likely to break in transit? Those questions and many more came into play when we researched the best strollers for families that travel around the world. Read on for our top picks.

UPPABABY MINU

It debuted a few years back now, but the UPPAbaby Minu (about $400) continues to rise to the top of the travel stroller pack thanks to its ease of opening and fold-down, compact design and all-around simplicity of operation. I've pushed my kids in this thing everywhere from the uneven, dusty streets of Cuba , where their grandmother lives, to my local Florida supermarket (it's become my go-to for errands and outings at home, and fits easily in the overhead bin of most airplanes, too).

There are so many things to like about this stroller, which weighs just under 15 pounds and has multi-position recline so you can situate your little rider just so. With just a single swift motion using one hand, you can pop it open or break it down. And the storage area under the seat is easy to access and can fit a backpack packed to the brim with kids' stuff. The UPF 50-plus sunshade has a section that gives it extra extension, lending sun protection on a walk or if you want to nap your kid at the beach. And the magnetic closures on the peek-a-boo window let you peek at a sleeping kid without making a scratchy Velcro-induced sound.

Do note that without the bassinet add-on or infant car seat adapter, the MINU doesn't accommodate most newborns and is suitable for babies from 14 pounds (roughly 3 months old) to 50 pounds only.

SILVER CROSS JET

Setting a new standard in luxury travel strollers, the Silver Cross Jet (about $350) might be just the super-compact travel stroller you're looking for. It's cabin-approved for most airlines and fits neatly in the overhead bin. Weighing just under 14 pounds, it has a handy feature that, once folded down, lets you pull it along behind you like a piece of luggage through the airport or any time your child wants to walk or is in a carrier.

Suitable from birth (with car seat adapters), the newest version of the stroller, which launched in 2021, is approved for kids up to 55 pounds, so you can get a lot of years out of this one. The handle you use to pull the stroller behind you when folded down doubles as a toddler bar when it's in use, adding an extra layer of safety there. This is a particularly easy stroller to push along uneven street surfaces, too, with wide front wheels that improve suspension and make for a comfortable ride for babies on board.

DOONA INFANT CAR SEAT STROLLER

I can't tell you how many times I've seen this stroller out and about and marveled at just how tiny it is. And when you see it in action, the Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller looks like one of those transformer toys. Talk about a game-changer when you're traveling with an infant . It has an ingenious design with wheels that can be easily tucked away to let you transform the stroller into a car seat with the push of a button, the pull of a lever and an easy closing motion. It takes a few tries to get used to the knack of switching between modes, but once you have it down, it couldn't be easier to go from pushing your baby on the street to hopping in a cab and having him or her securely strapped into the stroller.

The stroller weighs around 16 pounds and the car seat portion can be used with a base or alone with the car's seat belt. Note that while the company claims babies up to 35 pounds and 32 inches in length can be accommodated, when your baby reaches those limits, it might be a tight squeeze. Also, the sunshade could be more ample (but you can buy an extension to fix that).

CHICCO MINI BRAVO PLUS

Chicco did away with its umbrella stroller offerings in favor of this ideal-for-travel entry in the compact stroller category. A handle hidden away under the stroller's seat cushion lets you fold down the Chicco Mini Bravo Plus (about $180) with one hand. The fact that the stroller can stand on its own in the folded position makes it that much easier to just leave at the gate and go. The stroller weighs in at 19.6 pounds, so it's not the lightest. But it's sturdy and the stroller to take along if you don't want to worry if it gets a few bumps and scratches in transit.

The user-friendly recline knob (no pesky ties to pull) lets you lean your baby back with ease in three different positions, including a nearly lie-flat angle. This stroller also has one of the biggest and most easily accessible under-seat storage areas, so you can tote a lot of things along with you.

BABY JOGGER CITY TOUR 2

One of the more affordable of the luxe Baby Jogger offerings, the City Tour 2 stroller (about $230) weighs 14 pounds and can be folded up and stashed in an overhead bin if you choose. Accessing your diaper bag and other carry-ons on the go is easy thanks to a wide-open basket under the seat that's extra roomy and a cinch to reach into. The backpack-style carrying bag that comes with the stroller makes it a breeze to fold up and carry along when your baby prefers to ride on you. And other highlights include the UPF-plus extendable sunshade to keep your baby protected from punishing rays when you're off, say, touring Athens in the summer . Did we mention the comfy, padded seat that reclines nearly to flat to help induce naps and the adjustable calf support to help bring on the sleep as you roll along?

Looking for a different jogging stroller? TPG contributor Jill Krause says the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller is a best bet.

BABYZEN YOYO²

Leave it to the French to dream up such a petite and pretty stroller. If ever travel stroller-envy was a thing, the Babyzen YOYO² (about $500) is the one that induces it.

This super tiny stroller folds down into a tidy little package that can be stashed in an overhead bin or under a restaurant table with ease. And it's so narrow, you can even roll it down an airplane aisle right to your seat (a particularly handy feature if you're traveling alone with two kids , and wearing one in a carrier on your body).

The stroller weighs around 13 pounds yet has luxe amenities like tires with four-wheel suspension, a soft faux-leather handle and a lightweight aluminum frame that's surprisingly sturdy.

The under-the-seat basket is easy to access and can hold up to 11 pounds of extra gear. There's a padded carrying strap, too, for when you need to fold up the stroller and tote it in a cramped attraction or a place where strollers aren't allowed.

GB POCKIT STROLLER

A stroller that made the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most compact on the planet is certainly deserving of a traveler's attention. The sleek gb Pockit Stroller weighs under 12 pounds but can accommodate kids up to 55 pounds — and with an additional 11 pounds of baby gear stowed in the under-the-seat basket, too.

Watch the flight attendants be wowed when you roll this thing down the airplane aisle with plenty of room to spare and proceed to fold it up and stash it under your seat in two easy steps and with seconds. A tiny but mighty marvel, indeed.

ZOE TRAVELER STROLLER

For affordability, durability and compact size, you get the trifecta in the Zoe Traveler Stroller ($159), made from high-grade aluminum to keep things extra light at just 11 pounds. With a single hand, you can fold and unfold The Traveler and stash it into the overhead bin of an airplane. It fits easily into a backpack , too, to tote on the go, and can even be carried as a backpack on its own, too. Features that make this stroller a solid nap-inducing pick include the full recline, adjustable footrest and expandable canopy with UPF 50+ lining. And while the wheels are a bit on the small side, you'll be surprised how easily they roll over uneven and cobblestone streets on the go.

COLUGO COMPACT

Relatively new to the baby gear market, the Colugo brand has a steady contender in the travel stroller niche in the Colugo Compact ($285). It feels quite similar to the UPPAbaby Minu in a lot of ways— with a full seat recline, easy and ample storage and no-puncture tires—albeit at a friendlier price point. The stroller weighs 16 pounds and can accommodate kids up to 55 pounds. As a bonus, a rain cover and backpack that are perfect for travel are included.

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Traveling with a baby has its challenges. There’s always a lot of items you need to remember and having to bring your stroller with you on an airplane can be cumbersome and often means you have to check it into the cargo hold. However, there are plenty of compact stroller options available to help make traveling with a baby or toddler just that little bit easier. 

So which ones are the best? When considering the best travel strollers for flying, we recommend looking for ones that are lightweight (14lb or under), easy to fold, and can fit in the overhead bin in the airplane. But not just any stroller will do. It’s still got to be durable and be able to handle cobblestone streets, sand, and even any terrain you can think of while carrying gear. 

So if you’re looking for the ultimate guide to the best travel strollers for flying as well as what to look for and how to choose the best one, you’ve come to the right place.

Table of Contents

What To Look For In A Travel Stroller

We’ve all read the stories of people checking in their expensive strollers only to get them off the conveyor and find a part broken, so it’s perfectly understandable for you that you would prefer to get one that can be with you at all times. Plus the bonus of one that goes in the overhead bin is that it makes flying with kids go just a little bit smoother. 

Find A Travel Buddy!

But it’s often hard to know exactly what to look for when finding the best travel stroller for flying. While it’s always worth checking the airplanes size policies you may also want to consider the following:

• Size of the stroller

It’s not just the size of the stroller when it’s open and in use that you need to consider. You’ll also want to consider what the size of the stroller is when it’s folded up. In the US, the standard size for carry-on luggage is 22” x 14” x 9”. Some airlines will differ by an inch or two. You’ll want to make sure that the dimensions of your stroller meet these requirements. 

• Weight of stroller

No matter which stroller you eventually choose, you’re going to want to make sure it is lightweight enough for you to carry it with all your other belongings and your baby. The last thing you want is something super heavy that ends up making you stop every two minutes to rest. 

• Is it easy to fold

The last thing you want to be doing is messing around with a stroller while you’re trying to board your flight. A one-hand fold is best since you’ll be able to fold the stroller while holding your baby at the same time.

Price is always a big factor worth considering when looking for a travel stroller. It’s best to know your budget as a compact travel stroller for flying is often a second or third purchase.

• Durability 

Your stroller is going to need to be durable as it needs to withstand everything your travels throw at you; from cobblestone streets to uneven terrain to countless folding and unfolding. It also needs to last from the baby stage all the way through to the toddler stage. 

• Maneuverability

There is no point in getting a compact travel stroller that’s super difficult to push. You want it to glide easily over every surface. 

Now we all know that traveling with kids comes with a lot of baggage and although many travel strollers don’t come with much storage there are plenty of accessories out there that are worth considering. 

When it comes to children safety is definitely a top priority and it should never be overlooked even with a travel stroller for flying. Your stroller should have a 5-point harness, brakes on the wheels and it should be easy to fold but not come unfolded while carrying. Also, purchase your stroller from a reputable company and always check the reviews for any possible safety concerns.

Best Travel Strollers For Flying

You’ve chosen your destination and have your bags ready to go, but you still need a stroller for your little one. So which ones are the best travel strollers for flying, we have chosen the top 7 strollers that will fit with most family’s budgets and have all the features you’re looking for.

1. The Clutch Stroller by Delta Children

Small but mighty, the Clutch Stroller by Delta Children is one of the best travel strollers for flying. It folds up to a super compact size of 15” x 5.9” x 19.7” and weighs only 11.7lb. An added bonus of this stroller is that it comes with a travel bag to make day trips, vacations, and excursions a lot easier.

The dimensions of this stroller mean it will easily fit in the overhead bin of most airplanes. It’s recommended for children up to 50lbs and it has a 5-point safety harness and reflective shoulder pads to make your child a little more visible. It comes in two colors (pink and blue) and costs a little over $200. The 5.5” inch wheels with swivel front wheels and suspension make for easy maneuverability and a smooth ride.

2. gb Pockit Air All Terrain Stroller

Another firm favorite for all mothers is the GB Pockit stroller. This Pocket Air All Terrain Stroller has a compact, one-handed collapsible design that means this stroller can fit in most overhead bins on planes and trains. It’s lightweight at only nine and a half pounds and its attached handles make it easy to carry even with all your other bags and a baby on your hip. Its durable construction means it can handle anything your travels throw at you and keeps wriggly bodies safe and happy during their travels. 

Another handy feature of this stroller is the reclining back and sun canopy meaning your little ones can nap soundly while keeping the sun out of their eyes. The agile front wheels make pushing and steering effortless and on even ground, you can even lock the wheels in place for an even smoother ride.

3. Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller

The Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller is a highly recommended stroller with an easy two-step, compact fold. This stroller has plenty of good features at a price that won’t make you cry. The Mountain Buggy Nano stroller is infant car seat-ready or can be used with a soft shell cocoon carrycot making it a great travel stroller for newborns as well as children up to 44lbs.

The small dimensions of this stroller mean that it will meet most airline regulations for carryon luggage. It even comes with a travel bag and shoulder strap. The stroller features ultra-slim wheels, a good-sized sun hood, a solid flip-out visor, and a nice deep recline your little one can have their afternoon nap and still be comfortable.

4. Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller

For those that travel a lot and have small children, another luxury travel stroller that has everything you might need is the Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller . This stroller is another one that you can bring onto the airplane and store in the overhead bin. Its compact size (20.5” x 17.3” x 7.1”) and customizable design allows the stroller to grow with your child. The 4 wheel suspensions provide a smooth ride on even the most uneven surfaces. The stroller also comes with a zipped back pocket to store your essentials close at hand while the storage basket can be easily accessed from both the front and back so you can keep all your possessions safe.

5. Summer 3Dpac CS Compact Fold Stroller

While on vacation with your children you don’t want to have to worry about hiring a car seat or having to bring one along with you. So having a stroller that’s car seat compatible is a very nice feature to have. The Summer 3Dpac CS Compact Fold Stroller is definitely one to consider, the included straps allow you to easily connect it to your car without the need for adapters. Its lightweight frame weighs only 17lbs and folds down to 13” x 20.5” x 25”. From a baby stroller to a toddler stroller, the Summer 3Dpac grows with your little one for long-term use.

The stroller also comes with an extra-large canopy with a flip-out sun visor, a child snack tray, and a large storage pocket to store your belongings for a day out. 

6. Inglesina Quid Stroller

When looking for lightweight strollers you’ll want to make sure the weight is under 14lb and the Inglesina Quid Stroller comes in at only 13lb and its compact design means it can fit just about anywhere, from the overhead bin in an airplane to the trunk of your rented city car.

The convenient carry handle, easy single-handed folding and opening, and one-touch foot break mean you can effortlessly face the challenges life throws your way. With a reclining backrest, multi-point suspension system, and durable wheels, you can be sure that your newborn and toddler will be able to nap comfortably and the adjustable leg rest allows for continued leg support as your little one grows. The 5-point safety harness, full-cover expandable canopy, and rain cover mean your mind can be put at ease knowing your child is safe.

7. gb Pockit+ All City

Similar to the gb Pockit All Terrain stroller the gb Pockit+ All City Stroller can go in the overhead bin on the plane, however, this stroller is a little bit better than the original as it can be transformed into a travel system with any CYBEX infant car seat and adapters. The seat reclines and has a large canopy. It’s really lightweight at only 13.2lbs and is easy to maneuver, lift and carry. The breathable mesh seatback will help to regulate your child’s body temperature which is particularly good when traveling to hot countries.

How To Choose The Best Travel Stroller For Flying

Parents have been traveling with children and flying for many decades, typically choosing the best lightweight umbrella stroller for air travel. While these strollers are great because they are lightweight, they fold up relatively small, and they can be easily gate-checked, there are now better options that can fit into the overhead bin on the airplane. 

Many parents can now choose whether they want a pocket stroller that can bring onto the airplane or whether they are content gate checking the travel stroller instead. Parents who travel light can check their stroller with their luggage and not have to worry about how they will get everything onto the plane and use a baby carrier to carry their child around the airport. 

Gate checking your stroller will allow you to take it all the way to the plane and in most instances (but not all), get it back at the gate on the other side. But as parents, we would all prefer to have our stroller with us the whole time. Either of the last two options are great especially if you have a toddler that prefers to be in a stroller or that likes to bolt in the airport. 

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Comparing the very best travel strollers – Which Travel Stroller Should I get?

Traveling with babies and toddlers can be an incredible – but daunting – experience. And trust me, being able to rely on the best travel strollers can make all the difference in a smooth trip!! So how do you choose among all of the many best travel strollers and reviews that provide comfort for your baby AND convenience for you, too?  With so many options on the market, this can feel overwhelming (I’ve been there!). So I’ve compared some of the best travel strollers I’ve personally used, came across with, and tried out from friends to help you make the best decision and get you ready for your next family getaway!

Table of Contents

The Best Travel Strollers

Uppababy minu v2 .

The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is definitely one of the best travel strollers for frequent travelers or anyone looking for a great compact stroller to go with their bigger stroller. I love that it has a bassinet compatibility (so we can use it right from birth!), as well as compatibility with our MESA car seat, which is what we bring with us while traveling (it’s FAA approved for use in-flight!). I love that it’s STURDY and can take on tougher terrain (like cobblestones in Europe!!!!). It’s lightweight, but far from flimsy – which is KEY. I love it.  It weighs just under 17 lbs and features a simple one-handed, one-step fold. The stroller is suitable from 3 months to 50 lbs and comes with a full-grain leather bumper bar, shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension, and a UPF 50+ canopy. It has a spacious seat, multi-position recline with an adjustable leg rest, and a large, easy-access basket that can hold up to 20 lbs. The MINU V2 is priced at $399.95 and offers a combination of modern conveniences in a portable package​​​​.

Weight: Just under 17 lbs

Age Range: Suitable from 3 months to 50 lbs

Dimensions Unfolded: 35.5″ L x 20.3″ W x 41″ H

Dimensions Folded: 12.5″ L x 20.3″ W x 23″ H

Key Features: One-handed, one-step fold, full-grain leather accents, shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension, UPF 50+ canopy, spacious seat, large easy-access basket with a 20 lbs limit What makes it the best travel stroller on the market:

• One hand, one-step fold
• All-wheel suspension
• Roomy seat with adjustable recline and leg rest
• Large, easy-to-access basket
• Extendable, zip-out UPF 50+ canopy for protecting your babe from the sun!
• From-birth option using the UPPAbaby Bassinet!

Price: Starts at $360 >> Buy it here . 

Pros and Cons of UPPAbaby MINU V2

• Lightweight and Compact Design – The MINU V2 is designed with portability in mind. It’s lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver, especially in urban environments or while traveling.
• One-Hand Fold – The stroller features a one-hand, one-step fold, making it incredibly convenient for parents on the go. This feature allows you to fold the stroller quickly and easily, even while holding your baby
• Smooth Ride – Thanks to its all-wheel suspension, the MINU V2 provides a smooth and comfortable ride for your child, even on uneven surfaces.
• Spacious Storage – Despite its compact size, the stroller offers ample storage space. The large under-seat basket can hold essentials like a diaper bag, groceries, or other personal items. A plus points for best travel strollers features.
• Compatible with Car Seats – The MINU V2 is compatible with UPPAbaby’s MESA car seat and other popular infant car seats with adapters, making it a versatile choice for newborns and infants.
• Adjustable Features – The stroller includes an adjustable recline and an extendable UPF 50+ sunshade, providing customizable comfort and protection for your child.
• Easy to Maneuver – Its small footprint and swivel front wheels make the MINU V2 easy to navigate through crowded spaces and tight corners.
• Affordable options – Offers affordable stroller variants, compared to some of the other premium strollers on this list.
• Pricey – The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is on the pricier side compared to other compact strollers. While it starts at $360, other variants with many premium features can go as high as $650-$700 and might be a drawback for budget-conscious parents.
• Limited Weight Capacity – The stroller has a weight limit of around 50 pounds, which might be lower than some parents need as their child grows.
• Non-Reversible Seat  – The seat on the MINU V2 is not reversible, meaning your child will always face forward. This might be a con for parents who prefer the option of having their child face them.
• Small Canopy – Although the canopy is extendable and offers good sun protection, it is relatively small compared to some other strollers, which might not provide enough coverage in very sunny conditions.
• No Standing Fold – While the one-hand fold is convenient, the stroller does not stand on its own when folded, which can be inconvenient when you need to store it upright.
• On the heavier side at 16.9 pounds and not going to fit onto smaller airplanes. However, it does fit in the overhead compartment of most standard and bigger airplanes.
• Car Seat Adapter Sold Separately – The car seat adapter, which is necessary for using the stroller with an infant car seat, is sold separately, adding to the overall cost.

Silvercross Jet4

The beautiful Silver Cross Jet 4 Super Compact Stroller provides little ones with a first class ride —and parents have the option to use it from birth, even without a car seat or bassinet attachment! This stroller has a near-flat full recline, making it safe for newborns but also providing a great nap space for older babies and toddlers. It’s approved for airplane use and features little things that make a difference when traveling with a baby , like a magnetic safety harness – so easy! 

Weight:  13.6 pounds

Car seat compatible: Yes (Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Cybex, Clek)

Folded dimensions:  21.7 x 11.8 x 7.1 inches 

Carry-on potential:  Yes 

One-handed fold:  No 

Weight limit:  55 pounds

Price $469 >> Buy it here

Pros and Cons of Silvercross Jet4

• Easy Fold And Unfold That Stores Upright
• This stroller folds into a narrow compact fold that can be rolled while in a standing upright position —just like a roller bag while traveling. It stores well in airplane overhead bins and can be rolled down some (19-inch) airplane aisles. 
• UPF 50+ sun cover and adjustable calf support
• Lie-flat seat
• Sustainable – sustainable jersey fabric made from recycled plastic bottles (diverted from a landfill) and vegan leather
• The design prioritizes compactness over suspension, so it’s not AS good at all terrains as some of the other strollers on this list, better for city sidewalks.
• The undercarriage basket could be bigger

The Doona is best known for its innovative hybrid design, seamlessly transitioning from a car seat to a stroller. This innovative feature makes it ideal for parents who frequently travel by car. It’s a great time-saver and space-saver, though it’s heavier than typical strollers and has a limited lifespan (only can use it for the first year).

Weight: Approximately 16.5 lbs

Age Range: Suitable for babies 4 to 35 pounds

Features: Transforms from a car seat to a stroller in seconds; adjustable handlebar doubles as an anti-rebound bar inside the car; includes infant insert & head support

Price: $550 >> Buy it here

Pros and Cons of Doona

• All-in-One Design – The DOONA stroller seamlessly transforms from a car seat to a stroller with the push of a button. This eliminates the need for a separate stroller and car seat, saving both space and hassle.
• Ease of Use – The one-step folding and unfolding mechanism is incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to switch between car seat and stroller modes. This is particularly beneficial for parents who need to make quick transitions.
• Compact and Portable – Designed with convenience in mind, the DOONA is compact and easy to carry. It fits easily into car trunks and is ideal for urban living, travel, and tight spaces. This is a great fit if you’re a city family who rides a lot of public transportation, taxis, etc. 
• Airplane Approved – The DOONA is FAA-approved for use on airplanes, making it an excellent choice for families who travel frequently. You can wheel it through the airport and then secure it in the airplane seat without the need for additional equipment.
• Removable/Washable High-Quality Materials – The high-quality fabrics are removable and washable, making maintenance easy.
• Adjustable Handlebar – The adjustable handlebar can be used as an anti-rebound bar inside the car, adding an extra layer of safety and convenience.
• Compact Fold – The DOONA folds down to a compact size, making storage simple and efficient, whether at home or on the go.
• Limited Lifespan – The DOONA is designed for infants from birth up to 35 pounds or 32 inches in height, which means it has a relatively short lifespan compared to other strollers that accommodate older children. It lasts about one year for most kids.
• Heavy – While the DOONA is compact, it is also heavier than traditional infant car seats due to its built-in stroller mechanism. This can make carrying it over longer distances challenging.
• Limited Storage Space – The DOONA lacks built-in storage space, such as a basket for diaper bags or groceries, which is inconvenient when you need to carry additional items (we use our travel stroller for storage while traveling/stashing extra bags in the airport, etc, ALL the time)
• No Recline Function – The car seat does not recline, which might not be comfortable for longer strolls or naps on the go, especially as your baby grows.
• Price – The DOONA is on the higher end of the price spectrum for infant car seats and strollers, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious parents.
• Not Suitable for All Terrains – The DOONA’s small wheels and lack of suspension make it less suitable for rough or uneven terrains. It performs best on smooth, flat surfaces.
• Safety ratings – are not at the level of other car seats, so it’s not recommended this be your everyday car seat.
• Design –  Some argue the design of the Doona is not as aesthetically pleasing as other strollers.
• Bulky for Carrying – When used as a car seat, its bulkiness compared to an infant car seat on its own can make it cumbersome to carry for extended periods, particularly if you need to climb stairs or navigate tight spaces without using the wheels.

Bugaboo Butterfly

Bugaboo’s Butterfly model is celebrated for its high quality, smooth ride, and ease of use. It’s designed to be user-friendly, compact when folded, and durable, catering to both the child’s comfort and convenience for the parents! The Butterfly model is an excellent choice for urban and traveling families looking for a reliable stroller. One the best travel strollers to consider if you want compact strollers.

Weight: 16.1 lbs

Age Range: From birth up to 50 lbs (with appropriate accessories)

Features: Compact fold, easy to carry and store; smooth ride; designed for city living and travel

Price: $479 >> Buy it here . 

Pros and Cons of Bugaboo Butterfly

• Lightweight and Compact – The Bugaboo Butterfly is absolutely lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver. Its compact fold allows for easy storage and transport, perfect for parents on the go.
• One-Hand Fold – One of the standout features of the Butterfly is its one-hand, quick-fold mechanism. This makes folding and unfolding the stroller quick and effortless, even when you’re holding your baby.
• Smooth Ride – The Butterfly features a four-wheel suspension system, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for your child, even on uneven surfaces.
• Spacious Storage – Despite its compact size, the Butterfly offers a generous under-seat basket that can hold up to 17.6 pounds of essentials, making it practical for daily errands and outings.
• Ergonomic Seat – The stroller includes an ergonomic seat design with multiple recline positions, allowing your child to sit up and explore or lie back and nap comfortably.
• Adjustable Features – The adjustable handlebar and footrest ensure that both parent and child are comfortable. The handlebar can be set to different heights to accommodate parents of varying heights.
• Travel-Friendly – The compact fold and lightweight design make the Butterfly a great choice for travel. It fits easily into car trunks and can be taken on public transportation without hassle.
• Aesthetic Design – With its modern and sleek design, the Butterfly is as stylish as it is functional, appealing to parents who value aesthetics.
• Pricey – A bit pricey compared to most travel strollers.
• Non-Reversible Seat – The Butterfly’s seat is not reversible, meaning your child will always face forward. This might be a con for parents who prefer the option to have their child face them.
• Small Canopy – While the canopy provides good sun protection, it is relatively small compared to some other strollers, which might not offer enough coverage in very sunny conditions.
• Car Seat Compatibility only with adapters – Unlike some other Bugaboo models, the Butterfly is not compatible with infant car seats, which limits its use for newborns unless you purchase additional adapters.
• Limited Customization – The stroller offers fewer customization options compared to other models in the Bugaboo lineup, which might be a downside for parents looking for specific features or accessories.
• Not Suitable for All Terrains – The small wheels and lack of advanced suspension make the Butterfly less suitable for rough or uneven terrains (vs. something like the MINU ). It performs best on smooth, flat surfaces.
• No Standing Fold – While the stroller folds compactly, it does not stand on its own when folded, which can be inconvenient for storage and handling.

YOYO² Baby Zen 

Another popular stroller, the YOYO² Baby Zen strollers are great for their ultra-compact, lightweight design, making them an ideal travel companion. They can easily fit into overhead compartments on airplanes, and the style looks super chic! It’s also ver functional, that’s why YoyoZen is a go-to choice for parents who prefers more portability and convenience. If these things are on top of your list of the best travel strollers, be sure to check out the he YOYO² Baby Zen strollers and learn more about it here.

Weight: Approximately 13.6 lbs

Age Range: From birth to 40 lbs

Folded Dimensions: 20.5″ x 17.3″ x 7.1″

Features: Ultra-compact fold; airline-approved as carry-on luggage; one-hand folding, unfolding, and driving; four-wheel suspension; multi-position reclining seat

Price: $519>> Buy it here.

Pros and Cons of YOYO² Baby Zen

• Ultra-Compact and Lightweight – The YOYO² is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and store. It folds up small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane, making it ideal for travel. Certainly a great consideration when looking for the best travel strollers.
• One-Hand Fold – This stroller features a one-hand folding mechanism, allowing parents to fold and unfold the stroller quickly and easily, which is particularly useful when juggling a baby and other items.
• Smooth Maneuverability – Thanks to its advanced suspension system and swivel front wheels, the YOYO² offers smooth and easy maneuverability, even on uneven surfaces.
• Versatile Configurations – The YOYO² is highly versatile, offering different configurations to suit various needs. It can be used with a bassinet for newborns, a 0+ newborn pack, or a 6+ color pack for older babies and toddlers.
• Travel-Friendly – The stroller’s compact fold and lightweight design make it perfect for travel. It meets most airline cabin baggage requirements, so you can take it on board as hand luggage.
• Comfortable/Multi Recline Seat – The stroller features a padded, reclining seat that ensures comfort for your child. The multi-position recline allows your child to sit up or lie back and nap comfortably.
• Good Sun Protection – The extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection provides excellent coverage from the sun, keeping your baby safe from harmful UV rays.
• Ample Storage – Despite its compact size, the YOYO² offers decent storage space with an under-seat basket that can hold up to 5 kg (11 lbs) and a back pocket for additional storage.
• Pricey – It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum for compact strollers.
• Limited Weight Capacity – The YOYO² has a weight limit of around 40 pounds, which might be lower than some parents need as their child grows. This can limit its usability as your child gets older and heavier.
• Small Wheels – While the stroller is great for smooth surfaces, the small wheels can struggle on rough or uneven terrain. It’s best suited for city streets and paved paths.
• Non-Reversible Seat – The seat on the YOYO² is not reversible, meaning your child will always face forward. This might be a drawback for parents who prefer the option of having their child face them.
• No Standing Fold – The YOYO² does not stand on its own when folded, which can be inconvenient when you need to store it upright.
• Limited Customization – Compared to some other strollers, the YOYO² offers fewer customization options. While it does have different configurations, the range of accessories and features is somewhat limited.
• Small Storage Basket – The storage basket, while useful, is smaller than those found on some other strollers. Parents who need to carry a lot of items might find this limiting.

Nuna TRVL Stroller

The Nuna TRVL Stroller hightlights simplicity and comfort with its ultra-compact fold and light build (without sacrificing durability of course!) With features like a one-hand fold mechanism, it’s geared towards both daily use and travel, ensuring a comfortable ride for the child across various terrains. A great catch when choosing features for the best travel strollers.

• Weight: 13.6 lbs
• Age Range: Suitable from birth with a flat recline feature
• Features: Ultra-compact fold; lightweight design; one-hand, one-step fold; smooth ride with suspension; spacious storage basket
• Price: $450 >> Buy it here.

Pros and Cons of Nuna TRVL Stroller

• Lightweight and Compact – The Nuna TRVL is designed to be lightweight, weighing in at just under 14 pounds. Its compact fold makes it easy to carry and store, perfect for parents on the go.
• One-Hand Fold – One of the standout features of the TRVL is its one-hand folding mechanism. This makes it quick and easy to fold the stroller, even while holding your baby, which is a huge convenience for busy parents.
• Smooth Maneuverability – With all-wheel suspension and swivel front wheels, the TRVL provides a smooth and comfortable ride for your child, even on uneven surfaces.
• Travel-Friendly – The compact fold and lightweight design make the TRVL ideal for travel. It’s easy to transport and fits well in car trunks and overhead airplane compartments.
• Car Seat Compatibility – The TRVL is compatible with Nuna’s PIPA series car seats, making it a versatile option for newborns and infants. The car seat clicks directly onto the stroller frame without the need for adapters.
• Reclining Seat – The stroller features a multi-position reclining seat, allowing your child to sit up and explore or lie back and nap comfortably.
• Adjustable Features – The adjustable leg rest and UPF 50+ canopy provide additional comfort and protection for your child. The canopy includes a peek-a-boo window, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one.
• Storage Basket – Despite its compact size, the TRVL offers a decent-sized storage basket underneath the seat, providing space for essentials like a diaper bag, groceries, or personal items.
• Pricey – A bit more pricey compared to other strollers.
• Limited Weight Capacity – The stroller has a weight limit of around 50 pounds, which might be lower than some parents need as their child grows. This can limit its usability as your child gets older and heavier.
• Small Wheels – The small wheels, while great for smooth surfaces, can struggle on rough or uneven terrain. The TRVL performs best on city streets and paved paths.
• Non-Reversible Seat – The seat on the TRVL is not reversible, meaning your child will always face forward. This might be a downside for parents who prefer the option of having their child face them.
• No Standing Fold – The stroller does not stand on its own when folded, which can be inconvenient when you need to store it upright.
• Limited Storage Basket – While the storage basket is useful, it’s smaller than those found on some other strollers. Parents who need to carry a lot of items might find this limiting.
• Limited Recline – The recline feature, while useful, might not go completely flat, which can be less comfortable for napping infants compared to strollers that offer a full recline.

Cybex Coya 

The sleek, chic, and ultra-luxe Cybex Coya offers a minimalist luxury design without skimping on necessary features. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and compactly folds down, making it ideal for travel. Its sleek design and functionality appeal to parents seeking a more modern and efficient stroller solution. And it comes in these super chic rosegold or chrome frames with customizable fabric designs you and your baby will surely love!! If designs are part of your picks for best travel strollers, then this one’s for you!!

• Weight: 14.6 lbs
• Age Range: newborn up until 55 lbs – needless to say, a stroller that works from day one until age 5 or beyond is a huge WIN!
• Features: Minimalist design; compact fold; easy maneuverability; designed for city living and travel.
• Price: Starts at $549 >> Buy it here.

Pros and Cons of Cybex Coya

• Lightweight and Compact – The Cybex Coya is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver. Its compact fold allows it to fit in tight spaces, such as car trunks and overhead compartments on airplanes, making it ideal for travel.
• One-Hand Fold – The stroller features a one-hand folding mechanism, making it quick and easy to fold and unfold. This is particularly useful for parents who need to handle the stroller while carrying their baby or other items.
• Smooth Maneuverability – Thanks to its swivel front wheels and all-wheel suspension, the Coya provides a smooth and comfortable ride for your child, even on uneven surfaces.
• Travel-Friendly – The compact and lightweight design of the Coya makes it perfect for travel. It meets most airline cabin baggage requirements, so you can take it on board as hand luggage.
• Car Seat Compatibility – The Coya is compatible with Cybex car seats, allowing you to easily transition from car to stroller without waking your baby. This feature is particularly useful for parents of newborns and infants.
• Adjustable Recline – The stroller features a multi-position reclining seat, including a near-flat position, which allows your child to sit up and explore or lie back and nap comfortably.
• Extendable Canopy – The extendable canopy provides excellent sun protection with UPF 50+ rating, keeping your child safe from harmful UV rays. It also includes a peek-a-boo window, allowing you to keep an eye on your baby.
• Decent Storage – The Coya offers a decent-sized storage basket underneath the seat, providing space for essentials like a diaper bag, groceries, or personal items.
• Limited Weight Capacity – The stroller has a weight limit of around 55 pounds, which might be lower than some parents need as their child grows. This can limit its usability as your child gets older and heavier.
• Small Wheels – While the small wheels are great for smooth surfaces, they can struggle on rough or uneven terrain. The Coya performs best on city streets and paved paths.
• Non-Reversible Seat – The seat on the Coya is not reversible, meaning your child will always face forward. This might be a downside for parents who prefer the option of having their child face them.
• Limited Storage Basket – Although useful, the storage basket is smaller than those found on some other strollers. Parents who need to carry a lot of items might find this limiting.

JETSET Tips for Parents Choosing a Travel Stroller

• Consider Your Unique Travel Habits – Frequency of travel, modes of transportation, terrain you usually travel on, and destinations can influence the best stroller choice for your family when looking for the best travel strollers.
• Prioritize Key Features for YOU – Compact fold, weight, a good sun shield, STORAGE, and ease of navigation are always on top of my list when I buy strollers. And since we travel a lot I also consider canopy size for sun/weather protection, storage space, and compatibility with infant car seats (so important!)
• Think Long-Term – Choose a stroller that can grow with your baby to avoid the need for multiple purchases (less hassle than bringing multiple gears!)
• Check Airline Compatibility – If you plan to fly, ensure the stroller fits within the airline’s overhead bin or can be easily gate-checked. We actually prefer to gate check for ease!
• Comfort is Key – I always make sure the stroller provides a comfortable ride for Harrison, and check the size, the quality of the padding in the seat, the recline of the seat (lie flat is a MUST for us! he loves to nap on the go!), and adjustable sunshade for nap times and sun protection.

Choosing the right travel stroller is all about finding the balance between your needs, your child’s comfort (most important!), and how you plan the logistics of your travels. I know it can be so hard to choose from the above recommendations, so only consider what features are most important to YOU and your baby.

The Ultimate Jetset Guide to the Bahamas

The Ultimate Jetset Guide to Harbour Island, Bahamas

WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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10 Best Lightweight Travel Strollers In 2024

By  Jennifer Ward

Value for Money

Key Features

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

Best Budget

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

Writers Choice

• 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

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

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     

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      

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     

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 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’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 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 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        

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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Best Baby Strollers of 2024, Tested by Experts and Reviewed by Parents

Budget and lightweight models, car-seat combos, full-size strollers for newborns — our list has something for every family.

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.

Best Overall

Uppababy vista v2.

Summer Infant 3Dlite

Best Car Seat Stroller

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , we've done the rigorous testing on all of these types of strollers and more. In the past five years, we've tested more than 50 stroller models in our Labs and with consumer testers , studying factors such as maneuverability, stability, ease of use and simplicity of fold.

We believe this is the best stroller for a newborn , who can lie in the included bassinet before graduating to the toddler seat. But the really amazing thing is how the Vista V2 will grow with your family from there. When your next baby comes along and your first is a little older, it's easy to install a combination of accessories to adapt this single stroller to be a double (by adding an additional toddler seat ) or even a triple by installing the Ride-Along Board accessory .

So yes, eventually you can stroll three kids at once, but in the meantime, if you're a first-time parent you might want to purchase a compatible infant car seat to make this a travel system. It takes the brand's Mesa with no added attachments or you can buy a car seat adaptor that works with Nuna, Cybex and Maxi-Cosi seats. That gives you the choice of having your newborn ride in the bassinet or in their infant car seat when you set it on the stroller frame.

Yet another option: Snag a second bassinet if you have newborn twins. If your baby loves the bassinet, we recommend buying the bassinet stand so you can also use it as a sleep space at home. You get the idea: This system is highly customizable.

Testers love the stroller's maneuverability and smooth roll thanks to premium foam-filled tires and excellent suspension that can handle bumpy terrain, including sidewalk curbs. The seat can face either direction, and you get a rain shield, a mesh bug shield and a storage bag. We love the bumper bar for hanging a toy, and appreciate the no-rethread harness. "A no-rethread harness is a big deal," said Rachel Rothman , formerly the chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who used this stroller for years with her three kids. "It makes readjusting straps so much easier when you don't have to manually reroute the harness through the seat back."

The basket on the Vista is huge and holds up to 30 pounds of cargo. TBH, everything about the Vista is big: It's not compact, it's not lightweight, and it's not inexpensive. But we believe you get a lot of bang for your buck, and we've seen firsthand how parents can use this for years with multiple children.

Eventually you'll get tired of taking out a large stroller for short errands. This 3Dlite is a value choice that's especially helpful when you have a toddler or preschooler who hops in and out of their stroller frequently. Our Lab experts like that it's lightweight and easy to fold into a long, skinny size, like an umbrella , which is why this kind of stroller is nicknamed an "umbrella stroller." One tester said, "The carry strap on the back lets you sling it over your shoulder if your kid insists on walking and you need to hold their hand."

This baby stroller lacks the bells and whistles of larger, newborn-ready options. The seat can't recline flat, the canopy doesn't offer much shade and the small plastic wheels aren't meant for tough terrain. Once folded, you'll need to hang it up, lean it on something or lay it down — it doesn't stand on its own. That said, you might hit a point when you feel "done" with a big stroller and crave something small and simple for your walking, talking kid. This affordable option is easy to toss into the trunk of your car, take on mass transit or use for a trip to Disney World or anywhere else.

Thanks to an aluminum frame this only weighs 13 pounds, about as light as a stroller comes. Yet the handle is nearly 43 inches high, making this taller than the super cheap $20 umbrella strollers that are built more like toys and which lack any canopy at all. Remember, however, not to put heavy items on the handlebars to avoid tipping the stroller over.

Related: Our Family Travel Awards

The Doona stroller is impressively innovative. It transforms from car seat to stroller (and back) in seconds , which we confirmed in our tests both in the Lab and in the real world. Because of the two-in-one-factor, parents can save space and money, since they don't need a separate infant car seat. Our testers found that you can easily maneuver this travel system stroller with one hand, making it convenient for everyday errands and crowded sidewalks.

"You can actually turn it from a car seat to a stroller with your baby still in the seat. It's that seamless," Rothman said. (The brand confirms this is safe when done properly.) When you're ready to use it as a car seat again, simply press the lever on the back of the seat while holding the front wheel in place with your foot to rotate the seat forward until the wheels lock underneath. Watch the video to see how it works.

Families who travel often are the happiest with a Doona, as are apartment-dwellers who want gear for small spaces, parents who rely on rideshare vehicles such as Uber and those who are often in and out of different family cars. "The Doona is game-changer for city babies in their first year," says one parent who appreciates walking out the door with only one piece of gear. What the Doona is missing is any storage basket or parent console, so parents should expect to tote along a diaper bag . Also, most babies outgrow the Doona shortly after their second birthday, which is when parents will need to switch to using a convertible car seat and a different stroller. But 89 percent of the Doona's Amazon reviews are five-star ones.

"One more thing: There's no set up required, it comes ready to go. That was huge considering we had so many other things to build," a new parent told us. "Also, the infant insert works for babies as little as four pounds. We had a preemie, so that was helpful for us."

Our full review: Doona Car Seat and Stroller: A Unique All-in-One System

Mockingbird Single-to-Double

Like the UPPAbaby Vista V2, the Mockingbird can grow with your family with the purchase of a 2nd Seat Kit and/or the ride board . It can be configured to hold one, two or three kids. But unlike that more expensive stroller, the Mockingbird doesn't come with a bassinet or accessories. The accessories are all extra, including a $140 bassinet and $25 rain cover . An infant seat insert and car seat adapter cost $35 and $45, respectively.

Lab experts were impressed by the stroller's wide wheelbase for stability and maneuverability. The fold takes some time to learn but once you get the hang of squeezing one button while you slide a lever, you'll soon be doing it one-handed while holding your baby in your other arm. The Mockingbird folds with a seat attached or removed. There's a short video explainer. Our experts also like the big, bucket-style storage basket and the bumper bar where you can hang a toy.

As a mostly direct-to-consumer brand, Mockingbird provides outstanding customer care, including free shipping, a month-long at-home trial period and a lifetime limited warranty on the product if you buy from the Mockingbird web site. (Save your receipts.) On the safety front, Mockingbird voluntarily recalled its single-to-double strollers in November 2022, due to cracking that could develop on the lower side of the stroller frame. It was followed by a recall of its single strollers in March 2023. The brand has since retooled all of its stroller frames, so buy new and do not accept a hand-me-down.

Our full review: An Honest Look at Mockingbird Strollers

Evenflo Pivot Xplore

Stroller wagons have grown in popularity, and this two-seater combines all of the necessary features for a day's adventures. Its relatively compact size makes it great for families who need to stash it in their vehicle before driving to outdoor destinations (parks, boardwalks, zoos, festivals, farmer's markets — you name it). There's a modest storage basket to hold some kids' essentials, and cupholder pockets for both kids and parents.

The appeal is that a wagon is less babyish than a stroller, so toddlers and preschoolers are usually happy customers when riding around in one. Parents can reverse the handle on the Pivot Xplore to push or pull, making it easier than many to steer, turn and drag across hard sand. A footwell keeps dirty shoes separate from the two seats and the snack tray, and mesh sides let water drain if the wagon gets drenched in rain. "Each kid seat comes with its own canopy, which is key," Rothman said.

This wagon stroller isn't designed for infants, but rather kids 6 months to 5 years. It's also against Disney stroller rules so don't try to bring this or any stroller wagon into those parks. Finally, though the all-terrain wheels performed better than many other wagon strollers in our testing, they're not the best on deep, soft sand. If you're a beach family and can afford the over-$500 price, our favorite beach-buggy wagon is the Gladly Anthem .

BOB Gear Wayfinder

Share the thrill of a good run — or a fast walk — with your kid. We like BOB's new Wayfinder with 16-inch mountain bike-style air-filled tires in the back and suspension both front and rear for the very smoothest ride over most terrain. The stroller is slightly smaller than the brand's previous jogger, the Revolution, both when folded and unfolded. This also has a storage basket that can be completely zippered shut. "Nothing is falling out of there!" noted one of our Lab testers.

Lock the front wheel and use the safety strap for runs. Unlock it when running errands so it can swivel and you can make tight turns. This is also an excellent choice if you want to take a stroller to a beach or on a mountain trail. "It's great for use on the sand, you can easily push or pull it," a tester told us.

The harness on this, unfortunately, does have to be rethreaded to change the harness height. But this robust stroller can hold a child up to 65 pounds, so it's among the best strollers for a big kid or for extended use. "This stroller has basically replaced my high-end general use stroller," a tester told us. "My son loves it and the opening in the canopy is great for keeping an eye on him."

You can use this with a newborn if you use the car-seat adaptor to attach an infant car seat. However it only works with Nuna, Cybex, Maxi Cosi and Britax infant car seats. You shouldn't run or even walk fast with an infant, anyway. Wait until they have good head and neck control, which is usually at about 6 or 8 months, at which point they can sit on the regular seat.

Related: More jogging strollers we love

Nuna TAVO Next

Looking for a luxury ride you can use from day one? The TAVO Next, with its fancy leatherette handle and matching baby bumper bar, has a seat that folds flat for newborns. The frame features a springy suspension that allows the foam-filled rubber tires to glide over bumpy sidewalks. Our Lab pros were wowed by the magnetic buckle, which makes it easy to quickly secure a baby and get them back out again . The TAVO Next also has a no-rethread harness for easy adjustments as your baby grows.

"I really appreciate that the basket has high walls and a zippered compartment inside, because I've had cargo fall out of strollers that have wide but low-walled baskets," a tester said. The extendable canopy blocks out the sun during nap time and has a mesh panel you can expose for ventilation in hot climates. The handlebar adjusts for parents of different heights. The TAVO folds down toward the ground and then you can lock it and stand it upright. You can also easily roll the folded stroller around by its handlebar (the brand calls that a "trolly function").

This is not sold with extras like a cupholder or a rain shield. Also, it can only hold a Nuna PIPA car seat, so that's your only choice for turning this into a travel system, though it works with any of the PIPA's variations. The fabric is plush and Greenguard Gold Certified for low chemical emissions.

Bugaboo Butterfly

Our testers loved the compact size of the Butterfly — it can fit in most airplane's overhead compartments. We named it the best overall travel stroller and it netted both a GH Family Travel Award and our Parenting Award . "If you're a family that travels often, you'll be happy to have this option," one tester said. The basket can hold 17 pounds of cargo, even though the stroller itself weighs only 16 pounds. This also comes with the brand's superior rain cover. "The rain cover works insanely well. I have walked my baby through crazy storms and she is always dry and comfortable, I don’t even really know how it’s possible," one mom said.

Despite its ultracompact size, the Butterfly packs in a lot of features. Its spacious seat, cushioning materials and leg rest make it super comfortable for a travel stroller, and the extendable canopy helps protect your child from the sun. You can secure your kid quickly, too, thanks to an easy-click harness. This stroller is for 6 months and older.

We verified in the Lab that the Butterfly can be folded and unfolded in just a second or two . (It's pretty fun, and how often can you say that about a stroller fold?) Our engineers were also wowed by its maneuverability. The small wheels are not meant for tough terrain, but if you're mostly pushing your baby along pedestrian walkways and sidewalks, this is a great choice that makes it easy to dodge your way through a crowd. "Its steering, compact fold, comfortable seat and agile wheels simply can't be beat," one tester said

Chicco Corso LE

The Corso LE is a travel system and a modular stroller, which means you can roll either the infant car seat or the toddler seat around on the aluminum frame and face either one forward or backward. It's a great choice for a single stroller that can last from the newborn stage through preschool. Our Lab pros appreciate that this comes with the KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat , which is our pick for best overall infant car seat . The car seat base has an anti-rebound bar for safety and stability.

"We also like that the regular seat reclines nearly flat for a young baby," a Lab expert noted, and the recline mechanism is an easy squeeze handle. The stroller can fold with the toddler seat still attached, but the seat has to be front-facing position for that. The folded stroller stands on its own, without the push handle touching the ground. The mechanism to fold it is under the seat, which is a little awkward, but users say they soon get used it.

The handlebar can't be height-adjusted but our Lab experts feel it's a nice middle height that works for most parents. Treaded rubber tires help this roll over sidewalks and down paths, and we like the leatherette trim. The canopy can extend almost down to the bumper bar to offer great sun protection, and there's a mesh panel for ventilation. The stroller has a no-rethread harness and storage pockets on the back. The underseat basket is shallow but it has a few built-in pockets to help ensure a sippy cup doesn't roll out.

Thule Spring

Thule's Spring Stroller is a smaller, lighter three-wheeler meant for daily use and not for runs, though like with a jogger you can lock the front wheel so it stays straight, for fast exercise walks, or you can set it to swivel for when you need to maneuver around town. If you're shopping for something more robust than a lightweight stroller but easier to store than a jogger with giant wheels, the Spring is a great choice.

We think the deep seat and nice foot well make this particularly great for a bigger child. It can fit a kid up to 64 pounds , which is more than most fullsize strollers can handle. You can fold it with one hand by pulling up on a handle under the seat. The wide canopy does a decent job of keeping the sun out.

The Spring's wheels can tackle bumpy terrain, such as a trail. "They're also great for snow, ice and big puddles," a tester told us. Our Lab experts felt that the Spring is not quite as easy to maneuver around obstacles as some of the other options, and the storage basket is on the small side, but in general it's a comfy, well-designed three-wheeler.

Related: Where have you heard of Thule before? They make one of the best car rooftop cargo carriers .

Colugo The Compact Stroller

We named this direct-from-the-manufacturer stroller a winner in a previous year's Parenting Awards , noting that it's an incredible value, coming with accessories that include a cup holder, a rain cover and a backpack-style carry bag . At 16 pounds, it's not ultralight, yet it folds down small enough to fit in an airplane's overhead bin.

The Colugo has a quick and simple one-hand fold. A carry strap on the back means it's possible to tote it over your shoulder if your toddler wants to walk while holding your hand. The carry bag is key for long-distance travel; if you're flying and the overhead bins are full, pack this stroller into its bag and gate check it.

The basket isn't as robust as some others on this list. To increase storage you can buy the cute matching diaper tote or a handlebar-hanging On the Go Organizer . The stroller requires a $125 bassinet Infant Kit if your infant is younger than 6 months. We prefer this stroller for toddlers and preschoolers, for quick errands around town, for travel to nearby places like day care or preschool and for travel to far-off places such as Disney World.

"What stood out to me was the simple, compact design and the feel of quality textiles," a tester concluded. "The only missing element was poor performance on uneven terrain." But that's par for the course with a lightweight stroller; anything under 20 pounds is going to bounce a bit when it hits big bumps.

Our full review : Is the Colugo Stroller Worth It?

Babyzen Yoyo2

The YoYo2 is small, which is why some testers love it and others do not love it so much. Whether you like its little frame will be an individual decision, but in our testing it scored best with families who live in cities. "I love this for our everyday use around Brooklyn. It's great for narrow sidewalks and going in and out of shops and restaurants," one parent told us. "We also just took it on a trip to Australia and it was so easy to travel with. Finally, you can throw all the fabric in the washing machine."

If you like to customize you can choose either a white frame or a black frame for your YoYo2. The seat comes in pretty colors such as aqua, ginger or of course black. Folded, this 13.5-pound stroller can be worn over your shoulder with the carry strap, and it comes with its own carry bag too if you'd rather use that. It has the tiniest folds of all the strollers on our list and fits in most airplane overhead bins. Actually doing the fold just takes a couple of steps and a little practice.

For a stroller so small, the YoYo2 has impressive maneuverability thanks to its front swivel wheels. The storage basket is small but the seat has a zippered back pocket. If you want to use this with a newborn you can buy the pretty, lightweight bassinet . But accessories like that, as well as the footrest , start to add up.

How we test the best baby strollers

The Good Housekeeping Institute Parenting and Toys Lab has reviewed more than 50 strollers over the past five years using a combination of in-Lab and at-home tests with both expert and consumer reviewers. And we're reviewing new strollers all the time!

We ask manufacturers to provide American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) certification to verify that each stroller passed ASTM's safety standards . Before we recommend a stroller we like to test in real-world conditions. We also test strollers with babies of different ages and with families who have different everyday use patterns. Finally, we pour over online reviews to make sure we're not missing any pain points or favorite features.

When we're finished with our Lab samples our staff makes every effort to donate gently used strollers to charities in the New York City area.

What to consider when shopping for a baby stroller

Strollers range in price from less than a hundred bucks to more than a thousand dollars, so we suggest you weigh which features you need in a stroller versus what features you can live without to find the sweet spot of value and usability.

Fair warning: Few of us make it through parenthood with only one stroller. Often you buy something robust for your first baby and then find you need something lightweight down the line. What we're saying is, your first stroller is unlikely to be your last, and you'll learn as you go what you really like and don't like.

Our parenting product pros recommend taking into account:

✔️ Weight and age guidelines: You never want to put a newborn in a stroller without a seat that reclines nearly flat, because at that age they still need neck support. If a stroller is age-graded for 6 months and up, move on and find something that works from birth if you have a new baby. If a stroller lets you put your infant car seat on top, that is another safe way to transport an infant, but be sure your stroller and your car seat are compatible before you buy.

✔️ JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) Certification : We like strollers that have this certification, which signifies that they meet minimum government requirements on safety and use, as tested by an independent third party.

✔️ Reversible seat(s) : Some strollers give you the ability to turn the position of the seat from rear-facing to forward-facing. Some babies are more content if they face their caregiver. Others do better when they can face forward and engage with their environment.

✔️ Undercarriage storage : This comes in handy for carrying all the baby essentials, big and small.

✔️ Large canopy : You'll want a well-designed canopy that's large enough to cover your child from the sun and wind.

✔️ Adjustable handlebar : If you're looking for a stroller for tall or short parents, a telescoping handlebar that can be raised and lowered really helps.

✔️ Accessories : A good rain cover and a nice travel bag are our two favorites. These aren't dealbreakers but pay attention to whether a stroller comes with extras or if the brand sells add-ons you can purchase, so you buy them as you need them.

✔️ Cupholders : Kidding, sort of. Just as some people focus on a car's cupholders, many feel that a stroller needs to be able to hold their drink for it to be any good. We did not always note cupholders in our story because if you need one, there are universal stroller cup holders on the market.

Which type of baby stroller is best?

There are many types of strollers on the market. All are good at something; none are good at everything. Below are six popular stroller styles.

✔️ Full-sized stroller : Standard-size strollers can often be used from birth to kindergarten. Full-sized strollers typically feature the most storage, full-coverage canopies and seats that recline. Often they have a snack tray or a bumper bar and parent extras, like storage pockets or cupholders. Do they fold up tiny and are they lightweight? No and no. But they are comfy workhorses for everyday use. The Tavo on our list fits this bill.

✔️ Modular stroller : Many of the newest strollers come in pieces. There's a frame, and then you can add on a car seat, a toddler seat, a bassinet, a second seat — you name it. Some come with lots of options, and with others you buy each piece separately. You might see modular strollers advertising many configurations, because the seats can face toward the person pushing or out toward the world. These are the most customizable kinds of strollers and the best for adapting to your changing family needs. But when it comes to storage, there are a lot of parts to put away and keep track of, and modular strollers are often expensive. The UppaBaby and Mockingbird choices on our list are modular strollers that go from a single to a double tandem stroller; the Chicco is an example of one that stays a single but has a reversible seat.

✔️ Lightweight stroller: Often referred to as "umbrella" or "compact" strollers, lightweight strollers can fold up to the size of a traditional umbrella or into a neat square. Although they're great for travel and storage, they usually aren't meant for newborns and don't offer as much undercarriage storage. Because they're light you have to be careful how much you try and hang from the handles because you don't want to tip your's over. The good news is that lightweight strollers are often (but not always) the least expensive. Our value choice from Summer Infant is lightweight, but so is the more expensive Bugaboo Butterfly and Babyzen YoYo. The Colugo Compact is a mid-priced lightweight.

✔️ Double stroller: Double strollers feature two seats, making them perfect for twins or siblings. The two seats may be set up side by side or in tandem, front to back. Double strollers are by definition larger and heavier than single strollers. If you want a double that's not necessarily a modular stroller, shop our favorite double strollers .

✔️ Jogging stroller: These strollers are designed to be sturdy enough for you to jog while your baby rests safely inside — thanks, in part, to a locking front wheel. If you'll run with a stroller you should always use the safety strap as well. The BOB Wayfinder is the choice on our list for running.

✔️ Three-wheelers: There are also three-wheeled strollers that people refer to as "jogging strollers" even though they are just standard, full-size strollers with three wheels instead of four. Be sure you're crystal clear about how you want to use a three-wheeled stroller before you buy it: Don't accidentally buy one that's not built for running and then try to run with it. On our list the Thule Shine has the snazzy three-wheel design.

✔️ Travel system : A stroller that comes sold with an infant car seat is called a "travel system" or a car seat stroller combo, and can be used from birth. Remove the car seat from the stroller and snap it into a car seat base in your vehicle — and, vice versa, you can take the car seat out of your car and snap it right onto the stroller frame. The big advantage is you don't need to unbuckle and re-buckle your infant as you move from your vehicle to strolling. The Chicco on our list is a travel system; the Doona is its own unique car-seat stroller in one piece.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

The Good Housekeeping Institute provides expert reviews and advice on everything a parent needs, including strollers. See our reviews of healthy organic baby food , developmentally appropriate infant toys and what parents might need most, the best drip coffee makers .

Contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn wrote this guide based on her 25 years of experience reviewing baby gear. She worked previously at Parents magazine and before that at American Baby magazine, and has appeared on outlets such as the TODAY Show and CBS News to talk about baby products and parenting issues.

For more than 15 years, Rachel Rothman , former chief technologist and director of engineering at the GH Institute, put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about parenting products. As a mom to three kids 7 and under, she personally tested many of the products we recommend here.

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 .

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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