travel stroller for 10 month old

• Trying to Conceive
• Signs & Symptoms
• Pregnancy Tests
• Fertility Testing
• Fertility Treatment
• Weeks & Trimesters
• Staying Healthy
• Preparing for Baby
• Complications & Concerns
• Pregnancy Loss
• Breastfeeding
• School-Aged Kids
• Raising Kids
• Personal Stories
• Everyday Wellness
• Safety & First Aid
• Immunizations
• Food & Nutrition
• Active Play
• Pregnancy Products
• Nursery & Sleep Products
• Nursing & Feeding Products
• Clothing & Accessories
• Toys & Gifts
• Ovulation Calculator
• Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
• How to Talk About Postpartum Depression
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board

The Best Travel Strollers That Are Actually Easy to Fold and Carry—We Tested Them Ourselves

We folded, pushed and dropped over 50 strollers to find the best for your family

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

Verywell Family / Jhett Thompson

Once you welcome a child into your family, "traveling light" is no longer a thing. But it is possible to take certain conveniences with you on the road or in the air, and a travel stroller is one of those amazing pieces of baby gear that make family trips a whole lot easier. In contrast to the large, luxury baby strollers with all the bells and whistles, we're talking about the lightweight versions that are portable and collapsible , some of which may even fit in an overhead compartment or fold up as small as a backpack . 

When making your purchase, consider how your family likes to travel: A top-notch road trip stroller may be too bulky for flying, while an airplane-friendly stroller could be great at folding but not suited for trickier terrains. Plus, you'll want to keep your budget in mind, and note that airlines have different requirements for the strollers you can bring on board.

To find the best travel strollers , we spoke to pediatricians about the most important criteria, like design and safety . Taking this expert insight into account, we put over 50 top-rated travel strollers through the wringer at the Verywell Testing Lab , pushing them around an obstacle course with several terrains, lugging them up and down stairs , folding them up and stowing them in a mock overhead bin, and even shoving them off tables to see how durable they are. We then sent our top picks home with our editors to use with their families, who have been assessing their portability, how compactly and conveniently they fold, their design features, the ease of steering and turning, and how they've held up throughout their travels . In order to deliver the very best travel stroller recommendations, our editors continue to take these strollers out and about, and we'll keep this list updated as we learn even more.

Additionally, a pediatrician on our Review Board has reviewed this article for medical accuracy regarding safe stroller practices and use, as well as what to look for when shopping for travel strollers.

Recall Alert

In December 2023, Bugaboo and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall of 1,200 Bugaboo Dragonfly Seat Strollers due to injury hazard. According to the manufacturer, when in parent-facing mode, the backrest can move and create a negative recline, which may cause an unrestrained infant to fall. 

Consumers should stop using the stroller immediately and contact the company to obtain a free replacement stroller seat. The recall involves units sold between May and June 2023 in the U.S. and Canada, with serial numbers starting with S460123. For the specific serial numbers and next steps, visit the CPSC announcement page or Bugaboo.com .

A previous version of this article included the Bugaboo Dragonfly Stroller in the “We Also Tested” section. This recall does not affect other Bugaboo strollers, and we continue to recommend the Bugaboo Butterfly as the best overall travel stroller due to its outstanding performance in our lab and real-world testing.

• We Also Tested
• How We Tested
• What to Look For
• Why Trust Verywell Family

Best Overall

Bugaboo butterfly stroller.

• Assembly 4.8 /5
• Design 4.9 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Roomy, flexible cargo space

Compact, standing fold

Machine washable seat padding

Reclining mechanism isn’t the easiest

When you're traveling with kiddos, the last thing you need is a complicated, bulky stroller. That's why we love the lightweight Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Stroller , which has a compact, standing fold, two carrying options, and plenty of storage space for carting your kiddos' stuff.

To fold it, simply press two buttons on the handle and push the frame down. Then, to unfold, press the same buttons, pull up, and it pops right back into place in the air, though you can also use a hand. There are helpful indicators on either side of the handlebar that let you know when it's fully locked back into place. When collapsed, you have two options for toting the stroller around: Use the shoulder strap for hands-free carrying, or carry it using the handle on the leg rest.

While the Bugaboo Butterfly impresses across the board, it really stands out with its sleek, thoughtful design. Available in black, forest green, and slate blue, it has an adjustable fold-out leg rest, a wrist strap, an adjustable canopy with a mesh panel, and a five-point no-rethread harness , in addition to white accents on the buckle and wheels. The seat inlay is removable and machine washable for cleaning up those inevitable snack crumbs, and the stroller comes with a rain cover to shield your little one from the elements. 

One of our favorite features is the roomy cargo basket (it can hold over 17 pounds!), which can be accessed from the front or back. We love its flexible back wall, which can be pressed down while you load it with a stuffed diaper bag, then springs back up to keep all your belongings in place.

Our one complaint about this stroller's design is the reclining mechanism. Though we appreciate its multiple reclining levels, you'll need to stretch a strap and snap it into place to keep the seat upright, which is a bit tricky.

This stroller is gorgeous to push around, and not just because of its looks. Thanks to its suspension, it moves like butter over grass and up curbs. And when we pushed it over rocks to test its shakiness, it didn't feel like it would be disruptive to a baby. It's also easy to turn , even when making a sharp, fast turn with just one hand. It goes up curbs and over grass smoothly , and when we took it over rocky terrain, the bumps didn't seem like they'd be too disruptive to a baby. Overall, it feels lightweight but stable, as a high-quality travel stroller should.

Assembling this stroller is straightforward . It comes with the canopy and wheels already attached, so you only need to attach the seat inlay , which just requires you to thread straps already on the stroller frame through slits in the padding. Attaching the rain canopy isn't as intuitive—we had to refer to the manual—but once you've figured it out, it's simple: The large opening goes around the handlebar, and two smaller straps go around the sides of the lower half of the frame. We do feel that the instruction manual would benefit from words in addition to pictures. When we pushed it off a table to test its durability, the Bugaboo Butterfly showed no signs of damage.

The Takeaway

The Bugaboo Butterfly is a bit pricey, but you get your money's worth. This stroller is lightweight, easy to fold and unfold, and a dream to maneuver. We also appreciate the large cargo basket, the included rain cover, and how it conveniently fits in the overhead bin. While we'd like phone storage and a cup holder to be included with a $449 stroller, you can purchase one separately , in addition to an organizer and a wheeled board with a toddler seat .

• Dimensions: 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 inches (folded), 36.42 x 17.72 x 40.31 inches (unfolded)
• Seat Dimensions: Not listed
• Weight: 16.1 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth up to 48.5 pounds  

Best Overall, Runner Up

Nuna trvl lightweight stroller.

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

Attractive design

Roomy storage compartment

Heavier than other options

The Nuna TRVL is a dream of a stroller with luxe features that make it well worth the price. The most standout feature is how easily it folds and unfolds with the simple push of a button on the handlebar: It essentially folds itself up for you .

The TRVL also maneuvers smoothly , gliding over carpet, hard floor, and even gravel, thanks to the front- and rear-wheel suspension . Then there's the design: The fabric, faux leather handle, and bumper bar all have a luxurious look to them, and they're also water-repellent. The UPF 50+ canopy offers a lot of coverage for the child and has a mesh window for peeking and improving airflow . Plus, the back zips open for airflow, and it reclines to a convenient sleeping angle with a drawstring you can operate with one hand (and we all know how important those naps are during travel!). The seat is a comfortable 13 inches wide, and the calf rest can go all the way to flat for naps or fold down for a more active position.

The magnetic buckles are easy to operate without much fuss, and the harness doesn't require rethreading to adjust the height . Travelers will also appreciate the storage compartment at the bottom of the stroller, which can easily fit a full backpack.

Our only minor complaint with this stroller is that at 15.4 pounds, it's not the lightest to carry when folded and doesn't have a built-in strap for toting around . For hands-free carrying, you'll have to use the included travel bag . It could conceivably fit into an overhead storage bin, but at this size, we suspect most airlines will still have you gate-check it. 

The Nuna is also one of the most expensive strollers we tested, but you get a lot for your money. Nuna Pipa infant car seats don't need an extra attachment to click into the bumper bar, so if you're a frequent traveler or just want to go on local adventures, this may be the only stroller you need.

The price tag on the Nuna TRVL is hefty, but we still love this stroller because it's functional and versatile enough to be a family’s everyday stroller . It also boasts a few unique features, like front- and rear-wheel suspension that makes it seamless to maneuver on different terrains, magnetic buckles, a no-rethread harness, a large cargo basket, and an included travel bag. The downside is that it's larger than other strollers, so you probably won't be able to stow it in the overhead bin.

• Dimensions: 22.5 x 20.25 x 12 inches (folded), 31 x 20.5 x 41 inches (unfolded)
• Seat Dimensions: 10 x 13 inches
• Weight: 15.4 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth (with car seat) up to 50 pounds

Verywell Family / Conor Ralph

Verywell Family / Phoebe Cheong

Best Folding

Uppababy minu v2 stroller.

 Amazon

• Assembly 3.8 /5
• Portability 4 /5

Stands when folded

Padded carrying strap

Storage for phone, keys, and other small items

Handlebar is not adjustable

A first-rate travel stroller should be easy to fold so you can quickly stow it in an overhead compartment or car trunk. Better yet, it should have a one-hand, standing fold , like the Uppababy Minu V2 . Simply slide and squeeze a button on the handlebar and press down, and you’ve got a fully folded stroller within seconds. (Just make sure the safety closure attaches to the frame.) While this is a true one-handed fold, you might want to use both if you have smaller hands.

The Minu V2 has Uppababy’s signature full-grain leather covering on the handlebar , which looks very stylish, but we found it inconvenient that the handlebar isn’t adjustable. There’s plenty of storage space, including a cargo basket that holds up to 20 pounds and a pocket on the back that can fit the caregiver’s phone, keys, wallet, and more. The adjustable canopy has a mesh peekaboo window with a magnetic closure, and the five-point no-rethread harness and buckle are easy for the adult to use. The brake, which must be engaged to fold the stroller, is located by the right wheel, and there’s a pedal to unlock it by the left wheel. The seat is padded and reclines with a pull tab. Carrying the folded stroller around is comfortable thanks to the padded strap , and the handlebar doubles as a handle you can pick it up with.

We found that this stroller is so easy to maneuver and steer with one hand that we’d be perfectly capable of pushing it through the airport while lugging a heavy suitcase. In our test, it glided over grass smoothly and didn’t slow down when we pushed it over rocks. We had no difficulty getting it up and down stairs, and it feels stable to push, even when making sharp turns. There were no scuff marks or signs of damage when we dropped it.

This stroller isn’t the easiest to assemble, but we were still able to put it together in under 17 minutes. Attaching the canopy and handlebar is not intuitive initially, though one editor who used an Uppababy stroller with her own kid figured it out pretty quickly. We do wish that the instructions had words in addition to the pictures.

Like the Bugaboo Butterfly , the Uppababy Minu V2 costs $450, which is an investment if it’s not your everyday stroller. However, this compact stroller is a breeze to fold and a dream to maneuver for families that travel often or like to frequent museums and the zoo.

• Dimensions: 12.5 x 20.3 x 23 (folded with bumper bar), 35.5 x 20.3 x 41 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 16.9 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth (with separate bassinet accessory) or 3 months up to 50 pounds/40 inches

Best Maneuverability

Silver cross jet 3 super compact stroller.

Silver Cross

• Assembly 3.9 /5
• Design 4.2 /5

Moves and turns beautifully

You can pull it like a suitcase when folded

Standing, one-handed fold

Assembly instructions aren’t helpful

Small cargo space

The Silver Cross Jet 3 Super Compact Stroller moves like a dream , ideal for navigating through crowded airports and cities. Even with the cargo space and child’s seat fully loaded, it handles different surfaces with aplomb and turns effortlessly. Plus, its genius design allows you to tote it around easily : When the stroller is folded and put in the included travel cover , the wheels and handlebar peek out, so you can roll the whole thing behind you like a suitcase for added convenience. 

This travel stroller is well-designed, too. The adjustable, waterproof UPF 50+ canopy has a peekaboo window, the footrest is adjustable, and the seat reclines flat . While the handlebar is comfortable to grip, it isn’t adjustable, which may pose a problem for taller parents. (However, this is true of many travel strollers on our list.) We particularly love its sleek look: The black fabric and brown leather accents on the handlebar and bumper bar evoke a luxury car . Plus, it’s built to last—when we pushed it off a counter to test its durability, there was no damage and the bumper bar did not come off at all.

However, the Silver Cross Jet 3 falls flat when it comes to storage space. The cargo area is tiny —we couldn’t fit a diaper bag into it—and there are no hooks for hanging a diaper bag on the handlebar, either. Assembly was a mixed bag since the wheels and bumper bar were easy to attach, but getting the frame to lock into its upright position was tricky, and the instructions were not helpful. Ultimately, we were still able to assemble it in 10 minutes.

Priced at $500 (comparable to the Nuna TRVL ), this compact stroller is worth the money for families looking for an option with clever features that’s also a breeze to steer. We particularly loved that it can be rolled like a suitcase even when folded and stored in the included travel cover. This feature is unique among the strollers we tested.

• Dimensions: 7.08 x 11.81 x 21.65 (folded), 35.43 x 17.7 x 39.5 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 13.6 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth up to 55 pounds

Best Lightweight

Contours itsy lightweight stroller.

Easy to put in an overhead bin

Minimal assembly required 

One-handed, standing fold

Brake requires effort to engage

A low weight and a compact fold are two key characteristics to look for in a travel stroller, and the Contours Itsy delivers on both. Weighing just 12.3 pounds , this stroller is easy to heave into an overhead bin, especially since it’s so small when folded (just 10.5 x 11 x 19.5 inches). Plus, folding is a breeze —it’s possible to fold it with one hand while balancing your baby , diaper bag, and purse in the other, which comes in handy on the bus or in the airport.

While its aesthetic look isn’t anything special, there’s plenty to appreciate about the Itsy’s design. The crotch strap on the five-point harness is padded for your little one’s comfort, and the adjustable UPF 50+ canopy is generous in size and has a peekaboo window.

During our test, the included bumper bar felt secure and did not fall off when we dropped it. The stroller comes mostly assembled , too: All you have to do is snap on the bumper bar, which is simple. However, the storage basket is quite small —it can barely fit a diaper bag—and the brake, which catches on the stairs when you’re carrying it up a flight, requires an emphatic stomp to engage.

To fold this stroller with one hand , press a button, and the whole thing collapses and stands up on its own . (Make sure to use the security latch to hold it all together.) We do wish that it had a carrying strap or handle, though.

The Contours Itsy stands up to its name not just in size but also in price: At $170, this is one of the most budget-friendly picks on our list. Given its compact size when folded (only a little bigger than a reusable grocery bag ), we think this stroller is worth it if a small footprint is your priority.

Key Specs: Dimensions: 10.5 x 11 x 19.5 (folded), 32 x 18 x 39 inches (unfolded) | Seat Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 12.3 pounds | Child Age/Weight Range: Birth up to 40 pounds

Best for Cities

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller frame.

• Design 4.4 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.7 /5

Carrying strap

Can be pulled up stairs with one hand

Turns very well

Involved assembly

Not great on all surfaces

Whether you’re navigating crowded sidewalks or weaving through grocery store aisles, city travelers and dwellers alike will appreciate this BabyZen stroller’s impressive turning skills (it passed our obstacle courses test with flying colors). It’s best suited for pavement and other flat surfaces—it’s a bit hard to maneuver over grass and gravel, although it’s doable with a vigorous push—and it can be pulled up the stairs with just one hand , which comes in handy for the subway or bus.

When it comes to design, we appreciate the ample padding in the spacious seat , and the canopy provides excellent coverage. We also like that the fabric is available in various appealing colors. The harness is made of five components that come apart each time you unbuckle it, which is a hassle, and you’ll need to rethread it if you want to adjust the height. Thankfully, the seat cover attaches with velcro, so rethreading is not as finicky as it could be.

While we like that you can customize the color of the frame and fabrics, ordering this stroller is not straightforward . You’ll want to make sure to order both the frame and the “color pack,” which refers to the seat fabrics you’ll need to attach. Assembly, too, is complex. The written instructions and illustrations are separate and not particularly helpful, so we recommend referring to the assembly video on BabyZen’s site. No tools are required, but the stroller arrives in quite a few parts : You need to attach the seat board, seat padding, and thread wires through the canopy fabric before attaching it. However, we were still able to assemble it in just over 20 minutes, and you’ll only need to put it together once.

Folding this stroller takes a few steps , and the front wheels need to face forward to engage the lock, but it’s not complicated. The lock did come undone during our durability test, and the canopy detached, too. Unfolding the stroller, on the other hand, is quick, easy, and just two steps.

We recommend this for urban parents and families who prefer city vacations since it’s handy for navigating crowds and easy to carry to a walk-up apartment . Assembling the stroller is a bit tricky, but that's not a dealbreaker for us because you only need to assemble it once.

• Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 (folded), 33.8 x 17.3 x 41.7 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 13.7 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth up to 48.5 pounds

Verywell family / Conor Ralph

Verywell Family / David Carr

Best Car Seat Compatible

Chicco bravo quick-fold stroller.

• Assembly 3.5 /5
• Design 4 /5
• Portability 3 /5

Turns smoothly

Ample storage

Wobbly when brakes were engaged

Hard to access cargo space when seat is reclined

Investing in a travel stroller and a separate travel system can get pricey, so we appreciate the Chicco Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller’s car seat compatibility. The versatile stroller is compatible with all Chicco infant car seats (no adapters needed) , turning it into a handy travel system for families on the go .

The stroller is super easy to maneuver , making 360-degree turns effortlessly and handling several types of terrain smoothly. The wheels are exceptionally sturdy, which is handy for navigating gravel and grass. However, the front wheels don’t lock, so pushing it up the stairs might be risky. When we pushed it off a table, no parts came detached and there was no noticeable damage.

To fold it, use one hand to engage a latch with your thumb and pull upward—just make sure you’ve emptied the cargo area first. The stroller stands upright when folded . And while it’s easy to fold, it’s heavy to carry and doesn’t have a shoulder strap .

When it comes to the design, there are parts we like and things we’d change. We appreciate the dual cup holder —great for a parent’s coffee and water—and the padded, insulated storage pocket on the handlebar . There’s enough room in the storage bin for a well-stocked diaper bag, though it’s hard to access it when the seat is fully reclined. The seat is well-padded and can be reclined to multiple positions , though the buckle’s material feels slightly flimsy. Some of the plastic fasteners feel lower quality than we’d like, too. The brake requires some effort to kick up, which isn’t ideal if you’re wearing nicer shoes. And in our test, the stroller felt a little wobbly when locked, although it didn’t move.

At a reasonable $270, the Chicco Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller is less pricey than many of our other top picks, and it also makes for an affordable travel system, should you choose to buy a compatible car seat. Overall, it’s a heavier, bulkier option, so it’s best suited for those who want a travel system and a travel stroller, rather than just a travel stroller.

• Dimensions: 15 x 22.8 x 36.8 inches (folded with snack tray installed; height is 29 inches with no tray), 35.2 x 22.8 x 42.7 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 24.9 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Up to 50 pounds  

Best for Overhead Bins

Munchkin sparrow stroller.

• Assembly 5 /5
• Maneuverability 3.8 /5

No assembly required

Stroller folds into itself

Minimal storage

No real canopy

Sometimes, all you need is a simple, straightforward travel stroller . The Munchkin Sparrow may not have a ton of bells and whistles, but it’s a convenient travel companion. It comes fully assembled and ready to use —just unfold it and everything pops into place. When it comes time to collapse it, simply press on the handles and fold them under, and the stroller will fold into a compact square that fits neatly in the included carrying bag . (One editor compared it to origami.) Best of all, it’s under 13 pounds, so it’s easy to swing it up into an overhead bin.

Since it is so lightweight, it’s easy to push but doesn’t handle uneven surfaces very well and has no suspension . And while it’s not the smoothest driver, it turns incredibly well.

The Munchkin Sparrow does have a few design flaws, though: The cargo holds very little and there isn’t a real canopy—it just has a small retractable sunshade , which we feel does not provide enough sun protection for little ones. We do appreciate the ventilated headrest, however.

If you’re searching for a luxurious, tricked-out stroller, you’ll want to opt for a more upscale model like the Bugaboo Butterfly or Nuna TRVL . However, the ultra-compact Munchkin Sparrow is a great no-frills pick if you’re looking for a convenient, affordable solution that will make your next family flight a little less hectic.

• Dimensions: 15 x 14 x 6.25 (folded), 28 x 18.5 x 39 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 12.8 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth up to 55 pounds/41 inches  

Best for Overhead Bin Runner-Up

• Assembly 4.7 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.9 /5

Five-point harness is very easy to adjust

Comfortably fits into the overhead bin

One-handed fold and unfold

Maneuvers with some difficulty on uneven surfaces

No carry bag

When taking flights and navigating traveling with a little one , you want to take your stroller with you as a carry-on rather than checking it in so you can access it as soon as you get off the plane. The compactness of the folded Cybex Coya stroller makes this possible, as it fits comfortably in the overhead bin or compartment without stress. 

We appreciate that folding it is uncomplicated and you can do it with one hand . It also has a comfortable carry strap to use when folded.

The design of this stroller is undeniably stylish and sleek . The copper/rose gold accents on the bars connecting the seat to the wheels remind us of some of the fancier full-size strollers we've tested. The handlebar is lined with a cushioned leatherette fabric that is super luxurious looking, but unfortunately, the handlebar is not adjustable. The padding on the seat is removable for cleaning , which we appreciate, and without the padding, your little one can enjoy a breathable backrest of just mesh—great for hotter days. 

The seat reclines nearly flat and there's an adjustable footrest to aid in naptime. The canopy has a decent amount of coverage, considering this is a travel stroller, and it can extend by a few inches more when you unzip it at the back. Doing so also reveals a stretchy mesh fabric/peekaboo window, adding more breathability. There's also a nifty little zippered pocket for your phone and wallet at the back of the canopy.

One of the great design elements of this stroller is the five-point harness, which is designed just like the harness in a car seat , making it much easier to adjust. Instead of threading individual straps through a buckle to tighten and loosen, you just pull on the strap between your kid's legs while pressing down on the button right above the strap. The only issue is that you have a strap dangling down, so you'll have to loop it through a couple of times to avoid that. We found the storage basket relatively small and had to squeeze in a diaper bag to fit it in during testing, but it's not the smallest basket we've seen in a compact stroller. 

This Cybex stroller maneuvers really well on hard surfaces , but is a little more challenging on grass and stone surfaces. It also seems to have better suspension on the front wheels than other compact strollers we've tested, which makes it drive a little more smoothly on bumps than expected. 

While this Cybex is on the pricier side, we think it's a worthy investment . We love how it folds with ease and fits into an overhead bin while traveling. We also like that it has features you'd typically not find in a compact stroller , like the decent-sized canopy and the harness-tightening feature. We just wish it came with a travel bag to protect it while in storage on an airplane or train.

• Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches (folded), 31.1 x 17.3 x 38.2 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 14.6 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth to 55 pounds

Verywell Family / Joy Kim

Best Umbrella

Uppababy g-luxe stroller.

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

Comfortable shoulder strap

Standing fold

Cupholder included

Folding is a learning curve

Handlebar height is not adjustable

If you're looking for a compact stroller for local outings, like the zoo or a children's museum, an umbrella stroller is a convenient, lightweight pick. We recommend the Uppababy G-Luxe , which impresses us with its portability and features. While the folding takes a few tries to get the hang of —you have to pull a handle and a ring at precisely the same time—the stroller stands upright when folded , and thanks to a comfortable shoulder strap , it's easy to tote around.

The G-Luxe has quite a few features for a simple stroller: It comes with a sizable cupholder for the caregiver —we could fit a travel mug into it—and has an extendable UPF 50+ canopy. The seat also has a one-handed recline and is well-cushioned without looking bulky (and caregivers will appreciate that the fabric is removable and washable !). While the footrest is adjustable, the handlebar height is not. We found that the brake is easy to engage.

Though umbrella strollers typically aren't the sturdiest to maneuver, this one turns on a dime and rolls smoothly with its all-wheel suspension . It is a little bumpy to take over gravel, but that's to be expected for a smaller stroller.

Priced at $160, this is a worthwhile investment for families who are frequently on the go around town. For a small, lightweight stroller, the G-Luxe has many features we love, like the four-wheel suspension, comfortable seat, and large cupholder.

• Dimensions: 19.2 x 12 x 41.8 inches (folded), 28.8 x 18.8 x 43 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 16.3 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: 3 months to 55 pounds

Best Portability

Zoe the traveler.

• Design 3.5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5

Quick, straightforward assembly

Incredibly lightweight

Removable, machine-washable seat liner

Snack tray not included

Zoe’s The Traveler stroller is so lightweight —just 13 pounds—that you can easily carry it around with just one hand, and swinging it up into an overhead bin is a breeze. To fold, press a button on the handlebar, then bend the stroller forward to collapse it. (It stands upright when folded .) Then, to unfold, press the same button and lift the frame. We were able to do both one-handed—plus, the cushioned handlebar makes it comfortable to carry around. The Traveler is also easy to assemble: All you have to do is click on the wheels and the bumper bar, then slide on the parent’s cup holder. 

This stroller navigates most terrains well and only felt a bit wobbly on gravel during our test. However, we always felt in control of the stroller, even when carrying it up and down the stairs.

While the design is simple, it has practical features : The canopy expands and has a peekaboo window and a storage pocket for your phone or keys. The seat material isn’t the plushest we’ve tested, but the liner is removable and machine washable for easy cleanup. (The liner does cost an additional $40 at checkout.) There’s also an adjustable footrest for your kiddo. An adult cup holder is included , but the kids’ snack tray is sold separately , and the cargo space can only fit a small tote bag, not a full diaper bag backpack.

At $249, Zoe’s The Traveler is more affordable than many of our top picks, though it’s not the least expensive. If portability is your priority over design, you can’t go wrong with this lightweight travel stroller.

• Dimensions: 10 x 19 x 22 inches (folded), 41 x 18 x 30 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: 3 months to 45 pounds

Verywell Family / Jessica Juliao

Best Reversible

Thule shine.

• Durability 4.8 /5

Large cargo space

Fits in narrow spaces

Adjustable handlebar

Difficult to maneuver around turns

The Thule Shine is our pick for best reversible travel stroller because it can grow with your baby from birth (with the bassinet or newborn inlay , sold separately) to toddlerhood (up to 49 pounds). Starting at 6 months old, your baby can use the stroller's regular seat in reverse position, so you can keep an eye on them as you stroll, and when you feel comfortable, the seat easily turns to face forward so they can see the road ahead.

We love that the Thule Shine stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar (which is pretty unique for travel strollers), a storage bin capable of holding up to 22 pounds (much larger than the average stroller storage), multiple recline positions (including a near-flat option), an adjustable footrest, and a large, extendable canopy with mesh peekaboo window.

Assembly was pretty seamless during testing. We were able to put this stroller together quickly and didn’t need any tools . The only area where we struggled was attaching the canopy portion, but it wasn't too big of an issue. We timed the entire process and it only took 10 minutes and six seconds to go from box to being ready to go.

One downside you might want to consider is that folding the stroller down isn't an intuitive process and requires multiple steps . You have to move the handle down to the lowest position, empty the cargo space, retract the canopy, fold the seat forward all the way, press two buttons on the handle while you move the handlebar down to the floor, lift up the folded stroller using the carry handle, and lock it in place. The entire process can technically be done with one hand, but it's not as convenient as other options on our list. Once it’s locked, the stroller can stand up straight on its own .

The brand describes the Thule Shine as a "city stroller" and we agree with that assessment, as its design is pretty sleek and compact. However, our maneuverability test revealed mixed results: The stroller seemed to pull to the left quite a bit and the turning radius wasn't the most convenient. However, we were impressed by how well it handled sandy terrain . It also performed extremely well in our drop test, maintaining only minor scuffs.

The Thule Shine is a great option for a no-frills parent who needs a durable, reliable, reversible travel stroller with easy set-up and large cargo space . However, folding it down is a multi-step process and it is a bit bulky, so this is a stroller you'd have to gate-check.

• Dimensions: 13 x 20 x 27 inches (folded), ‎35.4 x 20.5 x 38 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 21.6 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth up to 49 pounds

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

Best Cargo Space

Safety 1st teeny ultra compact stroller.

• Portability 4.8 /5

Ample storage basket and canopy pocket

Easy to fold and unfold

Reclining mechanism could be improved

When you’re on the go, cargo space is precious, so we appreciate the Safety 1st Teeny Ultra Compact Stroller’s generous storage space. The roomy cargo hold fits a fully packed diaper bag and still has room to stash a jacket, snacks, or toys. A large, moveable silicone cup holder for the adult is included, and there’s a large pocket on the back of the canopy for other belongings, like a phone, wallet, or water bottle.

Out of the 50 travel strollers we've tested, this one was the easiest to assemble and literally took us two seconds: Unfold it and you’re ready to go. Folding it back down was just as painless and can be done one-handed by pushing two buttons and pressing the frame down. You can also adjust the wheels to make the stroller more compact. We had no problems putting it into a mock overhead bin since it feels surprisingly lightweight for a 19-pound stroller.

The stroller also features a large, ventilated canopy , which the brand says blocks 96% of UVA and UVB rays, and an adjustable footrest . The seat does recline , but we wish it would recline further. As for maneuverability, the Teeny is nice to push around and performs well on smooth terrain, but its wheels can jam when going over gravel.

At $130, this travel stroller is one of the more affordable picks on our list. While there are some design flaws, the Safety 1st Teeny proves itself with its generous storage capacity and easy folding.

• Dimensions: 18.5 x 9 x 22.5 (folded); 36.3 x 18.5 x 39.9 (unfolded)
• Weight: 19.2 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth up to 50 pounds  

Best Eco-Friendly

Bombi bēbee lightweight stroller.

• Design 4.1 /5
• Maneuverability 2.4 /5

Quick, intuitive assembly

Travel bag and cup holder included

No plastic packaging

Harness feels low-quality

If environmentally conscious consumption is a priority for your family, consider the Bombi Bebee Lightweight Stroller , which is shipped without any plastic packaging. Plus, according to the brand, each stroller and included travel bag are made from at least 50% recycled plastic bottles , saving over 50 single-use bottles from ending up in landfills. Additionally, the accents are made from vegan leather , and Bombi donates 1% of its sales to 1% for the Planet, an organization that supports environmental and sustainable causes.

Assembly is straightforward —you can pop in the four wheels in a matter of minutes without looking at the instructions. Everything is compact and easy to handle, and the extremely roomy canopy expands quite a bit to shield your little one from the sun, even when the seat is reclined. (The seat doesn't recline all the way to flat, however.) We like the swing-away bumper bar, the adjustable footrest, the included travel bag and cup holder , and the adequate cargo space, which fits a decent-sized diaper bag. We don't love the harness, however: The material feels flimsy, and although the five-point harness has a standard quick-release button, the shoulder straps connect to it with hooks, which were tricky to work. Plus, the handlebar is not adjustable.

Nothing fell off when we dropped the stroller to test its durability—not even the cup holder. It's simple to fold—just press two buttons on the handlebar and it folds in seconds—and it stands upright when folded up , though it didn't fit into our mock overhead bin .

While this stroller moves well on smooth, even terrain, getting up a curb is challenging and it does not perform well on gravel or other uneven surfaces. The Bombi Bebee isn't the most lightweight stroller, but it's fairly easy to carry around if you use the carrying bag, which, while sustainable, feels somewhat flimsy.

With its sustainable materials and the brand's charitable practices, this travel stroller is a top eco-friendly choice. It's best suited to families who plan to use the stroller primarily on paved sidewalks and other flat surfaces.

• Dimensions: 21 x 20.75 x 10.5 (folded), 33 x 18 x 40 (unfolded)
• Weight: 16 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth (with separate car seat adapter) or 6 months up to 50 pounds  

Best Travel Design

Joolz aer+ stroller.

Bloomingdale's

Comes fully assembled

Easy one-hand fold and unfold mechanism

Sophisticated design

No footrest

No cupholder

Why We Recommend It

The Joolz Aer+ lightweight stroller is made with travel and portability in mind, with design features that make packing, carrying, and storing it a breeze. During testing, we were really impressed with the one-hand, one-second fold mechanism : With just one push of the button on the handlebar and a gentle nudge down, it automatically falls into a folded position. This exposes a carry strap that sits comfortably on your shoulder. Although it is a little bulky to carry, the fact that it only weighs 13.2 pounds makes up for it. 

As part of our travel stroller test , we put it up on a shelf to simulate the overhead compartment in an airplane. Thanks to its compact size (21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches), the Joolz Aer+ fits on smaller shelves and overhead bins , but keep in mind that these storage compartments vary in size and that airlines have different rules regarding strollers in the main cabin, so it’s best to double-check. 

We also love this stroller’s sleek design . With a leatherette grip on the handlebar and metal accents on the fabric, it looks and feels very sophisticated. The basket, which is roomy and can carry up to 11 pounds , is accessible from the front and back. Both the canopy and the seat reclining feature use zippers to hide the extra fabric when not in use, creating a sleeker look and making it less fussy when folded. There’s a five-point harness and the belts can be tightened and loosened by pulling on them. One downside is that there’s no footrest or cupholder. 

The elegant design is matched by excellent maneuverability . We found that we only needed to use one hand to turn corners during testing, and it felt lightweight to push around even with a 25-pound sandbag and fully loaded basket. When driving it on various surfaces, we found that it moved smoothly and the design of the wheels protected the stroller from shock, even on uneven sidewalks. To test its durability, we dropped the stroller several times from a table onto the floor, and we’re pleased to report that the stroller remained intact and in impeccable condition .

While this stroller comes with a slightly higher price tag at $449, we think it’s a worthy investment . We loved its durability, the amazing folding mechanism, how compact it is, and the fact that having those features doesn’t come at the expense of a smooth and sturdy ride. It’s great for a solo caregiver on the go , or if you have a small car trunk or storage space. We even think it can serve as your main stroller and not just for travel. It will also last you a long time, as it’s recommended for ages 6 months to 4 years old, with a weight capacity of up to 50 pounds. 

• Dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches (folded), 32.7 x 17.7 x 41.5 inches (unfolded)
• Seat Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.4 inches
• Weight : 13.2 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Up to 50 pounds

Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida

Best Double

Uppababy g-link v2 stroller.

• Assembly 4.9 /5
• Portability 4.4 /5

Narrow and light for a double stroller

Smooth folding

Easy to push and turn

Doesn't get very small when folded

No carrying strap

While there is nothing easy about traveling with two stroller-age kiddos, having a compact double travel stroller can go a long way toward making it less painful. The G-Link 2 is a side-by-side umbrella stroller that manages to be smaller than most because it has only four sets of wheels instead of the typical six. The folding mechanism, a loop between the handles that you pull up, is surprisingly smooth, so it won't be a burden on the go.

During testing, we were pleasantly surprised by how well this stroller moves : It takes turns and bumps like a single stroller. But while we appreciate the generous UPF 50+ canopies, included carry handle, fully reclining seats, and well-placed cup holder for the adult , this stroller just didn't match the single strollers for portability and design. In particular, we wish it were smaller when folded and came with a carrying strap.

At $350, this double travel stroller is priced competitively with many of our top single travel strollers, making it a great investment for families with multiples. Although it'll never be as portable as a single stroller and won't fit in an overhead bin, the G-Link 2 is incredibly light, convenient, and easy to operate for a double stroller.

• Dimensions: 40 x 17.5 x 14 inches (folded), 25 x 28.25 x 41 (unfolded)
• Seat Dimensions: 10 x 11 inches
• Weight: 21.8 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: 3 months up to 55 pounds (per seat)

Most Comfortable

Baby jogger city tour 2 stroller.

• Maneuverability 4.8 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

Lighter than most travels trollers

Reclines for comfortable napping

Folding requires two hands

No straps for hands-free carrying

Under-seat storage could be bigger

With a price point about $200 less than its travel stroller competitors, the City Tour 2 is as lightweight (14.5 pounds) and almost as easy to fold as our top picks. Though it's advertised as having a one-handed fold, after pushing the two buttons at the handlebar and collapsing the stroller, you do need two hands to finish the process and lock it into place, but it's not complicated. And once it's folded, it's easy to pick up at the handle with one hand, and you can put it into the included carrying bag for hands-free carrying. It may fit in a larger overhead compartment, and the front wheels detach pretty easily to squeeze into tighter spaces. 

One of the best features of the City Tour 2 is the way the seat reclines way back and the calf rest extends all the way flat , which, combined with the full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy (with a peekaboo window), makes for a very cozy ride. The five-point harness is well cushioned but requires rethreading to adjust the height. There are a few design drawbacks, such as an under-seat storage compartment that's smaller than we'd like, and an overall lack of special features like a bumper bar (which can be purchased separately ).

Meanwhile, the grownup behind the handlebar won't be struggling to push their little passenger. The front wheels have suspension, and the back wheels are slightly larger, helping it get over curbs and bumpy surfaces, including the gravel that some other strollers struggle to traverse. 

The City Tour 2 maneuvers amazingly well across different types of terrain and is easy to fold up and tote around thanks to the included hands-free carrying bag. Although it doesn't have many special features and the cargo space is small, we think it’s a great value for its $250 price tag.

• Dimensions: 22.5 x 19.5 x 7 inches (folded), 26 x 20 x 40 inches (unfolded)
• Seat Dimensions (Inches): 9 x 13 inches
• Weight: 14.5 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth (with car seat attachment) to 45 pounds

Best One-Handed Fold

Gb qbit+ all city stroller.

Very easy to fold

Stands up when folded

Suspension makes the ride smooth

Heavier than other travel options

Canopy could be bigger

You're not seeing double: The GB Qbit+ All-City Stroller does look very similar to the Nuna TRVL . If you love the look of our Best Overall Runner-Up pick and want to spend around $70 less, this may be the way to go. Like the Nuna, this stroller features luxe-looking fabric and faux leather on the bumper bar and handle , and it too folds down to carry-on size with just one hand and the push of two buttons. The two strollers are not identical, however.

We admire this stroller's smoothness and ease of folding , and when the seat reclines, it also opens a nice mesh window for a breezy feel. That ride will also be comfortable thanks to the all-wheel suspension , which makes going over the bumps of gravel in our test barely different than going over the hardwood floor. Still, it's not as portable as some of our top picks, mainly because it weighs a few pounds more (17.6 pounds) and it doesn't have a carrying strap . We also wish the canopy had more coverage, especially if this is something you want to take on a sunny vacation.

One more note: GB may be better known in this category for its Pockit Air All-Terrain stroller , which is lightweight and packs up to the size of a backpack. However, that stroller is a beast to maneuver and is designed poorly, so we don't feel we can recommend it.

The Qbit+ All City stands out for its design and maneuverability, thanks to all-wheel suspension. It's very similar to the Nuna TRVL but a bit more affordable.

• Dimensions: 23 x 16.5 x 10.5 inches (folded), 24 x 17 x 41 (unfolded)
• Seat Dimensions: 9 x 13 inches
• Weight: 17.6 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: Birth (if used with Cybex infant car seat) to 55 pounds

Best Budget

Kolcraft cloud plus stroller.

• Design 3.9 /5
• Maneuverability 4.2 /5

Simple folding mechanism

Comes with trays for child and grownup

Too big for overhead bins

If your budget is tight and all you need is a simple stroller to take on vacation, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus offers all the essentials for $80 (at the time of this writing). It's not the prettiest or smallest on our list, but it is the lightest, weighing under 12 pounds .

The one-handed, two-button fold takes a bit of strength and coordination at first, but you get the hang of it after a couple of tries. Once folded, it doesn't fit in an overhead bin on the plane and it has no carrying strap, so it's not the most portable option . But again, for a stroller at this price, you probably won't mind checking it. 

There are two trays—one for the kid and one for the adult , with two drink holders each—making this an attractive option for travel. The trays can come loose, but they're easy to reattach. Another handy feature is the roomy under-seat storage compartment for a diaper bag or backpack. On the other hand, it only reclines about three-fourths of the way and there is no calf rest , so it's not recommended for napping. It does have front-wheel suspension, and while it's not the most agile on bumpy surfaces, its light weight makes it easy to push through any small obstacles. 

Though it's not a perfect stroller, this is a solid travel stroller for a more than reasonable price (well under $100), so it's an excellent pick for budget-minded families.

• Dimensions: 33 x 17.5 x 10 inches (folded), 27 x 18 x 38 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 11.8 pounds
• Child Age/Weight Range: 6 months to 50 pounds

Verwell Family / Conor Ralph

Travel Strollers We Also Tested

• GB Pockit Air All Terrain Ultra Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller : Though this stroller is lightweight and truly compact (it folds down to the size of a backpack), it performed poorly in all of our other categories, and we don’t feel confident recommending it.
• Delta Children Spyder : This stroller is poorly designed and feels cheaply made. The five-point harness does not feel stable, the stroller looks odd, and it doesn’t fold up compactly, despite being a bare-bones stroller. Plus, several pieces fell off in our durability test, during which we noticed some signs of wear and tear on the wheels.
• Diono Flexa : While it passed our durability test with flying colors, this stroller is heavy and bulky, so it’s not an ideal option for a travel stroller. Its huge wheels are a pain to maneuver, so it’s not a great pick for your everyday stroller, either. The canopy does come in several bright colors if that’s your thing.
• Maxi-Cosi Mara XT Ultra Compact Stroller : Easy to assemble and fold, this stroller comes with a cup holder, spacious cargo hold, and reclinable seat. However, it didn’t feel particularly lightweight and did not fit in our mock overhead bin (you’d have to take off the bumper bars and wheels, which would be inconvenient), so we don’t feel that it’s the best pick for travel.

How We Tested Travel Strollers

To date, our editors have tested over 50 travel strollers in the Verywell Testing Lab in New York City, scrutinizing them and evaluating them on portability, maneuverability, design, ease of folding, ease of assembly, and overall value. We then sent our top picks home with our editors to use with their families, and we'll continue to update this list as we learn more about their functionality. Additionally, we spoke with Nkeiruka U. Orajiaka , MBBS, a board-certified pediatrician and member of Buybuy Baby's Parenting Pros, and kept her advice in mind while assessing the strollers' safety features. 

In the lab, we assembled each travel stroller, noting how quickly and intuitively we were able to put them together, as well as how helpful the instructions were. For portability, we carried the strollers around the room—by their carrying strap, when applicable—and tested whether they would fit on a shelf that was the approximate size of an average airplane overhead compartment. A travel stroller should be easy to fold, so we folded and unfolded each stroller multiple times, noting how compact their folded footprints are, whether they can be folded with one hand, if they stand upright when folded, and how helpful the instructions are.

To test their maneuverability, we pushed the strollers (with sandbags as "babies") through an indoor course with gravel, artificial turf, stone curbs, and a cone obstacle course. We checked that the brakes on each stroller were easy to use and logically placed, and we also dropped each stroller from hip height and then pushed them off a table to evaluate durability. Almost all the strollers earned a perfect score in that attribute, save a couple on which a few pieces came loose but did not break off.

Value and design were more subjective attributes. We looked at the various features we would want for our own travels with children, including safety (sun-protective canopies and reliable harnesses), comfort for the child, comfort for the adult, storage space, and attractiveness. Finally, we took all of these attributes into account relative to the price of each stroller to assess their overall value.

Verywell / Jhett Thompson

What to Look for in a Travel Stroller

The criteria you use to choose a travel stroller will vary based on your child or children's needs, how you plan to travel, and what you plan to do when you get there. Still, we think there are some basic needs every stroller should meet, and some things that are very nice to have.

Safety Features

When using any stroller, including travel strollers, it's crucial to consider your little one's safety. If safety is not prioritized, injuries can occur, including head injuries, fractures, lacerations, and skin friction or rubs, says Dr. Orajiaka. These can happen if the child isn't buckled in properly, the brakes aren't applied when the stroller is unattended by an adult, the child's foot gets caught in the footrest, the stroller isn't sturdy enough, or extra items tip the stroller over. For all of these reasons, you should pay attention to the manufacturer's age and weight limits (including the cargo hold's weight limit) and follow them closely. 

Dr. Orajiaka also stresses the importance of a sun canopy, which is essential for children's long-term health. Sun canopies help protect your child from direct sun rays or other inclement weather, and since babies younger than 6 months old are not old enough to use sunscreen, this is a useful way to keep their skin (and eyes) protected.

If your baby is younger than the recommended age for the stroller, see if there are additional bassinet features you can attach or adapters for your infant car seat.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of your stroller are a matter of personal preference. If you plan to use your travel stroller only on short trips, you can choose something extra compact and light while compromising on other features. This may mean the stroller isn't able to recline all the way for naps, it lacks suspension in the wheels, or it doesn't have a bumper bar or a full sun canopy. 

On the other hand, if you want all the features you look for in an everyday stroller, you will probably wind up with something slightly heavier that doesn't fit as well into car trunks and overhead compartments. Ultimately, Dr. Orajiaka recommends wide-base strollers, as they're less likely to tip over.

Even though several travel strollers fit in overhead compartments on planes, remember that some airlines may still ask you to gate-check your stroller on a full flight.

Ease of Use

Travel strollers should be convenient and easy to use—no parent wants to fight with a complicated stroller while on the go! Some of the travel strollers we tested felt like they required an advanced degree to figure out the folding process; others folded easily, but we couldn't manage the harness buckles without hurting our fingers. Managing either of those tasks with a crying baby or a screaming toddler in the middle of an airport security line would be exponentially more difficult, which is why we made sure to list only the strollers that were easiest to operate (sometimes even one-handed!). If you purchase a stroller and using it isn't intuitive, return it and try something new. There are so many options—one will make sense for you.

Maneuverability is another key component when traveling with luggage or walking in unfamiliar places. You'll be happy with a stroller that can handle bumps, turns, and getting around obstacles.

Comfort and Style

When it comes to comfort, consider how a stroller feels for both the child riding in it and the grown-ups pushing it. For children, things like padding, foot and calf rests, reclining seats, and adjustable five-point harnesses are all features to consider. For adults, the handle height should be comfortable (or adjustable), and the stroller should feel light when you push it and lift it up the stairs or into storage. You may also want extra features like cup holders, storage pockets, and generous under-seat storage so that everything you and your kid needs is within reach.

Finally, getting a stroller with a look you like isn't just about what others will see. If you are taking it on family trips, it will likely wind up in family photos, so you'll be looking at it for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on the particular child (and the particular stroller), but generally, kids should be transitioning out of their strollers by 3 years old, says Dr. Orajiaka. Around this age, walking helps them continue to develop their strength and stay active. However, you may want to consider keeping your stroller around for long-distance travel or when a child is tired, she says.

Yes, you can bring any standard stroller through security. Most of the time, they will ask you to take out your child and fold the stroller down so that it can go through the scanner. Other times, they can scan it in the metal detector or by hand. 

If your stroller folds down small enough, it can be stored in an overhead bin, but larger strollers can typically be checked at the gate. This can vary by airline, so you should consult your particular airline’s policies before traveling. We also recommend that you not keep too many loose items in your stroller as you move through the airport to avoid losing precious lovies or baby gear.

Most airlines offer free gate check-in for strollers, so they will be placed on the plane with more care than luggage checked before security. If you want, you can purchase a stroller bag to protect it. (Most brands, like UPPAbaby, sell stroller bags that are specifically designed for their travel strollers.) While there is no way to guarantee that your stroller will remain undamaged during flights, purchasing a durable, high-quality travel stroller is your best bet for prolonging its shelf life.

Travel strollers vary in cost depending on several different metrics such as construction, cushion, size, and weight. A good travel stroller’s cost can range from $80 on the low end up to around $700. Our best overall pick is the Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Stroller , which is a compact, roomy travel stroller that sits at $449.

Why Trust Verywell Family 

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. As a commerce writer and avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. She tested many of these travel strollers herself and was particularly impressed by the compact Bugaboo Butterfly’s clever, attractive design and the UPPAbaby Minu V2’s easy one-handed, standing fold. To date, she’s researched hundreds of baby products and has tested dozens in our lab, from strollers to diaper bags to baby swings.

Additional reporting by:

Parenting editor Sabrina Rojas Weiss lives in what may be the highest stroller-per-capita area of the world, Park Slope, Brooklyn. After many years as an entertainment editor, she transitioned to a career in which she can put all her baby-gear shopping skills to good use. Her son's trusty red UPPAbaby G-Luxe survived many a plane trip and subway ride before she finally decided he had to walk everywhere.

Transportation Security Administration. Traveling With Children .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Family Travel

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

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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

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 your best bet when you hit the road: Today's models are big with lots of storage space, wide canopies, and large wheels for challenging terrain. Not 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.

So, what is a travel stroller? A travel stroller is a smaller, more scaled-back stroller with a collapsible frame that can be folded up tightly. Many travel strollers fold multiple ways to reduce the length, width, and height; some, like umbrella strollers, 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 intro the real world to be used by families like yours to guarantee stroller longevity and functionality.

Best Overall

Joolz aer+ baby stroller.

 Amazon

• Design 4.6 /5
• Portability 4.9 /5
• Maneuverability 4.9 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Value 4.6 /5

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 wow-ed 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

Best Overall, Runner-up

Nuna trvl lightweight stroller.

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

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.

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

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.

• Portability 4 /5

It reminds us of the very top-tier travel strollers, but its price is meaningfully lower.

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

Travel + Leisure / Phoebe Cheong

Best Folding

Uppababy minu v2 stroller.

• Assembly 3.8 /5

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.

• Assembly 3.5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5

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. It's a great option for a stroller you plan to fly with.

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.

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

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

• Durability 4.6 /5

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.

• Assembly 4.8 /5
• Design 4.9 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5

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

• Assembly 4.7 /5

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 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

Best Compact

Contours itsy.

Buy Buy Baby

• Assembly 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4 /5

There’s almost no assembly required.

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.

• Maneuverability 4.8 /5

The price is reasonable considering how solidly it performed on all our tests.

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.

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

The recline system is particularly easy to use, and the stroller stands well on its own when folded.

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.

• Design 3.5 /5

The removable seat liner is machine washable.

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.

• Design 4.2 /5
• Durability 4.8 /5

Assembly is quick and easy, perfect for first-time parents.

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. 

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

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 differentiator 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.

Remember storage space and other 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.

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.

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 associate commerce editor Hillary Maglin worked with a team of other editors and parents to test these strollers in our New York City lab space.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Advertisement

• Baby and kid

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

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.

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.

The 9 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 5 Best Waterproof Phone Pouches of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best UV Umbrellas of 2024

The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Beach Wagons of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

The 8 Best Travel Water Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Carry-on Luggage for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 7 Best Winter Coats for Men of 2022, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Anti-Theft Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 7 Best Women's Water Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Protect Your Trip »

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

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

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.

You might also be interested in:

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

Top Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

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

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

You May Also Like

The best luggage brands.

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Best Alaska Tours

Lyn Mettler April 16, 2024

The Best Fredericksburg Wine Tours

The Best Personal Item Bags

Rachael Hood April 16, 2024

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Rachael Hood April 12, 2024

These are the 10 best travel strollers for your next trip

Editor's Note

Traveling with babies and children requires bringing a lot of extras along for the journey — and one essential you often can't travel without while the kids are little is a stroller. With so many options, choosing which stroller to buy for travel can be enough to make your wheels fall off (that's a stroller joke, by the way).

Large strollers offer all the bells and whistles but may be too heavy, too large or just plain inconvenient to lug around an airport or onto a plane. They can also be challenging to maneuver in your travel destination.

Compact or umbrella strollers may work better for flying, as they're often lightweight and small enough to fold up quickly and easily. In fact, some of these strollers designed for travel will even fit in the overhead bin on your plane.

However, the smaller design can make it tricky to find something comfortable enough for your child or baby to sit in for extended periods of time or to handle the rough terrain at some destinations. In other words, there are trade-offs when you pick the best travel stroller for your family.

Related: When to bring a stroller on a trip (and when to leave it behind)

As parents and frequent travelers, we've tested some of the top-rated travel strollers on the market to help you find the perfect stroller for your family. With those road-tested miles logged, here are the best travel strollers that passed the test and a few tips for your next trip.

Babyzen Yoyo2

• Best for: Parents who need a compact stroller that can fit in the airplane overhead bin
• Weight: 13.6 to 14.5 pounds
• Size when folded: 20.5 inches by 17.3 inches by 7.1 inches
• To buy: Babyzen Yoyo2 , $449

Why Babyzen Yoyo2 is a good travel stroller

The Babyzen Yoyo2 is accepted by most airlines as cabin baggage when folded. Despite its small stature, this stroller is built for long-lasting use beyond just travel, making it especially apt for families living in small spaces in need of one easy-to-maneuver stroller that can do it all.

When you add on the optional newborn pack ($180), the Babyzen Yoyo2 can be used from birth on. With a substantial sun protection factor of 50-plus for its canopy, plus a gradual recline, an under-seat storage bag that supports up to 11 pounds, a zipper pocket and a padded shoulder strap for carrying the stroller when folded, the Yoyo2 is as durable and comfortable closed as it is open.

It's not the most budget-friendly option on this list, especially if you purchase extras like the newborn pack. Unless you purchase the newborn pack, however, the stroller doesn't fully recline for babies ages 0 to 6 months.

TPG senior aviation business reporter David Slotnick is a big fan of this stroller when he flies with his family, sharing, "It folds up small enough to go in the overhead bin and is super lightweight and durable. Every single time the flight attendants are surprised by how compact it is."

• Best for: Families who need a stroller that folds up small but can handle lots of use
• Weight: 10.4 pounds
• Size when folded: 11.8 inches by 7.1 inches by 13.8 inches
• To buy: GB Pockit , $149.99 (regularly $199.95)

Why GB Pockit is a good travel stroller

The GB Pockit has been named the world's most compact stroller by the Guinness Book of World Records, folding up in just two easy steps. Don't let its small size fool you. It still has a weight capacity of up to 55 pounds and can handle a bumpy sidewalk as well as it handles the moving walkway at the airport.

Although the no-frills GB Pockit doesn't come with all the extra bells and whistles (which is why it folds up so easily), it does have a mini sun canopy, an adjustable harness and a small storage space underneath the seat.

The GB Pockit is designed for babies 6 months and older, so parents of newborns will have to wait a bit to use this small-but-mighty stroller.

Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller

• Best for: Families who need a budget-friendly travel stroller
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Size when folded: 14 inches by 10 inches by 42 inches
• To buy: Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller , $71.53 (regularly $99.99)

Why Summer 3Dlite is a good travel stroller

Budget-savvy parents will likely be immediately drawn to the price of the Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller , but that's far from the only thing to love about this lightweight stroller.

The 3Dlite has a full canopy, anti-shock front wheels and a four-position recline that almost lies flat. It can hold kids who weigh up to 50 pounds, and the storage basket underneath can hold up to 10 pounds of baby travel necessities .

Speaking of extras, this affordable stroller comes with a cup holder, a velcro pocket and a carry strap too. One thing it doesn't come with — adjustable handles. Parents on the taller side may not find this stroller comfortable for long periods of time.

Like similar lightweight strollers, the 3Dlite is made for babies 6 months and older, so parents of newborns will have to wait to use this stroller.

• Best for: Families in the market for a comfortable, lightweight travel stroller
• Weight: 13.23 pounds
• Size when folded: 21 inches by 17.7 inches by 8.5 inches
• To buy : Joolz Aer+ , $449

Why the Joolz Aer+ is a good travel stroller

The Joolz Aer+ folds up in one second with just one hand, which is ideal for anyone holding additional luggage (or a child) in their arms. When folded, the stroller easily slides into most airlines' overhead storage bins.

The seat is lightweight but made to be especially comfortable for kids. The foldable seat provides support and cushion for the child's neck and back in all positions of reclining, and the sides conform to the body for additional comfort and support.

The included sun hood provides UPF 50+ sun protection, and there is a large storage basket underneath. Joolz does offer add-on products like a cup holder, footboard and car seat adapters, but you must purchase those separately.

Although the stroller is adjustable, it's designed for kids 6 months and up (the stroller has a 49-pound maximum weight limit) and doesn't fully recline. If you plan to use this stroller with a newborn, you can buy a newborn carrycot ($219) to use for babies.

UPPAbaby Vista V2

• Best for: Parents who want a high-end stroller that can expand with their growing family
• Weight: 27 pounds
• Size when folded: 25.7 inches by 17.3 inches by 33 inches
• To buy: UPPAbaby Vista V2 , $1,299

Why the UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a good travel stroller

The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a luxe travel stroller that can grow with your child. The standard bundle comes with a stroller frame, a toddler seat, an infant seat and base and a bassinet, so you can begin using the stroller as soon as you bring your baby home and up until they reach 50 pounds. This stroller folds in one easy step and can stand on its own when folded.

The UPPAbaby Vista V2 can be further configured to seat up to three children, with the addition of a rumble seat and/or ride-along board. In addition to being versatile, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 provides a smooth ride with spring-action all-wheel suspension, comes with a UPF 50+ sunshade and holds all of your travel essentials in the oversized storage basket that can hold up to 30 pounds of baby gear.

TPG's vice president of marketing and communications chose the UPPAbaby Vista V2 as her first travel stroller. "We are expecting our first baby in just a few short weeks and decided to go with the UPPAbaby Vista V2 for our stroller because we live in NYC and wanted something that is durable, long-lasting and able to convert to multiple combinations," she shared. "This stroller rolls like butter and the storage basket is incredible spacious. It comes with a bassinet and toddler seat, but I love that there are also a ton of accessories you can purchase separately to make the stroller meet your needs," she added.

Related: The best baby travel products according to TPG readers

It's not the lightest or smallest stroller on this list, but the multitude of use options, durability, and thoughtful details like full-grain leather accents, a rain cover and multiple color options make it a great choice if you want a do-it-all stroller that you can use for the long haul.

Doona Car Seat & Stroller

• Best for: Parents of newborns who want an all-in-one stroller solution
• Weight: 16.5 pounds
• Size when folded: 23.6 inches by 17.3 inches by 26 inches
• To buy: Doona Car Seat & Stroller , $650

Why the Doona is a good travel stroller

The wheels of the Doona Car Seat & Stroller snap up to transform it from a stroller into a car seat, making it ideal for globetrotters who are always on the move. Having this one-of-a-kind product ensures you won't need to figure out a car seat plan when arriving at your destination or lug extra gear around the airport.

There are certainly cheaper strollers out there, but when you consider that you are getting a stroller and car seat for one price, the Doona is a surprisingly economical choice.

The Doona looks sharp with faux-leather detailing and sleek black fabric and performs well with an extendable handlebar, canopy shade and a storage bag that attaches to the handlebar. You can purchase a larger storage bag, sunshade and travel bag separately.

The Doona is suitable for babies and kids weighing between 4 and 35 pounds and can only be used as rear-facing, so your baby is likely to outgrow this stroller more quickly than other travel strollers. For the newborn stage, though, it doesn't get much better than the convenient, compact Doona.

Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller

• Best for: Families who need a stroller for outdoor adventures
• Weight: 32 pounds
• Size when folded: 34.2 inches by 31.5 inches by 14.7 inches
• To buy: Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller , $1,349.95

Why Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller is good for travel

The Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller may not immediately strike you as a travel-friendly stroller option, but if your travels include hiking, biking or camping (skiing and jogging kits can be purchased separately), you'll be glad to have multi-sport trailer and stroller along for the ride.

As far as trailers and strollers go, the Thule Chariot is top-of-the-line. It folds up smaller than similar strollers, has independently-reclining seats for napping on the go, adjustable suspension for a smooth ride no matter the surface, adjustable ventilation and a large storage basket.

Because of its design, you'll have to gate-check the Thule Chariot when you fly, but TPG's senior director of engineering Mitchell Stoutin believes the stroller's larger size is one of the biggest benefits. "It can double as a 'napping cave' or even a luggage cart in the airport, but the real reason I bought it is because I wanted to do a car seat-free trip with my kids," he said.

When he flew to Sitka, Alaska, with his family, he brought along the bike trailer attachment and rented bikes to use on the island. "Even while towing the kids behind the bike during a downpour, both kids stayed dry and warm," Stoutin shared. "The Thule enabled us to take a different kind of vacation with our kids."

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

• Best for: Families looking for a stroller that they can use for the long haul
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Size when folded: 25.6 inches by 11.2 inches by 33 inches
• To buy: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 , $329 (regularly $399.99)

Why the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a good travel stroller

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a top-tier stroller with a mid-tier price. While not the lightest or smallest on this list, it is made to last. Stoutin, who has had this stroller for six years and used it with three kids, shared that it still functions perfectly.

The City Mini GT2's durability is thanks to its "forever air" rubber tires that never need to be inflated and all-wheel suspension, making it swift and nimble no matter the terrain. It's also highly customizable with an adjustable handlebar and the ability to add an infant car seat, pram, glider board, parent console and child tray (all sold separately).

This stroller folds up quickly and easily with a one-hand fold and keeps your baby comfortable with a near-flat reclining seat and adjustable calf support. There's also a large under-seat basket that holds up to 10 pounds.

The City Mini GT2 can be used with a newborn, using the Baby Jogger infant car seat (sold separately) or the included car seat adapters, and all the way through the toddler stage with an impressive maximum weight limit of 65 pounds.

Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller

• Best for: Parents of multiple kids who need a lightweight, compact stroller
• Weight: 28 pounds
• Size when folded: 26 inches by 30.3 inches by 12.8 inches
• To buy: Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller , $429.99 (regularly $459.99)

Why the Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller is good for travel

Finding a side-by-side double stroller that meets your needs is no simple task, but the Joovy Kooper X2 ticks all the boxes. It has wide, comfortable, adjustable seats for your kids but is slim enough to easily fit through doorways. It folds up easily with one hand and stands on its own when folded. Also, the must-have extras like snack trays, shade canopies and multiple storage spaces are all included.

The seats and shade canopies adjust independently so you can accommodate your children when nap time arrives, and the under-stroller storage basket holds up to 22 pounds (because more kids always means more stuff). If you have a theme park trip in the future, the Joovy Kooper X2 meets Disney World and Disneyland's stroller size requirements .

Each seat is designed to hold a child up to 50 pounds, but it is not compatible with infant car seats, so you can't start using it until your child is at least 3 months old.

Nuna PIPA urbn + TRVL Stroller and Car Seat Travel System

• Best for: City dwellers who need a stroller system that can go from sidewalk to car to airplane seamlessly
• Weight: 13.6 pounds
• Size when folded: 24 inches by 20.25 inches by 11 inches
• To buy: NUNA PIPA urbn + TRVL stroller and car seat travel system , $900

Why the NUNA is a good travel stroller

The PIPA urbn + TRVL system from NUNA is one of the most lightweight and easy-to-use travel systems on the market. The included infant car seat has a baseless latch installation system, so you can use it in a cab, ride-hailing vehicle or airplane seat as easily as you can use it in your own car.

With the car seat removed, the stroller base folds with one hand to a super-compact size that makes it easy to carry. You can even utilize the included carry bag or remove the wheels for an even smaller folded size if necessary.

TPG's director of marketing, Caroline English, uses the NUNA with her child at home and on the road. "It's great on smooth surfaces and can do a full 360-degree turn on a dime," she said. "Also, the folding is incredible. On a recent trip to Cape Cod, we could fold it up small enough to bring into restaurants and carry it around easily," she added.

The NUNA also comes with a UPF 50+ shade canopy, leather-like accents and a storage basket. Once your baby has outgrown the PIPA urbn car seat, the TRVL stroller's toddler seat can be used for children up to 50 pounds.

Tips for flying with a travel stroller

Where and how to check your stroller when flying

Some airlines require you to check your stroller at the gate; others have rules about checking it at the ticket counter if it's greater than a certain weight.

It's more convenient to take your travel stroller to the gate, as your little one can ride (or nap) in it until you board. If you prefer to check it earlier, though, you can do so at the ticket counter and use a baby carrier to get your baby or toddler through the airport.

Before you get to the airport, make sure you check the regulations for the airline that you're flying so you're adequately prepared for what's to come. Some compact strollers are designed to fit in overhead bins, but whether they will be allowed on board depends on the stroller, the airline and ultimately the flight attendants.

Related: 21 airline stroller policies around the world

Preventing damage

When checking your stroller either at the gate or the ticket counter, it's best to take a few photos before traveling. That way, if the stroller arrives damaged, you may have an easier time proving a claim. Each airline has its own rules about what is eligible for a claim, and some, like Southwest, do not cover any type of damage, only loss.

To reduce the chances of damage, cover your stroller with a storage bag when you check it. One may come with your stroller when you purchase it, depending on which model you choose. You can also order a cover for your car seat and/or travel stroller on Amazon.

Unfortunately, you should also always have a backup plan at your destination in case your stroller is lost or damaged, as this can and does happen. It is also a good reason to consider some of the smaller and/or less expensive strollers for travel unless you have a true need for a more robust model.

Make note of a website for stroller rentals in your destination in case you need to resort to plan B. Also, don't rule out a quick trip to a local Walmart or Target, where available. Airline baggage claim offices also sometimes have basic strollers available for use in the case of delayed or damaged strollers.

Getting through security

You will typically be asked to fold up the stroller and place it on the belt when going through TSA checkpoints. If your stroller is not foldable or won't fit on the belt, it may not be the best for travel through the airport — but security can do a visual or physical inspection of it when they deem it necessary.

Bottom line

Picking the right travel stroller greatly depends on your situation. There's no perfect one for all scenarios and situations, so you need to prioritize what matters the most for your trips. Do you want it to fit in the overhead bin? Do you want it to be economical so it's not a huge hit if it is lost or damaged on your trip? Do you want it to be the most comfortable option for your baby for those trips when they will be spending long periods of time in the stroller?

The most compact stroller may not be the best stroller for rugged terrain, and a stroller designed for a newborn may not be the best choice once your child is older.

Once you've figured out what you need and want to prioritize, you can more easily decide which travel stroller on this list best fits your budget, travel preferences and family.

Additional reporting by Lori Zaino.

The Best Lightweight Strollers for Travel in 2024

These strollers are perfect for traveling with toddlers and newborns.

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.

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

Our top picks:

Best Overall Lightweight Stroller

Uppababy minu v2 stroller.

Best Value Lightweight Stroller

Summer infant 3dlite convenience stroller.

Best Lightweight Stroller for Travel

Bugaboo butterfly.

Best Luxe Lightweight Stroller

Joolz aer stroller.

Best Full-Featured Lightweight Stroller

Colugo the compact stroller.

Best Lightweight Double Stroller

Delta children jeep turboglyde side by side double.

Best Lightweight Stroller For Infants Through Preschool

Baby jogger city tour 2 ultra-compact travel stroller.

Lightest of the Lightweight Strollers

Gb pockit air lightweight stroller.

Best Lightweight Stroller Wagon

Evenflo pivot xplore stroller wagon.

Best Ultra-Compact Lightweight Stroller

Cybex libelle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thule Spring Stroller

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

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

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

Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller

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

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

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

Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller

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

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

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

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

RELATED : 50 Must-Have Baby Registry Items

How to find the best lightweight stroller for you

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How we test lightweight strollers

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

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

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

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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

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

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

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. 

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

The Best Pool Vacuum Cleaners

Best Toys and Gifts for 6-Year-Old Girls

The Best Nipple Covers

The Best Carry-On Luggage

The 12 Best Dog Harnesses of 2024

The Best Vacuum Storage Bags

The Best Maternity Dresses

Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls

The Best Scar Creams

The Best Room Sprays

The Best Handheld Vacuums

13 Best Travel Strollers for Babies & Toddlers (2024 Reviews)

A travel stroller is a lightweight, easily portable and compact folding stroller that is perfect for air, train, subway, or car travel. Travel strollers are easy to open, comfortable for your child, and don’t take up much space, so they are convenient to store when not in use. Travel strollers can easily be found for newborns to children weighing about 50 lbs (23 kg).

Important note:  Airport security rules state that any stroller that weighs over 20 lbs (9 kg), is too big, or which is non-collapsible must be checked at the ticket counter. Parents, this means no stroller from check-in to your final destination if your stroller is huge, weighs more than 20 lbs, or cannot fold up!

Why do you need a travel stroller for travel?

While you might already own an awesome jogging stroller or another bulky standard-size stroller, there are a lot of good reasons that a travel stroller is a must-have:

1) Because Airport Security simply won’t let you gate check a heavy or bulky stroller.  As explained up top, any stroller that weighs over 20 lbs (9 kg), is too big, or which is non-collapsible  must  be checked at the ticket counter. I actually know a mama who got into a literal tug of war with the check-in-agent who forced her to check her jogging stroller at the ticket counter. This is really traumatic if you are traveling alone or have to make connections. Avoid this entirely. It’s not worth the stress.

2) You do not want to lug a hefty (and expensive!) jogging stroller on your next family vacation.  Even though it might have a smooth ride and luxurious accessories, bringing your bulky stroller on a trip is not a walk in the park. First, the airlines are not delicate with baggage and it is likely to get some damage. Second, most rental car trunks are small. And finally, it’s just not worth lugging around such a massive piece of equipment.

We simply won’t fly without our travel stroller—we love it!

Best Travel Strollers for Toddlers & Babies

1. summer infant 3d lite stroller, (best value — $).

Why it’s great:  The 3D Lite is the stroller my husband and I personally own and love. It is inexpensive, a lightweight 15 lbs (7 kg), and folds up compactly. Even with its compactness and light weight, it also has a great basket for storage and the seat reclines into several positions (including almost flat), so it’s great for on-the-go napping.

It also has decent shocks for a relatively smooth ride. We have taken it across Europe, to South America, and to the Caribbean, and it has yet to have any damage (partially thanks to this  stroller bag !). But because of the low price point, you won’t get too mad if the baggage handlers aren’t as gentle with your cargo as they should be! If you have a young baby and need an option that is compatible with an infant car seat try  this one .

Keep in mind:  Some moms have complained that the low ride prevents older children from being as comfortable as a young toddler. The canopy is also not the greatest but we often use blankets and  stroller clips  to keep the sun out of his eyes when he is napping without much trouble. When it is fully reclined the storage basket is, unfortunately, not easily accessible. But I have to say this is the best travel stroller for the price and we won’t travel without it.

Good for:  Babies who can hold their head up unassisted to children weighing 50 lbs (23 kg).

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. ZOE XL2 Double Travel Stroller

(best quality double stroller — $$$).

Why it’s great:  The Zoe XL2 Best Double Travel Stroller reclines and has two huge four-panel sun canopies, magnetic peek-a-boo windows, a large expandable elastic storage bin, snack cups and cup holders for baby, a parent cup holder, and front wheel suspension. Even with all of this, it still weighs only 17 lbs (8 kg). This means you can keep this stroller with you all the way to your destination without having to check it at the ticket counter.

It also has an amazingly easy one-hand collapse feature that kinda blew my mind. You can also buy a carry backpack/cover directly through the manufacturer, which is great for protecting the stroller when you check it at the gate or toss it into the trunk of a car.

Keep in mind:  All side-by-side double strollers are wide, so maneuvering them in large crowds is always a challenge. Also, the buckles on this specific stroller aren’t the most intuitive until you get the hang of them.

Good for:  Babies 3 months and older to children weighing 50 lbs (23 kg) per seat.

3. Doona Infant Car Seat and Travel Stroller

(most innovative — $$$$).

Why it’s great:  This stroller has the most unique and innovative design. It starts out as a complete infant car seat that includes the base that attaches to the car. In only one motion, it can completely unfold and convert into a small, travel stroller. You no longer have to have a separate stroller in your trunk, nor do you have to worry about whether your stroller has a car seat attachment.

It comes with a seat cover too, which means you don’t have to stress about getting the dirty wheels on the interior of your vehicle. Plus, it’s FAA approved, so you can take it right on the plane with you when you travel.

Keep in mind:  Even at the fullest extension, the handle could be a little short for taller parents over 6 feet. All this means is that you may have to hunch a little, but with all the benefits this stroller has, it may be worth it.

Good for:  Newborn babies and older up to 35 lbs.

4. gb Pockit Strollers

(guinness world record holder — $$).

Why it’s great:  Well, the gb Pockit holds the Guiness World Record for most compact stroller. Weighing in at only 9.5 lbs (4 kg), it is by far the most streamlined travel stroller out there. It’s super easy to fold and unfold, saving you a lot of hassle when you have tight connections, need to throw it in the car, or are going on a subway. And it FITS IN YOUR PURSE — or more importantly, the overhead bin on the plane. Don’t believe me? Watch the video on  Amazon !

Not only that, but there are new, upgraded models of this same stroller, making it super easy to find the one that’s right for your needs.

• Pockit Air has all the same features, but the seat back is all mesh for extra airflow.
• Pockit+ adds on a UPF50 sun canopy and the ability to recline.
• Pockit+All-City adds on an infant car seat adapter to the Pockit+, but loses the front swivel wheels.
• Pockit+All-Terrain also has the infant car seat adapter, but adds on the front swivel wheels.

Keep in mind:  Each version is slightly different and they’re all on the same listing, so make sure you’ve clicked on the correct option and know which features you’re getting.

Good for:  Babies 6 months and older to children weighing 55 lbs (25 kg).

5. Delta Children Double Umbrella Stroller

(most affordable double stroller — $).

Why it’s great:  This double stroller is simple and streamlined for parents that just need the basics. It has shade canopies and two hanging bags for storage, plus a cup holder for the parent. The seats do recline a little bit, but not all the way down. However, you can recline each seat individually, which is a nice feature.

This one is a little easier to manuever than most double strollers and isn’t quite as bulky. It can fit through a standard doorway without a problem. Also, it folds up fairly small for a double, which will leave you more room in the trunk for luggage. It also comes in multiple color options, so you can choose the theme you like the best.

Keep in mind:  The shade canopies are small, so your children won’t get full coverage. You can use a blanket or towel to create more shade though.

Good for:  Babies that can hold their head up to 35 lbs per side.

6. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel Stroller

(best stroller/car seat set — $$).

Why it’s great:  This stroller has extra large, bicycle style tires that work perfectly on any kind of terrain. It’s great for parents who love to exercise and need a jogging stroller that can match their match. Plus, it’s a smooth ride, so you won’t have to worry about your child being jostled around when you’re moving at a fast pace. The seat reclines and the canopy is wide enough to block all sun. The stroller folds down pretty compactly and will fit in the trunk of a sedan, but the trunk would likely need to be pretty empty.

This set also comes with an infant car seat and base that easily attaches to the stroller, which saves you the hassle of making sure your seat and stroller are compatible. The set is available in multiple different color options, so you’re sure to find one that you like.

Keep in mind:  This one is a little harder to fold down and definitely takes two hands, but it is manageable.

Good for:  Newborns with the carseat attached or babies that can hold their head up on their own up to 50 lbs.

7. LIVA Compact Fold Stroller

(best all around stroller — $$).

Why it’s great:  This stroller has pretty much all the features of a full size stroller, in a smaller, more compact design. It has a nice big canopy, storage space at the bottom, cup holders, reclining seat, plus much more. The seat is padded and extra comfortable for your child and it even has an adjustable height leg rest for the perfect fit. It has a built in adapter that’s compatible with multiple different infant car seat brands, which means this stroller can be used right away. The brake is easy to flip on or off, whether you’re wearing regular shoes or flip flops.

It folds down easily with one hand and is lightweight at only 16 lbs. It even comes with a carry bag for airplane travel or just for safe storage.

Keep in mind:  This one isn’t quite small enough to put in the overhead bin of a plane, but the carry bag makes it easy to check at the gate.

Good for:  Newborns and older up to 50 lbs.

8. ZOE XL1 Stroller

(largest canopy — $$).

Why it’s great:  Parents simply love this stroller. It’s under 11 lbs (4.9 kg), and has an almost flat recline that’s great for napping, a large storage basket, a huge sun canopy, and a lifetime replacement guarantee on the wheels. It also maneuvers like a dream and can be collapsed and opened super easily with one hand. And don’t forget it fits in the overhead bin on the plane!

Keep in mind:  The main complaint is that the suspension could be a bit better for really bumpy terrain, but almost all feel its shock absorption is great for city streets and travel use alike.

Good for:  Babies 6 months and older to children weighing 50 lbs (23 kg).

9. Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller

(most features and even good for newborns — $$).

Why it’s great:  The Mountain Buggy Nano is awesome & unique for several reasons… It’s super compact and light at 13 lbs (6 kg), and can fold up small enough to fit in a small backpack carrier that can be placed into the overhead bin on the plane.

Unlike most ultra-compact strollers it reclines, has awesome shock absorption, a solid canopy, a neat feature called “curb pop” which makes it easy to go on and off of city streets, and most importantly you can attach your infant car seat to it without a bulky adapter. This means the Mountain Buggy Nano could be your travel stroller from the moment your baby is born until they are about 4 years of age. There is no other ultra-compact travel stroller on the market that boasts all of those features.

Keep in mind:  There is no cup holder, it will take two hands to open and close the stroller, and some feel that the narrow design makes it a bit snug for older children.

Good for:  Newborns to children weighing 50 lbs (23 kg).

10. Baby Zen YoYo Stroller

(best manueverability — $$$$).

Why it’s great:  This stroller gives an unbelievably smooth ride and all four wheels can turn, which makes it very easy to manuever, no matter where you are or what direction you need to go. The canopy has the perfect amount of coverage to keep your child protected from the sun and the seat and straps are padded and very comfortable. It also reclines almost all the way flat, making it super easy for your child to take a nap.

It folds down super small and compact and can easily fit in an overhead bin on the airplane. It also comes with a carry strap, making it really easy to tote around. Plus, it’s very durable and strong and will last as long as you need it to.

Keep in mind:  This one is a little bit pricier, but the smooth ride and compact size make it worth the cost.

Good for:  Babies 6 months and older up to 35 lbs.

11. Besrey Airplane Stroller

(compact and comfortable — $$).

Why it’s great:  At only 16.24lbs (7.36kg), the Besrey Airplane Stroller is the second-most compact stroller on the market behind the  gb Pockit . And like the  Mountain Buggy Nano , it comes with a nifty backpack carrier that makes storing it in a rental car trunk or the airplane overhead bins a breeze. It has a chic design, is easy to collapse one-handed, has a 5-point adjustable harness, a reclining seat, a good sized sun-blocking canopy, and a pretty decent-sized basket for its size.

And if you need an even more lightweight option, Besrey has one that’s only 12.98 lbs (5.9kg)  here , but it doesn’t recline.

Keep in mind:  While you can collapse it with one hand, you’ll need both to get it open and locked in place properly.

Good for:  Babies 6 months and older to children weighing 33 lbs (15 kg).

12. Thule Spring Stroller

(largest capacity — $$$).

Why it’s great:  This is a great quality stroller and will work your little one longer than most, as it can hold up to 64lbs. Or, if you have an older child, it has a step-on that attaches to the back where they can stand and ride. This is a great feature for long trips where an older sibling may start to lag and need a rest. The three wheel design makes it much easier to manuever, but it’s not as big and bulky as the jogging strollers that usually come in that design. The canopy is adjustable, vented, and has UPF50 and UV protection.

It folds up pretty compact because the front wheel tucks in between the back two. And it has a lever that’s quick and easy to pull with one hand that folds the stroller down.

Keep in mind:  This one is a little bigger than allowed in an overhead bin, but it comes with a bag for checking it at the gate.

Good for:  Babies that can hold their own head up and older up to 64lbs.

13. Graco Duo Glider

(most compact double stroller — $$).

Why it’s great:  Most double strollers feature seats side by side, which can be hard to fit through doors or crowds. This stroller has the two seats one in front of the other, making it the same width as a regular stroller. Both seats recline and the back seat can lay completely flat. The storage compartment under the stroller is huge and has enough room to carry everything you need. Plus, each seat has it’s own cup holder and tray and there’s even one for the parent.

It’s easy to collapse and fold up with one hand, but you will need two to lift it into a trunk. And it can fit in a standard trunk as long as it’s folded up properly with the seatb acks up and the canopies folded back.

Keep in mind:  This stroller doesn’t need an adapter to attach car seats, but it is only compatible with Graco brand seats.

Good for:  Newborn with car seat up to 40 lbs per seat.

Summer Infant 3D Lite Stroller

The Summer Infant 3D Lite Stroller is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

Don’t forget these must-have accessories:

FAQs about Travel Strollers

1. is it better to check your stroller at the gate or during check-in time.

This one will definitely depend on your needs. If you are traveling solo with the kiddo, you may want to keep the stroller until you get on the plane, checking it at the gate at the last minute. This way you can use it to help contain your child and even help store your things as you have to wait in line at various points. If you don’t need the extra helping hand, then consider checking it in at the counter with your luggage so it will be waiting for you when you go pick up your bags after a long flight.

2. I’m worried about the weight of these strollers. Will it be too much for me to handle when I am traveling with my child?

These strollers are all incredibly lightweight, especially compared to a traditional stroller or jogger. Think of it this way: a lot of stuffed diaper bags weigh in heavier than these strollers! If you can carry a packed purse, you can handle a travel stroller.

3. Isn’t it easier to just rent a stroller at my destination?

Not for most people. When you rent at your destination, you never know exactly what you will get. Rental companies can often run out of the stroller you thought you reserved, and then what? You are just plain out of luck. Strollers – especially lightweight, travel-specific ones – also make airports, rental car pick ups, and long walks through the city to get to your hotel a whole lot easier, so for most people, the convenience is worth it.

4. Should I have a separate stroller for home and for travel?

This really depends on your needs and where you live. Most of the strollers listed here would work just as well as an everyday option, so if you can only afford to buy one, it makes a lot of sense to get an ultralight travel stroller instead of a bulky jogger. If you are a mom who opted to invest a lot in a fancy luxury stroller, you probably don’t want to risk damaging it on an airplane, and it will be best to have a travel stroller as backup.

5. If I’m traveling with a young infant, do I really need a stroller?

Even avid baby-wearing mamas will enjoy having the option to lay baby down and allow them to nap in the stroller once in a while. Strollers also have storage pockets and even drink holder accessories, something that wraps and carriers just can’t offer. When traveling you always want to be prepa#ef4350, and you’ll want to take advantage of opportunities to rest your own body as well so that you don’t get burnt out.

6. Will I need to pay extra to check my stroller?

Not likely, as almost every US airline will check a stroller, car seat, and baby crib for free! Definitely check with your airline before you go, and be prepa#ef4350 for different rules when out of the country.

7. Can I take my stroller directly onto the airplane?

Unfortunately, with most strollers, this is not an option. Airlines will require you to check your stroller curbside, at counter check-in, or at the gate, so strollers will not be allowed into the cabin with you. However, if you have one of the travel strollers that folds up into a purse or carry-on size, you will likely be able to place it in the overhead bin!

8. What if I need to check my car seat? Can I check a stroller too?

Yes! Almost every US airline will allow you to check large baby items for free, even if you have more than one. Strollers, car seats, and travel cribs all fit under this guideline.

When looking for a lightweight travel stroller, first make a list of your needs. Do you need it to be on the more affordable side, or are you able to spend a little extra for more features? Will you need it for your newborn, or is this stroller strictly for a toddler or bigger kid? What are your storage needs? Are you traveling primarily to city destinations, or do you need a stroller than can handle more rough terrain or bad weather? By assessing all of these different options, you will be able to make a sound choice on which travel stroller is perfect for you and your family.

When you don’t have to worry about how to get from point A to point B safely, comfortably, and without a fuss, you will be able to relax and really enjoy your vacation, while making priceless memories with your littlest travel companion(s).

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The 10 Best Travel Strollers for Newborns and Toddlers in 2023 [In-depth Buyer Guide]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3109 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Why Use a Stroller for Travel?

Types of strollers, things to consider with travel strollers, 1. a lightweight travel stroller for everyday use, 2. jog, run, and have fun with this little travel stroller, 3. a lightweight stroller with lots of storage, 4. a lot of lightweight stroller for your buck, 5. a sleek stroller made with recycled fabrics, 1. a cabin-size stroller with plenty to offer, 2. not quite pocket-size, but definitely locker-size, 3. designer stroller with excellent functionality, 4. room for 2 in this compact double stroller, 5. stylish, sleek, and small enough for an overhead locker, the 5 best travel strollers under $500, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Your child’s stroller is one of the most useful essentials you will ever own. It is somewhere to sit for long distances, somewhere to nap when little legs get tired, and a mobile shopping basket for parents on the move. Nowhere is your stroller more necessary than when you are on vacation. With lots of considerations, our buyer’s guide will help you find the perfect travel stroller for newborns and toddlers.

In this article, you’ll find all the information you need about a travel stroller, what types of travel strollers are on the market, important qualities to look for, as well as a short list of recommended travel strollers if you’re in the market.

Travel strollers are easy to use and offer a comfortable and convenient seat for little legs on the go. With all the basics covered — seat, canopy, basket, and handles — most travel strollers are not designed to replace your super plush, designer-brand travel system, but they will fold up small enough to fit in the trunk of your car or take on an airplane.

They should be affordable and convenient in order to be a must-have for any parent who likes to vacation with the family . A travel stroller offers everything you need when you are away from home.

As any new parent will quickly discover, there are tons of different kinds of strollers for moms and dads to choose from:

Travel Systems

These fully integrated systems offer everything a new parent needs and will last your baby from birth well into their toddler years . Usually comprised of an infant car seat that connects to the stroller with an adapter, as well as a seat unit (and sometimes a bassinet ), these systems offer a variety of forward and rear-facing positions to suit the development of your baby, all in one neat package.

Bottom Line: If you have a big enough vehicle, you will be able to fold and pack the various parts of the system in the trunk of your car, but for small vehicles or air travel, these are big and bulky and not the most practical to take on vacation with you.

Frame Strollers

Frame strollers are more lightweight and compact than regular strollers and simply feature a seat that fits into a variety of different positions on the stroller frame itself. These types of systems allow you to mix and match the car seat, carry cots, and toddler seats to suit your requirements and are useful for growing children.

Bottom Line: Frame strollers are a little bit bulky as no matter how compact the frame may be when folded, the seat unit can still be cumbersome for throwing in the trunk or taking with you on airplanes.

Umbrella Strollers

Compact and easy to use, these basic little strollers are great for keeping in the car or taking with you on vacation . They can close up small but should offer enough padding to be comfortable for your child. They should also have enough extras (like adjustable handles and shopping baskets) to be useful for mom or dad too.

Bottom Line: Umbrella strollers are inexpensive, lightweight, and better suited to babies of 6 months or older, although some will lie flat to use from birth. You will have no worries using these on public transport, and they can be carried over your shoulder with ease.

Full-size Strollers

A full-size stroller is designed to house your baby from birth through to the toddler years and therefore is built to last. Often with 2 smaller front wheels to allow for precise steering  and larger rear wheels to help you handle any terrain, these types of strollers are incredibly durable and easy to use. Padded, comfortable seats will give your baby enough space to grow, and there is usually a ton of storage space for parents to make the most of, too.

Bottom Line: Much like travel systems, full-size strollers can be heavy to lift and bulky even when folded. Most are well suited to the trunk of a car, but you could come unstuck trying to lift the frame and your baby on buses, trains, planes, and other public transport.

Jogging Strollers

Jogging strollers allow mom or dad to get in shape while staying with the baby. With many offering a fixed front wheel, additional hand brake, and a 5-point safety harness to keep baby safe on the go, these types of stroller are great for working out in the park or close to home , and some of the newer generations of jogging strollers may even be able to fold up small enough to take away with you.

Double Strollers

Double strollers come in a wide variety of designs, and if you have twins or 2 children that are close in age, you can opt for a double-frame stroller, travel system, three-wheeler or even an umbrella stroller, depending on your preference. You can also choose whether you would like your children to sit next to each other in a side-by-side stroller or in front of each other with a tandem stroller.

Bottom Line: Unless you manage to find a lightweight and compact double umbrella stroller, most double strollers are too large to be easily carried around on public transport.

The best travel system for you is the one that suits you perfectly. Every family will have their own unique requirements, but you should still consider the following before you buy:

Size and Weight

The lightweight, compact nature of a travel stroller is what sets it apart from any other type of baby-carrying device. Ideally, it will be as small as possible without compromising the space available for your little one to sit in. It needs to be compact enough to fold up small and light enough to be carried (using a strap or by the handle) around airports, down to the beach, and on public transport when you need to.

Bottom Line: Travel strollers are designed to fold up small for the journey but still offer enough space to be comfortable and useful when you get there.

Material and Durability

Your travel stroller may not need to be used daily, but it will need to be strong enough to withstand the rigors of air travel and other public transport. Sturdy steel or aluminum frames are far more durable than plastic ones, so be sure to buy a travel stroller that is made of sterner stuff.

Your travel stroller should be made of nylon or another human-made, rip-proof material. It will also need to be water-resistant to a degree (as not all strollers come with rain covers) and will definitely need to be easy to wipe down to keep it clean and hygienic.

Your Child’s Age

Newborn babies need to lie flat in their strollers, and even between the ages of 3 to 6 months old, it is only recommended that they can be gently elevated in their strollers. A child who is not yet old enough to walk will need a travel stroller that offers some padding and a few more added extras than the most basic of strollers has to offer.

Hot Tip: You should also bear in mind that most travel strollers do not have suspension features, meaning that they can be uncomfortable for young babies to travel in for hours at a time.

Folding and Portability

Of course, part of the reason for purchasing a travel stroller is the fact that you will be able to take it anywhere with you. For this purpose, many smaller, lightweight strollers come complete with a carry strap, handle, or even a case to be tucked away in.

Easy folding mechanisms are also a must , and it’s even more useful if you can operate it one-handed. If you are carrying your child or lots of luggage, you need a stroller that flips open and collapses wherever you are.

Hot Tip: Some teeny tiny travel strollers are designed to fit in their own carry bag. These are better still as you can carry them over your shoulder, leaving both your hands free.

Safety and Comfort

Just because your travel stroller is smaller than your travel system doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be as safe or able. Your travel stroller should have a secure 5-point harness and shoulder straps to keep your little one safe, and the seats should be padded and breathable for comfort.

Hot Tip: You should also check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure that the stroller you buy is suitable for your baby’s age and that the stroller has passed rigorous safety tests.

How much you pay for your travel stroller is entirely up to you. Most basic strollers are inexpensive and will offer a seat, a shade, 4 wheels, and a small shopping basket. If you are willing to pay upwards of $200, you could grab yourself a stroller that also offers:

• All-terrain wheels and full suspension
• 5-point safety harness with padding
• A fully reclinable seat unit made from breathable, wipeable fabric
• An extendable canopy
• 1-hand folding mechanism
• Carry strap, handle, or even a travel bag
• Adapters for car seat or bassinet to form a travel system if you want to

The most affordable travel stroller in our review is the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller at $69.99, and the most expensive is the GB Pockit+ Lightweight Stroller at $279.95. If you already have a top-of-the-range stroller system back at home, you may not want to splash out on an expensive travel stroller, but whatever your budget , there are plenty out there to choose from.

The 5 Best Travel Strollers Under $150

Summer 3dlite+ convenience stroller.

This light and convenient stroller is good quality for everyday use and is perfect for trips to the supermarket, days out with the family, and even for taking with you on your next vacation. With a high-end look and feel, this stroller weighs in at just 14 pounds, and the padded carry strap makes it easy to take with you anywhere with you. The one-handed folding mechanism also helps by making light work of folding and opening on the go.

Suitable from birth, the 2Dlite+ has a fully reclining seat that is made from soft yet durable polyester and is padded to provide extra comfort. The oversized canopy with flip-out sun visor will help to keep your child shielded from the sun, and the peek-a-boo windows mean you can check in on your little one even when they are sleeping.

Loaded with premium features, there is an extra large storage basket for keeping your items safe on the go, as well as a parent cup holder, a cell phone holder, a zip-close storage pocket, and a child sippy cup holder. The compact fold with auto-lock makes this super convenient to close and open in transit, and the anti-shock front wheels and lockable rear wheels mean it is as comfortable to push as it is for your baby to sit in.

Bottom Line: The 3Dlite+ travel stroller really is a delight for both parents and babies alike.

Jovial Portable Folding Baby Stroller

This portable travel stroller has an extra slim foldable design and comes complete with its very own carry bag for stowing on planes, trains, and other public transport. Weighing in at just 16.3 pounds and with a super easy open and fold mechanism, using and traveling with this stroller literally is as easy as child’s play!

Suitable for use from birth, the Jovial Portable Folding Baby Stroller has been designed to offer superior stability and unrivaled versatility. This compact stroller could even be used as a jogging stroller for parents that like to stay active while on their travels.

The 5-point seatbelt with its super-secure locking system, combined with the easy-to-use foot pedal, make this an incredibly safe stroller. The retractable overhead canopy can also be pulled forward to protect your little one from the hot sun.

The almost lie-flat seat makes this particular stroller incredibly popular with families on vacation. Let your little baby sleep soundly on the move without having to carry a separate bassinet.

Bottom Line: Compact, lightweight but super usable, this stroller really can accommodate babies of all ages.

Safety 1st Teeny Ultra Compact Stroller

The  Safety 1st Teeny Ultra Compact Stroller  is a lightweight, versatile, foldable stroller that is perfect for the trunk of the car or on vacation. Weighing just 15 pounds, it’s one of the most lightweight strollers on our list, but it’s not compatible as a travel system for a car seat.

Designed for toddlers up to 50 pounds, this stroller offers a super comfy ride for your kids. With an extra-large canopy and pop-out visor to provide shade from the sun and a peek-a-boo mesh window, your little one will stay cool and protected under your watchful eye. The cushioned seat unit has multiple recline positions, and the padded 5-point harness is designed to adjust as your child grows .

For busy parents, this stroller can be pushed using just 1 hand, and the lockable wheels can be activated even when wearing flip-flops. A removable parent cup holder and an easy-access extra-large storage basket make this great for any excursion, and the back pocket provides quick access to your cell phone or wallet.

Bottom Line: You get a lot for your money with the Safety 1st Teeny Ultra Compact Stroller.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller

Weighing in at just 11.8 pounds, this lightweight stroller is perfect for families on the go. You can stow it in the trunk of your car for days out and other adventures, or take it on vacation with you. Suitable for babies from 3 months old up to approximately 40 pounds and 40 inches tall, this is a useful little stroller that makes a perfect addition to your essential baby travel kit.

For the comfort of your little one, the seat reclines (although not to lie fully flat), and is padded and wipeable to keep it clean and hygienic. There is also a handy 3-tier extending canopy for maximum sun coverage and peek-a-boo window so you can see what your baby is doing at all times. The 5-point safety restraint system has the scope to grow with your baby and will keep them safe, while the all-terrain wheels and front suspension offer a smooth ride, every time.

Bottom Line: For moms and dads on the move, the Kolcraft Cloud offers a large, easy to access storage basket for holding your shopping and a parent tray with not 1, but 2 drink holders. It also includes a useful extra storage area for keys, wallets, and other everyday essentials.

Century Stroll On 4-Wheel Lightweight Stroller

The Century Stroll On 4-Wheel Lightweight Stroller is an affordable and highly capable travel stroller that works as well at home as it does when you are away. Weighing in at under 15 pounds, this is the perfect foldable stroller for keeping in the trunk of your car or packing for your vacation .

Suitable from birth when purchased with the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat, this is an easy-to-maneuver, fast-fold stroller that offers all the basics as well as a few extra useful features. The multi-position reclining seat allows your little one to sit up or nap, and the padded fabric and 5-point harness make it both comfortable and secure.

The smooth and lockable wheels offer great control  and can even handle more rugged terrain without too much trouble. This stroller even stands up on its own when folded, keeping your hands free for important tasks.

Bottom Line: Lightweight, easy to fold, and self-standing, this is the ideal stroller for busy parents on the go.

Besrey Airplane Stroller

This cute and convenient stroller is so small it can fit into its very own backpack, making it perfect for families traveling by air . With an innovative 2-step folding design, the carry bag measures just 22’’ x 12’’x 11” — just the right size to store in the cabin — meaning you can get to it as soon as you touch down.

Suitable for children between 6 to 36 months and weighing no more than 50 pounds, this stroller does not recline, but it is equipped with a secure 5-point safety belt and protective comfort pads, meaning your baby will be kept comfy and safe along the way.

Weighing in at just 14.4 pounds and featuring a lightweight yet sturdy aluminum frame, this is an excellent buy for parents looking for a second stroller for the trunk of the car or to use on vacations. The overhead canopy will help to keep your little one protected from the sun, and the seat is padded for their comfort. The removable handlebar can be used to attach toys to, or taken away as your child gets older.

Bottom Line: With a one-hand fold mechanism, a large brake, smooth rolling swivel wheels, and a large shopping basket, this stroller is also designed with parent comfort in mind. Travel light on your next family adventure with a stroller that fits into a backpack.

GB Pockit+ Lightweight Stroller

With its ultra-compact and collapsible design, this smart stroller will fit neatly inside most overhead compartments on planes and trains, making it a fantastic alternative to your regular, bulky stroller.

Weighing just 9.5 pounds, pushing and steering this baby is a breeze. The 2-step easy fold mechanism means you can keep one hand free while you close or open it, and it can be quickly lifted and carried using the built-in handle.

Little ones love this stroller, too. With a UPF 50+ canopy to keep them safe from the sun , and a padded, reclining seat, they will be able to nap in comfort wherever you go. The flexible yet durable construction also ensures that the seat unit remains stable no matter how wriggly your toddler may be.

For your own pushing pleasure, this stroller has agile front swivel wheels that will glide effortlessly over indoor and outdoor terrain. The stroller also corners beautifully and for uneven terrain, simply switch the wheel lock to make it easier to handle.

Bottom Line: A quirky, cute-looking travel stroller that can more than hold its own against larger, more expensive strollers and travel systems.

UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller

UPPAbaby is one of the biggest names in designer strollers, and the G-LUXE stroller makes it easy to see why. Packed with the functionality of a much larger stroller but without the extra weight , this agile little number is suitable for children from 3 months old to 55 pounds. The hand-level triggers make it easy to fold the G-LUXE using just your hands, and once folded it can even stand on its own — vacation-ready every time.

For the comfort of your baby, the one-handed reclining seat with adjustable footrest is well padded and large enough for naps on the go. The pop-out UPF 50+ sunshade extends way out to help shield your child from the sun, and the seat pad and fabric surround can all be removed for washing. Comfy, clean, and cozy all year round.

For moms and dads who want a more elegant ride, the high-performance 5.75″ wheels are super easy to maneuver, and the one-click brake mechanism will bring you to a gentle stop.

Bottom Line: Designed with both fashion and function in mind, this is a great-looking stroller that ticks all the boxes.

Jeep Destination Ultralight Double Stroller

Suitable for carrying both your babies at 1 time, the Jeep Destination Ultralight Double Stroller is a lightweight, compact-fold double stroller that is perfect for taking away on vacation with you. With a 1- or 2-handed easy fold mechanism with an automatic lock, this double stroller folds up compact, weighs under 29 pounds, and has a convenient strap for carrying.

Made with comfort in mind, both seats recline enough to let your children nap, and the seats are padded and breathable to help keep your kids cool. Peek-a-boo windows allow you keep a watchful eye on your little ones, while the swing-out child bars are convenient for getting your kids in and out of the stroller. The canopies pop-out and have SPF 50 sun visors, offering an exceptional level of sun protection for both of your babies.

For parents, the Jeep Destination is also easy to push, even for a double stroller. While it is not an all-terrain stroller, it is incredibly competent on surfaces like airport terminals and busy city streets . The steering is light and manageable, while the 0-inch back wheels have their very own in-built suspension.

Bottom Line: Lightweight and easy to love, whatever the Jeep Destination lacks in terms of fancy extras, it more than makes up for in terms of practicality and ease of use.

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller

This super light stroller is one of the most compact on the market and is so tiny it fits most overhead bins on an airplane. As petite as it may be, it still can be turned into a travel system with the addition of a car seat, but it is one for city streets as opposed to rugged country hiking.

The cleverly crafted folding mechanism can be opened in seconds with just 1 hand, and the front swivel wheels are lockable for an easier push and smoother ride for both parents and babies.

For napping on the go, the comfortable, padded seat reclines to a near-flat position, and the 5-point harness will keep your child safe and secure. Suitable to use from birth, the Baby Jogger integrates with the Baby Jogger car seat which can be purchased separately.

Padded fabrics that are removable for easy washing will keep your little one comfy on the move, while the under-seat storage basket is just big enough to hold your baby’s essentials. Suitable for children up to 33 pounds, the YOYO+ collapses to 20.5 x 17 x 7 inches. It comes complete with its very own carry bag and strap, making it super easy to take with you everywhere you go.

Bottom Line: Weighing just 14 pounds, this lightweight stroller is super-convenient for your travels and fits in most airline overhead compartments.

Choosing the right travel stroller is vital for ensuring your child’s comfort and safety on the road. It also needs to be as parent-friendly as possible, as well as easy to transport, push, and maneuver, no matter where you are headed.

Before you commit to your next piece of baby gear, consider the advantages over your existing stroller or travel system to find a travel stroller that totally suits you and your little one’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a travel stroller.

A travel stroller is a lightweight version of a regular stroller and is usually easier to fold down, making it perfect for travel. Some travel strollers are purpose-built for air travel and will fold down into a carry case or backpack to be carry-on size.

What should I look for in a travel stroller?

Size and weight are 2 of the key considerations with travel strollers along with how compact it can be folded down. You will also need to consider its construction, longevity, price, materials, additional features, and safety.

What type of stroller can I take on a plane?

Airlines usually allow certain types of strollers to be taken into the cabin and these must be lightweight and foldable. Umbrella strollers are great to take on your travels as they fold down compact and usually come with a case for easy carrying. Airlines have different size restrictions for carry-on items, so it’s advisable to check with your airline directly.

Can I take a full size stroller on an airplane?

Most airlines do not allow full-size strollers to be taken into the cabin as they need to be lightweight and foldable to fit in the overhead compartments. Larger strollers can be checked in as hold luggage at the check-in desk or at the gate.

Was this page helpful?

About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

• Massachusetts
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington D.C.
• Washington State
• Niagara Falls
• Playa Del Carmen
• Paris, France
• Rome, Italy
• Venice, Italy
• Florence, Italy
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Madrid, Spain
• Barcelona, Spain
• Seville, Spain
• London, U.K
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Cayman Islands
• Saint Lucia
• Turks and Caicos
• United Arab Emirates
• Cartagena, Colombia
• New Zealand

• All Inclusive
• National and State Parks
• RV Vacations
• Skiing/Winter Activities
• Summer Vacation
• Winter Travel
• Spring Break
• Animal Encounters
• City and Culture
• Virtual Vacations
• Weekend Getaways

• Packing Tips
• Road Trip Tips

Family Travel Tips

• Travelling With Babies
• Travelling With Toddlers
• Gifts and Gear -Travel Gift Ideas
• Submission Guidlines

18 Best Strollers For Travel (From City Trips to Adventures)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Researching the best strollers for families ? You’ll love the helpful advice on this list! From budget-friendly options to double strollers, umbrella strollers, and jogger strollers, there are so many choices when it comes to selecting the right model for your family. Luckily, we’ve gathered some of the best in each category. If you’re searching for strollers to take sightseeing on your next city adventure, we have some wonderful options for you. Families searching for cheap umbrella strollers, strollers for multiple kids, and more will have more than enough to sort through. So, next time you’re in the market for an amazing stroller, check out our list of the Best Strollers For Travel!

The Best Baby Carriers for Family Travel 2021

Best Strollers for City Travel

Wondering about the best strollers for travel to a city? Whether you’re sightseeing, exploring hidden gems in your own city, or taking an epic family adventure, you’ll need a stroller to accompany you for the long haul. Here are our suggestions for the best strollers for the city!

READ NEXT : Best Travel Beds For Babies And Toddlers

Babyzen YOYO 2

City-dwelling families looking for the best compact stroller will love the Babyzen YOYO 2. Available in a variety of colors, this lightweight yet sturdy stroller can grow with your baby from birth to when they’re a toddler (around 48 lbs) thanks to an innovative, ergonomic design. Use the foldable newborn pack first, then upgrade to the YOYO bassinet before settling with the 6+ pack.

It also has a comfy seat cushion to keep little ones cozy, a multi-position reclining backrest, and a waterproof UV hood. With a padded strap, parents will appreciate how easy it is to fold up and sling over your shoulder on the go, whether you’re catching a train, plane, or taxi! Certainly, this is one of the best lightweight strollers for travel .

UPPAbaby Vista V2

The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is without a doubt one of the best travel stroller systems. Not only is this stroller aesthetically pleasing, but its bassinet and toddler seat grow with your child. Featuring a UV-hood, waterproof design, and plenty of ventilation, the bassinet is suitable for newborns up to babies who are 20 lbs . Once little ones grow out of it, they can use the toddler seat, which fits kids starting at 3 months, up to 50 lbs. 

As one of the best strollers for travel , it is reversible, easy to fold, and has mesh panels / a peekaboo window for weather protection and ventilation. You also get bug shields and rain shields for each piece. As a plus, the basket beneath is pretty deep, so you can store all your travel extras too. Families who want to expand their Baby Vista V2 can purchase additional accessories – it can even fit up to three children!

Chicco Bravo Trio

Parents consistently rate the Chicco Bravo Trio as the best lightweight strollers for travel. Of course, it’s also one of the best travel stroller systems for families , including a full-size toddler stroller alongside an infant car seat! Click-in compatibility makes it easy for this compact stroller to grow with your child. It’s particularly convenient for traveling since it’s adaptor-free and simple to move from car to stroller.

With multi-position reclining options, the toddler seat can fit up to 50 lbs. Meanwhile, the car seat is designed for kids between 4 and 30 lbs . Despite the accessories, many parents consider the Chicco Bravo Trio remarkably compact. As one of the best travel strollers for toddlers , you can even fold it with one hand and head to your next destination in a snap!

Doona Car Seat & Stroller

Navigate the city streets in style without waking your sleeping child with the Doona Car Seat & Stroller! As one of the best strollers for travel , this breathable stroller features a car seat with wheels, able to expand within seconds. It’s suitable for kids between 4 and 35 lbs , perfect for when you want to move them from the car to the stroller without much fuss.

Keep in mind this car seat/stroller is rear-facing only. Other features include an adjustable handlebar, 5-point harness, plus an infant insert and head support. It’s also available in seven bright and sleek colors too! Certainly, this is one of the best travel strollers for infants .

Bugaboo Fox 3 Complete Full-Size Stroller

Looking for one of the best lightweight strollers for travel ? Look no further than the Bugaboo Fox 3 Complete Full-Size Stroller ! Designed to grow with your child, this breathable bassinet and seat stroller can fit newborns to toddlers up to 48.5 lbs. Improved features make it easy to fold into one maneuverable piece.

Plus, there are adaptors for your other Bugaboo accessories as well. It guarantees a smooth ride wherever you travel too, with puncture-proof wheels and a foldable, easy-to-push, and compact design. Other accessories include an extendable sun canopy, rain cover, and attachable seat fabric for extra comfort. No wonder this is one of the best strollers for travel .

Silver Cross Wave Baby Stroller

Expect high-quality materials and a sleek design from the Silver Cross Wave Baby Stroller. Many consider it one of the best single-to-double strollers for families, featuring a bassinet, a reversible seat unit, and a lightweight bamboo seat liner. Perfect for overnight sleeping, the bassinet is suitable for newborns between four and six months old. However, the main seat is suitable for six months and up to 55 lbs and has three adjustable positions.

As one of the best strollers for travel , a sturdy, easy-to-fold frame promises extra durability. Traveling to new climates? Take advantage of other useful features: an extendable sun canopy, double rain covers, or double mosquito nets. Families with a growing family can purchase an extra car seat or tandem seat to fit three children!

Ergo Baby Metro Plus

Ergo Baby Metro Plus is one of the best lightweight travel strollers . With extra comfy padding and an adjustable handlebar, this ultra-compact, foldable stroller is perfect for everyday use. It’s great for travel too since it can easily fit in an overhead luggage compartment. As such, this is one of the best travel strollers for flying .

Accommodating newborns to 4-year-olds, it’s also car seat compatible and comes in various colors. A reclining seat lets your little ones get as cozy as possible during naptime. Plus, a sun canopy and weather shield will protect them from the elements. No wonder it’s one of the best portable strollers for family travel ! Not to mention, one of the best strollers for European travel .

Best Strollers for Adventure Travel & Hiking

Active families searching for a reliable stroller to take on their outdoor adventures won’t be disappointed with the options on this list. Between jogging strollers, strollers perfect for hiking, and more, we’ve rounded up the best travel strollers for the trails! 

Traveling with a new baby? Use These 10 Tips For Your Baby’s First Flight !

Baby Trend Xcel Jogger Stroller

Next on our list of best strollers for travel is the Baby Trend Xcel Jogger Stroller , one of the best lightweight strollers for family travel! Featuring high-impact wheels (including a front swivel one!) and all-terrain bike tires, this high-quality stroller guarantees a smooth ride for your little ones. It’s designed for kids between six months and five years old (50 lbs), but it’s also compatible with other Baby Trend car seats.

Since the frame is super lightweight, it’s really easy to fold, and thus easy to store too! As one of the best travel strollers , kids can also stay shielded from the elements with an adjustable canopy, reclining seat, and peek-a-boo window. Meanwhile, parents can use the extra-large storage basket to carry all their travel necessities!

Bumbleride Indie All-Terrain Stroller

Families consistently rate the Bumbleride Indie All-Terrain Stroller as one of the best lightweight strollers for traveling with toddlers. With a foldable frame, all-wheel suspension, and all-terrain tires, this sturdy, everyday stroller is made with active parents in mind. Whether you’re at the beach or in the mountains, you won’t have to worry thanks to its 360-degree swivel front wheel, sun canopy, and large cargo basket.

It can also grow with your kid into toddlerhood, with no attachments required! Use the lowest reclining setting to keep your newborn safe with just a few snaps. Or, use another Bumbleride car seat or bassinet for your little ones. It can fit kids up to five years old (around 50 lbs). No wonder this is considered to be one of the best travel strollers for toddlers .

Thule Urban Glide 2 Stroller

If you want the most lightweight and compact stroller for family travel, the Thule Urban Glide 2 Stroller is your answer. With an all-terrain design, this sleek and foldable stroller is perfect for exploring the city or secluded spots in nature. A front swivel wheel locks in place when you want to go jogging or hiking, plus an adjustable handlebar makes it easy to control your speed. 

As one of the best strollers for travel , there’s even a twistable hand break just in case you run into some extra hilly terrain! Kids will be cozy the whole time too, with a padded reclining seat, a ventilated canopy,  and a peek-a-boo window. Parents looking for a stroller to last them through the years will be happy to know the Thule Urban Glide 2 is compatible with other Thule bassinets or car seat adaptors (sold separately). It can fit kids up to five years old (around 50 lbs).

Best Compact / Umbrella Strollers for Travel

If traditional strollers seem too bulky for your needs, maybe you’d prefer a compact or umbrella stroller for your next family vacation. Not only will they be easy to travel with, but some of them are super comfy too. Stay tuned to hear our favorite compact and portable strollers for family travel! 

Babywearing is another great option when packing light. Here are The Best Baby Carriers for Family Travel 2021 !

Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller

Looking for the best umbrella stroller for infants? Go with the super-lightweight Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller! Only weighing around 13 lbs, it’s suitable for kids six months and up, and can hold around 50 lbs. Plus, unlike other compact umbrella strollers, this one doesn’t skimp on extra features. Take advantage of a detachable sun canopy, spacious under-the-seat storage, and a 4-position recline. Traveling families will especially love the easy-to-fold frame, alongside the comfy carrying strap. No wonder this is one of the best umbrella strollers for flying!

UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller

UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller makes traveling as a family a breeze. Suitable for kids starting at three months , this reclining umbrella stroller can hold up to 55 lbs. Sleepy kids will especially appreciate how the stroller can recline completely flat, keeping them cozy during their ride. Certainly, this is a fantastic option for parents searching for the best strollers for travel .

It also has an extendable, pop-out sun canopy, one-step break, and a carry strap for parents. Despite all these features, it’s still really lightweight with its foldable aluminum frame. Whether you’re running errands or sightseeing, the whole family will adore the UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller!  No wonder this is one of the best strollers for European travel !

UPPAbaby MINU Stroller

Parents who need a lightweight stroller for family travel will be impressed by the UPPAbaby MINU Stroller. Boasting a one-hand, one-step, and compact fold, this portable stroller is perfect for everyday use or even your most thrilling adventures. Kids are guaranteed a smooth ride too, thanks to its shock-absorbing suspension, multi-position recline, and extendable sun canopy. It’s suitable for little ones starting at 3 months and can hold up to 50 lbs. However, with a UPPAbaby birth accessory kit, you can even make it car seat compatible (including MESA infant car seats.) As one of the best strollers for travel , other features include a sleek leather handle and spacious under-seat storage.

Best Strollers for Budget Travel

If you want a budget-friendly stroller for your next family vacation , you’ll love these affordable options. Keep reading to learn about the most cost-efficient strollers for families!

Looking for places to go? Here are the 10 Best Caribbean Family Resorts With Baby Clubs !

Cosco Umbrella Stroller

Families searching for one of the best budget-friendly strollers for travel can buy the Cosco Umbrella Stroller. With an adjustable canopy to keep kids shaded from the sun, it’s lightweight, easy to fold, and compact. It can also hold up to 40 lbs with its secure three-point harness, so we recommend it for kids between three months and 4 years old. Families traveling to Disney will appreciate how it meets the Disney size requirements too. No wonder it’s one of the best cheap umbrella strollers on the market!

Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller

The Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller lets you keep all your favorite features while taking advantage of a travel-friendly design. At around 9.5 lbs, it’s suitable for kids weighing up to 40 lbs. This lightweight stroller also has easy-to-steer foam-padded handles. So, it’s ideal for day, weekend, or extended trips as a family. (It even meets Disney size requirements!)

Plus, as one of the best strollers for travel , an extended sun canopy and rear hood provide more sun protection than the average umbrella stroller. Store everything you need in the sizable basket and your beverages in the cupholder. Then, when you want the stroller to fold, all it takes is one easy step!

Best Strollers for Multiple Kids

Sometimes you need a stroller for travel that fits multiple members of your family. If you’re looking for sturdy options to support your children, consider one of these strollers for multiple kids!

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller

Unlike other stacked double strollers, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 showcases a side-by-side design. Featuring a sleek and lightweight frame, it can also support up to 50 lbs per seat. Plus, the stroller lets you customize your ride in three other modes (infant car seat, pram, and glider board) with a variety of accessories.

You can also create a travel system with ​​most Britax, Cybex, Graco, and Maxi Cosi infant car seats (adapters for other brands’ infant car seats are sold separately). As one of the best strollers for travel , parents will appreciate the large storage basket and sun canopies, and kids will love the nearly flat reclining seat. A one-hand fold and auto-lock also mean it’s easy to transport and store for your next family vacation!

Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight Stand-On Stroller

Get all the same benefits as the standard Joovy Caboose in a more lightweight frame thanks to the Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight Stand-On Stroller . Built with the same study materials, it weighs around 4 lbs less than the standard model, plus it’s easy to fold. Enjoy an extra-large sun canopy, snack tray, and storage basket too.

A front and rear reclining seat have a combined capacity of 90 lbs, so it’s perfect for families with multiple children. Certainly, growing families searching for one of the best strollers for travel will appreciate this option! And, thanks to extra accessories, it can grow with your child from when they’re a baby to a toddler. Once they’re tired of sitting in the back seat, just remove it and give them the independence to stand or sit on the bench!

Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller

Look no further than the Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller if you want the best travel stroller system. Offering the ultimate versatility for your next vacation, this expandable, multi-function stroller grows with your family! With a 45 lb capacity in one seat, you can also add a second seat to fit another child. Thanks to a modular system, you can keep your kids comfy by switching between forward-facing and parent-facing modes too. Plus, it’s compatible with other Mockingbird car seat adaptors. Whether you’re cruising down city streets or hilly hikes, expect a smooth ride due to its “go-anywhere” wheels and one-step footbrake. There’s also an extendable sun canopy, generously-sized storage basket, and one-hand fold capacities. It’s available in cute colors too!

New to traveling with kids? Here is Our Comprehensive Guide to Family Travel Planning

Happy Travels! 

We hope you found this list of The Best Strollers For Travel helpful in preparing for your upcoming trip. Whether you need a compact stroller for your next vacation or one to hold multiple children, the options on this list are endless and great for all different types of families. Regardless of which of the best strollers for travel you choose, we hope you enjoy vacationing with your kids! 

Traveling with a baby? Ask yourself these 5 Questions to Help You Decide Whether or Not to Bring a Car Seat .

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

What’s the best snorkeling gear for kids? From masks to snorkels, vests, and fins, there are a variety of kid-friendly Read more

Deciding whether or not to travel with your child’s car seat is one of the most hotly debated topics in Read more

As the mom of a 1-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, I have quite a bit of experience flying, driving, Read more

If you’re searching for tips for taking a family vacation on a budget, this list won’t disappoint! It can be Read more

Thanks for reading!

Love our content?

Stay in the know by  subscribing to our weekly newsletter .

Immerse yourself in a world of limitless exploration by joining us on  Instagram at families.love.travel .

Join our vibrant  Facebook community, "Families Who Love to Travel,"  (where family travelers like you can ask for advice and share tips with other families!).

Plus, you can read our latest articles by following our  Facebook page .

Shop for Family  Travel  Memorabilia  on Shop Families Love Travel.

Latest Articles

How to plan a yellowstone national park family vacation.

Everyone knows that Yellowstone National Park makes for a classic family vacation. Strolling the boardwalks...

Best Beaches® Turks and Caicos Review By A UK Family

Beaches Turks and Caicos may not seem like a typical vacation destination for a UK...

All About the Cayman Islands With Kids: Important Information You Need to Know

If you’re traveling to the Cayman Islands with kids, there’s some important information you need...

• Next »

Travel Gift Ideas

18 Exciting Travel Toys For Young Kids That Will Keep Them Entertained The Whole Trip

Top Travel Books for Little Kids

Top Travel Books for Tweens and Teens

National park with kids.

6 Days in Acadia National Park with Kids

One week itinerary in zion and bryce with kids.

Use These 10 Tips For Your Baby’s First Flight

Families Who Love To Travel contributor Meghan Oaks provides her 10 best tips for your...

When you're planning a family vacation, it's important to pack travel toys that will keep...

6 Best Travel Toys for Toddlers on a Road Trip

What are the best travel toys for toddlers? With help from our Facebook community, Families...

Families Love Travel Team

Last Updated on 1 year by Gunjan Prakash

• First Year Products

The best travel strollers to take on holiday

Hauck Travel N Care Stroller

John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller

Mamas and Papas Airo Pushchair

Graco Myavo Compact Stroller

BABYZEN YOYO²

Silver Cross Zest Stroller

Cosatto Woosh 3

Ergobaby Metro+

Bugaboo Butterfly

Joie Baby Tourist Signature Pushchair

Hauck Lightweight Pushchair Sport 

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

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

Best travel strollers at a glance:

• Best travel stroller overall: Hauck Travel N Care Stroller, £129.95 • Best for taking as cabin luggage: Joolz Aer+ buggy, £429 • Best travel stroller with one-hand fold: Graco Myavo Compact Stroller, £129.99 • Best travel strollers to grow with them: Bugaboo Butterfly, £377.10

While travel system prams can be more suitable to everyday life too, a travel stroller can be a lot more practical than having to take all the sections of a travel pram.

The best travel strollers

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

Rrp: £ 149.95

Description

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

The Hauck Travel N Care Stroller is a budget-friendly yet premium option for parents on the go. Setting it up is a breeze with its simple assembly, and the intuitive one-handed fold mechanism makes it an amazing time-saver for busy parents.

While the Hauck Travel N Care Stroller boasts many impressive features, including an adjustable footrest, removable/washable covers, and ample storage basket, some users have noted that the canopy could be extended further to provide more extensive coverage from the sun, especially during intense sunlight hours.

Our mum tester said: "Really compact and easy to open, especially if you’re on your own! I like that you can sling it over your shoulder easily, too. It’s a very nice looking stroller, lies quite flat for naps and the sun shade covers right over, probably more so than other strollers I’ve used so extra shading in the sun. Had the olive green colour, which is lovely and am aware it comes in other nice colours too. The basket below is a good size. It’s smooth to push along, too. Overall, very pleased with this product and would definitely recommend it."

Read our full Hauck Travel N Care Stroller review.

• Lightweight
• One-handed folding
• Large storage
• Easy to clean
• The hood could extend more

2. John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller

Best for a city break.

www.johnlewis.com

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

The John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller offers convenience and practicality. We loved the lock of this travel pram, which gives stylish at an affordable price point.

We found this pram was amazing for city living and smooth pavements but struggled a little on more uneven terrain. So, if you are looking for something that looks amazing for a city break, this is an amazing choice.

Our mum tester said: "Being easy to both collapse and fold open, it’s become our preferred choice for when we decide to take shorter walks to get out of the house. It’s also proven to be an invaluable failsafe for those situations where one of us has ‘forgotten’ that the pram is in the boot of whichever car they happen to have driven off to work in, meaning we don’t have to carry baby far on the way to nursery."

Read our full John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller review.

• Easy to collapse
• Suitable on smooth pavements

3. Joolz Aer

Best for taking as cabin luggage.

www.joolz.com

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

With a width of just 44cm, the lightweight Joolz Aer can be taken straight onto the plane and popped into the overhead locker.

The pushchair is available in three colours, including refined Black, which is made using recycled plastic bottles rescued from our oceans.

The large, extended hood offers UPF 50 sun protection to keep your baby safe, while the carry strap will come in handy if your baby decides they'd rather walk.

Its robust construction and premium feel make it suitable for both urban and rural walks, accommodating children comfortably while being easy to manoeuvre for parents of varying heights.

The Aer's compact fold and integrated shoulder strap make taking this pram out quite literally a walk in the park. It fits into car boots effortlessly and still leaves ample space for other essentials like trikes, scooters and shopping. We loved that despite its lightweight design, the stroller maintains a high-quality feel.

Our mum tester said: "We bought this buggy when I was eight months pregnant for our 2.5-year-old and I just wish we had got it sooner. It's so lightweight yet feels sturdy. It collapses small enough so it can be stored easily and is also great for restaurants as it again goes down so easily so you have more room. We can't recommend this buggy enough, but it's worth every penny."

Read our full Joolz Aer buggy review

• Narrow design
• Fits in the overhead compartment
• Made from sustainable materials
• Good Ventilation in the hood
• Comfortable seat
• Seat recline could be smoother

4. Mamas and Papas Airo Pushchair

Best for travelling abroad.

www.mamasandpapas.com

Super-slim and perfect from birth and for growing toddlers, the Airo pushchair is perfect for navigating tight spaces. Not only is it Mamas & Papas' lightest ever pushchair, but the stroller can even be worn as a backpack when your little one would prefer to toddle on their own.

It folds with one hand and is solid and sturdy, thanks to the unique dual-sided wheel lock. With adjustable positions for your baby, a bumper bar, and a quick-fit five-point harness, you can be safe in the knowledge that your little one is comfy and secure.

Mother&Baby Editor, Maria Martin, said : "Myself and my 1-year-old have been testing the Airo out for about 15 months. The pushchair has served us well as a light compact travel assistant that's come in useful when boarding aeroplanes and also when out on busy city day trips. It folds down to a compact size and is super lightweight. We've been able to fit this into every car boot possible, and the under-seat storage compartment is big enough for snacks, water bottles, hats, etc. We added a couple of buggy clips too, which have helped attach a change bag whilst on the move. "I love that the seat can lie completely flat and that the Airo can be used with a sun-shield/insect net (sold separately) – handy when nap times are calling, but home is nowhere in sight."

Read our full Mamas & Papas Airo review

• Cabin-friendly
• Decent storage despite its compact size
• Easy one-hand fold
• Some found the seat smaller than most

5. Graco Myavo Compact Stroller

Best travel stroller with one-hand fold.

gracobaby.eu

With an automatic, one-handed fold, the Graco Myavo is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to take on the go.

It has the option of a three- or five-point harness system to keep your little one secure and a detachable bumper bar to make it easier to put them in and take them out.

The compact design and integrated folding lock ensure hassle-free transportation and storage, fitting easily into car boots and leaving ample space for other essentials.

Additionally, the UPF50+ knit canopy provides amazing comfort and protection from UV rays, enhancing the stroller's appeal and making it a fantastic option for parents planning a holiday.

Despite some minor issues like occasional sliding in the seat and initial difficulty with the one-handed fold, the Graco Myavo excels in usability and build quality. Its smooth manoeuvrability over various terrains and easy recline feature makes it a practical choice for everyday use.

Our Product & Lifestyle writer, Samantha Ball, said: "It's a brilliant compact design, incredibly easy to use and lightweight enough to carry. My daughter was actually happy to stay sat in the stroller and I loved that she felt comfortable enough to stay sat in it, as she would normally try to climb out. The Graco Myavo is definitely a great travel stroller, and the one-handed fold alone was enough to impress me."

Read our full Graco Myavo review

• One-handed fold
• Lightweight design
• Large storage basket
• The one-handed lock feature can be tricky to use at first

6. BABYZEN YOYO²

Best travel stroller for newborn and beyond.

Becoming one of the go-to for many mums and dads, this versatile stroller wears a few different hats, it’s easy to take around cities and can be picked up when catching the underground or bus. It's easy to take on an aeroplane and can be popped into the overhead lockers. There's also the option to add a newborn pack to take little ones away from those early stages, all the while feeling reliable with its sturdy, compact frame.

The lightweight YOYO2 incorporates a Hytrel elastomer suspension on all four wheels, meaning it is a very comfortable ride for your tots. BABYZEN also uses their patented Soft Drive system, eliminating the need to lock the front wheels on rough terrain for easier manoeuvrability. You can steer with one hand if needed, and the seat feels well-padded. 

Our Group Editor Maria Martin tested out the BABYZEN YOYO² : "This stroller is a game changer – I just love how sturdy it feels while static or on the move. It’s comfortable for my little one and folds into a cabin baggage size, keeping all straps in place. Its lightweight feature is impressive, making it all too easy to get in and out of my car boot."

Read our full review of the BABYZEN YOYO² .

• Fits most airline cabin baggage restrictions
• Four-wheel suspension for all terrains
• Price is for frame only, the colour packs are an additional £60-£80

7. Joie Pact

Best travel stroller with lie-flat seat.

www.argos.co.uk

If you're a frequent flyer looking for a practical travel pushchair, the Joie Pact might just be it. Impressively light, a doddle to fold, and seriously compact. It comes with its own storage bag and has an integrated carrying strap. All-wheel suspension ensures a smooth ride for your baby on all types of terrain. We love the lie-flat seat, which is suitable from birth.

Review: "I bought this as I need to travel by train with my 5-month-old. I can fold and unfold it with ease with one hand, whilst holding my baby. It's extremely lightweight, and the strap is great for carrying it. It feels of good quality and will grow with my baby. It's perfect for travelling with and folds up very small to fit the boot of a car."

• Comes with a convenient carry strap
• Includes its own storage bag
• Compatible with certain models of Joie car seats
• The backrest doesn't fully rise

8. Silver Cross Zest Stroller

Best premium travel stroller.

The Zest pushchair from Silver Cross is bursting with features to make everyday strolls a breeze.

It is one of the lightest travel prams on the market, perfect for parents who need something light yet robust.

The lie-flat seat and adjustable drawstring recline let you find the most comfortable position for your little one and adjust their seating position without disturbing their nap.

An extendable UPF 50+ hood keeps your little one shaded on sunny days, and an air-flow mesh panel helps to keep them cool and dry.

Customer review: " I bought this pushchair for my five-month-old baby to take on holiday, and it was perfect. Light and cool in the heat, the hood comes far enough over the baby to get them out of the sun and has a UV protection of SPF 50.

"The only drawback, which wasn't really a problem for us but if you rely on the under-pushchair storage, then it can be difficult to access when the baby is in the pushchair and lying down, and unlike the bigger, more expensive ones, it's not really an all-terrain pushchair, although it moves perfectly over hard ground. Otherwise, it's a great little pushchair."

• Fun designs
• Easy to manoeuvre
• Convenient to carry
• Suspension across all terrains could be improved

9. Cosatto Woosh 3

Best travel stroller for design.

Rrp: £ 229.95

This pushchair ticks every box when it comes to the perfect holiday pushchair!

Sleek and sporty, it's light enough to lift without thinking twice but robust enough to tackle any terrain, thanks to all-round suspension and lockable swivel wheels.

We love the fully reclinable seat, adjustable leg rest and extra-large hood.

Cosatto is renowned in the parenting community for offering some of the most diverse designs available. Their range caters to various parenting styles, featuring options from minimalist and elegant to colourful and full of character. Personally, we love the dinosaur design.

Customer review: "My son naps really well in this and loves the bright colours and bold pattern – we tried one with a dragon design. It's smooth and sturdy to push, even on potholed streets. The hood offers excellent coverage. I love the large basket, valuables pouch and matching rain cover, cleverly stowed beneath the seat. Overall, it's a little heavy, but I can forgive that for such a robust and reliable runaround."

• Lots of fun designs to choose from
• Includes cup holder for on-the-go
• Too compact for some

10. Ergobaby Metro+

Best sturdy travel stroller.

The Metro + will keep your precious cargo comfy, whether you're in Barcelona or Bromley, thanks to smooth suspension and puncture-proof tyres. The seat has plush padding, as well as an adjustable leg rest and adjustable faux-leather handlebars, perfect for smaller or taller parents. Easily fitting on buses, tubes, trains and planes, it weighs just 7.8kg.

Review: "After a lot of research, we picked the metro based on sturdiness, weight, large sun canopy and tyre size. We brought on holidays and are really happy with the product. The stroller feels much heavier than 6kg - more towards 7kg but does fold up pretty compact."

Read our full Ergobaby Metro+ review

• Sleek, streamlined design
• The compact fold can even fit in car footwell
• Adjustable handlebar
• Shopping baskets could be more secure

11. Bugaboo Butterfly

Best travel stroller to grow with them.

www.bugaboo.com

Behold the ultra-compact Bugaboo Butterfly, the one-second fold pushchair for city and travel life. Fold and unfold the Butterfly at lightning speed and enjoy total freedom on your daily commute or weekend getaway. It's lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, yet super sturdy for wherever adventure takes you and your growing baby. 

We love that this is compatible with various Bugaboo accessories, which is great if you already have a Bugaboo wheeled board. Perfect for parents who have already purchased accessories for a Bugaboo pram.

Review: "Loving my new Butterfly. I opened the box, and you simply push in two buttons with one hand and the whole thing pops right open. It also closes that easily as well. It is lightweight and so compact. It has a comfortable shoulder strap so it's easy to carry for trips or even just to take up less room in the trunk when you have other baby stuff to haul around. I got green, which is the prettiest colour for our sweet little boy. The car seat adapter is easy to add to the stroller, and his Nuna Air car seat just pops right on. I love this stroller and how it can grow with our little boy for several years to come."

Read our full Bugaboo Butterfly review

• Compatible with certain car seats
• It comes with a convenient carry strap
• Easy and compact fold
• Not suitable for newborns

12. Joie Baby Tourist Signature Pushchair

Best travel stroller for hands-free folding.

www.boots.com

Suitable from birth, with a flat reclining seat, this tiny traveller is proof that big things can come in small packages, with three different modes to choose from.

Weighing just under 6kg, the Tourist offers easy hands-free folding, as well as a multi-position recline so your baby can sleep soundly. There's also a roomy basket for days-out essentials.

Customer review: "I purchased Joie Tourist for my one-year-old baby girl. I switched from a massive and heavy pushchair to a light one; it's so easy to use and can be folded and unfolded with one hand. It fits everywhere, and the design is lovely. I would recommend it."

• Harness could do with improving

13. Hauck Lightweight Pushchair Sport 

Best travel stroller for affordability.

Hauck's Sport stroller is the ideal travel companion, not only for public transport but for travelling too. The Hauck Sport has an easy and compact fold that will fit most car boots, so getting where you need to be is a breeze. Its lightweight frame makes it easy to push around, and the basket beneath the seat has enough space for all your shopping trip essentials.

Review: "I was pleasantly surprised about this stroller. Considering how little it costs, it really does do the job! I bought it to take on holiday with me, and it was easy to fold, super light and worked absolutely fine. It doesn't have any fancy features, but you really can't expect them for the price. I'd recommend this product."

• Easy to fold
• Extremely lightweight
• Wheels could be improved

What to consider when buying the best travel strollers

Carry strap: Some lightweight pushchairs have shoulder straps or storage bags to make them easy to carry. Think about whether this is a feature you actually need.

Folding mechanism:  Folding and unfolding your pushchair should be easy and intuitive, even when you're holding your baby. One that's freestanding when folded will take up less space in your accommodation when it's not in use.

Pocket:  Somewhere to stash your valuables is a handy feature in a holiday stroller. Check that it's big enough to hold your purse, phone and keys.

Wheels:  Some lightweights have adjustable wheels that can handle different types of terrain. Lockable swivel wheels are ideal for manoeuvring between shiny shop floors or hotel lobbies and rougher ground. If you're heading for the beach, choose all-terrain wheels with good suspension.

Brake:  The brake should be easy to apply and release. Check that it's flip-flop-friendly!

Hood:  This protects your baby from the wind and sun – a must-have in a holiday pushchair. It should extend far enough to give full coverage of your baby's body, not just her face, even when the seat is fully reclined.

Fabric:  Sun lotion, sand and ice cream are a sticky combination, so check that the pushchair fabric is easy to clean. Also, if you're heading somewhere warm, a pushchair with breathable fabric will help keep your baby cool on a very hot day.

Seat recline:  For babies under six months, choose a pushchair with a seat that reclines flat. For older babies, check that the seat reclines far enough for comfy naps on the go and that the seat is easy (and quiet!) to adjust when your baby nods off in the pushchair. The upright seat position should be at the right angle for a toddler to see everything around her without straining forward.

Harness and buckles:  Look for a five-point harness that's easy to adjust, fasten and undo, as you're likely to be popping your child in and out of a holiday pushchair more frequently than usual. Check that inquisitive fingers won't be able to undo it!

Shopping basket:  The bigger, the better! A large storage basket should hold everything you need for a day out and more. Is there plenty of space for buckets and spades, plus beach towels and sun cream?

How we chose the best travel strollers

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

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

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

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

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

Do you need a travel stroller?

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

How light do you need it to be?

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

How compact do you need it to be?

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

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

11 Best Strollers of 2024: Tested by Parents

Medical review policy, latest update:, quick summary, how we chose the best strollers, why trust us, best stroller overall, uppababy cruz v2, best affordable full-size stroller, chicco bravo quick-fold stroller, best car seat/stroller hybrid, doona infant car seat/stroller, best lightweight umbrella stroller, summer infant 3dlite convenience stroller, best stroller for multiple kids, uppababy vista v2, best jogging stroller, bob gear revo flex 3.0 jogging stroller, best double stroller, baby jogger city select 2 double stroller, best triple stroller, zoe the trio+, best travel system stroller, graco modes 3 lite dlx travel system, best travel stroller, babyzen yoyo 2 stroller, best stroller wagon, jeep deluxe wrangler stroller wagon by delta children, how to choose the right stroller for your family, what are the types of baby strollers, can your baby sleep in a stroller.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained , July 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller , August 2022. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Carriages and Strollers Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide , 2023.    

Explore the Best Products for Moms and Babies

Trending on what to expect, best baby deals happening right now, how to get your registry's free welcome gift, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., 17 of the best baby bottle and breast milk storage solutions you can buy on amazon, best toddler water tables, best stroller fans.

10 lightweight strollers that make traveling with kids (slightly) less stressful

Find lightweight, overhead-bin-friendly options..

All products featured are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Tripadvisor may earn an affiliate commission.

Traveling with a child can often feel like the chaotic airport scenes in the Home Alone movies. But instead of running through the terminal with your extended family and too many carry-on bags, you're pushing a little one in a stroller. Everyone is sweaty. The snacks meant for the plane ride are already near depleted. And there’s a smelly diaper waiting to be changed.

Thankfully, your life is not a movie, and there are travel strollers meant to make your time at the airport and beyond more pleasant. Most are designed with the magic word—lightweight—in mind, but there are a few things to consider before perusing the list below: Are you traveling with another adult or older child (ie. someone to help push the stroller or carry bags)? Are you bringing a car seat and related stroller adapters? Will the stroller be used exclusively for navigating the airport or will it also tackle public transportation and unpredictable sidewalks once your plane lands?

While most airlines will check one stroller and car seat free of charge at the gate, it’s always best to confirm beforehand as there can be weight and size limits. (Related: Anticipate manual inspections if your folded stroller doesn’t fit the TSA conveyor belt.)

For infants

Mountain buggy nano, weight: 13 pounds, for children from birth, up to 44 pounds.

For families always on the go—whether it’s air travel or daily use of public transportation— the Nano is a breeze to carry when folded up, thanks to its sturdy shoulder strap and accompanying satchel. It does have a slightly awkward fold, but one of the best qualities of the Nano is the fact that it comes with a universal car seat adapter (ie. no add-ons required) so you can easily lock in your newborn babe.

Bugaboo Butterfly

Weight: 16 pounds, for children 6 months and older, up to 48.5 pounds.

This compact option from Bugaboo is infant car seat–compatible with adapters (sold separately), so you can use it from birth through toddlerhood. The stroller’s four-wheel suspension technology supports a spacious seat complete with a sun canopy, near full recline, and footrest—perfect for your little one's precious moments of relaxation. The Butterfly also folds up in lightning speed (one second, with only one hand) and comes with a comfy shoulder strap so you can tackle the other 53 items on your travel to-do list.

Babyzen YOYO2

Weight: 13.6 pounds, for children 6 months and older, up to 49 pounds.

Things can get stressful when it’s time to pick up your stroller after landing, only to find that you own one of the seven black strollers lined up at the gate door. With the Babyzen YOYO2 , you can customize the fabric colors (eight refreshing choices, including pink Ginger and dusty green Olive), add a footmuff (also in eight colors), a parasol (you never know), or mittens (for the stroller pusher). While these add-ons can increase the price of the stroller quite quickly, your YOYO2 will stick out like a beautiful thumb. If you’re traveling with a newborn, the YOYO2 can also be customized with a Newborn Pack ($180) or bassinet ($250).

For toddlers

Zoe the traveler, for children 3 months and older, up to 45 pounds.

The seamless one-handed fold of The Traveler will make you wish there was a reality competition series solely dedicated to how fast people can collapse their strollers. Besides that party trick, The Traveler was designed to survive frequent trips to and from the airport and fits into most overhead bins when folded. While the stroller is not compatible with any car seats, it does fit behind the passenger seat of most cars, freeing up trunk space for your other bags. Consider opting for the machine-washable seat liner, an add-on available in four colors.

gb Pockit+ All-City

Suitable for children 6 months and older, up to 55 pounds.

Weighing even less than the standard-sized dachshund, the German-designed gb Pockit+ All-City is one of the lightest strollers on the list. The shock-absorbing wheels actually work better than the brand's other popular All-Terrain version, according to a number of parents we spoke to, and the stroller folds neatly into a giant purse or tote bag. Yup, when folded, the whole thing is small enough to fit into the overhead bin if you haven’t already maxed out your carry-on quota. The All-City comes with a sun canopy, a small basket, and is compatible with Cot to Go and Cybex car seats if your child traveler is less than 6 months old.

Weight: 13.4 pounds

For children 6 months and older, up to 50 pounds.

The Dutch design of the Aer is so sleek you’ll be tempted to display it like a sculpture at home when you’re not on the road or runway. The Aer offers a smooth ride thanks to four-wheel suspension and is available in seven earth tones, including sage green and taupe, but arguably its best feature is its one-second, one-handed fold. Plus, it’s so comfortable, your child might not want to get out of the ergonomically designed seat when it’s time to board.

For multiples

Uppababy minu v2, weight: 16.9 pounds, for children 3 months and older, up to 50 pounds.

Now in its second iteration, the Minu has a better folding lock system (compared to the 2018 version), a leather bumper bar, adjustable leg rest, and extendable canopy. With shock absorbing all-wheel suspension, this stroller can conquer any cobblestone or uneven sidewalk without interrupting a ride (or nap, with its multi-position recline feature). Like other UPPAbaby strollers, the Minu is companion friendly, meaning a second young traveler (up to 45 pounds) can safely ride along on the Piggy Back board attachment while you push the stroller with plenty of legroom (for you).

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Double Stroller

Weight: 23 pounds, for children 6 months and older, up to 40 pounds per seat.

If an older toddler sibling isn’t into the idea of a ride along board, perhaps a traditional side-by-side double stroller—lightweight edition—is the better choice. Enter: the Kolcraft Cloud Plus double . The Disney-approved ride (meaning it meets the amusement park’s stroller restrictions) includes independently reclining seats, removable snack trays for easy cleaning, and a parent tray for two drinks. Plus, it stands on its own once folded.

For umbrella lovers

Summer infant 3d lite convenience stroller.

While this traditional umbrella stroller isn’t designed for everyday use, the 3D Lite is a winner when it comes to airport travel. Sure, it doesn’t come with any bells or whistles, but the stroller gets the job done, as long as the surface remains mostly smooth or the walk to dinner is a short one. The 3D Lite has a decent-sized storage basket, folds up vertically, and comes with a long shoulder strap.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus

Weight: 12.8 pounds.

In terms of the fold, the Cloud Plus is a delightful hybrid of everything mentioned on this list: While it folds like an umbrella stroller and remains on the bulkier side (read: not minimalist), the fold can be achieved by one hand. The Cloud Plus is also the lightest of our picks and features a large storage basket, making it all that much easier to enjoy your vacation.

The ultimate family travel guide

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

11 best lightweight strollers for hassle-free and compact travel with your little one

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

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts

Sign up for our free indybest email, thanks for signing up to the indybest email.

Travel-style buggies have become the pram of choice for city dwellers and frequent fliers alike thanks to their smaller footprint and ease of maneuverability. Being able to fold small enough to fit in an overhead locker also means parents can easily store these smaller buggies easily in 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 then that’s a convenience thing, not an essential.

It’s possible to have just one buggy for both travel and everyday use. Of course the smaller wheels make uneven surfaces more difficult, but if you live in a city and navigating a bus or train are more likely than a country lane, a compact travel buggy can absolutely be your only purchase.

Travel buggies typically have the following features in common; a fold compatible with an airline overhead locker, and are lightweight and have some sort of SPF protection sun canopy. 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.

Related stories

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.

How we tested

Over the course of three months we tested using a one-year-old and a three-year-old. 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+: £449, Joolz.com
• Best for air travel – Babyzen yoyo2: £430, Babyzen.com
• Best for taller parents – Ergobaby metro + deluxe: £310.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget all-rounder – Mamas and Papas airo: £239, Mamasandpapas.com
• Best budget travel option – Didofy aster 2: £299, Didofy.com

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

• 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

We are obsessed with this buggy. Not only does it look chic, weigh just 6kg and folds seamlessly to aircraft overhead cabin size even with the footmuff on, but it also has some serious green credentials with its transferable ten year warranty, the material being made from recycled plastic bottles and in a rather sweet touch, Joolz plants a tree 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 handle for the person pushing, to the impressive full recline for the baby. But the feature we felt set it apart 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 enjoying a rare moment of peace.

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.

Bugaboo butterfly

• Best : For comfort
• Folded dimensions : 54cm x 23cm x 45cm
• Weight : 7.3kg

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, particularly in the smart stormy blue colour we tested. 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 over the shoulder strap for carrying. And while it 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 that 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 too 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
• Weight : 6.2kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to toddlers up to 22 kg

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 too, which is great if wearing sandals. And 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 – and is able to carry much more than you think.

Another quiet plus point is the curvature of the side bars, which make it easy to carry up and down steps, or out of train doors. Of course this isn’t “safe”, but needs must in London, and we found it very useful. In 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 to that of the Joolz (£449, Joolz.com ) and Bugaboo butterfly (£419, Amazon.co.uk ), then again the slightly noisy wheels (this seems to be the norm with the smaller buggies). 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 : Suspension
• Folded dimensions : 59.5cm x 49.5cm x 19cm
• Weight : 6.5kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to 22kg

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 to the pricier buggies. And 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 and maneuverability. The recline is also near flat and silent and easy to use with the pulley system. While 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
• Age suitability : From birth up to four years old (or up to 22 kg)

We loved the sturdy and comfortable Ergobaby, not only for its no nonsense look and feel, but also the fact that 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 than other models at 7.8kg, 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 that 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 also 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 testers who could 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
• Folded dimensions : 56.5cm x 36cm x 95cm
• Weight : 8.8kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to ‎22kg

While the Out ‘n’ About 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 mud or snacks off of – something we found very useful.

Another plus is that it is completely lie-flat so 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 lightweight like 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.

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)

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 separate newborn pack is also available to buy separately (£149, Mamasandpapas.com ). The only downside for the airo is the weight compared to the competition, but it is quite nice having a sturdier-feeling pushchair in many respects.

Didofy aster 2

• Best : Budget travel option
• Folded dimensions : 55cm x 47cm x25cm

The great thing about the Aster 2 is that 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 into 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 design of the handlebar is nice 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 that it is waterproof too – so there is no need to faff with the raincover in 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.

Inglesina quid 2

• Best : For budget air travel
• Folded dimensions : 46.5cm x 58cm x 19cm
• Weight : 5.9kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to 22 kg

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 (£68, 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 4 years (or up to 22kg)

Like the quid 2 (£299, Inglesina.uk ), the orfeo weighs just 5.9kgs and looks poppy and summery in its cheery colourways. And that’s not where the similarities end. It 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 that it has a handy over the shoulder carrying strap, as opposed to a handle. 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 : 31.5 x 57.5 x 69 cm
• Weight : 8.72kg
• Age suitability : From birth to 22kg

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. 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. While our best buy iboasts a weight of just of just 6kg – comparatively slight when compared to 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 which 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 which 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.

Help little ones drift off with the best night lights and children’s mattresses

Voucher Codes

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

• Strollers /

Best Strollers of 2024

A stroller provides a comfy and convenient spot for baby—and your things—when you’re on the go., by jen labracio | medically reviewed by holly peretz ot.

A stroller is a must-have item for most families and helpful for navigating life with your new baby.

Many parents-to-be spend a lot of time researching strollers before adding one to their baby registry. Strollers also tend to be one of the most expensive items of baby gear you’ll own (though we have plenty of picks for quality budget strollers ). But, they make getting out of the house with your little one a lot easier, and you’ll likely use your stroller for years—so you’ll get your money’s worth.

We’re saving you hours of research by sharing all the stroller need-to-knows (like whether your car seat will be compatible with your new stroller ) and the best stroller picks that are expert-tested, parent-approved .

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Strollers

• Best Overall: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller
• Best Convertible: UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller
• Best Travel System: Evenflo Pivot Travel System with Litemax Infant Car Seat
• Best Luxury Travel System: Nuna PIPA urbn + MIXX next Travel System
• Best Affordable: Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller
• Best Stroller Car Seat Hybrid: Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller
• Best for Cities: Thule Shine Stroller
• Best for Newborns: Graco Modes Nest Stroller
• Best Double: Britax B-Lively Double Stroller
• Best Lightweight: Babyzen YOYO2 6+ Stroller
• Best Travel: Joolz Aer+ Stroller
• Best for Twins: Bugaboo Donkey5 Mono Complete Stroller
• Best Jogging: BOB Gear Revo Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller
• Best Stroller Wagon: Veer Cruiser Wagon
• Best Umbrella: Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller

In This Article

How we chose the best strollers.

• Our Top Picks

Types of Strollers

How to choose the best stroller, frequently asked questions, babylist’s picks for the best strollers, best stroller overall.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller - Opulent Black

• Unbeatable combo of price + performance
• Quick, easy one-handed fold
• Easy to push and steer

What Our Experts Say

We don’t often choose a “best overall” pick when recommending products, as families have all different types of needs, and what works for one may not work for another. But we’re making an exception here as this stroller is just that good. It’s versatile enough to work for many types of parents and is a favorite among Babylist registrants who are looking for a higher-end stroller under the $500 mark.

The City Mini GT2 boasts an unbeatable combination of price and performance. It’s certainly not cheap, but it won’t cost you a month’s rent, either. It’s easy to push and steer, features all-terrain forever air rubber wheels and all-wheel suspension, a near-flat seat recline and a true one-handed fold. It’s also compatible with a huge range of infant car seats if you’re looking to build your own travel system. The GT2 is perfect for city and suburban dwellers alike and can be stored in compact spaces when folded.

What’s Worth Considering

There’s no bassinet attachment available for this stroller, and the storage basket is on the smaller side. The seat isn’t modular; it only faces outward. And while the suspension is very good, it’s not quite as good as some of the (more expensive) four-wheel strollers.

For another three-wheel favorite, check out the Thule Spring . It’s more compact than the GT2 but also features an incredibly fast, easy one-handed fold, excellent suspension and an adjustable handlebar.

What Babylist Parents Say

“I love that I can close it one-handed. I can attach the various accessories, and I like that the sunshade goes so low that it shades my baby completely.” -Lisa

Additional Specs

Best Convertible Stroller

UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller - Jake

• Grows with your family to accommodate up to three kids
• All-wheel suspension and effortless steering and turning
• Packed with high-end features

Almost 30 percent of the 6,000+ Babylist users who completed our Best Baby Products survey voted the Vista V2 as their absolute favorite stroller—and that’s saying something, especially considering this stroller’s hefty price tag. The Vista is all about options to accommodate growing families. From birth, use the included bassinet for strolling or for sleep. (You can also pair it with the UPPAbaby Mesa V2 or other compatible top rated infant car seat .) When your child gets older, switch out the bassinet for the front or rear-facing toddler seat. Adding baby number two? Add on the multi-directional Rumble Seat or the PiggyBack Ride-Along Board for a big kid who wants to stand and ride.

And as for performance, you won’t be disappointed. The Vista is packed with high-end features parents love, most notably an incredible suspension system that holds up to just about anything you throw at it. Other things to love include a full seat recline (huge for napping on the go), a telescoping handlebar for parents and caregivers of different heights, a huge storage basket and an extendable canopy, just to name a few.

The Vista is a heavy-duty stroller that takes up a decent amount of space in a trunk or a hallway, even when folded. It’s also expensive, and some parents say the inline design makes it tough to push when it’s loaded with two (or even three) kids.

If you love all things UPPAbaby but want to spend a bit less money, or simply don’t need a stroller as large as the Vista, check out the Cruz V2 . It’s a single stroller with no option to convert it to a double (although you can add a PiggyBack board so an older child can stand and ride along), but shares many of the same features parents love in the Vista like all-wheel suspension, a reversible seat with a full recline, a telescoping handlebar, a bassinet option and lots more—all in a more compact and affordable package.

“Love the ability to add more seats. Love the size and maneuverability. Love the bassinet. Bought the stand and have used it in our bedroom for three kids now. Onto our third child and stroller still looks and acts brand new—it’s incredible! Well worth the money.” -Clair

Best Travel System

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System w/Litemax - Desert Tan

• High-end features, affordable price
• Six seating configurations
• Car seat exceeds industry safety standards

A car seat stroller combo, called a travel system, is all about value and convenience, and this one from Evenflo delivers on both fronts and then some. The Pivot has features we’ve come to expect from much pricier strollers, like the option to turn the regular seat into a newborn bassinet, a large canopy, a seat that can face forward or toward you and a removable child tray. The infant car seat that’s included, the Litemax, far exceeds industry standards. The base is made of impact-absorbing materials and has an anti-rebound bar to absorb and dissipate the forces of a crash, along with lots more impressive safety features.

Parents say that attaching the car seat to the stroller can take a little finesse. There’s also little suspension on this stroller, and it doesn’t handle very well on rougher surfaces. And some parents say the wheels start to squeak over time.

For another popular travel system pick, check out the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System . It doesn’t offer a bassinet attachment, but the stroller features a one-handed, self-standing fold and the KeyFit 30 infant car seat is on the lighter side and easy to install.

“I bought this 9 months ago and I use everyday. When my daughter was born I was using the stroller with the car seat attached, but now I’m using with the stroller seat. I just love it. My daughter fits perfectly in both seat and car seat, it’s not heavy, the wheels works perfectly and the color is beautiful. I love that I can change to a bassinet if she sleeps and come back when she wakes up without the need to take her off the seat. I really like it and recommend to all parents.” -Bia

Best Luxury Travel System

Nuna PIPA urbn & MIXX Next Travel System - Caviar

• Baseless car seat, perfect for families who don’t own a car
• All-wheel suspension + lots more high-end features
• All-season seat

Nuna’s Mixx stroller is one of the best single full-size strollers around. With features like all-wheel suspension and lots of storage, a reversible seat with easy magnetic buckles, an adjustable handlebar, an all-season seat and a fairly compact fold, it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a high-end stroller you’ll be able to use from birth long into the toddler years. But things become even more impressive when you add the urbn, Nuna’s baseless (and super light) car seat into the mix.

The urbn is the only baseless infant car seat with a rigid latch built right in. What does that mean in non-car-seat-tech-speak? Many infant car seats can be installed without a base, but require a seat belt instead—along with a lot of time and patience. That’s not the case with the urbn. There’s no base to worry about because the latch system is built right into the bottom of the seat itself. Simply press a button on each side to attach the seat directly to a vehicle’s lower anchors and you’re good to go. It’s about as foolproof as it gets, and it’s especially ideal for city dwellers who don’t own a car and use rideshares or taxis.

This travel system is expensive, especially considering the Mixx doesn’t convert to a double stroller. The urbn has a lower height limit than many infant car seats.

If you’re set on Nuna but want to spend a bit less, check out the Nuna x Babylist PIPA urbn + TAVO Travel System . It’s about half the price and features the same urbn car seat paired with the TAVO stroller instead of the MIXX.

“Absolutely love! Assembly is super easy and car seat installation is a breeze. I can already tell this stroller is worth every penny.” -Layne

Best Affordable Stroller

Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0 - Sea/Watercolor Canopy With Penny Leather

• Premium design, affordable price
• Expands to hold 2 kids
• Lifetime warranty

Your heart is set on a luxury stroller but your bank account doesn’t agree. Turns out you don’t have to choose, because the Mockingbird offers a whole lot of luxury for a whole lot less than you’ll pay for other comparable strollers.

This direct-to-consumer brand skips the retail markups and delivers a stylish, functional and user-friendly stroller at a fraction of the cost as many high-end strollers currently on the market, especially when you consider the single-to-double convertible configuration. Premium features include 19+ configurations, modular seats so you can face your baby (or babies) toward you or out into the world, a spill-resistant extendable canopy that offers plenty of sun coverage and a built-in suspension system for a smooth ride. There’s a one-handed, self-standing fold and an XL storage basket, and we love the lifetime warranty, especially if you’re worried about the lower price point + durability.

This stroller is a very good Vista dupe, especially considering the price—but it does fall short in certain areas. Maneuverability and suspension are both really good, but overall the stroller doesn’t offer quite as smooth of a ride as some (much) higher-priced strollers. The fold is tricky and takes some getting used to but the updated latch makes it a bit easier. And although the handlebar adjusts up and down, we find that taller parents tend to kick the lower crossbar while pushing the stroller. Also keep in mind that if you want to use it as a double, you’ll need to purchase the 2nd Seat Kit separately, which will add to the cost.

You may also want to check out the Chicco Bravo LE ClearTex Quick-Fold Stroller if you’re looking for a more affordable but high-quality ride. It’s priced under $300 and features a one-handed fold, fabric with no added chemicals, a removable, reversible seat, a large storage basket and large wheels with all-wheel suspension.

“The Mockingbird double stroller has been so great to us! This was a Christmas present last year for our family and my two year old thought it was specifically for her. She asks to ride in it alll the time. It is perfect for our 9 month and 2 year old. The ride is smooth, it fits perfectly in our Subaru Outback, super light weight, just so many great things! I couldn’t recommend it more!” -Tiffany

Best Car Seat Stroller Hybrid

Doona infant car seat & stroller - nitro black.

• Infant car seat + stroller all in one
• Great for travel
• Short usage life

Part stroller, part car seat and part travel system, the Doona is a hybrid innovation that rocked the stroller world when it hit the market, letting you transform your infant car seat into a stroller with the click of a button. When it’s time to get in the car, the stroller legs and wheels pull up and fold under the car seat. Why is this a big deal? Bottom line: it makes your life as a new parent a whole lot easier. It’s just as ideal for a family who travels frequently as it is for a suburban family who’s in and out of the car on a regular basis or a city dweller who’s using a rideshare or a rental car. It’s also great if you’re a minimalist who’s trying to cut down on the amount of baby gear you need, especially during the first year.

Most babies will outgrow the Doona right around the one year mark—at which point you’ll need to purchase a new stroller. There’s also no storage basket like there is with traditional strollers, and the seat sits quite low to the ground.

For years, the Doona existed with zero competition—but no more! Check out the Evenflo Shyft DualRide Infant Car Seat and Stroller Combo for another car-seat-to-stroller hybrid option.

“Very convenient especially for on-the-go moms or any parent who are taking care of the baby. It’s super easy to “transform” from a car seat to a stroller and vice versa. Always get complimented how compact and portable it is. It’s awesome!!!” -Jillian

Best City Stroller

Thule shine stroller - mallard green.

• Full-size features, compact design
• Ideal for city living
• Durable, high-end materials and smooth ride

A new category of stroller has begun to emerge over the last two years: the city stroller. This new style of stroller packs much of the same punch, feature-wise, as a full-size stroller, but in a more compact package, making them perfect for urban living where extra space is often at a premium.

The Thule Shine is our favorite in this category. Just like many of the strollers on our best of list, it’s packed with features you’d come to expect from a full-size stroller—a reversible, reclining seat with an adjustable leg rest, a huge canopy, a one-handed, self-standing fold and all-wheel suspension—but in a much more compact, lightweight package. (It weighs just over 20 pounds, almost 10 poundsl less than the UPPAbaby Vista V2.) This streamlined design means it’s easier to store in small, urban spaces and easier to push through crowded streets and aisles, both huge perks for city living. It pushes and steers really well and features premium fabrics throughout.

We also love that it’s ready to go from day one with the Newborn Inlay and Newborn Nest and can be used with certain infant car seats via adapters (sold separately). You can even add on a stroller board for an older child to ride along.

The main downside of city strollers, the Shine included, is storage. The storage basket is narrower and shallower than you’d find on many larger strollers.

“This stroller is beautiful! It looks good and feels good to push around. I am not a fan of bulky strollers and this one is anything but that. It breaks down easily and compact, but is very high quality and durable. I’m so glad I got this stroller. I recommend 100x.” -Andreaakayyy

Best Stroller for Newborns

Graco modes nest stroller - nico.

• Newborn-ready with built-in bassinet
• Reversible, height-adjustable seat
• One-handed fold

Many strollers aren’t built to accommodate newborns right out of the box. (That’s because newborns don’t have the head and neck strength or the ability to sit up unassisted until at least six months or so, which means that without certain features in place, they’ll slump over without the proper support.) And while a bassinet is a great stroller add-on, it adds to the cost, has a fairly limited usage window and is yet another thing to store when the newborn days are over.

The Graco Modes Nest solves for this with an adjustable seat that’s newborn-ready from day one. The Nest has a three-in-one design that converts it from an infant car seat carrier to an infant pramette (AKA a bassinet) and ultimately to a toddler stroller. The seat slides up and down, making it easy to bring baby closer to you, and is reversible. There’s also a parent tray and a child’s snack tray included. The large canopy has a peekaboo window and the storage basket is big enough to stash a diaper bag and more.

Considering all the features included with this stroller, it’s definitely a great value. But unlike more expensive strollers that feature rubber wheels, the Modes’ wheels are plastic, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on frequent walks on uneven terrain. Parents also say the stroller is a bit bulky.

“I have always loved Graco strollers, and this stroller has all the features of some expensive brands out there but it comes at a fraction of the cost. I absolutely love the fact that you can adjust and bring the baby closer to you and of course the fact that it can still transform into a bassinet is great for newborn stages. This stroller has the capacity to change from front to back so you can change the seat facing you or facing the other way. Adjusting it and folding it so easy as well. Well done Graco!” -Nataliea

Best Double Stroller

Britax b-lively double stroller - raven.

• Large, easy-access storage basket
• Lightweight for a double
• Only accepts Britax infant car seats

You’ll find lots of opinions when it comes to double strollers. Tandem or side-by-side? Sit and stand? Stroller board or no stroller board? (You get the idea.) And while your decision will likely come down to your own personal preferences, Britax’s B-Lively double should be on your shortlist if you’re in the market for a double stroller. Some of its best features include its huge, easy-access storage basket, all-wheel suspension, lightweight frame and adjustable handlebar, just to name a few. Another perk: each seat features an independent recline and goes all the way back for naps on the go.

The one big drawback here is car seat compatibility: the B-Lively only accepts Britax car seats. For a similar double stroller that accepts many more car seat brands, check out the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller .

Best Lightweight Stroller

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller bundle - black frame/black color pack.

• Weighs less than 14 pounds
• Quick, one-handed fold
• Options to customize color, add second rider and more

They’ll be times when you don’t want (or need) a full size stroller like if you’re traveling, taking a day trip or know you’ll be somewhere with crowds and tight spaces. It’s those times that you’ll want a lightweight stroller—and the YOYO2 is one of the best.

This popular lightweight option weighs just under 14 pounds and folds up quickly and easily with one hand. It’s designed to fit in the overhead compartment of a plane and features a built-in strap so you can sling it right over your shoulder and carry it when it’s not in use. It also works from the newborn stage well into toddlerhood, as it’s compatible with several different car seat brands and a pram ( Newborn Pack sold separately). And you can swap out the seat fabric for a different color whenever you’d like, a really fun feature.

The YOYO2 is expensive, especially if you’re adding on the newborn option. The handlebar isn’t adjustable and the fold does take some getting used to to master.

Other lightweight strollers we love: the Nuna TRVL and the UPPAbaby MINU V2 .

“It’s small and lightweight-perfect for tiny NYC shops and restaurants” -Christina

Best Travel Stroller

Joolz aer+ lightweight stroller - sage green (2023).

• Four-wheel suspension for a super smooth ride
• One-handed fold and built-in carry strap
• Seat reclines near-flat

A travel stroller is a great investment if you’re planning on getting out and about with your new family. The Joolz Aer packs a big punch in a small package.

Pushing the Joolz Aer+ doesn’t feel much different than pushing some much larger, much more expensive and much heavier strollers—and that’s what we love about it. The 13-pound Aer+ boasts four-wheel suspension, a feature that’s not that common in travel strollers, so it maneuvers easily and glides smoothly even across uneven surfaces. That combined with a large storage basket, a near-flat recline for naps on the go, a contoured seat and another standout feature—a quick, easy one-handed fold—help make the Aer just as great for travel as for everyday use.

The Aer+ is newborn-friendly and compatible with Nuna and Clek car seats (adapters sold separately) and the stroller folds up small enough to fit in an overhead bin. It also comes with a rain cover and travel bag included.

The Aer+ isn’t cheap, but if you’re planning on using it for travel and for everyday, then it’s a bit easier to take. (If you want to add on a bassinet , you can, but you’ll need to purchase it separately.)

For another excellent travel stroller option, take a look at the Bugaboo Butterfly . It’s very similar to the Aer+ in terms of size, maneuverability, fold and price, but differs in weight (it’s a few pounds heavier) and storage basket size (the Butterfly’s is larger).

“After tons of research we decided to try out the Joolz for our first family trip to Colorado. The stroller itself is very easy to unfold (after a little practice) and has great steering considering the smaller wheels. It did just fine on cobble stone/gravel paths and loved having the Nuna Pipa carseat attachments to push when in her carseat. The bottom storage was great for our day trip essentials and the canopy unzips to the perfect height to protect my kids head. HIGHLY recommend if you plan on traveling via plane and now it lives in my trunk for quick stops around town!” -Erica

Best Stroller for Twins

Bugaboo donkey5 mono complete stroller - washed black/mineral collection.

• Fits through most doorways
• Incredibly easy to push and steer

Double the babies , double the stroller, right? Not necessarily if you’re talking about the Donkey5, Bugaboo’s luxury stroller that will (almost) make you forget that you’re pushing around twice the weight of most parents.

Finding a double stroller suitable for twins can be tricky. Many are bulky and unwieldy to push, don’t fit through doors and don’t accommodate two bassinets or two infant car seats at the same time. The Donkey does all of this and much, much more. (All while looking incredibly cool, modern and beautiful while doing it, it must be said.) Its slim profile means that it easily makes its way through most standard doorways and down crowded store aisles. It holds two bassinets, two car seats, and two toddler seats at the same time, along with countless other configurations. And it converts from a single to a double in three easy clicks. It’s easy to push and steer even when fully loaded (we promise) and has an incredible suspension system making for a cushy ride.

Let’s point out the elephant in the room here: this stroller is really, really expensive. Especially if you’re using it for twins, as you’ll need to purchase the Duo Extension Set Complete and the Twin Bassinet Fabric Complete sets separately. (Eek.) If you don’t plan on strolling all that often, there are plenty of other twin-friendly stroller options that more than get the job done and are much less expensive.

But! If you’re a twin family who’s often out and about or live in a city where your stroller is your everyday workhorse, the Donkey truly is the best of the best. You just won’t find another twin stroller that compares. Consider using the group gift option if you plan on adding it to your baby registry so multiple gift-givers can contribute.

Best Jogging Stroller

Bob gear revolution flex 3.0 single jogging stroller - graphite black.

• Loved by runners for years
• Easily handles any terrain
• 9-position adjustable handlebar

Whether you’re a casual or competitive runner or just someone who likes to explore the outdoors along with your baby, jogging strollers are a popular pick among Babylist families who find themselves frequently off the beaten path. BOB is a longstanding brand that earns high marks for durability, suspension and a long list of thoughtful features.

The mountain-bike style suspension system is what gives the Bob Gear Revo Flex 3.0 the ability to work on almost any type of surface, including rough terrain. (The oversized tires help too.) Despite this durability, the stroller’s frame is made from aluminum, so it’s not much heavier than many of the other full size strollers on our list. The Flex works with an infant car seat and has a large storage basket for all of your stuff. And don’t forget the adjustable handlebar; it has nine different positions so it works for runners (and walkers!) of all different heights.

You can use this jogging stroller as an everyday stroller, too—but keep in mind it’s on the heavier side and is really big and bulky, so be sure you’re okay with that before hitting buy. Also be sure to follow all usage directions and secure the front wheel to the fork of the stroller before using it on a run.

If you’re set on a BOB jogger but hoping for something a little less massive, meet the Wayfinder , a new addition to BOB’s jogging stroller lineup. The overall design is sleeker and the stroller folds more compactly than the Revo Flex. It also features a handbrake (especially convenient when you’re running downhill) and a 75-pound weight limit. You should also look at the Guava Family Roam Crossover Stroller . “Crossover” refers to the stroller’s functionality—it’s designed to be used as an everyday and a jogging stroller. It folds 50 percent smaller than traditional joggers and features a quick, easy one-hand fold.

“Love how sturdy it is, and how well it maneuvered over different terrains.” -M.T.

Best Stroller Wagon

Veer all-terrain cruiser wagon - all-terrain cruiser wagon.

• Stroller function meets wagon fun
• Works on all types of terrain, even sand and snow
• Can attach infant car seat

Stroller wagons are taking the baby gear market by storm, but Veer was one of the first—and we think the best. With the functionality of a stroller and the fun factor of a wagon, the Veer is a hybrid that offers the best of both worlds. The Veer pushes and steers just like a stroller—then pulls just like a wagon. Its oversized tires and front-wheel suspension mean it can easily tackle all sorts of rugged terrain, sand and snow included. You can even attach an infant car seat using adapters.

Another awesome perk of the Veer are all of the custom accessories . (We’re partial to the the foldable rear storage basket , the Comfort Seat for Toddlers and the Family Basecamp tent that clips right onto the side of the wagon, but there are so many other fun add-ons available.) And while it doesn’t fold up super small, it does fold flat, meaning you’ll be able to store it in most trunks.

The Veer is expensive. (Even more so when you start adding on accessories.) But it’s also extremely well made, durable, holds up to two kids and will last you for years and years. If you’re able to make the investment, we think it’s a worthwhile one.

If you need to haul more than two kids, Veer has you covered. Their Cruiser Wagon XL is a four-seater!

“It has been great to load up with a picnic and take to the botanic gardens for the afternoon or throw our lawn games in and stroll down to the park on the weekends. We currently have the car seat adapter because our little one is only 2 months old but I can already tell that we are going to be using this a lot longer than our stroller.” -Whitney

Best Umbrella Stroller

Summer 3d lite convenience stroller.

• Near-flat recline
• Lightweight

As its name implies, an umbrella stroller quickly folds into a slender, vertical shape. Although these types of strollers lack some of the features you’d find in a traditional stroller, they’re lightweight, convenient and a good choice for on-the-go or travel.

The Summer 3D Lite combines a great range of features with a price point of under a hundred bucks, making it a clear favorite in this category. The aluminum frame lightens the load—this stroller weighs about 13 pounds—and there’s a built-in shoulder strap for portability. There’s also a near-flat seat recline, a large, adjustable canopy and an XL storage basket.

Since the stroller folds vertically instead of horizontally, it’s not all that compact when folded.

“I love this stroller. It’s light and compact yet sturdy. My baby likes to be front facing so she loves it. It’s a really good stroller for the price.” -Tiffany

• 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 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 dozens of strollers.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

There are several different types of strollers to choose from, including:

All-purpose strollers : What likely comes to mind when you imagine a traditional stroller, all-purpose strollers are great for everyday activities like walking around the neighborhood or strolling through a store.

Travel systems : A travel system is a stroller that comes with an infant car seat that attaches to it. Parents like travel systems because they can use them from day one without worrying about disturbing their baby during the car-seat-to-stroller-and-back transfer. You can buy a travel system with a stroller and a car seat from the same brand, or mix and match different brands to make your own. (You’ll just need to make sure your stroller and car seat are compatible and purchase adapters.)

Lightweight strollers : As the name implies, lightweight strollers weigh a lot less than traditional strollers. They’re sometimes referred to as travel strollers or compact strollers. They’re great for travel or for parents who need a stroller that’s easy to carry when broken down (think going up and down stairs, taking it in and out of car trunks, riding public transit etc.).

Double strollers : Double strollers hold two children at once. If you have twins or little ones close in age, a double stroller can make your life a little easier. Double strollers come in two configurations: front-to-back (also called tandem or in-line) and side-by-side.

Convertible strollers : A convertible stroller converts from a single stroller to a double. Convertibles are a good choice if you’re planning on having two children relatively close in age. Like double strollers, convertibles come either in tandem or side-by-side configurations.

Jogging strollers : Runners take note: these strollers are built to handle rougher terrain and have souped-up suspension systems for a smoother ride. You don’t have to be a runner to own a jogging stroller, though; many parents love them for their ability to glide over almost any type of terrain.

Stroller frames : A skeleton of a stroller (think: handle, storage basket and wheels), these are made complete when you attach a compatible infant car seat.

Choosing the best stroller for your family is one of the most overwhelming parts of building a baby registry, according to many Babylist users. How to Choose a Stroller walks you through step by step so you can be confident in your decision.

Most parents choose to register for a stroller. While it’s possible to skip the stroller and use a baby carrier instead, many parents like the convenience of a stroller for walking, running and getting out and about with baby. But with so many options across a huge range of price points, how do you know which one is right for your family?

The best stroller for your family depends on a lot of things. It’s a big investment, and an item of baby gear you’ll use for years, so thinking through a few factors before you make a decision is smart. There’s also no perfect stroller—what works for one family may not be the right fit for another. Here’s what you should consider:

• Cost . Strollers can cost anywhere from a hundred dollars to well over a thousand. Pricier strollers tend to have features like all-wheel suspension, better maneuverability, high-end fabrics, modular seats or the ability to convert to a double. But there are plenty of high-quality, more affordable stroller options, too.
• Lifestyle . Where you live and your day-to-day lifestyle are two big factors to consider when choosing the best stroller. A city family who uses public transportation each day has different stroller needs than a suburban family who’s constantly in and out of their car. You’ll also want to consider things like stroller storage space, if you have stairs leading up to your home and if you’ll be using your stroller mainly for walks or for jogging, too.
• Family size . Planning on having one or more children close in age? You may want to consider a convertible stroller right off the bat instead of registering for a single stroller and then having to purchase a double shortly after.
• Features . Do you want a stroller that accommodates your newborn from day one? Are you set on a particular brand of car seat that’s only compatible with certain strollers? How important are things like a reversible seat, a large storage basket and an adjustable handlebar to you? Be sure to carefully think through all the features you need—or want—in a stroller before making your choice.

What type of baby stroller is best?

We get asked this question a lot at Babylist, so it’s worth repeating: There is no “best” or “perfect” stroller out there. The best stroller is the one that’s right for you and your family—which is why it’s so important to spend some time thinking through your lifestyle, budget, needs and wants before adding a stroller to your baby registry or splurging on one yourself.

Can your baby sleep in a stroller?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep alone, on their backs and in a crib or bassinet with a firm sleep surface and covered in a fitted sheet with no other bedding. If a baby falls asleep in a car seat attached to a stroller or in the stroller itself, they should be removed and placed in a crib, bassinet or other safe sleep space as soon as possible. If a baby falls asleep in a stroller and you’re hoping to avoid disturbing them so they can finish a nap, reduce the risk by removing hats and blankets and be sure the stroller is well-ventilated—and always supervise them.

Which is better: a stroller or a wagon?

Stroller wagons are a new(ish) category of baby gear, exploding over the last few years with every baby brand seemingly getting in the game. A stroller wagon is a hybrid of a stroller + a wagon, featuring the maneuverability of a stroller alongside the fun and functionality of a wagon. Most have large wheels, a robust suspension system and both push and pull functionality, and many break down in some way to make them more compact for portability. Stroller wagons have many pros (great for an outdoors-loving family, for seating multiple kids and for older kids who may be beyond a traditional stroller but not yet ready to walk independently for long periods of time), but some cons, too (most are big and bulky, expensive and don’t always work for infants, and many don’t maneuver nearly as well as a stroller). Like many baby gear decisions, you’ll want to think through these pros and cons and weigh them against your family’s needs if you’re deciding between a stroller or a stroller wagon.

What is the best stroller to put in a car?

Not all strollers are ideal for getting in and out of a car trunk. If you know you’ll be driving with your baby in tow most days, prioritize a stroller with a quick, easy one-handed fold; lighter weight and a fairly compact design.

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.

Best Travel Strollers

O ur testers found great models across a range of stroller types. The ideal design depends on your child's age, where you're going, and how you're getting there.

Lightweight umbrella strollers and car-seat carriers like the Chicco KeyFit Caddy shown here make traveling with a little one a whole lot easier.

By Keith Flamer, Molly Bradley

Most of the time, a stroller that meets your day-to-day needs isn’t the ideal stroller for travel. A wide handlebar and ultra-sturdy construction may be great for walks through the park, but that extra weight gets cumbersome when you need to lift the stroller in or out of a car or navigate it through a crowded airport.

So if you’ve got a trip coming up, you’ll want a stroller that keeps your little one safe and comfortable but is easy to maneuver.

Brands market certain models as “travel” strollers, but that’s not a firm category with consistent criteria. The ideal model could actually fall under any of the typical stroller types. It could be a traditional stroller that’s light in weight and slender in width or an umbrella stroller wiith ample storage compartments. And there are caddies and convertible models that lend themselves especially well to travel. The best travel stroller for you will depend on how old your children are and how you’re getting to your destination.

CR’s comprehensive stroller ratings highlight the strong points and drawbacks of a wide range of strollers, carriers, and travel systems for infants and toddlers. We’ve tested strollers from almost 30 brands, including Chicco, Doona, Graco, Mountain Buggy, and Uppababy, and we rate them based on ease of use, maneuverability, and, of course, safety.

Below are a few top-rated strollers of different types to help keep your journeys safe and hassle-free. They appear below in alphabetical order,

Best Travel Strollers for Newborns and Infants

If you’re traveling with an infant 6 months old or younger, you’ll need a stroller that fully reclines because your infant is likely to spend a fair amount of time sleeping. The seat should also adjust upright because the child can’t sit up on her own. If you’re traveling by car, you’ll also need an infant car seat. A lightweight car-seat carrier can simplify things. It’s essentially a frame on wheels that can function as a stroller with the car seat but fold up to an especially light and compact size when you transfer to a car. You can also find travel systems that bundle infant car seats with full-fledged strollers, where the car seat can clip into both the stroller and the car, though these are a little bulkier for travel.

Best Travel Strollers for Babies and Toddlers

For children older than 6 months, including toddlers, you have a wider range of stroller options. You’ll of course want something lightweight and fairly compact (at least when folded). But be sure to also assess the stroller’s storage options, which are especially handy when traveling. You’ll also need a car seat if you’re going to be in a car, though car seats for toddlers don’t typically attach to strollers. So unless you’re road-tripping in your own car (where your car seat will stay put), you may need to carry a car seat separately or arrange for rentals, taxis, or ride shares that include a car seat.

Airline Travel With a Stroller

Flying with a baby and stroller takes patience and preparation. The Transportation Security Administration requires that all strollers be physically inspected or X-ray screened, but for the most part, you’ll be able to bring a stroller through security and check it at the gate.

Airlines have different rules about stroller storage on a flight. Whatever the policy, the best strollers for flying may be those that are particularly compact and easily foldable. You can quickly collapse one of these travel-friendly strollers before handing it off for boarding or, if allowed, navigating down the aisle before sliding the stroller under your seat or into an overhead bin.

Remember, overhead bin sizes can vary from plane to plane. Check your airline’s guidelines ahead of a trip so there are no surprises when you board.

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2024, Consumer Reports, Inc.