travel lightweight airplane stroller

• Strollers /

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

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

If the thought of trying to wrangle your full-size stroller on your next family adventure feels daunting, it’s time to consider a travel stroller.

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

If you’re a family who’s frequently on the go, a travel stroller may be the answer to help lighten your load and simplify your life. We’re sharing Babylist parents favorites and bestselling picks to help you narrow down your search. I also added my own thoughts and picks from the countless travel strollers I’ve tested over the last decade as a mom of two and in my role as Babylist’s Gear Editor.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Strollers

• Best Travel System: Nuna PIPA urbn + TRVL Travel System
• Best for Toddlers: Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller
• Best Budget: Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller
• Best for Everyday Use: UPPAbaby MINU V2 Stroller
• Best for Planes: Babyzen YOYO2 6+ Stroller
• Best Compact: Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller
• Best Lightweight: Zoe The Traveler
• Best Value: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single Stroller
• Best for Infants: Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller
• Best Umbrella: Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller

In This Article

How we chose the best travel strollers.

• Our Top Picks

Which Stroller Is Best for Travel?

What to look for in a travel stroller, how do you travel with a stroller on a plane, babylist’s picks for the best travel strollers, best travel system stroller.

Nuna PIPA urbn & TRVL Travel System - Caviar

• Baseless infant car seat, installs in seconds
• Stroller has one-handed fold, weighs 13 pounds
• Car seat weighs just 7 pounds

What Our Experts Say

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

What’s so special about a baseless car seat? Most infant car seats can be installed without a base, but require a seat belt—along with time and patience. That’s not the case with the urbn. There’s no base to worry about AND the latch system is built right into the seat’s base. I was blown away by how quick and easy this seat was to install. I pressed a button on each side and pushed to attach it directly to my vehicle’s lower anchors—that’s it. It’s about as foolproof as it gets, and especially ideal if you’ll be using your car seat on the go in rideshares or taxis. This is also our pick for best travel car seat .

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

What’s Worth Considering

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

Additional Specs

Best Travel Stroller for Toddlers

Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller - Midnight Black

• Four-wheel suspension for a smooth ride
• Fast, easy fold
• Included footrest and high seat back

There are two travel strollers I recommend again and again to families, and Bugaboo’s newest compact stroller, the Butterfly, is one of them. (The other one is the Joolz Aer+—more on that below!). This style-forward stroller is packed with thoughtful, impressive features, just like the brand’s popular full-size strollers. Two of my favorites (and there are many to choose from!) are the smooth ride and the quick, easy fold. The four-wheel suspension system means the Butterfly rides more like a traditional stroller than a compact one, a huge perk when I pushed it on anything other than smooth pavement and perfect for toting around my larger toddler. It moves and turns easily and I was able to steer it with only one hand, a huge plus. The fold is just as impressive; I also did it one-handed, and the Butterfly folds down to about the side of a small bag. (There’s also a built-in carry strap, a feature I value in any stroller, but especially one designed for travel.)

A few other things I love: it accommodates an infant car seat with adapters, so you can use it from day one, and the seat has a high back for larger kiddos and reclines almost fully for napping on the go. There’s even a footrest built in for extra comfort, another toddler-friendly feature. (My 95th-percent-in-height two-year-old still fits perfectly in it.) And the sun canopy on the Butterfly is one of the best I’ve seen of all the travel strollers on our list.

There’s not much to pick on with this stroller, minus its high price tag. The back wheels on the Butterfly are fairly close together. That setup, combined with a handle that doesn’t extend (which is the norm for compact strollers), means that if you’re on the taller side like me (5’10”), you may kick the back of the stroller while you’re walking. And although I wouldn’t consider it heavy, it is one of the heavier travel strollers on our list by about three pounds.

Best Budget Travel Stroller

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller

• Great value
• Extremely light—weighs less than 12 pounds
• Easy fold but not as compact as others on our list

If you’re not looking to spend a lot on a travel stroller or you’re a family who doesn’t travel very often, the Kolcraft Cloud Light is an excellent value for an inexpensive stroller . It boasts lots of thoughtful features, especially considering the stroller’s price. Weight is the standout here—the Cloud Plus weighs less than twelve pounds, making it one of the lightest strollers on our list. The fold is also worth a second look. Although it’s not super compact (the stroller folds in on itself, much like an umbrella stroller, rather than in a tri-fold like many other travel strollers on our list), it’s quick and easy and you can do it with one hand, a feature we always appreciate especially when we’re on the go.

Other features to note include an extendable canopy with a peekaboo window, a parent tray with two drink holders and a large storage basket (it’s one of the biggest on our list).

The seat on the Cloud Plus has multiple positions but doesn’t recline completely flat. It has a lower weight limit than many of the strollers on our list—40 pounds—and doesn’t have much in the way of suspension and shock absorption. The fold is slim but not all that compact.

And remember—this stroller is under $100. It’s not going to compare to travel strollers five times its price in suspension, maneuverability, stability or materials. But, considering the price, it’s a great option if you don’t travel all that much but want a lightweight stroller option when you do.

What Babylist Parents Say

“Easily fits in the trunk of my car.” -Cora

Best Travel Stroller for Everyday Use

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Stroller - Jake

• Great for travel + everyday use
• Roomy storage basket
• Shock-absorbing suspension for a smooth ride

UPPAbaby was one of the first stroller brands to dive into the “travel stroller that can also be used as an everyday stroller” category, and the Minu does both of these things extremely well. From your own neighborhood to wherever your travel adventures take you and to everything in between, the Minu offers all the conveniences of a day-to-day stroller in a travel-friendly package. A few of my favorite features are the one-handed fold, the huge sunshade, the comfy seat with multi-position recline and a roomy, easy-access basket. The spring-action, shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension makes for a smooth ride even over bumpy terrain, so it’s a stroller you can use both in the suburbs and in a city. The Minu stands when folded and features a carry strap and a storage bag for easy transport.

As-is, the Minu works for babies three+ months; that means if you want to use it with your newborn, you’ll need to add the bassinet and adapters , which will cost you.

The Minu folds compactly but is a little bulkier than some of the other strollers on our list when it’s broken down. It’s also a little heavier, weighing in at about 17 pounds. And the seat back is on the shorter side.

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

Best Travel Stroller for Flying

Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller Bundle - Black Frame/Olive

• Fits in overhead bin
• Fast, one-handed fold
• Options to customize color, add a second rider and more

The YOYO2 was ahead of its time in the world of compact strollers and remains a parent favorite both for travel and for families looking for a smaller, lighter everyday stroller option. This compact favorite fits in the overhead bin and is the stroller of choice for many light-packing parents who don’t want to deal with the hassle (or risk) of gate-checking a stroller when they fly. It performs like a champ off the plane, too, easily steering through crowds and through narrow spaces.

There’s one other unique thing to love here—the custom options. You can change out the seat and shade fabrics with a new color pack , add a custom footmuff for cooler temps, help your older kiddo hitch a ride on the stroller board and even add a storage bag that uses wheeled support so your stroller won’t tip. With adapters that are sold separately, you can also use this stroller with some of the best infant car seats from Nuna and Maxi Cosi, among others.

The YOYO2’s fold isn’t hard, but it’s not quite as easy as some of the other travel stroller picks on our list. (There are two steps, and it takes a little getting used to.) The canopy is on the shorter side. This travel stroller does come with a rain cover, but all the other extras and custom adds will cost you. (And this stroller is on the pricier side to begin with.)

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

Best Compact Travel Stroller

Joolz aer+ lightweight stroller - stone grey.

• One-handed fold and compact carry
• Comfy, contoured seat

I’ve tried a LOT of travel strollers in my day, and the Joolz Aer+ is the one I come back to again and again. Pushing it doesn’t feel much different than pushing much larger, much more expensive strollers—and that’s one of the things I love about it. The Aer+ has four-wheel suspension, a feature that’s not very common in travel strollers, so it maneuvers easily and glides smoothly even across uneven surfaces like bumpy sidewalks and dirt paths. That combined with the ridiculously easy one-handed fold, the compact design and the comfortable seat that contours to fit your child’s body makes this stroller a great choice for travel and for everyday use. (It currently occupies a permanent spot in the trunk of my car.)

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

The Aer+ is on the pricier side, but if you’re planning on using it for travel and for everyday, then the cost doesn’t seem as daunting. I also wish it came with a footrest instead of having to purchase one separately.

“It’s so easy to push and steer and SO easy to fold with just one hand. We use it as a travel stroller and often as our everyday stroller as well.” -Jennifer

Best Lightweight Travel Stroller

Zoe the traveler.

• One-handed fold
• Extended canopy, full recline

Lightweight, compact and travel-ready are the three features that come to mind when I think of The Traveler from Zoe. This aluminum-frame stroller is light enough for easy portability but durable enough to handle lots of different adventures. I love the one-handed fold and that it’s small enough to fit in an overhead bin if you don’t want to wrangle with gate checking your stroller on your next trip. There are lots of high-end features like an extended canopy, adjustable footrest and a near-flat recline. And don’t forget one of the best parts: The Traveler folds in seconds with one hand and stands on its own.

The Traveler isn’t compatible with any car seats so you won’t be able to use it with younger babies. There are also no straps or backpack included; if you want those, you’ll have to pay extra to add them on. And while it shines on smooth pavement, it’s not great on bumpy or uneven terrain.

Need a double travel stroller? Zoe’s The Twin+ is a great choice. It weighs under 20 pounds and fits through standard doorways but is comfortable and roomy enough for two children up to 45 pounds each. The fold is quick, easy and compact and the stroller is Disney-approved. And it can expand to a triple or a quad stroller with additional seats.

Best Value Travel Stroller

Baby jogger city tour 2 single stroller - jet.

• Same one-handed fold Baby Jogger full-size strollers are known for
• 3 ways to ride: infant car seat, bassinet or toddler seat
• Padded seat with added depth

Travel strollers can get expensive. If you don’t want to spend $500+ on one, but you travel frequently and want a reliable option, the City Tour 2 is a great mid-priced pick.

Baby Jogger strollers are known (and loved) for their easy, one-handed fold—and this travel stroller is no exception. The City Tour 2 folds into a 19-by-23-inch rectangle and automatically locks closed. You can carry it by the handle or tuck it away in the included tote bag carryall while your little one explores. The stroller has a deep, padded seat and adjustable calf support to keep your kiddo comfortable. Plus, a huge UV 50+ sun canopy provides shade.

There’s suspension system in the frame isn’t great, making for a bit of a bumpy ride. Some parents wish the tote bag carryall had backpack straps for easier transport rather than a shoulder strap.

“I love that I can carry, open and fold it with one hand. It’s easy to maneuver and the only stroller I own. Perfect for city living!” -Amie

Best Infant Travel Stroller

Mountain buggy nano v3 stroller.

• Comes with universal car seat adapter
• Full recline seat
• Ventilated backrest for airflow

The Mountain Buggy Nano stroller is the best of both worlds—a travel stroller that can also act as a travel system . Unlike most travel strollers, this one comes equipped with a universal car seat adapter so you can pop in your infant seat and be on your way with your newborn in tow. (You can also purchase the Cocoon Carrycot separately if you prefer a bassinet option.)

The Nano is lightweight and compact enough to fit easily into many carry-on luggage units on planes and trains or in a trunk, and the travel bag has a handle and strap for portability. The narrow width and front-wheel swivel makes it good for use on city streets or other tight spaces and the seat features a full recline perfect for naps.

There’s no suspension system and no peekaboo window. You need to use two hands to fold the Nano. (Although it’s still really easy.)

“It folded up so small that it fit on the plane as a carryon but it also handled really well on european cobblestone” -Nikki

Best Umbrella Stroller for Travel

Summer 3d lite convenience stroller.

• Easy to maneuver
• Umbrella-style fold is bulky

Umbrella strollers used to be the norm in the compact stroller category. That’s changed over the last five years or so, but if you still prefer one for travel, the Summer 3D Lite should be on your list.

The 3D Lite is a great all-around travel stroller. It’s light (about 13 pounds), features a simple, compact fold and a built-in carry strap, has a seat that lays nearly flat and boasts an ample storage basket. The ride isn’t super cushy, but it’s not all that bumpy, either. And at well under $100, it’s an incredible value for a stroller with this many great features.

Since this is an umbrella stroller, you won’t find the compact tri-fold that parents love so much about many travel strollers.

“It is so easy to travel with - we used it on a cruise ship, in various airports, and for all our daily errands.” -Jeanine

Also Worth a Look…

The world of compact travel strollers has exploded recently, flooding the market with lots of options. Here are a few other travel strollers worth a look:

• The Bumprider Connect 3 Stroller ($599.99) is totally unique. It features a magnetic lock system that allows you to join two or more strollers together. It’s pricey, though, especially if you need more than one.
• Evenflo Gold’s Otto ($199.99) is a competitively priced self-folding, lightweight stroller with a high weight limit (55 pounds) and a two-position adjustable footrest.
• The Inglesina Quid ($299.00) fits in an overhead bin and offers thoughtful features like a self-standing fold, an extendable canopy and a large flap on the hood that fully retracts for ventilation on warm days. The Quid weighs in at only 13 pounds.
• 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 many travel strollers.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

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

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

• Traditional stroller: Everyday strollers typically have convenient features like lots of storage space, cup holders and trays, and large canopies. Some may also have all-terrain wheels and accommodate an infant car seat. But they’re heavier and bulkier to fold, which makes using and storing them in tight spaces more difficult (think: narrow doorways, airplane overhead bins, small car trunks).
• Umbrella stroller: Bare-boned and exceptionally lightweight, umbrella strollers often lack many amenities you find in traditional strollers like adjustable seats and cup holders. They have skimpy canopies, minimal cushioning and seat support and don’t fold small enough to fit in airport storage bins. You also can’t push an umbrella stroller with one hand. Umbrella strollers are good for when you occasionally need a slimmer, fast-fold stroller.
• Travel stroller: Sometimes also called a lightweight stroller, travel strollers strike a balance between traditional and umbrella stroller styles. They’re lighter than the standard stroller, easy to fold and compact in size when collapsed. (Some travel strollers fold in half, called a square fold, while others feature a more compact tri-fold.) Travel strollers have some full-size amenities like large sun canopies and a storage basket and most even have extras like cup holders.

Figuring out the best stroller to use for travel often comes down to what type of trade-offs you want to make around budget , space and personal preference.

• Some traditional strollers offer a compact fold that’s great for travel, but the stroller weighs a ton.
• Umbrella strollers tend to be affordable but require two hands for pushing and only offer a vertical fold.
• Compact travel strollers are light, portable and easy to steer but come at a cost.

Before you invest in a travel stroller, think through:

• How often you travel
• How much money you want to spend
• Where you’ll be storing your stroller when it’s not in use

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

A travel stroller should be easy to take with you on trips and be a comfy spot for your little one, especially since your child will probably spend more hours in it while traveling than at home. Consider these features as you research and shop:

• Size and weight. You’re going to be lifting, carrying and storing your travel stroller often, so the stroller’s size and weight is important. Look for one that’s lightweight and manageable. Also pay attention both to the folded and unfolded size of your travel stroller. Hoping to If you’re planning on using it for an older toddler, also be sure it’s large enough to accommodate them.
• Fold. There’s also a lot of folding and unfolding a stroller during travel, whether it’s to take it in and out of your car, stash it under a table at a restaurant or storing it in the overhead compartment of an airplane. Choose a travel stroller with a quick, easy fold, preferably one you can do one-handed.
• Maneuverability. Not all travel strollers are created equally. Some offer much more maneuverability and a better suspension system than others; however, these features often come at a cost. Thinking through how often you’ll be using your travel stroller and what types of terrain you’ll encounter most often can be helpful in determining whether or not a more expensive stroller is worthwhile.
• Canopy size. Most travel involves at least some, if not a lot, of outdoor time. A large canopy is essential for protecting your little one from the elements, especially the sun.
• Comfort and convenience features. Similar to a full-size stroller, look for features that will make you and your little one more comfortable, especially while traveling. Things like an adjustable seat with a full or nearly full recline, an ample storage basket, an adjustable handlebar and easy to clean fabrics are all important. And don’t forget a built-in strap or a separate carrying case for easy transport.

Bringing a stroller with you on trips can seem daunting. How do you get it from point A to point B when you’re flying ? Will it count toward your carry-on and baggage allotment? And what if you need to use your stroller in the airport? Good news: You can pick how you want to travel with your stroller, depending on your needs. Here are the choices:

• Check the stroller with your baggage: Some parents unload the stroller during check-in and switch to using a baby carrier through the airport instead. Pair a front carrier with a backpack-style diaper bag so your hands will be free to deal with other things (like the toys that will make your trip a breeze ). Note that if you have a large stroller, you may be required to check it as baggage anyway. This usually doesn’t count toward your baggage allotment.
• Check the stroller at the gate: Want to use the stroller until you board the plane? You can check the stroller with the gate agent—it just needs to be tagged—and then pick it up outside the aircraft door when you arrive. (Just remember if you have a connecting flight to catch, waiting for your stroller to be placed on the jet bridge can eat up precious time.)
• Stow the stroller on the airplane: Some travel strollers fold up so small they fit in a backpack and can be stored in an overhead bin. Having your stroller with you eliminates the hassle of waiting for it on the jet bridge or at baggage claim (or losing it).

Some other air-travel tips to keep in mind:

• If you check the stroller with baggage, you do run the risk of damage. If you’re not using a travel stroller bag, ask the agent at check-in for a plastic bag to cover and protect it during transport.
• If you’re taking the stroller through security, it will need to be folded and put through the X-ray machine. Don’t stuff the undercarriage basket until after security.
• If your checked stroller doesn’t come out with the suitcases at baggage claim, check the oversized luggage area. It may have been set aside there (this may also be where your travel crib is, if you checked one).

Do you need a travel stroller bag?

How you plan to use your travel stroller will affect whether or not you need a travel stroller bag.

If you plan on flying with your stroller then you’ll probably want to use a travel stroller bag, especially if you don’t plan on stowing your stroller in the overhead compartment of the plane (either because you don’t want to or because it won’t fit). A checked stroller, even one that’s gate checked, may get tossed around quite a bit while in transit, so you’ll want a travel stroller bag to keep it protected.

If you’re not planning on flying much with your stroller or if you’re simply using your travel stroller as a more lightweight day-to-day option, then a travel stroller probably isn’t a must-have.

Some travel strollers come with a travel bag while others require you to purchase one separately, so check with your particular brand. There are generic travel stroller bags that may work, too.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

• 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 Camping Cots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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

The 9 Best UV Umbrellas of 2024

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

The 9 Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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

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

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Anti-Theft Backpacks 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 7 Best Winter Coats for Men of 2022, Tested and Reviewed

The Best Strollers for Airline Travel this Year (based on 100 Tests)

We evaluated all the best lightweight strollers on the market and chose 20 to purchase and perform extensive side-by-side testing. Not every lightweight stroller is great for airline travel so we narrowed the list to 12 strollers and the best of those include: the Joolz Aer , Zoe Tour+ , and Bugaboo Butterfly . 

Many strollers you find promoted in other articles aren’t mentioned here because they have comparatively weak customer reviews or simply aren’t good for airline travel. Strollers that didn’t make the cut .

Table of Contents

Weight and Folded Size:  We limited this list to strollers 17 lbs or less. The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is the heaviest at 16.9 lbs. We also eliminated strollers that were more than 3.5 cubic feet when folded. 

Recommended Travel Strollers

The best strollers for airline travel are the Joolz Aer , Zoe Tour+ , Zoe Traveler , Nuna TRVL , and Bugaboo Butterfly . 

We discuss the Babyzen YoYo2 , Cybex Libelle , and gb Pockit+ All Terrain in the next section. Their notable feature is being able to fit in an airline overhead bin, but none of them tested as well as the recommended strollers above.

Editor's Choice

Fast folding, highly maneuverable, lightweight stroller worth the price

The Joolz Aer took the top spot out of 20 lightweight strollers across all testing categories and it is also a great choice for air travel considering its weight-to-size ratio. Weighing in at 13.4 lbs and collapsing to 1.8 cubic ft, it’s not the lightest or smallest of all strollers, but its combined score is tough to beat.

This stroller offers quick fold and unfold times, taking 2 seconds to fold and 3 seconds to unfold, all with just one hand. At 21 x 18 x 8.5 inches folded, it slightly exceeds the standard size for many but not all, airline overhead bins. 

A distinguishing feature of the Joolz Aer is its exceptional responsiveness and maneuverability. On a smooth sidewalk, in a crowded grocery store, or on paved roads, you can guide it with minimal effort. However, its performance dwindles on uneven terrains like cobblestones or areas with large cracks or gravel. 

A few features make the Aer parent-friendly. The peekaboo window, brake comfort and effectiveness, included travel bag and rain cover are awesome. The storage basket is reasonable but on the smaller side, though this is quite typical for this category of strollers. There is a pocket for small items.

We like the stylish, comfortable handle though it would be even nicer if it were adjustable in height. Other minor drawbacks include having to use a long zipper to recline the seat, an average harness buckle, and awkward harness adjustment.

Our ride smoothness test positioned the Joolz Aer second of twenty, measuring for vibrations and bumpiness. The seat is soft and plush and reclines to a decent napping angle. 

Unfortunately, the Joolz is missing cup holders for parents and children. The canopy provides decent sun protection extending over the knees, but doesn’t have as much coverage as the Zoe or Bugaboo. 

Despite minor imperfections, the Joolz Aer impresses with its high-quality fabric and robust frame. Its folding mechanism and wheels are reliable. 

Our full review of the Joolz Aer.

Zoe Tour+ Luxe

Recommended

Quality, high performing in every category

The Zoe Tour+ Luxe came out as a strong contender for the best travel stroller in all our testing categories. Boasting an ultra-light weight of 12.5 lbs, it’s highly suitable for travel despite its larger folded size of 26 x 20.3 x 7.5 inches which prevents it from qualifying as an airline carry-on.

Similar to the Aer, the Zoe Tour+ showcases impressive steering capabilities and can maneuver deftly through compact spaces, such as grocery aisles and crowded airports. Its performance dips when venturing off-road or on uneven terrains.

The stroller tends to drift off course slightly more than average in our testing. It also requires more force than other strollers in the group to jump curbs based on its frame shape. While its overall maneuverability was average in our tests, it excels in regular, everyday usage.

The Zoe Tour+ Luxe we tested came packed with extra features: a cup holder for parents, an organizer, a belly bar, additional storage bags, and a cup and snack holder for children. Surprisingly, this is not the priciest lightweight stroller, but it offered the most extras among all the strollers we purchased.

Despite its feather-light weight, it boasts one of the most spacious storage baskets, offering 0.75 cubic feet of space, and an additional small item pocket near the handle. If you are using the stroller in an airport, the storage basket and cubbies can give you a place to put a diaper bag, purse, toys, and feeding items.

The tan “leatherette” handle offers both aesthetic appeal and comfort. We appreciated the seat recline mechanism, buckle operation, and harness adjustment, alongside the peekaboo window. However, the separate brake pedals and their functionality left something to be desired.

The Zoe Tour+ Luxe provides the convenience of a one-hand fold, averaging 2 seconds to fold and 3 seconds to open. The fold mechanism operates through a simple pull on the strap at the seat’s center. Its folded size is compact compared to many strollers, but it falls short of the most compact strollers as shown in the attached photo:

In terms of child comfort, the Zoe Tour+ Luxe provides a ride that’s smoother than most. The large canopy offers excellent sun protection, extending beyond the knees, while an extendable leg rest enhances naptime comfort. The upright seat angle is perfectly calibrated, but a recline greater than 30 degrees would be advantageous. While the harness straps are slightly abrasive near the neck area, the seat is generally comfortable. However, this stroller is not designed for larger children, with a maximum weight limit of 45 lbs.

Zoe’s Twin+ and Tandem+ double strollers share many features with the Tour+.

In our noise tests, this stroller tied for first place as the quietest, averaging a decibel level of 44. It performed commendably in our pinch-point tests but didn’t fare as well in the sideways tip-over test. As for the overall quality of parts and materials, the Zoe Tour+ Luxe is exceptional.

Our full review of the Zoe Tour+ Luxe

Bugaboo Butterfly

Comfortable, quick tight folding, high-quality

We also highly recommend the Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller for plane travel, owing to its consistently robust performance across all testing categories and specs. While it compacts neatly to 2.0 cubic feet, potentially fitting into some airplane overhead storage compartments, it weighs in heavier than our other top picks at 16.1 lbs.

Scoring 7th place out of 20 in our tests for maneuverability and steering, the Butterfly excels on flat terrains but struggles when confronted with numerous cracks or hurdles. It pushes straighter without pulling than the Zoe Tour+ and Joolz Aer, though, like these models, it’s not the best at negotiating curbs. It does, however, feature an impressively low wheel vibration compared to other strollers we tested.

The Butterfly offers a substantial storage basket with a capacity of .75 cubic feet, though it lacks additional storage spaces. A sizable mesh peekaboo window ensures extra airflow for the baby. There’s a single brake pedal that’s easy on bare or sandalled feet, although it doesn’t always engage on the first press.

The harness buckle operates smoothly. At first, I didn’t like having to insert four individual clips into the buckle instead of two. However, the Butterfly does a great job of keeping the harness clips up where you can find them which saves a lot of time.

Another benefit is that the harness straps are easy to adjust, and the seat recline mechanism is conveniently one-handed. Regrettably, it’s missing a cup holder for parents!

The Butterfly can be collapsed with one hand, and the folding process takes mere seconds. It folds down compactly and features a padded carry strap for easy transportation when folded.

The stroller provides a comfortable ride with a soft, padded seat and an adjustable leg rest. The upright seat angle leans back more than we’d prefer, and the recline doesn’t go back far enough. Ride smoothness was average in our tests for the Bugaboo, and it does not come with a cup holder for kids.

Tying with the Zoe for the quietest ride, the Bugaboo registered an average decibel level of 44. The stroller’s quality is evident in the fabric’s feel and its performance with regular usage. The wheels come with rubber treads and spring suspension, enhancing its overall appeal.

Our full review of the Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller

Zoe Traveler

The Zoe Traveler stroller, weighing 13 lbs, is well-received by users for its light weight and easy portability. We found it to be slightly more convenient for air travel than the Zoe Tour+ based on its ability to fold compactly to 22 x 19 x 10 inches, which allows it to fit into many, but not all, airplane overhead bins. The Zoe Tour+ folds to 26 x 20.3 x 7.5 inches.

We like that the belly bar and optional snack tray fold into the Traveler when collapsing to reduce the folded size. Unlike the Tour+ which folds in half, the Traveler is a tri-fold stroller folding into thirds. This results in a smaller fold but it doesn’t open as smoothly or reliably and sometimes requires two hands to unfold.

However, the Tour+ is wider, has a taller seat back and increased storage, and is more suitable for daily use. The Tour+ also has additional features like a car seat adapter, all-terrain wheels, and an add-on seat option, allowing it to transform into a Tandem+ stroller for growing families.

The bottom basket is a little difficult to reach and not quite as big as the Tour+ basket.

The Traveler’s mélange fabric provides a distinctive look and waterproof capabilities. Users also note the ease of maneuverability and the comfort it offers for their child.

The Traveler’s seat can recline up to 32 degrees and features a reclinable footrest. The recline isn’t as far back as many, but with the footrest out it still makes a nice napping surface.

The seat does not accommodate an infant car seat. The seat dimensions are small at 11 inches in width and 8 inches in depth, and the back of the seat measures 16 inches high. While Zoe recommends the stroller for children from 3 months of age to 45 lbs, bigger kids will find it uncomfortably tight.

The stroller comes with a belly bar and a parent cup holder, which adds to the convenience. This model also meets the size requirements for strollers at Disney theme parks, gaining it a ‘Disney Approved’ status.

 The brake is easy to engage although a little uncomfortable on uncovered feet.

The Nuna TRVL™ stroller is appreciated for its self-collapsing feature, activated with a push of a button. Both fingers must be engaged in the movement to ensure safety, avoiding accidental folding while your baby is in it. However, it’s important to remember to handle it by the side of the bumper bar when locked, as it can unfold otherwise, a factor that could be challenging, especially for those who frequently travel.

Unfolding the TRVL stroller is a breeze – it works effortlessly and doesn’t require any practice. However, while it is marketed as an ultra-lightweight stroller at 13.6 lbs, this weight does not include the bumper bar or the canopy. Hence, the stroller is naturally slightly heavier than some of the lightest competitors on the market.

The stroller comes with a bag, but no carry strap. The bag, while a nice addition, can be inconvenient as you might occasionally need to fold the stroller quickly and carry it on your shoulder. Furthermore, the bag requires the removal of the back wheels to fit the stroller, which adds an extra step.

While the Nuna stroller is designed for travel, it’s worth noting that it may not fit in the overhead compartment due to its dimensions of 24 x 20.25 x 11 inches. 

Maneuverability, however, is a high point for the stroller. It pushes nicely, doesn’t wobble, and the rear-wheel suspension technology provides a smooth ride. The stroller can also be used on rougher terrain by locking the front wheels.

In terms of compatibility, the stroller can be used with Nuna car seats that easily insert into the bumper bar. However, if you have a different car seat brand, you cannot use it with the Nuna TRVL™ stroller as it doesn’t have adapters for other car seats.

Despite the comfortable seat and the in-built footrest, one significant drawback of the Nuna TRVL™ stroller is the seat height when reclined. While it partially reclines, the seat backrest is only 15” which is comparatively very short. This limitation may make the stroller unsuitable for napping as the child grows.

The storage basket is a strong feature. It’s large, easily accessible, and securely holds a significant amount of items. The seat compartment and canopy are comfortable and come with the added feature of a large ventilation panel at the back, enhancing breathability. However, the no-rethread 5-point harness could be cumbersome to put together when the toddler is unsettled.

Lastly, it’s essential to be aware that the TRVL comes only with a travel bag, and extras like a rain cover are sold separately. Despite the luxury feel and easy folding feature, the stroller falls short on compatibility with other car seats and comfort during reclining for growing toddlers. The Nuna stroller has a hefty price tag and other cheaper travel stroller options might offer more practical features.

Strollers that Fit in An Airplane Overhead Bin

I don’t consider the need to fit in an aircraft overhead compartment to be the most important criterion for a travel stroller, even for air travel.

Checking the stroller at the gate, even though it sometimes requires some wait time to pick up the stroller after the flight, is usually a much better option. Here’s why:

• When I have kids along there are already too many things to carry onboard.
• For many airlines, the stroller counts as a carry-on bag or hand luggage, which means if I take the stroller I have to check another bag or limit myself further.
• The strollers are too wide to be pushed down the aisle of the aircraft, so they must be folded and carried which ties up my already busy hands.

If you are checking other luggage, checking your stroller at the ticket counter is one less thing you have to take through TSA security. Of course, then you don’t have a stroller to put your baby in while at the airport. Pick your poison.

However, if you want to carry your stroller on board the airplane, here are the best options with some pros and cons for each.

Babyzen YoYo²

Luxury, highly maneuverable, small folded size, difficult to fold

Renowned for its compact folding size, the Babyzen YoYo2 fits comfortably as an aircraft carry-on and can be conveniently stowed in many overhead compartments. Despite its travel-friendly dimensions of 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches, it’s recommended to verify specific airline carry-on stroller policies. Most domestic, U.S. airlines permit up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches. 

We listed the Babyzen first because it has a higher score than the Cybex Libelle and gb Pockit+, but the Babyzen’s folded size is slightly larger than those strollers.

Weighing in at 13.6 lbs, the YoYo2 isn’t the lightest stroller in the group but still maintains an easy, light feel during active usage. Its excellent maneuverability and relatively effortless curb-jumping capabilities make it a superb travel stroller, although it’s not designed for rough off-road conditions. Wheel vibrations on this model may be slightly more noticeable than on other lightweight strollers.

Its storage basket is .47 cubic feet (quite small) and accommodates up to 11 lbs, which is typical for travel strollers. It is accessible from the front however, two bars obstruct the placement of larger items.

Additional storage is provided via a zippered pocket, ideal for essentials such as wipes, car keys, and cell phones. Regrettably, it lacks a parent console or cup holders; these and other accessories can be purchased separately.

The stroller comes with a comfortable carry strap, allowing easy transportation over your shoulder when folded. The canopy features a small plastic peekaboo window which reflects the sun making it difficult to see through.

Its synthetic leather handle cover is robust and comfortable, and includes a safety strap to prevent the stroller from rolling away. The handle is not height adjustable, but it measures a comfortable 40″ high. The solidly built canopy offers lesser sun protection than many due to its limited extension.

Setting up the Babyzen YoYo2 took approximately 15 minutes, longer than any other stroller tested. This included assembling the separate YoYo base, frame, and the “6+ Color Pack” that contains the seat and canopy. Our assembly manual rating is 6 out of 10, as the diagrams provided were only satisfactory, and the instructions were separate from the pictures.

The seat recline mechanism involves pulling two straps apart and back together. While it isn’t overly complex, other strollers offer more straightforward mechanisms. The seat buckle is easy to operate, and the shoulder harness straps are adjustable as your child grows.

Operating the brakes is a breeze thanks to a single comfortable pedal. This design is preferable to dual-pedal systems. The carry strap conveniently sticks out of the travel bag. While the bag is easy to carry and keeps dirt off the stroller, it is thin and won’t protect the stroller when it is thrown around.

The Babyzen YoYo2 comes in several attractive colors and has an optional car seat adapter compatible with certain infant car seat models.

Its folding mechanism was found slightly disappointing, requiring two hands and several steps. The process gets simpler with practice but still takes approximately 6 seconds to fold and 4 seconds to open.

When it comes to child comfort, the YoYo2 offers a well-padded seat and leans back farther than most in its upright position. The seat doesn’t recline as much as other strollers in its reclined position. While it doesn’t offer mesh ventilation, the small canopy doesn’t obstruct much wind. The stroller does not come with cup holders or a snack tray, but they can be purchased separately. Additional accessories are also available, albeit at a rather high price point.

On the downside, the YoYo2 scored below average in our ride vibration and bumpiness tests. However, in terms of quality and safety, it feels sturdy with plush fabric. The folding mechanism is robust and less prone to mechanical issues. The durable rubber wheels, equipped with front spring suspension and rear frame suspension, enhance the stroller’s performance.

Despite its lightweight frame, the YoYo2 is remarkably solid and durable. During tip-over tests, it tipped over with a 12 lb bag on the handle and more easily tipped sideways while empty than most other strollers. This stroller had more potential pinch points than many others we tested.

Cybex Libelle

Compact fold, lightweight stroller with a smooth ride

The Cybex Libelle is an upgraded version of the gb Pockit+ all-terrain stroller. Both brands are owned by the same company.

The Libelle challenges other lightweight strollers in terms of weight and compactness. Weighing a mere 13.7 lbs and occupying just 1.07 cubic feet when folded, with dimensions of 18.9 x 12.6 x 7.8 inches, it conveniently fits into overhead compartments on planes, trains, and buses.

There are numerous joints in the frame that allow the stroller to be folded into a small unit, but those joints make the frame of the stroller flex substantially. Sometimes if feels like its going to break when making simple turns although that hasn’t happened to us, it feels like it will.

The gb Pockit+ folds to a smaller size but takes more effort and coordination to make the fold happen.

When it comes to steering and maneuverability, the Cybex Libelle performs adequately on smooth terrains. Its frame showcases slight flex when cornering, yet the wheels respond swiftly. However, encountering bumps or cracks poses a challenge and its performance on uneven terrain is unremarkable, which is a common issue among lightweight strollers.

We gauged the effort to mount a curb with a fully-loaded stroller; the Libelle required an average force of 11 kg. Despite the minimal shake in its wheels which facilitated in noise tests, it has a tendency to veer sideways, and lacks front wheel locks for adjustment. Consequently, its overall steering and maneuverability rating is mediocre.

In terms of utility, the Libelle’s storage basket, while not large at 0.50 cubic feet, is more accessible than most, albeit small. Capable of holding up to 11 pounds, the basket’s central bar placement is, regrettably, inconvenient. Additionally, the stroller lacks any other storage spaces, including cup holders. As for the handlebar, covered in simple foam, the height is fixed at 39 inches, potentially uncomfortable for taller individuals.

The brake, a single pedal at the back center, engages when stepped on from the left and releases from the right, simultaneously affecting both wheels. Its operation is effortless and gentle on the feet. The harness clips are easy to fasten and release with appropriate pressure, but adjusting the straps can be challenging.

The recline mechanism necessitates two hands for inclining and one for reclining, though it doesn’t offer a significant recline angle. The stroller comes with car seat adapters compatible with any Cybex infant car seat, enabling usage as a travel system. However, the stroller seat needs to be removed prior to mounting a car seat.

When it comes to folding and transport, the Libelle’s compactness shines as it folds down to 1.1 cubic feet, making it one of the smallest folding strollers available. The folding process requires two hands and care should be taken not to pull the latch instead of the frame when carrying. Unfortunately, it lacks a carry strap.

Regarding comfort, the Cybex Libelle excelled in our vibration and bumpiness tests, though its seat design has drawn complaints about slouching and discomfort. The padding is adequately thick and extends beyond the knee bend area down to the calves. The seat is inclined at 62 degrees in its upright position, but it may be uncomfortable for larger children. 

In our quality and safety assessment, the Libelle scored 8 out of 10 in our pinch-point tests. Most of the pinch points we identified were related to the folding process, emphasizing the need to keep children away while folding. 

The Cybex Libelle showcases high-quality parts and materials that have proven durable. Features such as the folding mechanism, brake pedal, and canopy hinges function consistently well. The stroller comes equipped with front wheels with spring suspension, EVA foam treads, and sturdy wheel assemblies.

gb Pockit+ All-Terrain

Compact travel stroller, difficult to fold, not particulraly kid or parent friendly

The gb Pockit+ All-Terrain stroller tips the scales at 12.3 lbs and when folded, has a volume of 1.01 cubic feet. We measured its folded dimensions to be 16.5 x 13.4 x 7.9 inches which is smaller than the Cybex Libelle’s 18.9 x 12.6 x 7.8 inches. It will fit in every overhead bin that we are aware of, although some airlines have additional restrictions beyond dimensions.

Its nimble steering and maneuverability are commendable, however, the frame’s flexibility may create an illusion of breakability, especially when negotiating sharp turns with a full load. Despite this, the Pockit+ posted a respectable score for Ease of Steering.

Advertised as an “all-terrain” stroller, it falls short in handling anything other than flat surfaces. Its small wheels tend to swivel and jam, while its frame lacks the rigidity to navigate obstacles. Its performance in rough terrain tests was disappointing. This isn’t a problem in airports, but may limit where you can go as tourists.

It has the lowest score in the group for wheel vibration. In our veering tendency tests, the Pockit+ fell slightly below average. Notably, it has front wheel locks to keep from veering on long, straight walks. Taking into account all these factors, its Overall Steering and Maneuverability Rating was unimpressive.

The Pockit’s compact design naturally limits storage space. Its basket can hold up to .35 cubic feet, roughly equivalent to two bread loaves. Access to this basket can be challenging and despite its 11-pound rating, it’s unlikely to hold this much. Regrettably, there’s no additional storage, including parent cup holders or a compartment for small items.

Its sunshade lacks a peekaboo window but offers a minor gap between the shade and the seat back for partial visibility. This, however, does let in light.

The non-adjustable, foam-padded handles are placed at a height of 38 inches, posing difficulties for taller individuals. These handles tend to wobble and flex while making turns.

The harness buckle is simple to use, featuring two clips and a one-thumb release. Adjusting the harness entails sliding clips along straps behind the shoulder harnesses, which can be a bit challenging but quicker than rethreading.

Its brakes operate both rear wheels with a single pedal located on the right rear wheel, which is small and can be hard to engage with your foot. Releasing the brake pedal is uncomfortable with uncovered feet.

The gb Pockit is compatible with Cybex infant car seats using provided car seat adapters.

Reclining the seat back involves a one-hand operation: unzip the zipper below the handlebar, press the button on the recline clip, pull down and release the strap. Raising the seat requires two hands: holding the recline strap while pushing up the recline clip.

In our folding demonstration video for the gb Pockit+, we showcase an easy fold method resulting in a marginally larger fold size. Achieving the smallest fold size involves extra steps, including raising the rear wheels and aligning them before compressing the whole stroller.

The Pockit+ folding process requires two hands and a bit of patience. On average, the larger fold takes around 6 seconds while the more compact fold takes an additional 6 seconds, granted everything runs smoothly. Often it takes much longer to get the wheels aligned properly for the fold.

While the gb Pockit+ All-Terrain stroller does not excel in certain areas, it’s one of the top contenders for a small and lightweight option. If your main priorities are travel and commuting with the occasional mild outdoor usage, the gb Pockit+ All-Terrain could be a decent choice.

Why You Should Trust Us

Being a U.S. native but having lived in Africa and Asia for 11 years, and traveled for work and pleasure all over Europe, with numerous visits to Central America, and a couple to South America, with and without kids, I have a great deal of experience in airports and airplanes.

My wife and I founded ExperiencedMommy.com and now KidTravel.org and have collectively reviewed more than 111 strollers over the past six years. We own 20 lightweight strollers and use them with our grandkids as well as farming them out for additional experience and feedback.

In the research process, we looked at  stroller safety issues ,  recall notices , studied certification standards , and performed our own safety checks like tip-over and pinch-point testing.

Price vs Performance

Note that the Nuna TRVL and Zoe Traveler are missing from the chart below because we haven’t tested them yet. The Nuna TRVL is high priced at $500 while the Zoe Traveler currently sells for half that at $249. 

How They Compare by Category

Weight and folded size.

The strollers we recommend above vary in weight from 12 to almost 17 lbs. In practice you may not be able to tell much difference but every pound counts when you travel! The folded size is also similar enough that it shouldn’t be too big of a factor unless you absolutely need to be able to carry it on a plane.

Folded Size

Folded Dimensions

Most U.S. domestic airlines use a 22 x 14 x 9 inch maximum dimension guideline for carry-on eligible bags and strollers for overhead compartments. Many international carriers accept larger sizes or use a weight criterion or total dimension standard where the sum of the height, width and depth must total less than a maximum number specified in their policy.

Getting into Disney World with any of the strollers in this article is not a problem. And they all fit easily into the trunks of even small cars.

Storage and Ease of Use Comparison

Stroller storage space is always important but especially valuable when on vacation. Here are how the baskets compare for the strollers for airplane travel we recommend above.

Of the three the Joolz Aer basket in the center below is the smallest, at least from the back.

But most of these strollers have front access to the basket as well and the Joolz and Bugaboo have large front openings. In an airport when you are sitting facing your baby it is nice to be able to get to the basket from the front.

Overall the Butterfly and Tour+ have the most usable basket space of the three.

This next group of strollers fold to a smaller size and not surprisingly have smaller baskets overall. 

In the front view you can see that the gb Pockit has little front access, and the basket of the YoYo is blocked by two metal bars that keep you from putting anything big in the basket. Unfortunately, the rear opening of the YoYo is also too small for many diaper bags.

While the volume of the baskets is a factor, the opening size can be just as important.

Storage Basket Volume:

In addition to the basket, several of the strollers have extra storage options. The Zoe comes with a parent console with two cup holders and several cubbies and pockets as shown below.

If you aren’t using the console, there is a small fabric pocket on the canopy that will hold a phone.

The Joolz Aer has a thin pocket on the back but it doesn’t hold very much.

The Butterfly, gb Pockit+ and Cybex Libelle have no additional compartments.

However, the YoYo has a fabric, zippered pocket:

Except for the gb Pockit and Libelle the other recommended strollers have a peekaboo window in the canopy for viewing your little one.

The handles on all of these strollers are non-adjustable and fixed at around 39″ high plus or minus an inch. There are very few strollers with adjustable handlebars that are also lightweight.

If you need a higher or lower handle consider the Ergobaby Metro+ which has an adjustable handle from 37.4″ to 41.3″. We did not buy and test the Metro+ because of its slightly lower customer reviews. It is about 18 lbs and has some very nice features for travel including a small fold size.

For taller and shorter parents, handle height can be important. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is the only stroller in the group with an adjustable handle. The rest are non-adjustable and with few exceptions are about 39 inches high.

How could we discuss Ease of Use without mentioning parent cup holders ? Few strollers come with them, but all of them have cup holders or parent consoles that can be purchased separately. This is a great parent organizer with a cup holder that will fit any stroller.

The Bugaboo Butterfly is the only stroller mentioned above with both a one-hand seat recline and one-hand seat raise action. The others take two hands for at least one of the steps. The Joolz has a zipper that goes all the way around the edge of the seat like a suitcase.

The Babyzen and Joolz Aer come with nice travel bags that include shoulder straps. Note that they are made of thin nylon and provide minimal protection of the stroller. Strollers that are checked or gate-checked will probably get some abuse. It’s not likely they will break badly enough to not be operational (although that could happen), but there can be damage to the handle or surfaces. Bags like this one offer more protection but they are one more thing to carry. Personally, I skip the bag.

Only a few travel strollers come with infant car seat adapters for mounting a car seat. 

Car Seat Adapter Included

Car Seat Compatability

In the Ease of Use category, we considered the brake operation, storage, recline operation, carry straps, handle height and adjustability, harness and buckle operation, and several other things. Here are the overall scores for Ease of Use:

Maneuverability

We did maneuverability testing on all the strollers to be able to compare them in a consistent way. This included steering through an obstacle course, pushing on rough trails and rough surfaces, measuring the force required to jump curbs, measuring how far strollers would go straight without drifting off a center line, measuring wheel vibration and several other tests. The Overall Maneuverability Scores  below incorporate all of those results:

Here are the ratings for basic steering and turning and flat surfaces. All the strollers did pretty well.  Steering Ratings:

When it came to rough surfaces, or consistently bumpy, like on brick or cobblestone streets, none of these strollers did great. You really need bigger wheels and better suspension for rough roads and off-roading. Lightweight, travel strollers just aren’t built for that. That said, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 and Besrey strollers did a little better than the others in this group.

The top three travel strollers, the Joolz Aer, Bugaboo Butterfly, and Zoe Tour+, all fold in two seconds and open in two or three. They can all be folded and opened with one hand. 

The Joolz and Bugaboo are all tri-fold strollers that collapse with the press of a release button or latch followed by squeezing the fold button on the handle. The Zoe is a bi-fold and collapses in one step by pulling the strap on the seat.

The more compact strollers, the gb Pockit+, Cybex Libelle, and Babyzen YoYo, require two hands, require multiple steps to fold and unfold, and take from 6 to 30 seconds to fold correctly. Of these three, the Libelle is the easiest.

Here’s what it looks like to fold 19 strollers in just over two minutes.

You can see the relative size of the strollers when folded below. All stand when folded, but most aren’t too stable, especially the Zoe. The YoYo, Libelle, and Pockit have a high probability of being accepted as carry-on bags for placement in aircraft overhead compartments.

The Tour+ won’t be accepted as a carry-on for most US domestic flights. And the Aer and Butterfly are hit and miss for domestic flights and a higher probability for international flights.

Here is how the strollers look with the 22 x 14 x 9 inch, standard airline baggage sizer. Some airlines allow for slightly larger bag sizes, but this is the most common standard.

Once folded here is how you carry the strollers:

All of them fit easily into a car trunk:

Kid Comfort

Comfort is key for strollers used on vacation, as they’ll be used a lot.

We first checked how smooth the ride is. Using a tool called an accelerometer, we measured the bumpiness kids might feel in the seat. We did this on a fairly smooth path with some purposely rough spots. A lower number means a smoother ride.

Results for Smoothness of Ride:

Strollers that do well for airline travel typically aren’t the strollers that are most comfortable for bigger kids. 

We assigned a “ Sized for Big Kids Rating ” based on manufacturer guidelines, seat depth, width, height, and distance to the ground.  

The top strollers on this list accommodate children up to 50 lbs. The Cybex Libelle claims to handle 55 lb kids but the measurements and our experience make us skeptical.

  Sized for Big Kids Rating:

Except for the Zoe Tour+ you’ll need to buy snack trays and cup holders for kids separately.

Our babies never liked reclining back too far when they were out and about unless it was nap time. Many strollers lean back at a steep angle even when they are fully upright. This is a complaint we have against some of the top strollers on our list.  Upright Seat Angle:

On the other end of the scale, when it is nap time you want a seat that will go back as far as possible. Here are the  Maximum Seat Recline Measurements:

Also important for napping are leg rests that can be raised. In addition to those below the Nuna TRVL and Zoe Traveler also have leg rests. One can be purchased for the YoYo

Sun protection is also important on vacation. Some of these strollers have very skimpy canopies and others have good coverage. Take a look below.

The Zoe canopy extends down to the belly bar. The Bugaboo also has good coverage, although some sun shines through the large peekaboo window up top.

The compact fold strollers have mostly pitiful sun shades. The Babyzen’s isn’t too bad but it is still smaller than the strollers above.

We measured the noise level of each of the strollers because noisy strollers drive me crazy. Here are the average decibel levels:

All things considered, here is how the strollers rank for  Overall Kid Comfort:

The quality of parts and materials is important for a travel stroller because of the wear and tear that always happens.

We examined the wheels, folding mechanisms, safety features, zippers, snaps and velcro, suspension and other quality factors and rated Overall Quality as follows:

Stroller Accessories for Travel

Sadly many strollers do not include the following basic accessories, which can be lifesavers on a trip.

Cup Holders

Here is a good universal cup holder that attaches to the stroller frame and can be used for both kid and parent cups.

Organizers or Consoles

We like this Momcozy parent organizer because of its many little places to store things and the built in cup holder. Velcro straps allow it to fit on all handlebars.

Rain Covers

Rain covers are optional but if you want to be super prepared here is a generic stroller rain cover. It is a good idea to check whether there is a rain cover made specifically for your stroller before you buy generic.

Stroller Fans

Stroller fans can add hours to your day when the weather is uncomfortably hot. There are many choices but here is a good one.

Stroller Boards

If you have a second child who is able to handle standing on a stroller board, make sure to check on the manufacturer’s website for one of these. This one isn’t perfect but is semi-universal. It is a lot simpler to have a stroller board than to lug around a double stroller if your kids’ ages are appropriate.

Alternative Strollers for Air Travel

Here are a few strollers that are good choices for travel that either didn’t score quite as high as the Joolz, Zoe, or Butterfly, or didn’t fold quite as compactly as the Pockit, Libelle, or Babyzen, and thus weren’t discussed above. 

Of these, the UPPAbaby MINU V2 is a very solid choice as well as the Besrey Gravity fold stroller based on overall performance.

The Besrey stroller surprised us with great scores in maneuverability, user-friendliness, and quality. It appeals to parents with features such as ample storage, an included cup holder, and a peekaboo window.

It has a reasonable weight for travel at 14.4 lbs. But its fold size is 2.9 cubic feet and 25.2 x 19.7 x 11.8 inches which is on the larger side.

Mirroring the aesthetics and feel of a high-end stroller, it nonetheless comes at a lower price. Despite these merits, it did fall short on ride smoothness compared to others and lacks side panels for sun protection.

Besrey Stroller Review

Like the Besrey, the MINU V2 has a high-end look and feel. It is super easy to fold and steer. And it is strong in the storage department.

However, from a travel perspective, it is a bit heavier than the top strollers at 16.9 lbs and has the largest folded dimensions of the group at 23 x 20.3 x 12.5 inches (3.3 cubic feet).

The downsides are a comparatively bumpy ride and a seat back that doesn’t attach well to the frame such that it tips backward and forward when it shouldn’t. 

UPPAbaby MINU V2 Review

The City Mini GT2 is a robust, 3-wheel, lightweight stroller that transports kids up to 65 lbs or 44 inches. It is 20 lbs and barely made our cutoff for lightweight strollers. It folds super easily, maneuvers well, has great quality, and good parent and kid comfort features. The basket is big but difficult to access. Double stroller version.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Review

The Quid is very lightweight at 13 lbs folds to a very reasonable 22 x 19 x 8 inches or 2.5 cubic feet. With these numbers it is definitely in the running for a solid travel stroller.

We also love its maneuverability and quality.

But it is lacking in the folding department where it requires two hands, and doesn’t score as high as many in kid comfort or parent ease of use.

Inglesina Quid Review

Finally, the City Tour 2 is also a decent choice for air travel at 14 lbs and 2.2 cubic feet folded. The folded dimensions are a little wider than we would like at 22 x 20 x 7 inches.

It excels at pushing and steering and is easy to fold.

 It scores well in kid comfort, ride smoothness, and noise. We wish it came with cup holders.

There is a Double stroller version available.

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Review

Strollers That Didn’t Make the Cut

Here are some strollers that are popular, but we didn’t buy and test because they had lower customer reviews than our cutoff limit. Some of these we do own but don’t recommend for travel for the reasons we list below. For example, we didn’t list any umbrella strollers because they are quite bulky when folded compared to other strollers we tested.

gb Pockit+ All City

Honestly the gb Pockit+ All City is right on the borderline for customer satisfaction and it has excellent specs for travel at 13.2 lbs with a very small fold size that is just slightly bigger than the Pockit+ but still able to fit in an overhead bin.

We may buy and test this one in the future. However, the gb and Cybex stroller we have didn’t perform well in any areas of our testing so we aren’t surprised the average reviews aren’t that high for this one.

Delta Children Clutch Compact Stroller

The  Delta Children Clutch has a similar frame style as the Pockit+ All City. It is also very lightweight and folds compactly. But it is also short in the customer review department and has limitations that make it unlikely to score well in most of our categories.

Mompush Lithe Lightweight Stroller

The  Mompush Lithe Lightweight Stroller is light but has weak customer reviews.

Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller

The  Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller also has less than perfect customer reviews although it has good specs for travel.

Silver Cross Jet 3 

The  Silver Cross Jet 3 stroller has even weaker reviews than those above.

Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller

I don’t know why people continue to tout the  Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller when the customer experience is largely underwhelming. 

• About the Blogger
• About the Globetrotters
• Community Groups
• Privacy Policy
• PR & Media Inquiries
• Guest Opportunities
• Giveaways & Offers

• Best Destinations
• Explore My City
• Australia & Oceania
• Middle East
• Pregnancy Travel
• Baby Travel
• Toddler Travel
• Tween & Teen Travel
• Theme Park Travel
• Travel Health
• Travel Photography
• Flying with Kids
• Beach Vacation
• Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
• Travel Toys
• Baby Travel Gear
• Toddler Travel Gear
• Outdoor Gear
• Airline Reviews
• Accommodation Reviews
• Attraction Reviews
• Book Reviews
• Travel Gifts
• Packing Lists
• Expat Life Blog
• Expat Money Matters
• Global Parenting Interviews
• Expat Entrepreneurs
• Family Life in Abu Dhabi
• Booking Tools

Product Reviews

5 absolute best lightweight & compact travel strollers for airplanes in 2024.

Take your stroller all the way to the plane door with these great compact models

One piece of essential baby kit that revolutionized for us between our first and third child is the travel compact stroller. Forget bulky 3-piece travel systems and clunky umbrella strollers; when you’re eyeing up regular travel with your tots, ultra-compact is the way to go.

You don’t have to give up on too many luxurious stroller features for an ultraconvenient way to travel with your kids – all the way to the plane! Yep, no need to gate-check these models as they count as carry-on and will fit in the overhead bin of (most) planes.

We’ve picked out our five favorite compact strollers for airplane travel and give you plenty of alternative value options to choose from too.

This post is part of our  tried and tested travel product reviews and recommendations  series

What to look for in a compact travel stroller, mountain buggy nano 2.

• Babyzen Yoyo2

gb Pockit + All City Lightweight Baby Stroller

Baby jogger city tour 2, bugaboo butterfly , and the rest: other ultra-compact strollers that work as airplane carry-on.

We’ve summarised the leading brands in an easy comparison table here, but read on below for more details to help you find the best travel stroller.

Best Compact Plane Strollers

Price Guidance – $ – under $200USD; $$ – $200-300USD; $$$ – over $300USD.

** Whilst we have listed these brands as overhead compartment compliant and capable of being used as carry-on luggae, please do check with your individual airlines. You will have no issue on wide-bodied, long-haul aircraft, but smaller domestic planes may have tighter restrictions and require you to check your stroller at the gate. Be prepared for this eventuality with either the supplied storage back or get yourself a generic gate check bag to keep your stroller safe. 

(If you’re brand new to the stroller game, I suggest you read this post first to understand better what you should be looking for in a travel stroller – there is no one size fits all!). 

Compact Travel Stroller Wheels

You will notice the big difference between the ultra-lightweight stroller models and what we’d call your everyday models is the wheel size.  To be so compact and convenient, wheels are not removable and tend to be hard rubber, 6″ wide or less.

You do lose some of the ride comfort and ability to glide over rough surfaces that you do get with bigger, traditional strollers, especially with pneumatic wheels. Check that the wheels still have good maneuverability and wheel suspension. Compact fold strollers are not purposefully designed to go off-road, but you still want a smooth enough ride on cobbled streets and uneven surfaces.

Compact Travel Stroller Height and Width

Another concern many parents have with a compact is that your taller toddler can quickly outgrow them.  Make sure they still have decent head clearance and bottom wiggling room. Smaller children can easily fit most models through to 4 years+, but larger children will struggle with this type of stroller, mostly on the seat width and depth.

Compact Travel Stroller Seated Position

Due to their design, compact brands are only designed for 6 months plus when you’re child can independently sit upright in a 5-point safety harness. It’s likely you still want your tot to be able to nap on the move though, so watch out as some cheaper models lack the recline function. 

It can add a little more bulk, but some sort of recline function is a necessary additional feature.

Compact Travel Stroller Suncover

Likewise, getting babies and toddlers to nap is easier when the sun is not glaring in their eyes.  Many of the brands we looked at had somewhat compromised on the adjustable canopy to get smaller and lighter, but we still think a large sun canopy is an essential travel feature not to compromise on.

Compact Travel Stroller Handlebar Height

None we have reviewed come with adjustable handles, so they may not suit extra-tall parents. That said, Mr Globetrotter is 6 foot and has had no issue with the Nano, and taller friends have used the Yoyo – the tallest we look at without complaint.

Compact Travel Stroller Folding Mechanism

The time-tested art of one-handed metal origami!  We’ve all been there, child on hip, bags dropping off our shoulders. Read the reviews, try it out in the shop; check that the folding mechanism really is as simple as they say it is!! Simply put, one-hand fold is an essential feature for air travel.

Compact Travel Stroller Basket Space

Compact size can mean compact everything.  We all know your diaper bag/day pack needs to go somewhere still, bottles, blankets, nursing cover, sling – you name it!  We have used our stroller organizer still on ones we’ve personally reviewed without issue, but still having good access to a decent-sized storage basket underneath is essential while traveling.

Lighter models are more susceptible to tipping, so be careful to hook larger bags of the handlebars. The manufacturers specifically warn you not to, but I know most will try anyway, at your peril!!

Compact Travel Stroller Storage Bag

Not all brands we reviewed included the travel bag and carrying straps.  Even though the stroller comes with you on the plane, I still much prefer to keep my stroller neatly packaged in its own bag when not in use on the plane – or in case overhead bins are full, flight attendants may still ask you to stow it.

Do You Need a Travel System?

Although we are reviewing these strollers for toddlers, we have noted for each brand when they come with a travel system, ie, with adaptors, the product can be used with a car seat attachment from newborn. 

See also our guide to COMPACT DOUBLE STROLLERS if you’re also planning for future needs with multiple children.

Value for money

Will this new stroller only be for your travel adventures a few times throughout the years, or are you looking to ditch your baby stroller and make this your everyday stroller?  Think about how much use you will get and therefore the amount you are willing to invest into yet more baby gear .

We promise you, if you are regular travelers this is one of the best investments you will make in those early years. 

Top 5 Best Travel Strollers Small Enough For The Overhead Locker on an Airplane

Let’s look at the best travel stroller brands in more detail:

The Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller was our first foray into compacts, and it quickly became our everyday stroller. Better known for making robust joggers and outdoorsy models, the Nano immediately exceeded our expectations with a comfortable, roomy ride, a good reclining seat, large sun canopy and easy access storage space.

You can see our full review of the Mountain Buggy Nano in action here .

The Nano also offers two newborn solutions, it has car seat adaptors so a capsule can be added in the full recline position, or alternatively, you can attach the Mountain Buggy Cocoon making it suitable from birth.

Are you seeing Double?

Mountain Buggy has branched out to offer a double in the compact Nano range. We cover this more in our review of Double Travel Strollers, but if you are curious, come and check out the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo here:

NB – technology hasn’t quite advanced enough for any brand of double stroller to be compact enough to fit on the airplane with you.

Babyzen Yoyo 2

Babyzen was one of the first movers in this market – and still remains one of the best and most trusted brands. The maneuverability of the latest model, the Yoyo 2 is brilliant, and the recline and storage space is great; taller parents prefer it due to the handle height.  Many parents now lean towards this product as their everyday stroller.

Yoyo 2 can also be used for newborns giving it extra versatility. Using the Yoyo newborn attachment set you can add any compatible car seat.

And as your family grows, they also offer a branded Babyzen stroller board for a toddler to travel seated at the back.

My only real issue with the Yoyo is the price tag’; is it THAT much better than the rest? Maybe.

gb have long maintained their title as the creator of THE most compact and lightest strollers for travel. The smallest and lightest of them all, the base model Pockit is a simple and cost effect solution (under $150 USD), but it has undoubtedly got its critics – ourselves included – with its severe limitations and lack of comfort features.

The Pockit Plus undoubtedly addressed some of these concerns, but the latest model, the gb Pockit All City is our current favorite. Design tweaks now give this ultra-compact stroller a generous SPF50+ sun canopy and a recline feature, without compromising too much on weight.

For those looking for a little bit more than just the basic features, consider the gb QBit+ All City Stroller . Weighing in at 17.6 lbs it’s a little heavier than other leading compact stollers, but does give the option of a bit more seat recline and canopy and has a a higher weight capacity up to 55 lbs, good for older children.

With adaptors, it can also be used from newborn, with a compatible infant car seat.

Note the Pockit brand doesn’t come with a travel bag like the others, you will need to purchase this separately if you want to store and carry the stroller. There are several generic brands that specifically market to the QB Pockit users seeing this gap from the manufacturer:

A brand we have used for years, perhaps better known for some of their hugely versatile double combinations, they also have an ultra-compact model suitable for the plane. The City Tour 2 is almost on par with the Nano as its closest comparison in size and weight, though it is a little narrower.

The City Tour 2 has replaced the original City Tour, and it’s definitely sleeker, slimmer folding, and a slightly wider seat. We also like that it comes with its own stroller bag for protection. But with these improvements, the price has also crept up. A nice addition is that with a pram bassinet attachment it can now be used from 3 months as a travel system.

Other compact options from Baby Jogger

Those looking for a little more flexibility in their Baby Jogger product (confession, we’ve owned 4 different types!) may prefer the City Tour LUX model. The LUX has a reversible seat and slightly larger dimensions meaning it can hold a slightly larger child. It’s definitely the superior model to the City Tour – but it comes with the corresponding price tag! The Lux is around 30% smaller than their best-selling City Select model.

This new kid on the compact stroller block is seriously impressive. As you’d expect from the leading luxury stroller, it comes with an eye-watering price tag, but it’s almost impeccable in terms of looks and function.

A step further than their original ‘light’ models, the Bugaboo Bee and Bugaboo Ant, this latest iteration is even lighter and has a great storage capacity as well as a generous child weight limit. Where it differs from the Bee is that you can’t adjust the handlebar height, your fixed at 40.3″ – a faction shorter than the Yoyo2.

A rain cover and seat liner are included, but you don’t get a carry bag, just a carry strap.

Yes, there are more! We first started our compact stroller reviews back in 2016 when the Yoyo was fresh on the market. We have seen more than a dozen stroller brands now follow suit trying to achieve that perfect balance between ultra compact size and functionality.

This review highlylights for you what we think are the top 5 best-selling brands that have stood the test of time, but many fabulous compact products are entering the market all the time that might be just right for you. You could also consider:

A newcomer we have not yet tested is the Silver Cross Jet Travel Stroller – check out this review though, for more on this snazzy new compact with quite a unique folding design.

We’re also curious about the Joolz Aer – a great review here – which comes in at the higher end of the price spectrum but looks ultra-sleek and can be adapted to use as a travel system from birth.

Over to you, do you have a favourite compact brand that has worked well for your family?  We’d love to hear the pros and cons of different brands you’ve tried.

Not quite ready to buy?  Bookmark this page in your browser or Pin it for Later

Looking for more handy travel products?  Check out all our handy buying guides before your next vacation:

• Coolest new travel gear for a family trip  – for travel with younger children, all our best recommendations on sleep products, strollers and car seats.
• Best lightweight & compact double strollers – growing with your family’s needs, best travel strollers for more than one child.
• Best double jogging strollers – for families who love outdoor adventures.
• What do you move to once your child starts outgrowing their stroller? Our guide to stroller alternatives for a 5-year-old+
• Complete guide to travel car seats – how to use a car seat on a plane and the best brands compared
• Getting cosy on the move – best kids travel pillows and seatbelt comforters.
• Are travel high chairs worth the investment? – leading portable highchair brands compared.
• Kids plane sleep devices – a comparison of the top brands and which airlines actually accept them.
• How to choose a gate check stroller bag   – still want to take your pride and joy or got a double stroller?  How to keep your stroller safe when its gate checked.
• Items that travel-loving parents-to-be will actually use   – Get clued-in on what to buy new parents that they will get a lot of practical use from for their baby.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we receive a commission. You can read our  full disclosure policy  here.

© Our Globetrotters

Like it? Share it!

3 thoughts on “ 5 Absolute Best Lightweight & Compact Travel Strollers for Airplanes in 2024 ”

Pingback: Plan the perfect Dubai Stopover · Dubai Travel Planner

Very helpful, thanks! Have you tried out the Gb Pockit+ All City?

No this wasn’t available when we first put the review together so not had the chance to have a push. It looks pretty sleek though.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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 7 Best Mineral Sunscreens

The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds

The Best Cheap Vacuum Cleaners Under $150

The 7 Best Matcha Powders

The Best At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices

The Best Innerspring Mattresses

The Best Cooling Pajamas

The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls

The Best Workout Apps

The Best Walmart Patio Furniture for Less

The Best Natural and Organic Sunscreens

FREE SHIPPING + RETURNS ON ORDERS $100+ *

Accessories By Stroller

Add-on seats.

LIFE'S A TRIP

Your travels just got easier, get the squeeze.

Be the first to hear about exclusive promotions, new arrivals, and more!

The Traveler

Accessorize your ride.

Free ground shipping (typically 2-5 business days once shipped) and free returns on any stroller purchase, so you can get strollin' without stress. Applicable to the continental US. Learn More →

Your kid might not have a return policy, but we sure do! We offer a 30-day trial period so you can test out Zoe products in the convenience and comfort of your own home. The goal of this policy is to let you test drive the stroller in your home and truly *feel* how awesome our products are. We know that sometimes you just need to see it for yourself and experience the ease, comfort, and simplicity of Zoe. Please be mindful of keeping items in new condition and avoid using strollers outdoors to ensure a full refund. 

•   What can I return?

Most Zoe products can be returned or exchanged within   30 days of purchase   for a full refund or credit of the purchase price.   Returned items must be in brand new condition, unused, unscratched, without wheel tread scuff marks, and with original tags and packaging.

•   What will be refunded, and when will I get my refund? 

While we do provide free return shipping, your original Ground, Express and/or Overnight shipping charges will not be refunded.

As long as everything you return is in perfect condition, you'll get a full refund for your purchase. 

On the crazy chance your item looks like it's been taken around the block (or across the country), a restocking fee of up to 50% may be applied. Examples of restocking fees include $25 for used wheels, $20 if not returned with all original packaging, $25 if item requires cleaning due to pet hair / peanut butter kid hands / etc. If your item cannot be accepted for a refund under the terms of our return policy even with a restocking fee, a member of our Customer Experience team will reach out to see if you would like the item shipped back to you, or if you would like to receive a partial store credit (we try to catch all of these during the returns approval process, but there are a few exceptions). 

Refunds will only be credited to the original form of payment, or issued as store credit.    If you choose to return a gift, please note the refund will be issued as store credit only.

Once your returned item is received and inspected, you will be notified via email. If approved, the refund request will be processed within 5 working days after approval. You will receive email notification of the refund when processed; however, it may take some time for this credit to appear on your credit card statement.

• How do I get started with my return?

We will provide a prepaid shipping label for returns that meet the requirements in our policy. 

You can start a return by clicking on the link below:

Request a Return or Exchange Authorization

Please note: If you ship a stroller back to us as a return, you assume the risk of shipping the stroller. If it is lost in transit or damaged upon arrival, we aren’t responsible for replacing the stroller, and will only award refunds based on the condition of the stroller that we receive.

• Are there any exceptions I should know about? 

We love our long-distance friends (and we'd love to come visit you, Hawaii moms), but unfortunately, we don't process Exchanges from locations outside the contiguous (mainland) United States including Hawaii, Alaska, or international addresses. Any orders that need to be exchanged from these areas must return for a refund, then re-purchase. 

Crazy coupon ladies & discount shoppers, this one's for you: please note that items purchased during significant sale events such as Warehouse Sales or Black Friday / Cyber Monday may not be eligible for returns. Be sure to check the terms of special discount offers before purchasing, as those items may be final sale. Gift cards are also non-refundable. 

The Traveler is fun ction forward – giving you all the essentials you need to get out there, together.

All the product details you could want (and then some).

Rest easy knowing your stroller is covered.

Zoe strollers are under warranty for 1 year-post purchase under normal use, and all accessories are covered for 6 months.

For all warranty details, see here.

Prefer to talk to a human? We'd love to chat with you about our warranty and answer any questions you may have. Contact Us!

Making memories in new places can get a little messy .

Thankfully, our strollers are easy to clean. With stain resistant fabrics, most spills are cleaned after using a warm, damp cloth cloth and air drying.

Each stroller has specific cleaning instructions on the tag. Avoid harsh chemicals, and spot clean with detergent to test before using across all fabric.

Want a little more protection? Check out our machine washable seat liners.

TRAVEL READY

LIGHTWEIGHT

DISNEY APPROVED

Product Details

Four Panel Expandable Canopy with UPF 50+ lining

140° recline

Adjustable foot rest

Durable, lightweight aluminum

Ball bearing wheels

Self standing with invisible belly bar

Easy one hand compact fold

Fits in Overhead Bins

No need to gate check (and risk damage) – with our most compact fold, it fits in overhead compartments.

Disney Approved

The Traveler meets all Disney requirements! It's roomy, lightweight, and perfect for the parks.

With a four-panel canopy and 140-degree recline, The Traveler makes for easy naps on the go so you can keep the adventures rolling.

Your new travel buddy

The compact, easy to maneuver frame is ready for any adventure big or small.

Your questions, answered

While both strollers offer a light-weight, compact design, each is designed with a primary need in mind. The Traveler is best if you find yourself traveling often — particularly airport travel. Its fold is slightly more compact and frame is smaller, allowing it to fit in all overhead bins. The Tour+ is slightly wider with a taller seat back, making it better for day to day use as your little grows and you more frequently need increased storage. The Tour+ also is compatible with our car seat adapter, all-terrain wheels, and an add-on seat — turning it into a Tandem+ for your growing family.

Yes, perfect for traveling - it will fit in airline overhead compartments.

Yes! You can get The Traveler sized snack tray here. It folds into the stroller just like the belly bar — keeping the stroller compact at all times.

We offer a 30-day trial period so you can test out Zoe products in the convenience and comfort of your own home. Think of it as our happiness guarantee. If we're not the right fit for you, we understand (but we're pretty confident you'll love it)! Please be mindful of keeping items in new condition and avoid using strollers outdoors to ensure a full refund. To see the full refund policy, click here. Zoe strollers are under warranty for 1 year-post purchase under normal use, and all accessories are covered for 6 months. For all warranty details, see here .

The Traveler is recommended for children 3 months and up, with a maximum child weight of 45 lbs.

All the essentials for wherever you're headed.

Customer Reviews

Best travel stroller 2024: lightweight buggies for holidays

The best travel strollers are lightweight, compact and easily maneuverable here are our top picks

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Best flexible option
• 3. Best lightweight option
• 4. Best adaptable option
• 5. Best compact option
• 6. Best small option
• 7. Best affordable option
• 8. Best comfortable option
• 9. How we test

Best travel strollers 2024: Jump Menu

00. T3's top 3 ↴ 01. Best overall : BABYZEN YOYO2 02. Best flexible option : Silver Cross Zest 03. Best lightweight option : Joie Aire Pact Lite 04. Best adaptable option : Silver Cross Jet 05. Best compact option : Ickle Bubba Globe Ultra Compact 06. Best small option : GB Pockit+ Stroller 07. Best affordable option : Red Kite Baby Push Me 2U 08. Best comfortable option : Chicco Echo 09. How we test

The best travel strollers are essential for long flights and trips away. If you’ve ever tried to cram a large pram into a car boot or stash a pushchair on a plane, you know exactly how important they are! Your child may only be in a pushchair for a few short years, but if you have one that’s heavy, awkward and cumbersome, it can feel like an eternity.

Whether you’re an aspiring jetsetter or simply like to have a buggy at the ready, a quality lightweight travel stroller that’s compact and easy to maneuver is a must (as well as one that’s comfortable for a baby or toddler…of course). Lightweight buggies come into their own for trips around town (when your child decides to walk you can push them one-handed), for journeys on public transport and of course, on holiday… especially if you’re flying or hiring a small car.

Of course, if you're planning on travelling soon you'll want to make sure you're using the  best suitcase or the best carry-on luggage , but for the best travel strollers, keep reading for our top picks to buy today.

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

The top three

The best overall travel stroller 

The BABYZEN YOYO2 is a lightweight pushchair perfect for frequent users, especially as it’s one of the more comfortable and study designs with lots of extras. 

Read more below

The best flexible travel stroller

The Silver Cross Zest folds into a long, thin shape, making it perhaps more preferable for driving holidays than flying…at least not for stashing in the cabin. Coming in at a diminutive 5.8kg, this stroller isn’t the cheapest, but we bet you’ll use it way beyond your holiday.

The best lightweight travel stroller

If you’re in the market for a lightweight holiday buggy or an extra for short trips around town, Joie’s Pact Lite ticks lots of boxes. At 5.5kg, it’s both physically and financially lightweight.

Best travel stroller 2024 ranking

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The best travel stroller overall

1. BABYZEN YOYO2

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The BABYZEN YOYO2 is a lightweight pushchair perfect for frequent users, as it’s one of the more comfortable and study designs with lots of extras. It weighs 6.2kg, which is pretty light, but more featherweight alternatives are out there. Designed for city living and everyday errands, it’s suitable for children from six months and up to a maximum weight of 22kg, is designed to by comfy, with a removable and washable seat pad and 5-point harness, 4-wheel suspension and multi-position reclining seat for dreamy naps. 

Parents will like that it’s one-hand folding, unfolding and driving capabilities, shoulder strap and shopping basket and for holiday makers, this one comes with a UPF 50+ sun protection canopy and fits into most overhead plane storage when folded (H52 x W44 x D18cm).

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Silver Cross Zest

The Silver Cross Zest folds into a long, thin shape, making it perhaps more preferable for driving holidays than flying…at least not for stashing in the cabin. Unlike some travel buggies, this one if built to last, including accommodating toddlers up to 25kg, who can get incredibly tired and grumpy about walking anywhere. The seat is padded but roomy and reclinable in a few positions, and there’s a 5-point safety harness as you would expect. A fully extendable ventilated UPF50+ hood, rain cover and basket has got you covered in all conditions, while the aluminium chassis helps the Zest weigh in at a diminutive 5.8kg. This stroller isn’t the cheapest, but we bet you’ll use it way beyond your holiday.

3. Joie Aire Pact Lite

If you’re in the market for a lightweight holiday buggy or an extra for short trips around town, Joie’s Pact Lite ticks lots of boxes. The forward-facing pushchair has a flat reclining seat that can be used from birth (technically) but lots of parents like parent-facing buggies at the beginning. That aside, the buggy reclines flat and has other reclining positions to keep napping youngsters comfy, and has an extendable canopy with visor for protection from the elements as well as all-wheel suspension. The Pact Lite is Joie's easiest, quickest and most compact folding chassis and comes with a carry strap for easy travelling. One handed fold, it’s designed to be free standing for easy storage – a godsend if you have a small hallway or use public transport. And at 5.5kg it’s both physically and financially lightweight.

The best adaptable travel stroller

4. Silver Cross Jet

The Jet ultra-compact stroller weighs in at 5.9kg and folds small enough to be a piece of cabin luggage at 90cm x 45cm x 96cm and can even be wheeled along like a little suitcase. It has an ergonomic seat for better baby comfort, with wider front wheels and improved suspension providing the best ride yet. The standout design features softly textured weave fabrics, with a tan leatherette handle and bumper bar and stylish matt black chassis. Suitable from birth up to 15kg, Jet has a soft padded lie-flat seat, multi-position recline and adjustable calf support to keep babies and toddlers comfortable, as well as a fully extendable UPF50+ hood with an air-flow ventilation system and pop-out sun visor to keep them cool and safe. The flip-flop-friendly brakes are easy to use, while the lockable front swivel wheels and suspension provide a smooth ride for baby. It’s not the cheapest option for a short holiday, but with so many features it would be handy option for short trips at home too.

The best compact travel stroller

5. Ickle Bubba Globe Ultra Compact Travel Stroller

Ickle Bubba’s Globe is designed for tiny travellers who like first class touches, like leatherette handles and an adjustable leg rest. Weighing in at 6.4kg and costing not-too-much, it’s a good middle-of-the-road package an folds to a dinky 45 x 55 x 25cm, making it easy to stash in overhead lockers on planes and trains. Like other offerings, the stroller is travel system compatible (meaning you can buy into the brand), and it has lots of room for holiday souvenirs, with a storage basket and handy pouch for essential items. A hood viewing window means you can keep an eye on your little one without disturbing them, while a full length protective rain over has got you covered for all weather scenarios. There’s a one handed 3 position seat recline feature and front and rear suspension for a smoother ride for toddlers, as well as a large extendable UPF 50 hood to protect from harmful sun rays and ventilated roll up fabrics to keep them cool, making the stroller a great choice is you’re holidaying somewhere sunny.

The best small travel stroller

6. GB Pockit+ Stroller

If you’re after a lightweight stroller, why not choose the most compact out there? The lightweight gb Gold Pockit+ is the world's smallest folding stroller, which in only two steps can fold into a 34 x 20 x 42 cm handbag-shaped package. With the ability to switch from pushing to carrying in seconds, the Pockit is travel stroller perfect for places with lots of steps, or can be easily stashed on a boat, bus, or the corner of an atmospheric café, plus it’s free-standing. Despite its size, the buggy is suitable for kids from 6 months to 17kg (approx. 4 years). It’s well priced, but you’ll need to buy extras like a sub shield or rain cover.

The best affordable travel stroller

7. Red Kite Baby Push Me 2U

If you only want a buggy for one holiday you don’t want to spend much, this is where Red Kite’s Baby Push Me 2U stroller comes in. It’s cheaper than a round of all-day breakfasts at the airport and has a surprising number of handy features despite its bargain status. Suitable from 6 months, the buggy offers two positions to sit or lie back, lockable swivel wheels and a removable canopy which is handy if you’re going somewhere sunny. There’s also a shopping basket and rain cover for all eventualities. At 5.6kg the buggy isn’t the lightest out there, but it does boast an extra deep seat, which is brilliant for older babies and toddlers who fancy a break from all that arduous walking.

The best comfortable travel stroller

8. Chicco Echo

Chicco is a trusted brand and its Echo stroller offers plenty of comfort and decent looks for less than £70/$100. Compared to other budget options, this buggy shows attention to detail, with an embroidered seat and ritzy wheels as well as a fully reclining backrest with four options and an adjustable leg rest to make sure your bundle of joy is comfortable. At 8.5kg this stroller isn’t the lightest of travel buggies, but it is one of the better-looking options. Suitable from birth to 22kgs, and is very affordable, giving it longevity and plenty of bang for its buck.

How we test

There are more lightweight and compact buggies than ever that are designed to make navigating customs (and most important Duty-Free) a breeze, while being easy to fold and stow in the hold, or even squeezed into the overhead lockers, without breaking into the sort of sweat you’d expect from an adventure holiday somewhere on the equator. 

Unfortunately, we can't always take every single one on holiday to see how they perform (unless someone wants to start a GoFundMe for us and this vital research), but we can test them out in more everyday situations.

We'll test these travel strollers on trips to the supermarket, shopping centre, and city centres, some of the most demanding and stressful locations known to parenthood. This, of course, involves taking the strollers on trains, buses and cars, so it does give us a great idea of how they perform. We'll also check if they're easy to fold, if they're comfortable for baby, and how practical they are.

How to choose the best travel strollers

Weight vs comfort: Like sports cars, some pushchairs are as light as possible at the cost of creature comforts and one that’s super stripped-back may not suit everyone. So consider how much padding your little one likes (especially if they’re a light sleeper) as well as features like whether the pushchair is parent or world-facing (not all buggies are both) and whether they have multiple reclining positions. If your child likes a little nap on the go, you will not want a buggy that doesn’t recline!

Age: It sounds obvious, but it’s important to consider whether lightweight buggies are suitable for the age of your baby. Some with less padding are only designed for babies aged six months or one or over, for example.

The weather: If you’re buying a light buggy for use in the UK, you’re going to want a rain cover and a sun cover (well, if you’re feeling optimistic). Not all buggies, especially the lightweight ones, come with rain covers, and they can cost quite a lot, so it’s worth noticing whether they come fitted as standard when budgeting. Similarly, the very lightest designs can sometimes have no hood or sun canopy, or one that’s incredibly small. So if you’re shopping for a light buggy for a holiday in the sun, this is a factor that you’ll want to look at carefully. 

Parental extras: Lightweight buggies seldom come with extras like cup holders but you might want to check the size and sturdiness of a buggy’s shopping basket as this can be a curse or saviour if you use a buggy frequently. 

Size: As well as being light, some buggies are designed to fold up incredibly small. This is great if you’re a frequent flier, use public transport or have a small car, but this feature can make some models more expensive, so if you’re not bothered, you might want to pass. Similarly, folding mechanisms vary massively, and you need to find one that’s easy for you and suitable for your needs. If you can, we recommend trying before you buy.

Vanity: Like with cars, sometimes looks matter almost as much as practicality. Some buggies look better than others and come in a rainbow of colours. So whether you want a fun one for a holiday vibe or have a favourite colour, you may as well pick one you like the look of as you’ll probably be using it a lot.

Get the T3 newsletter!

All the best features, news, tips and great deals to help you live a better life through technology

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

• Sarah Griffiths
• Bethan Girdler-Maslen Home Editor

Tracksmith’s Olmsted Pack is more than just a backpack; it’s the perfect commuter companion

By Matt Kollat Published 29 April 24

With the right pair of headphones, your run can be a harmonious adventure instead of a comedy of errors

The best travel backpacks for everything from weekends away and business trips to backpacking and hiking

By Jamie Carter Last updated 20 December 23

Whether you’re travelling, commuting or in the office, the best power banks keep your smartphone, laptop and everything recharged and ready to use

By Jamie Carter Last updated 15 March 24

T3’s roundup of the best underwater cameras available to buy right now

By Amy Davies Last updated 2 January 24

These are the best travel tripods – compact and lightweight enough to squeeze into a backpack, suitcase or even a pocket

By Jamie Carter Last updated 2 January 24

The best electric scooter can make getting around more fun

By Matt Kollat Last updated 25 January 24

Easy to use and difficult to break – choose the best camera for kids with our handy guide

By Gavin Stoker Last updated 29 February 24

It's time to grab a pair of the best headphones for travel, for long flights, train journeys, and car rides

By Spencer Hart Last updated 2 January 24

Attempting travel with a baby? The best travel cot will make sure you’re suitably armed, and they’re suitably snuggly

By Spencer Hart Last updated 4 January 23

Useful links

• When is the next Prime Day?
• Best 5G phones
• Best VPN services
• Best laptops
• Best smartphones
• Best mattresses
• Best phone deals
• Best mattress deals
• Best TV deals
• Discount codes

• Mattress Toppers
• Sheets & Bedding
• Sleep Products
• Cleaning & Laundry
• Heating & Cooling
• Home Office
• Kitchen & Dining
• Storage & Organization
• Wine & Bar
• Accessories
• Handbags & Purses
• Lingerie & Sleepwear
• Outdoor & Fitness Apparel
• Kids Clothes & Accessories
• Pregnancy & Postpartum
• Toys & Books
• Apparel & Accessories
• Camping & Hiking
• Fishing & Hunting
• Tennis & Racket Sports
• Tools & Tech
• Training & Recovery
• Water Sports
• Winter Sports
• Personal Products
• Wellness & Self Care
• Computers, Tablets & Accessories
• Online Tools
• Smart Home Devices
• Smartphones, Smartwatches & Accessories
• Hotels & Lodging
• Travel Products
• Father's Day
• Mother's Day
• Valentine's Day
• Amazon Prime Day
• Beauty & Grooming
• Tech & Electronics
• Travel Deals
• Mattress & Sleep

The 7 Best Travel Strollers Tested To Stroll Easier And Fold Faster

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Whether your travels take you to another continent or along the highway to visit grandma, packing one the best travel strollers is sure to make your family vacation a bit smoother. After testing 15 of the best travel strollers (and considering many more contenders), I found the Joolz Aer+ to be the best travel stroller overall thanks to its extra-lightweight construction, effortless fold and top-notch quality. The Colugo Compact Stroller is the best value option, because it packs in many higher-end features at a more affordable price. The all-in-one Doona Car Seat and Stroller is the best travel system, and the Cybex Coya is the best travel stroller for infants.

The best travel strollers ensure easier journeys for families with little kids, because they fold in ... [+] seconds, lift with ease and stroll smoothly.

Whether you’re looking for something lightweight, car seat friendly or overhead-bin compliant, chances are I’ve tested it over the past many months. Three more travel strollers tested well: The Silver Cross Jet 3 is the best travel stroller for airplanes, in part because of its extra-compact fold, and the Nuna TRVL is the best travel stroller most suitable for everyday use. Finally, the Babyzen YoYo2 is the best customizable travel stroller given the number of seat configurations and add-ons it offers.

The following is a list of all the winning strollers from my testing process:

• Best Travel Stroller Overall: Joolz Aer+
• Best Value Travel Stroller : Colugo Compact Stroller
• Best Travel System Stroller: Doona Infant Car Seat And Stroller
• Best Travel Stroller For Everyday Use: Nuna TRVL
• Best Travel Stroller For Airplanes: Silver Cross Jet 4
• Best Customizable Travel Stroller: Babyzen YoYo2 Stroller
• Best Travel Stroller For Infants: Cybex Coya

Best Travel Stroller Overall

The one that does it all: lightweight, compact, one-handed fold.

Weight: 13.2 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes (Nuna, Cybex, Clek and more) | Folded dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Warranty: 10 years

• Parents who want a very lightweight and compact travel stroller 
• Fans of the one-handed fold and effortless one-handed maneuvering
• Parents looking for a great-quality, smooth stroller
• You’re in need of something more budget-friendly
• You need more storage basket space 

The Smoothest And Easiest Of Strolls

It became abundantly clear in the testing process that while several competitors came close to matching the excellence of the Joolz Aer+ , this is simply the best travel stroller on the market today. Not only is it one of the lightest travel strollers available, at 13.2 pounds, but it offers a seamless one-handed, 1-second fold—and it can stroll down airplane aisles if you desire, before being folded into the overhead bin. It’s compatible with several popular car seat manufacturers, so parents can easily create a full travel system or attach the brand’s stroller bassinet to make it infant-friendly. It also felt extremely high-quality (and is made from recycled materials) when assembling and while in use, and I found it exceptionally user-friendly, as did my spouse, who has less familiarity with the mechanics of strollers.

The Joolz Aer+ bested the competition by offering all the best features of travel strollers in one ... [+] gorgeous package.

From the first push, the Joolz Aer+ felt smooth—and better than its similarly lightweight competitors. No matter the surface I pushed it over, the steering remained intact, and I could easily manage a one-handed push. It handled tight turns effortlessly and was easy to maneuver while also pulling a suitcase or while charging down the makeshift “airplane aisles” in my testing process. The one-handed, 1-second fold was so seamless that I could imagine wheeling it down an airplane aisle, setting my child down, folding it and placing it in the airplane bin overhead without aggravating fellow passengers or causing myself stress. While I wouldn’t necessarily take it on a hiking trail, this travel stroller is the ultimate option for the airport, and also useful once you get to your destination.

All The Extras

The Joolz Aer+ comes with all the best extras available in today’s travel strollers, but with thoughtful additions that really solidified its place as the best. For one, when folded, the stroller stands by itself and automatically locks in place, so if you pick it up and carry it by the travel strap it truly stays folded. The UPF 50+ canopy extends about to a toddler’s trunk, and the extra-long 21.7-inch backrest and the ultra-cushioned seat make it a comfortable option for taller or older children. It also comes with a rain cover, travel bag and extra-long canopy that offers ventilation when unzipped to extend. While it would be ideal to have a full-flat recline, the recline on the Joolz Aer+ is 33 degrees, making it useful for toddler naps.

The Joolz Aer+ folds up to 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches, which is compliant with almost all airline overhead bin sizes. The high-quality material, which I was delighted to learn is made from recycled plastic, is easily apparent, and I could see this faring well over time. It helps that Joolz offers a 10-year warranty. There’s also a bassinet attachment available to make it newborn-ready beyond the car seat. The undercarriage basket may be too compact for some families, but all things considered, the Aer+ seems appropriate for everyday use as well as for travel. (Read my full review of the Joolz Aer+ here .)

Best Value Travel Stroller

A high-quality stroller for $150 less than the top pick, colugo compact stroller.

Weight: 16 pounds | Car seat compatible: No | Folded dimensions: 24 x 17 x 10 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 55 pounds | Warranty : 2 years

• Parents looking for a high-quality but less expensive travel stroller
• Those in need of a lightweight, plane-friendly option 
• Toddler parents
• You need something for an infant or require car seat compatibility

Exceptionally Easy To Use, Fold And Stroll With

The Colugo Compact Stroller is, as the name suggests, compact and folds down to a comfortable-to-carry 24 x 17 x 10 inches. It fits in most overhead bins and is narrow enough to fit on 17- to 19-inch airplane aisles, yet remains sturdy with smooth strolling once you hit the pavement at your destination. It performed exceptionally well when tested, folded with one hand in 1.5 seconds with no practice necessary and unfolded in 2 seconds with a slight lag due to needing to give it a little shake to snap into place when in the full upright position. The padded carry strap sat nicely on my shoulder, but the stroller also comes with a useful carrying backpack if you’d prefer to gate-check it. It required zero assembly upon arrival and also included a nice rain cover package and cup holder. Many other options require you to purchase these items separately, so that was a nice surprise.

The Colugo stroller surprised me with its easy-to-use features, comfort for toddlers and ability to ... [+] fit right onto airplanes.

Ideal Comfort For Toddlers

Another strong point of the Colugo Compact is that it offers a long seat, footrest and (parents of on-the-go nappers, rejoice) a near-flat recline, all of which makes this an exceptionally comfortable ride, especially for older babies and toddlers. The recline system is admittedly unique, and it takes a couple of steps to engage the full recline. But there’s a fabric cover on the back of the stroller that can be rolled down to expose mesh sides, which creates a ventilated nap area. Comfort is key with this option, as it provides an extra-padded harness with magnetic closure and a seat made from memory foam that can be removed and machine-washed. It’s also JPMA-certified, which is always an added layer of comfort to me as a parent.

Two downsides are that the undercarriage basket is a bit narrow (but still quite deep), and the stroller is not compatible with any car seats or travel systems, so it can only be used from 6 months of age but then up to 55 pounds, which is around 4 to 6-years-old, depending on your child. Furthermore, the UPF 50+ waterproof canopy doesn’t extend as low as some other budget-friendly options, like the Zoe Traveler , which I also tested, and it requires a two-handed adjustment. As a whole, however, the Colugo Compact is a more affordable, high-quality travel stroller option that can be used on the road or around your neighborhood. (Read my in-depth review of the Colugo stroller here.)

Best Travel System Stroller

An all-in-one pick for easier transfer, doona infant car seat and stroller.

Weight: 17.2 pounds | Car seat compatible: It is a car seat | Folded dimensions : 22.4 x 17.4 x 26 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 35 pounds | Warranty : 2 years

• Parents of newborns and infants
• City-dwellers and frequent travelers alike
• Those with a robust budget willing to pay for added convenience
• You’re looking for a long-term option
• You have an older baby or toddler 

Convenience For Frequent Travelers And Day-Trippers

The Doona Car Seat and Stroller is unique in that it offers both in one streamlined package, no adapters necessary. The car seat’s stroller wheels are tucked into the car seat when not in use. It has racked up fans ever since its release nearly a decade ago. The Doona car seat offers extra convenience for those tired of lugging their infant car seat on their arm, or having to pack both the car seat and a stroller on a trip. It’s just as useful when you’re hopping on a plane as it is navigating public transportation or visiting the pediatrician with a newborn.

Made with high-quality materials, the Doona feels sturdy and well-made enough to last for multiple children. It’s FAA aircraft-approved (with the latch base), requires zero setup and features an adjustable handlebar, which is a plus for tall parents like myself. Since infants are prone to messes, the fabric is removable and machine-washable. It performed well in the testing process, boasting a smooth ride over multiple terrains.

Limited Storage—And Longevity

The Doona’s main downside is that it has lower weight and height maximums than most other travel strollers on the market. Instead, its maximums match that of a more traditional infant car seat, topping out at 35 pounds and 32 inches in height. This means while wildly convenient in the first year of a baby’s life, it won’t fit them beyond whichever milestone they reach first, which may be under a year old for some children. Even if some tots are technically just below those maximums, it’s unlikely to be a comfortable ride, because this seat isn’t designed for their larger bodies.

However, if you’re a frequent traveler or envision lots of quick car trips and errands where you’d rather not have to pack and unfold a stroller from the trunk in the first year, this splurge may be worth it for some parents.

Other downsides include a lack of undercarriage storage and a more complex and slower fold than the competition: 8 seconds to fold and 12 to unfold. The car seat installation process was simple and streamlined.

Best Travel Stroller For Everyday Use

A comfortable ride no matter your destination.

Weight: 13.6 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes (Nuna PIPA) | Folded dimensions: 11 x 24 x 20.25 inches | Carry-on potential: No | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Warranty: 2 years

• Parents looking for a travel stroller that’s sturdy enough for daily use
• Those with Nuna infant car seats
• Families seeking a long-term option to last through multiple children 
• You need something that folds extremely compactly

A Self-Folding Feature That’s Hard To Beat

The Nuna TRVL offers a luxe strolling experience thanks to its front- and rear-wheel suspension technology; high-caliber materials; unique 1-second, one-handed fold; and simple click-in car seat compatibility (no adapter necessary). The multi-position recline provides comfortable positioning for younger and older children, as does the calf support, adjustable leg rest and padded seats. It isn’t going to fit into every overhead bin. I found it 1 to 2 inches larger than what’s officially allowed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) but also in terms of my own testing. It may squeeze into some roomier overhead bins, but I believe it would be better as a travel stroller to be gate-checked and used upon arriving at your destination, because it does so well on all sorts of terrain and is sturdy enough to survive baggage check.

A Smooth, Comfortable Ride With Easy Maneuverability

Another Forbes Vetted writer tested this stroller on a flight from Ohio to British Columbia, along with her baby and three other children, and was simply wowed by the self-folding, lightweight feel and the smooth ride once they hit their destination. “At just under 14 pounds, it’s one of the lightest strollers I’ve owned, and easily transferable in and out of my minivan, which is always filled with sports equipment, groceries and pool toys competing for space,” Alex Frost wrote in her review. “...The wheels and ride are smooth. We easily navigated off-road bumpy gravel paths along our lakeside destination in Canada. While I wouldn’t take this stroller on a trail run…it navigated less-than-ideal terrain as well as can be expected given the wheel size.”

I felt the canopy could be longer, but it does provide UPF 50+ coverage, and the spacious undercarriage basket is more than sufficient, especially for quick errands or trips. The seat fabric isn’t removable and requires spot-cleaning, which isn’t ideal but didn’t prove to be an issue with my 3-year-old.

As a whole, the Nuna TRVL is lightweight, easy to maneuver and boasts a great turn radius that makes navigating crowds manageable, whether you’re at the airport, a tourist attraction or the park.

Best Travel Stroller For Airplanes

Feels like first class no matter your seat assignment.

Pottery Barn Kids

Silver Cross Jet 4

Weight: 13.6 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes (Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Cybex, Clek) | Folded dimensions: 21.7 x 11.8 x 7.1 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 55 pounds | Warranty: 2 years (up to 3 years if you register within 28 days of purchase)

• Parents who want a travel system that works from birth and beyond
• Fans of lighter, more compact strollers and sustainable materials
• You need a larger undercarriage base and sturdier frame

A Near-Flat Recline For Babies And More Extras

The beautifully crafted Silver Cross Jet 4 Super Compact Stroller provides little ones with their own luxurious ride—and parents with an option to use it from birth, even without a car seat or bassinet attachment. It offers a near-flat full recline, making it safe for newborns but also providing optimal napping conditions for older babies and toddlers. Yet it also accommodates an array of popular car seats. It’s approved for airplane use and features little extras that make a difference when traveling with kids, like a magnetic safety harness, which comes together seamlessly.

Since my original testing of these strollers, I’ve welcomed another baby. I’ve used this stroller with him since birth and it’s become one of my favorites because it’s so lightweight and easy to lug to his older brother’s activities. The lay flat option allows him to move his body and feel more comfortable while strapped in and it creates a safer and more enjoyable napping environment, too. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I used this the most (aside from the Doona) for his first six months. My four year old also enjoys it, but his favorite is the Joolz or the Nuna.

Easy Fold And Unfold That Stores Upright

The Silver Cross Jet 4 easily folds in 4 seconds with one hand, but it does take a second hand to click it into place. It unfolds in 3 seconds, with a smidge of delay, because it often needs a second hand to click into the fully upright position. This is an improvement from the Silver Cross Jet 3 and I can attest that this becomes less of an issue the more you fold and unfold the stroller. Regardless, the stroller folds into a narrow package that can be rolled while in a standing upright fold—just like a roller bag. It stores well in overhead bins and can be rolled down some (19-inch) airplane aisles. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the finely crafted UPF 50+ sun cover and adjustable kiddie calf support. The Jet 4 also utilizes a luxe-looking sustainable jersey fabric made from recycled plastic bottles (diverted from a landfill) and vegan leather, so you can feel good about your purchase and know that it looks and feels high-quality.

The newest version of this stroller provides a smoother ride than the previous iteration and gets over bumps more easily, but its design prioritizes compactness over suspension. The undercarriage basket could be larger, but all in all the Silver Cross Jet 4 offers a practical, easy-to-tote package with long-term potential.

Best Customizable Travel Stroller

You can even add skis to this highly customizable pick, babyzen yoyo2 stroller.

Weight: 13.7 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes (Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, Clek and more) | Folded dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 48.5 pounds | Warranty: 2 years

• Parents looking for an option to grow and evolve with their family
• Fans of customizations and color swaps
• Those who require a lightweight, airplane-friendly stroller
• You’re looking for an extra-simple fold and recline
• You plan to use it on more rugged terrain or uneven sidewalks

Under 14-Pounds And Compact Enough To Fit In The Bin

There’s a reason why the Babyzen YoYo2 seems ubiquitous while traveling. With its super-lightweight 13.7-pound construction and compact fold that fits down airplane aisles and in overhead bins, it’s a fantastic choice for air travel or quick outings when you don’t want to be weighed down by a full-size stroller. It’s also car seat compatible with a number of brands.

A Staff Favorite With A Handy Carry Strap

Two staffers at Forbes Vetted own the Babyzen YoYo2 and have raved about its lightweight feel and compact size. Home and shopping editor Sholeen Damarwala took it on an international flight with her 7-month-old and said: “When it comes to traveling, I love just how lightweight and easy to use this stroller is, and I would gladly recommend it to friends.” She noted that it “collapses quickly” and the “strap is handy, so you can lug it over your shoulder.” It also fit into most car trunks and overhead bins during her travels. She did find the safety harness hard to adjust and that it didn’t get tight enough on her little one, nor did it allow him to sit as upright as she would have liked.

Lisa Serapiglia, vice president of business operations at Forbes and mom to two little ones, says she “loves how light, compact and easy to use it is.” Her family used it in the airport, which is where it truly shines, and on shorter day trips. “I think for long walks, you definitely feel the bumps in the road more... and the basket on the bottom is really small.”

I found the fold and recline to be less seamless than other options during testing, but the YoYo2 stood out with its many customization options, including among its seat configurations, colors and accessories. Add on a newborn bassinet to make it safe for an infant, or a rider board for siblings. You can attach two YoYo2 strollers together to create a double stroller or a twin-ready double bassinet stroller with the YoYo Connect Frame. There’s a parasol for added sun protection, a foot muff and even an optional ski attachment for the front wheel. The colors can easily be swapped out thanks to the detachable canopy and seat cushion, and there’s a footrest to be added for older children.

Given all these options, the YoYo2 also makes a great long-term stroller option for families that can be passed down to siblings and also used from birth to nearly 50 pounds.

Best Travel Stroller For Infants

An elevated pick that lies flat.

Weight: 14.6 pounds | Car seat compatible: Cybex models | Folded dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 55 pounds | Warranty: 2 years

• Those in need of a stroller that’s suitable from birth onward
• Parents with extra budget to spend on convenience and quality 
• Anyone looking for an option for airplanes or daily use
• You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option

A True Luxury Model

If you’re on the hunt for a travel stroller that offers performance that’s equivalent to an S-Class Mercedes-Benz regardless of the terrain, the newly introduced Cybex Coya is for you. This beautifully crafted travel stroller offers a nimble turning radius and comfortable one-handed push, plus it fits in overhead bins and airplane aisles and reclines flat, making it suitable for newborn use up to 55 pounds. Needless to say, any stroller that works from day one until age 5 or beyond is a major boon to parents.

The Coya’s recline contraption requires only a single hand and a second to raise it, both of which can be done while a child is in the stroller. Unfolding the stroller takes a mere second, and while the fold requires approximately 5 seconds and sometimes needs a second hand to click into place, it’s a relatively seamless process.

The Coya also features a comfortable carry strap, a diaper bag–friendly undercarriage basket, a far–extending canopy and a removable, washable seat covering. While there are more lightweight options, this travel stroller is sturdy and a fantastic long-term option for any family.

I extensively tested 15 highly rated travel strollers to determine the best of the best.

The Best Pillows For Side Sleepers, Tested By Our Editors

The 8 best linen sheets for a sweat-free sleep, tested by our experts, other travel strollers tested.

I tested eight other travel strollers that didn’t make the cut.

Uppababy Minu V2 : A favorite of two experts that I interviewed and featured on many other best travel stroller lists that I researched, the Uppababy Minu V2 is a strong travel option with everyday-use potential, but it simply was not as good as the rest. The downfalls are that it’s on the heavier side at 16.9 pounds and not going to fit onto smaller airplanes. The performance and quality were not on par with other options in the same price range ($450). The fold also gave me some trouble periodically.

Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller : The selling point of the Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller is that it’s incredibly lightweight (just 9.5 pounds) and sells for around $40 to $50. The downside is that the quality is on par with the price and weight. It also doesn’t have a recline option or car seat compatibility, and it is not airplane compliant. Without these added features, you could also just buy any umbrella stroller for travel and likely be just as satisfied.

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 : The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is a durable, affordable ($260), comfortable and fantastic all-terrain option. However, it’s not suited to all the activities you might do with a travel stroller, because it isn’t as compact as other options. It does have a carrying case and can be gate-checked, plus it has a near-flat recline and great turn radius, so it’s a solid choice for everyday city life or road trips but not air travel.

Mountain Buggy Nano : In terms of size and compactness, the 13-pound Mountain Buggy Nano is a good option, but there are better strollers as far as performance and quality go at the same price ($220). I found the stroller to generally feel too bumpy, and it tipped when rounding tight corners.

Bugaboo Butterfly : The Bugaboo Butterfly is a strong option and may work for some families. It fits in airplane aisles and overhead bins and is compatible with many car seats (with an adapter). However, I found the fold to be trickier on occasion than other options in this price range ($450), and ultimately it wasn’t as smooth or lightweight as its competitors—it weighs 16.1 pounds.

Cybex Orfeo : This Cybex Orfeo travel stroller ($320) is a great one-handed-fold option at just 13.9 pounds. It reclines, is compatible with airplanes and Cybex car sets and performed well in testing. The only reason it wasn’t selected as a best option is that others had greater differentiating factors that set them apart.

Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller : The strong points of this stroller are its near-flat recline, smooth performance and the fact that it’s compatible with six car seat brands. The fold, however, proved frustrating. Ultimately, there are more compact travel-friendly options with more suitable features in the same price range ($300).

Zoe Traveler : A strong contender if you’re in the market for a splurgy ($250) umbrella-style stroller, the Zoe Traveler didn’t make the cut simply because there were other options with higher-quality materials and similar features.

During testing, I wheeled each stroller and a rolling suitcase topped with a diaper bag, around ... [+] tight turns in my DIY obstacle course, noting maneuverability and ease of one-handed pushing.

How I Tested The Best Travel Strollers

In developing my testing process for travel strollers, I felt strongly that they should be easy to use but also maneuver well. Of course, they had to all fall into the extra-lightweight and compact category, too, given that parents are likely to be lifting, folding and squeezing these strollers into small spaces and with some frequency. All winners needed to be of the best quality, too. I also considered whether a travel stroller offered any bonus features that made them particularly attractive in certain situations. For example, if the stroller offered a one-handed fold, an extra-large storage bin or a full travel system that could be used from birth.

I tested each stroller in my backyard and around my block, with either my 31-pound child or a 35-pound weight secured into the seat. I pushed strollers around on several types of terrain: brick, concrete, turf, gravel, crushed granite and (when safe) the street. I tested brakes and took the strollers up and down curbs and over bumps. I checked whether the strollers were well-suited to one-handed steering. To really hone in on the performance—specifically tire suspension and steering—I crafted an obstacle course in my yard and wheeled each stroller around tight turns and down makeshift airplane aisles (which range from 17 to 19 inches in width, depending on the aircraft and airline) while also handling a rolling suitcase.

I also created a replica overhead bin to ensure that ones that allege they’re overhead-bin compatible actually were. I tested how easily and quickly the strollers folded, and I gauged how lightweight (and comfortable) each stroller was to carry around and up and down stairs and around the block—while pregnant.

I noted how easy it was to buckle and unbuckle my child into the strollers, how smoothly they reclined, whether the canopy provided adequate coverage and whether a diaper bag fit in the underseat basket. By chance, I had to leave the strollers outside for 24 hours, which helped to test the quality and durability.

With all the data compiled, I studied each stroller to determine the quality of the materials, and I considered how long a travel stroller could be used and in which situations, like visiting an amusement park, acting as an everyday stroller or rolling down the smooth floors of an airport.

The winning travel strollers were all exceptionally lightweight and provided simple folds but also ... [+] sturdy and easy to maneuver through tight spaces.

How To Pick A Travel Stroller

When it comes to selecting a travel stroller, the options are plenty and ever-changing. The amount of seemingly similar strollers can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re typically quite costly. And while polling parent friends and exhaustive online research is always helpful, it’s important to note a few factors to help you find the best travel stroller for your family.

“When selecting a travel stroller, parents should consider their child’s age, mode of transportation and the activities you’ll be doing at your destination,” adds Alli Cavasino, certified child passenger safety technician and JoyLet cofounder and CEO. “For example, if you’re navigating cobblestone streets, you’ll want to ensure the stroller’s wheels are sturdy for different terrain.”

Where And When Will You Use It?

First, it’s important to consider how you and your family hope to use a travel stroller. Will it accompany you on airplane trips, be stored in your car for road trips, brought out for amusement park trips or be considered for everyday use? Also consider whether you plan to use it for one child or multiple children over the course of time, whether you want something that’s suitable from birth and whether it’s compatible with your car seat (if a travel system is necessary). Once you determine those factors, you should be able to narrow it down.

The features you’ll likely want to consider most closely are the fold, storage space, recline, canopy and weight limit. Of course, some options have additional features like folding leg rests, travel carrying bags and magnetic harness buckles. In terms of fold, you may want to keep an eye out for one-handed folds, as this is easier while holding additional luggage or a child. A deep recline can be helpful for naps on the go, and an extended canopy (preferably with UPF 50+) keeps your child cool in warm weather. You should also determine whether you’d like a large storage basket, whether the weight limit is sufficient for your child and how long you hope to be able to use it. Additional features are always nice to have, but if you don’t intend to use them, they may not be all that important.

Weight And Size

One aspect that makes travel strollers compatible with airports and adventures is that they’re more lightweight and compact than traditional strollers. That said, would you benefit from a 12-pound stroller or are you willing to go with an 18-pound option to ensure a smoother ride and more undercarriage basket space? While some travel strollers can fit in an overhead bin and wheel down airplane aisles, not all are able to. If you hope to carry on your travel stroller instead of gate-checking it, you’ll need to ensure your travel stroller is airplane compliant.

My Expertise

I’ve written shopping and review content in the lifestyle space for over 5 years. Since becoming a mom in 2020, I’ve specialized in baby and maternity gear. You can see my recent testing experience and reviews on Forbes Vetted, including the best diaper bags , nursery gliders and maternity clothes . As a mom to a 3-year-old (and a newborn), I’ve tested many strollers personally, which has fine-tuned my testing strategy professionally. I’m not ashamed to admit that I personally owned five strollers prior to testing for this story.

In determining how to test these travel strollers for a comprehensive understanding of which is best for which situation, I tapped into my experience as a parent, spoke with experts in the baby space and had conversations with other parents to ensure the selection was thorough. I read dozens of reviews and explored other best lists from competitors to help inform my selections.

These are the baby gear industry professionals I interviewed to inform these selections:

• Sarah Huff, baby gear product expert at BabyQuip
• Alli Cavasino, the cofounder and CEO of JoyLet , a baby gear and toy rental service, who is also a certified child passenger safety technician
• Christina Haisfield (aka Jetset Christina ), a mom and travel blogger
• Dr. Betty Choi , a pediatrician, mom and author

With all of these factors in mind, I was able to test the best travel strollers on the market in terms of their ease of use, performance, features, size and durability.

What Should Parents Look For When Choosing A Travel Stroller?

“Travel strollers should be light, easy to maneuver and easy to fold,” sums up Huff of BabyQuip, which rents baby gear to traveling parents. “I think a one-handed fold is a definite bonus; when you’re traveling, you often have a million things to carry, kids on one arm and 10 seconds to get everyone seated, so the last thing you want to worry about is getting a bulky and complicated stroller to close.” Huff also prefers strollers that come with a travel or storage bag.

Whether you select a travel stroller that fits in the overhead bin or one that needs to be gate-checked is a personal preference. Haisfield argues that overhead bin compliance can be incredibly helpful if you travel internationally frequently, but that she also finds gate-checking suitable: “Gate-checking is super easy in the U.S., but some international destinations don’t gate-check. And the last thing you want is to not be able to have your stroller on a long layover while traveling internationally.”

In addition to the fold, airplane compatibility and lightweight, performance-based construction, parents should also consider car seat compatibility, undercarriage basket space and the weight limit of the stroller.

Haisfield also recommends a “big underseat basket, the ability to recline for on-the-go naps and a nice shade canopy for the sun.”

What Is The Best Travel Stroller?

As with most things baby and child related, the best travel stroller depends on your needs. In my testing process I found the Joolz Aer+ to be the best overall in most situations and for most families. That said, you know your family and upcoming travel plans best, so you might consider another of the travel strollers reviewed here that tested well, too.

Are Travel Strollers Worth It?

Many families do find travel strollers to be well worth the cost. Whether you’re traveling through the airport with a toddler, navigating a city with a newborn or looking for a compact and lightweight stroller option to keep in your car, a travel stroller can streamline your outing. The difference between a travel stroller and a traditional stroller is that a travel one is more compact and lightweight, making it more accessible to use on the go. They often fold faster and smaller, too. Some parents also use a travel stroller for everyday use, because they prefer the smaller and lighter size, maybe especially those in urban areas.

Do Travel Strollers Count As A Carry-On?

Typically, strollers are considered to be “special items” and do not count as carry-on luggage. However, if your travel stroller is too large, you will need to gate check it. Of course, it’s important to verify that your travel stroller meets the carry-on size for the airline(s) you’re traveling on. If you do gate check, Cavasino cautions that it “opens up opportunities for damage to your stroller.”

What Travel Stroller Safety Features Are Important?

Dr. Choi explains that the stroller you choose should be “made for your child’s age, weight and height.” Additional features that she suggests are “strollers with a five-point harness belt that can hold a child securely in their seat.” She adds that the construction of the harness should be as follows: “Two of the points are at each shoulder, two of the points are from the waist belt at the hips and the last point is the strap between the baby’s legs. Check that the straps are comfortable but not so loose that your child could climb or fall out.”

Furthermore, she advocates for brakes that are easy to lock, a canopy to provide shade for your baby and a wide-base stroller with a low-to-the-ground seat for safety. “While it can be tempting to hang your diaper bag on the handlebars, this weight can cause the stroller to tip over. That’s why it’s also important to consider the size of the basket under the stroller,” she adds.

Giving Back Note: Eight travel strollers were donated to families in need after testing for this story was complete. The strollers went to Harvest Home in Santa Monica, California, which supports homeless pregnant mothers, and to United Friends of the Children in Los Angeles, where they benefited pregnant foster youth.

More Travel Essentials For Kids To Shop

• Best Kids Luggage
• Best Baby Carriers
• Best Pack And Plays
• Best iPads For Kids
• Best Headphones For Kids
• Best All-Inclusive Resorts For Families

Apple Vacations

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Best Lightweight Travel Strollers 2023 (Not Only) For Airplane Travel

Welcome to our review post of the best lightweight travel strollers in 2022. Our top recommended lightweight strollers are fantastic to take on an airplane, international travel, and also for everyday use.

The variety of strollers for babies, infants, and young children is overwhelming and makes it challenging for us as parents to find the best lightweight travel stroller for our family’s needs.

My post is focusing on the best lightweight travel strollers that can be gate checked for airline travel; for domestic as well as international travel. They are usually called Umbrella Strollers because they fold down to a compact size.

So if you are looking for a travel stroller that you can take on board the airplane, please read on.

The airlines have specific requirements for strollers to take on a flight. Our top 9 best lightweight travel strollers meet those conditions and can be taken on board as carry-on luggage.

Important Disclaimer: even though our recommended strollers meet airline requirements according to our research, please double check with your airline before your flight. Airline policies change so often that it is hard to keep up with them.

Advantages Of A Lightweight Travel Stroller

The point of taking a travel stroller on your next trip is not only to make your child feel as comfortable as possible but also making your stay at the airport as stress-free for you and your little ones.

Your child can sit comfortably in the stroller and may even take a little nap when you are navigating your way around the airport.

Especially if you have a very active toddler, a little ride in a stroller can make all the difference. It will calm you and your child and takes the stress out of running after your little munchkin.

Another important fact is that taking the stroller onboard also means no damage by the rough handling by the airport staff at check-in.

Extra tip: when you are traveling with a baby or infant, it is also a good idea to take a baby wrap or sling, so he or she feels more comfortable by being close to mom and dad. To find the best baby sling, please read our post  Guide To The Best Baby Carriers For Babies And Toddlers.

These baby carriers are fantastic onboard the aircraft as well, where babies usually feel quite unsettled.

Another important factor of using a lightweight stroller is that once you have arrived at your destination, it is much easier to explore your surroundings with an active baby or toddler in tow.

All of our recommended strollers also have a basket for additional storage space. Traveling with a stroller is practical in so many ways.

Page Contents

What Are The Requirements By The Airlines

Our top recommended travel strollers fulfill all the requirements stated by the airlines:

• the strollers must weigh under 20Ibs/9kg
• they fold inwards when collapsed
• they need to fit into the overhead bin on the plane
• there are also size requirements for when the stroller is folded, but it varies depending on the airline

In addition to these specifications, we are also looking for features like

• a five-point harness, so baby can sit safe and secure
• reclining position, for more comfort
• storage capacity, underneath the seat and maybe even some mesh pockets

* Please note: all product links in this product review are affiliate links. That means, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 Our Recommended Best Lightweight Travel Strollers – Comparison Chart

Please refer to our comparison chart for a quick overview of the price, features, and weight. To view the price, please click either on the image or the link underneath. It will take you to the Amazon product page.

Price indication: $ – under $100; $$ – under $200: $$$ – under $300

Let’s have a look at these travel strollers in more detail.

 Top 9 Best Lightweight Travel Strollers 2023 – Reviews

Baby jogger city tour – review.

It also comes with a backpack style carry-bag that makes it so convenient to carry it while not in use and also to store it away safely in the airplanes overhead bin.

Additional features include a parent console, a baby bar, and a cup holder. The five-point harness keeps your child secure, and the padded seat makes a ride in this stroller very comfortable.

The back of the seat can be nearly entirely reclined. The one-hand quick fold is great to pack the stroller away quickly and unfold again.

The storage basket is reasonably sized for this type of stroller. You can comfortably fit nappies, changing clothes and other small items.

The Baby Jogger City Tour is easy to push and to maneuver with one hand.

The seat might be a bit shallow for some kiddos, but that is just a minor con for this great travel stroller.

 ZOE XLT DELUXE Lightweight Travel & Everyday Umbrella Stroller

Important: Please note that this stroller is currently not available on Amazon. (as of October 2020)

This umbrella stroller features a large canopy, two removable cupholders, a magnetic peekaboo window, double side pillows, and a footrest for a comfortable ride.

To top it off, Zoe offers a lifetime warranty on the wheels. They will get replaced with no questions asked. Perfect!

The back of the seat doesn’t recline all the way down, and the handle is not adjustable. It would be nice to get this stroller with a travel bag or shoulder straps.

Otherwise, the wheels are great for all sorts of terrains (think cobblestones in Europe) and the stroller is easy to fold down.

By the way, the Zoe XLT Deluxe Umbrella stroller is available in eight colors.

 2017 GB Pockit Stroller Review

The GB Pockit stroller is the world’s smallest folding stroller and with only 9.5 pounds also one of the most lightweight strollers. Onc it is folded, it measures 11.8″ x 7″ x 13.8″.

The Pockit stroller features an adjustable five-point harness system with padded shoulder straps, a small basket, and a sturdy aluminum frame.

The drawbacks with this stroller are that the handles are not adjustable and you can’t recline the seat. The sun canopy is also very tiny.

Otherwise, if you are looking for an ultra-lightweight and ultra-small (when folded) stroller that it easy to maneuver, then the GB Pockit stroller might be the best choice for you.

As an extra bonus, the stroller comes with a complimentary baby gear XPO stroller hook.

Mountain Buggy Nano – Review

It fits comfortably underneath the seat. If you take off the wheels (which should be easy to do) it even fits into the overhead compartment.

We do like the seven colors, the five-point harness, large canopy, and the ability to recline the seat so your child can have a comfortable nap.

The Mountain Buggy Nano has an inbuilt car seat adapter that also works with selected infant car seats. A big plus!

It also comes with a travel bag and shoulder straps.

The drawbacks for us are that you need both hands to fold the stroller and some customers said that it can be quite tricky to close. The price is for the Mountain Buggy Nano is higher than for other umbrella strollers.

Overall, it is a sturdy, high-quality stroller suitable for international travel.

Inglesina Net Stroller – Review 

It is easy to open and close and comes with a practical shoulder strap. Additional features are a storage basket, a cupholder, and a generous sunshade.

The back of the Inglesina can be reclined into two positions. That means you can’t recline it completely flat. But it is still comfy enough for your child to have a nap in there. This stroller is suitable for children who weigh up to 55Ibs.

Maclaren Quest Stroller -Review 

It has got a shopping basket and also includes a wind-resistant rain cover.

The Maclaren Stroller is suitable for newborns and children who weigh up to 55Ibs. It even features a Newborn Safety system with a head and foot barrier.

The Maclaren Quest Stroller is available in six different colors on Amazon.

Summer infant 3d lite stroller – review.

The aluminum frame is lightweight but still durable and sturdy. This stroller features a cup holder, a small sun canopy, and a strap to carry the stroller when folded down.

The seat can be reclined into four different positions. It nearly folds down flat which is great for nappy changes on the go or for taking a nap. (your child of course 🙂 )

It is a Bestseller on Amazon with over 2000 sold items due to its low price tag and quality.

You can choose from six colors: black, citrus, blue, tangerine, pink and green.

Besrey Airplane Stroller

The Besry Airplane stroller folds down to a surprisingly compact size, and with the travel bag, it looks just like a carry-on bag.

Things we love are the removable bar handle,  the large sun canopy, the storage basket, and how easy it is to maneuver.

You can quickly fold the stroller with one hand, but you’ll need both hands to put it up.

The aluminum frame keeps this compact stroller sturdy, and a nice extra feature are the lockable front wheels.

The only drawbacks we can see is that it is not reclinable and only suitable for children up to 36 months.

Overall, the Besry Airplane stroller is a neat, compact travel companion that fits easily into the airplanes overhead compartment. It comes in three different colors.

Delta Children City Street LX Side by Side Stroller

With a weight of just 19 pounds, it fits the airline requirements for carry-on strollers so there shouldn’t be any problems at all to take it on the airplane.

The stroller folds down easily, and features a five-point harness, a footrest, mesh pockets behind the seats, as well as a cup holder.

The seats can be reclined independently from each other (only by a couple of inches), so your kiddos can sit comfortably.

The sun canopy is a bit on the smaller side, but you could purchase a detachable sunshade to solve this issue. But in our opinion, this is just a minor drawback.

Overall, the Delta Side By Side umbrella stroller offers incredible value for money and is fabulous when you are traveling with two young children. Well done, Delta!

 Summary Best Lightweight Travel Strollers For (Not Only) Airplane Travel 2023

All of our reviewed best lightweight travel strollers meet the requirements of the airlines, so you will be able to take these buggies on board of a plane.

• The strollers weigh under 20Ibs/9kg each.
• They fold inwards when collapsed.
• They can fit into the overhead bin on the plane.

These best lightweight strollers offer excellent value for money and have been tested by hundreds of traveling families.

Overall, our top choices of lightweight travel strollers are sturdy, robust, easy to use and most of all,  comfortable for your little darling.

Related Posts:

My Guide To The Best Baby Carriers For Babies And Toddlers

The Best Headphones For Kids And Toddlers 

The Three Best Baby Travel Systems

 Top 5 Travel High Chairs For Babies and Toddlers

The Best Travel Beds For Kids

funtravelingwithkids.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn a commission by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com.  Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.

 If  funtravelingwithkids.com links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link) and you buy this item or any other product, funtravelingwithkids.com will get a small percentage of the sale.

Need Some Travel Inspiration

Here Are Some Of Our Popular Travel Guides

About The Author

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

• Strollers View all strollers

Joolz Aer+ + with cot

Joolz Day +

• Accessories View all accessories
• Car seat adapters
• Holders & trays
• Joolz Essentials

• Joolz Geo 2
• View all spare parts

• Accessories
• -30% discount
• -50% discount
• View all sale products

• Birth forest

Sustainable fabrics

• 10-Year transferable warranty
• Quality & Safety
• Compare the rides
• Shop the look
• Register your stroller
• Store locator

Customer service

Online store

Joolz Aer+ lightweight stroller

• Forest green

Secure payment via:

Recommended accessories

Joolz Aer+ foldable bumper bar

Carrycot Joolz Aer+

About the Joolz Aer+ lightweight stroller

Click to discover the features

demo videos

• How to - get ready
• How to - Accessories

Specifications

Stroller Joolz Aer+

Warranty 2 years & 10-Year transferable warranty if you register within 6 months

Brand Joolz

Age range 6 months- 4 years

From birth No. Go to Joolz Aer+ with cot >>

Compliance norm EN 1888-2

Keep it fresh!

To refresh the fabrics, we advise hand

wash with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry flat. Please keep in mind it is not possible to wash the fabrics in the washing machine.

To remove dirt for your chassis simply use a lukewarm wet cloth (no detergents needed). You can clean the wheels with water and mild detergent. Make sure you remove them before cleaning and put them back when they are dry.

Can I bring my Joolz Aer along as cabin luggage?

The Joolz Aer can be stored away in the overhead compartment without worry*. Whether travelling by bike, bus, plane* or boat, the new Joolz Aer helps lighten the load. The Joolz Aer has a compact design and can be stored in small spaces. The Joolz Aer comes with a travel pouch to protect your light weight stroller while you travel. 

*Luggage restrictions differ per airline. If in doubt, we recommend that you call the airline directly before traveling. Folded size of the Joolz Aer is 53x45x23 cm. Weight is 6 kg.

Is this Joolz Aer suitable for newborns?

No - the light weight stroller is suitable for children that can sit unaided, usually this is around 6 months. For the newborn solution, go to the Joolz Aer with bassinet >>

Where can I find the serial number of the Joolz Aer?

The Joolz Aer serial number starts with AERCH and can be found at the front of the light weight stroller, on the sticker underneath the bar attached to the left front wheel.

Dimensions & weight

• length 32.7 inch
• width 17.7 inch
• height 41.5 inch
• length 21 inch
• height 8.5 inch

front wheel size

rear wheel size

seat backrest length

seat backrest width

volume shopping basket

buggy weight

weight capacity

max capacity pushchair

max capacity shopping basket

What's in the box?

The box contains one complete and amazing Joolz Aer+ and everything that belongs to it.

• Travel pouch

Reusable packaging

Recycling is better for the environment and, who knows, your little one might learn something too. Big and small cardboard boxes – unpack them first – then convert them into an airplane. So don’t throw the packaging away.

All fabrics on Joolz Aer+ are made from recycled PET bottles.

Award winning design

The Joolz Aer+ has won the Red Dot Award 2022 for its clear and elegant design.

Complete your stroller

Joolz Aer+ buggy raincover

Joolz Aer/Aer+ footmuff

Joolz Aer/Aer+ leg rest

Joolz Aer/Aer+ footboard

We make the best strollers for parents, babies and the planet. That’s why our strollers and buggies are designed to last a lifetime. With our 10-Year transferable warranty you contribute to a better world for your child. And, it doesn’t end there. When selling or gifting your stroller to a new person, our warranty is transferable. This means that other families can enjoy your stroller too.

Every Joolz on the street is a tree in one of our Birth Forests in Asia, Africa, Europe or South America. When you buy a stroller or buggy your tree joins hundreds of thousands of others in helping to make the world just a little bit greener.

Dimensions & Weights

What’s in the box

Visit this site in your own language & country?

You are in United States

Asia Pacific

The Best Umbrella Strollers are Lightweight and Built For Summer Vacations

Medical review policy, latest update:, quick summary, how we chose the best umbrella strollers, why trust us, best umbrella stroller overall, summer infant 3dlite convenience stroller, best luxury umbrella stroller, babyzen yoyo+ stroller, best umbrella stroller travel system, uppababy minu v2, best reversible umbrella stroller, bugaboo bee6 complete stroller, best lightweight umbrella stroller for travel, gb pockit all-terrain, best double umbrella stroller, zoe the twin+, most affordable umbrella stroller, kolcraft cloud plus stroller, best umbrella stroller for tall parents, ergobaby metro+ compact baby stroller, what to look for in an umbrella stroller, should i get an umbrella stroller, at what age can a child use an umbrella stroller, are umbrella strollers safe.

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.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

The 8 Best Travel Strollers for Dads Navigating Airports and City Streets

These are the ones that’ll make your life easy and your kids happy.

Best Overall Travel Stroller

Bugaboo butterfly stroller.

Comfiest Stroller

Gb qbit+ all-city stroller.

Best Budget Stroller

Babygap classic stroller.

Easiest Stroller to Carry

Contours itsy lightweight travel stroller.

Best Stroller for Twinning

Uppababy g-link v2 stroller.

Best Stroller for City Dwellers

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller.

Smoothest Handling Stroller

Silver cross jet 3 super compact stroller.

Best Stroller for Flying with Infants

Doona infant car seat and stroller.

Thankfully, my wife and I come prepared. The Bugaboo Butterfly travel stroller is a godsend when running around with small humans . It opens quickly and easily, it’s light and portable, and it holds kids up to fifty pounds. That means even though my two-year-old daughter is usually the one hitching the ride, when my five-year-old son’s legs get tired (or a sibling rivalry inevitably rears its head), he can hop in there, too.

All of which is to say that when the Koenig clan finally does arrive at the gate, all four of us are in relatively good spirits—even the two year old. The Bugaboo is a great get, but there are a number of other travel strollers out there that could be a good match for you and yours. Read our full breakdown of the varieties we’ve tested and reviewed.

The Butterfly is aptly named, as it feels like it is actually floating over the ground, even when on grass and gravel. The seat must be especially comfortable, because my two year old surely would have let me know in no uncertain terms were it not. The cargo space on the Bugaboo is good enough for emergency drinks, snacks, Mom’s bag, and Dad’s travel hoodie.

Opening and closing the Butterfly is a cinch, and with Irish blood on both sides, my kids appreciate the sun canopy as well. The stroller is small enough to keep as a carry-on, but if you do decide to check it, be sure to fold up the footrest so it doesn’t get damaged in transit.

There’s not much to dislike about the All-City stroller, and that includes its price point, which is a good chunk less than the Bugaboo’s (right in the $300 range, depending on when and where you shop).

This is a stroller with comfortable padding in the seating area and folding mechanisms that won’t induce public meltdowns (from dads, not toddlers). It’s also rather maneuverable and has a silky ride that is really impressive. The only bona fide knock against it is that at 17.6 pounds, it’s pretty bulky, and without a shoulder strap, heaving it around is a real workout.

For an item that costs around $100, the Classic Stroller from babyGap can take a beating. That’s a pleasant surprise for those of us dads who tend to hulk out on things from time to time. (Hi, it’s me. I’m the problem, it’s me.)

This stroller also has a comfortable seat with a five-point harness and a sun canopy overhead with a peekaboo window so you can keep an eye on Junior. The only thing not to like about it is that the folding lock on the bottom-right side takes a little getting used to, which might annoy impatient dads... Not that I know anyone like that.

The most minimalistic of the strollers on this list, the Contours Itsy Lightweight Travel Stroller reminds me of something my wife says every time I float the idea of buying a new car. She points out the window at the old beater in our driveway and says, “Does it still roll?”

This stroller has no cupholders and limited storage space. It also doesn’t recline, which might be an issue for bigger kids. But it does, in fact, still roll—rather smoothly at that. And at just 12.3 pounds and $170, this will be a sensible option for many.

Before I had kids, I used to think I wanted twins. What a sweet and innocent child I was. One kid at a time has been plenty for me, and for those dads in the trenches with twins, you have my respect.

For you guys, the Uppababy G-Link V2 Stroller is a very solid choice. I think of it as the Cadillac of travel strollers—comfortable, smooth, and (obviously) rather large. It’s actually too big to keep as a carry-on, so be prepared to check it. But realistically, there is very little not to like here.

Since I’m a full-fledged suburban dad now, car seats are my current worry. But I lived in cities for twenty years of my life, so I am very sympathetic to space concerns. The best travel stroller out there for the urban denizens among us needs to be small and easy to maneuver—enter the Babyzen YOYO2.

This zippy little thing is great for weaving through armies of commuters on busy city sidewalks. It also folds up teeny, and at 13.7 pounds, it’s an easy carry with a padded shoulder strap. The only downside is that it’s not fond of rough surfaces, which is not really a big deal as long as you avoid New York City potholes.

You know that feeling when you’re cutting wrapping paper and the scissors begin to glide? That’s how it feels to push the Silver Cross. It’s also got a five-point harness and an adjustable footrest, plus it fully reclines. The sun canopy is workable if not the largest I’ve seen.

A fun trick is that this stroller folds into a little rolling-suitcase-looking thing—the leather-wrapped bumper bar turns into the handle. The main drawback here is that cargo space is at a bare minimum. The Silver Cross Jet 3 is best thought of as the roadster of travel strollers.

Traveling with infants—and really doing anything with infants, now that I say it out loud—has an added degree of difficulty. Gently put: You’re going to want all the help you can get. That’s why I like this entry from Doona. It doubles as a car seat and stroller, so it gets high marks for versatility. It is also ready right out of the box for newborns (many other strollers need to be adapted for kids under six months). And, best of all, for you cosmopolites out there, it’s approved by both U.S. and European authorities for air travel.

The one issue with this stroller is that its max weight capacity is thirty-five pounds, so your child will likely outgrow it quickly. But it’s great to save for a second kid or to share with friends.

What to Consider When Buying a Travel Stroller

Don’t just trust our picks; see how we graded them.

Movement When you’re pushing around one, two, or (godspeed) three-plus kids, you want the stroller to make it easy on you. If you’re in the city, you only need it to be good on sidewalk asphalt and epoxied airport floors. If you’re in the burbs, gravel and dirt might come into the equation.

Weight When it’s folded up, you want it to be easy to handle. This is especially true for carry-on strollers.

Storage Everyone in the family has essentials: Baby’s snacks, Dad’s drink, Mom’s in-flight melatonin. A good stroller gives you space for all of it.

Ease of use Is it difficult to fold? Does it fit in an overhead bin? Is the carry-strap sufficient for its size? Stuff like this is important.

Versatility This is critical when you’ve got multiple kids and the older ones like to campaign for stroller privileges. What is the weight limit? Also, if a stroller can recline, it’ll be more comfortable for bigger kids.

@media(max-width: 73.75rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.4375rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.5625rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}} What We're Buying

The 11 Best Bongs for Smoother Smoking

The Only 5 PC Gaming Controllers Worth Your Money

The 18 Best Places to Shop for Outdoor Furniture

23 Great Mother's Day Gifts She Really Wants

Who Knew Bespoke Post’s Sale Section Was This Good

The 4 Best Robot Mops for a Hassle-Free Life

75 Foolproof Gifts Your Wife Won’t Return

The 22 Best Gym Shorts for Men

The Best Swimsuits for All Your Aquatic Adventures

The 20 Best Khaki Pants Are More Than Just Chinos

The 12 Best Checked Luggage Pieces for Traveling

Best Lightweight Strollers

Top-rated strollers under 15 pounds that save you time, space, and hassle during quick errands or long road trips

Lightweight strollers are an ideal choice for traveling with babies and toddlers.

By Keith Flamer

Updated by Daniel Bortz

A bulky stroller can be a drag in the car, on an airplane, or in a crowded mall—not to mention on busy city streets. But a lightweight stroller can lighten your load.

“At CR, we consider a stroller lightweight and compact when it’s under 15 pounds and easy to carry,” says Joan Muratore, the engineer who oversees stroller testing at Consumer Reports. “You should be able to carry it in one hand and your child in the other. And it won’t take up your entire car trunk space .”

Some of the traditional and umbrella strollers, as well as car-seat carriers, that we’ve tested fit this description: In our stroller ratings , you’ll find umbrella strollers as light as 11 pounds and traditional strollers starting at 10 pounds. On the other end of the spectrum? Bulkier strollers weigh as much as 34 pounds.

While these lighter strollers are easy to lift, carry, fold, and stow—and most meet strict Disney theme park requirements—they do have limits. Some may feel flimsy, and their small wheels can make them more difficult to maneuver. Most aren’t car-seat compatible, and few accommodate babies who can’t sit up on their own. (For infants, consider a lightweight single car-seat carrier stroller .)

The best lightweight strollers are anything but lightweight performers in our tests. CR engineers put strollers through their paces in our labs and on the grounds outside our Yonkers, N.Y., headquarters to assess which ones are safe, maneuverable, and easy to use. They use each stroller the way parents do, but with weights simulating a child—up to 30 pounds for maneuverability and 40 pounds for safety—and push each model through an S-curve test course, steering them on pavement between cones, up and down curbs, and over obstructions including grass, mulch, and tree roots.

Our stroller ratings feature a wide range of options, from brands such as Graco, Joovy, Maclaren, Mountain Buggy, Uppababy, and more. Refer to our stroller buying guide as you shop, and if you have multiple young kids, see our guide to the best double strollers .

Here are six lightweight (but solid) strollers, listed alphabetically by category, that will take a load off when you’re out and about.

Best Lightweight Umbrella Strollers

Summer Infant 3D Lite

CR’s take: At just 12 pounds, this low-priced, compact Summer Infant umbrella stroller is a steal. This safe umbrella stroller is a top-notch choice for traveling with a child of 6 months or older, up to 50 pounds. The seat reclines, which is great for on-the-go naps. It’s easy to fold, unfold, and carry thanks to its convenient shoulder strap. It comes with a cup holder, extra-large undercarriage storage, and a small seatback pocket.

UPPAbaby G-Lite

CR’s take: The 11-pound Uppababy G-Lite self-stands when folded, a plus for stashing in your hallway or closet. Its restraint system is one of the highlights of this model: The buckle is easy to open and close, and smooth and easy to adjust for fit. The seat fabric/cover is removable and machine-washable. This model features a large canopy and carry strap for easy transport. Its maneuverability is very good—the stroller feels light (if a bit wobbly to some testers) and is a bit tough to navigate on rougher surfaces.

Best Lightweight Traditional Strollers

Baby Jogger City Tour™ 2

CR’s take: The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is small and lightweight and earns strong marks across the board in CR’s tests. This 14-pound folded stroller should easily fit under an airplane seat or in an overhead bin when it’s in its included carry bag. Our testers find that the stroller is responsive and sturdy for its size. It has an easy one-hand fold. The basket is midsized but shallow (it holds a diaper bag and not much else). One caveat: Despite its name, this model is not suitable for jogging or running because it lacks a fixed or lockable front wheel, an essential feature to prevent the stroller from tipping or swerving while jogging.

Mountain Buggy Nano

CR’s take: The Mountain Buggy Nano is a great choice for travel. This compact, 13-pound stroller comes with its own carrying bag and reportedly fits in an overhead compartment for air travel. It’s car-seat-compatible, too. Our testers give this model’s ease of use and maneuverability strong ratings. There’s limited storage, but that might be a worthwhile sacrifice for the convenience. One thing to note: The instruction manual is largely pictorial and can be hard to decipher. We found instructional videos on Mountain Buggy’s website to be much clearer and more helpful.

Best Lightweight Car-Seat Carrier Strollers

Chicco KeyFit Caddy

CR’s take: The Chicco KeyFit Caddy offers parents click-and-go ease. Chicco’s KeyFit and KeyFit 30 infant seat just snap right in, no adapter needed. At 11 pounds, the small carrier stroller moves into and out of your car trunk with ease. (The car seat will add some extra weight, of course.) When folded, it’s self-standing. With an adjustable handle, it’s very maneuverable for a car-seat carrier, despite its small wheels. The large basket offers good accessibility, aided by front zippers. There’s also a parent console, with cup holders.

Graco Snugrider Elite

CR’s take: Running errands just got easier. The Graco Snugrider Elite tosses a lifeline to parents who’d otherwise find themselves buckling and unbuckling a newborn into and out of seats all day. As the top-rated car-seat carrier stroller in CR’s tests, this model alleviates much of the baby travel-and-transfer hassle. Parents can just click the infant car seat onto the lightweight frame (14 pounds) and go, even if your baby is sleeping. This stroller’s ease of use and safety are stellar, and it has very good maneuverability. There are some limitations, though: It lacks one-touch brakes and adjustable handles, and it doesn’t stand when folded. But it does meet Disney theme park requirements. Note that once your baby outgrows the infant car seat, you’ll need a new stroller.

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 © 2023, Consumer Reports, Inc.

Baby-Stroller-Travel-Light-Stroller, Portable Compact Stroller,Toddler... › Customer reviews

Customer reviews.

Baby-Stroller-Travel-Light-Stroller, Portable Compact Stroller,Toddler Stroller for Removable,Travel Stroller for Airplane,Mini Umbrella Stroller Lightweight,only 6 lbs,Weight Capacity 55 lbs…

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

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

Top positive review

Top critical review

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later., from the united states, there was a problem loading comments right now. please try again later..

• ← Previous page
• Next page →

Get in [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ].

Angara village , an open-air museum in some distance from Bratsk featuring Russian houses, the church and utensils of XVII—XX centuries as well as Evenk chums .

Go next [ edit ]

• Has custom banner
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Has map markers
• Outline cities
• Outline articles
• City articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Irkutsk Oblast
• All destination articles
• Has routebox

Navigation menu