best travel pushchair for 6 month old

• First Year Products

The best travel strollers to take on holiday

Hauck Travel N Care Stroller

John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller

Mamas and Papas Airo Pushchair

Graco Myavo Compact Stroller

BABYZEN YOYO²

Silver Cross Zest Stroller

Cosatto Woosh 3

Ergobaby Metro+

Bugaboo Butterfly

Joie Baby Tourist Signature Pushchair

Hauck Lightweight Pushchair Sport 

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

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

Best travel strollers at a glance:

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

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

The best travel strollers 2024

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

Rrp: £ 149.95

Description

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

The Hauck Travel N Care Stroller is a budget-friendly yet premium option for parents on the go. Setting it up is a breeze with its simple assembly, and the intuitive one-handed fold mechanism makes it an amazing time-saver for busy parents, which we loved. Testers also found this stroller lightweight which makes it great for travelling.

While the Hauck Travel N Care Stroller boasts many impressive features, including an adjustable footrest, removable/washable covers, and ample storage basket, some users have noted that the canopy could be extended further to provide more extensive coverage from the sun, especially during intense sunlight hours and when travelling in sunny locations. That said, it is easy to clean so it won't matter too much about melting ice-creams or any unfortunate travel sickness.

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

Read our full Hauck Travel N Care Stroller review.

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

2. John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller

Best for a city break.

www.johnlewis.com

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

The John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller offers convenience and practicality. We loved the look of this travel pram, which gives style at an affordable price point. But testers also noted that it is easy to collapse, which is what you need when travelling, as well as being lightweight so it is convenient to transport even when folded.

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

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

Read our full John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller review.

• Easy to collapse
• Suitable on smooth pavements but does not handle uneven terrain very well

3. Joolz Aer

Best for taking as cabin luggage.

www.joolz.com

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

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

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

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

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

Read our full Joolz Aer buggy review

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

4. Mamas and Papas Airo Pushchair

Best for travelling abroad.

www.mamasandpapas.com

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

Testers liked that it folds with one hand and is solid and sturdy, thanks to the unique dual-sided wheel lock. With adjustable positions for your baby, a bumper bar, and a quick-fit five-point harness, testers loved that you can be safe in the knowledge that your little one is comfy and secure. Plus it is cabin friendly so can be carried onto the plane, yet despite being compact, it has great under seat storage. Some reviewers did note that the seat is smaller than on other strollers and so may not be as comfortable for larger toddlers.

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

Read our full Mamas & Papas Airo review

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

5. Graco Myavo Compact Stroller

Best travel stroller with one-hand fold.

gracobaby.eu

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

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

However, the Graco Myavo still excels in usability and build quality. Its smooth manoeuvrability over various terrains and easy recline feature makes it a practical choice for everyday use.

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

Read our full Graco Myavo review

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

6. BABYZEN YOYO²

Best travel stroller for newborn and beyond.

Becoming one of the go-to for many mums and dads, this versatile stroller wears a few different hats, it’s easy to take around cities and can be picked up when catching the underground or bus. Plus, it's also easy to take on an aeroplane and can be popped into the overhead lockers.

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

It is worthwhile noting that the price is just for the frame so if you want a colour pack then you need to pay extra, which disappointed some reviewers. There's also the option to add a newborn pack which means you can use the stroller from birth.

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

Read our full review of the BABYZEN YOYO² .

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

7. Joie Pact

Best travel stroller with lie-flat seat.

www.argos.co.uk

If you're a frequent flyer looking for a practical travel pushchair, the Joie Pact might just be it. Impressively light, a doddle to fold, and seriously compact, we love that it even comes with its own storage bag and has an integrated carrying strap. It is also compatible with some models of Joie car seats which makes it even more convenient when travelling.

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

Overall testers were impressed and said the stroller was good quality and they like how compact it is so it doesn't take up too much room in the boot of the car.

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

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

8. Silver Cross Zest Stroller

Best premium travel stroller.

The Zest pushchair from Silver Cross is bursting with features to make everyday strolls a breeze, plus with fun designs we think it is really stylish too. It is one of the lightest travel prams on the market, perfect for parents who need something light yet robust and great for family holidays with little ones.

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

While the stroller is easy to manoeuvre and easy to carry when needed, reviewers found that it is difficult to push on tough terrains due to the suspension which could be improved. However we like this stroller for travelling because it helps with keeping cool in the heat and the hood provides great protection.

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

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

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

9. Cosatto Woosh 3

Best travel stroller for design.

Rrp: £ 229.95

This pushchair ticks every box when it comes to the perfect holiday pushchair! Sleek and sporty, it's light enough to lift without thinking twice, but robust enough to tackle any terrain, thanks to all-round suspension and lockable swivel wheels. We like the one-hand fold which is convenient when travelling and we also thought the designs were fun and stylish, plus kids will love them too. Personally, we love the dinosaur design.

With comfort in mind, reviewers were impressed by the fully reclinable seat, adjustable leg rest and extra-large hood. Plus, we love that parents have been thought about too with the included cup holder so you can keep hydrated on the go. There is a large storage bag to put shopping or all those baby or travelling essentials.

Some reviewers thought it was heavier than other strollers, and they were disappointed that the foot muff is not included and has to be to bought separately. Overall though they were impressed and loved the design, convenience and comfort of this stroller.

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

• Lots of fun designs to choose from
• Includes cup holder for on-the-go
• Foot muff not included which disappointed some reviewers who had to buy one separately

10. Ergobaby Metro+

Best sturdy travel stroller.

The Metro + will keep your precious cargo comfy, whether you're in Barcelona or Bromley, thanks to smooth suspension and puncture-proof tyres. We love that the seat has plush padding, as well as an adjustable leg rest and faux-leather handlebars, which make the stroller perfect for smaller or taller parents.

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

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

Read our full Ergobaby Metro+ review

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

11. Bugaboo Butterfly

Best travel stroller to grow with them.

www.bugaboo.com

Bugaboo is always popular and the Bugaboo Butterfly is impressively compact, plus we like the one-second fold which is great for travelling but also for day to day city life. Parents were impressed with how easy it is to set up and open and they liked that it is really lightweight, plus because it is compact it doesn't take up much room in the boot of the car, which is extremely handy because we all know how much stuff you need to pack when away with children.

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

We also love that this is compatible with various Bugaboo accessories, which is great for parents who have already purchased accessories for a Bugaboo pram.

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

Read our full Bugaboo Butterfly review

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

12. Joie Baby Tourist Signature Pushchair

Best travel stroller for hands-free folding.

www.boots.com

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

Weighing just under 6kg, the Tourist offers easy hands-free folding, as well as a handy carry strap and a storage bag which is great for travelling through airports or on planes, but also on buses and trains. For every day trips out to the shops, or day trips with the family, there is a roomy basket for all your essentials which we love.

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

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

• Harness could do with improving

13. Hauck Lightweight Pushchair Sport 

Best travel stroller for affordability.

Hauck's Sport stroller is the ideal travel companion, not only for public transport but for travelling too. The Hauck Sport has an easy and compact fold that will fit in most car boots, so getting where you need to be is simple with very little hassle.

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

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

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

What to consider when buying the best travel strollers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How we chose the best travel strollers

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

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

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

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

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

Do you need a travel stroller?

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

How light do you need it to be?

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

How compact do you need it to be?

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

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

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• 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.

Best travel strollers to buy in 2024: tried and tested parent-approved options

The best travel strollers to make travelling with your baby or toddler hassle-free

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• The quick list
• 1. Best overall
• 2. Best for jet setting
• 3. Easiest to fold
• 4. Smoothest ride
• 5. Most compact
• 6. Best longevity
• 7. Best for rough terrain
• 8. Best for small cars
• 9. Most lightweight
• How to choose

Which travel strollers are allowed on planes?

What’s the best travel stroller to take abroad, how we tested the best travel strollers.

The best travel strollers are light, compact and easy to fold in a hurry. We put nine of them to the test to help you find the right one for your lifestyle and budget, whether you're planning a weekend getaway with a baby or a long-haul holiday with a toddler.

Travelling with a baby can be daunting, especially if you've never done it before. But don't let nerves put you off making travel plans. Instead, take time to choose the best lightweight stroller for your family's needs. Because - just like choosing the best newborn pram when you're expecting a baby - picking the right travel pushchair can make exploring the world with your baby a whole lot easier. 

Each of the travel-friendly buggies in this buying guide has been tested by our parent reviewers with children of different ages and in different conditions to give a true picture of their performance in real life. In particular, we asked our testers to consider key features including how easy they are to fold and how light and compact they are to lift, carry and store. They also tested them for ease of manoeuvrability on different terrain, style and design appeal and overall functionality.

Note that a lightweight travel stroller is not to be confused with a travel system, which is a different thing altogether! Check out What is a travel system? if you've got questions about whether you need one. 

Best travel strollers 2024: the quick list

No time to read the full reviews? Choose from our summary of the best prams: 

It's sleek, stylish, lightweight, handles well, and it folds extremely easily. Best of all, it's easy to carry with just one hand, even whilst holding your baby. 

Jump to read more

It takes seconds to fold/unfold the this impressively engineered stroller. It's a marriage of style and function with well-thought-out extras, like a shoulder strap for easy carrying.

With a smooth, one-handed folding mechanism - just press two buttons on the handle and watch it collapse into itself concertina-style - this stroller makes travelling easy.

A nifty, lightweight option that's oh-so-easy to push. So much so, that we rate this smooth ride the best travel stroller for manoeuvrability. 

Weighing just 6kg, this stroller folds down so compactly that you can fit it in an overhead locker, plus it's a dream to fold thanks to the clever design. 

The best thing about this stroller? Its longevity. It's pricier than others but delivers value as you can use it from birth to four years. It's also super-light and easy to fold.

This stroller boasts a sturdy chassis that makes for a smooth ride. You also get lots of extras included like a footmuff, coffee cup holder, rain cover, and extendable hood. 

Ideal for occasional use such as short shopping trips or on a staycation, this stroller is also a great choice if you have a small car boot with minimal storage space for a pushchair. 

Weighing 5.6kg, this stroller is light enough to lift in and out of a car boot easily - even if you’re pregnant. It also folds very compactly. 

Best travel strollers 2024 - tried and tested by parents 

Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

Best travel stroller overall

1. silver cross clic travel stroller.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want a reclining seat: The seat is comfortable, even for tiny babies, and reclines for comfy snoozes.

✅ Easy folding is a priority: You can pop the Silver Cross Clic up with one hand and it folds just as easily. 

✅ You use public transport or travel using an airline: Perfect for parents on the go, this will appeal to parents who combine  babywearing  with using a  pushchair as has a handy shoulder strap.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're looking for luxury: This stroller is not as plush or luxurious as a traditional pram with a lie-flat bassinet. If that's your vibe, check out the Joie Tourist or the Joolz Aer .

The bottom line

🔎  Silver Cross Clic Stroller Review There is a lot to love about this sleek, stylish and lightweight all-rounder, from its reclining seat to the fact it's easy to fold plus it's suitable from birth to four years. ★★★★★

Tested by: Floss Guppy, mum to eight-week-old daughter, Josie.

Our baby gear expert says:  Every detail on the Silver Cross Clic has been cleverly thought through. You can pop it up with one hand in a literal second and it folds down just as easily. It's super compact and has a handy shoulder strap which we found especially useful when it came to navigating the London Underground with a newborn.

The Clic is ideal for parents who use public transport frequently or who are planning to travel by airline with a baby or toddler. It's also a good choice for parents wishing to combine  babywearing  with using a  pushchair because it's light and easy to fold away when you want to pop in a car boot or store it. The seat unit seems super comfortable, even for very young babies, and it reclines easily for comfy snoozes on the go - our tester found the recline feature smooth and ‘really easy’ to operate.

Parent tester, Floss, says: "That level of comfort extends to the person pushing it too - manoeuvering the Clic almost effortless. The wheels offer a smooth ride and seem less flimsy than those on other travel strollers, although the wheels aren't up to off-roading or very rough terrain, particularly with a younger baby." The Silver Cross Clic has the added benefit of being suitable from birth until four years old, meaning you don't need to invest in another pram for your baby's first six months; the Clic can cope with it all.

GoodtoKnow verdict:  The Silver Cross Clic is our top pick of the best travel stroller for 2024 because it's compact and lightweight, making it a brilliant buy whether you're dashing through a busy airport or tackling daily urban life with a little one. The fact that it fits in the overhead compartment of an aeroplane makes it extra convenient for travel use, but there's no compromise when it comes to comfort, style or durability.

Read more: Silver Cross Clic stroller review

Best for jet setting

2. babyzen yoyo2.

✅ You'll be jet-setting often: If you're whisking your little one away, this can fit overhead as cabin baggage.

✅ Style matters: You can choose the colour and different add-ons. 

✅ You want ease: With individual suspension on all four wheels and an integrated strap, this can be popped up in a couple of seconds using just one hand.

❌ You're on a budget: It's one of the more expensive pushchairs you can buy, especially because you can customise it. 

❌ You want an adjustable handlebar: It's fixed at quite a high position, which felt a bit awkward during testing.

🔎  Babyzen Yoyo2 If you live in a city or plan on travelling abroad a lot with your little one, this is the perfect travel stroller. Aesthetically pleasing, well made and super lightweight and compact, it can even be classed as cabin baggage. ★★★★

Tested by: Anna Watt and her eighteen-month-old, Harry.

Our baby gear expert says:  Lightweight, travel-friendly, compact and easy to fold, the YOYO2 from Babyzen can be classed as cabin baggage, so it's unsurprisingly popular with celebrities and jet-setting parents. Kitted out with individual suspension on all four wheels and an integrated carrying strap, this buggy makes travelling with tots easy. 

Parent tester, Anna, says:  "The Babyzen YOYO2 is aesthetically pleasing, with a small curved frame and high-quality mono-colour fabric. The hood is thick enough to keep the strong summer sun out of my baby's eyes, while the handlebar has a leather feel and feels much sturdier than the handle on a typical lightweight pushchair. 

"The basket can carry up to 5kg which is more than enough for my change bag and some shopping, and the buggy frame can support a shopping bag attached to the handlebar when your child is seated in the pushchair."

All in all, the Babyzen YOYO2 is a great choice for a toddler, although its low position to the ground slightly put our tester off the idea of using it as a pram with the bassinet attachment. "I like that a toddler is close enough to the ground to easily get out of the buggy independently once the straps are opened, but I probably wouldn't choose this for a newborn as I'd prefer my baby to be higher up and closer to the person pushing the pushchair," she said.

GoodtoKnow verdict:  Overall, this is a well-made, stylish pushchair that you can use from birth (if you purchase the YOYO+ newborn pack) up to around five years. However it does come at a cost. But, as Anna explains: "It's good value for money considering you could use this as your sole pushchair, rather than, as I did with my first child, and many do, have a main pushchair and a more compact foldable stroller for when travelling."

Read more: Babyzen YOYO2 review

• Back to the top ⤴

Easiest to fold

3. joolz aer.

✅ You want a premium stroller: With very few flaws and a truly luxurious feel, the Joolz Aer is a high-quality option.

✅ You're after a compact design: It's super compact when folded and has an integrated carry handle so you can carry it on your shoulder.  

✅ You want a stroller with all the extras:  Along with a smooth, one-handed folding mechanism, it also has a deep shopping basket, a bag hook on the handle, and an extra storage pocket for personal items and valuables. 

❌ You're on a budget: Priced at around the £400 mark, this is the most expensive travel stroller in our guide.

🔎 Joolz Aer A premium stroller that's compact when foded and can be pushed with one hand. It has multiple recline positions for naps on the go, plus a lovely big shopping basket, a bag hook and a handy storage pocket for your phone or bank cards. Brilliant - if you can afford to spend £400.  ★★★★★

Tested by: Charlotte Clarke, mum to 22-month-old daughter Adelaide.

Our baby gear expert says: They thought of everything when it came to designing the Joolz Aer. The smooth, one-handed folding mechanism is a dream - you simply press two buttons on the handle and watch it collapse, concertina-style, into itself.

Parent tester, Charlotte, says:  "My minor gripe is sometimes the buttons don’t engage on the first go but I think this would improve with regular use. When folded down, this stroller is flat and tiny with a carry handle so you can hoist it up and carry it over your shoulder like a bag. When collapsed, the Aer is about a third of the size of my usual travel system. It's a bit of a revelation to me that pushchairs can be this compact."

When upright, the Joolz Aer is light and smooth to push with relatively sturdy front wheels that swivel 360 degrees. "With my toddler on board, I could easily push this with one hand," Charlotte says. "There’s lots of padding in the seat unit and multiple recline positions for naps on the go so when Adelaide snoozed, I simply unzipped the back and gently laid her down. There was no fiddling with straps.

"The storage options on the Joolz Aer are particularly impressive. It has a deep shopping basket, a bag hook on the handle, and an extra storage pocket at the back for personal items and valuables. Stroller manufacturers often overlook how important storage is so I’m pleased it’s been given proper thought."

Verdict:  At £399, the Joolz Aer is at the top end of the price spectrum for a travel stroller but if it's within your budget, we're confident it'll be money well soent. "If you are planning to use the Aer regularly, rather than just for travel use, or hoping to use it for several children as your family grows, you’ll appreciate the extra features it has compared to cheaper travel strollers," she adds. "So it’s definitely worth the price tag."

Read more: Joolz Aer pushchair review

Smoothest ride

4. cybex libelle stroller.

✅ You want a one-handed folding pushchair: The Libelle’s folding mechanism is so intuitive that it took our tester just a second to work out she had to use her thumbs to click the white buttons on the handles, and another second of wiggling to see that a gentle push-forward motion is all that’s required for it to fold. So easy! 

✅ You want a compact design: Once folded, this pushchair is extremely compact; it even fits in the boot of a Mini! It's also the perfect size for the limited luggage compartments of various modes of transport (trains, planes, boats…). 

✅ Manoeuvrability is important:  "I found I could move at quite a speed with my daughter strapped in," said our tester. That said, this stroller works better on smooth ground and has suspension on the front wheels. 

❌ You're on a budget: This is about £100 more than the cheapest travel strollers so if you're looking to spend as little as possible, the Graco EeZe Fold is a better choice. 

❌ You're after a big seat: Our tester found this a comfortable ride thanks to the adjustable seat but with so much padding, the wide age range (six months to four years) could be a little optimistic.

🔎  Cybex Libelle This stroller is great when it comes to manoeuvrability, especially in small spaces. It's stylish and oh-so-easy to push. While the one-handed fold makes it a dream to pop up and down. Planning on getting away? This pushchair comes with a compact design. ★★★★

Tested by: Emma Winterschladen and her seven-month-old daughter, Elphie.

Our baby gear expert says:  The Cybex Libelle is a nifty stroller with manoeuverable wheels and a lightweight frame. It offers a smooth ride, especially on narrow pavements and shiny airport floors. 

It's extremely small when folded, and folds easily with one hand. It's compact enough for the overhead lockers on planes - which is the ultimate test for the best travel strollers. It is comfortable for both baby and parent, with padded straps and a reclining seat, although this doesn’t go completely flat so it's not suitalble for babies under six months. It also has a two-option footrest to support tired little legs.

Parent tester, Emma, says:  "The Cybex Libelle proved an excellent addition to coffee mornings in small cafes. It can squeeze past tables far better than my normal stroller can."

Our testing revealed that the Libelle isn't suitable for off-road journeys, and Emma found the shopping basket a little on the small side, but both of these factors are forgivable as they're a part of the reason why it's incredibly light. We're also not totally convinced this stroller would suit a four-year-old. "It feels like it may be a little big for a six-month-old and perhaps wouldn't be quite robust enough for a heavier toddler," adds Emma.

Verdict:  In terms of value for money, this isn't a budget buy. It's about £100 more than the cheapest travel strollers we tested, but it's a solid mid-range buggy that's ideal for travel use. Our tester has recommended it to friends, primarily because of how remarkably compact it is when folded. 

Read more: Cybex Libelle stroller review

Most compact

5. joie tourist.

✅ You're going on a plane:  Planning on travelling abroad with your little one in tow? This travel stroller folds so compactly, it's cabin-approved. 

✅ You're looking for a one-handed folding mechanism:  You simply squeeze and slide two buttons on the handle with one hand and the pushchair concertinas down into a three-way fold. Opening it out again is just as simple. 

✅ You need an adjustable handle: Height-adjustable handles are ultra-convenient if parents or carers of different heights are likely to push the stroller. 

❌ You want an upright seat: The Joie Tourist has multiple recline positions. It can even lie flat. But our tester found the slightly reclined seat angle meant her little one was leaning forward to watch the world go by, rather than sitting back against the seat.

❌ You're visiting a country with extreme weather: Our tester felt you might need to invest in a footmuff if it's cold or an additional sunshade in direct sunlight. 

🔎  Joie Tourist  Overall, this stroller is ideal for parents who are scouring the internet for a cabin-approved pushchair that's lightweight so perfect to take on holidays or days out. It’s a stylish-looking stroller in a lovely soft grey, and the adjustable handle makes it comfy to use. ★★★★

Tested by: Hollie Bond and her one-year-old daughter, Margot.

Our baby gear expert says:  The Joie Tourist gets all the essentials spot on. It’s lightweight, weighing just 6kg, and folds down so compactly that you can fit it in an overhead locker. Folding up and down is simple with the simple press of a button, so you can do this one-handed while juggling a toddler.

Parent tester, Hollie, says:  "It's a breath of fresh air to have a pushchair that folds so beautifully and doesn't make you huff and puff every time you get it out!"

As well as being easy to get up and down, Hollie found this pleasant to manoeuvre, with an adjustable handle and lockable wheels. "As it’s so lightweight it does feel a little flimsy at times, but then it’s so light that you couldn’t reasonably expect anything else," adds Hollie. Where she did have a few gripes was with the comfort of the seat. "It’s quite hard and doesn’t have particularly deep sides to it, so doesn’t feel like the cosiest option," she explains.

The Joie Tourist has multiple recline positions. This meant Hollie's daughter could lie completely flat for naps. However, she had trouble putting it up straight and found that Margot leaned forward to look around. Also, Hollie felt this stroller might need some adapting for extreme weather. You’d need to buy a footmuff if it was cold and an additional sunshade in direct sunlight. 

GoodtoKnow verdict:  The Joie Tourist is a good option as a mid-range travel buggy. We'd particularly recommend it to busy parents who want a light, easy-to-use buggy for holidays or hassle-free daily use.

Read more: Joie Tourist travel stroller review

Best longevity

6. inglesina quid2 stroller.

✅ Longevity is crucial: One of the best things about this stroller is the fact it comes with a wide age range - this makes it suitable from birth to four years. 

✅ Having a lightweight travel stroller is important: This is one of the lightest travel strollers in our guide. It weighs just 5.9kg which was half the weight of our tester's usual pram. 

✅ You want a stroller with extra design features: This has a mesh viewing window, UPF50 sun protection, an extendable hood, a carry handle and a reclining seat.  

❌ You're budget-conscious: At just under £300, the Inglesina Quid2 is at the pricier end of the mid-range market. For a more affordable option, check out the Graco EeZe Fold . ❌ You want a big basket: The stroller is compact in its design but that means a small basket underneath. Need space to stash your baby's must-haves? Turn your attention to the Joolz Aer .

🔎  Inglesina Quid2 With a smart design, wide and comfortable seat and handy extras, like the viewing window and rain cover, this is ideal for parents who want a compact and light stroller that can be used for years (and years). ★★★★

Tested by: Grace Holliday and her seven-month-old daughter.

Our baby gear expert says:  Grace took the Inglesina Quid2 with her on holiday to Devon and used it as a travel alternative to her own set of wheels. "It weighs just 5.9kgs, which is half the weight of our usual pram, and we can really tell the difference," she says. 

During testing, Grace noted lots of positives about the stroller. She found it easy to steer, even in tricky places like narrow shop aisles and cafés, and she reports that it handles both grass and smooth pavements well. In particular, Grace highlighted the reclining seat which is easy to adjust via a toggle, and the extendable hood, which has a mesh window so you can easily keep an eye on your baby. 

Parent tester, Grace, says:  "Ideally I'd prefer a buggy with the option to have my daughter facing me, but the stroller’s compactness and lightness would probably have to be compromised to make this possible. The basket underneath is also quite small but, again, that's necessary to achieve such a compact design, and it does at least fit my baby's change bag."

Verdict:  One of the big selling points of the Inglesina Quid2 is its wide age range; it's suitable from birth to four years. According to Grace, the price (at the higher end of the mid-range bracket) is justifiable because you can safely continue using this for longer than many other travel strollers. Would she recommend it to a friend? She already has - and tells us they went straight out and bought it!

Read more: Inglesina Quid2 stroller review

Best for rough terrain

7. Didofy Aster 2

✅ You want a pushchair with all the extras: How does a   footmuff, coffee cup holder, rain cover, and extendable hood sound? All of these features come as standard when you purchase this stroller. 

✅ You're taking on rough terrain: The Aster 2 boasts a sturdy chassis that makes it a dream to push on cobbled country lanes as well as smooth urban streets. 

✅ You want a stroller that will last: The Didofy Aster 2 can be used from birth up until the age of four. 

❌ You need a compact option: We found this stroller to be a little larger than some of the pushchairs we tested for this buying guide, so if you're hopping on a plane it will have to be checked in, rather than popped into the overhead locker. Need a cabin-approved option? Feast your eyes on the YOYO2 from Babyzen or the Joie Tourist . 

🔎  Didofy Aster 2 Lightweight, suitable from birth up until the age of four, and with lots of design extras, this is a lightweight stroller that will give you your money's worth. We recommend it for those who live in the country or are travelling and heading off the beaten track. ★★★★

Tested by: Charlotte Clarke and her 22-month-old daughter Adelaide.

Our baby gear expert says:  The Didofy Aster 2 travel stroller is "a great little run-around", according to our tester. It's not the lightest, smallest or most stylish travel stroller we tested but its selling point is that it boasts a sturdy chassis that performs as well on a muddy country walk as it does on smooth pavements. 

Parent tester, Charlotte, says:  "It’s not the most compact buggy but this means its wheels are larger than most and it can cope with a few bumps on a journey. As we live in the country, this is a huge bonus." 

The Aster 2 folds down with a simple, sliding motion on the handle. It concertinas down and then up again for easy storage and re-assembly. In terms of comfort, there are padded straps and a well-padded seat, plus the option to recline your baby. "I found the toggle to recline the seat a bit stiff, and I couldn’t manage to pull it enough, so Adelaide was sitting upright," adds Charlotte. This meant she had to lean forward a little to look out.

This travel stroller is suitable for newborns through to four-year-olds; a design feature that Charlotte thinks is fantastic. "It's amazing to think you could invest in this and not need to buy a cumbersome travel system for use from birth," she adds.

GoodtoKnow verdict:  Included are lots of extras; a footmuff, coffee cup holder, rain cover, and extendable hood all come as standard. "With all the extras and the wide age range, this represents good value for money if you want a lightweight and easy-to-manoeuvre stroller for regular, everyday use," Charlotte tells us.

Read more: Didofy Aster 2 stroller review

Best for small cars

8. graco eezefold pushchair.

✅ You're going on a staycation: Weighing 9.5kg, this stroller is still very light compared to a standard pram or buggy. However, it is the heaviest option in our guide so it's more suited to trips close to home than long haul.  

✅ Boot space is tight: Thankfully, the Graco Eezefold is a nippy travel system that folds and opens easily. It's also super compact so you'll have no trouble squeezing it into small boots. 

✅ You want a pushchair that's suitable for babies and toddlers:  This is suitable from the day your little one is born until your baby weighs 15kg (which is roughly around three years old).

✅ You want a large storage basket: And let's face it, what parent doesn't? During testing, we found the storage basket the perfect size for carrying all the usual baby/toddler essentials. 

❌ You're looking for a lightweight option: Weighing 9.5kg, this is the heaviest travel stroller in our guide. Looking for something a bit lighter? The Chicco Cheerio is a good alternative.  

❌ You want a pushchair with all the bells and whistles: While the storage is impressive, there's no cup holder or viewing pane in the canopy. If that's important to you, the Didofy Aster 2 could be a better fit. 

🔎  Graco Eezefold Pushchair Whether you're planning a staycation or want a sturdy travel stroller to transport your little one abroad, this robust and manoeuvrable pushchair lives up to both challenges. It has a large storage basket, so there's plenty of room for all your holiday essentials, and it's suitable for babies or toddlers. ★★★★

Tested by: Mum of two, Emma Stokes and her four-month-old baby daughter, Evelyn.

Our baby gear expert says:  If you're after a nippy travel system that folds and opens easily and doesn't cost the earth, you'll find what you're looking for with the Graco EeZeFold pushchair. Suitable from birth, it’s ideal for occasional use such as short shopping trips or on holiday. It's also a great choice if you have a small car boot with minimal storage space for a pushchair. 

Parent tester, Emma, says:  "We had a fabulous time trying out the pushchair on a range of different ground types, such as flat pavement, bumpy pathways, grassy areas, and also uphill."

Emma also praised the large storage basket underneath the seat; it's the perfect size for carrying all the usual baby/toddler essentials, whether this be snacks, a nappy changing bag, or extras such as spare shoes/coats. "I've also found you can pop the rain cover (that comes with the pram) in the basket and still have plenty of room for other stuff," she added. 

"We've had a few pushchairs in the past - both gifted and bought from expensive brands - and the EeZefold comes in at a fraction of the cost but is certainly one of the best we've tried," Emma told us. "It’s sturdy, good value, and can be used time and time again without showing signs of wear and tear."

Verdict:  There's lots to love about this stroller that's sturdy enough to travel over rough terrain, according to our tester, who thinks it's a brilliant buy for £150. "It provides so much comfort, support, and reassurance for any parent, whether it’s your first child or not. It’s always satisfying knowing your child is riding comfortably."

Read more: Graco EeZeFold pushchair review

Most lightweight

9. chicco cheerio pushchair.

✅ You want a light, compact stroller: Weighing in at just 5.6kg and measuring super small once it's collapsed, our tester found this pushchair helped to ease the burden of travelling with a toddler. 

✅ One-handed folding is a priority: When you're carrying a baby in one hand, having an easy-to-open travel stroller is a game-changer. Our tester found the Cheerio ‘seriously easy' to fold and unfold, taking mere seconds to put up and down. 

❌ You want a pushchair that goes the extra mile: The basics are good but our tester found the handle too low, and the rain cover was a mission to attach. The basket is also quite small. If you're looking for a bigger storage basket, check out the Graco Eezefold as an alternative.

🔎  Chicco Cheerio This is a fairly basic pushchair in terms of design, but the features it's kitted out with (like the one-handed fold mechanism and how compact it is) are really well executed. If you're after a super compact stroller, this is it! ★★★★

Tested by: Amelia Jean Jones and her two-year-old daughter, Olga.

Our baby gear expert says:  Even for a travel stroller, the Chicco Cheerio is light. At 5.6kg, it's easy to lift in and out of a car boot, even if you’re pregnant, like our tester. While she found it "so lightweight it can feel a bit out of control on rougher surfaces," she also appreciated that this was a trade-off since a sturdier stroller would likely way much more. 

Parent tester, Amelia, says:  "The one-handed mechanism means it takes mere seconds to put up and down. When it is collapsed, it’s also really small. It's remarkably compact (about half the size) compared to my last pram so it slots neatly into a gap in my hallway. That's a relief, after two years of negotiating my way past a bigger pram and trying to squeeze it into a small car boot."

While the basics are good, Amelia had some issues with the extras. At 5ft 2in tall, she still found the handle too low and the rain cover was fiddly to attach. "The basket at the bottom is also really small with a metal bar that runs across it, meaning it's difficult to fit my child's nursery backpack in there," she says. "Buying a bag clip for the handlebars might solve that."

Verdict:  Overall, Amelia would recommend this as one of the best travel strollers you can buy if you're looking for something very lightweight and incredibly compact for either occasional or travel use. "It's pretty simple but what it does, it does well," she adds.

Read more: Chicco Cheerio stroller review

How to choose the best travel stroller

The best travel strollers are designed to deal with all the hiccups that can make city life with a standard pushchair a little tricky, from navigating public transport to tackling uneven pavements. They're also light enough to carry up a flight of steps and compact enough to fit neatly beside you in a busy café - or even in the overhead storage compartment of a train or plane.

Here's what else to look out for when you're shopping for a travel stroller:

• Weight - The lighter a stroller, the easier it is to lift and carry which makes travelling easier. However, keep in mind that other features such as basket space may be sacrificed by designers to create a very lightweight pushchair.
• Comfort - Comfort for both you and your baby is paramount when it comes to a travel stroller. Choose one with a spacious seat they'll be able to nap in (especially if they wake easily) and make sure it has at least one recline position.
• Age range - Many travel strollers can be used from birth - including some of those featured in this buying guide. However, some are not suitable until babies are around six months old because they don't recline fully flat. It's important to check and adhere to the age limits specified by the manufacturer. The NHS advises that strollers are only suitable for babies under six months old if they have fully reclining seats.
• Portability - How small a travel stroller folds is a very important factor. When it comes to fitting it into the boot of your car alongside other luggage or squeezing it into the overhead locker on a plane, the smaller the better. However, very compact travel strollers are typically expensive so factor this into your thinking if you're only planning to use it for tootling around the shops. It's well worth paying more for a compact fold if it's going to make travelling with a baby less stressful.
• Terrain - To keep their weight and size down, travel pushchairs tend to have smaller wheels which can be difficult to manoeuvre on anything more challenging than smooth pavements. If you need a more robust stroller for off-road use or to trek across the beach, look for a travel stroller designed with this in mind - bigger and thicker wheels are a must.
• Seat position - Most travel strollers have world-facing seats, meaning the child is facing the direction of travel rather than looking at the parent. Toddlers generally like to look at where they are going but if you have a younger baby, you might prefer to have your baby facing you. Parent-facing strollers make it easy to interact with your baby and can encourage bonding and promote eye contact and language development skills. You can also keep an eye on your baby more easily with a parent-facing pushchair. This is handy when it comes to knowing if they need more sun cream or are getting too hot or cold.
• Useful extras - Whether you're planning to use your pushchair frequently or just for holiday use, make sure you check what extras it comes with. Establish whether you need to pay more for accessories such as a rain cover and a full hood for protection from the sun, as these are essentials for a travel stroller. Other accessories, such as a roomy shopping basket (space for all those holiday essentials) and a coffee cup holder are nice extras.

Children’s strollers and car seats are not usually counted in an airline's standard baggage allowance. These can be checked in free of charge but you should always check an airline’s specific criteria before you travel. As a general rule, as long as a pushchair or pram is fully collapsible, it is permitted on board an aircraft. You can check it in at the gate and store it in the hold, and then retrieve it at the aircraft door when the aircraft has landed. Some airlines will allow you to take a travel stroller on board if it fits in the overhead locker and there is space on the flight.

‘Every airline has different rules so always check with specific airline before you fly,' says Tiffany Norris of The Mummy Concierge . 'British Airways states that pushchairs that fold down into a carry bag and are within the maximum hand baggage dimensions can be taken on board in place of, but not in addition to, your larger cabin bag. That means the second you get off a plane you have a pram, rather than having to wait for it to arrive at baggage reclaim.’

The Silver Cross Clic stroller is the best travel stroller to take abroad, based on our testing of a range of lightweight pushchairs for this buying guide. 

If you're considering an alternative, firstly look for a light pushchair that's easy to lift in and out of a car boot or carry up a flight of stairs. Secondly, choose a design that can be folded and unfolded quickly and easily. And thirdly, pick a compact pushchair in case you want to place it in the overhead storage compartment on a plane. 

The best travel stroller for you depends on your destination. If you’re going somewhere warm, a pushchair with mesh fabric for breathability so your child can stay cool is an advantage. In addition, make sure it comes with a sunshade to help prevent sunburn.

Alternatively, if you are going somewhere cold, take a rain cover. If this isn’t included with the pushchair, buy the cover designed by the brand for your pushchair’s model. Generic covers are available and usually cheaper to buy but the fit is generally not as good. This means there’s a higher chance that it will let water in, for instance.

GoodtoKnow has developed a product review testing process that is fair, consistent and robust. For this buying guide, our Consumer Editor Heidi Scrimgeour came up with a shortlist of lightweight pushchairs based on her extensive product knowledge that spans 19 years as a mum and parenting journalist.

Next, she finalised the testing line-up by whittling down the options to ensure each stroller weighed less than 7kg, could be folded compactly, and was suitable for use as a holiday pushchair. She also selected products from a broad range of price points so there's something to suit all budgets.

Next, we called on our pool of parent testers and assigned them each a travel stroller to review with a child of the appropriate age. They tested the product rigorously for at least ten days, in a variety of weather conditions and on different types of terrain. 

After this, our parent testers gave each product a rating out of five for overall performance. We also asked for comprehensive feedback on key factors including design appeal, manoeuvrability, functionality (how easy is it to assemble and to fold/unfold), portability (how compact it is when folded), and value for money.

Heidi Scrimgeour joined GoodToKnow after a 16-year freelance career as a parenting journalist. She has written family features for a wide variety of publications including The Guardian, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Red, Psychologies and Stylist. She was the baby gear editor of Mother & Baby for six years and a parenting columnist for AOL’s Parentdish. Heidi has taken part in various parenting debates on This Morning, The One Show and BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, and lives in Northern Ireland with her husband and their three children. Find out more

Once you've decided on the best travel stroller, you might be interested in finding out the best travel cots , the best baby carrier and best prams for life on the go with your little one. 

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Charlotte Duck is an award-winning lifestyle and parenting journalist who writes who regularly writes for Tatler, the Evening Standard, Yahoo, and Hello Magazine about everything from royal hairstyles to fixed-rate mortgages. She was previously Kidswear Editor at M&S and worked in-house at Boden but, while she loves writing about beautiful children's clothes, she has three children who refuse to wear them. 

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We Tested the Best Travel Strollers for Every Type of Adventure

These are lightweight, small, and ready to make your trip easier

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Parents / Jhett Thompson

Any parent who has dared to travel alone with a small child knows how essential it is to have a high-quality stroller. A stroller can make or break a trip through the airport, and it really comes in handy when rushing through security and to a gate. But standard strollers are often too bulky for air travel —or they’re just too nice to risk handing over to the baggage handlers—which is why having a dedicated travel stroller can make all the difference. We tested more than 40 compact strollers in our labs to find you the very best to take on your next trip.

In early December 2023, Bugaboo and the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of the Bugaboo Dragonfly, a standard stroller that is not on this travel stroller list. When in parent-facing mode, the seat of this stroller may be unfolded incorrectly so that it the back rest is at a negative incline, posing an injury risk for infants. The recall is only for 1,200 Dragonfly strollers purchased in the U.S. and Canada before June 27, 2023. For a list of recalled serial numbers and instructions for getting a replacement seat, visit the CPSC or Bugaboo.com . We've tested the strollers on this list in our lab and at home, updating it immediately if our long-term testers discover any damage or possible risks to children.

Before selecting a travel stroller, you should make sure it’s durable, portable, maneuverable, lightweight, and worth your money (these strollers range in price from $100 to $500). Plus, it should be comfortable and practical to use when you get to your destination. We assembled, wheeled, turned, pushed, dropped, and folded each stroller to find which met our standards. We also spoke to Betty Choi, M.D., a pediatrician and mother of two, to get her insight into what qualities to look for in a stroller. 

Finally, to make this list of the best travel strollers, we made sure that most of these would be easy to use with one hand, so that parents carrying a bag or baby would be able to maneuver it throughout their journey with one less thing to worry about. 

Our Favorites

• Best Overall: Bugaboo Butterfly
• Best Overall Runner-Up: GB Qbit+ All City

Best Budget: babyGap Classic Stroller

• Best Comfort: Uppababy Minu V2
• Best Luxury: Nuna TRVL Stroller
• Lightest: Contours Itsy
• Best Double: Uppababy G-Link 2
• Best for Air Travel: Munchkin Sparrow
• Best for Car Travel: Baby Jogger City Tour 2
• Best for City Travel: Babyzen YOYO2

Best Overall: Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller

Why We Like It: A spacious, padded seat, generous cargo space, and excellent maneuverability all fold up into carry-on size. 

But Take Note: Be sure to fold up the footrest if you check this on a plane, as it’s not as durable as the rest of the stroller. 

Some high-end strollers are just charging you for the label, but others, like the Bugaboo Butterfly, really do deliver in terms of quality, convenience, and extra features for your money. It doesn’t just look good. It truly impressed us in all of our tests, as well as in the real world, when our editor took it for a spin to Puerto Rico and back. Note: The Butterfly is not the model Bugaboo recently recalled because of a seat issue .

While it’s a very compact stroller, when opened, it offers plenty of seating space for your baby or toddler. As part of the very quick assembly process, you attach fabric padding to this seat for extra comfort, not to mention easier cleaning. The sun canopy extends fully with a zip-open mesh segment, giving baby protection and a cool breeze. And speaking of which, that machine-washable fabric didn’t make a toddler very hot when he sat in it on his tropical vacation. Unlike a lot of other travel strollers, this model doesn’t sacrifice cargo space to get it down to travel size. The back of the under-seat basket is spring loaded, so you can push it down to stuff a backpack or diaper bag inside, and it will pop back up to secure the contents. It’s also got a fully extendable footrest, which doubles as a handle when the stroller is folded up. Unfortunately, when our editor wound up checking this stroller on her flight, she left this footrest/handle out, and baggage handlers managed to snap the thing right off. (Bugaboo offers a four-year warranty, but it won’t cover airline damage.) The footrest appears to be more vulnerable to breakage than the rest of the frame, which looks and feels thicker and more solid. 

To avoid that kind of airline mishap, you can also fit this little guy into most overhead compartments as your carry-on. That is, after you take advantage of its simple folding process—which we weren’t exactly able to do one-handed at first, just because the two buttons at the handlebar were a bit hard to press, but we still loved how swiftly it shrunk down into itself. There’s a strap for lugging it around hands-free on your shoulder, and at 16 pounds, that’s pretty doable for most parents used to playing pack mule, for short distances, at least.

The Butterfly moved like butter over various surfaces in the lab, even rocks and fake grass, taking sharp turns with very little effort, too. The small wheels mean this isn’t exactly a rugged, all-terrain stroller, and a baby will get a bit jostled if you’re going over gravel or cobblestones in your travels, but since it’s so light you’ll both get through those tough surfaces just fine!

The Details:

• Size open: 36.42 x 17.72 x 40.31 inches
• Size folded: 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 inches
• Weight: 16 pounds

Best Overall Runner-Up: gb Qbit+ All City Stroller

Why We Like It: This is an incredibly comfortable stroller that maneuvers smoothly and folds up easily. 

But Take Note: It’s heavier than some others we tested and doesn’t have a shoulder strap. 

This travel stroller landed near the top in our testing because it’s comfortable, easily maneuverable, portable, and durable—which are some of the most important criteria when shopping for a travel stroller. We found this stroller to be easy to close and fold with one hand, by pressing down on the two buttons. The shoulder straps are comfortably padded and meet at a buckle that we didn't mind in the lab, though it later proved a bit tricky in the real world when we wrangled an impatient child into it. It features a padded seat that reclines nearly all the way back, revealing breathable mesh at the top, so kids can comfortably nap while in transit. With the adjustable footrest in the straight-out position, this is also suitable for a newborn, if you’d rather leave the car seat and adapter at home. Keep in mind that the canopy provides pretty good coverage, but doesn’t extend as far as the Nuna TRVL or the Uppababy Minu V2. 

This stroller has enough storage space to hold a medium-size backpack, which also makes it useful during travel. With all-wheel suspension, it maneuvered easily over different terrain like gravel, wood, and carpet in the lab. In fact, we barely noticed a difference when transitioning from carpet to gravel. Though it drives comfortably, keep in mind that the handlebar isn’t adjustable, and it doesn’t come with a cup holder.

A huge point in the Qbit’s favor is that at $380, it’s about $70 less than the Bugaboo Butterfly and the Uppababy Minu V2. But it’s also a bit heavier than some of the others we tested, doesn’t have a shoulder strap, and might not fit in all overhead compartments. 

• Size open: 33 x 17 x 42 inches 
• Size folded: 17 x 10 x 23 inches 
• Weight: 17.6 pounds
• Age range: Birth up to 55 pounds

Parents / Conor Ralph

Parents / Phoebe Cheong

Why We Like It: It’s got the convenience and price of an umbrella stroller, but it doesn’t feel rickety and it looks so cute.

But Take Note: The light-colored fabrics may not stay in pristine condition for long.

Umbrella strollers are no one’s favorite mode of conveyance, as they typically sacrifice style and comfort for cost and the ability to collapse into a small package that you won’t care terribly about breaking or losing. But in our testing, we were able to find a few that we genuinely liked for reasons beyond their near disposability. This model from Gap, made by Delta Children, surprised us by not just looking cute. The gray-and-white striped fabric—very Gap!—is part of its appeal, however, and it’s made from recycled water bottles. (It also comes in pink-and-white stripes, black camo, and navy camo.) 

This inexpensive stroller has some thoughtful features: The canopy fully shades a child, though it doesn’t have a peekaboo window. It reclines enough for a toddler’s nap, but does not have a footrest. The five-point harness buckles at three points, has removable padding, and doesn’t have to be rethreaded to adjust. The two handles have faux leather covers that feel good to hold, and it comes with a fabric caddy to hold the grown-up’s small belongings, a water bottle, and a cup or bottle for the kid as well. You can squeeze a diaper bag into the cargo area—it’s about the size you expect from an umbrella stroller. Our one concern about the design is that we’re not sure how long the whiter parts of the fabric will stay looking white. 

We were truly surprised by how good it felt to push this stroller around on different terrain, given that it doesn’t have fancy shock absorption or other luxury features. There was none of the telltale rattling of an umbrella stroller, and it’s so lightweight that we could manage stairs and curbs without much inconvenience. 

To fold, you lift a lock in the back, push a lever on the bottom right side, and push the whole thing forward. We found the lock that keeps it folded is a bit finicky, and could totally see someone breaking a nail unlocking it one day, so watch out for that. Still, it has a well-placed strap for carrying and weighs only 15 pounds. We can imagine it being a great second stroller that you can take on trains, pack in the trunk, and even gate-check on planes. 

• Size open: 20.7 x 31.50 x 42.9 inches
• Size folded: 12 x 44 x 11 inches
• Weight: 15 pounds

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Best Comfort: UPPAbaby MINU V2 Stroller

Why We Like It: Plush padding, a sun shade, and an almost-flat recline make this perfect for stroller naps.

But Take Note: It’s too large for many overhead compartments, and you may want to buy a separate travel bag to protect it when flying.

For a comfortable ride for both parent and baby, the Uppababy Minu V2 is one of your best bets. It’s one of a few on this list (like the Bugaboo Butterfly, for example) that could serve as your only stroller, too. Stroller naps are essential when traveling—it buys grown-ups so much more sightseeing time!— and this spacious seat reclines pretty far and features extra padding to make those naps last longer. They’ll stay cool, too, because that canopy unzips to an almost horizontal level for great sun coverage, with a mesh peekaboo window for extra air flow. For the adult behind the wheels, there’s a padded leather handle bar that doesn’t adjust but is at a good height for tall and short people alike. Though it doesn’t come with a cup holder or caddy, there is a pocket behind the seat where you can stash a water bottle and phone, and the storage basket is large and spacious, holding up to 20 pounds, which makes it easy to tote a backpack or diaper bag. 

You and your kiddo might even remain comfortable when navigating bumpy ground, thanks to four-wheel suspension, or weaving in and out of crowds, as we found it took sharp turns easily (even one-handed!). And when it’s time to get in the car, walk up stairs to a train, or get on the plane, this ride folds up quickly. We found it did take a little practice (and for some, two hands) to press the two buttons on the handle to trigger the folding process, but then it collapses down on its own. 

It stays upright when folded, and you can pick it up by a handle or the attached padded strap. But beware that it weighs about 17 pounds and it probably won’t fit in overhead compartments of smaller planes. You may also want to invest in Uppababy’s travel bag , because it includes insurance against damage to the stroller by the airline, once you enroll in the TravelSafe program. 

• Size open: 35.5 x 20.3 x 41 inches
• Size folded: 12.5 x 20.3″ x 23 inches (with bumper bar)
• Weight: 16.9 pounds

Best Luxury: Nuna Trvl Lightweight Stroller

Why We Like it: It easily reclines and maneuvers smoothly. 

But Take Note:  The bumper bar can be a pain to take on and off when you're in a hurry.

Here’s a peek inside our testing process: It’s kind of great for editors who are in the market for these products ourselves. We were all heart eyes when we beheld the Nuna TRVL, and one of us immediately called it to take home for long-term testing. This is a luxurious travel stroller whose comfort, functionality, and efficiency rival that of an everyday stroller. It had one of the smoothest rides out of any of the strollers we tested—we felt no difference when traversing hardwood, tile, and shag carpet. The seat is easy to recline with one hand and an adjustable calf rest adds extra comfort. Because it does not go all the way flat, this stroller on its own is inappropriate for a newborn, but if you purchase a Nuna Pipa car seat, you won’t need an adapter for it. The leatherette on the handle and bumper bar is both attractive and nicely cushioning. We love that the water repellant, UPF 50+ canopy provides shade with the option to open multiple mesh windows. 

Besides the fact that it just looks good, the real wow factor with the TRVL is that it actually folds itself for you with just the push of a button. It also fits into the overhead bin of most planes. Its under-seat compartment is large enough to fit a backpack or diaper bag, so it’s a great option if you’re carrying multiple other bags for your trip. There’s no shoulder strap, but the bumper bar works as a great handle when the stroller is folded—which is a good thing because the hassle of removing and reattaching that bar is one of our main complaints about the stroller in the real world. While it comes with its own travel bag, it digs into your shoulders after a long walk through the airport. Though the brand says that the TRVL weighs 13.6 pounds, that’s not counting the canopy and arm bar, which make it actually 15.4 pounds. That’s lighter than the other luxury strollers on this list but heavier than, say, the Contours Itsy and the Munchkin Sparrow.

You also can’t ignore that while this is one of the most comfortable, maneuverable, and well-designed strollers we tested, it’s one of the most expensive. 

• Size open: 20.5 x 26 x 41 inches
• Size folded: 20.25 x 27.25 x 11 inches
• Weight: 15.4 pounds
• Age range: Birth (with car seat) to 50 pounds

RELATED: The Best Diaper Bags for Two Kids

Lightest: Contours Itsy Lightweight Stroller

Why We Like It: Not only is it light, but it folds up one-handed into something you could fit in a backpack.

But Take Note: It lacks storage space and doesn’t recline, and we suspect bigger kids won’t find it super comfy.

For many of us, when we say we want a travel stroller, we don’t want all the bells and whistles and aren’t looking to replace our everyday wheels. What we really want is the very lightest, most compact stroller that can take our kid from point to point, and then all but disappear until the next time we need it. That is what the Contours Itsy is. It is possibly the lightest stroller we’ve ever used, and with just one hand, we could pack it up into the size of a grocery bag and lift it—still one-handed!—into an overhead compartment. And we could probably even do that while holding a wiggly toddler!

This is a very inexpensive stroller, at just $170 at this writing, so you’re not getting luxury. But you are getting a stroller with a safe five-point harness, a removable bumper bar, and suspension in the front wheels to help it navigate some minor city bumps. There’s a UPF 50+ canopy with a very breezy mesh window in the back, and it will shade most toddlers, though we wish it extended just a tad further so that shorter kids could get its full benefit. The seat has a bit of a footrest, but it does not recline. It does not fit a full-size diaper bag in the cargo space, and there are no cup holders or caddies. All of that takes up space, and that’s not what the Itsy is here for!

After putting together a whole lot of strollers over the course of many tests, we really appreciated that this came right out of the box fully assembled. All that was left to do was attach the bumper bar. Folding it is almost just as effortless, with just the press of one button!

The stroller didn’t maneuver quite as smoothly as some of the other compact strollers in our test—it was even beat out by the cheaper babyGap Classic—and we got a bit annoyed by the way the single brake takes a good push to engage, and it also caught on the stairs when we were pulling it up and down. Another downside is that it’s got a lower weight capacity (40 pounds) than many other strollers and doesn’t look very comfortable for bigger kids. Still, at this price, you’ll be happy that it’s going to achieve the exact thing you want it to do.

• Size open: 32 x 18.20 x 39 inches
• Size folded: 10.5 x 11 x 22 inches
• Weight: 12.3 pounds

Best Double: Uppababy G-Link V2 Stroller

Why We Like It: With padded, adjustable straps and a compact build, this umbrella stroller is comfortable and easy to maneuver with two kiddos.

But Take Note: Since it’s naturally larger than the single options, you’ll have to gate-check it on the plane.

Traveling with two children requires a special type of stroller—one that can keep both content enough to stay put, and maybe even handle a bumpy ride while they're strapped in. That’s why we love the Uppababy G-Link 2, it’s a sizable double stroller that maneuvers with the lightweight ability of a single stroller. It has all the features that make a parent’s life easier, like a cup holder, storage pockets, easy buckle and adjustable shoulder straps. Two extendable UPF 50+ sun shades and adjustable recline make it cozy for the kids, too. Four sets of wheels (instead of the six of some other double models) make it easy to turn and maneuver, and our testers found that it did so with ease over different types of terrain.  

This stroller excelled in our comfort and maneuverability tests, but it lacked in terms of portability. Despite the larger size, it’s still easy to fold up with one hand and can stand up when folded. Since it holds two children, it’s not as compact as some of the others, so you’ll definitely have to gate-check it. Although it has a handle, it does not have a shoulder strap, so there’s no hands-free carrying option, either. Still, when you’re traveling with more than one child, you’re probably going to keep them strapped in for as long as possible.

• Size open: 28.25 x 25 x 41 inches 
• Size folded: 17.5 x 40 x 14 inches
• Weight: 22 pounds

RELATED: The Best Double Strollers We Tested Loaded With Kids

Parents / David Carr

Best for Air Travel: Munchkin Sparrow Stroller

Why We Like It: It’s got one of the most compact folds and comes with its own carrying bag.

But Take Note: There’s basically no canopy or storage area on this stroller.

You may giggle a little upon seeing the Munchkin Sparrow in person for the first time—it’s as silly and bird-like as the name implies. And like its namesake bird, this is no fancy showpiece. This is the stroller for the person whose top priority is being able to fold it into a teeny-tiny carrying bag and pop it into the overhead bin with zero arguments from any flight attendants. 

Like the Contours Itsy, the super-compact size of this means it arrives in the box fully assembled. You place the wheels side up, press two little buttons on the handle, and it pops right open. It folds back just the same, too. And then it fits in the very conveniently included carrying bag. 

It’s a few ounces heavier than the Contours and slightly more expensive, and we find that what it passes off as a shade canopy is kind of insulting. (Maybe your kid will get shade at noon.) There’s only the merest hint of a cargo space, too. We were unimpressed by how it handled curbs and bumpy surfaces. On the other hand, the seat is a bit bigger than the Itsy, and the stroller can hold a kid until they weigh 55 pounds. Still, parents who frequently fly solo with a kid, or not-solo with multiple children, might be quite relieved to have an option like this for their journeys.

• Size open: 39 × 18.5 × 28 inches
• Size folded: 15 x 14 x 6.25 inches
• Weight: 12.8 pounds

Best for Car Travel: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller

Why We Like It: Exceptional maneuverability, easy to recline seats, and padded straps make this a comfortable ride for parents and baby, but it packs up small to fit in the trunk of a car.

But Take Note: It does not fit in an overhead bin, and not everyone loves its utilitarian look.

For a stroller that maneuvers well and compacts into a small, convenient package that slides easily into a trunk or backseat, try the Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This easy-to-use stroller is built to keep babies and toddlers happy: It reclines far and has padded shoulder and crotch straps, plus the built-in, solid footrest can withstand the kicks of those bigger riders. The canopy goes down nicely to provide lots of coverage, with a peekaboo window to check on your kiddo. 

Though you have to push two buttons, you can fold and unfold it with one hand. Once folded, tote it by the attached strap or use the included carrying bag. Though it doesn’t fit into an overhead bin, it’s a great option for packing on car trips. It takes up considerably less room than a standard stroller would—which is particularly convenient when packing a crowded car. 

In testing, the City Tour 2 was up there with our top picks in terms of maneuverability over bumps and around tight turns. It looks and feels sturdier than most of the ultra-compact options, but it weighs less than 15 pounds. This stroller doesn’t look luxe, or even very cute, but many caregivers who know the mess, wear, and tear kids can inflict on a stroller will call that a plus.

The Details :

• Size open: 20 x 26 x 40 inches 
• Size folded: 19.5 x 7 x 22.5 
• Weight: 14.5 pounds
• Age range: Newborn (with car seat) up to 45 pounds

RELATED: 9 Best Potty-Training Seats and Chairs for Toddlers

Best for City Travel: Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller

Why We Like It: This folds up into a really small, convenient package, and handles city streets so well.

But Take Note: You need two hands to fold it up, and it’s not great on rougher terrain. 

Strollers are incredibly bulky when you live in a small apartment, so it’s important for city dwellers to find one that won’t take up too much space when not in use. And if you’re visiting a city on vacation, you’ll feel the same. This option from Babyzen is great for city life because it’s incredibly portable and folds up into a small, convenient package you can stash just about anywhere. It’s also more narrow than most, so it can weave through the crowds on sidewalks. This is why it’s been dominating the streets of Brooklyn for the past few years. 

Of course the stroller’s key feature is how small it is, both narrow when in use and compact when fully folded. But its seat is surprisingly roomy and nicely padded for a child, even if it’s lacking an extended footrest. The storage area is small, too, though we like that it’s easily accessible. Those are some of the sacrifices necessary for its folding size. Folding is not a one-handed process, but unfolding is. A padded shoulder strap allows for hands-free carrying of this 14 pound stroller, so you can get up and down those subway stairs, or in and out of buses, while carrying your kid. It fit nicely into the mock overhead bin in our test, too.

We emphasize that this is a city stroller because while it was so good at weaving in and out of cones in our obstacle course, it wasn’t so great on rough surfaces. Another drawback is the price. When you’ve purchased the frame and its “color pack”—that’s the canopy and the fabric that goes over the seat, which the brand unfortunately sells separately —it ends up costing between $400 and $470, depending on your color choice. You can choose between the 0+ color pack, which is suitable for newborns lying flat, and the 6+ color pack made for 6 months old and up, and both of these are machine washable. (You can also buy a bassinet , but that won’t fold up with the rest of the stroller like the newborn back does.) We find this separate fabric system a little confusing, but it does make it quite nice if you want to switch up the colors for a second child, or even if you’re buying it second-hand.

• Size open: 33.80 x 17.3 x 41.7 inches
• Size folded: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches
• Weight: 13.7 pounds

Best With Car Seat: Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat Stroller System

Why We Like It: This car seat with wheels saves you the step of switching from one set of wheels to another.

But Take Note: Your kid will outgrow it quickly.

When we first tested this funny stroller in 2022, we swore we were never going to tell readers you should spend more than $500 on something you might be using for less than a year. Since then, we have had so, so many city (and some suburban) parents tell us that they love their Doonas and didn’t regret the purchase for an instant, that we had to give it a second chance. After all, it isn’t just a stroller. It’s more of a car seat that grew legs and wheels. And for those few months in which your baby fits into an infant car seat, it’s actually a really streamlined way to travel.

When it's in stroller mode, the baby faces you (like they would in an infant seat attached to a stroller), but they'll be much lower to the ground than you’d typically keep an infant. Still, the handle reaches high enough that it’s comfortable for adults to push. And compared to most car seat travel systems, this is a really smooth, easy ride. What’s more, if you wind up having to take stairs on your journey, you can fold up the wheels (while the baby’s still in it!) and carry it as you would any car seat. (The combined weight of a baby plus the seat’s 17 pounds isn’t exactly going to be light, but it’s doable.) 

Inside, your baby is snug and certifiably safe in a typical car seat harness, surrounded by fabric that’s breathable and machine washable. And you don’t have to remove them from that cozyness when it’s time to get in the car. Instead, you’ll have two hands free to collapse the whole thing down into a car seat. It comes with a LATCH car seat base you can leave in your car. But Doona’s whole concept is even more attractive to people who wind up taking taxis, car services, or friends’ cars in between places where they’ll be walking a lot. 

Because it’s less of a stroller than a car seat, there are a few things missing here. For one, the canopy isn’t very big, though you can purchase a more complete sunshade separately . And for another, it has zero storage. You’ll just have to carry that diaper bag, or delicately drape it over the handle (against expert advice, mind you) and hope it doesn’t tip the whole thing over. 

Back to the question of whether this is worth your investment. Infant car seats can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, so if you were already going to spring for the high-end models, you could consider this a reasonable amount to spend on a two-for-one item (especially when most infant car seats are in the $300 range). Many parents we know also either resold their Doonas, or passed them along to friends and family members, because in such a short period of time, they saw little wear and tear. If you consider this a kind of short-term heirloom, or the start of a Sisterhood of the Traveling Stroller, it may be worth your money.

• Size open: 17.4 x 32.3 x 39 inches
• Size folded: 17.4 x 26 x 22.4 inches
• Weight: 17 pounds
• Age range : Birth to 35 pounds (or 32 inches tall)

Parents / Dera Burreson

Smoothest Ride: Silver Cross Jet 3 Super Compact Stroller

Silver Cross

Why We Like It: It maneuvers like a dream over various terrain, and we loved rolling it like a suitcase folded up.

But Take Note: It’s sorely lacking in storage space.

We’ve tested a lot of Silver Cross strollers in the past year, and most wound up being very pretty to look at, but not much else. We were happy to discover that the Jet 3 broke the mold. This is a luxury stroller you can fit in most overhead compartments and also enjoy pushing around town. In testing, it was smooth as silk, maneuvering through our obstacle course and over grass and gravel. We didn’t even mind bumping it up and down stairs! And when it’s folded up, we got a real kick out of how much it looks and feels like a fancy rolling carry-on bag, as the leatherette bumper bar becomes the handle.

Silver Jet doesn’t skimp on looks—and you can even spend an extra $50 to get the black version with rose-gold details, which is to say, this is for parents and caregivers who want to look good too. On a more practical level, we’re fans of the magnetic buckle on the five-point harness. The seat reclines completely flat, and there’s an adjustable footrest. Unlike most travel strollers, you can use this from birth, letting the baby lie flat and pulling up this bit of stretchy fabric up and over the footrest to make it resemble a mini bassinet. The canopy is generous, though not quite as much as the Uppababy Minu V2. The one true and unmissable design flaw here is the cargo area, which is difficult to access and would barely fit a diaper bag. 

Folding this stroller takes two hands to get it into its most compact position. It comes with a protective travel cover that has a pocket into which you can store the bumper bar when it’s time to stash the whole thing into the trunk or your overhead bin. It doesn’t fold as small as the Yoyo2 or the Munchkin Sparrow, but it’s more compact than the Bugaboo Butterfly and the Nuna TRVL, which are priced about the same.

• Size open: 35.43 x 17.7 x 39.5 inches
• Size folded: 7.08 x 11.81 x 21.65 inches
• Weight: 13.6 pounds
• Age range : Birth to 55 pounds

Our Testing Process

To find the best travel strollers available, we evaluated each product to assess a number of attributes like design, portability, maneuverability, and durability. To start, we weighed and measured each stroller to determine how compact it is when folded compared to how large it is when expanded. Next, we assessed how easy the stroller is to fold. When traveling with a child, parents often have to maneuver through an airport, security line, or plane aisle while holding a baby, so we wanted to find the strollers you can fold with one hand. We assessed the individual features of each stroller's design, like adjustable handle height, seat level, canopies, storage, and cup holders. To evaluate portability, we folded up each stroller and tried to pick it up, carried it up and down stairs, and lifted it over our heads into an overhead compartment. We observed handle placement and took note of overall convenience. To test maneuverability, we wheeled the stroller around cones, over hard floor, carpet, fake grass, and gravel. Lastly, we dropped the strollers multiple times from shoulder height and knocked them off a table to evaluate durability. We considered what shape the strollers were in to start with and observed any dents, scratches, or changes to function after putting them through our durability test. 

We also spoke to board certified pediatrician Betty Choi, M.D. , author of “Human Body Learning Lab,” to get a better sense of the safety requirements to consider when buying a travel stroller.

Other Notable Travel Strollers

• Gb Pockit Air All-Terrain : This stroller is easy to fold and surprisingly maneuverable, but it lacks some of the additional features that are important for a comfortable ride. It has little storage and no padding, and its canopy is all but ineffective. Its tiny size impressed us, though!
• Chicco Liteway : This is a great lightweight umbrella stroller for the price, and it’s a decent alternative to the babyGap Classic on this list. It’s really just a matter of aesthetics. 

Factors to Consider

Size and weight.

Travel strollers should be lightweight and small, above all else, in order to be useful to families on the road. But how light and how small is an individual decision.

“While the lightest strollers will be easier to carry, the tradeoff might be other features like storage space and seat comfort,” Dr. Choi tells us. “Therefore, the best travel stroller depends on where the family is going to use it and how many kids will be riding the stroller.”

Whether you’re traveling by car, train, or plane, travel strollers will need to be packed at some point. Before selecting a travel stroller, assess what type of travel you plan to do. If you plan to travel by plane, make sure the travel stroller can either fit in an overhead bin or withstand abuse by baggage handlers. If you choose the former, make sure it’s light enough to lift over your head. For car trips, you can go slightly bigger, but make sure the stroller can fit in your trunk or passenger seat. 

Portability

Portability is particularly important when selecting an efficient travel stroller. If you plan to travel alone, assess whether or not the stroller can be folded and carried with one hand. When collapsed, does it easily lock? In addition to the folding system, make sure to look out for handles, carrying straps, or bags. Portability is one of the key differences between a standard stroller and a travel stroller, so be sure to keep it top of mind when considering which product is best for you. 

Comfort and Design

Although most travel strollers aren’t as big, luxurious, and plush as a standard stroller, they should still be comfortable. Naps are usually taken on-the-go when traveling, so it’s important to find a stroller that your little one will feel comfortable sleeping in. If you’ll be traveling in different types of weather, assess whether or not the stroller has a sun canopy or mesh window to encourage air flow. 

“Young children, especially those with fair skin, are prone to sunburns,” Dr. Choi reminds us. “Consider the size of the canopy and how much shade it can provide for your child.”

For your own comfort, note whether or not the stroller has storage or cup holders, both of which could make your life easier when bustling through a busy airport or train station. Make sure the handlebar is at an appropriate height so you can easily push it without hunching over. 

Like most kids’ gadgets, strollers can come with a hefty price tag. The strollers we tested ranged in price from $110 to $500. If you’re purchasing a travel stroller as your main stroller, you might be inclined to spend a bit more and invest in a product that has extra features. If you’re purchasing a streamlined second stroller for occasional use, a more budget-friendly option might be better suited to you. 

How to Use a Travel Stroller Safely 

Strap in securely .

Operate a travel stroller with the same level of care and consideration as any other baby gear you use. Before using the stroller, read the user manual, particularly instructions related to safety. Be sure to understand the strap system, and always double check that your child is securely strapped into the harness straps according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Use the Brake

If your stroller has removable wheels, make sure that they are securely installed before using it. Whenever the stroller is parked, always use the brakes to ensure it doesn’t roll away. 

Store Bags Properly

According to the AAP , heavy items like diaper bags or backpacks should always be stored under the stroller, rather than hanging from the handlebar. When heavy bags hang from the handlebar it can cause the stroller to tip or flip, which could cause injury. “To prevent tipping, the base of the stroller should be wide, and the seat should be low to the ground. 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 important to consider the size of the basket under the stroller,” adds Dr. Choi.

Keep Weight and Age in Mind

Before selecting a travel stroller, always check age and weight limits, and make sure that they will remain in that range for the entire time you plan to use the stroller. “Make sure the stroller is made for your child's age, weight, and height. Babies are usually too young for travel strollers because they need more neck and head support than older infants and children,” said Dr. Choi.

Your Questions, Answered

Is a travel stroller worth buying.

If you travel frequently, a travel stroller can make the experience much more efficient and convenient. “Because families need to carry extra snacks, clothes, and other supplies while traveling with kids, a portable stroller can help lighten the overall luggage load,” Dr. Choi says. “If a stroller folds easily and feels light, it may help conserve your energy for carrying all of the other important things.”

Can you use a travel stroller every day?

Depending on the type of travel stroller you choose, you can absolutely use it every day. Though they are often smaller and less luxurious than a standard stroller, most travel strollers still perform the basic functions that any stroller should. If you’re looking for a stroller that has a lot of extra features and a big storage area, opt for something larger. 

Can I take my stroller on the plane?

Many travel strollers are small enough to take on a plane. That means, they’re perfect for air travel. If you plan to take a stroller on a plane, make sure you select one that folds up quickly and easily into one compact, lightweight package. Always check with your airline for specific carry-on sizes for your flight. And since flights are always making last-minute requests for people to gate check, you may want to come prepared with a storage bag to protect your stroller, just in case.

Laura Denby is a freelance product reviewer and food, home, and lifestyle writer. She has been testing and reviewing products for the past five years, and creates thoroughly tested, comprehensive product reviews for sites like Food & Wine, VeryWell Family, Real Simple, and Better Homes & Gardens. She is also the mother to an active 1-year-old, whom she travels with monthly.

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The 15 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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

In This Article

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• Our top picks
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Our Testing Process

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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.

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The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

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

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

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested.

• Others We Tested
• What To Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, nuna trvl lightweight stroller.

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

Convenient one-handed fold

Suitable for newborns

Handles a variety of terrain with ease

Potentially unwieldy when removing from overhead bin

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

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

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

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

Best Overall Runner-Up

Gb qbit+ all city stroller.

• Portability 4 /5
• Maneuverability 4.9 /5

User friendly

Solid handling

Long lasting

Canopy could be improved

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

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

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

Best Budget

Summer infant 3dlite stroller.

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

Budget-friendly

Cushioned handlebar

Ample storage space

Not the best for frequent fliers

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

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

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

Best Double

Uppababy g-link v2 stroller.

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

Opens and closes well

Solid canopy

Excellent handling

Heavy (somewhat expected in a double)

Some details could be improved

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

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

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

Best Sun Shade

Uppababy g-luxe stroller.

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

Solid portability

Loaded with functional extras

Supports itself in the collapsed position

Operating takes practice

Not great for packing into small places

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

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

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

Best Lightweight

Kolcraft cloud plus stroller.

 Amazon

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

Works well (once you figure it out)

Only option with a tray

Portability is not great

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

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

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

Most Maneuverable

Baby jogger city tour 2 stroller.

• Maneuverability 4.8 /5

Comfort features for the rider

Great value for its cost

Not as convenient for air travel

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

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

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

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

Best Portability

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller frame.

• Design 4.4 /5
• Portability 5 /5

Excellent padding

Easy to stow

Solid over rough terrain

Not intuitive for folding and unfolding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Travel Strollers We Tested

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Look For in Travel Strollers

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

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

Extra Features

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

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

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

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

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

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Best Strollers

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Best Travel Strollers

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

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

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

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

Best Travel Strollers for Newborns and Infants

Best travel strollers for babies and toddlers, airline travel with a stroller.

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

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

Below are a few top-rated strollers of different types to help keep your journeys safe and hassle-free. They appear below in alphabetical order,

If you’re traveling with an infant 6 months old or younger, you’ll need a stroller that fully reclines because your infant is likely to spend a fair amount of time sleeping. The seat should also adjust upright because the child can’t sit up on her own. If you’re traveling by car, you’ll also need an infant car seat. A lightweight car-seat carrier can simplify things. It’s essentially a frame on wheels that can function as a stroller with the car seat but fold up to an especially light and compact size when you transfer to a car. You can also find travel systems that bundle infant car seats with full-fledged strollers, where the car seat can clip into both the stroller and the car, though these are a little bulkier for travel.

For children older than 6 months, including toddlers, you have a wider range of stroller options. You’ll of course want something lightweight and fairly compact (at least when folded). But be sure to also assess the stroller’s storage options, which are especially handy when traveling. You’ll also need a car seat if you’re going to be in a car, though car seats for toddlers don’t typically attach to strollers. So unless you’re road-tripping in your own car (where your car seat will stay put), you may need to carry a car seat separately or arrange for rentals, taxis, or ride shares that include a car seat.

Flying with a baby and stroller takes patience and preparation. The Transportation Security Administration requires that all strollers be physically inspected or X-ray screened, but for the most part, you’ll be able to bring a stroller through security and check it at the gate.

Airlines have different rules about stroller storage on a flight. Whatever the policy, the best strollers for flying may be those that are particularly compact and easily foldable. You can quickly collapse one of these travel-friendly strollers before handing it off for boarding or, if allowed, navigating down the aisle before sliding the stroller under your seat or into an overhead bin.

Remember, overhead bin sizes can vary from plane to plane. Check your airline’s guidelines ahead of a trip so there are no surprises when you board.

See our reviews of the best hard-shell carry-on luggage and packing cubes .

Keith Flamer

Keith Flamer has been a multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports since 2021, covering laundry, cleaning, small appliances, and home trends. Fascinated by interior design, architecture, technology, and all things mechanical, he translates CR’s testing engineers’ work into content that helps readers live better, smarter lives. Prior to CR, Keith covered luxury accessories and real estate, most recently at Forbes, with a focus on residential homes, interior design, home security, and pop culture trends.

Molly Bradley

Molly Bradley is a home and appliance writer at Consumer Reports. Before joining CR in 2023, she managed the editorial team at Digg, and has devoted her career to helping readers navigate the world and make their lives a little easier, elucidating topics in technology and culture. Molly earned a master’s degree in writing from Bennington College and lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her cat, Saltine. Follow her on X @mollyguinn .

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

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

The Best Travel Strollers

Courtesy of Joolz

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

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

The Top Travel Strollers of 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of UPPAbaby

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of Evenflo

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

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

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

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Courtesy of Doona

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

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

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

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

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

Getty Images

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

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

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

Courtesy of Summer

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

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

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

[Read: The Top Kids Luggage .]

How to travel with a stroller and car seat

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Stroller FAQ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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

Top Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

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

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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.

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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.

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• Bethan Girdler-Maslen Home Editor

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These are the 10 best travel strollers for your next trip

Editor's Note

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

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

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

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

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

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

Babyzen Yoyo2

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

Why Babyzen Yoyo2 is a good travel stroller

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

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

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

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

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

Why GB Pockit is a good travel stroller

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

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

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

Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller

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

Why Summer 3Dlite is a good travel stroller

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

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

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

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

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

Why the Joolz Aer+ is a good travel stroller

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

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

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

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

UPPAbaby Vista V2

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

Why the UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a good travel stroller

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

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

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

Related: The best baby travel products according to TPG readers

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

Doona Car Seat & Stroller

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

Why the Doona is a good travel stroller

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

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

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

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

Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller

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

Why Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller is good for travel

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

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

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

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

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller

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

Why the Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller is good for travel

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

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

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

Nuna PIPA urbn + TRVL Stroller and Car Seat Travel System

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

Why the NUNA is a good travel stroller

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

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

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

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

Tips for flying with a travel stroller

Where and how to check your stroller when flying

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

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

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

Related: 21 airline stroller policies around the world

Preventing damage

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

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

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

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

Getting through security

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

Bottom line

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

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

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

Additional reporting by Lori Zaino.

• Strollers /

Best Strollers of 2024

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

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

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

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

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Strollers

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

In This Article

How we chose the best strollers.

• Our Top Picks

Types of Strollers

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

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller - Opulent Black

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

What Our Experts Say

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

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

What’s Worth Considering

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

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

What Babylist Parents Say

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

Additional Specs

Best Convertible Stroller

UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller - Jake

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Travel System

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System w/Litemax - Desert Tan

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

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

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

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

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

Best Luxury Travel System

Nuna PIPA urbn & MIXX Next Travel System - Caviar

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Affordable Stroller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Car Seat Stroller Hybrid

Doona infant car seat & stroller - nitro black.

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

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

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

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

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

Best City Stroller

Thule shine stroller - mallard green.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Stroller for Newborns

Graco modes nest stroller - nico.

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

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

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

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

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

Best Double Stroller

Britax b-lively double stroller - raven.

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

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

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

Best Lightweight Stroller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Stroller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Stroller for Twins

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Jogging Stroller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Stroller Wagon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Umbrella Stroller

Summer 3d lite convenience stroller.

• Near-flat recline
• Lightweight

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

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

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

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

• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including dozens of strollers.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What type of baby stroller is best?

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

Can your baby sleep in a stroller?

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

Which is better: a stroller or a wagon?

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

What is the best stroller to put in a car?

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

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

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

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

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

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Travel-style buggies have become the pram of choice for city dwellers and frequent fliers alike thanks to their smaller footprint and ease of maneuverability. Being able to fold small enough to fit in an overhead locker also means parents can easily store these smaller buggies easily in tighter living spaces.

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

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

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

Travel buggies typically have the following features in common; a fold compatible with an airline overhead locker, and are lightweight and have some sort of SPF protection sun canopy. The models suitable for everyday use tend to have a comfier seat, suspension, a decent recline system and the option to add accessories such as a footmuff or bassinet.

Related stories

Something to watch out for with these buggies versus traditional travel systems is that the accessories you’d expect to be included are often sold separately – such as footrests and rain covers which can make the cost mount up.

How we tested

Over the course of three months we tested using a one-year-old and a three-year-old. We tested in all weather conditions and graded the buggies on ease of fold, weight, handling, look and feel and durability. We have covered both crossover buggies we believe are truly sturdy enough for everyday use, and those realistically designed for travel-only.

The best compact strollers for 2024 are:

• Best compact stroller overall – Joolz aer+: £449, Joolz.com
• Best for air travel – Babyzen yoyo2: £430, Babyzen.com
• Best for taller parents – Ergobaby metro + deluxe: £310.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget all-rounder – Mamas and Papas airo: £239, Mamasandpapas.com
• Best budget travel option – Didofy aster 2: £299, Didofy.com

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• Best : Compact stroller overall
• Folded dimensions : 53.5cm x 45cm x 21.5cm
• Weight : 6kg
• Age suitability : From six months up to four years old

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

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

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

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

Bugaboo butterfly

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

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

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

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

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

Babyzen yoyo2

• Best : For air travel
• Folded dimensions : 52cm x 44cm x 18cm
• Weight : 6.2kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to toddlers up to 22 kg

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

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

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

Another quiet plus point is the curvature of the side bars, which make it easy to carry up and down steps, or out of train doors. Of course this isn’t “safe”, but needs must in London, and we found it very useful. In another small plus, the strap and buckle system is very well thought out – there are no fiddly bits of material to fall down over any of the adjusting parts – something any parent will be grateful of with a wriggly passenger.

The only cons to the yoyo, and we are being picky, are the slightly fiddly fold compared to that of the Joolz (£449, Joolz.com ) and Bugaboo butterfly (£419, Amazon.co.uk ), then again the slightly noisy wheels (this seems to be the norm with the smaller buggies). The fact it doesn’t fold well with the footmuff attached is also a bit annoying – the velcro attachment and the smaller fold size means you have to reattach it at the bottom when you unfold it again. It also doesn’t free stand when folded with the footmuff, but this is really not a major detractor.

Baby Jogger city tour 2

• Best : Suspension
• Folded dimensions : 59.5cm x 49.5cm x 19cm
• Weight : 6.5kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to 22kg

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

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

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

Ergobaby metro + deluxe

• Best : For taller parents
• Folded dimensions : 54cm x 45cm x 24cm
• Weight : 7.8kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to four years old (or up to 22 kg)

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

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

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

Out ‘n’ About GT

• Best : For off road
• Folded dimensions : 56.5cm x 36cm x 95cm
• Weight : 8.8kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to ‎22kg

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

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

We really liked this buggy for its price point, versatility and capability on tough terrain too.

Mamas and Papas airo

• Best : Budget all-rounder
• Folded dimensions : 25cm x 45cm x 55cm
• Weight : 7.6kg
• Age suitability : From birth up to four years old (or up to 22kg)

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

The airo also looks nice – it has an attractive padded seat and is consistent with the high quality of other Mamas and Papa’s products. It can be used with a footmuff and a separate newborn pack is also available to buy separately (£149, Mamasandpapas.com ). The only downside for the airo is the weight compared to the competition, but it is quite nice having a sturdier-feeling pushchair in many respects.

Didofy aster 2

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

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

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

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

Inglesina quid 2

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

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

Small but thoughtful touches with this buggy made us fall in love with it, such as the excellent and smartly designed carrying handle which sits on the side when folded, and the fact it freestands without any of the fabric touching the ground – a valuable hygiene plus. Another nice touch is the baby snug pad (£68, Inglesina.uk ) which is similar to a newborn insert on a car seat, allowing the buggy to be used from birth with no need for a bassinet.

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

Cybex orfeo

• Best : Bright travel option
• Folded dimensions : 15.5cm x 47.5cm x 52.5cm
• Age suitability : From birth to 4 years (or up to 22kg)

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

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

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

Nuna triv next compact pushchair

• Best : Premium compact stroller
• Folded dimensions : 31.5 x 57.5 x 69 cm
• Weight : 8.72kg
• Age suitability : From birth to 22kg

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

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

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

Compact strollers FAQs

Which brands sell the lightest pushchairs.

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

What pushchairs are recommended for airlines?

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

Which pushchairs are best for small cars?

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

Can the prams collapse as one unit?

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

The verdict: Compact strollers

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

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11 Best Strollers of 2024: Tested by Parents

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

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

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

From budget to lightweight, compact and car seat combo, our stroller list has them all.

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.

The right stroller can make daily life as a parent easier as you run errands, head out for exercise or bring your child to daycare or a playdate. But there are hundreds of stroller options and it can be difficult to parse all of the information about them.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Baby Stroller

Uppababy vista v2.

Best Value Baby Stroller

Summer infant 3dlite convenience stroller.

Best Car Seat and Stroller Combo

Doona car seat stroller.

Best Baby Stroller for a Newborn and a Toddler

Mockingbird single-to-double.

Best Stroller Wagon

Evenflo pivot xplore all-terrain stroller wagon.

Best Jogging Stroller

Bob gear revolution flex 3.0 jogging stroller.

Best Luxury Baby Stroller

Nuna tavo next.

Best Compact Baby Stroller

Bugaboo butterfly.

Best Baby Stroller With a Car Seat

Chicco corso le modular travel system.

Best Stroller for a Big Kid

Thule spring.

We've tested more than 40 strollers over the past four years , including double strollers and jogging strollers , studying factors such as maneuverability, stability, ease of use and simplicity of storage. We chose our final favorites using our expertise in the category and consumer feedback. The stroller choices on our list are the best-performing models we tested, both in our Lab and at home, as well as with dozens of real-life families nationwide.

This stroller is great for first-time parents, parents of newborns and growing families. A newborn can lie in the bassinet before graduating to the seat while an older child stands on the Ride-Along Board accessory . Or you can purchase an additional toddler seat and turn this into a double stroller. Or snag a second bassinet if you have newborn twins. You get the idea: It's easy to install a combination of accessories to adapt this baby stroller to your changing family. If you use it with two seats plus a kickboard, you can stroll with three kids at once. You can also turn this stroller into a travel system when you purchase a compatible infant car seat , like the brand's Mesa .

Testers love the stroller's maneuverability and smooth roll thanks to premium foam-filled tires and excellent suspension that can handle bumpy terrain, including sidewalk curbs. It has a roomy toddler seat that can face either direction, comes with both a rain shield and a mesh bug shield, and includes a storage bag. We love the bumper bar for hanging a toy, and appreciate the no-rethread harness, a feature that's on many other strollers in our list as well. "A no-rethread harness is a big deal," says Rachel Rothman , formerly the chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who used this stroller for years with her three kids. "It makes readjusting straps as your baby grows so much easier when you don't have to manually reroute the harness through the back of the seat."

If your baby loves the bassinet, we recommend buying the bassinet stand so you can also use it as a sleep space at home. Take note that the stroller itself takes up a lot of space, and the fold and unfold each take a couple of steps. To save money, some parents tell us they use the UPPAbaby Cruz instead. It's not as adaptable as the Vista (you can put a ride board on the back, but can't add a second seat) and it's just as large and heavy as the Vista, but because it comes with fewer accessories it's less expensive.

The 3Dlite is a good choice for everyday errands, travel and use with a toddler or preschooler who hops in and out of a stroller frequently, especially given the affordable price tag. Our Lab experts like that the stroller is lightweight and easy to fold . This stroller is quite compact once folded down — the fold is long and skinny, like an umbrella (that's why strollers like this are sometimes called an "umbrella stroller"). One tester noted: "The carry strap on the back lets you sling it over your shoulder if your kid insists on walking and you need to hold their hand."

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

Weighing only 13 pounds thanks to its aluminum frame, the 3Dlite is one of the lightest strollers on the market, so no matter your weight lifting skills, you'll be able to manage it on your own. We also like that the handle is nearly 43 inches high, higher than many other umbrella strollers, which makes it a great choice for tall parents. Remember, however, not to put heavy items on the handlebars to avoid tipping the stroller over.

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

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

Families who are happiest with a Doona are those who travel often, apartment-dwellers who want gear for small spaces, parents who rely on rideshares such as Uber or Lyft and those who are often in and out of different family cars. "The Doona is game-changer for city babies in their first year," said one parent who appreciates walking out the door with only one piece of gear. What the Doona is missing is any storage basket or parent console, so parents who use one get used to carrying along their diaper bag . Also, most babies outgrow the Doona shortly after their second birthday, which is when parents will need to switch to using a convertible car seat and a different stroller. But 90 percent of the Doona's Amazon reviews are five-star ones.

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

There are more than a few things our Lab experts love about the Mockingbird stroller, like the wide wheelbase for stability and great maneuverability . Like its predecessor, the Single Stroller , this well-constructed stroller features a one-handed close and undercarriage storage that can hold up to 25 pounds of cargo.

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

The fold takes some time to learn but once you get the hang of squeezing one button while you slide a lever, you'll soon be doing it one-handed while holding your baby in your other arm. The Mockingbird folds with the seat attached or removed. Mockingbird has a short video explainer.

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

OUR FULL REVIEW: An Honest Look at Mockingbird Strollers

Stroller wagons have grown in popularity, and this two-seater combines all of the necessary features for a dream ride. Its compact size makes it great for families who are often driving around to outdoor destinations (parks, boardwalks, zoos, festivals, farmer's markets — you name it) because it can easily fit in your trunk. There's a cute storage basket to keep your kids' essentials nearby, and cupholder pockets for kids and parents. But as large (and heavy) as this wagon is, it holds only a third of the non-kid cargo that our best overall stroller pick does.

The appeal is that a wagon is less babyish than a stroller and so toddlers and preschoolers are usually happy customers when riding around in one . For parents, you can reverse the handle to push or pull the Pivot Xplore, making it a great stroller wagon for steering, turning and pushing. A footwell keeps dirty shoes separate from the two seats and the snack tray, and mesh fabric lets it drain if it gets wet from rain. "Each kid seat comes with its own canopy, which is key," Rothman says.

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

Share the thrill of a good run with your kid using BOB Gear's Revolution Flex 3.0, a top-of-the-line jogging stroller . Mountain bike-style air-filled tires and suspension offer a smooth ride over all terrain, and the UPF 50+ canopy protects your little one from the sun. Lock the front wheel and use the safety strap for runs, and unlock it when running errands so it can swivel and you can make tight turns. This is also an excellent choice if you want to take a stroller to a beach or on a mountain trail.

The variety of storage pockets and the large basket help you store just about anything while out and about — there's even a phone pocket on the back. Said one tester: "This handlebar adjusts to any of nine positions, making this easily adaptable to parents who are different heights." There's a no-rethread harness that's easy to adjust as your child grows.

This robust stroller can hold a child up to 75 pounds, so it's the best stroller on our list for a big kid or extended use. Note that the large seat is age-graded for babies starting at 2 months, and to protect your baby from jostling you shouldn't take them on a run until they are at least 8 months old. (Just stick to walks from 2 to 8 months.) Even when folded, this stroller is large — about two feet by three feet with two 16-inch rear tires — so though this will fit in your trunk it will hog up some space.

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

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

The fabric is plush and Greenguard Gold Certified for low chemical emissions. However, we recognize that premium materials may not be a priority for every family. Design touches like those are nice but make the stroller a pricier option, and this does not come with extras like a cupholder or a child's snack tray.

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

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

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

This is a modular stroller system, which means you can roll either the infant car seat or the toddler seat around on the frame and face either one in either direction. It's a great choice for a stroller that can grow with your baby from birth through preschool. Our Lab pros most appreciate that this stroller comes with the KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat , which is our pick for best overall infant car seat . The car seat base has an anti-rebound bar for safety and stability. "We also like that the regular seat reclines nearly flat for a young baby," a Lab expert noted.

The stroller can fold with the toddler seat still attached, but the seat has to be in the front-facing position. The folded stroller stands on its own, without the push handle touching the ground. The mechanism to fold it is under the seat, which is a little awkward, but users soon get used it it. This stroller is then easy to store without needing to lean it against anything.

The handlebar on this stroller can't be height-adjusted but our Lab experts feel it's a nice middle height that works for most parents. Treaded rubber tires help this travel system go over most types of terrain, and we like the leatherette trim. The canopy can extend almost down to the bumper bar to offer great sun protection, and there's a mesh panel for ventilation. The stroller has a no-rethread harness and storage pockets on the back in addition to a large basket.

Thule claims that the 22-pound Spring Stroller is 30% smaller than traditional three-wheel strollers , which are sometimes called "jogging strollers" even if, as is the case with the Spring, the stroller is not meant for jogging. Like with a jogger you can lock the front wheel of the Spring so it stays straight, for fast exercise walks, or you can set it to swivel for when you need to maneuver around town. So if you love those features of a jogging stroller but want an everyday three-wheeler that is easy to store, the Spring is a great choice.

This features a compact fold and it stands on its own while in its folded position. You can fold it with one hand by pulling up on a handle under the seat. Despite the stroller's more compact size, it can fit a child up to 64 pounds, which is on the large side for maximum weight capacity. It's our favorite for bigger kids who still need a place to sit on long outings or a set of wheels for special circumstances like a trip to Disney World. The deep footwell keeps a big kid comfortable and the wide canopy keeps the sun out.

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

Colugo The Compact Stroller

When we named this direct-from-the-manufacturer stroller a winner in a previous year's Parenting Awards , we said that it's an incredible value, noting, "It even comes with accessories, including a cup holder, a rain cover and a carry bag ." At 16 pounds, it's not ultralightweight, but its performance is close to some strollers that are nearly 10 pounds heavier, and it folds down small enough to fit in an airplane's overhead bin.

The Colugo has a quick and simple one-hand fold. A carry strap on the back and an included carry bag mean it's simple to travel with this stroller. If you're flying and the overhead bins are full, pack this stroller into its bag and gate check it.

The basket isn't as robust as some others on this list, and the stroller requires a $95 bassinet Infant Kit if your baby is younger than 6 months old. We prefer this stroller for quick errands around town, for travel to day care or preschool and for places such as Disney World. It comes in a variety of solid colors and patterns, including a leopard print. You can buy a cute diaper tote to match the stroller color or a handlebar-hanging On the Go Organizer .

Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller

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

If you like to customize the look of your stroller you can choose either a white frame or a black frame for your YoYo2. The seat comes in pretty colors such as blue, pink, taupe and aqua as well as all black. (The price on Amazon may fluctuate depending on the color combo you choose.) Folded, this lightweight stroller can be worn over your shoulder with the carry strap, and it comes with its own carry bag too if you'd rather use that. It has the tiniest folds of all the strollers on our list and fits in most airplane overhead bins. Actually doing the fold takes a couple of steps and a little practice.

Our experts found this stroller to have impressive maneuverability, especially since it has such small wheels. The storage basket is small but this also features a zippered back pocket. If you want to use this with a newborn you can buy the pretty, lightweight bassinet . But accessories like that, as well as the footrest , can start to rack up costs.

Joovy Caboose Too

For pushing two kids, say a toddler and a preschooler, without resorting to a stroller wagon, our testers have great things to say about the Caboose. Most families put their youngest child up front with the snack tray and canopy. Then the older child has three options for riding in back either sitting in the second seat, sitting on a bench facing the parent or standing on a platform board .

The tandem-seating situation means this is more narrow than a side-by-side double stroller, which many parents appreciate. And the Caboose is made with steel-frame parts and a decent suspension system, which makes it robust and smooth-rolling. "We've traveled all over the world with this and it's a real workhorse," one parent told us. If you're taking two kids to Disney, this one is park-approved.

The Caboose Too comes with a universal car seat adaptor so you can sit in a newborn in the front seat from birth, if you use the stroller with your own car seat attached. (The adaptor replaces the snack tray; there's a YouTube tutorial .) And it's hard to beat the price of this double. But now the downsides: The basket is small and hard to reach, so we recommend adding on the $30 parent organizer . The seats do not recline as far back as they do on some other strollers and the canopy won't really shade your big kid in the back. Also, when folded this is still a pretty long and wide stroller, but it compacts down fairly flat.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

While expensive, this brand gets some rave reviews. "The Baby Jogger City Mini is the perfect balance of substantial and travel-friendly," one parent told us. In Lab testing, we found that even with the two seats, the City Mini was easy to fold. (It basically collapses in half.) Each seat offers individually adjustable calf support, an individual canopy and near-flat recline, so both of your children can get comfy in their own way. Plus, the all-wheel suspension and rubber tires are great for most types of terrain. We named it the best overall double stroller .

In spite of the brand's name, this particular Baby Jogger stroller is not meant for jogging. You can walk fast with this though, and the hand brake makes it easy to start and stop the stroller. There's a huge variety of accessories you can purchase to help customize it, from a glider board to carry a third child to a belly bar that can help keep your little bugs snug. This double stroller meets Disney Park size requirements. (And we see online reviewers who say that the near-flat recline meets their kids' Disney nap requirements!)

With separate car seat adaptors , this double stroller is compatible with many Graco and Baby Jogger infant car seats. The handlebar can be moved up and down to better fit parents of different heights. The storage basket is wide but shallow. Note that if you're pushing only one little one, the City Mini is also offered as a single stroller .

How we test the best baby strollers

The Good Housekeeping Institute 's engineering and parenting pros have reviewed 40 strollers over the past four years using a combination of in-Lab and at-home tests with both expert and consumer reviewers. And we're reviewing new strollers all the time!

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

What to consider when shopping for a baby stroller

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

Fair warning: Few of us make it through parenthood with only one stroller. Often you buy something for your first baby and then find yourself buying another down the line, such as a lightweight travel stroller for the toddler years and then maybe a double stroller if you add another child. What we're saying is, your first stroller is unlikely to be your last, and you'll learn as you go what you really like and don't like about any given model.

Our parenting product pros recommend taking into account the following features:

✔️ Safety: Pay attention to a stroller's maximum weight and height capacity. Look at the minimum age, too: Not all strollers are safe for newborns. You never want to put a newborn baby in a stroller without a seat that reclines nearly flat, because at that age they still need neck support. If your stroller lets you put your infant car seat on top, that is another safe way to transport an infant, but be sure your stroller and your car seat are compatible before you buy.

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

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

✔️ Reversible seat(s) : Some strollers give you the ability to turn the position of the seat from rear-facing to forward-facing. The latter is beneficial as your child gets older so they can engage more with their environment.

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

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

Which type of baby stroller is best?

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

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

✔️ Modular stroller : Many of the newest strollers come in pieces. There's a frame, and then you can add on a car seat, a toddler seat, a bassinet, a second seat — you name it. Some come with lots of options, and with others you buy each piece separately. You might see modular strollers advertising many configurations, because the seats can face toward the person pushing or out toward the world. These are the most customizable kinds of strollers and the best for adapting to your changing family needs. But when it comes to storage, there are a lot of parts to put away and keep track of, and modular strollers are often expensive.

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

✔️ Double stroller: Double strollers feature two seats, making them perfect for twins or siblings. The two seats may be set up side by side or in tandem, front to back. Double strollers are by definition larger and heavier than single strollers.

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

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

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

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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

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

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

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

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

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12 best lightweight strollers and buggies: compact strollers for travel with babies and toddlers

After in-depth research and parent-led testing, we reveal the UK's best lightweight strollers, buggies, prams and pushchairs for school runs, holidays, car journeys and urban exploring.

By Gemma Wilcock & Laura Westerman | Last updated Apr 29, 2024

Finding the best lightweight buggy can be tricky business, especially when there are a whole host of features to consider. Umbrella or concertina fold? Four wheels or three?

While lightweight strollers may not be an immediate choice for many parents with children under the age of two, buggies (otherwise known as strollers or pushchairs) are great alternatives to traditional prams for newborns and traditional travel systems .

They’re compact, easy to manoeuvre and ideal for travel, whether that's on public transport or on family holidays abroad, and they make getting around big cities or urban areas a breeze. Their light frames and simple folding mechanisms also make them brilliant for the school run. But which lightweight stroller is the best?

How we tested the best lightweight strollers

We’ve researched the UK’s top lightweight buggies, consulted parents on the Mumsnet forums for their best buys, analysed in-depth lab test results from the likes of Which?, and comparatively tested all the strollers on this list with our team of parent testers and their children (aged one to four) to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best lightweight strollers you can buy right now.

If you're looking for more of a robust pram for everyday use, we've rounded up the best pushchairs , the best travel systems , the best umbrella prams , the best all-terrain prams , the best double strollers and the best running buggies for babies and toddlers. And on the accessories front, we've also got the lowdown on the best pram toys , the best buggy boards and the best changing bags .

Best lightweight strollers at a glance

Best overall lightweight buggy: Babyzen YOYO² | Buy now

Best budget lightweight buggy: Ickle Bubba Aries | Buy now

Best lightweight buggy for newborns: Bugaboo Dragonfly | Buy now

Best lightweight buggy for toddlers: Didofy Aster 2 | Buy now

Best lightweight buggy for easy fold: Joolz Aer+ | Buy now

Best compact lightweight buggy: Cybex Coya | Buy now

Best lightweight buggy for travel and city life: Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller | Buy now

Best lightweight buggy for frequent flyers: Cybex Libelle | Buy now

Best lightweight buggy for longevity: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 | Buy now

Best lightweight buggy for rough terrain: Silver Cross Pop | Buy now

Best travel system-compatible lightweight buggy: Cybex Mios | Buy now

Best versatile lightweight buggy: Leclercbaby Influencer Air | Buy now

Babyzen YOYO²

Well-cushioned and roomy

Generous storage basket

Easy to collapse and carry (cover bag and carry strap included)

Meets the cabin luggage dimensions of most airlines

Manoeuvres very well in tight spaces

White wheels show up dirt easily

Rain cover sold separately

Requires some assembly

RRP: £450 (chassis and colour pack only) | Age range: Birth (with newborn pack) to four years | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 6.2kg | Parent-facing option: Yes, if you have a newborn pack, otherwise it’s world-facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 52 x 44 x 18cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full  Babyzen YOYO review

The Babyzen YOYO² is a top-performing lightweight buggy that can be used all the way from birth with Babyzen's newborn pack. It's the ideal buggy if you travel often, whether at home or abroad, but it functions just as well as an everyday stroller too.

An upgrade to the ever-popular Babyzen YOYO+ , the Babyzen YOYO² boasts improved suspension, a higher weight limit, a new faux leather handlebar and compatibility with even more infant car seats than its predecessor.

It’s lightweight and ultra compact with great adaptability. Better yet, the higher-than-average upper weight limit means that you can enjoy long years of use from this hard-working buggy.

All in all, it's a good alternative to a travel system for parents looking for a compact solution right from the get-go. Just don't forget to buy a rain cover.

Read next: The best car seats for children

Ickle Bubba Aries Auto-Fold Stroller

Auto-fold mechanism that folds the stroller down in seconds

Ultra-lightweight

Decent amount of storage

Lie-flat recline

Comes with added extras, including rain cover and bumper bar

Fabrics aren’t machine-washable

Non-adjustable handlebar

Topples when changing bag hung on handlebar (without child in seat)

RRP: From £159 | Age range: Birth to around five years old | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 6.1kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: No | Folded size with bumper bar: 46 x 22 x 79cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Ickle Bubba Aries review

The brand-new Ickle Bubba Aries Auto-Fold Stroller is the ideal urban buggy. It’s ultra-lightweight at just 6.1kg, with a small footprint and auto-fold mechanism that makes it one of the easiest buggies out there to fold, whether you regularly use public transport or tend to travel by car.

This handy feature means the stroller folds down automatically at the press of two buttons, collapsing down in a matter of seconds - a game-changer for busy parents on the go. 

The Aries is also very affordable, with a number of different accessories included depending on which version you buy - something you don’t find with most lightweight buggies. The standard Aries stroller comes with a rain cover and bumper bar, while the Aries Max also includes a foot warmer and cup holder. The Ickle Bubba Aries Prime goes even further and comes with a cup holder, carry bag and buggy organiser alongside the rain cover and foot warmer.

Our tester and mum of two Claire says, “It's great value for money with lots of extras, including a pocket on the back of the hood for additional storage - a huge bonus! The seat is a decent size for my one-year-old and my two-and-a-half year old found it comfortable too.”

Read next: Best toddler reins to keep your little ones close

Bugaboo Dragonfly

Carrycot can be collapsed with the buggy

Generous amount of storage space

Rear storage pocket can be detached and hung on the handlebar

Huge extendable sun canopy with extra extension for sunny days

Sliding, easy-to-adjust five-point harness

Stiff and clunky recline

Fold takes time to master

No rain cover included

RRP: £695 (seat and chassis only); £945 for bundle | Age range: Birth age four | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 7.9-10.4kg | Parent-facing option: Yes | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: One-piece self-standing fold with seat 36 x 52 x 90cm; one-piece self-standing fold with carrycot 32 x 52 x 90cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Bugaboo Dragonfly review

Released in June 2023, the Bugaboo Dragonfly has been designed with city life in mind. Compatible with a variety of infant car seats (when used with the appropriate adapters) and the Bugaboo Dragonfly bassinet , this stroller can be used as a travel system so that your newborn has somewhere safe and comfortable to rest while you’re out and about.

From birth, the ergonomic seat is very supportive and has extra ventilation for regulating your child’s body temperature. There are a number of recline angles, including an upright position and lie-flat, and it can be used in parent-facing mode during the earlier months and then world-facing when your baby gets older.

The compact frame easily wheels through small or tight spaces, and the stroller can be folded down with just one hand, although it took our parent tester, Laura, some time to master. It’s petite enough to fit into a medium-sized car boot (although you may have to remove the parcel shelf in smaller cars) and can be left freestanding once folded on public transport.

With an extendable handle and swivel wheels, the Dragonfly is a comfortable ride that steers well, although it does struggle going up kerbs. The brake is very easy to engage - one of the easiest we've come across in fact - and the five-point harness is simple to adjust. Parent tester, Laura, says, "One of the best features of this pram is that the twist straps can be adjusted without the need for rethreading, the same as on other Bugaboo prams like the Bugaboo Fox 5. You simply slide the harness straps up and down to the desired position as your baby grows."

The two real highlights of this buggy though is the 10kg of storage, plus a detachable rear pocket that can be hung on the handlebars like a changing bag, and the fact that the Dragonfly can be folded down with (yes, WITH) the carrycot still attached. A game-changer in the newborn days if you ask us.

Didofy Aster 2

3kg storage basket

MagicFold technology allows it to be folded with one hand

Includes a rain cover, footmuff and cup holder

Can be carried on most airlines as hand luggage

Flip-flop-friendly brake

Cup holder feels flimsy and can be reached by child in the seat

Brake bar may get in the way for parents with a longer stride

Stitching in quilting holds dirt and crumbs and mud left some stains on the fabric

Wheels didn’t perform as well on uneven ground

Footrest gets in the way when carrying the folded buggy

RRP: £299 | Age range: Birth to four years | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 6.2kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 55 x 47 x 25cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full  Didofy Aster 2 review

Thanks to its quilted seat fabric, leatherette handlebar and a choice of frame colours, the Didofy Aster 2 is a practical lightweight stroller that will also turn heads.

Parents can choose from three stylish fabric colours - olive green, grey and black - and a black or bronze stroller frame. The included footmuff and leatherette bumper bar both match the stroller’s stylish design.

The Aster 2’s MagicFold feature swiftly pops the stroller up or down with a press of a button. There’s a handle and shoulder strap for carrying the buggy, but our tester did find that the footrest got in the way and the lock came loose quite easily.

The seat is spacious with cosy quilted padding for extra comfort, an adjustable footrest and a multi-recline for a child up to approximately age four. It can also be used with a car seat.

The Astor 2 didn’t perform as well as other buggies in our topple tests - the instructions warn not to let children lean sideways out of the pram and, during testing, our toddler was able to make it lean to one side. But the swivel, puncture-proof wheels give a smooth comfortable ride for daily life (although they can be harder to manoeuvre on uneven ground). The pushchair whizzed through doorways no problem, but it did sometimes struggle to turn in small spaces.

Didofy has designed the brake to be flip-flop-friendly and it's very easy to engage and holds the pram securely, but our tester did feel the bar was set quite far back so may get in the way for parents with a longer stride.

If you plan to use the Aster 2 for your holiday, it’s small enough when folded to take on most airlines as hand luggage and there are handy extras you can buy, such as a storage bag and a mosquito net should you need to. The expanding UPF 50 sun canopy gives good coverage, but you’ll need to cover your child’s legs on sunnier days.

Read next: The best car sunshades to buy

Impressive storage

Superb one-handed fold and unfold

Airy design for hot weather

Extra long stroller seat – ideal for taller children

Not suitable from birth

Recline mechanism is a bit awkward

Leg rest and bumper bar aren’t included

RRP: £429 | Age range: 6 months to three or four years | Max weight: 18kg | Weight: 6kg | Parent-facing option: Yes, if you use a carrycot, but otherwise world-facing | Travel system/car seat compatible: No | Folded size: 53.5 x 45 x 21.5cm

Tested by Mumsnet:  Read our full Joolz Aer review

Folding doesn’t get easier than with the Joolz Aer , which is easily collapsible with one hand. Throw in a stylish design and a generous storage capacity and this buggy is a must-have for anyone looking to downsize at six months plus.

We also love the Aer’s padding and extra-long seat. This is a comfortable ride across the age range, ideal for reluctant walkers (although not suitable from birth), and it manages to achieve all of this while also folding up surprisingly small.

Our tester found the Joolz Aer to be the most convenient to fold out of all the lightweight strollers she tested.

Read next: The best baby carriers backpacks, according to parents

Compact fold

Travel system-compatible 

Hand luggage size for plane travel

Small footprint when unfolded

Generously sized storage basket and extra storage pocket

Harness is easy to adjust and requires no rethreading

Forward-facing only unless used with a car seat

Seat isn't fully upright in its highest position

Jerky recline

No bumper bar

Not as sturdy on uneven ground as other travel strollers

RRP: £540 | Age range: Birth to around four years old | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 6.6kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 18 x 44 x 52cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Cybex Coya review

The Cybex Coya , released in 2023, is a compact and comfortable stroller. Versatile and reliable, it's the ideal buggy for both day-to-day use and travel thanks to it small footprint and cabin-approved size for flights.

Our tester, Laura, liked the extendable sun canopy, which offers decent coverage in sunny weather, as well as the generously sized storage basket - one of the largest we've seen on such a compact buggy. The fact that the Coya is car seat-compatible only adds to its charm.

At just 6.6kg, its frame is exceptionally lightweight, so it will suit you well if you live in the city and regularly use public transport. It has an integrated carry strap for carrying the stroller over your shoulder when needed.

Our tester Laura says, "What lets the Coya down is its recline, which is jerky when the seat is put into a lie-flat position for naps. [...] I have the similarly designed Babyzen Yoyo2 at home and, while I think the Coya beats the Yoyo on its larger storage basket capacity and sunshade, it also feels much less sturdy."

Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller

Ergonomic bucket seat for padded support

Infinite recline options

All-terrain wheels

Compact fold fits in most airline overhead compartments

Quick assembly

Sun canopy doesn’t provide full coverage

Seat is only world-facing

One-handed fold takes a bit of practice to master

Storage basket is shallow so won’t hold larger items

RRP: £299 | Age range: Birth to four years | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 7.8kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 54 x 25 x 44cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our Ergobaby Metro+ review

The Ergobaby Metro+ folds down to a super compact size making it easy to use on public transport and to squeeze into car boots and most overhead cabin compartments.

It’s an update on the Ergobaby Metro, with upgrades including harness covers, a vegan leather handlebar which can be adjusted for different heights and 16% more storage – although the instructions warn not to load more than 2.2kg in the basket. It's also quite shallow so it's not big enough to fit a changing bag inside.

The ergonomic, padded seat was loved by our tester’s two-year-old who slept soundly when out and about, but the near-flat recline, adjustable leg rest and built-in newborn flaps also allow you to use the Metro+ from day one. Plus, it's car seat-compatible (with adapters).

The PU rubber tyres, spring suspension and extendable handlebar make the stroller a dream to manoeuvre around small spaces and over rough terrain, with a one-handed fold that’s perfect for days when you’re frequently in and out of the car.

The Metro+ only comes with a rain cover, but there’s a host of reasonably priced accessories – including different coloured sun canopies – that you can buy for adding your own touches.

Related: The best buggy boards to buy

Cybex Libelle

Folds down easily to the size of a small suitcase

Stands up when folded with handles on one side

Infinite recline

No assembly needed

Five colours available

Cabin-approved for flights

Wheels struggled on rough terrain, such as grass

The three-point harness slipped when our toddler was bouncing around in the seat

Doesn’t come with a belly bar

Thicker substances like mud settled into the material if not wiped quickly

Can’t fit a changing bag in the basket

RRP: £290 | Age range: 6 months to four years - can only be used from birth with a compatible infant car seat | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 5.9kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 32 x 20 x 48cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Cybex Libelle review

If you’re jetting off on holiday and want a stroller you can take on the plane, the Cybex Libelle folds down to the size of a small carry-on suitcase.

Cybex recommends double checking the measurements with your airline before flying, but this buggy is so compact and lightweight (one of the lightest on our list, in fact) that it stands up easily on its own and has handles on the side for carrying, whether that’s on public transport or for getting it in and out of a car boot.

The Libelle quickly folds and unfolds with buttons and locks that are white so you can easily identify which parts to press. You can also buy adapters to use this buggy with any Cybex or gb car seat.

The pram pushes well but the handlebars are straighter than on other pushchairs and are angled upwards so they may take a bit of getting used to. Due to its compact nature, the wheels are small so they don’t perform quite as well on uneven ground as they do on pavements, but they’re more than good enough for city life and holidays. The brake is effective but only holds the back wheels.

Although the basket can hold 5kg, it’s worth noting that we found it difficult to fit a changing bag inside. This means the bag may need to go on the handlebar, which does make the pushchair topple when it's empty.

While the pushchair does come with a rain cover, there’s no footmuff or bumper bar included (these can be bought separately). But the Cybex Libelle is a great option for parents who want to move around with minimal fuss. A bonus? It comes already pre-assembled.

Read next: The best car seats for toddlers

Baby Jogger City Tour 2

Greater age range than most lightweight strollers and it's more than affordable considering its longevity

Folds up small one-handed

Reclines fully

Carry bag included

Fiddly harness

Bit of a bumpy ride

Rain cover not included

Can’t stand on its own when folded

RRP: £284 | Age range: Birth to four years | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 6.5kg | Parent-facing option: No, unless used with car seat or carrycot | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 59.5 x 49.5 x 19cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Baby Jogger City Tour 2 review (double stroller)

Often touted as a great travel option, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 works equally well as a day-to-day buggy. But don’t be fooled by the name. We think it’s a brilliant pushchair wherever you live.

We were impressed with the size of this buggy, considering how light it is. With a weight limit that makes it suitable for kids up to around five years, you could get quite a lot of use out of it both on your travels and day-to-day.

Good news too – it's an upgrade on the original Baby Jogger City Tour , which means it's now compatible with a carrycot and baby car seat.

Read next: The best double buggies

Silver Cross Pop

Classy design with a cushioned leatherette bumper bar

Durable material that doesn’t mark easily

One-motion fold

5kg storage basket

Bulky when folded down - struggled to fit in Audi A1 boot

Five-point harness feels flimsy

Stroller toppled when changing bag was on the handlebar and the pram was empty

No parent-facing option

Handlebars are angled so aren’t particularly comfortable to push

RRP: £245 | Age range: Birth to four years | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 7.2kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: No | Folded size: 105 x 31 x 35cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Silver Cross Pop review

As the name suggests, the Silver Cross Pop has been designed to quickly unfold when on the go.

Our tester’s two-year-old slept comfortably in the padded, supportive seat which has an adjustable calf support for use from birth - although it doesn’t quite lie flat enough for younger babies.

And while the infinite recline mechanism is meant to be one-handed, it does feel clunky which isn’t ideal if you have a sleeping baby. The seat does, however, have a lovely, cushioned leatherette bumper bar to give parents extra peace of mind.

Where this pram excels though is in everyday life. The storage basket is a decent size and can hold a changing bag, a change of clothes and a shopping bag. The stroller can be folded down quickly and swiftly for popping to the shops or rushing out on the school run, but you may find it long and a bit bulky if you’re short on space at home or in your car boot. Make sure to check the size of your boot before buying.

The four sets of double wheels are lockable so perform surprisingly well on all terrain - whether that’s going up and down curbs, squeezing through shop doors or being pushed over grass and gravel at the park.

Overall, the Silver Cross Pop is durable, easy to clean and looks classy too (choose from four stylish colourways). It currently retails at under £200 which is a great price for such a high-performing buggy.

Read next: The best bike trailers to buy

Genuinely suitable from birth (some buggies better from six months)

Manages well on all types of terrain

One-handed fold and recline

Adjustable handlebar height

Lots of accessories available including foot-muffs, cup holders and changing bags

On the heavier side for a lightweight buggy

Hefty price tag (carrycot also sold separately)

Folding mechanism may take some practice

RRP: £680 | Age range: Birth to fours years | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 9.9kg | Parent-facing option: Yes | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 65 x 50 x 30cm

Tested by Mumsnet:  Read our full  Cybex Mios review

The Cybex Mios straddles two pushchair categories as a fully-functioning travel system with the nimbleness and foldability of a lightweight pushchair. We were particularly impressed by how easily it switches between parent- and world-facing.

Even without adding a carrycot, the Mios offers a cosy fit for newborns with the leg support lifting to create an enclosed pram, similar to a carrycot. At the same time, it also manages to be roomy enough for a three-year-old with lots of space to grow.

Despite being on the heavier side, this buggy is still a big performer across the age range.

Read next: The best baby carriers to buy

Leclercbaby Influencer Air

Super lightweight

Ultra-compact fold

Ideal for travelling (cabin-approved)

Auto-fold feature

Three recline positions, including lie flat

Four-wheel suspension

Can be used with a bassinet

Difficult to push older child with one hand

RRP: £499 | Age range: Birth (with bassinet) to approx. four years old | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 6.6kg | Parent-facing option: Yes (with bassinet) | Travel system/car seat compatible: No | Folded size: 47 x 24 x 56cm

Tested by Mumsnet:  Read our full Leclercbaby Influencer Air review

The Leclercbaby Influencer Air is a cabin-approved stroller with an ultra-compact fold. At just 6.6kg, it’s one of the lightest buggies on the market and its auto-fold feature means it folds down in as little as three seconds, making it the ideal stroller for travel or city life. It comes with a handy travel bag that you can easily sling over your shoulder.

Our tester Jane, who tested this stroller out with her two-and-a-half-year-old, tried this stroller out on public transport, including buses and the Tube, as well as on muddy and bumpy terrain when headed to her local playground. It handled both scenarios with ease. 

While the handlebar is non-adjustable and the stroller doesn’t come with a rain cover, the Influencer Air is generally well-designed. It’s also suitable for use with a newborn if you buy the compatible bassinet , although this does come at a premium.

Jane says, “This stroller’s design is simple and compact which makes it super easy to travel with and store, much like other city strollers on the market, such as the Babyzen Yoyo2. [...] The magnetic harness for strapping in and out took me a little while to get used to. But once I got the hang of it, it was easy to strap my toddler in.”

How we chose the best lightweight buggies

Over 30 models tested by parent testers

Hundreds of strollers reviewed by Mumsnet parents on our forums

12 buggies recommended as best buys

Recommendations from real parents

As the UK's biggest network of parents, many of our buggy recommendations came from Mumsnet users who’d already put the buggies to the test in their everyday lives. After scouring the Mumsnet forums , we ended up with a longlist of more than 25 tried-and-tested products, which was then narrowed down to a final shortlist for additional testing.

We vetted each buggy, noting which were given Best Buys on trusted review sites such as Which?, only considering strollers with overwhelmingly positive consumer feedback.

In-depth testing with parent testers

We tested all the buggies on this list with parent testers, who used each pushchair over the course of at least three months. They each filled out our comprehensive testing score sheet, scoring the buggies on key areas such as safety, assembly, ease of use, aesthetics, ease of cleaning and value for money.

Expert guidance

We also spoke to buggy expert Emma Redding, founder and director of BuggyFit , who sees a huge range of buggies through her work and regularly fields questions about the right stroller for both parent and child. She was able to advise us on what most parents are looking for when choosing a lightweight buggy.

The Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) further rounded out our research by providing essential safety information on buying and using a buggy.

What is a stroller?

A stroller, also known as a buggy, is a style of pushchair or pram that's lightweight, compact and typically used with older babies or toddlers.

Easy to transport and compact for easy storage, types range from the simplest of umbrella strollers to sturdier, more luxurious models.

Lightweight buggies often take up less room than full-sized travel systems or more traditional prams and, unlike the latter options, don’t always have fully-reclining, newborn-friendly seats.

Genuine birth to toddler options are increasingly hitting the market though (complete with a full recline and parent-facing seat), aimed at parents looking for a compact travel solution as soon as their baby is born. We’ve included some options like these in our testing.

Why use a lightweight stroller?

Parents often look to strollers when they're ready to move on from bulkier travel systems, seeking a less complicated solution for grandparents or something less fussy to take on holiday.

Buggies can also be useful for public transport if you live in the city, ideal for family holidays when you’re trying to minimise luggage, and a lifesaver for those moments when your toddler just wants to rest their tired legs.

Can a lightweight stroller be used as an everyday stroller or just for travel purposes?

A lightweight stroller can certainly be used as an everyday buggy. While they are designed with travel in mind, they are also practical for daily use due to their compact size and easy manoeuvrability.

How long can lightweight buggies be used for?

Usually, lightweight strollers are suitable from six months and can extend to either three-and-a-half years (15kg) or even four or five (25kg).

However, some models extend even beyond this age limit, accommodating children as old as six. Always check the weight limit on the buggy you’re considering before you buy.

How easy is it to fold and store a lightweight stroller?

Most lightweight strollers are designed for easy folding and storage. They often feature one-hand folding mechanisms, making them convenient to fold up and store in small spaces, such as car boots or airplane overhead compartments.

What’s the difference between a lightweight buggy and a travel system?

A travel system , sometimes called a pram, is the more traditional and bulky method of transporting a baby around.

Travel systems tend to be the go-to for parents of newborn babies because they're compatible with carrycots and baby car seats – the latter of which allows parents to transfer their baby from car to pushchair and vice versa with minimum hassle.

Unlike travel systems, lightweight buggies aren't always compatible with carrycots or car seats, and smaller wheels might rule out off-roading. However, they tend to be lighter, more compact and a whole lot cheaper than travel systems, which can actually make them a more attractive option to parents once their baby is a bit older.

How much does a good quality lightweight stroller typically cost?

Prices vary from as little as £30 to over £500, so there really are options to suit every budget.

How much you choose to spend may depend on how often and where you plan to use it. Solid options can be found on either end of the spectrum though, so a lot will come down to personal preference.

If you're planning to use your stroller every day, investing in one with decent suspension, easy collapsibility and a good-sized storage basket will be well worth the pennies. On the other hand, if you think you'll only use it occasionally or as a spare, a budget-friendly basic option might be the way to go.

Many affordable buggies do a surprisingly good job and should come with the essential rain cover and shopping basket too.

How to choose a lightweight buggy

A few different factors will determine which stroller is the right fit for you. Be sure to clarify your criteria before you start looking to avoid being overwhelmed by choice or railroaded into buying something that won’t meet your needs.

Safety: Make sure the buggy feels sturdy enough to withstand daily life. It’s not recommended to hang a changing bag on the handlebar but if you think you’re going to need to, check whether it will hold the weight and not topple easily. All pushchairs in the UK should carry a safety label confirming compliance with BS EN 1888. If you’re buying an older model, it’s worth checking that the pram hasn’t been recalled for safety reasons.

Harness: Look at the harness - does it feel secure? A five-point harness is best for keeping your child safe. Make sure there are no gaps for little hands to get caught in and that any accessories, such as a cup holder, are out of reach.

Brake: Test out the brakes to ensure it's effective and can be easily applied using a variety of footwear.

Location : For a start, where are you most likely to use it? Will you be taking it on city pavements, hopping on and off buses, or do you need something that will fold up small into your car boot and potentially be taken into a muddy field? Many parents reach for a lightweight buggy when preparing to go on holiday so you may be looking for something that can fit inside the locker of a plane as hand luggage. If purchasing in-store, be sure to mention where your buggy will be getting most of its use.

Size of wheels and manoeuvrability: When thinking about location, you'll also need to consider the terrain you'll be using the buggy on, and in turn the size of the wheels and how easy it'll be to use, whether you're needing something for city or country life. Bigger wheels tend to be better for uneven surfaces due to the suspension.

Age range: Is the buggy suitable from birth? If it is, it will need to fully recline and you may want to make sure it's padded and sturdy enough for a tiny baby while holding any bags you’ll be taking along with you. Whether a buggy fully reclines or not can also be a dealbreaker with older babies and toddlers, especially if it'll be a safe place for your child to sleep when out and about. Additionally, what’s the upper end of the age range like? Do you want a buggy that'll last beyond early toddlerhood?

Maximum weight of seat: The maximum weight of the seat will also let you know the age the buggy can be used until. If you're wanting an option with longevity, bear in mind you'll need a larger weight capacity as your child grows.

Comfort: You’ll also want to consider the height of the handlebars, particularly if you’re tall or if the buggy will be shared by adults of varying heights. Are the handlebars long enough? Is there potential to adjust the handlebars if not? This could have a huge impact on your comfort, which you may not realise until the damage to your back has been done.

The way the seat faces: If you have a newborn you may want a buggy with a parent-facing orientation so the baby is facing you, whereas a world-facing stroller will likely be better for toddlers. While most tend to be forward-facing, some include the option to change the orientation to parent-facing with the addition of a car seat or carrycot, but you'll need to check these are compatible with the buggy you're buying and will allow you to have your child in a parent-facing position.

Weight: Weight can vary wildly between strollers, with some even coming with handles for carrying around while others require a lot more effort. Whether you’re lifting it into a car boot or taking it up a flight of stairs, you’ll want to be sure that your model is an easily manageable weight for you.

Foldability: Buggies conventionally fold in half with the activation of a switch at the back. However, many models now fold to an even more compact shape and size. You’ll want to consider the size of your boot or anywhere else the buggy is likely to be stored as well as how easy is it to fold. Can it be folded one-handed when on public transport, for instance?

Storage space: Strollers generally have smaller storage baskets than travel systems, but the size of the basket can vary from model to model. You’ll want to consider how much room there is in the basket, how accessible it is with a child sitting in the chair and how stable the stroller is if a bag were to be hung on the handles – this sometimes goes against manufacturers’ instructions, but is a criteria that many parents consider.

Calf support: You may want some extra cushioning around the calf area to make it more comfortable for your child as an extra feature.

Accessories: The accessories a lightweight stroller comes with can also vary. While most come with a rain cover, shopping basket and sun canopy, you’ll want to look at how generous these are and keep an eye for any extras. Are there pockets? Can the wheels be upgraded? Are any other accessories available for purchase? And does it offer good value for money overall? Bear in mind that lightweight strollers generally lack standard pushchair features like peekaboo windows.

What are the key features to look for in a lightweight stroller?

When choosing a lightweight stroller, look for key features such as a compact fold, lightweight materials, easy manoeuvrability, adjustable seat positions, a sturdy frame and a comfortable harness system. These key features will ensure convenience and comfort while traveling with your little one.

What is the most lightweight pram or buggy?

The lightest stroller we tested was the Cybex Libelle at a feather-light 5.9kg. It also measured up as the smallest once folded up, at just 32 x 20 x 48cm.

What is the maximum weight limit for a lightweight stroller?

The maximum weight limit for a lightweight stroller typically ranges from 22kg to 25kg, which is around age four or five. It's important to check the specific weight limit of the stroller you are wnating to buy, as it can vary depending on the brand and model.

What is the best lightweight stroller for travel?

The best lightweight travel stroller is the Babyzen YOYO2 . It weighs only 6.2kg and can be folded easily with just one hand. It also meets most airline carry-on size restrictions, making it perfect for hassle-free travel with your baby or toddler.

How real-life comparative testing makes Mumsnet Reviews unique

To make sure that all the buggies were put through their paces in the same everyday situations, we tasked our parent testers, Matt, Beccy, Claire and Laura, to rigorously test each buggy. With toddlers and preschoolers ranging from age one to four, they were able to get out and about with each of the strollers to see which ones were built to tackle everyday life with ease.

Our testers spent three months testing all the buggies on this list - more than 200 hours in total. They assessed each product on a variety of key criteria including safety and stability, assembly, day-to-day use, cleanliness, aesthetics and value for money.

This entailed looking at everything from how easily the buggy toppled over, how much storage the basket held, how quickly and easily it could be folded down, and how the recline and brake performed. He also assessed the quality of any accessories included, such as a rain cover and footmuff.

Our testers also looked at how comfortable their children was in each buggy. They spent around 30 hours with each stroller, testing how well it coped with bags of shopping, whether it was suitable for muddy walks to the park, how easily it fit into the car boot for the school run and how well it managed rougher terrain.

They then made detailed notes on each product, scoring them on how well they performed in each area. When the final scores were in, the products that performed the best were included in our round-up.

About the authors

Gemma Wilcock is a freelance writer and mum of two. She has 15 years of experience working for national magazines and online publications, and has been researching and writing about baby and child products for Mumsnet for over six years - reviewing everything from buggies to baby bouncers .

As a busy mum of two young children, now aged eight and six, she knows just how important first-hand parenting knowledge can be, and she draws on her own experiences when writing about baby essentials, toys, health, money and lifestyle. She has also written for Prima Baby, Woman’s Own and Bella.

Laura Westerman is an editor, writer and Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet. With over seven years' experience as a full-time editor, five of which have been spent writing, commissioning and editing buggy product reviews and round-ups, Laura has a keen eye for what parents love and likes nothing more than putting together honest reviews to make parents' lives that little bit easier. 

In addition to her work as a writer and editor, she has also appeared in a number of baby product review videos for Mumsnet's YouTube channel. She is mum to a one-year-old.

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.

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