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Find the Best Travel Agent Near You for Your Next Vacation

Traveling is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful and time consuming. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a trip. That’s why it’s important to find a travel agent who can help you make the most of your vacation. Here are some tips for finding the best travel agent near you for your next vacation.

Research Local Travel Agents

The first step in finding a great travel agent is to do some research. Look online for reviews of local travel agents and read customer feedback. Ask friends and family members who have used travel agents in the past for recommendations. You can also check with local tourism boards or chambers of commerce to find out which travel agents are recommended in your area.

Consider Your Needs

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential travel agents, consider what type of service you need from them. Are you looking for someone who specializes in cruises or adventure trips? Do you need help with booking flights or hotels? Make sure to find an agent who has experience in the type of trip you’re planning.

Look for Professionalism

When meeting with potential travel agents, look for signs that they are professional and knowledgeable about their job. Ask questions about their experience and qualifications, and make sure they have a good understanding of your needs and budget. It’s also important to make sure they are up-to-date on the latest industry trends and have access to the best deals on flights, hotels, and other services.

Finding a great travel agent can make all the difference when planning your next vacation. With these tips, you can be sure to find an experienced professional who will help make your trip as stress-free as possible.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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• Baby and kid

The Best Travel Strollers

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.

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 .

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

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.

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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.

May be out of stock

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.

Everything we recommend

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

The Best Travel Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

After testing 14 lightweight, portable car seats, we have five good options for infants, toddlers, and big kids to recommend.

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 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.

Ask Wirecutter: The Best Stroller for the City

by Winnie Yang

If you live in a city and walk a lot, here’s what our parenting editor suggests you buy for your first stroller.

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The 15 Best Travel Strollers of 2023, 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
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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

Travel + Leisure / Phoebe Cheong

If you're traveling with a child under 4 years old or so, you need a stroller. But your everyday stroller might not be your best bet when you hit the road: Today's models are big with lots of storage space, wide canopies, and large wheels for challenging terrain. Not ideal for packing into trains, planes, and automobiles or for bringing in and out of a hotel. If you plan to travel even somewhat often with your little ones, you might want to invest in a travel stroller.

So, what is a travel stroller? A travel stroller is a smaller, more scaled-back stroller with a collapsible frame that can be folded up tightly. Many travel strollers fold multiple ways to reduce the length, width, and height; some, like umbrella strollers, fold one way into a narrow but still-long piece. In the end, you want your travel stroller to be comfortable and safe for your child while folding up into a very compact, easy-to-carry package.

We tested 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. Here are the winners.

Best Overall

Joolz aer lightweight compact 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, and the storage area can fit a small backpack while the stroller is in use.

The straps can be finicky and take some getting used to.

The Joolz Aer looks great, rolls smoothly, and features plenty of padding for the little rider sitting in it. But none of those things alone is what sets it apart from the other strollers we tested. The stroller's exceptional compactness and ease of carrying when folded are what truly won us over. It's great to just keep in the car since it packs up so small and folds and unfolds easily so you can take it with you pretty much everywhere.

The folding process itself is easy and can be done one-handed — just simultaneously push two buttons and push forward. (It's worth noting that unfolding does seem to require two hands.) Once it's folded up, the Joolz Aer is a significantly smaller and more manageable package than many of the other strollers on this list — it fit easily into our makeshift airplane overhead compartment — and a stretchy elastic shoulder pad and handlebar give two convenient, comfortable carrying options. And while it's not the lightest stroller we tested, it's certainly not the heaviest. It feels very manageable to carry.

The Joolz Aer has some helpful design features as well. The sizable canopy offers good coverage and unzips to reveal a mesh ventilation/peekaboo window. The seat back can recline via an easily adjustable strap; this system, as with the peekaboo window, can be sleekly tucked away via a zipper system when not in use. A storage basket underneath the seat is large enough for a small backpack, while a slot on the seat's back can fit papers, a tablet, or a slim laptop. We would have appreciated a cup holder for the adult and a leg rest for the child, but those can be purchased separately. It also would be nice if the strap buckling system was a little simpler, and you'll need to read the instructions carefully to really master it. The handle bar is smooth and padded, and the stroller rolled well over all the surfaces we tested on: hardwood, tile, carpet, and gravel. It also handled U-turns and pivots with ease. It sustained no damage when we dropped it from waist height and pushed it off a table.

Price at time of publish: $449

The Details: 14.1 pounds | 41.5 x 32.75 x 17.75 inches assembled | 8.5 x 21 x 17.75 x inches folded | 50-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Phoebe Cheong

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

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.

Price at time of publish: $500

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.

Price at time of publish: $80

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.

Price at time of publish: $380

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

Best Folding

Uppababy minu v2 stroller.

• 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.

Price at time of publish: $450

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 double 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.

Price at time of publish: $280

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.

Price at time of publish: $350

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 seat 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

Silver cross jet 3 super compact stroller.

Silver Cross

• Assembly 3.9 /5
• Design 4.2 /5

It literally folds down into a suitcase.

If using the suitcase feature, it really only works for parents with one stroller-age child.

We could surely wax poetic about this stroller’s luxe appearance and smooth as silk maneuverability, but our favorite feature? Its ability to transform into a rolling suitcase. This thing was made to fly since it easily folds down into suitcase form and glides over surfaces just as easily when folded as it does unfolded. Not only that, but transitioning between the stroller’s two forms is super easy — it takes just one hand and a matter of seconds.

Beyond the suitcase feature, this stroller also wowed us in the quality department. The canopy and handlebar have a luxurious look and feel, while the seat and footrest are both adjustable. The stroller also moves and turns incredibly well over a variety of terrains, including stairs, even when packed to the brim.

Even if you don’t necessarily need all the convenient features the Jet 3 comes with, you’re still sure to love the stroller for its appearance — it’s sleek, stylish, and essentially bulk-free.

The Details: 13.6 pounds | 35.4 x 17.7 x 39.5 inches assembled | 7.1 x 11.8 x 21.6 inches folded | 55-pound weight limit

Best Compact

Contours itsy ultra-sturdy compact fold stroller.

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. 

Price at time of publish: $170

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.

Price at time of publish: $250

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.

Price at time of publish: $200

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.

Price at time of publish: $249

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 stroller.

• 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.

Price at time of publish: $700

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

Other Travel Strollers We Liked

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once we fully assembled all 32 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.

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

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

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

Verywell Family / Jhett Thompson

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

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

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

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

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

Best Overall

Bugaboo butterfly seat stroller.

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

Roomy, flexible cargo space

Compact, standing fold

Machine washable seat padding

Reclining mechanism isn’t the easiest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Takeaway

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

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

Price at time of publication: $449 

Best Overall, Runner Up

Nuna trvl lightweight stroller.

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

Attractive design

Roomy storage compartment

Heavier than other options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $500

Verywell Family / Conor Ralph

Verywell Family / Phoebe Cheong

Best Folding

Uppababy minu v2 stroller.

 Amazon

• Assembly 3.8 /5
• Portability 4 /5

Stands when folded

Padded carrying strap

Storage for phone, keys, and other small items

Handlebar is not adjustable

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $450 

Best Maneuverability

Silver cross jet 3 super compact stroller.

Silver Cross

• Assembly 3.9 /5
• Design 4.2 /5

Moves and turns beautifully

You can pull it like a suitcase when folded

Standing, one-handed fold

Assembly instructions aren’t helpful

Small cargo space

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

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

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

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

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

Best Lightweight

Contours itsy lightweight stroller.

Easy to put in an overhead bin

Minimal assembly required 

One-handed, standing fold

Brake requires effort to engage

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $170

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

Best for Cities

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller frame.

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

Carrying strap

Can be pulled up stairs with one hand

Turns very well

Involved assembly

Not great on all surfaces

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

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

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

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

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

• Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 (folded), 33.8 x 17.3 x 41.7 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 13.7 pounds

Verywell family / Conor Ralph

Verywell Family / David Carr

Best Car Seat Compatible

Chicco bravo quick-fold stroller.

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

Turns smoothly

Ample storage

Wobbly when brakes were engaged

Hard to access cargo space when seat is reclined

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $270 

Best for Overhead Bins

Munchkin sparrow ultra-compact stroller.

• Assembly 5 /5
• Maneuverability 3.8 /5

No assembly required

Stroller folds into itself

Minimal storage

No real canopy

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $218 

Best for Overhead Bin Runner-Up

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

Five-point harness is very easy to adjust

Comfortably fits into the overhead bin

One-handed fold and unfold

Maneuvers with some difficulty on uneven surfaces

No carry bag

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $550

Verywell Family / Joy Kim

Best Umbrella

Uppababy g-luxe stroller.

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

Comfortable shoulder strap

Standing fold

Cupholder included

Folding is a learning curve

Handlebar height is not adjustable

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $160

Best Portability

Zoe the traveler.

• Design 3.5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5

Quick, straightforward assembly

Incredibly lightweight

Removable, machine-washable seat liner

Snack tray not included

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $249

Verywell Family / Jessica Juliao

Best Reversible

Thule shine stroller.

• Durability 4.8 /5

Large cargo space

Fits in narrow spaces

Adjustable handlebar

Difficult to maneuver around turns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $700

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

Best Cargo Space

Safety 1st teeny ultra compact stroller.

• Portability 4.8 /5

Ample storage basket and canopy pocket

Easy to fold and unfold

Reclining mechanism could be improved

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $130 

Best Eco-Friendly

Bombi bēbee lightweight stroller.

• Design 4.1 /5
• Maneuverability 2.4 /5

Quick, intuitive assembly

Travel bag and cup holder included

No plastic packaging

Harness feels low-quality

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $200 

Best Travel Design

Joolz aer+ lightweight stroller.

Bloomingdale's

Comes fully assembled

Easy one-hand fold and unfold mechanism

Sophisticated design

No footrest

No cupholder

Why We Recommend It

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

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

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

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

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

• Dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches (folded), 32.7 x 17.7 x 41.5 inches (unfolded)
• Seat Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.4 inches
• Weight : 13.2 pounds

Price at time of publication: $449

Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida

Best Double

Uppababy g-link v2 double stroller.

• Assembly 4.9 /5
• Portability 4.4 /5

Narrow and light for a double stroller

Smooth folding

Easy to push and turn

Doesn't get very small when folded

No carrying strap

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $350

Most Comfortable

Baby jogger city tour 2 stroller.

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

Lighter than most travels trollers

Reclines for comfortable napping

Folding requires two hands

No straps for hands-free carrying

Under-seat storage could be bigger

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $250

Best One-Handed Fold

Gb qbit+ all city stroller.

Very easy to fold

Stands up when folded

Suspension makes the ride smooth

Heavier than other travel options

Canopy could be bigger

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $380

Best Budget

Kolcraft cloud plus stroller.

• Design 3.9 /5
• Maneuverability 4.2 /5

Simple folding mechanism

Comes with trays for child and grownup

Too big for overhead bins

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

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

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

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

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

Price at time of publication: $80

Verwell Family / Conor Ralph

Travel Strollers We Also Tested

• GB Pockit Air All Terrain Ultra Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller : Though this stroller is lightweight and truly compact (it folds down to the size of a backpack), it performed poorly in all of our other categories, and we don’t feel confident recommending it.
• Delta Children Spyder : This stroller is poorly designed and feels cheaply made. The five-point harness does not feel stable, the stroller looks odd, and it doesn’t fold up compactly, despite being a bare-bones stroller. Plus, several pieces fell off in our durability test, during which we noticed some signs of wear and tear on the wheels.
• Diono Flexa : While it passed our durability test with flying colors, this stroller is heavy and bulky, so it’s not an ideal option for a travel stroller. Its huge wheels are a pain to maneuver, so it’s not a great pick for your everyday stroller, either. The canopy does come in several bright colors if that’s your thing.
• Maxi-Cosi Mara XT Ultra Compact Stroller : Easy to assemble and fold, this stroller comes with a cup holder, spacious cargo hold, and reclinable seat. However, it didn’t feel particularly lightweight and did not fit in our mock overhead bin (you’d have to take off the bumper bars and wheels, which would be inconvenient), so we don’t feel that it’s the best pick for travel. 
• Bugaboo Dragonfly Stroller : The basket on this Bugaboo stroller is one of our favorite features—it's huge and carry up to 22 pounds of stuff! We also appreciate the reversible seat, which is fully reclinable and adjustable. Unfortunately, we found this stroller heavy and difficult to fold.

How We Tested Travel Strollers

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

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

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

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

Verywell / Jhett Thompson

What to Look for in a Travel Stroller

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

Safety Features

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

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

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

Size and Weight

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

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

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

Ease of Use

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

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

Comfort and Style

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

Why Trust Verywell Family 

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

Additional reporting by:

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

Transportation Security Administration. Traveling With Children .

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The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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

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

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

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

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

Final Verdict

• Others We Tested

Product Selection

How we tested.

• What To Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, joolz aer premium stroller.

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

Handles very well

Easy to operate

Excellent portability

A bit spendy

The Joolz AER earned some of the highest marks during our lab test. Our testers liked how easy this stroller is to fold—although you do have to push two buttons simultaneously to fold and unfold it. "But once you figure it out, it's not finicky," a tester noted. The AER also earned top marks for maneuverability. "It maneuvers really well on all surfaces and handles turns and U-turns smoothly," one tester reported. "The gravel did not give it much trouble at all. Perhaps most importantly, the AER scored well in our portability category thanks to a comfy shoulder strap with elastic stretch." It also fit easily into our simulated overhead compartment.

It wasn't the lightest stroller we tested, but neither was it the heaviest. It was one of the most expensive strollers. But, considering how well it performed and its superior durability, we think it's worth it.

Price at time of publish:  $449

Weight: 14.1 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 9.25 x 20.25 x 16.25 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 42 x 25 x 17 inches | Seat Dimensions: 10 x 15 inches

Best Overall Runner-Up

Gb qbit+ all city stroller.

 Amazon

• Design 4.8 /5
• Portability 4 /5

One-hand fold

Solid handling

Very durable

Canopy could be better

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.

Price at time of publish:  $380

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

Kolcraft cloud plus stroller.

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

Good foldability (once you figure it out)

Only option with a tray

Portability is not great

If you're looking for a 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—safely from location A to B? Absolutely.

Price at time of publish:  $80

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

Nuna Trvl Lightweight Stroller

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

Easy one-handed fold

Suitable for newborns

Very smooth ride

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 could find 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.

Price at time of publish:  $450

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 Lightweight

Gb pockit lightweight stroller.

• Design 2.5 /5
• Portability 4.7 /5
• Maneuverability 4.3 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Folds up super small

Two heights for the handles

Best for fitting in an overhead compartment

No real canopy coverage

Lacks storage and shoulder strap

If you prioritize lightness, compactness, and a minimalist design, the gb Pockit Lightweight Stroller is the correct pick. It weighs less than 11 pounds and folds down to a tiny size. With the compact size and lightness, however, do come some sacrifices. There is basically no canopy or storage and minimal padding. While there was no shoulder strap for carrying, it is so light that our testers thought the rubber carrying handles sufficed.

Despite the lack of features, our testers still thought the ride of this stroller was good enough. "The wheels glide pretty smoothly on hard and smooth surfaces," one tester pointed out. And while it was a bit tougher to push on the gravel and shag carpet, it was still manageable. "The wheels can switch directions easily and handle U-turns well," a tester said.

Again, this stroller doesn't come with bells and whistles. But if quickly lifting and fitting a stroller into an overhead bin is a big priority, there's no better one we tested.

Price at time of publish:  $200

Weight: 10.5 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 6 x 20 x 14 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 42 x 23 x 16.5 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9.5 x 10 inches

Best Double

Uppababy g-link v2 double stroller.

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

Folds and unfolds well

Solid canopy

Solid maneuverability

Heavy (somewhat expected in a double)

Canopy and shoulder strap 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 has 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 like to have seen windows in the canopy and pads on the shoulder straps, overall, they scored this stroller very well.

Price at time of publish:  $350

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 and maneuverability

Good padding

Supports itself when folded

Folding/unfolding is tricky at first

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

Most Maneuverable

Baby jogger city tour 2 stroller.

• Portability 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.8 /5

Good and easy recline

Lots of padding and support

Great value for its cost

Didn't fit in overhead bin space

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.

Price at time of publish:  $340

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

Small and compact when folded

Good maneuverability

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 light weight, 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 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."

Price at time of publish:  $480

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 Joolz AER Premium Stroller has all this plus top-notch durability. To maximize value for money, we also recommend the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller .

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's 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.

Summer Infant 3D Lite : "It's very inexpensive but not equipped with nearly the features you can get from the others," one tester said of the Summer Infant 3D Lite. If you're not looking for additional features, this one will get the job done as it is easy to fold and unfold, and maneuvers just fine.

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 counter-intuitive 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.

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, overall value was rated based on the cost of the stroller and how it performed in the tests compared to others.

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 to stay hydrated (or caffeinated) 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 which 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 road trips or flights—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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10 best compact strollers for hassle-free 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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We tested these for their ease of use, folding ability and durability in a range of weather conditions

Our Top Picks

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 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 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...

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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 2023 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

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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

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)

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.

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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12 best lightweight strollers and buggies: compact strollers for 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 | Last updated Oct 31, 2023

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 are ideal to use on public transport, which makes getting around big cities or urban areas a breeze. Their light frames and simple folding mechanisms make them brilliant for the school run and taking on holiday as well.

But which lightweight buggy is the best? We’ve researched the UK’s top buggies, consulted parents on the Mumsnet forums for their best buys and comparatively tested all the strollers on this list with Mumsnetters and our team of parent testers 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 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 baby changing bags .

Best lightweight strollers at a glance

Best overall lightweight buggy: Babyzen YOYO² | Buy now

Best budget lightweight buggy with easy fold: Joolz Aer | Buy now

Best lightweight buggy for newborns: Bugaboo Dragonfly | Buy now

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

Best compact lightweight buggy: Cybex Coya | Buy now

Best lightweight buggy for travel: 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 lightweight buggy for city living: gb Qbit+ All Terrain | Buy now

Best versatile lightweight buggy: Silver Cross Reflex | Buy now

Best overall lightweight buggy

Babyzen yoyo², what we like.

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

What we don't like

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

What Mumsnet users say

Our verdict.

Tested by parents: 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

Best budget lightweight buggy with easy fold

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: £179.99 | 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 parents:  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

Best lightweight buggy for newborns

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 parents: 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.

Best lightweight buggy for toddlers

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 parents: 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

Best compact lightweight buggy

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 parents: Read our full Cybex Coya review

The Cybex Coya , new for 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."

Best lightweight buggy for travel

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

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

Best lightweight buggy for frequent flyers

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: £289.95 | 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

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

Best lightweight buggy for longevity

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 parents: 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

Best lightweight buggy for rough terrain

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

As the name suggests, the Silver Cross Pop has been designed to quickly unfold for life 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

Best travel-system-compatible lightweight buggy

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: £679.90 | 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 parents:  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

Best lightweight buggy for city living

Gb qbit+ all terrain.

Can convert to 3-in-1 travel system with a carrycot and baby car seat

Collapsible; very easy to fold

All-wheel suspension

Main seat unit has a lie-flat recline position

Great for use on all terrains

Handlebar not height adjustable

Shallow shopping basket

Slightly awkward brake pedal

Maximum weight capacity isn’t as high as other buggies

RRP: £252 | Age range: Birth to three or four years | Max weight: 15kg | Weight: 7.7kg | Parent-facing option: Yes, if used with a carrycot or car seat, but otherwise world-facing | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 49 x 33 x 53cm

Tested by parents:  Read our full gb Qbit+ All Terrain review

The gb Qbit+ All-Terrain is an impressively small buggy with the functionality of a full-sized travel system.

Whether you're heading on holiday or moving on and off public transport, this buggy makes sure your child has a smooth ride as well as somewhere cool and comfortable to nap.

While we do wish it had a slightly deeper storage basket, the double wheels and all-wheel suspension help to solidify the Qbit+ as a great travel and city-life option.

Travelling, whether on public transport or further afield, often calls for high performance across a range of scenarios and the Qbit+ All-Terrain certainly fits the bill.

Best versatile lightweight buggy

Silver cross reflex.

Great storage

Easy to fold and travel-friendly

Comes with a head-hugger for newborns

Full suspension effortlessly handles rough terrain and tricky curbs

Extendable hood

Only compatible with Silver Cross infant car seats

Heavier than most of the prams in our round-up

Umbrella fold makes it bulky when folded down

RRP: £325 | Age range: Birth to around five years old | Max weight: 25kg | Weight: 8.5kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 110 x 31 x 40cm

Tested by parents:  Read our full Silver Cross Reflex review

Thanks to its clever design, full suspension and travel system compatibility, the Silver Cross Reflex is a stroller that offers great versatility and value for money.

To start, it’s super comfortable. The seat is moulded to the shape of your baby’s back to provide extra support and allow air to flow through, which is great for keeping them cool on warmer days. The Reflex can be used from birth and comes with a padded seat cover and head support for young babies. There are also car seat adaptors included for use with a Silver Cross Simplicity car seat .

The stroller comes with a host of extras which goes some way to justifying its price. The UPF 50+ extendable hood is a decent size, the 5kg shopping basket is more than big enough for everyday essentials, and the rain cover keeps your child completely dry. There’s also a bumper bar which can be folded down with the buggy.

The simple umbrella fold is very effective and it locks into place so the buggy can be carried around using the handle on the side. It’s a dream to push too. Much like the Silver Cross Pop , the Reflex handles even rough terrain and tricky curbs very well.

How we chose the best lightweight buggies

Over 30 models tested by parent testers

Hundreds of strollers reviewed by Mumsnet parents on our forums

11 buggies recommended as best buys - this includes six previous Mumsnet Best winners

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 dad Matt Davis and his family with rigorously testing each buggy. With two children at home – aged five and two – he was able to get out and about with each of the strollers to see which ones were built to tackle everyday life with ease.

Matt spent three months testing nine buggies - more than 200 hours in total. He 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.

Matt also looked at how comfortable his two-year-old was in each buggy. He 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.

Matt made detailed notes on each product, scoring them out of a total of 48 points 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 author

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.

Why you should trust our reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust – brands can’t pay to be featured in our articles or win a Mumsnet Best award.

We spend hours researching, speaking to parents, analysing data and listening to experts before we test out the products on our shortlist.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about how we tested the products we recommend. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the one's we'd recommend to our own friends and family.

There's no reason for us to respond to pressure from retailers or brands trying to promote new products. It's actually quite the opposite and we think it's a good system, one that keeps us focused on making parents lives' easier.

All prices on this page correct at time of writing.

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12 best travel prams to take on holiday

Whether you're heading overseas or popping up to the shops, a compact travel pram makes life a whole lot easier (and lighter).

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As you probably know, travelling with kids is not straightforward.

There’s so much to pack, and prams can be heavy, cumbersome and just won’t fit into many of the places you want to go - let alone fold up into your hand luggage.

If you’re a family on the move, a lightweight compact pram can be a game changer. Not just for going on holiday but also everyday expeditions. Something sturdy that’s easy to fold and slide into the boot or overhead compartment on the plane. But which one best suits your needs?

That’s where we come in. We have scoured the market and found the best travel prams on the market, based on our own experiences, as well as reviews of hundreds of other parents who’ve been there and bought that.

So grab a cuppa, sit back and get ready to make some serious travel plans.

How we choose products

Our team of experienced writers and mothers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by road-testing them and by analysing thousands of customer reviews to see how they go in a real-life setting.

Our top picks of travel prams

• Best Bugaboo travel pram: Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Pram
• Best compact travel pram: Babyzen YoYo2 Travel Pram
• Best high-end travel pram: UPPAbaby Minu V2 Travel Stroller
• Best mid-range travel pram: Baby Jogger City Tour 2
• Best budget travel pram: Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller V3
• Best travel pram for active families: Baby Jogger City Elite 2
• Best everyday pram for travel and home: Valco Baby Ultra Snap Stroller

Best Bugaboo travel pram

Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Pram, Amazon, $799

When it comes to prams, Bugaboo still reigns supreme - and the Butterfly Seat Pram is ideal for travel. It’s sturdy, yet super light and compact, weighing just 7.3kg. It takes little effort to push and about a second to fold and unfold. It closes up to a handy easy-to-carry size, complete with a shoulder strap - and can be taken on a plane as carry-on luggage and popped into the overhead compartment. There is, however, a fairly hefty price tag to go with it, but if you’ve ever used a Bugaboo (or like me, admired one jealously from afar), then you know, it will be worth every cent.

One customer was thrilled with their purchase and left the comment, "I was looking for a compact stroller & preordered the butterfly. I originally wanted it to travel & took it on our trip. It was amazing. It easily fits in the overhead of the aeroplane and closes and opens so easily! You can do it one handed!"

Best small and compact travel prams

Babyzen YoYo2 Travel Pram, Metro Baby, $769

The Babyzen YoYo2 is renowned in mum's circles for being the Rolls Royce of travel prams. It packs down into a tiny carry bag that fits in the overhead compartment and weighs a mere 6.2 kilograms in the 6+ year old version, or 6.6 kilograms with the newborn pack.

On the go you can attach a padded strap to carry it on your shoulder, and you can whisk it open in just a few small movements. It comes in a variety of colourways to stand out from the crowd and best of all, being made of high quality aluminum and stainless steel, it's super sturdy and can take a maximum weight of 22kgs. So even older kids can use it when they're tuckered out.

The biggest drawback? It ain't cheap. With an RRP of $849.95 it's most definitely an investment, but one that's destined to go the extra mile.

Joolz Aer Stroller, Amazon, $695

There are two things that travel writer Stephanie Yip loved about the Aer when she went shopping for a travel pram. The first was that it folds down with one hand. Seriously. It's a game changer when you're balancing a kid and a stroller. And then trying to get one into the other.

The second is how compact it is when folded down. With the wheels neatly tucking into each other it packs almost flat. Sure it's not quite as small as the BabyZen YoYo2 but it comes quite close.

Other highlights of this travel-friendly pram is its high seat, which can support kids up to 22kgs, its under pram storage space and the sun hood.

"Study, folds easy, overall great," sums up one five-star review on Amazon. "Feels nice and sturdy compared to other travel strollers," says another.

Best high-end travel pram

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Travel Stroller, Baby Bunting, $589

Weighing a mere 7.7kg, the Minu V2 is a lightweight stroller, with an easy one-hand, one-step compact fold. It has a spacious comfy seat and is suitable from birth to 22kg. It stands when folded, which makes life easy, and fits neatly in the boot of the car. Plus, it has a convenient carry handle or shoulder strap. The ideal travel companion that is ready to take on all manner of terrains and surfaces, while providing your little traveller a smooth and relaxing ride.

With 4.8 out 5 stars on Google Review, this pram has been a popular choice for parents. One purchaser left the review, "This stroller was our lifeline. On the tram. Off the tram. Through the airport, it handles so well and I can push it with one finger. Brake is super easy. Just as big as a city mini but the bottom storage is amazing..."

Best mid-range travel pram

Baby Jogger City Tour 2, Amazon, $445

Baby Jogger prams have long been considered the perfect choice for a busy life-on-the-go. In particular the highly compact City Tour 2, which weighs just 6.5kg and has a quick easy one-hand fold. Suitable for newborns up to about 20kg, it’s great for travelling or simply popping into the boot of the car.

One Amazon customer who highly recommends this travel pram, commented, "Love how compact and light it is — it was so handy for our travels especially with airport transits. Fits in the overhead cabin even in domestic budget airlines it is also So easy to fold and open up. My baby seems comfortable in it especially as there is a foot rest and it is reclinable for naps."

Best mid-range travel pram (runner-up)

Joy Baby Glide 4 wheels Baby Pram Stroller, OZSALE, $399.95

The Joy Baby Glide 4 Wheels stroller weighs about 11.6kg and is easy to fold and stow away, making it a good option for travel. It has a modern stylish look, while still being comfy for your little one to get out and about. The seat can be reclined with one hand and the pram handle is adjustable. It doesn’t take up much room in your boot, plus it comes with a rain cover, mosquito net and foot muff for no extra charge. Good value and super practical.

Best budget travel pram

Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller V3, Amazon, $219

This pram, weighing less than 6kg, is well worth considering. Super light and compact, it folds away into next to nothing, and comes with its own travel satchel for easy transportation. It has a 5-point harness for safety, a larger-than-average below basket and lays flat so suitable for newborns up to 15kg.

One parent was delighted with this pram, saying, “Compact and easy to use. Travelled solo with my 8 month old to the UK and this made it super easy and i could check it as carry on if required.”

Best budget travel pram (runner-up)

4Baby Everyday Stroller, Baby Bunting, $25

When my first daughter was a baby, we got this cheap and cheerful stroller by 4Baby and it was ideal for short trips interstate. Light, easy to carry and a breeze to fold. I wouldn’t recommend it for trekking along bumpy outback terrain - but for paved roads, city streets and airports, it’s perfect. In fact, we used it for both our kids. It lasted the distance and was such a reasonable price that should it ever have got lost (like our luggage on a recent trip to Hamilton Island), it wouldn’t have been a disaster.

But don’t just take my word for it. Another parent commented online, “Quick and easy to get around. Small enough for the car. Light and manageable. Baby falls asleep easily. Excellent price for quality. Perfect for travel.”

Meanwhile, another customer said, “I bought this stroller to take on a trip to QLD as I was travelling solo with a 7mo. I found it very easy to fold up and down, even when holding baby. The steering, especially one handed, is challenging as it doesn't move that easily but it's completely manageable. I think for the price it is a great stroller.”

Best travel pram for active families

Baby Jogger City Elite 2, Amazon, $849

This hardy, sporty stroller will last from newborn up to 34kg so it's really the only pram you’ll ever need. When collapsed, it’s not as small as other travel prams, but will still fit in the overhead compartment. It has a 5-point harness, UV 50 + extended canopy with peek-a-boo window, an extra-large storage basket, and folds quickly and easily with just one hand.

Many parents have loved this pram, which scored an impressive 4.2 out of 5 stars on Product Review - and not just for travel but also everyday life. One happy customer left the following review, which pretty much says it all: “I purchased this pram when my baby was born … From day one he loved it.

My son is now 4.5 years old and still goes in his pram for long walks. Last week he even fell asleep in it. I would recommend this to any family with an active lifestyle. We purchased the travel bag and have taken it on several overseas holidays where it has been great. It packs down very easily for travel. Over the years we have also taken it off road, to the beach and walking our dogs to the park most days. It has never let us down and is still in great condition.”

Best travel pram for active families (runner-up)

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Pram, Baby Bunting, $749

According to Baby Jogger, “if the elite is the SUV, this is the compact car”. In essence, it does everything the bigger model does, it’s just a bit smaller. It’ll still suit you from newborn up to 29kg, it has the same one-hand fold and a similar sized storage basket. And being a little smaller, it weighs just over 9kg, which is great for the travel schedule.

Well reviewed on Product Review, one customer left the comments, “Such a great all rounder - small enough for the everyday errands but big enough and stable enough to run with when my oldest rides his bike or scooter. Heaps of accessories available to suit your needs - definitely recommend this pram! We’ve had several baby jogger prams over the years and they are definitely the best prams on the market!”

Best everyday pram for home and away

Valco Baby Ultra Snap Stroller, Catch, $365

Ideal for a #busymumlife, this super lightweight stroller, weighing only 6.2kg, has a clean and compact folding mechanism. And to make your travels that little bit smoother, it comes with a few travel accessories, such as the handy snack tray, car adaptors and mesh cover.

Many happy parents have purchased this pram and left positive online reviews - one posted the comments, "I absolutely love this pram!! Really happy I bought the valco. I researched for a bit and settled with this. I have never regretted buying it once. I find it easy to fold up and put in and out of the car. Love when bubs sleeping I can have the cover right over him."

Ickle Bubba Discovery Stroller Max Model, Amazon, $329

This attractive yet sturdy stroller weighs in at an appealing 7kg. It has a lightweight aluminium frame and is easy to fold and transport. Perfect for adventures, big and small, whether overseas or at your local Westfield, and is equipped with a cup holder, foot warmer, raincover and extendable suncover. One customer left the comment, "Lovely stroller, very easy to put up and down, comfortable to use."

What is the best stroller to travel on an airplane with?

The best stroller to travel on an airplane with is one that's light enough for you to place into the overhead locker on your own, and also small enough to fit. Before buying or bringing your pram, check with the airline what their maximum carry-on luggage dimensions are to give you an idea over whether your pram is compact enough to fit on the plane. Dedicated travel prams such as the BabyZen YoYo2 and the Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Pram are designed to fit in most overhead compartments.

What's the difference between a pram and a travel pram?

Everyday prams are generally sturdier and heavier than travel prams. They may have a larger frame for increased storage space and better stability, and are designed more to pack down into a boot but not so much into an airplane's overhead compartment bin.

Travel prams are generally more lightweight, smaller in frame and can be stowed into a carry bag for easy portability.

Is it worth getting a travel pram?

Travel prams can be extremely helpful on long trips where you'll be doing a lot of walking - especially if you have a kid who tires out easily or constantly wants to be carried. If you're going on a road trip or are hiring a car to get about, you may find you don't need one. Escape's eComm travel writer Stephanie Yip managed a number of road-based trips without purchasing a travel pram and finally bought a cheap, lightweight pram while in South Australia as she had planned a short hike for the family.

Alternatively, you can bring your everyday pram along for your travels. Just know it may be cumbersome. And, if you're flying, it's likely you'll have to check it in at the airport.

S usannah Hardy is Kidspot’s Shopping Writer and loves nothing more than finding great deals to help make life easier for parents. Susannah has written extensively on all things parenting for publications such as Practical Parenting, Babyology and Tell Me Baby and has worked for Finder, reporting on best buys for families.

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Susannah loves nothing more than finding great deals to help make life easier for parents. She has written extensively on all things parenting for publications such as Practical Parenting, Babyology and Tell Me Baby and has worked for Finder, reporting on best buys for families. Susannah is a busy mum of two fast-growing girls, and uses her work finding the best products at the right price in her daily life.

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Best Travel Strollers: Honest & Updated Reviews

Before I had my baby I thought that picking up a stroller was a simple task. With so many strollers available on the market I thought anything I get should be good to travel with, as I’ve seen many parents gate checking their travel strollers .

When many friends warned me that I’ll need two strollers: one for home and one for travel, I didn’t believe them. Let me tell you – I was very wrong. In fact, I ended up with FOUR strollers I’ve been frequently using as my circumstances changed and ended up buying and selling a decent amount of other strollers. I didn’t research everything I needed from the beginning and was following the trends, which was a big mistake.

A travel stroller is one of the most useful things to travel with a baby .

Why trust me?

I’m your crazy stroller lady! I’ve owned over 50 strollers, because I’m crazy about honest reviews.

I have detailed reviews on my lifestyle/parenting blog .

Best Travel Strollers in 2023

Overall winner: babyzen yoyo runner-up 1: joolz aer runner-up 2: inglesina quid best double travel stroller: zoe twin+ runner-up double: larktale caravan coupe.

When my research on travel strollers started and I quickly realized that there was no such thing as a perfect travel stroller . Every stroller had its pros and cons, and it really depends on what does your child and you prefer.

Each lightweight travel stroller comes with fewer features and comfort, but that’s the tradeoff for the other functions.

The best traveling strollers are those that are lightweight and narrow to lug around and carry, but feature extras such as recline, a sun canopy, and a decent basket underneath.

Travel Stroller or Stroller for Airplane?

All strollers for airplanes are good travel strollers, but not all travel strollers are good for the airplane.

If you’re planning on flying often, don’t think you will be exploring all day, or have older kids that might only need the stroller occasionally then consider a stroller that fits in the overhead compartment ( I created a dedicated list here ).

Travel Stroller for Infant

One big myth about travel strollers is that they can’t be used from birth. These days it’s absolutely not true, as many recline flat or offer a newborn insert.

The only strolling equipment you cannot use since birth (unless it’s car seat compatible) are stroller wagons . But, as handy as they are at home I’d only recommend traveling with the smallest ones – like Larktale Caravan Coupe for example.

Some babies love strollers, while others prefer carriers. Some only want to sleep with a flat recline, others like mine hate a flat recline ever since he turned 3 months. Some love cocoons, and others hate cocoons. Some are fine in a car seat, others like mine hate the car seat.

You’ll want to see how do you handle luggage and carry-ons on the plane and how a stroller fits or doesn’t fit, in this scenario.

Can a Travel Stroller Be Used Since Birth?

We started traveling with baby Dylan since he was 2 weeks old. By 4 months he flew on 20 flights, at least half of which I’ve taken solo just with him, without my partner. Most travel strollers cannot be used from birth and it’s recommended that you wait at least 4-6 months, as they don’t fully recline.

There are a few strollers, however, that have an option of a newborn insert or flat recline that can make them usable from birth. As great as it sounds, however, my baby basically refused any type of bassinet or cocoon by 3 months. There was no way I was able to put him in a bassinet to lie flat.

Do You Need a Carseat Clip Option for a Travel Stroller?

Strapping a car seat in isn’t something anyone should do unless you’re in a car because it’s not healthy for a baby . Practically though, I think it also defeats the purpose of a lightweight stroller (most car seats aren’t exactly light at all!) – I’d rather strap the car seat to my carry-on.

Various types of strollers either recline flat or offer a newborn insert, which makes them usable from birth.

However, some parents might want to have this option and it’s a fair requirement. Almost all travel strollers have a clip-on option, vs umbrella strollers mostly don’t.

Detailed Reviews of Good Travel Strollers

Babyzen yoyo+ stroller, 20 x 17 x 7  (folded) | 13lbs | $$$ 52 x 44 x 18 cm | 6.2kg.

For a long time there was no competition for Babyzen Yoyo, and this stroller used to be no.1 on the market. I believe it still is honestly.

As it’s on the more expensive side, I tried to avoid getting it as I thought I can easily get away with another travel stroller – just to realize I needed a Yoyo after all.

I tested it when  traveling in Italy , Greece , Poland ,  Malta , France , Mexico , Spain , El Salvador and the USA.

Its wheels, while small, are surprisingly good and there’s no need to even lift the stroller over the curb or cobblestones. I’ve also driven through mud and gravel without any issues. It’s definitely sturdier than some other travel strollers that are actually heavier, like Joolz Aer or Bugaboo Butterfly.

It’s the only travel stroller that doesn’t fall backward with a diaper bag or another stroller hanging from it (Yoyo Connect) – even without a baby sitting in the stroller.

Many people complain would be the fact that the seat recline degree isn’t flat, but it’s just the same as other travel strollers because that’s the law – super compact strollers can’t fully recline for tripping hazard . The recline is more than sufficient.

If you want Yoyo to be suitable from birth you will have to get a newborn pack or bassinet (I recommend a newborn pack over a bassinet because it folds with the stroller!).

You can now make Yoyo a double stroller with Yoyo Connect. It’s an absolute game changer as you can fold the other stroller when an older sibling wants to walk!

WARNING: There are fake Yoyo strollers sold online and known as Yoya Baby Stroller and they’re not safe or tested. Don’t buy them.

• Fits as cabin luggage on ALL planes
• Can be one-hand folded on the 2nd step
• Great wheels & suspension
• Easily maneuverable with one hand
• Can be a double with Yoyo Connect
• Needs additional Yoyo-only accessories (footrest, bug net, bumper bar)
• Canopy on a smaller side
• Basket on the smaller side, but sufficient

Would I Recommend It Overall: YES

Read my extra detailed review of Babyzen Yoyo+ Stroller

21″ L x 17.7″ W x 8.5″ H (folded) | 13.4 lbs | $$ 53 x 44 x 22 cm | 6 kg

Unlike full-size Joolz strollers, in my opinion, Aer is somehow well-designed. Somehow because the stroller won’t fold if you use it with a bumper bar officially made by Joolz – which is odd.

It has a one-hand fold, good recline, peek-a-boo window and other perks one might want from a travel stroller. It also includes accessories like a rain cover.

Wish the button to fold wasn’t in the middle of the handlebar as it makes things more difficult when steering with one hand.

The seat back is higher than on many other competitors and the canopy is plenty big.

Tiny planes will not fit it, because of an additional inch in height, unfortunately.

I still love this stroller and it offers a bassinet for a newborn as well (only two travel strollers offer that option – another one is Yoyo).

Full review is available here .

• Sturdy wheels
• Easy one-hand fold & unfold
• Lifetime warranty
• On the pricier side
• Doesn’t fold with bumper bar
• Won’t fit on smaller planes

Would I Recommend It Overall: Yes

Inglesina Quid

23 x 18.3 x 6.8 (folded) | 13 lbs | $$ 58 x 46 x 17 | 5 kg.

I rarely see Inglesina listed in the top choices for a travel stroller, but I feel like it deserves a mention because it’s honestly a good product.

It’s very similar to Uppababy Minu at a more affordable price, but folds smaller, the canopy is better in terms of flimsiness and adjustable footrest.

I used it in the US so far and I like it a lot.

You need to buy accessories because it doesn’t come with a rain cover or carry bag. There are currently no car seat attachments so there’s no way to use it with a newborn.

The recline isn’t completely flat, but almost flat and I believe no kid ever needs more than 150 degrees after getting used to it.

While the stroller is bigger than other smaller brands it might not always fit on all aircraft, you might be able to squeeze it on some but don’t always count on it.

• Almost full-recline (adjustable levels)
• Much more affordable than most
• Various cute designs
• Adjustable in-built footrest
• Bumper bar included
• Needs both hands to fold & unfold
• No carseat attachment possible
• Seat/fabric doesn’t come off so we’re still figuring out how to clean it
• Won’t fit in overhead bin

Bugaboo Butterfly

22 x 15 x 9  (folded) | 15.8 lbs | $$ 55 x 38 x 23 | 7.2 kg.

Bugaboo Butterfly is a highly anticipated and marketed replacement for the now discontinued Bugaboo Ant.

Butterly is surely an improvement from Ant, but it’s far from being a decent competitor of Babyzen Yoyo or even Joolz Aer, in my opinion.

It folds but you need a little push at the end and the carry strap gets lots in the stroller. The basket underneath is perfect with mesh sides but things could fall out through front. No issues with navigating it on uneven terrains.

The seat is actually taller than Yoyo’s or most strollers and has a higher weight limit up to 50 lbs, so it’s advertised that it can be used for a child longer but as the canopy is built-in I have to disagree – for a tall child 3.5 years is a max (as tested on my child – we also maxed out on top straps and he told me he feels uncomfortable at only 3 years, not even 3.5).

While the seat height is tall the canopy is built-in which results in similar headspace as on strollers with lower seat back height. The recline is also less than on Babyzen Yoyo or Joolz Aer.

I tested it when in the USA. You can read my extra detailed review here .

The wheels are durable, but the stroller is a bit heavier and bigger than Yoyo which means it won’t always fit all smaller aircrafts. But, when the stroller is folded, all 4 wheels are down, unlike in Yoyo, so you don’t get your clothes covered in dirt. The break also makes up for the wheels, as it’s easy to lock and unlock.

My other concerns with this stroller are the footrest that is harder to adjust (seems tight, especially when stroller is folded already) and smaller kids can get their feet caught in it, due to the space between fabric and material.

• Amazing basket
• Folds with bumper bar
• Adjustable harness
• Big extendable canopy
• Washable seat fabric
• Frame paint peels off easily and scratches
• No newborn options apart from a car seat
• In-built footrest gets in the way
• Carry strap can block the break and often disappears inside when the stroller is folded

Would I Recommend It Overall: Not Really for this Price

BabyJogger City Tour 2

22 x 17 x 9 (folded) | 14 lbs | $ 57 x 45 x 23 | 6.3 kg.

First things first – BabyJogger is a brand name and none of their strollers are jogging strollers. City Tour is more lightweight and newer brother of the Babyjogger City Mini GT, which I’d probably recommend more overall unless you need to exclusively for travel.

It’s smaller and sturdier than Mountain Buggy, but not as sturdy as Yoyo. It offers an almost full recline and built-in footrest, which is a huge plus. The only downside is a small canopy.

The basket is spacious, but I wouldn’t hang anything from the handlebar as it could tip over.

The seat could have more depth as it’s shallow, but not terrible. The straps aren’t super comfortable according to my child, but the younger one never complained.

• One-hand fold
• Many colors available
• Near flat recline
• Two-hand unfolding
• Seat is a bit hard
• Won’t fit in the overhead on some airlines

Would I Recommend It Overall: Possibly

22″ x 14″ x 9″ (folded) | 11.3 lbs | $$

Zoe Traveler+ is the most popular ZOE stroller and it’s one of the best on the market, especially if you take price into consideration.

It has all the features you might need: almost flat recline, big canopy, bumper bar, big storage.

It can also be expanded to tandem with an extra seat that can be removed easily.

The Tour+ is slightly wider with a taller seat back than Zoe Traveler, making it better for everyday use as your little one grows and you more frequently need increased storage. It’s compatible with a car seat adapter.

The basic included wheels work fine, but not as great as Yoyo or Cybex. Zoe will go through cobblestones, but not as smoothly as you might want it to go.

• Can fit infant
• Almost flat recline
• Expandable to 2nd seat
• Option of off-road wheels
• Basic wheels aren’t amazing
• Might not fit in the overhead

Cybex Eezy S Twist 2

20 x 18 x 12 (folded) | 11.3 lbs | $$ 53 x 45 x 25 | 6 kg.

Cybex Eezy S Twist (the 2018 version) was the first travel stroller I’ve ever purchased. I thought it would let me pay less than I would for Yoyo and I was wrong – it’s not even close to Yoyo. Unless you fly a lot I think it is a great stroller for the price.

While it fit just fine in overhead bins on big planes (Emirates), on smaller European routes it was missing a few centimeters in depth. Folding and unfolding are super easy with one click.

I do think that the newer version Eezy S Twist S is not worth it, because the price is also double what it was for the 2018 first version.

I tested it when in Italy, USA, Mauritius and Poland.

The new version has a few improvements such as a bumper bar, can accommodate a bassinet (the previous version could only accommodate a car seat) and a footrest. However, the recline is not as flat as it used to be and it all folds even bigger than the 2018 model. It means it can pretty much very rarely fit in the overhead compartment of the plane.

It can easily be pushed with one hand even on mud or grass. As the wheels suspensions work great, it’s good the handlebar doesn’t feel hard at all. It doesn’t have a peekaboo window, but as you can turn the seat around it’s easier to keep an eye on the baby.

While the canopy is naturally not waterproof we got caught in the rain once and the baby wasn’t drenched. That said, it’s water-resistant for sure.

As I bought it early on when my baby was just a month old I purchased an additional newborn cocoon, which he loved until he was about 3 months old. He then refused to be put in it and wanted to be strapped in with regular straps. It might be my baby specific, or the fact that it was over 90 degrees (35 C) outside. Possibly he would have felt differently about it in the winter.

A few of my complaints would be the seat and frame. The seat doesn’t give the baby much depth, so might not work great for chubby babies. Some parents complain that the seat is too narrow (45 cm), but Yoyo, Ant, or GB Pockit have even narrower seats. You can’t expect a narrow airplane-friendly stroller with a wide seat. The frame easily gets scratched, so be prepared for it to look slightly beat-up.

Also, compared to Yoyo it feels less sturdy (but more than Mountain Buggy Nano) and a bit harder to drive over uneven surfaces, but for this price I can’t ask for everything.

• Easily Reversible Seat
• Full recline
• Easy one-hand fold
• Narrow seat
• Static footrest, so no footrest when parent-facing
• No peekaboo window

Would I Recommend It Overall: Not Quite

Uppababy Minu

23 x 20 x 11 (folded) | 14.8 lbs | $$$ 59 x 52 x 29 | 6.7 kg.

Uppababy Minu basically replaces the bulky umbrella stroller Uppababy G-Luxe. You can’t beat their customer service if something breaks and their free repair service in the US, Canada and UK.

The fold is super easy, basically, it folds the same way as Cybex Eezy S Twist, but it can also stand on its own.

Unfolding technically requires one hand, but you need to open a small lock on the side first, and for me it kept locking back unless I used both hands, unfortunately.

The wheels are the best and can go on any terrain. The peekaboo window has mesh ventilation and can be covered to protect the baby from the sun.

The hoods in all Uppababy products are the best of the best in terms of size, but unlike in their full-size strollers the Minu canopy is fragile and I can see it breaking easily.

One concern some parents might have about the seat is that when the child bends forward the whole seat back moves as well. It’s not a deal breaker for me (Babyzen Yoyo and Cybex Libelle do the same thing) but some parents aren’t happy about that.

If you’re a bumper bar parent like me, don’t be too excited about the Minu bumper bar that’s included with the stroller. It’s a bit of a joke, because it’s way too short it feels like an additional hard belly strap – when my baby holds it his elbows are squished all the way back (see photo below).

I’d actually say that Minu can definitely be used a main stroller as well, not just a bigger travel stroller. As it might be too big for many parents to travel with all the time, especially on planes, if you have no space in the apartment you can just get Minu instead of a giant Vista or Cruz.

• Sturdy quality tall seat
• High handlebar
• Fantastic customer service
• Bulkier than others
• Needs both hands to unfold
• Bumper bar is way too short

Would I Recommend It Overall: Maybe

ZOE Twin+ Double Travel Stroller

29 x 28 x 9 (folded) | 19 lbs | $$$ 73 x 71 x 22 cm | 8.6 kg.

ZOE is still relatively narrow and extra lightweight for a side-by-side stroller. For a double, it folds fantastic and small and it’s also Disney approved stroller.

Did I mention it can also expand to a triple?

Zoe Twin is one of the strollers I never thought I’d be recommending but ended up loving it. Switching to a double stroller when you have a toddler is a pain in the butt – not going to lie. We kept considering just getting two single travel strollers, but decided to try out Zoe and didn’t regret it.

Each seat can recline separately, the canopy is just amazing (similar to their single stroller) and there’s even a cupholder for the kid and parent.

I tested it in the USA and Mexico (read my detailed review).

• Huge canopy
• Cupholders included
• Great recline
• Won’t fit though many doors in small historic cities or Europe
• Wheels could be better

Would I Recommend It Overall: Yes!

Contours Bitsy Compact Fold

22 x 11 x 10 (folded with handle) | 12.3 lbs | $ 55 x 27 x 25 | 5.5 kg.

Contours Bitsy isn’t the most popular stroller on the market, but it should be. It’s cheap and has almost everything you need.

Contours has something that many other strollers are lacking: sandal-friendly brake. While there’s no recline it has an in-built bumper bar, it’s a super compact fold fitting in the overhead.

The wheels are so maneuverable and provide a smooth ride.

• Ultra-compact
• One hadn fold
• Protected underneath basket
• Sandal friendly brake
• Seat is quite hard
• Not everything is detachable to wash

Compact Stroller for Disney

Many parents are always looking for a stroller for Disney World since kids, even older, won’t want to walk too much and most big strollers aren’t approved for Disney.

While Disneyworld has a stroller rental service , it costs $15 and it might not be everyone’s preferred choice – especially since you still need to get through the airport and to various parks. Disney rental stroller is like a giant plastic container.

Since 2019 wagons are NOT permitted at Disneyworld and Disneyland anymore either. Many parents were bringing wagons to Disneyworld, but it’s no longer possible.

Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length are not permitted to reduce space, so keep this in mind.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Travel Stroller

How Much Are You Willing to Spend?

I originally refused to pay a lot for a second stroller. However, as I travel all the time I realized that I’d rather spend extra money to be able to comfortably fold the stroller and bring it with me on the plane.

You might think that a cheap stroller from Walmart is good for your trip to Disney, but keep in mind that if it breaks right after you won’t be able to use it again or sell it. It doesn’t always pay off to be cheap.

Is Taking It With You Into the Overhead Bin Important?

Personally, I hate gate-checking the stroller or car seat . After you deplane you need to usually wait forever for the stroller to be returned to you and pray that it’s not lost or destroyed . If they even return it to you at the gate, because some airports in Europe simply don’t return it until the luggage belt. If it’s raining it might also arrive soaking wet.

Do You Need a One-Hand Fold Travel Stroller?

If you’re always traveling with your partner, one-hand fold might not be as important. However, if you’re handling your child alone , especially babies that cannot yet stand up, along with your luggage, one hand fold might become a must . For me, it was a deal-breaker.

You will need to fold your stroller and put it through the X-ray machine while going through security if you are gate checking it or taking it as hand luggage. If it doesn’t fold compactly it will need to be manually inspected and takes extra time.

One way or another, you’ll need to hold your baby and fold the stroller with one hand. Otherwise, you’ll need to hand the baby off to someone as you fold and unfold the stroller.

IMPORTANT Things to Consider:

1) If you look at any family blogs or websites with reviews you’ll see the same strollers popping up over and over again. However, every year they come up with new strollers with more improvements. 2 years ago the same stroller might not have had the same function the newer model of the same stroller has now.

Many reviews are also sponsored or gifted and then not allowed to mention flaws (you’re asked to omit the flaws and say nothing). Always look for reviews of the newest model on the market!

2)  Many all-in-one travel stroller reviews haven’t even seen the stroller they’re reviewing. I read that some fit in the overhead bin when they clearly don’t and that some recline when they don’t.

I read many complaints that apparently, the stroller I own doesn’t recline, when in fact it reclines flat. That said – make sure you’re certain about the things you need before you purchase a stroller. As you can see from the photos, I tested most strollers I’m talking about.

Which Compact Strollers Didn’t Make the Cut and Why?

SilverCross Jet – Too restricted basket, complicated fold, and not worth the price.

Summer Infant 3D Lite – While super cheap, it’s an umbrella stroller so too bulky after folding and breaks easily. Plus, double wheels are harder to maneuver.

Besrey Airplane Stroller – Double wheels hard to maneuver, no recline at all.

Jovial Portable Folding Baby Stroller – Great stroller, but the front wheels have to be unlocked manually by hand – yuck!

Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella – You get what you pay for. It tears along the sides where internal poles rub within a month and doesn’t recline at all.

Bombi Bebee – Too flimpsy and too short seat space.

Best Travel Stroller Accessories

Often you can buy accessories like cup holders, bag clips, or trays to make the stroller more convenient. That, on top of the basics such as rain cover and bug net.

While many strollers already come with a bug net and rain cover, many do not – and it might not depend on the stroller, but on the place you’re ordering it from.

Even when buying on Amazon, you’ll have 10 different companies supplying the same stroller with different bundles.

The problem with many strollers is that not everything from one stroller will fit on the other. For instance, Babyzen Yoyo or Bugaboo Ant requires its own accessories because of the design and there’s no way around it (I’ve tried).

Add everything to your budget before making a final decision about the best travel strollers.

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Charlie petrou

Sunday 8th of October 2023

Thank you for this great review! I have the Joolz aer and our first trip abroad will be when my baby is almost 4.5 months old, will we be able to use it at that age? Also at what age do you need a bumper bar? Thank you

AnnaEverywhere

Monday 9th of October 2023

Depends on your baby and their ability to sit and hold their head honestly. My first child was ready for the seat at 3.5 months, while my second child wasn't ready until almost 7 months. Worst case scenario you can get a bassinet that fits on Joolz Aer.

Thursday 31st of August 2023

Love all the information. What are your thoughts on the twist and shake stroller? Have you tried it?

Anna Karsten

I haven't tried it and honestly haven't even heard about it as it's not really sold anywhere outside of their own website. Just took a look at it though and the seat seems ridiculously angled to a semi-reclined position in the most upright option, so from me it would be a no,

Thursday 3rd of August 2023

Thanks so much for this thorough review! One issue I have with our current stroller is that my daughter wants to sit up more straight sometimes, but it’s too reclined. Most of these look very reclined at their straightest point. Do you have a recommendation for which one sits up at less of an angle than another?

Sunday 6th of August 2023

Unfortunately it's a very common issue and stroller manufacturers don't seem to care (in fact, the newer the strollers the more reclined in the most upright positions are :/ ). It's the worst with any jogging strollers actually. All these have fairly similar angle, but the best solution is to get a bumper bar for the child and get a stroller that has retractable seat (basically, when the child pulls forward the seat moves with them, despite them being strapped in). Strollers that do that are: Babyzen Yoyo, Inglesina Quid, Zoe, Cybex Orfeo.

Any thoughts on the Mompush Lithe V2?

Full review coming to my other blog - Annainthehouse.com this week actually. It's a good budget stroller, but I have mixed feelings about calling it a true travel stroller, because it's still pretty big when folded.

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

Amazing post! Would love your opinion, as I’ve officially confused myself by looking at so many options. I have the Vista V2 and want a backup stroller to keep in the car and for minimal airplane travel. I have a super tall baby (32” at 10 mo) and would love something that will last as long as possible. I am also tall (5’10”) and husband is taller (6’6”) - hence the tall baby! So we need something we won’t kick when walking or have to hunch down to grasp the handlebars. I’d love to stay around $250-300 including accessories (cup holder and travel bag would be nice). I keep going back to the ergo baby metro+, inglesina quid, city tour, colugo, Cybex beezy, and, randomly, mom push lithe v2. So, thoughts? Thank you!!

@Anna Karsten, thanks so much! It would primarily be our “errands” stroller to keep in the car, but we would also use it for travel a couple times a year. I don’t mind gate checking, so something a little bigger works. Because we use the vista as our primary stroller, I don’t want to spend a lot more on a second stroller that’s pretty much a backup for convenience sake. I do like the look of the inglesina quid more than the city tour. Am I overlooking any others you love? Thanks again!!

My firstborn was just as tall as yours so I get it, but will tell you not to worry about it that much. I will be real: for a good travel stroller this budget is small especially with accessories, but if you're fine getting a "bigger" stroller that you will need to gate check when going on an airplane we can work with it. Although don't worry about a "travel bag" - it's something you will never use basically, because it's an extra step of having to put it in a bag and I'm yet to find a person who uses these - unless it's a big stroller bag for gate checking, but you can get these for $20 online (and I actually recommend it more than the included one as you can stuff extra things in there ;) )

Out of all the strollers you mentioned personally we like Inglesina Quid and City Tour the most. However, it really depends on what do you want your stroller for.

10 of the best lightweight buggies and strollers under 7kg – for babies and toddlers

Tested by parent journalists and their babies and toddlers, and using the expertise of MFM editors, industry insiders, awards judges and home testers, we reveal the best lightweight pushchairs for babies and toddlers.

• Gemma Cartwright
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The market for lightweight pushchairs has come a long way in the last few years. Previously, a lightweight stroller was often a secondary purchase after a newborn pushchair or travel system, offering an easy to use option for daily use with older babies and toddlers who have outgrown their pram/carrycot. But now there are now a number of great options in the lightweight category that can be used right from birth, giving caregivers the option to invest in a lightweight model right from day one.

We've rounded up the best of both worlds in our list of the best lightweight buggies. We have affordable strollers that'll handle trips to the shops, day-to-day use and compact option for holidays, which are perfect for purchasing once your child hits the 6-month mark. But we've also listed a number of agile and adaptable lightweight options that could replace the need for a larger newborn pushchair .

What they all have in common is their lightweight frames – no buggy on this list weighs more than 7kg with the seat on – and the ability to fold up small for storage, whether that's in your home, in a buggy park at a childcare facility, or on public transport. Beyond that, we've looked for extra features like good storage, great suspension, and other offerings that make these buggies stand out from the crowd. If you have twins or children close in age, we have double buggy options for you to explore. Plus, pram fans , buggy sunshades and covers for when you're out and about or taking your stroller with you on holiday. All the buggies in our list have been scrutinised by our editors and tested and reviewed by our MFM reviewers and parent testers.

Best lightweight buggies at a glance

• Best lightweight buggy for travel with a newborn: Babyzen Yoyo2, from £429.95
• Best lightweight buggy for travel with a toddler: Cybex Libelle, from £289.95
• Best budget buy lightweight buggy: Chicco Goody Plus, £229
• Best ultra lightweight buggy: GB Pockit Plus All-Terrain, £189.95
• Best lightweight buggy for a lie-flat seat: Didofy Aster 2, £299
• Best lightweight buggy for taller toddlers: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single, £284
• Best lightweight buggy for use with a car seat: Joie Signature Tourist, £175
• Best lightweight buggy for extra storage: Maxi Cosi Lara 2, £189
• Best lightweight buggy for front wheel suspension: Inglesina Quid2, £274
• Best lightweight buggy with a carry strap : Silver Cross Clic, £199

What to consider before you buy a lightweight buggy:

Age suitability – Many manufacturers advertise their strollers as suitable from birth as they have lie-flat seats. However, some seats marketed as such do not actually lie completely flat, and you may feel they’re not suitable for your newborn or little baby. It's always best to check to see exactly how flat the seat unit is and how much head support is on offer if you’d like to use it from birth. A compatible carrycot or bassinet may be needed to provide the ideal lie-flat position for young babies .

Parent-facing or world-facing seat positions –While many larger pushchair seats can be adjusted to face towards you or out towards the world, lightweights are traditionally limited to world-facing only. Think about what’s important to you and your child: toddlers often prefer to face outwards to see what’s going on in the world around them anyway.

Terrain suitability – By nature of the design, lightweight buggies tend to come with small wheels which are better suited to pavements, flat paths and urban areas, although most can handle grass and footpaths without any issues. If you need something that can deal with heavier terrains and bumpy ground, you may want to consider an all-terrain pushchair .

Sun and rain covers – You’ll probably need a hood / sun canopy to shade your baby against the sun but on lightweight strollers these can be flimsy or not reach far enough to protect from morning or afternoon sun. Look for extendable canopies with built-in SPF, or keep room in your budget for an additional sun shade, cover or parasol . Also check if a rain cover is provided as many of the hoods on lightweight buggies won't protect from showers.

Recline – Some lightweights have seats that can recline in multiple positions, which is useful for the times when your baby or toddler has fallen asleep and you want them to lie as flat as possible. Look at how this is controlled, on many lightweights it's a simple pull cord and buckle, rather than a click mechanism.

Adjustable calf support or footrest –This will give your toddler’s legs something to rest on, but not all strollers have them.

Shopping basket / storage –Strollers generally have much smaller baskets than their larger pushchair counterparts so do take a look at the dimensions if you need to store items in your stroller. Others may have additional pockets or bags that can fasten on, which significantly add to the available storage.

Price – As with any buggy, the more you spend, the more features you can expect, but there are bargains to be had. You can get a perfectly decent lightweight buggy for under £100 but it won’t fold down to cabin-luggage size or be as durable as a buggy that costs three times that amount. Most lightweight buggies cost between £200 and £400

Here are the best lightweight pushchairs for 2023

1. babyzen yoyo2, from £429.95, – best for travel with a newborn.

Weight: 6.2kg / 6.6kg with cocoon | Age suitable for: Birth to 22kg (approximately 4 years) | Parent-facing option : With newborn options only | Travel system compatible: Yes | MFM Review star rating: 4.4 stars

Described as “a super nimble pushchair that’s ideal for city-dwelling families, travel lovers and parents with limited space” by MFM reviewer Natalie, mum of newborn baby and 3-year-old toddler, this most recent iteration of the now-iconic Yoyo from Babyzen is a lightweight, compact and nippy buggy offering premium features like individual wheel suspension, a leather-like handlebar finish, a 5-point smart safety harness and great storage for its size. It also has the option to add all kinds of accessories, from a roll-along bag to a buggy board .

The Yoyo was originally designed with a world-facing seat suitable from 6 months, but it now offers 2 cleverly-designed parent-facing options for newborns that really make it stand out. First up is the newborn pack (£195) , which resembles a cocoon and fastens over the flattened seat base. Alternatively, the bassinet (£235) is a more traditional carrycot-style unit that clicks into the frame. The buggy can also be used as a travel system with the purchase of additional car seat adapters (£60) .

Both newborn options are compact and well-designed but if you wish to use public transport or fly, the newborn pack has the added bonus of folding in one piece with the frame. The compact package was the first to be approved by a number of airlines to be stored in their overhead lockers, and although the fold does have a couple of steps and requires a bit of practice, once you have the knack it collapses into a small, neat and light package.

In 6 months plus mode the seat is world-facing only but it's well-padded and comfortable, with a footrest and good side support. It handles well and manages bumps and kerbs better than some of the more budget options. The seat reclines, but doesn't lie as flat as some other models on the list.

Pros: Very nimble, 2 newborn options (one of which folds), side support on 6+ seat Cons: Doesn’t recline completely flat, fold has multiple steps

Read our full MFM Babyzen Yoyo 2 pushchair review

Available from: Mamas & Papas and Samuel Johnston

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2. cybex libelle, £289.95, – best for travel with a toddler.

Weight: 5.9kg | Age suitable for: 6 months to 4 years (22kg) / Birth with infant car seat | Parent-facing option: No – only with infant carrier (sold separately) | Travel system compatible: Yes

One of the lightest strollers on our list, the Cybex Libelle is is also one of the smallest when folded, at 32cm x 20cm x 48cm. It won a Red Dot product design award for its compact construction, and is tiny enough to store in a plane’s overhead compartment or in the footwell of a car. The secret is in a clever design that sees the wheels fold inward once the frame is collapsed. “In 3 simple movements, it is the size of a large backpack,” marvelled parent tester Pooja, mum of 3-year old, after putting it to the test. MFM reviewer Sarah, who tested this with her 10-month-old son said, "I feel it is worth the price for the compact fold alone – compared to your average foldaway, it is so tiny." You can see it being folded by the MFM team here .

Having unfolded the buggy using just one hand, Pooja was impressed that it doesn't comprise on quality or stability – there’s even front-wheel suspension. “On hilly grass, it handled it a lot better than I expected. It moves and turns smoothly and doesn’t bounce up and down much, making it comfortable and relaxing for my baby.” On the downside, the right-angled dual handlebars can make single-handed pushing tricky.

With decent padding, an "infinite" recline and adjustable leg rest, the Libelle is comfortable for babies and toddlers from six months and it's definitely designed with older babies and portability in mind, as Cybex describes it as their "ultimate travel stroller". However, it can also be used as a travel system using adaptors (sold separately) too.

More like this

Pros: Extremely compact, freestanding when folded, very light, easy to unfold using one hand Cons: Only suitable from birth with a car seat, not ideal for single-handed pushing

Read our full MFM Cybex Libelle travel stroller review

Available from: UK Baby Centre and Direct4Baby

3. Chicco Goody Plus, £229

– best budget buy.

Weight: 6.9kg | Age suitable for: birth to approximately 4 years (22kg) | Parent-facing option: Only from birth to 6 months with carrycot (sold separately) | Travel system compatible: No | Awards: Gold – Compact Fold Stroller under £250, MadeForMums Awards 2022

This ultra-compact pushchair is a two-time Gold Award winner in the MadeForMums Awards thanks to its great price tag and simple one-handed automatic fold, which works with the press of a button: “you press on the handlebar, and gravity does the rest,” explained one of our judges. It also unfolds just as easily, which is ideal if your hands are busy with your baby. Other features that garnered top marks include easy-to-adjust straps, simple-to-follow instructions and admirable one-handed steering.

At 6.9kg, it’s not the lightest stroller on our list but the bumper bar (clad in eco-leather) does add to the weight – but also doubles as a handle to carry the stroller once it’s folded.

The Goody particularly impressed our parent tester Katy, mum of a 6-month-old baby, who said, “This pushchair gets top marks from me for its stylish looks, plus it’s intuitive to use, easy to manoeuvre in narrow spaces – especially getting in and out of small shops and aisles – it's light to steer and is effortless to push up hills."

It’s not perfect – home tester Anna was disappointed the handlebar wasn’t adjustable and thought the slightly flimsy hood might not stand up to bad weather (although a rain cover is provided for this). MFM Consumer & Commerce Editor Gemma, who tested this with her 2 year old son (pictured), noted that the hood can also get in the way of the handlebar when it's fully pushed back. On the plus side, it comes down nice and low and – coupled with the lie-flat seat – is good for naps on the go.

At under £200, the Goody offers great value for money and is an ideal travel buggy or ‘second stroller’ to keep in your car or at the grandparents. It's also suitable from birth, and is compatible with Chicco soft carrycot (sold separately) if you want a parent-facing option.

Pros: Extremely compact fold, easy to pick up and carry, lie flat seat, great value Cons: Canopy feels flimsy, non-adjustable handlebars set quite high

Read our full MFM Chicco Goody Plus review

Available from: Boots, Kiddies Kingdom and Baby Planet

4. GB Pockit+ All-Terrain, £189.95

– best ultra-lightweight buggy.

Weight: 5.6kg | Age suitable for: 6 months to 22kg (approximately age 4) from birth with Cot To Go (sold separately) | Parent-facing option: Only from birth to 6 months with Cot To Go | Travel system compatible: Yes, with GB and Cybex car seats

If weight is your number one concern then this is the buggy for you. Coming in at only 5.6kg, it's the lightest on the list. It also has the smallest fold, using similar functionality to the Cybex Libelle to fold in on itself down to a diminutive 20 x 34 x 42 cm, which is well within the size restrictions for most airline cabins and perfect for tight spaces like train luggage racks or your car footwell.

Despite being so lightweight, GB has managed to pack in some good features, including the double wheels that give it its "all-terrain" name. However, you should take that with a pinch of salt. Although those extra wheels do help on cobblestones and bumpy pavements, no buggy this light can truly tackle all terrains, and if you're looking for something for long country walks and very uneven ground you'll need a more traditional all-terrain buggy .

In terms of the seat and storage, in order to keep things light and foldable this buggy does come with a streamlined chassis and small hood, but you still get padded straps and a roomy seat with a decent recline, and there's a basket on the bottom that'll hold the essentials.

Although the standard pushchair is only suitable from 6 months there are options from birth, with the additional foldable Cot To Go ( £165 ) or car seat adapters.

Pros: Lightest buggy on the market, has a tiny compact fold, double wheels for extra manoeuvrability Cons: Small hood, very little storage, smallest fold requires 3 steps

Available from: Amazon and UK Baby Centre

5. Didofy Aster 2, £299

– best for a lie-flat seat.

Weight: 6.2kg | Age suitable for: Birth to 22kg (approximately 4 years old) | Parent-facing option: No – only with carrycot (sold separately) | Travel system compatible: Yes | Awards: Gold – Lightweight stroller, MadeForMums Awards 2022

If you have a child who's a bit of a motion junkie, the Didofy Aster's lie-flat seat will definitely help with naps on the go. It also makes this buggy suitable from birth without an additional carrycot or car seat, although the seat is is world-facing only, and some parents do prefer to have their child facing them in the early months. Luckily, a carrycot can be added to the buggy for a more secure parent-facing option, which MFM reviewer Lianne considered "a big plus". It is worth noting the seat fabric remains on the chassis in this mode, so although it's practical it's not the most appealing looks-wise.

This is one of several buggies in our list which feature a magic fold, a superb bit of technology that uses gravity to allow the stroller to fold in a second at the touch of a button. Parent tester Leah, who tested this with their toddler, said, "I can’t believe how quick and compact the V2 Aster is. Just as promised the stroller will fold and unfold with one hand in a flash." Folded down, the stroller is freestanding and compact enough to fit on most airlines as hand baggage (but do check before you travel).

At a little over 6kg, it’s light enough to easily lift in and out of car boots and on and off public transport. It’s also “a breeze” to carry – “using the plastic handle or with the attached shoulder strap,” explained parent tester Lucy, mum of a 2-month-old baby, adding “both options are comfortable and it is so light I couldn’t believe I was carrying a buggy.”

Other impressive features include built-in suspension, a surprisingly large storage basket that’s “easily big enough for a changing bag” and premium-looking design details. It’s also easy to steer and nippy enough to fit through narrow spaces and around corners. Home tester Nicola, who tested this with her 5 month old and and 2 year old, was impressed by its ability to be more than just a travel buggy "I would recommend as a good all round pushchair for both travel and home use," she said.

Pros: Lie-flat seat, easy "magic" fold, large under-buggy storage basket, sleek look Cons: World-facing only seat, carrycot offers parent-facing option but looks odd on the chassis

Read the full MFM Didofy Aster 2 lightweight pushchair review

Available from: Baby Planet , Kiddies Kingdom and Didofy

6. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 single, £284

– best for taller toddlers.

Weight: 6.5kg | Age suitable for: From birth to 22kg (approximately 4 years old) | Parent-facing option: No – only with carrycot or infant car seat (sold separately) | Travel system compatible: Yes | Awards: Silver – Lightweight stroller, MadeForMums Awards 2022

If you have a child who's high on the height percentiles, the sleek oval design of this buggy includes a low footrest and long adjustable calf support that's great for longer legs. MFM reviewer Helen, who tested this with her 7 month old and 3 and a half year old said, "I appreciated the adjustable calf support, not always a feature of lightweight pushchairs, which really helped make both children look and feel more comfortable."

This slimline buggy impressed our parent testers with its superior ability to fit through narrow spaces and be pushed and steered one-handed down shopping aisles, busy pavements and public transport. They also praised how comfy the buggy was for their riders. “As the buggy was so lightweight I was surprised how padded the fabric was,” commented parent tester Carolynne, mum of a 4-month-old. For young babies, the seat reclines to a near-flat position but a carrycot or car seat can be added above the seat too. Like the Didofy Aster, the fabric remains on the seat when you add these items, which does look a bit odd but doesn't affect performance or practicality.

Other key features include a one-hand folding mechanism and one-piece fold, as well as the storage bag with long straps – “perfect for travelling or even storing.” And while it won’t quite fold down to cabin-luggage dimensions, it does fold very flat (19cm deep) so is ideal if you need to keep it in a car boot or a narrow hallway or cupboard.

The UV 50+ canopy has an extension panel and mesh panel to allow you to keep an eye on your child. MFM reviewer Helen said her baby slept well in the pushchair and the hood "helped to keep him in cosy darkness," but some home testers reported that the back panel flaps about in the wind.

Pros: Adjustable calf support, well-padded fabric, carry bag included, narrow and nimble Cons: Carrycot/car seat don't look nice on the frame, doesn't fit cabin luggage dimensions

Read our full MFM Baby Jogger City Tour 2 lightweight pushchair review

Available from: Amazon, Kiddies Kingdom and Pramworld

7. Joie Signature Tourist, £200

– best for use with a car seat.

Weight: 6.6kg | Age suitable for: Birth (with carrycot or carseat) to 15kg (approximately 3 years old)| Parent-facing option: No – only with carrycot (£100) or infant car seat/carrier (sold separately) | Travel system compatible: Yes | Awards: Gold – Lightweight stroller, MadeForMums Awards 2022

If you're looking for a lightweight stroller with good travel system functionality, we love the fact that the tourist quickly adapts to hold Joie's ever-popular infant carriers or the brand's Ramble carrycot. Unlike some others on this list, the seat fabric can be removed before doing this so the resulting look is a little more sleek and has a lot in common with a larger newborn pram.

The Tourist is suitable from birth as the seat unit is designed to lie flat, but MFM reviewer Jen, who tested it with her 6 month old son and 3 year old daughter, said "there is still a slight angle" and recommended the carrycot as a more secure option for children under 6 months. "Niftily combining a carrycot, infant carrier and forward facing seat option 'all in one sweet ride', it’s a clever combination if you’re looking for something flexible and stylish without a hefty price tag," she added.

As part of Joie's Signature range, a curated collection of premium products, the Signature Tourist is clad in luxe fabrics in 2 tones that make the stroller look smart ("a more premium feel than the £200 price point might suggest," said MFM reviewer Jen) and feel soft and cosy for your baby or toddler. It also boasts clever magnetic buckles that make securing wriggling toddlers that bit easier, plus an adjustable calf support for a comfortable ride.

Users love the the hands-free magic fold – press the button while pressing down the handlebar and watch as the buggy tucks itself into a neat, freestanding package ready to be carried using the integrated strap or stowed out of the way. Despite the "tourist' name it doesn't quite fold small enough to be used as hand luggage, but it's still neat and tidy for travel.

The water repellent and SPF 50+ canopy will see off brief showers and overhead sun but some parent users reported it doesn’t reach down far enough to fully protect from the sun in some positions, so you may wish to consider an additional parasol or safe buggy cover .

Pros: Great as a travel system, premium looks at competitive price, magnetic harness buckle Cons: Canopy doesn’t provide full shade with buggy in upright position, doesn't fit cabin luggage dimensions

Read our full MFM Joie Signature Tourist review

Available from: John Lewis and Kiddies Kingdom

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Discover more from joie, 8. maxi-cosi lara 2, £189, – best for storage.

Weight: 6.4kg | Age suitable for: Birth to 22kg (approximately 4 years old) | Parent-facing option: No – only with car seat | Travel system compatible: Yes

In order to keep lightweight buggies as streamlined as possible, one thing that you often have to compromise on is storage. A light frame just can't accommodate a big basket. However, Maxi-Cosi has come up with a really innovative solution with its Lara 2 buggy: it's added a second basket directly underneath the seat. It's not huge, but it's perfect for keeping items like your wallet and phone within reach, and even provides a secure spot for valuables while your baby naps – when the seat is reclined it reduces access.

Along with those storage options, this buggy also packs in other great features like a bumper bar, carry strap, and double wheels for more manoeuvrability on varied terrains (as with the GB Pockit+, this doesn't mean a smooth ride over very tough terrains, just that it'll tackle slightly uneven surfaces with a little more grace). All this and it still comes in at only 6.4kg.

The fold is a one-touch magic fold, and it collapses to an admirably small size that Maxi-Cosi claims meets cabin baggage for some airlines (do check before you fly as it's a little deeper than some others on this list).

This pushchair also has the benefit of being compatible with Maxi-Cosi's range of infant carriers, although there isn't a carrycot option. The seat is suitable from birth if you don't mind it being world-facing.

Pros: Extra storage basket, double wheels for a smooth ride, carry strap, magic fold Cons: No carrycot option, slightly larger fold than some on the list

Available from: Amazon , Baby Planet and Kiddies Kingdom

9. Inglesina Quid2, £274

– best for front wheel suspension.

Weight: 5.9kg | Age suitable for: Birth to 22kg (approximately age 4) | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system compatible: No | Awards: Bronze – Compact fold pushchair over £250, MadeForMums Awards 2022

Lightweight strollers are generally designed for use on pavements, footpaths and relatively smooth terrain, but they can vary wildly in how they handle occasional bumps, kerbs and cobbles. "The Quid 2 has swivel wheels with suspension, which allow for a pleasingly smooth ride," remarked MFM reviewer Amy, who tested this stroller with her 2 year old daughter. She added that it "feels sturdy and durable – certainly more robust than some other light strollers I’ve tried."

It does all this while still remaining very light: at 5.9kg it's among the lightest on this list. It also boasts a one-handed fold that's compact, but may not quite meet some airline cabin baggage restrictions (check before you travel). It will, however, slot easily into a boot or a train luggage rack for summer days out. The hood offers UPF 50+ sun protection and there’s a ventilation panel on the back of the seat to increase airflow on warmer days.

This is one of many buggies in this category that is suitable from birth (albeit world-facing) but our reviewer found it reclined to a 170-degree angle, rather than completely flat. A baby snug pad can be purchased to provide more comfort for newborns but overall we feel this performs better – and will be more useful – past the 6 month mark.

Pros: Fantastic hood extension, great suspension and handling, easy fold Cons: May not be suitable as cabin baggage, doesn't recline fully flat

Read our full MFM Inglesina Quid2 review

Available from: Inglesina

10. Silver Cross Clic, £199

– best for a carry strap.

Weight: 5.9kg | Age suitable for: birth to 22kg (approximately 4 years) | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system compatible: No | Awards : Bronze – Compact fold pushchair under £250, MadeForMums Awards 2022

Silver Cross has been a mainstay in the lightweight buggy market for years with its umbrella-folding Pop stroller (£245) , but this newer model is a more innovative and modern alternative. It's over 1kg lighter than the Pop and has a much smaller fold, and is loaded with practical features that will make travelling with your child easier.

One of only a handful of buggies on our list to come in under 6kg, it's very easy to push and carry. The Clic collapses with a one-second folding mechanism that’s activated with the click (hence the name) of a button. It folds down to a respectable size (54 x 46.5 x 25cm) and is freestanding, making it easy to stow. Parent tester Jenny was able to take it on a plane, saying, “It went in the cabin overhead storage easily, and when checking our bags in the lady on the Tui desk was very impressed with how well it folded down."

This isn't the sturdiest buggy on the list, and it does struggle with more difficult terrains like damp grass. Our home testers and reviewers rated it as a travel buggy, praising the extendable UPF 50+ hood with extra pop-out visor, and the fact "it made striding across Heathrow and right up to the plane an absolute doddle."

The pop-out shoulder strap also makes Clic great for strolls with a toddler. When they’re keen to get out and explore, simply fold the stroller with one hand (you can use your other to stop your child from running off), then pull out the shoulder strap and sling the pushchair over your shoulder.

The pushchair is suitable from birth, but only as a world-facing stroller. MFM reviewer Jessica, who tested it with her 4 month old, said "I personally wouldn’t have felt comfortable using it until my baby had good head control (around the 3-month mark), or when she was old enough to enjoy being propped a bit more upright."

Pros: Easy fold, very light, extendable UPF50+ hood with pop-out sun visor Cons: No parent-facing option or travel system option, not the sturdiest for everyday use

Read our full MFM Silver Cross Clic review

Available from: Argos

How we chose and tested these pushchairs

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Gemma has two decades of experience in digital content. She is mum to a toddler, and aunt to 4 children under 4. She is particularly passionate about sleep (for babies and parents) and loves testing out gadgets, technology and innovation in the parenting world.

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How To Choose The Best Travel Stroller For Your Family

The best strollers of 2023 that make travelling a breeze. .

If you’re a frequent traveller, or you’re just looking for something practical, sleek and no nonsense, then consider a travel pram. They’re lightweight, foldable, easy to manoeuvre and will help you take your baby from A to B with ease and comfort. Here’s how to choose the very best travel pram or stroller to suit your needs.

What is a travel pram?

As the name suggests, a travel pram is a portable stroller that's ideal for travelling. They are more compact, generally weigh less, and are easy to fold up for plane or car travel.

How do travel prams work?

Put simply, a travel stroller works in much the same way as all prams do, however, their point of difference is the way they're compact, lightweight and able to fold up easily. Many of our travel prams fold up with the click of a single button meaning once you get the hang of them, you can even do it one-handed! On top of this, they can even be taken on planes and stored in the overhead compartment, a total game changer when it comes to travelling with young children.

What is the travel pram's dimensions?

This can vary per airline so always make sure to double check prior to flying. Generally speaking, the standard travel stroller dimensions allowed are 56cm x 36cm x 23 cm, and carry on weight is around 7kgs.

How to choose a travel pram?

If you are looking for a travel pram, then you are also likely looking for something lightweight. Move aside big and bulky, and say hello to sleek yet sturdy, something that will easily fit in the boot of your car or in the overhead compartment on a plane. With this all-in mind, the Babyzen Yoyo Stroller is a popular choice, as it’s one of the smallest on the market, weighing just 6.2kg and measuring 44cm wide. If you are going off size alone, we also love the Redsbaby Skip 2 Stroller , weighing in at a nifty 6.5kg and 45cm in width. Once again proving that great things come in small packages. With its lightweight UPF50+ high performance materials and considered design, this stroller has great wheels, ventilation, storage, and an integrated carry strap for ease when your hands are tied with something else slightly more important!

2. Age of children

One thing to keep in mind is the age of your child when looking for a stroller. If you have a newborn, prams are generally bigger than strollers for children and used for newborns onwards. But if you want to use a travel stroller from day one, the Joolz Aer+ is a great choice, just choose the one that comes with a bassinet. With a breathable, thick double mattress and extended sun hood with ventilation and added protection, your newborn is guaranteed a comfortable ride, all tucked away in a 10kg package. The UppaBaby Minu V2 also offers a great bassinet accessory add on, so it can also be used from newborn up to 4 years old. Prefer to stick to a car capsule when transitioning from drive to stroll? No problem! The UppaBaby Minu V2 is also compatible (via an adapter) with a car seat capsule, so is the Bugaboo Butterfly . If your child 6 months and older the Bugaboo Butterfly stroller could be best suited to you, with its multi-level reclining extra-large seat with comfortable cushioning and supportive head rest.

3. Portability

This is of course a no brainer. A travel pram should be lightweight and sleek enough so it doesn’t affect your luggage allowance and have a strap to sling it over your shoulder so you can carry it around with ease and fold up with virtually one touch. If this is your number one priority, you’re in luck, as the Babyzen Yoyo , Joolz Aer+ and Redsbaby Skip 2 Stroller all fit the bill here. They are all incredibly lightweight and incorporate a padded, comfortable shoulder strap making carrying it a breeze. If carrying something on your shoulder isn’t your forte, then the UppaBaby Minu has a travel backpack option, where the pram fits cleverly in a compact, protective backpack, leaving both your arms free.

4. Ease of Use

Travelling can be stressful enough without having complicated products that, instead of helping you, make your experience more challenging. That is why it is crucial to invest in a travel pram that is super easy to use no matter who is wheeling your baby around in it. For this reason, we love the UppaBaby Minu . Its simple one-handed fold and unfold is a game changer, especially when your other arm is likely to be occupied with something else a little more precious! It can also be manoeuvred with one hand, with it’s amazing 360-degree pivot wheels leaving you to pull a suitcase with your free arm. The bottom storage compartment is also generous in size, with a 9kg weight limit, handy for any extra overflow items for when you may have backed a little too well!

They say that comfort is key and whilst you can’t predict much as a parent, we can in fact assure you on a blissful, smooth and comfortable ride on your journey from A to B with your little one safely one in tow. If a lie flat recline is essential to catching some much-needed Zzzz’s on the go, then the Redsbaby Skip 2 Stroller will be your new sleep bestie. It is one of the only travel prams to have a reclining option that is almost flat, providing the utmost comfort and perfect napping environment, with an ergonomic, supportive seat for awake times. In terms of the smoothest ride, the Joolz Aer+ comes with four-wheel suspension and lockable swivel wheels, reducing the impact of any bumps or uneven terrain, avoiding any unintentional disturbances!

6. Cleaning

We are sure you are aware by now, this ‘having a baby’ thing involves a little bit of mess at the best of times. Needless to say, you are going to be on the lookout for machine washable/easy to wipe down gear and your travel pram is no exception! Whether your baby has a little accident, spillage, or you are simply worried about the nasty airport germs, having a pram insert that you can put in the wash is a game changer. The Babyzen Yoyo Fabric cleverly removes completely from the frame and can be thrown into an immersive machine wash at 30 degrees, coming out like new every time! Similarly, the Bugaboo Butterfly’s seat, inlay, under seat basket and even carry strap are machine washable at 30 degrees, with the base fabric being a hand wash only.

7. Sufficient Canopy

No matter where you are when out and about with your baby, you want to make sure they are protected in rain, hail or shine, or shaded enough for a quality nap on the go so you can get in a much-needed moment to yourself. The Redsbaby Skip 2 Stroller has one of the largest canopy’s on the market. Not only does this provide the ultimate UPF50+ protection from Australia’s harsh sun, but it filters out sunlight, providing extra darkness for those naps on the go. The Joolz Aer+ is also a winner in this department, with its super extended sun canopy (also UPF50+) providing more coverage for your baby on the sunniest and rainiest days.

8. Safety is key

Whilst being nimble and portable is of course a priority, the one thing that should never be compromised is safety. Opt for a travel pram that takes pram safety as seriously as you do, which will in turn provide peace of mind. All the models we stock adhere to the highest regulations and have a 5-point harness, keeping your little one securely locked in, whilst having pedalled foot brakes on the bottom frame of the model – highlighted in a bold colour for safety.

What is the best travel stroller?

Armed with our checklist for how to choose the best travel pram, go forth and conquer your adventures confidently, knowing you have the best side kick on wheels, supporting your little side kick in the stroller! It is important to consider size, age, portability, comfort, ease, cleanable capability, canopy cover and safety when choosing a travel pram. Remember sometimes the greatest things come in the smallest of packages!

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