Strollers Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the lightest, most compact and easy to fold. It has a great ride with a great sun canopy, and multi-position recline.

At less than $100 the stroller is a great value. It's compact and easy to fold, making it perfect for public transport or to carry over your shoulder.

1. Lightweight

The most important aspect of a great travel stroller is that it must be lightweight and easy to fold. The top models we tested could fold with just one hand and sometimes with two and fit into overhead compartments for luggage. They also have a good roll and are small enough to maneuver easily in tight spaces. Some models come with a telescoping hand for parents with different heights. Find a lightweight, easy to pack stroller for your family, regardless of whether you're planning to go on a short trip with a baby pram or a long-haul trip with a toddler.

We evaluated nine strollers that meet our minimum size and weight requirements. Each model was put to the test on country streets, and in the airport terminal for mobility, ease of folding and carrying, and overall comfort for your child.

Our top pick is the Babyzen YoYo2 (320) It folds the simplest of the strollers we tested and can fit in the overhead bins on airplanes. It's compatible with car seats and its seat reclines almost completely flat, making it suitable for babies. The car also features an undercarriage with a deep design, a bag-hook on the handle, and a UPF50+ canopy to provide plenty of protection for your child.

Other options include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which features a single-handed concertina fold and is incredibly light. Its padded, five-point harness and crotch straps keep your child safe, and the reversible seat and large undercarriage basket will ensure that there is plenty of space for their belongings. It is also compatible with the brand’s infant car seat. This makes it a good choice for families from birth.

Lastly, the Coya TRVL ($320) is a different one-handed fold that is one-step with car seat compatibility and a wide canopy. It's a bit pricier than other models in this class, but it offers extra features like a large cupholder and parent pocket, an adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents of all heights and a comfy carry strap. The simplicity of the model isn't without its drawbacks, when contrasted with other models in this category.

2. Easy to fold

A travel stroller should be easy to open and shut when you're on the move. You don't want a stroller that is difficult to close when you're carrying food items or children in your arms. The best Travel Stroller pushchair travel system strollers fold up easily and compactly, even with just one hand. Many come with a comfortable carrying strap that fits comfortably over your shoulder.

In our tests, we awarded the Libelle stroller high marks for its compactness and ease of folding. It also has a few attractive features. It rolls smoothly across all surfaces and features an extensive canopy that gives enough coverage. It's also surprisingly light and stands by itself when folded. This makes it much easier to put away.

If you're a parent who wants to walk right up to the plane gate and put their stroller into an overhead bin, we suggest one that can fit in. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example is a great fit in the smallest folding space and comes with a handy travel cover, but it has no recliner, and a narrow cargo space that can only hold a small tote or diaper bag (no backpacks).

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another alternative. It folds concertina-style fashion, but it also features a reversible seating arrangement to ride face-to-face or back-to-back. The handle is tucked behind the seat, however our editor didn't like the fold.

The tri-fold is the most recent travel stroller. It folds into three pieces and provides the perfect combination of compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for example, has a reversible seat, an unstructured rear storage pouch, and a lockable clasp to keep it folded. It's slightly larger than the umbrellas made by the brand, but is smaller than their G-Luxe or G-Link counterparts. It also has a shoulder strap that is cushioned.

3. Easy to store

The best travel strollers can be folded down to a size that is easy to store. They can easily be tucked away in the trunk of a car, or in the overhead bin of an airplane. Some even come with a carry strap that makes it simple to sling over your shoulder and you don't have to worry about your hands becoming tired. They are also lighter than standard strollers, which can make them easy to lift and carry when you're ready for a quick walk around the neighborhood or the airport.

When we test this stroller, it did extremely well in our tests of durability, pram and travel system it was easy to maneuver across all kinds of surfaces including smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. However some of our test subjects noted that it's a little thin and the handlebar does not include any padding to keep your hands in a comfortable position. Another thing to take into consideration is how big the basket is: It's slightly smaller than the average, and some parents found it difficult to squeeze a large diaper bag into it.

We recommend that you call your airline in advance to confirm their specific guidelines regarding strollers. They can differ. This is crucial in case you intend to gate-check a stroller. Then, you can use it on the plane and travel through the airport without the stroller.

If you're looking for a simple travel stroller that's lightweight and folds down to a compact size, the Contours Itsy is a great option. The Contours Itsy comes almost fully assembled and all you have to do is put in the bumper bar. It has cups holder for the parent and an additional back pocket. However, it does not have an extra-large basket. This can restrict your ability to carry essentials for long trips.

If you're a frequent traveler we recommend considering a more robust stroller with more features and can carry more cargo. The UPPAbaby Mini, for example has many of its G-Luxe and G-Link siblings' features, but is more compact and folds faster. It's also a bit more durable than an umbrella stroller, and comes with a comfortable carrying strap that takes some of the weight off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

It is important to be comfortable when using strollers for extended durations of time. Choose a seat with ample padding and a recline system that allows you to set it at multiple angles. Be aware of whether the canopy extends to provide sun protection, and if the mesh windows allow airflow. Look for a model with a parent organizer/cupholder and an enormous basket underneath the seat if you need to carry your belongings. When you are looking for a travel child jogger be sure to verify the age range. Also, think about whether your child is comfortable in the seat, even without a car seat.

It is also crucial to think about how a stroller is rolled. It needs to maneuver easily across a variety of surfaces including smooth hardwoods, shag carpets to cobblestones, and gravel. It should also be able to navigate curbs and stairs with ease. Choose a lightweight stroller if you are planning to do a lot of walking during your trip. This will prevent leg and back pain.

A high-quality travel stroller is one that is easy to use, as well. It should be assembled in less than 30 seconds and be able to snap together when you put it into the correct position. It should also be able fold flat and fit in the boot of a car or in the overhead compartment of planes. It should also be upright when folded so that you can carry it around by one hand and hold your child in the other.

The Joie Tourist is an excellent option for parents seeking a light, high-quality travel stroller. It features multiple recline positions to allow your child to nap in comfort. The canopy that extends can provide ample sun protection, with UPF protection. It also includes a rain cover, coffee cup holder, and a footmuff. Charlotte is thrilled the fact that the car seat is suitable for newborns to four years old and does not require an adapter separately.