The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers
This stroller is among the lightest and compact. It's also among the easiest Folding stroller strollers. It has a great ride, a great sun canopy, and a multi-position recline.
This stroller is an excellent value for less than $100. It features a simple compact fold and carry strap, so it's easy to sling over your shoulder or take with you on public transportation.
1. Lightweight
The most important aspect of a great travel stroller is that it should be lightweight and easy to fold. The top models we tested fold down with just one hand (and sometimes two hands) and can fit in overhead luggage compartments. They also can roll easily and are compact enough to maneuver easily in tight spaces. Some models have an adjustable hand to accommodate parents of different heights. Find a lightweight, easy to pack stroller for your family, whether you're planning to take a short trip with a newborn or a long-haul trip with an infant.
We tested nine strollers that met our minimum size and weight requirements. Each model was tested on city streets, country sidewalks and in the airport terminal for mobility, ease of folding and carrying, as well as overall comfort for your child.
Our top picks are the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320), which is the easiest to fold of the travel strollers we've tested and can fit into airplane overhead bins. Its seat reclines almost flat and is car seat compatible and is suitable for babies from birth. Other features that parents will appreciate include a deep undercarriage storage basket, a bag hook on the handle and a UPF 50+ canopy that offers plenty of coverage for your child's travels.
Other options include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which features a single-handed concertina fold and is extremely lightweight. The padded five-point harness, an adjustable crotch strap and a reversible seat ensure your child's safety and secure, while a large undercarriage basket and a reversible seat ensure that there is room for their belongings. It's also compatible with the brand’s infant car seat. This makes it a viable option for families with children from birth.
The Coya TRVL ($320), a one-handed, one step fold that is also compatible with car seats and comes with a large canopy. It's a bit pricier than the other models in this category, but it offers extra features, including a larger parent pocket and cupholder as well as an adjustable handlebar for parents of all sizes, and a comfortable carry strap. Its simplicity may sacrifice some of its durability in comparison to other models in this category, but.
2. Folding is easy
If you're constantly on the move the stroller you use for travel needs to be simple to open and close. You don't want a stroller that is difficult to close when you're carrying children or groceries in your arms. Even with only one hand, best travel strollers can be folded easily and compactly. Many come with a comfortable carrying strap that is comfortable over your shoulder.
In our tests, we awarded the Libelle stroller top marks for its compactness and ease of folding. It also has other nice features. It rolls smoothly on all surfaces, and has an expansive canopy that offers enough coverage. Additionally, it's extremely light and self-standing when folded, making it easy to store.
We suggest that parents who want their strollers to fit into the overhead bins of planes and are looking for models that claim to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example is perfect for the smallest fold, and comes with a handy protective pushchair travel system cover, but it has no recliner, and a tiny cargo area that can accommodate a small bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).
Another option is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds up into a concertina-style but also features the option of a reversible seat to allow face-toface or back-toback riding. Our editor was able to open and close, but she was not thrilled with how the handle slides into the seat when folded.
The tri-fold is the most recent stroller that travels. It folds in three parts and offers the most compact combination of size and features. The UPPAbaby Minu for instance, comes with a reclined seat, a non-structured rear storage pouch, and a locking clasp that keeps it folded. It's a little bigger than the umbrella models from the brand, but it folds far more compactly than its G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts, and comes with a padded carry strap that can be slung over your shoulder.
3. Easy to store
The best travel strollers can be folded down to a small size that can be easily stored. They can be easily stored in the trunk of a car or the overhead bin of a plane. Some have a strap that can be used to carry the stroller on your shoulder to ensure that your hands don't get tired. They're also lighter than regular strollers. This makes them easy to lift and carry for a stroll in the neighborhood or at the airport.
When we test this stroller, it performed very well in our durability tests and was easy to maneuver over all sorts of surfaces from smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. However some of our test subjects noticed that it was a bit flimsy and the handlebar doesn't have any padding to help keep your hands comfy. Another thing to consider is how big the basket is: It's on the smaller side, and some parents have found it difficult to fit a large diaper bag into it.
In general, we suggest calling your airline ahead of time to verify their specific guidelines regarding the use of strollers on planes and strollers, as they may vary. This is important when you are planning to gate-check your stroller. You can then use it on the plane and navigate the airport without the stroller.
The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent option if you want a lightweight, compact stroller. The Contours Itsy is fully assembled and all you need to do is put in the bumper bar. It comes with an apron for a cup for the parent as well as an additional back pocket. However it doesn't have an extra-large basket. This may limit your ability pack essentials for a long trip.
If you're a frequent traveler we recommend that you consider a stroller that is more robust, with better features and the ability to hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Mini, as an instance, has many of its G-Luxe or G-Link siblings' features, but is smaller and folds much faster. It's also a bit more robust than an umbrella stroller, and comes with a cushioned strap to help take some of the burden off your shoulders.
4. Confortable
The comfort factor is crucial when using strollers for long durations of time. Look for seats with ample padding and a recline feature that lets you set it at various angles. Be aware of whether the canopy extends for sun protection and if mesh windows promote airflow. If you have to carry a few items, consider a model with a parent organizer/cup holder and an ample storage basket underneath the seat. If you're shopping for a travel cheap stroller for older children, look up the age range and determine whether your child will be at ease in the seat, even without a car seat for infants.
It is also crucial to consider how a stroller is rolled. It should be able to move easily across different surfaces such as smooth carpets, hardwoods, cobblestones, and gravel. It must be able of handling curbs, stairs, and other obstacles easily. Pick a stroller that is lightweight if you are planning to do a lot of walking throughout your trip. This will help prevent leg and back pain.
A quality stroller for travel is also easy to use. It should be easy to assemble and snap back together when placed in the correct place. It should also be able to fold flat and fit into the trunk of a car or the overhead compartment of a plane. It should also remain upright when folded, so that you can reach it up with one hand, while holding your child in the other.
The Joie Tourist is an excellent option for parents seeking a light quality, high-end travel stroller. It comes with numerous recline positions so your child can nap comfortably, and its extendable canopy provides ample sun coverage and UPF protection. Additionally, it includes a variety of additional features; a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover are all included. Charlotte is thrilled that the car seat is suitable for newborns to four years old and doesn't require a separate adapter.