The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the lightest and most compact. It's also the easiest to fold. It offers a smooth ride, a great sun canopy, and multi-position recline.

This stroller is an excellent value for less than $100. It's small and easy to fold away, making it perfect for public transport or slinging over your shoulder.

1. Lightweight

The most important thing to consider when choosing a travel stroller is that it should be lightweight and easy to fold. The most popular models we tested could be folded with one hand and sometimes two, and they can fit in overhead luggage compartments. They also roll well and are compact enough to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces. Some even come with the option of a telescoping handle to parents of various heights. If you're planning a brief trip with a newborn or a long-haul getaway with a toddler, look for a light, easy-to-pack stroller that will make the journey and return for your family.

We evaluated nine strollers that meet our minimum size and weight requirements. Each model was tested on city streets, country side walks, and in the airport terminal to assess its mobility, ease of carrying and folding as well as overall comfort for the child.

Our picks include the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320) It has the most simple fold of all the strollers we tested and can fit into airplane overhead bins. It's car seat compatible and its seat reclines almost completely flat, which makes it suitable for infants. The car also has an undercarriage that is deep and a bag-hook attached to the handle and a UPF50+ canopy to provide plenty of protection for your child.

Other alternatives include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), that features a one-handed concertina fold that is extremely lightweight. The five-point harness is padded, an adjustable crotch strap and a reversible seat protect your child, while a large undercarriage basket as well as a reversible seat ensure that there is enough space for their possessions. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat which makes it an ideal option for families starting from birth.

Lastly, the Coya TRVL ($320) is another one-handed, one-step fold with car seat compatibility as well as a large canopy. It's a bit more expensive than the other models in this class, but it offers extra features such as a large cupholder and parent pocket, an adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents of all heights, and a comfortable carry strap. The simple design does compromise durability, contrasted with other models in this category.

2. Easy to fold

When you're on the move the stroller you use for travel needs to be easy to open and close. You do not want a stroller which is difficult to close when you're carrying children or groceries in your arms. The best travel pushchair travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even with one hand. Many come with a padded strap that can be comfortably placed over your shoulder.

In our tests, we gave the Libelle stroller top marks for its compactness and easy folding. It also has a few great features. It rolls smoothly across all surfaces and features an expansive canopy that offers enough coverage. Additionally, it's extremely light and free-standing when folded, which makes it easier to store.

For parents who want to walk right up to the gate and pop their stroller into an overhead bin, we recommend looking for one that can fit into. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example, fits nicely into the smallest fold, and comes with a convenient travel cover, but it has no recliner and a narrow cargo space that can only accommodate a small pram bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another option. It folds concertina-style, but offers a reversible seat 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 newest model of stroller that is a travel model is tri-fold, which folds into thirds 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 lockable clasp that keeps it folded. It's a bit bigger than the umbrella models made by the brand however, it folds more compactly than its G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts. It also comes with a carry strap with padding that can be slung over your shoulder.

3. Easy to store

The best travel strollers can fold down to a compact size that is easy to store. They can be easily stowed in the trunk of a car or the overhead bin of a plane. Some even come with a carry strap that is easy to sling over your shoulder and not have to be concerned about your hands getting tired. They are also lighter than standard strollers, which can make them easier to lift and carry when it's time for a stroll around the neighborhood or the airport.

When we test this stroller, it performed very well in our durability tests and was able 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 include any padding to keep your hands comfy. The size of the basket should also be considered. It is on the small side and some parents have reported that it was difficult to fit a large diaper bag inside it.

In general, we recommend calling your airline ahead of time to verify their specific guidelines regarding the use of strollers on planes as they may differ. This is particularly important if you wish to check your stroller's gate-ability that allows you to travel around the airport without it, and then use it once you're on the plane (though this option isn't suitable for families who require a car seat or toddler booster).

If you're looking for a simple stroller that's light and folds down to an extremely compact size The Contours Itsy is a great option. It's almost fully assembled out of the box The only thing you need to do is snap the bumper bar into the appropriate spot. It has a cup holder for the parent and a back pocket. However it doesn't come with an over-sized basket. This could limit your ability pack essentials for long trips.

If you are frequent travelers, we suggest that you consider a stroller that is more robust, with more features and the capacity to hold more items. The UPPAbaby Mini, for example has many of its G-Luxe and G-Link siblings with features, but it is more compact and folds faster. It's also slightly sturdier than an umbrella stroller, and it has a padded carrying strap that takes some of the weight off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

It is important to be comfortable when using strollers for extended periods of time. Seats with a lot of padding and a reclining system that can be adjusted to different angles are the Best Travel Stroller. Take note of whether the canopy extends to provide sun protection, and if the mesh windows promote airflow. You should consider a model that comes with an organizer for the parents or a cupholder, as well as an ample basket under the seat, if you have to carry things with you. When shopping for a pushchair travel system Jogger for older children, make sure to check the age range. Also, think about whether your child is at ease in the seat without a car seat for infants.

It is also crucial to consider how a stroller is rolled. It must be able to roll easily over various surfaces including smooth hardwoods and shag carpets to cobblestones and gravel. It must be able to navigate steps, curbs and other obstacles with ease. If your travel plans include the majority of walking, opt for an easy stroller to help you avoid leg and back soreness.

A good travel stroller is also easy to use. It should be easy to assemble and snap together when it is placed in the right location. It should fold flat enough to fit in the boot of your car, or the overhead compartments on a plane. It should also be upright when folded, so you can grab it using 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 comes with several recline positions to allow your child to rest comfortably. The extendable canopy offers lots of sun protection and UPF protection. It also includes a rain cover and a coffee cup holder and footmuff. Charlotte is thrilled the fact that the car seat is suitable for infants to four years old and does not require a separate adapter.