How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller

There are plenty of options, whether you want a stroller for travel or a lightweight, compact one to carry around. We've put them all to the test to help you choose the ideal travel stroller to meet your needs.

A stroller that is lightweight, glides smoothly and drives well across different terrains. It folds into a compact bag that fits in most overhead bins on airplanes.

Easy to Fold

The best travel strollers can fold into a compact size that is easily stored in overhead bins on planes or trunks of cars. Find models that have a one-hand fold that doesn't require any stooping or struggling. Some strollers come with a convenient strap that allows you to easily carry it over your shoulders when it's not in use. If you're planning on walking for a long time on your travels, a stroller with a large basket under the seat could be helpful. It can accommodate large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.

The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we've tested, weighing only 13.7 pounds and easily fitting down aisles in airplanes or overhead bins. It's also narrower than most other strollers, making it easier to navigate crowds on streets in cities. It's not the best option for rough terrain or jogging, but it's perfect for city life and short excursions when you don't need to carry a larger stroller.

Another option that's lightweight is the Nuna Aer+, which packs a full-size stroller into a compact design suitable for travel on air. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters are sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and an effortless ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than the other strollers we tested, but is worthwhile for parents who use their strollers frequently while traveling.

Some strollers come with the convenience of transport them, such as the multi-purpose Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This model is easy to maneuver and folds or folded with just one hand. It is compatible with many major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension, swivels, and swivel wheels offer an easy ride over airports, pavements and cobblestones. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted to fit parents of any height.

Contours takes the most popular stroller designs and makes them more affordable for those who travel. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit and has solid frame, a robust dual-wheel suspension as well as the UPF 50+ sun canopy and plenty of storage space. It also has an auto-standing fold that is easy to fold and comes with a convenient carrying bag and strap for carrying.

Easy to Manoeuvre

It is important to choose a stroller that is easy to maneuver in all types of terrain. This is particularly important in the event that you intend to use your stroller on hikes or other excursions where you may encounter rough terrain. Choose a stroller that has an easy-to-use handlebar to use and has wheels designed to grip the surface. It should be light and easy to carry so it is easy to lift, carry, or even store it.

A great option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is a top-rated umbrella stroller that's specifically designed for use on the road. It's an excellent option for parents who want an easy-to-use and high-quality product that offers features that many families are looking for in a portable stroller, including compact folding and a sun canopy that extends.

It's a bit more difficult to push than some of the smaller strollers in our ratings, but it is able to handle different terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than many of the other strollers in our ratings however, it comes with an array of features that parents would like in a stroller that travels. It has a simple handlebar and is small enough to fit into the overhead bins of airplanes.

If you're looking for a sleeker design, check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also the highest-rated umbrella stroller, based on our ratings. It has a sleek and minimalist design that makes it look like a backpack once folded. It's also a bit lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and gets the highest score for quality than the other small travel strollers we've tested.

The Doona is a fantastic travel stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no set-up. It's also durable and comfortable enough to use for many children. It's a bit more expensive than the other options in our rankings, but it's made with high-quality materials and earned a top rating for its user-friendliness. It comes with accessories, such as bags for travel and a rain cover, which other brands require you to buy separately.

Comfortable Seating

The best strollers for traveling offer your child an enjoyable experience. Look for models with a big canopy and padded seats. They must also recline, which is crucial if you plan on using the stroller for naps on your journey. Additionally, be sure that the seat is appropriate for your child's age. Some strollers for travel are designed to be as compact and lightweight as possible, however this could compromise the comfort of your child.

Luckily, there are many alternatives that offer style and comfort. For example the Cybex Coya is a stylish stroller that is light and robust. The frame made of aluminum will last for a long time, and its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness guarantee an easy ride. The Coya comes with an enormous canopy that provides excellent sun protection.

Nuna TRVL is another great alternative. It is a sleek, modern stroller that is designed to make travel simple for children. It has a one-handed folding mechanism that folds easily and is light enough to fit into car trunks or overhead bins on airplanes. It comes with a variety of accessories and customisations, including sun canopies and weather shields.

If you're looking for a portable stroller that can double as a daily stroller look into the Uppababy G-Link 2. This spacious stroller is simple to maneuver and comes with numerous features that parents love, including cup holders and storage compartments, as well as an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The large seat reclines and features an enormous UPF 50+ canopy that has the mesh peekaboo window.

A good choice for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with various infant car seats and makes it a good choice for families who frequently travel. Its compact fold and maneuverability make it easy to navigate through busy cities and airports.

A travel stroller should be comfortable for you and your child. Pick a stroller that has an ample, cushioned seat that can recline to allow naps during long journeys. Seats with well-padded legrests can provide an even more comfortable ride. Select a stroller that has a padded handle, so you can carry it when folded.

Convenient Storage

Many strollers that are designed for travel fold so small that they can be carried in small car trunks or overcrowded overhead bins. They are usually lighter than 10 pounds and simple to carry by anyone, even children.

The UPPAbaby Minu was among the first travel strollers that could also be used as an everyday stroller. It's still a favorite among parents here who pack light and do not want their stroller to get gate-checked when they fly. This IATA-certified stroller fits in most overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream from the plane, and comes with an array of innovative features (including folding with one hand, huge sunshade, comfy seat with a multi-position recline and a large undercarriage basket, and a padded handlebar with wrist strap and an easy foot brake that only takes one step).

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a budget-friendly stroller that is a luxury option. It's not the prettiest nor most compact model we review, but it comes with sleek frame, easy-to-use controls, and a variety of clever features (including a reclining mechanism and a foot brake that is padded, a large undercarriage basket and a straightforward one-handed fold). Plus, it's environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and 10 years of transferable warranty.

Another option is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has a slim profile and a plethora of practical features. In our tests, it swung well across a variety of surfaces including shag and wood carpet, and its bottom storage basket is large enough for a backpack. It's only downside is its weight (at 17 pounds), which may prevent it from fitting in the overhead bins of smaller planes.

If you don't have enough space to store your stroller, you may want to consider buying a bike shed. You can also design a custom nook for it. A garden shed, in particular is a great spot to store your stroller as it's weatherproof and is protected from the elements. It is also easily accessible any time you're in need. You can also make use of a nook or shed to store your stroller in the event that it's stolen or lost.