The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the lightest and most compact. It's also among the easiest folding strollers. Despite its size, it provides a good ride, great sun canopy and multi-position recline.

This stroller is a great value at less than $100. It features a simple compact fold, as well as a carry strap, so it's easy to sling over your shoulder or take on public transport.

1. Lightweight

The most important thing to consider when choosing a travel stroller is to be light and easy to fold. The top travel models we tested fold down using only one hand (and sometimes two) and can fit in overhead luggage compartments. They are also compact and roll well making them easy to maneuver in tight space. Some models come with an adjustable hand for parents with different heights. Find a light, easy to carry stroller for your family, regardless of whether you're planning an excursion with a baby or taking a long-haul journey with an infant.

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

Our top picks are the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320), which has the most simple fold of all the travel strollers we tried and fits into airplane overhead bins. The seat reclines nearly flat and is car seat compatible, so it's suitable for babies from birth. Other features that are suitable for parents include a large undercarriage basket as well as a bag hook that is attached to the handle and a UPF 50+ canopy that provides ample coverage for your young traveler.

Other great alternatives include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which has a one-handed, concertina fold and is extremely lightweight. Its padded, five-point harness and crotch straps keep your child safe, while the reversible seat and a large undercarriage basket will ensure that there is room for all of their items. It is also compatible with the brand’s infant car seat. This makes it a good option for families with children that have children from the time of 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 more expensive than the other models in this class however, it comes with additional features, including a larger cupholder for the parent, an adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents of all heights and a comfortable carry strap. Its simplicity does sacrifice some durability when compared to other models in this category, however.

2. Folding is easy

A travel stroller is one that is easy to shut and open 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 most efficient travel strollers fold easily and compactly, even when you only have one hand. Many come with a cushioned carrying strap that fits comfortably over your shoulder.

In our tests, the Libelle stroller was rated highly for its effortless fold and compactness. It also has other great features. It rolls smoothly on all surfaces and has an expansive canopy that offers sufficient coverage. It's also light and stands up by itself when folded. This makes it much easier to store.

We suggest that parents who want their stroller to fit in the overhead bin of a plane and are looking for models that are guaranteed to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example is a great fit in the smallest fold, and comes with a handy travel cover, but it comes with no recliner and a tiny cargo area that can only accommodate a small bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another alternative. It folds in a concertina-style, but offers a reversible seat for face-to-face riding or back-to-back riding. Our editor found it easy to open and close, but she wasn't thrilled by how the handle slides behind the seat when folded.

The most recent type of stroller that is a travel model is the tri-fold. It folds into thirds and offers the most compact combination of size and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, as an example, comes with a reversible seat, an unstructured storage pouch on the rear, and a lockable latch to keep it folded. It's a bit bigger than the umbrellas made by the brand but can be folded more compactly than G-Luxe or G-Link counterparts. It also has a padded shoulder strap.

3. Easy to store

The best travel strollers fold down to a small, easy-to-store size that is easy to fit in the trunk of your car or squeeze into the overhead bin of the plane. Some come with a strap can be used to carry the stroller on your shoulder so your hands won't get exhausted. They are also lighter than regular strollers. This makes them easy to lift and carry for a stroll in the neighborhood or at the airport.

The stroller performed extremely well in our tests of durability and was easy to maneuver over all types of surfaces. From smooth hardwoods to sag flooring, this stroller is an excellent option. However some of our test subjects noticed that it was a bit fragile and the handlebar doesn't include any padding to keep your hands in a comfortable position. Another thing to think about is how big the storage basket is It's on the smaller side, and Cheap Pushchairs some parents found it difficult to fit a large diaper bag into it.

We suggest that you contact your airline ahead to verify their specific guidelines regarding strollers. They can differ. This is particularly crucial if you plan to check your stroller's gate-ability, which would allow 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 to purchase a straightforward 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 snap in the bumper bar. It has a cup for parents back pocket and holder, but no oversized basket that could restrict your ability to carry essentials for a long-distance trip.

If you're a frequent traveler we recommend you look into a stroller that is more robust, with more features and the ability to hold more items. The UPPAbaby Mini, as an instance, comes with many of the G-Luxe or G-Link siblings' features, but is smaller and folds much faster. It's also slightly sturdier than an umbrella stroller, and it has a padded carrying strap to take some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

The comfort factor is crucial when using strollers for long periods of time. Choose a seat with ample padding and a recline system that lets you set it at various angles. Be sure to check if the canopy extends to provide shade from the sun and if it has mesh windows that allow airflow. If you're required to carry items with you take a look at a model that has an organizer for parents and a cup holder as well as an ample storage basket underneath the seat. When you are looking for a travel jogger for older children be sure to verify the age range. Also, consider if 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 should be able to move effortlessly across different surfaces, including smooth hardwoods, shag carpets, cobblestones, and gravel. It must be able to navigate steps, curbs and other obstacles with ease. If your plans for travel include lots of walking, opt for an easy stroller to help you avoid leg and back soreness.

A high-quality travel stroller should be easy to use, too. It should be easy to assemble and snap back together when put in the proper position. It should also be able fold flat and fit into the boot of a car or in the overhead compartment of a plane. It should also stay upright when folded so that you can carry it around by one hand and then 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 multiple recline positions to allow your child to sleep comfortably. The canopy extends to provide ample sun protection, with UPF protection. It also comes with a rain cover, coffee cup holder, and a footmuff. Charlotte is thrilled the fact that the car seat is suitable for newborns to four-year-olds and does not require an adapter separately.