The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

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

With a price of less than $100, this stroller is a great value. It comes with an easy compact fold and carry strap, so it's easy to sling over your shoulder or take to public transportation.

1. Lightweight

When it comes to travel strollers lightweight and easy-to-fold are essential. The best models we tested could fold with just one hand and sometimes with two, and they can fit into overhead compartments for luggage. They are also lightweight and easy to roll which makes them easy to maneuver into tight spaces. Some models come with an adjustable hand for parents with different heights. If you're planning a short excursion with a baby or a long-haul getaway with a toddler, look for an easy-to-pack stroller that will make the journey and return -- easier for your family.

To determine the top travel strollers, we evaluated nine models that met our minimum weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on city streets, country side walks, and in the terminal at the airport to assess its maneuverability, the ease of carrying and folding and overall comfort for children.

Our top picks include the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320), which has the simplest fold of all the travel strollers we've tested and can fit into airplane overhead bins. It's car seat-compatible and its seat can recline almost completely flat, making it suitable for babies. Other parent-friendly features include a deep undercarriage storage basket, a bag hook on the handle and a UPF 50+ canopy that offers plenty of coverage for your little traveler.

The Cybex Orfeo (320) is another great option. It features the ability to fold in concertina that can be done by one hand and is extremely light. The padded five-point harness the crotch strap, and the an reversible seat will protect your child and secure, while a large undercarriage basket and a convertible seat ensure there's room for their belongings. It is also compatible with the brand's infant car seat. This makes it an ideal option for families starting beginning at the time of birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320), one-handed, one-step fold, is also compatible with car seats and comes with an enormous canopy. It's more expensive than the other models in the same category but it also comes with extra features, including a spacious cupholder and a parent's pocket, a handlebar that can be adjusted to fit parents of all heights, and a comfortable carrying strap. The simplicity of the model isn't without its drawbacks, when compared to other models in this category.

2. Folding is easy

When you're on the move, a travel stroller needs to be easy to open and close. If you're carrying a bag of groceries, or children in your arms you don't want to wrestle with a complex stroller to close it. The best travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even with one hand. Many come with a cushioned strap that you can wear comfortably over your shoulders.

In our tests in our tests, the Libelle stroller scored highly for its easy folding and compact size. It also has some other great features. It's smooth to roll across all surfaces and features an extensive canopy that gives sufficient coverage. It's also extremely light and stands by itself when folded. This makes it much easier to put away.

Parents who want to stroll right up to the gate and put their stroller into the overhead bin, we recommend looking for a model that promises to fit into. The Munchkin Sparrow is a good example. It fits into the smallest folding space and comes with an extra-safe travel cover. However it doesn't have a reclining seat and the cargo area is too narrow to hold anything but the smallest diaper bag or a tote.

Another alternative is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds up into a concertina-style but also features an reversible seat that can be used for back-to-back or face-to-face riding. Our editor in chief was able to open and close, although she was not thrilled with the way the handle tucks into the seat when folded.

The newest model of stroller that is a travel model is the tri-fold, which folds in thirds and provides the perfect combination of compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for instance, has a reclined seat, a non-structured rear storage pouch, and a lockable clasp to keep it folded. It's a bit larger than the umbrellas made by the brand but can be folded more compactly than G-Luxe and 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 small size that can be easily stored. They can be easily stowed in the trunk of a car or the overhead bin of a plane. Some models even come with a carrying strap that makes it easy to carry over your shoulder and you don't need to worry about your hands becoming tired. They also tend to be lighter than standard strollers, which can make them easier to lift and carry when it's time for an easy stroll around the neighborhood or the airport.

The stroller performed extremely well on our durability tests and was easy to maneuver over all kinds of surfaces. From smooth hardwoods to shag flooring, this stroller is a great choice. However, some of our testers noted that it's a little thin and the handlebar does not have any padding to keep your hands in a comfortable position. Another thing to consider is the size of the storage basket is: It's slightly smaller than the average, and some parents found it difficult to fit a large diaper bag into it.

We recommend that you call your airline in advance to inquire about their specific rules concerning strollers. These can vary. This is particularly important if you want to gate-check your stroller that allows you to navigate the airport without it and still use it once you're on the plane (though this option isn't suitable for families that require a car seat or toddler booster).

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent choice for those who want a lightweight, compact stroller. It comes nearly fully assembled out of the box The only thing you need to do is snap the bumper bar into the appropriate spot. It comes with an apron for a cup for the parent as well as a back pocket. However it doesn't come with an extra-large basket. This could restrict your ability to carry essentials for long trips.

If you're an avid traveler, we suggest a more robust stroller that offers better features and can hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Mini for instance, comes with many of the G-Luxe and G-Link siblings with features, but it 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

Comfort is key when using strollers for long durations of time. Seats with plenty of padding and a recline system that can be adjusted at various angles are ideal. Also note whether the canopy extends to provide shade from the sun and if it has mesh windows to promote airflow. You should consider a model that comes with a parent organizer/cupholder and a large basket under the seat if you need to carry things around. If you're shopping for a stroller for older children, make sure to check the age range and assess whether your child is comfortable in the seat without an infant car seat.

The way a stroller is rolled is also important. It should be able to move easily on various surfaces that include smooth carpets, hardwoods, cobblestones and gravel. It should also be able to navigate curbs and stairs with ease. Pick a stroller that is lightweight if you plan to do a lot walking during your journey. This will help prevent leg and back pain.

A quality stroller for travel is one that is easy to use, as well. It should be assembled in less than 30 seconds and snap together securely when popped in the right place. It should fold flat enough to fit in the boot of your car or the overhead compartments of a plane. It should also stay upright when folded, so that you can grab it using one hand and then hold your child in the other.

For parents looking for a premium lightweight stroller for their child The Joie Tourist is a great option. It features various recline positions, so that your child can rest comfortably. The canopy extends to provide ample sun protection, with UPF protection. It also comes with a rain cover as well as a coffee cup holder and a footmuff. Charlotte loves that it's suitable for babies up to four years and doesn't require the purchase of an adapter for car seats separately.