The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the smallest, lightest and easy to fold. It offers a smooth ride, a great sun canopy, and a multi-position recline.

At less than $100 the stroller is a great value. It comes with an easy, compact fold and a carry strap, making it easy to put it over your shoulder or take with you on public transport.

1. Lightweight

When it comes to travel strollers, lightweight and easy-to-fold are key. The top models we tested fold down with only one hand (and sometimes two) and can be tucked away in overhead luggage compartments. They also roll well and are compact enough to easily maneuver in tight spaces. Some even come with an adjustable handle for parents of various heights. Find a lightweight, easy to pack stroller for your family, regardless of whether you're planning to go on a short trip with a baby or a long-haul trip with an infant.

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

Our top picks are the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320) It has the simplest fold of the travel strollers we tested and can fit into overhead bins on airplanes. It's compatible with car seats and its seat can recline almost completely flat, making it suitable for infants. Other parent-friendly features include a large undercarriage basket, a bag hook on the handle, and a UPF 50+ canopy which provides ample coverage for your young traveler.

Other alternatives include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), that features a one-handed concertina fold and is extremely light. The padded five-point harness, crotch strap, and Reversible seats keep your child safe with a huge undercarriage basket and a convertible seat ensure there's space for their belongings. It is also compatible with the brand’s infant car seat. This makes it a good option for families with children beginning at the time of birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320) is a one-handed, one step fold, is also compatible with car seats and has an enormous canopy. It's a bit more expensive than other models in this class however it has additional features like a large parent pocket and cupholder, an adjustable handlebar for parents of all sizes and a comfy carry strap. The simple design does not mean it's as durable, as compared to other models in this class.

2. Easy to fold

A stroller for travel is one that is easy to shut and open when you're on-the-go. You do not want a stroller that is difficult to close when you're carrying groceries or children in your arms. The best travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even when you only have one hand. A lot of them have padded straps that you can comfortably wear over your shoulders.

In our tests, the Libelle stroller scored well for its effortless fold and compactness. It also has a few nice features. It is smooth across all surfaces and features an extensive canopy that gives enough coverage. Additionally, it's extremely light and free-standing when folded which makes it easy to store.

We recommend that parents who wish to have their stroller fit in the overhead bin of a plane, look for models that are guaranteed to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example is perfect for the smallest fold and comes with a handy travel cover, but it comes with no reclining seat and a tiny cargo space that can only hold a small tote bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).

Another option is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds down into a concertina design but also features the option of a reversible seat to allow face-to-face or back-to-back riding. The handle is tucked behind the seat, but our editor didn't like the way it folded.

The tri-fold is the newest travel stroller. It folds down into three pieces and provides the most compact combination of size and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu for instance, has a reversible seat, Twin Pushchair an unstructured storage pouch in the rear, and a locking latch that keeps it folded. It's a bit bigger than the umbrellas from the brand but is smaller than their G-Luxe or 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 size that can be easily stored. They can be easily stowed in the trunk of a car, or in the overhead bin of a plane. Some models come with a strap can be used to carry the stroller over your shoulder, so that your hands don't get tired. They're also lighter than normal strollers. This makes them easy to lift and carry for a stroll in the neighborhood or at the airport.

The stroller performed extremely excellently in our durability tests and was easy to maneuver across all types of surfaces. From smooth hardwoods to sag flooring, this stroller is a great choice. However some of our testers noted that it's a little fragile and the handlebar doesn't have any padding to keep your hands in a comfortable position. 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 for bringing strollers on board as they may differ. This is particularly important if you want to gate-check your stroller that allows you to travel around the airport without it and use it when you're on the plane (though this isn't a viable option for families who need an infant car seat or booster).

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent option if you are looking for a compact, lightweight stroller. It's almost fully assembled out of the box, and the only thing you have to do is to snap the bumper bar in the appropriate spot. It comes with a cup holder for the parent, as well as an additional back pocket. However it doesn't come with an over-sized basket. This can restrict your ability to carry essentials for long trips.

If you're a frequent traveler, we suggest a more robust stroller with better features and can hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Mini, for instance, comes with many of the G-Luxe and G-Link siblings however it's more compact and folds faster. It is also slightly more durable than an umbrella stroller, and has a padded strap to alleviate some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

Strollers are typically used for long periods of time while traveling, which is why comfort is important. Look for seats with ample padding and a recline system that lets you set it at various angles. Be sure to check if the canopy extends to give shade from the sun and if it has mesh windows that allow airflow. You should consider a model that comes with a parent organizer/cupholder and a large basket under the seat, if you have to carry things around. If you're shopping for a travel stroller for older children, make sure to check the age range and determine whether your child will be at ease in the seat, even without an infant car seat.

It is also crucial to think about how a stroller rolls. It must be able to roll effortlessly across various surfaces, including smooth hardwoods, shag carpets, cobblestones and gravel. It should also be able to navigate stairs and curbs without difficulty. Consider a stroller with a light weight for those who intend to do a lot of walking during your journey. This will prevent back and leg pain.

A good quality travel stroller should be easy to use, too. It should assemble in under 30 seconds and snap together securely when popped into the correct position. It should also fold flat and fit into the boot of your car or the overhead compartments of planes. It should also remain upright when folded, so that you can reach it with one hand while holding your child in the other.

For parents looking for a high-quality lightweight stroller for their child, the Joie Tourist is a great option. It offers numerous recline positions so your child can rest comfortably. The extendable canopy provides ample sun coverage and UPF protection. It also comes with a rain cover as well as a coffee cup holder and a footmuff. Charlotte loves the fact that it is suitable from newborns up to four years old and doesn't require the purchase of a separate car seat adapter.