The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the lightest and compact. It's also one of the most easy to fold. It has a great ride and a fantastic sun canopy, and a multi-position recline.

This stroller is a great value for less than $100. It features a simple, compact fold and a carry strap, so it's easy to put it over your shoulder or carry to public transport.

1. Lightweight

The most important aspect of a great travel stroller is that it should be light and easy to fold. The best prams models we tested could fold with just one hand and sometimes two and can be tucked into overhead compartments for luggage. They are also compact and roll well making them easy to maneuver into tight spaces. Some models come with a telescoping handle for parents of varying heights. Find a lightweight, easy-to carry stroller for your family, no matter if you're planning to go on a short trip with a baby, or an extended trip with an Infant carriages.

To determine the top strollers for traveling, we compared nine models that were able to meet our weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on country roads, city streets, and in the terminal at the airport for maneuverability in folding, ease of carrying, as well as overall comfort for your child.

Our top picks are the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320), which is the easiest to fold of all the strollers that we've 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. Other features that are suitable for parents include a deep undercarriage basket as well as a bag hook that is attached to the handle, and a UPF 50+ canopy that offers ample coverage for your young traveler.

The Cybex Orfeo (320) is another great option. It features an articula fold that can be completed by one hand and is extremely light. Its padded, five-point harness and crotch strap will keep your child secure, while the reversible seat as well as a hefty undercarriage basket ensure there's enough space for all their items. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat which makes it an ideal option for families that start at the age of birth.

Lastly, the Coya TRVL ($320) is a different one-handed, one-step fold that comes with car seat compatibility as well as a large canopy. It's more expensive than other models in this category however it has additional features such as a large parent pocket and cupholder, an adjustable handlebar for parents of all sizes, and a comfortable carry strap. Its simplicity is sacrificed for a bit of durability compared to other models in this category, however.

2. Easy to fold

When you're on the go, a travel stroller needs to be simple to open and close. You do not want a stroller which is difficult to close when you have food items or children in your arms. Even with only one hand, the best travel strollers can be folded easily and compactly. Many have a padded strap that you can put comfortably over your shoulders.

In our tests, the Libelle stroller scored well for its effortless fold and compactness. It also has other nice features. It's smooth to roll on all surfaces, Travel system prams and has an expansive canopy that offers sufficient coverage. It's also surprisingly light and stands up on its own when folded. This makes it easier to put away.

For parents who want to roll right up to the plane gate and put their stroller into the overhead bin we suggest an option that will fit in. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example, fits nicely into the smallest fold and comes with a handy protective travel cover, but it has no reclining seat push chairs and prams a small cargo space that can only hold a small tote or diaper bag (no backpacks).

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another alternative. It folds in a concertina style, but it has a reversible seating position for riding back-toback or face-toface. The handle is tucked behind the seat, however our editor didn't like the way it folded.

The newest model of stroller for travel is tri-fold, which folds in thirds, and offers the most compact combination of size and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for instance, has a reversible seat, an unstructured rear storage pouch, and a locking clasp 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 most effective strollers for travel can be folded down to a compact size that is easy to store. They can be easily stowed in the trunk of a car, or in the overhead bin of an airplane. Some have a strap that you can use to carry the stroller over your shoulder so your hands won't be exhausted. They are also lighter than regular strollers, which could make them easier to lift and carry when it's time for a quick walk around the neighborhood or at the airport.

When we test this stroller, it did very well in our durability tests and was able to maneuver on all kinds of surfaces from smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. However some of our testers found it to be a bit thin and the handlebar does not have any padding to help keep your hands in a comfortable position. The size of the basket is also something to consider. It is on the small side and some parents have had difficulty difficult to squeeze a large size diaper bag inside it.

In general, we suggest calling your airline ahead of time to confirm their specific guidelines for bringing strollers on board, as they can vary. This is particularly important if you wish to check your stroller's gate and allow you to navigate the airport without it and still be able to use it once you're on the plane (though this option isn't suitable for families that require an infant car seat or booster).

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent option if you want a lightweight, compact stroller. The Contours Itsy is completely assembled and all you have to do is snap in the bumper bar. It has cups holder for the parent, as well as an additional back pocket. However it doesn't have an oversized basket. This can restrict your ability to carry essentials for long trips.

If you're an avid traveler, we suggest you consider a more robust stroller that has better features and can hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Minu, as an example, has many of the same features like its G-Luxe or G-Link cousins but is smaller and folds up more quickly. It's also a bit more durable than an umbrella stroller and it comes with a cushioned carrying strap to take some of the weight off your shoulders.

4. Confortable

Comfort is key when using strollers for long durations of time. Find seats with plenty of padding and a recline feature that allows you to set it at various angles. Be aware of whether the canopy extends to provide sun protection, and if the mesh windows allow airflow. If you're required to carry items with you look for a stroller with an organizer for parents and a cup holder as well as an enormous storage basket beneath the seat. If you're shopping for a travel stroller for older children, look up the age range and assess whether your child will be comfortable in the stroller without a car seat for infants.

It is also important to think about how a stroller is rolled. It needs to maneuver effortlessly over a variety of surfaces, from smooth hardwoods and shag carpet to cobblestones and gravel. It should be able to handle curbs, stairs, and other obstacles with ease. Consider a stroller with a light weight for those who intend to do a lot of walking throughout your trip. This will help to prevent back and leg pain.

A quality stroller for travel is one that is easy to use, as well. It should assemble in under 30 seconds and snap together securely when popped in the correct place. It should also fold down flat and fit into the boot of your car, or the overhead compartments of a plane. It should also remain upright when folded so that you can grab it with a single hand and hold your child in the other.

The Joie Tourist is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a lightweight quality, high-end travel stroller. It has numerous recline positions so your child can rest comfortably, and its extensible canopy provides ample sun coverage and UPF protection. It also includes a variety of additional features such as a footmuff and cup holder, and rain cover are included. Charlotte is delighted the fact that the car seat is suitable for infants to four years old and does not require a separate adapter.