3 days ago
The 7 Best Travel Strollers, After Rigorously Testing 21 Options
A great travel stroller can be the difference between a peaceful vacation and a trip to meltdown city. The best options are compact, easy to fold and comfortable for little ones. After testing 21 travel strollers with a panel of parent testers (myself included) over the course of more than two years, we found the Joolz Aer+ is the best travel stroller overall thanks to its lightweight design, simple fold and sturdy and smooth stroll. If you're traveling with a baby or a toddler, we especially like the Silver Cross Jet 5's lie flat option for babies and built-in longevity as it can hold toddlers up to 55 pounds. The Doona Car Seat And Stroller is a convenient all-in-one travel system option for babies, and we found several more picks to peruse for your family.
To help you find the right travel stroller for your next trip, we selected a range of winners:
All of the best travel strollers are lightweight and compact, but many offer different features that are ideal for different types of travel. Whether it's a rain cover for a trip to the Pacific Northwest or an all-terrain stroller that can handle cobblestone streets in Europe, consider what your needs and priorities are. 'Parents need to have a reliable system for their kids because travel can get very hectic,' says Dr. Rosana Lastra, a pediatrician and founder of Head2Toe Pediatrics in Florida.
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Weight: 13.2 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes, with adapter | Folded dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 50 pounds
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We've put the Joolz Aer+ through the wringer with three of our testers—including myself—using it with kids of various ages, and it has yet to disappoint. The stroller is lightweight at just 13.2 pounds, has a simple one-handed fold and feels sturdy and smooth to push. The UPF 50+ canopy provides substantial coverage, so you can shade your child from the sun or give them some privacy while they're resting. An added bonus to the impressive construction and design: the stroller is made out of recycled materials.
Unlike many other travel strollers, the Joolz Aer+ didn't get stuck on gravel or bumps in the sidewalk. It also feels sturdier than its competitors in the lightweight stroller category, and the handlebar is higher. I never worried that it was going to tip. My kids also look comfortable in the seat thanks to the plush padding. When I'm unbuckling my kids, I love that the top and side straps aren't connected, so their arms don't get trapped in the straps. A higher seat also means kids can sit in it longer, prolonging its longevity.
The stroller isn't suitable for a newborn right out of the box, but you can purchase a carrycot or an adapter to make it compatible with infant car seats, including select Britax, Clek, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi and Nuna seats.
The self-standing fold, integrated carry strap and included travel bag make it ideal for traveling through the airport and situations where you need to store your stroller, like in a museum or restaurant. I didn't struggle to get the stroller into the travel bag at all. It also fits in most overhead bins and is narrow enough to push down most airplane aisles, so you won't have to check it if you really don't want to.
When I folded all of the travel strollers I tested and set them next to each other, the Joolz Aer+ looks incredibly compact and flat. It also has a decently-sized basket compared to others, allowing our tester to fit a diaper bag in the basket. Our testers like this stroller not only for traveling but as a lightweight everyday option, too.
I really like this stroller overall, but the recline is a sticking point (quite literally). Rather than simply pulling a lever or adjusting a central strap as is the case in most strollers, the Joolz Aer+ requires you to unzip a panel on the back of the seat and then adjust a strap that's only on one side of the seat. It's not very intuitive and, quite frankly, annoying. Despite this one con, the Joolz Aer+ is easy-to-use, sleek and ready to accompany families to the park or across the globe.
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Weight: 13 pounds | Car seat compatible: No | Folded dimensions: 18.5 x 21.5 x 9.5 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 60 pounds
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Zoe strollers are popular among parents and caregivers, because they're versatile (it's one of the few companies to sell a triple stroller), lightweight, easy to use and affordable. When it comes to the Traveler, you get a compact option that only weighs 13 pounds yet still has desirable features like a belly bar and a parent cupholder. The stroller is Greenguard Gold certified, and some of the color options are made from recycled fabrics offering some more premium options in a more affordable package.
Given its size and weight, it's surprising that the stroller has a 60-pound weight limit, which is the highest of any of the strollers on our list. This makes it a great choice for families with preschoolers or even young school-aged kids who don't typically use strollers anymore but might need one on a long vacation or for a day at a theme park.
If you frequently use various transportation methods and encounter diverse terrains, this is a good option. It fits in most overhead bins for air travel, has a UPF 50+ sun protection canopy and our tester found that it handles curbs, gravel, grass and roads well. It has a really simple one-handed fold and can self-stand when folded. It also has a small pocket on the back of the seat for your phone, wallet or other necessities, which I found convenient.
Regrettably, the Zoe Traveler doesn't come with a travel bag, and it's not compatible with any car seats. It's also not suitable for newborns, so this isn't a good pick if you're traveling with a baby who needs adequate head and neck support.
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Weight: 15.9 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes, with adapters | Folded dimensions: 10 x 14.5 x 24.5 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 55 pounds
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Finding a travel stroller that comfortably fits babies from birth but then also toddlers, or even preschoolers, can be a challenge. Fortunately, the Silver Cross Jet 5 has a higher weight limit than most strollers—up to 55 pounds—and a lie flat feature with a newborn apron, plus the option to add on a car seat with select Clek, Cybex, Maxi Cosi and Nuna seats. Adjustable calf support, a bumper bar and a wide seat provide a comfortable ride for older kids, and a generous UPF 50+ canopy keeps them protected from the sun.
The stroller features unique anti-crease fabric that is made from recycled plastic bottles. This helps it stay looking nice even when you're folding it up and packing it into the trunk of your car or the overhead bin in a plane. When you arrive at your destination, your stroller won't look like it was just shoved into a cramped space for hours.
Sometimes travel strollers are great simply because they're small and compact. The Silver Cross Jet 5, however, has additional features that really make it stand out. These include a self-standing fold, an included travel cover and handy rain cover for when the weather takes a turn on your adventures.
A handy travel bonus: you can pull the stroller like a suitcase when it's folded. This can reduce how much you need to carry on your back when you're already hauling a million bags. It also fits in most overhead compartments, making it a great option for air travel.
Both of our testers really appreciate how compact and lightweight the stroller is—and the super simple fold, which takes mere seconds.
Our testers found it to be a good stroller for flat surfaces, like pavement, concrete and indoor areas. However, it can be quite bumpy on uneven sidewalks and gravel. If you frequently travel to places with uneven terrain or plan to use the stroller outdoors a lot, we recommend checking out one of our other picks, like the Joolz Aer+.
Weight: 17.2 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes | Folded dimensions: 22.4 x 17.4 x 26 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 35 pounds
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Traveling with babies and young kids is uniquely challenging because you need to bring and pack so many things. Chief among them: a safe car seat and stroller. The Doona Car Seat And Stroller makes the whole process easier by combining the two into a single unit, which Lastra (and plenty of parents) like for its convenience. It also comes with a base for quick installation, but you can install it without a base, meaning you don't need to travel with that extra piece.
The wheels tuck neatly under the seat when placed in a car or airplane (yes, it's approved for air travel), so there's no need to find extra storage for the stroller. This also means that when you get to your destination, you have a safe car seat ready to go. It's also great for when your baby falls asleep in the car or on a walk—there's no disruptive transfer to a stroller from the car seat or vice versa. Our tester noted that it feels very cushiony and secure, and an included seat protector keeps the wheels from dirtying your seat.
The handlebar of the stroller acts as an anti-rebound bar in the car, which is a nice safety feature. For the littlest babies, there's also an infant insert. Once your baby is 32 inches or 35 pounds, you'll need to look for another stroller as they'll have maxed out the limits on this one.
It's a zippy little stroller that maneuvers tight spaces well. Our tester found it to very city friendly, handling various surfaces well, including crushed granite, turf and concrete. It also fits through airplane aisles, and our tester had no trouble handling it alongside a suitcase.
While we love the convenience of this stroller and how comfortable it is for babies, some of the features are subpar for parents. Namely, it doesn't have any under-seat storage, and the handlebar is quite low. The stroller is also relatively heavy at 17 pounds, so this isn't the best pick if you need to carry it a lot. Overall, we like it as an extra stroller to make traveling easier for small babies.
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Weight: 14.6 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes | Folded dimensions: 14.3 x 21 x 27 inches | Carry-on potential: No | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 50 pounds
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The Nuna Trvl LX is ideal if you want something lightweight and compact that doesn't stray too far from a full-size stroller. It almost feels like a hybrid stroller that's a cross between a full-size and a travel stroller. It's suitable from birth with either the near flat recline or a Nuna Pipa car seat, which you can connect without any adapters. I like that the UPF 50+ canopy comes out farther than many other strollers when it's open—my kids don't complain that it's too close to their face like they do with some others.
When compared to other travel strollers, I like that the handlebar is a bit higher. It also feels really solid and smooth to push without being cumbersome or bulky. While some travel strollers can feel like they could tip at the slightest turn or change in terrain, I haven't found that to be the case with the Nuna Trvl LX.
It also includes a lot of comfort and convenience features that make it easy to use, like a no-rethread harness, standing fold, adjustable calf support and plush padded seating. The stroller comes with a bumper bar and carry bag, and both the seat and storage basket are generously sized. I recently took this stroller on a trip to an amusement park and had plenty of room to store my things under the seat. The stroller is Greenguard Gold certified, too, which I always appreciate, because it means that my kids are breathing cleaner air.
Some of the features work so seamlessly that they almost feel automated. I found the fold to be really simple and intuitive. Once you get it started, it pretty much folds on its own. When you're buckling your child, the magnets on the buckle automatically pull it into place when you get it close, which is a lifesaver with squirmy babies or toddlers.
As much as I like this stroller as a more robust travel option, it's not perfect. When the canopy isn't pulled down, it comes up above the handlebar and gets in the way, which I find frustrating. Unfortunately, this stroller may not fit in the overhead bin, so if you're planning on flying with it, you may have to gate check it. Lastly, the stroller doesn't stay locked in place when you fold it, so it's not great if you'll need to fold and carry it around often.
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Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Weight: 14.6 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes, with included adapters | Folded dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 55 pounds
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When you're traveling by plane with a stroller, the last thing you want is to struggle with a finicky fold that keeps passengers behind you in line waiting. That's why we love the super easy one-handed fold and unfold mechanism of the chic Cybex Coya. While most travel strollers have a similar fold and unfold process, sometimes you need to really jerk the stroller to get it to stay in place when unfolding it, which isn't the case with the Coya. It easily sits right up, and when it's folded, an attached carry strap makes it easy to get from one place to the next. It also fits in most overhead bins. You can even wait to fold it until you get right to your seat since it's narrow size allows it to fit down most airplane aisles.
In addition to looking high-end and aesthetically pleasing, parents might appreciate a variety of easy-to-use features including a harness that tightens with one hand, similar to many car seats. I particularly like this feature when I'm battling a kid who doesn't want to get buckled into the stroller.
The seat features a near-flat recline which is ideal for on-the-go naps, and there's an adjustable leg rest. It's also compatible with Cybex infant seats when you use the included adapters. A UPF 50+ canopy helps shade your little one from the sun, and a breathable mesh back rest helps keep them cool.
I was able to push the stroller really easily on smooth surfaces, like indoor floors and concrete. Our tester also found this to be the case and found that it's easy to maneuver even on stairs and around tight corners—which can be a godsend when you're juggling luggage and kids.
However, pushing the stroller on gravel and stones is near impossible. My husband and I both had the wheels get stuck multiple times when trying to push it through an amusement park that had gravel walkways. If you're going to be mainly inside or using the stroller on well-paved walks, this won't be a problem. However, if you're navigating cobblestone streets, uneven paths or other difficult terrain, you may want to look for a different option.
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Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Weight: 13.7 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes, with adapters | Folded dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 48.5 pounds
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Many parents love the Stokke Yoyo3 for travel, quick errands and city life, because it's so lightweight and compact—a true travel stroller. Weighing only 13.7 pounds, it's among the lightest strollers we tested and it also folds into an impressively small and compact package. It's narrow enough to fit down airplane aisles and fits in most overhead bins. There's an integrated carrying strap, too.
Travel strollers often sacrifice on features to save on weight and size, but you do get some extras with the Yoyo3. It includes a nicely sized storage basket, a small zipper compartment behind the seat and a wrist strap, which is a helpful safety feature when you're potentially less familiar with your surroundings than you would be at home. The Yoyo3 also has a UV protection canopy.
Previous versions of this stroller sometimes lacked sturdiness and weren't the most comfortable for kids. When I tested an older version of the Yoyo, the wheels shook, and it tipped easily. However, our tester found this updated version to be more durable, smoother and better suited for handling different terrains. It also has a higher seat back and more padding on the seat to make riding more comfortable for toddlers.
The new version also improves slightly on the fold. Previously, it was overly complicated and took a bit away from the fact that it could get so small. Now the fold is a bit easier, though it still requires two hands.
I like that there are a lot of additional features and accessories you can add on, but you'll have to pay extra for those. To make the seat suitable for newborns, you can purchase a newborn pack that transforms the stroller into a cozy nest. There's also a rain cover accessory and a board for an additional child. You'll have to purchase a cupholder, leg rest and car seat adapters if you want them, too. The seat is compatible with select Nuna, Clek, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi and Yoyo car seats.
Our panel tested 21 travel strollers in total over the last two years, including testing new models of our favorite picks as they came out, including with the new Stokke Yoyo 3, the Silver Cross Jet and the Nuna TRVL. Here are the ones that didn't make the cut. Some strollers were tested by multiple testers with babies and kids of varying sizes.
Uppababy Minu V2: Many parents and experts like the Uppababy Minu V2, and it's not a bad stroller—it simply wasn't as good as our winners. At 16.9 pounds, it's on the heavier side, and it doesn't fit in some overhead bins. During testing, one of our testers found that the seat back detached while her son was in the stroller. We're looking forward to testing the newer Uppababy Minu V3.
Bugaboo Butterfly: The Bugaboo Butterfly has a nice sized storage basket, an easy fold and high-quality materials. However, it's on the heavier side and just doesn't quite compare to our other top picks. It has a bumpier ride and the mechanisms sometimes get stuck. We plan to test the new version of the Butterfly, the Butterfly 2, soon.
Kolkraft Cloud: This lightweight stroller is inexpensive, but lacking many of the features that make travel strollers great. It doesn't recline, it's not compatible with any car seats and it doesn't feel high-quality or durable.
Baby Jogger City Tour 2: While we appreciate that this stroller is durable and comfortable, it falls short when it comes to key aspects we look for in a travel stroller. Our tester found that it felt bulky. It also doesn't come with a travel bag or carrying strap.
Mountain Buggy Nano: Our tester found that the Mountain Buggy Nano felt unstable, and it tipped around tight turns. It's nice and compact for travel but isn't very sturdy or durable.
Colugo Compact Stroller: My first impression of this stroller was that it was plush and solid with a compact and simple fold. It seemed like a good option for air travel, and multiple previous testers liked it quite a bit. However, when I tested it with a larger toddler, I found it difficult to push and less sturdy than I'd prefer. In fact, my 41-pound toddler would have tipped the whole thing over when he leaned to the side to look at a bunny if I hadn't had a good hold on it.
Cybex Orfeo Stroller: We didn't find any major flaws with this stroller; it simply isn't as good as our top picks. Other similarly-designed strollers offered better features like travel bags or compatibility with more car seats.
Ergobaby Metro + Compact City Stroller: We liked the smooth ride this stroller provides, and we also appreciated the adjustable handlebar, which is a rarity in travel strollers. The fold proved to be frustrating, though, and it's on the heavier side at 16.9 pounds.
Graco Ready2Jet: Though it's an affordable option, the Graco Ready2Jet is not durable. After only a month of testing, the storage basket started falling apart. Our tester also noticed that the cupholder falls off easily, and the stroller feels unstable in situations where you need to pull it.
Gb Pockit+ All-Terrain: Recommended by Lastra, the Gb Pockit+ All-Terrain folds up extra small, making it ideal for traveling to areas where strollers are prohibited such as museums or stadiums. It's also incredibly lightweight at just 10.6 pounds.
Bombi Bēbee Twin Lightweight Double Stroller: This double travel stroller is new to the market. We're looking forward to testing out the roomy seats and the bassinet feature that makes the stroller suitable for newborns.
Nuna Trvl Dubl: We've been rigorously testing the Nuna Trvl Dubl for a few months. While it's comfortable and smooth, it tips easily on cracks and bumps. We're continuing to put it through tests to determine whether or not to recommend it.
Bugaboo Butterfly 2: The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 improves on the previous version of the stroller with a back seat pocket for parents to store essentials, bigger wheels and an upgraded canopy. We're looking forward to checking it out and comparing it to other top strollers on our list.
Uppababy Minu V3: Updates to the Minu V3 include a deeper recline, a taller seat and a more user-friendly harness. It's also ready to go for newborns right out of the box, which is a helpful feature for many families.
Evenflo Shyft Dualride: Baby and kids gear editor Margaret Badore is currently testing the Evenflo Shyft Dualride with her newborn twins. The stroller is similar to the Doona in that it's an all-in-one stroller and car seat combo that works nicely as a baby travel system. It also comes with SensorSafe, an added safety feature.
Our panel of testers has been testing travel strollers for more than two years, taking them on flights and road trips and using them around our neighborhoods. We tested these strollers with babies and toddlers of various ages and sizes, including newborns and 40-pound toddlers. We've also had adult caregivers who range in size and stature, including petite grandmothers and taller adults, test and use the strollers.
I pushed each stroller on various terrains with my toddlers, who weigh 36 and 41 pounds. We traveled on grass, pavement, bumpy sidewalks and gravel. We also went up and down hills, stairs and curbs. I took the strollers to a busy street fair and an amusement park to determine how well they maneuvered in crowded areas.
I performed these tests while pushing the strollers with one hand to test how easy the stroller maneuvers when your hands are full while traveling. We also put the strollers through an obstacle course to test how well they navigate sharp turns, quick starts and stops and narrow airplane aisles.
We folded and unfolded each stroller numerous times, noting how easy they were to handle and whether we could fold and unfold them with one hand. We looked at how compact each stroller is when folded and if applicable, took them in and out of their travel bag. We also carried the strollers while they were folded, either in their travel bag, with an attached strap or by simply picking them up.
We loaded the strollers into a small space to simulate an overhead bin, and we also loaded them into the trunk of a compact car. We noted how well the strollers stay folded and whether they have any locking mechanisms to keep them from opening.
We tested various components of the strollers to determine how easy they are to use in daily life and while traveling. We buckled and unbuckled our kids, tested the recline features, opened and closed the canopies and engaged and disengaged the brakes. We also put a well-stocked diaper bag in and out of the under seat basket.
We also took the strollers around town and on walks through the neighborhood to test how easy they are to use in the real world.
We noted how comfortable our kids looked in each stroller and when possible, got their feedback on how they felt in the strollers. We also checked out any notable comfort features like seat padding, mesh panels, seat recline and adjustable foot rests.
When choosing a travel stroller for your family, it's helpful to think about what you're looking to get out of a travel stroller first. Lastra recommends creating a list of priorities and using that to help guide your search. 'Parents need to have a reliable system for their kids because travel can get very hectic,' she says.
Often when you're traveling, you're not using a stroller in the same way you do at home. You might be folding and carrying it more and pushing it on different terrain than you're used to. Lastra explained that when she traveled to Europe, she needed a stroller that could handle cobblestone streets and when she traveled to Puerto Rico, she needed something that could easily traverse the narrow streets.
If you typically travel by plane, then you'll probably want something very light and compact that can fit in the overhead bin. 'A lot of times you may want to take a stroller with you on board instead of checking it at the gate, so that lightweight capability is going to be great,' says Lastra. On a recent trip to Europe, Lastra also found that many venues such as museums and restaurants didn't allow strollers inside. In these situations, a stroller that can fold up and fit into a carrying bag or backpack means that you don't have to leave it outside unattended.
For road trips or vacations to theme parks, you might want to look for something that has a few more features, like snack trays or larger storage areas. Though these features can add to the size and weight of the stroller, you might have some room to spare if you're not traveling by plane.
Typically, when you're shopping for a travel stroller, you're looking for something small and lightweight. 'The lighter the stroller, the easier it will be to carry around with you on your adventures,' says Amanda Brown, a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) and the chief of staff at GoodBuy Gear. Many travel strollers are somewhere between 10 and 20 pounds. Most strollers designed for travel are relatively small and lightweight, but not all are able to fit in overhead bins or down airplane aisles.
Typically, travel strollers don't have a ton of extra features like cupholders or large baskets, because these can add to the weight and bulk of the stroller. However, some sell add-on features like snack trays, cupholders and parent organizers. Many of them also feature simple one-handed folds and travel bags.
Consider whether you want a large canopy with UPF sun protection, a large storage basket, a rain cover or a near-flat recline. These features are available on some travel strollers but not all.
Safety is always top of mind when I'm testing and evaluating strollers. All strollers sold in the U.S. need to meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, which means they're reasonably safe. Because travel strollers are very lightweight, they are often more prone to tipping or even getting blown over when there's no child in them. Look for strollers that have a solid construction and stable base, especially if you'll be on uneven streets and bumpy terrain.
Consider your child's height and weight when choosing a stroller as well. Putting a child in a stroller when they're too small or too big can present safety concerns. 'Pay close attention to whether the seat offers a deep enough recline for proper positioning, particularly for younger babies. Also, take a look at the harness to make sure it's appropriate and secure for your child's age and size; always keep your child secure with the harness when the child is in it,' says Brown. Lastra recommends that kids are always secured in strollers using a five-point harness.
Travel strollers present a unique challenge in that many families use strollers while traveling past the age they normally use them at home. Because kids are often walking a lot more on vacation than they are at home, they tend to get tired and need a place to rest. 'Keep in mind that some travel strollers run on the smaller end, so it's worth checking dimensions to ensure a good fit, especially for taller or older children,' says Brown.
Many travel strollers are suitable for kids who weigh up to 50 or 55 pounds and are 40 to 50 inches tall. However, some have higher limits, like the Zoe Traveler, which is suitable for kids up to 60 pounds.
I've been a journalist for nearly 10 years and before that I was a teacher. While earning my bachelor's and master's degrees in education, I studied child development and product design. I've also spent years talking to parents about what works best for their kids, and I'm always making a mental note of which strollers parents are using and loving.
I've dedicated my time as a writer to covering parenting topics, specifically focusing on testing and reviewing baby and kids gear. I'm a mom to three, and I've tested over 40 strollers, including travel strollers, full-size strollers, double strollers and stroller wagons. After extensive and long-term testing, I've written guides to the very best strollers in many of these categories.
Over the years, I've interviewed a number of parenting experts, including pediatricians, safety experts and baby gear experts. For this story, I consulted with:
