The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers
This stroller is among the lightest and most compact. It’s also the easiest Folding stroller (Articlescad.com) strollers. Despite its size it has a good ride, fantastic sun canopy, and a multi-position recline.
At less than $100 it’s a great value. It has a simple, compact fold and a carry strap, so it’s easy to carry over your shoulder or take to public transportation.
1. Lightweight
When it comes to travel strollers lightweight and easy to fold are the most important factors. The top models we tested fold down with just one hand (and sometimes two) and can fit in overhead luggage compartments. They also have a good roll and are small enough to easily maneuver in tight spaces. Some models come with an adjustable hand for parents of varying heights. If you’re planning a short excursion with a baby or a long-haul vacation with a toddler, look for a lightweight, easy-to-pack stroller that will make the journey — and return for your family.
To find the best travel strollers, we evaluated nine models that were able to meet our weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on city streets, country side walks, and at the airport terminal to determine its ability to maneuver, its the ease of carrying and folding, and overall comfort for children.
Our picks include the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320) that is the easiest to fold of the strollers we tried and fits into overhead bins on airplanes. The seat reclines to a flat position and is car seat-compatible which means it’s suitable for babies up to age 2. 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 little traveler.
Other great options include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which features a single-handed concertina fold that is extremely light. The padded five-point harness, an adjustable crotch strap and a Reversible seats ensure your child’s safety and secure, while a large undercarriage basket as well as a reversible seat ensure there’s enough space for their possessions. It is also compatible with the brand’s infant car seat. This makes it a good option for families starting from the time of birth.
Finally, the Coya TRVL ($320) is a different one-handed, one-step fold with car seat compatibility and a far-reaching canopy. It’s more expensive than the other models in this category but it also comes with extra features such as a large cupholder and parent pocket, a movable handlebar to fit parents of all heights, and a comfortable carrying strap. Its simplicity is sacrificed for a bit of durability compared to the other models in this category, however.
2. Easy to fold
If you’re constantly on the move the stroller you use for travel needs to be simple to open and close. You do not want a stroller that is difficult to close when you have food items or children in your arms. Even with just one hand, the best travel strollers can be folded up quickly and compactly. Many have a padded strap that you can comfortably wear over your shoulders.
In our tests In our tests, the Libelle stroller scored highly for its easy folding pushchair and compact size. It also has a few great features: It can roll effortlessly over all surfaces and comes with a huge canopy that offers plenty of coverage. It’s also light and stands up on its own when folded. This makes it easier to store.
We recommend that parents who want their strollers to fit in the overhead bins of planes and are looking for models that promise to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow is a good example. It fits in the smallest of foldings and comes with a protective travel cover. However it doesn’t come with a reclining seat and its cargo space is too narrow to hold anything other than the smallest diaper bag or tote.
Another option is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds down into a concertina design but also features an reversible seat that can be used for face-toface or back-toback riding. Our editor found it easy to open and close, but she wasn’t crazy about the way the handle folds into the seat when folded.
The tri-fold is a new travel stroller. It folds down into three pieces and provides the most compact travel pram combination of size and features. The UPPAbaby Minu for example, has a convertible seat, an unstructured rear storage pouch, and a lockable clasp to keep it folded. It’s a bit bigger than the umbrella models made by the brand however it folds more compactly than G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts, and comes with a padded carry strap that can be worn over your shoulder.
3. Easy to store
The best travel strollers fold down into an easy-to-store size that’s easy to fit in the trunk of your car or into the overhead bin on an airplane. Some models even come with a carrying strap that makes it easy to carry over your shoulder and you don’t have to worry about your hands getting tired. They are also lighter than normal strollers. This makes them easier to lift or carry for a quick walk in the neighborhood or at the airport.
This stroller performed exceptionally excellently in our durability tests and was easy to maneuver over all types of surfaces. From smooth hardwoods to sag flooring, this stroller is a great option. Some of our test subjects thought it was a bit fragile and the handlebar was not padding to ensure your hands were comfortably. Another thing to consider is how big the storage basket is it’s on the smaller side, and some parents found it difficult to squeeze an enormous diaper bag in it.
In general, we suggest calling your airline ahead of time to verify their specific guidelines for bringing strollers on board and strollers, as they may vary. This is especially important if you wish to gate-check your stroller that allows you to travel around the airport without it and still be able to use it once you’re on the plane (though this isn’t a viable option for families who require a car seat or toddler booster).
If you’re looking for a simple stroller that is lightweight and folds down to an extremely compact size The Contours Itsy is a great choice. The Contours Itsy is fully assembled and all you need to do is snap in the bumper bar. It has a cup for parents holder and a back pocket but there isn’t a large basket which might make it difficult to carry essentials for long trips.
If you’re frequent travelers, we recommend you look into a more robust stroller that has better features and the ability to carry more cargo. The UPPAbaby Minu, for instance, comes with many of the same features similar to its G-Luxe and G-Link cousins however, it’s smaller and folds faster. It’s also slightly more robust than an umbrella stroller and has a padded strap to alleviate some of the burden off your shoulders.
4. Confortable
Strollers are commonly used for prolonged durations of time when traveling, which is why it is essential to be comfortable. Seats with plenty of padding as well as a reclining system that can be adjusted to different angles are the best. Take note of whether the canopy extends to provide sun protection and if mesh windows allow airflow. If you need to carry your own items look for a stroller with a parent organizer/cup holder and an ample storage basket underneath the seat. If you’re shopping for a stroller that is suitable for older children, make sure to check the age range and determine whether your child is at ease in the seat, even without an infant car seat.
How a my babiie stroller rolls is also important. It should be able to move easily across different surfaces, including smooth carpets, hardwoods and shag carpets cobblestones and gravel. It must be able of handling steps, curbs and other obstacles with ease. Consider a stroller with a light weight for those who plan to do a lot walking throughout your trip. This will help prevent back and leg pain.
A quality stroller for travel should also be simple to use. It should be easy to assemble and snap together when put in the proper position. It should fold flat and fit into the boot of your car or in the overhead compartments of a plane. It should also be upright when folded so that you can carry it around using one hand and hold your baby in the other.
The Joie Tourist is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a lightweight high-quality stroller for their travels. It has several recline positions to allow your child to rest comfortably. The canopy extends to provide plenty of sun protection with UPF protection. It also includes a rain cover as well as a coffee cup holder and a footmuff. Charlotte loves that the car seat is suitable for newborns to four years old and doesn’t require a separate adapter.