The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is one of the lightest and compact. It's also the easiest folding strollers. Despite its size, it provides a good ride, great sun canopy and multi-position recline.

At less than $100 the stroller is a great value. It's compact and easy to fold, making it ideal for public transport, or even slinging over your shoulder.

1. Lightweight

The most important thing to consider when choosing a travel stroller is to be lightweight and easy to fold. The top models we tested could fold with just one hand, and sometimes two and can be tucked into overhead compartments for luggage. They are also lightweight and easy to roll which makes them easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Some even offer the option of a telescoping handle to parents of various heights. Find a light, easy to carry stroller for your family, regardless of whether you're planning to take a short trip with a baby, or an extended trip with an infant.

To determine the top strollers for traveling, we compared nine that met our minimum weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on city streets as well as on country side walks and at the airport terminal to determine its ability to maneuver, its ease of folding and carrying as well as overall comfort for the child.

Our top pick is the Babyzen YoYo2 (320), which folds the simplest of the strollers we tested and fits in overhead bins of airplanes. The seat reclines nearly flat and is compatible with car seats and is suitable from birth. The car also features an undercarriage with a deep design double pram and pushchair a bag-hook attached to the handle, and a UPF50+ canopy that will ensure the safety of your child.

Other great alternatives include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which features a single-handed concertina fold and is incredibly light. Its five-point harness, padded and crotch strap will keep your child safe, while the reversible seat and a large undercarriage basket will ensure that there is enough space for all their belongings. It is also compatible with the brand's infant car seat. This makes it a viable choice for families beginning at birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320) is one-handed, one-step fold that is also compatible with car seats and has an enormous canopy. It's a bit pricier than other models in this class however, it comes with additional features like a large parent pocket and cupholder as well as an adjustable handlebar for parents of all sizes, and a comfortable carry strap. Its simplicity is sacrificed for some durability when compared to the other models in this category, however.

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 load of groceries or children in your arms, you don't want to wrestle with a complicated stroller to close it. The most efficient travel strollers fold easily and compactly, even with just one hand. Many come with a cushioned carrying strap that fits comfortably over your shoulder.

In our tests, we gave the Libelle stroller high marks for its compactness and its ease of folding stroller. But it also has other excellent features: It glides smoothly over all surfaces and has a generous canopy that provides ample coverage. It's also light and stands up by itself when folded. This makes it much easier to store.

We suggest that parents who wish to have their stroller fit into the overhead bin of a plane and are looking for models that are guaranteed to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example is a great fit in the smallest fold, and comes with a convenient travel cover, but it comes with no reclining seat and a narrow cargo space that can only accommodate a small bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).

Another option is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds up into a concertina-style but also features an reversible seat that can be used for face-to-face or back-to-back riding. The handle is hidden behind the seat, however our editor didn't like the fold.

The newest model of travel stroller is tri-fold, which folds in thirds, and offers the most compact combination of size and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, as an instance, comes with a reversible chair, an unstructured storage pouch at the rear, and a locking latch to keep it folded. It's a little bigger than the umbrella models made by the brand, but it folds far more compactly than its G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts. It also comes with a padded carry strap that can be slung over your shoulder.

3. Easy to store

The best travel strollers can fold down to a size that can be easily stored. They can be easily stored in the trunk of a car or the overhead bin of the plane. Some models even come with a carrying strap that is easy to carry on your shoulders and not need to worry about your hands getting tired. They also tend to be lighter than regular strollers, which could make them easier to lift and carry when you're ready for a quick walk around the neighborhood or to the airport.

When we test this stroller, it did exceptionally well in our durability tests and was able to maneuver across all kinds of surfaces from smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. However some of our testers noticed that it was a bit flimsy and the handlebar doesn't have any padding to keep your hands comfy. The size of the storage basket should also be considered. It's on the small side and some parents have reported that it was difficult to fit a large diaper bag into it.

We recommend that you call your airline ahead to verify their specific guidelines concerning strollers. They may differ. This is crucial when you are planning to gate-check a stroller. You can then use it on the plane and navigate the airport without the stroller.

If you're looking for a simple travel stroller that's lightweight and folds down to an extremely compact size the Contours Itsy is a great choice. It's almost fully assembled straight 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 parent cup back pocket and holder but there isn't a large basket that could restrict your ability to carry necessities for a long trip.

If you're a frequent traveler we recommend considering a more robust stroller that offers better features and is able to 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 more quickly. It's also slightly sturdier than an umbrella stroller, and it has a padded carrying strap that takes some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

The comfort factor is crucial when using strollers for extended durations of time. Seats that have plenty of padding and a recline system that can be adjusted to various angles are ideal. Be aware of whether the canopy extends to provide sun protection, and if the mesh windows promote airflow. You should consider a model that comes with an organizer for the parents or a cupholder, as well as a large basket under the seat if you need to carry things around. If you're in the market for a stroller that is suitable for older children, make sure to check the age range and consider whether your child is comfortable in the seat without a car seat for infants.

The way that a stroller moves is also important. It should be able to move easily over various surfaces, from smooth hardwoods and shag carpet to cobblestones and gravel. It should also handle stairs and curbs without difficulty. Choose a lightweight stroller when you are planning to do a lot of walking during your trip. This will help to prevent back and leg pain.

A quality stroller for travel should be easy to use, as well. It should assemble in under 30 seconds and be able to snap together when you put it in the correct place. It should also be able fold flat and fit in the boot of a car or in the overhead compartment of planes. It should also remain upright when folded, so that you can reach it with one hand while holding your baby in the opposite.

The Joie Tourist is an excellent choice for parents who are seeking a light high-quality stroller for their travels. It has multiple recline positions to allow your child to sleep comfortably. The canopy that extends can provide plenty of sun protection with UPF protection. Additionally, it comes with a lot of other accessories; a footmuff, cup holder, and rain cover are all included. Charlotte is delighted that the car seat is suitable for infants to four years old and doesn't require an adapter separately.