As a travel expert and new mom, I discovered quickly that traveling with a baby requires a lot of gear; way more than I expected for such a little human. And I’ve found that, for vacations, one of the most important baby gear essentials is a good travel stroller. Different from an everyday stroller, the best travel strollers are sturdy but also lightweight and easy to transport, so they’re convenient and sturdy enough to handle everything from long walks in charming seaside villages to navigating the parks at Disney World.
Tips for choosing the right travel stroller
There are plenty of cheap umbrella strollers on the market, but in my experience, even if they were free, they wouldn’t be worth the price of their flimsy construction, uncomfortable seat, profoundly-un-ergonomic handles, and wobbly handling.
Instead, I highly recommend looking beyond the price tag when doing your research for the best travel stroller, especially if you plan to use it often and/or for a long time (e.g., with multiple kids).
For top value, I look at price, sure. But also I want a travel stroller that’s lightweight yet durable, quickly assembles and disassembles on the go, and offers quick-access storage for essentials like bottles, snacks, and sunscreen. You might also look for a travel stroller that meets FAA requirements for the overhead bin on planes (though you can gate check your stroller for free on most major airlines, especially the most family-friendly airlines).
Based on all these important factors and my own experiences testing out strollers with an eye toward finding the perfect one to purchase for my own tiny travelers, here are the travel strollers I personally rate most highly for on-the-go families.
1. Doona Car Seat & Stroller
Stroller Weight: 17.2 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 17.4 x 26 x 22.4 inches
Age/Weight Range: 4 to 35 pounds (rear facing only)
When it comes to travel strollers for infants, nothing quite compares to the Doona Car Seat & Stroller, a car seat that transforms into a stroller in seconds. This magical yet practical travel combo features a five-point safety harness and is easy to clean thanks to removable, washable textiles. It has all features I’d expect in a standard stroller (adjustable handle, smooth-rolling wheels, etc.) but with the ease of a travel stroller. Bonus: The color options are great, and include green, blue, red, and black.
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2. Joolz Aer+
Stroller Weight: 13.2 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5
Age/Weight Range: 0 to 50 pounds
There’s a lot I love about it, but maybe the thing I love most is the zero setup involved with the Joolz Aer+, the next generation of the popular Joolz Aer travel stroller. Push the button on the handle and pull the stroller toward you to assemble; to disassemble, simply push the button again and it’ll instantly fold up, a feature that not only makes me feel like a superhero but is great if you’re holding a baby in one arm and only have the other hand free. This sleek travel stroller comes with a carrying case and can easily be stowed in a plane’s carry-on bin.
Parents like me (and kids) also appreciate the multi-position recline, five-point harness, UPF 50+ canopy with peek-a-boo window, and storage beneath the stroller, with plenty of room for a diaper bag and other essentials. The new version of the stroller also has an improved wheel design for a smoother ride. Bonus: A cot adaptor is available to make this travel stroller newborn-friendly (the standard model is good once babies can sit up); it’s compatible with Cybex, Clek and Nuna car seat models.
3. Bugaboo Butterfly
Stroller Weight: 16 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 inches
Age/Weight Range: 6 months to 50 pounds (about 4 years)
I will level with you: I would not mind catching a ride in the Bugaboo Butterfly, an ultra-comfy for kids, ergonomically friendly for adults standout travel stroller. It folds not just in half but in thirds so it’s super-compact and easy to carry when not being wheeled around (and fits in an overhead bin like a champ). I also appreciate that it can be easily set up and folded down with one hand, something that’s extra important when you’re trying to juggle luggage, a baby, and stroller as you’re going through airport security.
The standard model is for babies and kids who can sit up, but it’s car-seat compatible with an adapter. Another winning feature is that the underseat basket is made to carry up to 17 pounds of gear, so you can really load it up.
4. GB Pockit+ All-Terrain
Stroller Weight: 12.3 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 13.4 x 7.9 x 16.5 inches
Age/Weight Range: 6 months to 55 pounds
If you took a classic umbrella stroller and upgraded it with the durable construction of an everyday stroller, you’d have the GB Pockit+ All-Terrain, a travel stroller that folds in two easy steps and can fit in the overhead compartments on most planes and trains. I appreciate the double wheels that provide a smooth ride on whatever surface you’re rolling over. I also really like the sun shade and reclining seat that help keep kids comfortable and able to nap on the go. It’s also compatible with GB and Cybex car seats for use with newborns.
5. UPPAbaby Minu V2
Stroller Weight: 16.9 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 12.5 x 20.3 x 23
Age/Weight Range: 3 months to 50 pounds
Especially popular for its Vista and Cruz strollers, UPPAbaby also makes the Minu V2, which is pretty great for travel. The stroller folds with one hand in one easy step and features all-wheel suspension, a multi-position recline (read: better and longer naps), a UPF 50+ sun shade and ventilated canopy, and a spacious basket below the seat for storage. It also comes with a carry handle and shoulder strap. The Minu V2 is compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat; adaptors are sold separately.
6. BabyZen YOYO2
Stroller Weight: 13.6 to 14.5 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1
Age/Weight Range: 0 months to 48.5 pounds
Looking for a travel stroller that can grow with your baby? I recommend the Baby Zen YOYO2. For newborns through about six months, adding the Newborn Pack gives you a pram-style setup that allows the baby to lie flat on a little mattress. Once babies are old enough to sit up, you can transition the stroller to set up with a comfy seat with five-point harness, a multiple-position backrest, and UPF 50+ sunshade and canopy. I’m a big fan of this sturdy, lightweight, and supremely adaptable stroller.
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7. Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller
Stroller Weight: 22.4 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 31.5 x 24.5 x 9.75 inches
Age/Weight Range: 0 to 65 pounds
I love the City Mini GT2 Stroller for everything from running errands to visiting Disney World. (Big Bonus: It meets Disney’s stroller size requirement, score!) This travel stroller folds itself when you lift the connecting strap, minimizing any hassle at the airport or train station. Other highlights include a UV 50+ canopy, all-wheel suspension, and an adjustable seat recline. Make it a travel system for your infant with the Baby Jogger car seat adaptor (sold separately). I also appreciate that, since it can hold kids up to 65 pounds, you can use it until your kids well and truly outgrow strollers.
8. Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller
Stroller Weight: 13 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 21 inches
Age/Weight Range: Newborn to 4 years
The Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller folds in two swift steps, fits in most carry-on luggage storage, and comes with a protective satchel, making it perfect for travel. I also love that it reclines fully flat so your little one can nap on the go. Traveling with a newborn? Use one of the included universal car seat adaptors to attach baby’s car seat. The Nano’s frame and seat are black, but its sun canopy comes in four colors: teal, cyber (yellow), black, and silver.
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9. Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
Stroller Weight: 12 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 11.5 x 12.5 x 42.75 inches
Age/Weight Range: 6 months to 50 pounds
When it comes to travel gear, the 3Dlite Convenience Stroller has a loyal following of traveling parents. It has everything you need in a travel stroller: a lightweight aluminum frame; five-point safety harness; four-position recline; an extra-large, easily accessible storage basket; adjustable (and removable) sun canopy; and an easy fold and a carry strap. It also includes a cup holder and rear storage pocket. And at less than $100, it’s among the least expensive high-performing travel strollers on this list.
10. Kolcraft Cloud Easy Fold Stroller
Stroller Weight: 13 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 34 inches
Age/Weight Range: Up to 50 pounds
Looking for a simple, budget-friendly travel stroller that’ll do the job on your next vacation? Then I recommend the Kolcraft Cloud Easy Fold Stroller, an ultra-affordable travel stroller that folds in one simple step and has a reclining seat with five-point harness, extended sun canopy, storage basket, cup holders for parents and kids, and all-terrain wheels.
11. Guava Roam Stroller
Stroller Weight: 28.5 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 29 x 15 x 17
Age/Weight Range: 0 to 60 pounds
The geniuses behind the Lotus Travel Crib have done it again, this time with a stroller. The Guava Roam Stroller is a jogger stroller that’s perfect for adventures near and far. Because it’s a jogging stroller, the Roam is heavier than the others on our list, but is still great for travel since it folds 50 percent smaller than most jogger strollers thanks to the company’s 3D Nesting Fold Technology. It’s a great option for sporty families that want a stroller that can keep up on vacation.
It also offers storage, a remote-lock front wheel, and airless, all-terrain tires.The Guava Roam Stroller is compatible with most infant car seats via brand-specific adaptors. Other helpful accessories include a parent organizer and drink holder.
