Traveling with a baby requires a lot of gear (and a lot of patience). And one of the most important essentials to bring is a good travel stroller. Different from your everyday stroller, the best travel strollers are lightweight and easy to transport, whether you’re strolling charming seaside villages or navigating the theme parks at Disney World.
How to Choose the Right Travel Stroller
There are plenty of cheap umbrella strollers on the market—many of them seemingly ideal for travel—but consider 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).
Find a travel stroller that’s lightweight yet durable, quickly assembles and disassembles on the go, and offers easily accessible storage for your essentials. 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).
Based on the most important factors to consider when purchasing a stroller for travel, here are the travel strollers we rate most highly for on-the-go families.
1. Doona Car Seat & Stroller
Stroller Weight: 16.5 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 23.6 x 17.3 x 26
Age/Weight Range: 4 to 35 pounds
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. The Doona is available in six trendy colors.
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2. Joolz Aer
Stroller Weight: 13.4 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 18.5
Age/Weight Range: 0 to 50 pounds
There’s zero setup involved with the Joolz Aer. Push the buttons on the handle and pull the stroller toward you to assemble; to disassemble, simply push the buttons again and it’ll instantly fold up. This sleek travel stroller comes with a carrying case and can easily be stowed in a plane’s carry-on bin. Parents (and kids) also appreciate the multi-position recline, five-point harness, UPF 50+ canopy with peek-a-boo window, four-wheel suspension, and storage beneath the stroller, with plenty of room for a diaper bag and other essentials.
Bonus: Adaptors are available to make this travel stroller newborn-friendly; it’s compatible with Cybex, Clek and Nuna car seat models.
3. GB Pockit
Stroller Weight: 10.7 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 12 x 7 x 20 inches
Age/Weight Range: 6 months to 55 pounds
The GB Pockit is so small and compact that the Guinness Book of World Records has actually named it the world’s most compact stroller. Not only can this tiny travel stroller fit into the overhead compartment of a plane or train, but it can also fit into a carry-on bag. The stroller folds in two easy steps, and features a sun shade and reclining seat.
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4. UPPABaby MINU
Stroller Weight: 15 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 11.5 x 20.5 x 23
Age/Weight Range: 3 months to 50 pounds
Especially popular for its Vista and Cruz strollers, UPPABaby also makes the MINU, perfect for travel. The stroller folds with one hand in one easy step and features all-wheel suspension, a multi-position recline, UPF 50+ sun shade and ventilated canopy, and a spacious basket below the seat. It also comes with a carry handle and shoulder strap. The MINU is compatible with the UppaBaby Mesa Infant Car Seat; adaptors are sold separately.
5. 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 baby? Consider the Baby Zen YOYO2, which can be purchased with textile frame fabrics for a newborn and child aged six months and up. The newborn pack allows baby to lay completely flat, while the six-month pack has a multiple-position backrest, UPF 50+ sunshade and canopy with optional opening, and five-point harness.
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6. Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller
Stroller Weight: 18.4 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 32.68 x 24. 21 x 9.25 inches
Age/Weight Range: 0 to 5 years (or 50 pounds)
The City Mini Stroller is ideal for everything from running errands to visiting Disney World. (It meets Disney’s stroller size requirements—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, front-wheel suspension, and an adjustable seat recline. Make it a travel system for your infant with the Baby Jogger car seat adaptor (sold separately).
7. Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller
Stroller Weight: 13 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 22 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. We 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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8. Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
Stroller Weight: 14 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, many parents swear by the 3Dlite Convenience Stroller. It has everything you need in a travel stroller: a lightweight frame; five-point safety harness; four-position recline; an extra-large, easily accessible storage basket; adjustable (and removable) sun canopy; an easy fold and a carry strap. It also includes a cup holder and rear storage pocket. And at less than $100, the price is right.
9. Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller
Stroller Weight: 9.5 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 10 x 9.5 x 42.5 inches
Age/Weight Range: Up to 40 pounds
Looking for a simple, budget-friendly travel stroller that’ll do the job on your next vacation? Check out the Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller. This ultra-affordable travel stroller folds in one simple step and has a three-point harness, extended sun canopy, storage basket, cup holder for parents, and shock-absorbent front-swivel wheels.
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10. Guava Family Roam Crossover Stroller
Stroller Weight: 25 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 29 x 15 x 17
Age/Weight Range: 0 to 60 pounds
The geniuses behind the Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib have done it again, this time with a stroller. Launched in late-2020, the Guava Family Roam Crossover Stroller is a jogger stroller that’s perfect for adventures near and far. This stroller is admittedly 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 ‘3-D Fold Technology.’ It also offers storage, a remote-lock front wheel, and airless, all-terrain tires.
The Guava Family Roam Crossover is compatible with most infant car seats via brand-specific adaptors. Other helpful accessories include a snack tray, gate check bag, padded roller backpack, and rain shield.
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This article on travel strollers was originally published in September 2020. It has been updated to reflect the most current information and product availability.
