As a new mom, I didn’t take long for me to discover that traveling with a baby requires a lot of gear (and patience). And I’ve found that one of the most important essentials to bring is a good travel stroller. Different from an everyday stroller, the best travel strollers are lightweight and easy to transport, so they’re convenient and sturdy enough to handle everything from strolling charming seaside villages to 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 don’t be fooled. 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).
You’ll want to 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, 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 travelers, here are the travel strollers I personally 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: 13.2 pounds
Folded Stroller Dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5
Age/Weight Range: 0 to 50 pounds
There’s 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. 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: Adaptors are available to make this travel stroller newborn-friendly; it’s compatible with Cybex, Clek and Nuna car seat models.
3. 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
The GB Pockit+ All-Terrain ifolds in just two easy steps and can fit in the overhead compartments on most planes and trains. Double wheels provide a smooth ride on whatever surface you’re rolling over, and a sun shade and reclining seat help keep kids comfortable on the go. It’s also compatible with GB and Cybex car seats for use with newborns.
4. 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, perfect for travel. The stroller folds with one hand in one easy step and features all-wheel suspension, a multi-position recline, a 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 V2 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 your baby? I recommend 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 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)
The City Mini GT2 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, 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).
7. 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. 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 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, 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; and 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 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? Check out the Kolcraft Cloud Easy Fold Stroller. This ultra-affordable travel stroller 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.
10. 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. Launched in late-2020, the Guava Roam 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 3D Nesting Fold Technology.
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.
