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The Best Travel System Strollers, According to Experienced Moms

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American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained , July 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller , August 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Shopping for Car Seats: Tips for Parents , February 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Keep Child Passengers Safe on the Road , October 2022. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Car Seats and Booster Seats , 2023. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Carriages and Strollers Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide , 2023. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Booster Seats Business Guidance and Small Entity Compliance Guide , 2023.

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• Strollers /

Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Parents & Experts

Lightweight and compact, a travel stroller can help make your next family vacation a little bit easier., by jen labracio | medically reviewed by holly peretz ot.

If the thought of trying to wrangle your full-size stroller on your next family adventure feels daunting, it’s time to consider a travel stroller.

Travel strollers make leaving home with your little one a little bit easier and a lot more convenient. Today’s travel stroller is a minimalist’s dream. Most have many of the same high-end features as traditional strollers all rolled into a compact, portable package. Many travel strollers break down to fit in the overhead bin of a plane or can be folded down quickly (and with one hand—win) and slung over your shoulder. Many parents even use them as their day-to-day stroller.

If you’re a family who’s frequently on the go, a travel stroller may be the answer to help lighten your load and simplify your life. We’re sharing Babylist parents favorites and bestselling picks to help you narrow down your search. I also added my own thoughts and picks from the countless travel strollers I’ve tested over the last decade as a mom of two and in my role as Babylist’s Gear Editor.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Strollers

• Best Travel System: Nuna PIPA urbn + TRVL Travel System
• Best for Toddlers: Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller
• Best Budget: Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller
• Best for Everyday Use: UPPAbaby MINU V2 Stroller
• Best for Planes: Babyzen YOYO2 6+ Stroller
• Best Compact: Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller
• Best Lightweight: Zoe The Traveler
• Best Value: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single Stroller
• Best for Infants: Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller
• Best Umbrella: Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller

In This Article

How we chose the best travel strollers.

• Our Top Picks

Which Stroller Is Best for Travel?

What to look for in a travel stroller, how do you travel with a stroller on a plane, babylist’s picks for the best travel strollers, best travel system stroller.

Nuna PIPA urbn & TRVL Travel System - Caviar

• Baseless infant car seat, installs in seconds
• Stroller has one-handed fold, weighs 13 pounds
• Car seat weighs just 7 pounds

What Our Experts Say

If you know you’ll frequently be traveling while your baby is an infant, you may want to invest in a travel system (a stroller and car seat that attach to each other; here’s more on how to pick a travel system ). This combo is the best of the best, and what I wish I’d had when I was a new mom living in New York City seven years ago and didn’t own a car. It combines the ultra-popular TRVL, the brand’s first dive into the lightweight stroller market, with the urbn, a first-of-its-kind car seat.

What’s so special about a baseless car seat? Most infant car seats can be installed without a base, but require a seat belt—along with time and patience. That’s not the case with the urbn. There’s no base to worry about AND the latch system is built right into the seat’s base. I was blown away by how quick and easy this seat was to install. I pressed a button on each side and pushed to attach it directly to my vehicle’s lower anchors—that’s it. It’s about as foolproof as it gets, and especially ideal if you’ll be using your car seat on the go in rideshares or taxis. This is also our pick for best travel car seat .

As for the TRVL stroller, it’s just as great. The two standout features for me were its fold (one-handed, quick and ridiculously easy) and its compact size (it stands on its own and weighs just over 13 pounds. While not huge, the basket is large enough to hold your essentials (and a little more) and is easy to access, and the TRVL’s maneuverability is good enough that you’ll be able to steer easily with one hand.

What’s Worth Considering

The TRVL is on the pricier side and it doesn’t have a carry strap, but the maneuverability, suspension and versatility help explain the higher price point. I found it worked as a travel stroller, but also as an everyday stroller, too. There are also lots of thoughtful design details like magnetic buckles, a no-rethread harness and leatherette bumper bar and handlebar. The urbn car seat has a lower height limit than many infant car seats—not ideal, but not a huge dealbreaker, either.

Additional Specs

Best Travel Stroller for Toddlers

Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller - Midnight Black

• Four-wheel suspension for a smooth ride
• Fast, easy fold
• Included footrest and high seat back

There are two travel strollers I recommend again and again to families, and Bugaboo’s newest compact stroller, the Butterfly, is one of them. (The other one is the Joolz Aer+—more on that below!). This style-forward stroller is packed with thoughtful, impressive features, just like the brand’s popular full-size strollers. Two of my favorites (and there are many to choose from!) are the smooth ride and the quick, easy fold. The four-wheel suspension system means the Butterfly rides more like a traditional stroller than a compact one, a huge perk when I pushed it on anything other than smooth pavement and perfect for toting around my larger toddler. It moves and turns easily and I was able to steer it with only one hand, a huge plus. The fold is just as impressive; I also did it one-handed, and the Butterfly folds down to about the side of a small bag. (There’s also a built-in carry strap, a feature I value in any stroller, but especially one designed for travel.)

A few other things I love: it accommodates an infant car seat with adapters, so you can use it from day one, and the seat has a high back for larger kiddos and reclines almost fully for napping on the go. There’s even a footrest built in for extra comfort, another toddler-friendly feature. (My 95th-percent-in-height two-year-old still fits perfectly in it.) And the sun canopy on the Butterfly is one of the best I’ve seen of all the travel strollers on our list.

There’s not much to pick on with this stroller, minus its high price tag. The back wheels on the Butterfly are fairly close together. That setup, combined with a handle that doesn’t extend (which is the norm for compact strollers), means that if you’re on the taller side like me (5’10”), you may kick the back of the stroller while you’re walking. And although I wouldn’t consider it heavy, it is one of the heavier travel strollers on our list by about three pounds.

Best Budget Travel Stroller

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller

• Great value
• Extremely light—weighs less than 12 pounds
• Easy fold but not as compact as others on our list

If you’re not looking to spend a lot on a travel stroller or you’re a family who doesn’t travel very often, the Kolcraft Cloud Light is an excellent value for an inexpensive stroller . It boasts lots of thoughtful features, especially considering the stroller’s price. Weight is the standout here—the Cloud Plus weighs less than twelve pounds, making it one of the lightest strollers on our list. The fold is also worth a second look. Although it’s not super compact (the stroller folds in on itself, much like an umbrella stroller, rather than in a tri-fold like many other travel strollers on our list), it’s quick and easy and you can do it with one hand, a feature we always appreciate especially when we’re on the go.

Other features to note include an extendable canopy with a peekaboo window, a parent tray with two drink holders and a large storage basket (it’s one of the biggest on our list).

The seat on the Cloud Plus has multiple positions but doesn’t recline completely flat. It has a lower weight limit than many of the strollers on our list—40 pounds—and doesn’t have much in the way of suspension and shock absorption. The fold is slim but not all that compact.

And remember—this stroller is under $100. It’s not going to compare to travel strollers five times its price in suspension, maneuverability, stability or materials. But, considering the price, it’s a great option if you don’t travel all that much but want a lightweight stroller option when you do.

What Babylist Parents Say

“Easily fits in the trunk of my car.” -Cora

Best Travel Stroller for Everyday Use

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Stroller - Jake

• Great for travel + everyday use
• Roomy storage basket
• Shock-absorbing suspension for a smooth ride

UPPAbaby was one of the first stroller brands to dive into the “travel stroller that can also be used as an everyday stroller” category, and the Minu does both of these things extremely well. From your own neighborhood to wherever your travel adventures take you and to everything in between, the Minu offers all the conveniences of a day-to-day stroller in a travel-friendly package. A few of my favorite features are the one-handed fold, the huge sunshade, the comfy seat with multi-position recline and a roomy, easy-access basket. The spring-action, shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension makes for a smooth ride even over bumpy terrain, so it’s a stroller you can use both in the suburbs and in a city. The Minu stands when folded and features a carry strap and a storage bag for easy transport.

As-is, the Minu works for babies three+ months; that means if you want to use it with your newborn, you’ll need to add the bassinet and adapters , which will cost you.

The Minu folds compactly but is a little bulkier than some of the other strollers on our list when it’s broken down. It’s also a little heavier, weighing in at about 17 pounds. And the seat back is on the shorter side.

“Amazing stroller. Great for travelling (fits in overhead bin), shopping (takes up minimal trunk space), walks in the park (very smooth ride, even over grass!). Has oversized canopy to block sun and folds with one hand. Bought it for travel, but use it as our primary stroller because I love it so much.” -Jessica

Best Travel Stroller for Flying

Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller Bundle - Black Frame/Olive

• Fits in overhead bin
• Fast, one-handed fold
• Options to customize color, add a second rider and more

The YOYO2 was ahead of its time in the world of compact strollers and remains a parent favorite both for travel and for families looking for a smaller, lighter everyday stroller option. This compact favorite fits in the overhead bin and is the stroller of choice for many light-packing parents who don’t want to deal with the hassle (or risk) of gate-checking a stroller when they fly. It performs like a champ off the plane, too, easily steering through crowds and through narrow spaces.

There’s one other unique thing to love here—the custom options. You can change out the seat and shade fabrics with a new color pack , add a custom footmuff for cooler temps, help your older kiddo hitch a ride on the stroller board and even add a storage bag that uses wheeled support so your stroller won’t tip. With adapters that are sold separately, you can also use this stroller with some of the best infant car seats from Nuna and Maxi Cosi, among others.

The YOYO2’s fold isn’t hard, but it’s not quite as easy as some of the other travel stroller picks on our list. (There are two steps, and it takes a little getting used to.) The canopy is on the shorter side. This travel stroller does come with a rain cover, but all the other extras and custom adds will cost you. (And this stroller is on the pricier side to begin with.)

“Fits in airplane cabin. We took it on so many trips!” -Emily

Best Compact Travel Stroller

Joolz aer+ lightweight stroller - stone grey.

• One-handed fold and compact carry
• Comfy, contoured seat

I’ve tried a LOT of travel strollers in my day, and the Joolz Aer+ is the one I come back to again and again. Pushing it doesn’t feel much different than pushing much larger, much more expensive strollers—and that’s one of the things I love about it. The Aer+ has four-wheel suspension, a feature that’s not very common in travel strollers, so it maneuvers easily and glides smoothly even across uneven surfaces like bumpy sidewalks and dirt paths. That combined with the ridiculously easy one-handed fold, the compact design and the comfortable seat that contours to fit your child’s body makes this stroller a great choice for travel and for everyday use. (It currently occupies a permanent spot in the trunk of my car.)

The Aer+ is newborn-friendly and compatible with Nuna and Clek car seats (adapters sold separately), so it works if you want to use it from day one. The stroller folds small enough to fit in an overhead bin or to sling over your shoulder (carry strap included) and tote up and down stairs, on public transportation or anywhere else you need to go. It also comes with a rain cover and travel bag included.

The Aer+ is on the pricier side, but if you’re planning on using it for travel and for everyday, then the cost doesn’t seem as daunting. I also wish it came with a footrest instead of having to purchase one separately.

“It’s so easy to push and steer and SO easy to fold with just one hand. We use it as a travel stroller and often as our everyday stroller as well.” -Jennifer

Best Lightweight Travel Stroller

Zoe the traveler.

• One-handed fold
• Extended canopy, full recline

Lightweight, compact and travel-ready are the three features that come to mind when I think of The Traveler from Zoe. This aluminum-frame stroller is light enough for easy portability but durable enough to handle lots of different adventures. I love the one-handed fold and that it’s small enough to fit in an overhead bin if you don’t want to wrangle with gate checking your stroller on your next trip. There are lots of high-end features like an extended canopy, adjustable footrest and a near-flat recline. And don’t forget one of the best parts: The Traveler folds in seconds with one hand and stands on its own.

The Traveler isn’t compatible with any car seats so you won’t be able to use it with younger babies. There are also no straps or backpack included; if you want those, you’ll have to pay extra to add them on. And while it shines on smooth pavement, it’s not great on bumpy or uneven terrain.

Need a double travel stroller? Zoe’s The Twin+ is a great choice. It weighs under 20 pounds and fits through standard doorways but is comfortable and roomy enough for two children up to 45 pounds each. The fold is quick, easy and compact and the stroller is Disney-approved. And it can expand to a triple or a quad stroller with additional seats.

Best Value Travel Stroller

Baby jogger city tour 2 single stroller - jet.

• Same one-handed fold Baby Jogger full-size strollers are known for
• 3 ways to ride: infant car seat, bassinet or toddler seat
• Padded seat with added depth

Travel strollers can get expensive. If you don’t want to spend $500+ on one, but you travel frequently and want a reliable option, the City Tour 2 is a great mid-priced pick.

Baby Jogger strollers are known (and loved) for their easy, one-handed fold—and this travel stroller is no exception. The City Tour 2 folds into a 19-by-23-inch rectangle and automatically locks closed. You can carry it by the handle or tuck it away in the included tote bag carryall while your little one explores. The stroller has a deep, padded seat and adjustable calf support to keep your kiddo comfortable. Plus, a huge UV 50+ sun canopy provides shade.

There’s suspension system in the frame isn’t great, making for a bit of a bumpy ride. Some parents wish the tote bag carryall had backpack straps for easier transport rather than a shoulder strap.

“I love that I can carry, open and fold it with one hand. It’s easy to maneuver and the only stroller I own. Perfect for city living!” -Amie

Best Infant Travel Stroller

Mountain buggy nano v3 stroller.

• Comes with universal car seat adapter
• Full recline seat
• Ventilated backrest for airflow

The Mountain Buggy Nano stroller is the best of both worlds—a travel stroller that can also act as a travel system . Unlike most travel strollers, this one comes equipped with a universal car seat adapter so you can pop in your infant seat and be on your way with your newborn in tow. (You can also purchase the Cocoon Carrycot separately if you prefer a bassinet option.)

The Nano is lightweight and compact enough to fit easily into many carry-on luggage units on planes and trains or in a trunk, and the travel bag has a handle and strap for portability. The narrow width and front-wheel swivel makes it good for use on city streets or other tight spaces and the seat features a full recline perfect for naps.

There’s no suspension system and no peekaboo window. You need to use two hands to fold the Nano. (Although it’s still really easy.)

“It folded up so small that it fit on the plane as a carryon but it also handled really well on european cobblestone” -Nikki

Best Umbrella Stroller for Travel

Summer 3d lite convenience stroller.

• Easy to maneuver
• Umbrella-style fold is bulky

Umbrella strollers used to be the norm in the compact stroller category. That’s changed over the last five years or so, but if you still prefer one for travel, the Summer 3D Lite should be on your list.

The 3D Lite is a great all-around travel stroller. It’s light (about 13 pounds), features a simple, compact fold and a built-in carry strap, has a seat that lays nearly flat and boasts an ample storage basket. The ride isn’t super cushy, but it’s not all that bumpy, either. And at well under $100, it’s an incredible value for a stroller with this many great features.

Since this is an umbrella stroller, you won’t find the compact tri-fold that parents love so much about many travel strollers.

“It is so easy to travel with - we used it on a cruise ship, in various airports, and for all our daily errands.” -Jeanine

Also Worth a Look…

The world of compact travel strollers has exploded recently, flooding the market with lots of options. Here are a few other travel strollers worth a look:

• The Bumprider Connect 3 Stroller ($599.99) is totally unique. It features a magnetic lock system that allows you to join two or more strollers together. It’s pricey, though, especially if you need more than one.
• Evenflo Gold’s Otto ($199.99) is a competitively priced self-folding, lightweight stroller with a high weight limit (55 pounds) and a two-position adjustable footrest.
• The Inglesina Quid ($299.00) fits in an overhead bin and offers thoughtful features like a self-standing fold, an extendable canopy and a large flap on the hood that fully retracts for ventilation on warm days. The Quid weighs in at only 13 pounds.
• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel strollers.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

Some families use a traditional stroller for everything, even traveling. But having a lighter, more nimble travel stroller pays off when you really need it: for airports, narrow city sidewalks , public transportation or just to lighten the load.

Here are some of the pros and cons of using different types of strollers for travel:

• Traditional stroller: Everyday strollers typically have convenient features like lots of storage space, cup holders and trays, and large canopies. Some may also have all-terrain wheels and accommodate an infant car seat. But they’re heavier and bulkier to fold, which makes using and storing them in tight spaces more difficult (think: narrow doorways, airplane overhead bins, small car trunks).
• Umbrella stroller: Bare-boned and exceptionally lightweight, umbrella strollers often lack many amenities you find in traditional strollers like adjustable seats and cup holders. They have skimpy canopies, minimal cushioning and seat support and don’t fold small enough to fit in airport storage bins. You also can’t push an umbrella stroller with one hand. Umbrella strollers are good for when you occasionally need a slimmer, fast-fold stroller.
• Travel stroller: Sometimes also called a lightweight stroller, travel strollers strike a balance between traditional and umbrella stroller styles. They’re lighter than the standard stroller, easy to fold and compact in size when collapsed. (Some travel strollers fold in half, called a square fold, while others feature a more compact tri-fold.) Travel strollers have some full-size amenities like large sun canopies and a storage basket and most even have extras like cup holders.

Figuring out the best stroller to use for travel often comes down to what type of trade-offs you want to make around budget , space and personal preference.

• Some traditional strollers offer a compact fold that’s great for travel, but the stroller weighs a ton.
• Umbrella strollers tend to be affordable but require two hands for pushing and only offer a vertical fold.
• Compact travel strollers are light, portable and easy to steer but come at a cost.

Before you invest in a travel stroller, think through:

• How often you travel
• How much money you want to spend
• Where you’ll be storing your stroller when it’s not in use

Also note that lots of parents find that a travel stroller can work just as well as a full-size option for everyday use; just keep in mind that unless the travel stroller you choose is compatible with an infant car seat or comes with a separate infant kit, you’ll need to wait to use the stroller until your baby is six months old and can sit up unassisted.  

A travel stroller should be easy to take with you on trips and be a comfy spot for your little one, especially since your child will probably spend more hours in it while traveling than at home. Consider these features as you research and shop:

• Size and weight. You’re going to be lifting, carrying and storing your travel stroller often, so the stroller’s size and weight is important. Look for one that’s lightweight and manageable. Also pay attention both to the folded and unfolded size of your travel stroller. Hoping to If you’re planning on using it for an older toddler, also be sure it’s large enough to accommodate them.
• Fold. There’s also a lot of folding and unfolding a stroller during travel, whether it’s to take it in and out of your car, stash it under a table at a restaurant or storing it in the overhead compartment of an airplane. Choose a travel stroller with a quick, easy fold, preferably one you can do one-handed.
• Maneuverability. Not all travel strollers are created equally. Some offer much more maneuverability and a better suspension system than others; however, these features often come at a cost. Thinking through how often you’ll be using your travel stroller and what types of terrain you’ll encounter most often can be helpful in determining whether or not a more expensive stroller is worthwhile.
• Canopy size. Most travel involves at least some, if not a lot, of outdoor time. A large canopy is essential for protecting your little one from the elements, especially the sun.
• Comfort and convenience features. Similar to a full-size stroller, look for features that will make you and your little one more comfortable, especially while traveling. Things like an adjustable seat with a full or nearly full recline, an ample storage basket, an adjustable handlebar and easy to clean fabrics are all important. And don’t forget a built-in strap or a separate carrying case for easy transport.

Bringing a stroller with you on trips can seem daunting. How do you get it from point A to point B when you’re flying ? Will it count toward your carry-on and baggage allotment? And what if you need to use your stroller in the airport? Good news: You can pick how you want to travel with your stroller, depending on your needs. Here are the choices:

• Check the stroller with your baggage: Some parents unload the stroller during check-in and switch to using a baby carrier through the airport instead. Pair a front carrier with a backpack-style diaper bag so your hands will be free to deal with other things (like the toys that will make your trip a breeze ). Note that if you have a large stroller, you may be required to check it as baggage anyway. This usually doesn’t count toward your baggage allotment.
• Check the stroller at the gate: Want to use the stroller until you board the plane? You can check the stroller with the gate agent—it just needs to be tagged—and then pick it up outside the aircraft door when you arrive. (Just remember if you have a connecting flight to catch, waiting for your stroller to be placed on the jet bridge can eat up precious time.)
• Stow the stroller on the airplane: Some travel strollers fold up so small they fit in a backpack and can be stored in an overhead bin. Having your stroller with you eliminates the hassle of waiting for it on the jet bridge or at baggage claim (or losing it).

Some other air-travel tips to keep in mind:

• If you check the stroller with baggage, you do run the risk of damage. If you’re not using a travel stroller bag, ask the agent at check-in for a plastic bag to cover and protect it during transport.
• If you’re taking the stroller through security, it will need to be folded and put through the X-ray machine. Don’t stuff the undercarriage basket until after security.
• If your checked stroller doesn’t come out with the suitcases at baggage claim, check the oversized luggage area. It may have been set aside there (this may also be where your travel crib is, if you checked one).

Do you need a travel stroller bag?

How you plan to use your travel stroller will affect whether or not you need a travel stroller bag.

If you plan on flying with your stroller then you’ll probably want to use a travel stroller bag, especially if you don’t plan on stowing your stroller in the overhead compartment of the plane (either because you don’t want to or because it won’t fit). A checked stroller, even one that’s gate checked, may get tossed around quite a bit while in transit, so you’ll want a travel stroller bag to keep it protected.

If you’re not planning on flying much with your stroller or if you’re simply using your travel stroller as a more lightweight day-to-day option, then a travel stroller probably isn’t a must-have.

Some travel strollers come with a travel bag while others require you to purchase one separately, so check with your particular brand. There are generic travel stroller bags that may work, too.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

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Best travel systems to streamline trips with your baby

• Best travel system overall : Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System With SafeMax Car Seat
• Best splurge travel system : Vista V2 Stroller + Mesa Car Seat
• Easiest to use travel system : Chicco Bravo 3-in-1 Trio Travel System
• Best lightweight travel system : Graco Modes Nest Travel System
• Best jogging travel system : BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Travel System with B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat

What to look for when buying a travel system

When you're traveling with your baby, convenience is key. A travel system, which seamlessly combines an infant car seat and stroller, streamlines what you need to bring on a trip or errand. 

With a travel system, the car seat clips into the base installed in your car as well as a stroller frame, making it easier to switch between the two. When you're out, simply lift the car seat from the base and attach it to your stroller without transferring your baby out of the seat. Back at your car, the car seat unclips from the stroller and attaches back into the base. 

Since travel systems don’t require you to unfasten and refasten your baby, they can be immensely helpful in reducing fussiness. They can also be big money-savers, since buying a travel system is often less money than buying each item separately.

How we chose the best travel systems

We used the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendations for features to look for in a stroller Opens a new window . Per the guidance, all the travel system strollers on this list have: 

Easy-to-operate brakes that lock two wheels

A wide base that won't tip easily

A five-point harness

We also referenced the AAP's guidance on features to look for in an infant car seat Opens a new window . Per the guidance, all the travel system car seat on this list: 

Are rear-facing only

Carry infants up to 22 to 35 pounds

Have a carrying handle

Come with a base that can be left in the car 

We utilized results from the 2022 Best of Baby Center Awards , which polled more than 1,100 parents in the BabyCenter community about their favorite travel system. 

We spoke with two moms on BabyCenter's staff who shared their experiences using one of the travel systems on this list

We utilized BabyCenter's community to find a consensus on which travel systems are best, and the features deemed most important. All of the travel systems on this list received high reviews for: 

Ease of use

Ease of storage

Why trust us?

Best travel system overall, evenflo pivot xpand modular travel system with safemax car seat.

The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System wins BabyCenter parents over with versatility and a reasonable price. Voted Best Stroller in the 2022 Best of BabyCenter Awards, the Evenflo stroller grows with your child and family. You can buy extra modules to turn it from a single to a double, and choose from 27 different seating configurations to accommodate multiple children of different ages. 

For even more seating options, the included toddler seat converts to a bassinet-style attachment, perfect for taking your newborn on walks. In between strolls, the Pivot folds like a dream and stands by itself. 

The Evenflo SafeMax infant car seat is a worthy companion to the Pivot Xpand. Parents say the padding is comfortable for babies, and love the generous rear-facing weight and height ranges. Compared to other car seats, which top out at 30 pounds and 30 inches, the Evenflo SafeMax can be used until babies are 35 pounds or 32 inches. Parents also appreciate that the SafeMax comes with an integrated anti-rebound bar, a squared-off "handle" that helps absorb and distribute crash forces in the event of a collision. 

You can also buy the Pivot Xpand as a travel system with the LiteMax Opens a new window or SecureMax Opens a new window car seats, but we like the price and features of the SafeMax combination. 

Parents say

"We got the Evenflo pivot xpand system…. when we went to play around with different systems in store, DH drastically preferred the attachment/detachment mechanisms of this system to others."

"I love the evenflo pivot! It’s really easy to use. The car seat is great too. I’m a big evenflo fan in general. I tend to really like their products."

"I love that i can lay my baby down when we go for walks and she’s not all scrunched up! And it’s so easy to put fold the stroller and put it together again. Plus it’s so easy to push- it practically glides."

"Lightweight. Looks nice. The bassinet attachment is clutch if you're out and about and baby can take a nap laying down in it. The storage basket is pretty big and can hold up to 25 lbs. Folds down relatively easily. Lots of configurations so baby can face you or away from you in every attachment."

Weight: 28.5 pounds (stroller); 24 pounds (car seat)

Dimensions: 46 x 25 x 45 inches (stroller); 26.6 x 17.9 x 25.85 inches (car seat)

Weight/height range: Up to 55 pounds and 35 inches (stroller); 4-35 pounds and 17-32 inches (car seat)

Best splurge travel system

Vista v2 stroller + mesa car seat.

Premium in every way, the Vista V2 Stroller + Mesa Car Seat travel system includes two five-star pieces of baby gear: The Uppababy Vista V2 stroller, BabyCenter editors' pick for Best stroller , and Mesa infant car seat, a consistent BabyCenter choice for Best infant car seats.

The Vista V2 handles like a dream, even on bumpy surfaces or around tight corners. Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director for BabyCenter, says it's "shockingly easy to fold and unfold with one hand," as well as the sturdiest stroller she's ever handled: "That thing has been in my car trunk during some bumpy drives, and I've yet to find a ding or scratch." 

If your family grows, you can buy accessories that convert the stroller to a double or triple without compromising performance: "It was easy to add a second seat when my [second] son was born, and while you definitely notice the extra load — and length — while pushing, it's still easy to maneuver and a smooth ride for the kids," says Robin Hilmantel, Senior Director, Editorial Strategy & Growth for Everyday Health Group. 

The Mesa car seat is exceptional in its own right, with a canopy that provides UPF 25+ protection, and an indicator turns from red to green when the car seat's base is correctly installed. "I love that there is a simple way to tell if it's secure and installed correctly," says Leah. 

You can use the V2's bassinet for safe naps or even overnight sleep; it fits into a compatible stand Opens a new window if you want a standalone. 

"I have the Vista and I love it! There's a huge basket underneath, and I love that you can turn your baby to face you or face forward. Also, I love the bassinet and that the stroller works with our car seat."

“Also love the Uppababy Vista V2 Stroller! Perfect for the baby through toddler stage! Nothing better than one purchase to last throughout their lives!"

"I went with the uppa baby vista v2 and Mesa car seat system. It’s expensive but everyone has told me it is worth it. I figured it’s worth it for such a heavily used item that can expand for 2 kids later too!"

Weight: 26.75 pounds (stroller); 20 pounds (car seat)

Dimensions: 61.2 x 41.3 x 36 inches (stroller); 26.5 x 17.5 x 23 inches (car seat)

Weight/height range: Birth-50 pounds (stroller); 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches (car seat)

Easiest to use travel system

Chicco bravo 3-in-1 trio travel system.

You'll start loving Chicco’s travel system as soon as you install the KeyFit 30 infant car seat, which won the top spot for its category in the 2022 Best of BabyCenter Awards. High-quality installation features include easy-to-read bubble levels that make it easier to install at a newborn-safe angle, and a LATCH-tightening system that requires only a few gentle tugs. 

The included Bravo Quick-Fold stroller is named for its best feature: Reach under the seat, press one button, and the stroller collapses in half. 

You can also use the KeyFit 35 car seat Opens a new window with the Quick-Fold stroller, but it doesn't come bundled as a travel system. 

"We have a Chicco car seat and have been in two wrecks with our baby. In the second crash we got T-boned and the car was totaled. The car seat held up so well even though the frame of the car unhinged!"

"We went with the Chicco Bravo travel system. I love that it has good safety ratings. It also has big sun canopies, and if you have the car seat in the stroller, they overlap to keep your baby covered. I like the basket underneath too."

"I have the Chicco Trio travel system and I think it's definitely worth it. Along with amazing ratings and reviews, it's also nice on the eyes."

"We ended up going with the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System.. we went to multiple stores and some we felt were flimsy and not sturdy and we liked that one the best."

Weight: 24.9 pounds (stroller); 16.6 pounds (car seat)

Dimensions: 35.2 x 22.8 x 42.7 inches (stroller); 27.5 x 17 x 24 inches (car seat)

Weight/height range: Up to 50 pounds (stroller); 4-30 pounds, up to 30 inches (car seat)

Best lightweight travel system

Graco modes nest travel system.

One of the downsides of travel systems is that they tend to be on the bulky and heavy side. But both pieces of the Graco Modes Nest Travel System are impressively lightweight compared to competitors. The Graco Modes Nest Stroller is 21.9 pounds, while the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite Elite Infant Car Seat weighs a mere 7.5 pounds. 

The lighter weight doesn't compromise the Modes Nest's performance. Parents particularly like that the stroller's toddler seat reclines flat, becoming a newborn-safe pram seat. The Modes Nest stroller also has a unique feature called the Slide2Me Seat, which allows you to adjust the placement of the toddler or infant car seat to bring your baby closer. Other extras on this system: The huge under-seat stroller basket and spacious child's tray. 

If you plan on having more children, the Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System Opens a new window comes with a stroller that converts to a double. 

"We went with the Graco Modes Nest Travel System - my 6'3" husband liked that one the best because the height is adjustable for the infant seat and he can feel like the baby is closer to him instead of at his knees. The wheels are rubber which is fine for walks in the suburbs (no sidewalks), and the turning radius is pretty good."

"Baby can face you or away from you whether you're using 5he carrier or the stroller (which can also convert into a pram). Plus, it's height adjustable."

Weight: 21.9 pounds (stroller); 12.3 pounds (car seat)

Dimensions: 38.1 x 27 x 41.8 inches (stroller); 25.5 x 17.5 x 27.5 inches (car seat)

Weight/height range: Up to 50 pounds (stroller); 4-35 pounds, up to 32 inches (car seat)

Best jogging travel system

Bob revolution flex 3.0 travel system with b-safe gen2 infant car seat.

This travel system combines BOB's Revolution Flex 3.0 jogging stroller with the Britax B-Safe Gen2 infant car seat, a truly mighty pairing. The Revolution Flex 3.0 stroller is BabyCenter editors' pick for Best jogging stroller due to its smooth ride even at top speeds. Its air-filled tires travel easily over any terrain, while the swiveling front wheel lets you maneuver around tight corners with ease. Even if you hit a few bumps along the run, your baby won’t feel them thanks to the mountain bike-style suspension. The Revolution Flex 3.0's also has an extra-large canopy that shields babies from the sun, and provides UPF 50+ protection. 

Parents say the Britax B-Safe Gen2 is easy to clip into the stroller and use in the car. They particularly like the high-quality buckles that clasp and unclasp smoothly, and easy-to-tighten premium LATCH connectors. 

BOB recommends jogging only with babies who are 8 months or older. 

"I’ve owned them all and nothing compares to the Bob. Only thing close to a bob is a Thule…. But we love our bob for walks as well as running, get the one with the swivel wheel!"

"Bob Revolution is my absolute favorite stroller! With an adapter it makes for a great travel system…. We choose to use the Bob as our travel system stroller because of our lifestyle...

Lots of kids sports, hiking, and we have a mini-farm. I've also seen tons of them in and around D.C. and other cities. The Bob can go just about anywhere you would want to take baby."

"For my second I got a BOB. And my goodness, even the double size was noticeably and impressively better for steering and handling during jogging. I was able to train for a half marathon with that one. I LOVE my BOB. Is it expensive? Yes. If you can afford a Bob or can find one second hand and run long distances, I have to recommend it."

Weight: 28.5 pounds (stroller); 19.9 pounds (car seat)

Dimensions: 46 x 24.5 x 43 inches (stroller); 26.6 x 17.9 x 25.9 inches (car seat)

Weight/height range: Up to 75 pounds (stroller); 4-35 pounds, up to 32 inches (car seat)

Travel systems can be great for new parents because the stroller and car seats are meant to work together; no guessing required. 

And, as with car seats and strollers, there are certain things you’ll want to keep in mind when finding the best travel system for your family. Some things to consider are:

Size: Most travel systems come with full-sized strollers. Consider how much room you have to store your stroller, whether that’s in a car trunk or closet. Similarly, you want to make sure the car seat will fit in your car, particularly if you have multiple children that require car seats. 

Weight: Full-size strollers and infant car seats tend to weigh a lot. If you have to move the stroller in and out of your car trunk frequently, or get the car seat in and out of your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you have no problem lifting either.

Terrain: Most strollers are fine on flat pavement or for trips to the store, but if you frequently find yourself jumping sidewalk curbs or strolling through gravel or dirt roads, make sure you choose an all-terrain model. 

Adaptability: If you have more than one child or plan to, you may want a travel system stroller that can hold two or more children. You can add extra seats onto some strollers, use two infant car seats, or buy ride-on benches or boards for an older child. Modular strollers can be a good option: They allow you to add “modules” to fit additional children. 

Storage: The more the better. Look for a spacious under-seat basket as well as numerous handy pockets or other places to store your gear. 

Budget: Travel systems can be found for as low as $200 or as much as $1,500. Note that more expensive does not mean safer: to be sold in the United States, infant car seats must adhere to standards Opens a new window set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while strollers must follow standards Opens a new window from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Paying more generally gets you nicer extras: cushier padding, nicer fabrics, premium hardware. 

Was this article helpful?

Our research

AAP. 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/How-to-Buy-a-Safe-Stroller.aspx [Accessed June 2023]

AAP. 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics. Rear-Facing Car Seats for Infants & Toddlers. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Rear-Facing-Car-Seats-for-Infants-Toddlers.aspx [Accessed June 2023]

CPSC. Undated. Consumers Product Safety Commission. Carriages and Strollers Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide. https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Carriages-and-Strollers [Accessed June 2023]

NHTSA. Undated. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Child Restraint Systems, Child Restraint Systems-Side Impact Protection, Incorporation by Reference. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/01/28/2014-01568/federal-motor-vehicle-safety-standards-child-restraint-systems-child-restraint-systems-side-impact [Accessed June 2023]

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Where to go next

• First Year Products

The 15 best baby travel systems 2024

Joie Finiti with Calmi

Mamas and Papas Ocarro

Ickle Bubba Stomp V4

Nuna TRIV Next

Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System

Venicci Tinum SE Stylish Black 3in1

Kinderkraft EVERYDAY Travel System

Silver Cross Reef pushchair

Bugaboo Fox 5

Cosatto Giggle 3in1 Travel System and Accessories Bundle

Joie Versatrax Travel System

Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe 2

Ickle Bubba Eclipse

BabaBing! Raffi

Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System

Whether you're off for a walk in the woods or popping into town, the best baby travel system makes getting around with your little one easy peasy. Attach the best car seat to the pushchair frame, and you can move your baby from car to pushchair and back again, without disruption.

In general, a travel system consists of a pushchair that is compatible with a Group 0+ car seat, suitable from birth to the age of 12 months. You can easily attach or detach it from the frame, and it will either clip on top of the pushchair seat component or attach directly to the chassis with the seat component removed.

Travel systems for babies often also come with a carrycot attachment, so you can use the pushchair as a lie-flat pram. It's vital when choosing a pushchair for your baby that they can lie flat in it until they're six months old to support the healthy development of their spine and lungs.

Best travel systems at a glance: • Best overall baby travel system overall: Joie Finite With Calmi, £895 • Best baby travel system for on the go: Mamas and Papas Ocarro, £899.99 • Best for a bundle: Ickle Bubba Stomp V4, £649 • Best portable baby travel system: Venicci Tinum SE Stylish Black 3in1, £999 • Best easy to handle baby travel system: Kinder Kraft Everyday Travel System, £257 • Best compact folding baby travel system: Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System, £399.99 • Best storage baby travel system: Joie Versatrax Travel System, £550

To help you out, we've picked out our favourites. Every year we thoroughly test and review the best new products on the market, including the best travel systems for babies. We can then bring you comprehensive reviews from real parents who've tried out the travel systems in real life. Our annual Mother&Baby Awards also help us bring you the best advice about current products on the market.

The best baby travel systems 2024

1. joie finiti with calmi, best overall baby travel system.

joiebaby.com

Description

Award: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023

The Joie Finiti with Calmi bundle is suitable from birth up to 22kg, and includes a pushchair, carrycot and car seat with a base. Our tester loved that it was quick and easy to fold and unfold, and the harness on both items was also really easy to use. The Calmi isn't just a carry cot, it can be used in a car and has the security of a car seat, so there's no need to wake your sleeping baby when they're under six months, moving them from cot to car.

With an extendable UPF50+ canopy, the Joie Finiti pushchair has three backrest positions which allows for a lie-flat position, it can also be folded up with just one hand, which is very useful when you're a busy parent with your hands full.

Our mum tester said: "From the minute the Joie Finiti travel system and Calmi arrived, I was impressed, arriving in just one box each. Quick and easy to build with informative manuals, the included accessories (a cup holder, rain cover and detachable pram organiser) were a nice surprise to have included as standard. The pram is quick and easy to unfold/fold with no need to double over due to the quick release on the seat.

It folds flat with the seat attachment making it quick and easy to put up/pack away if in a rush or in bad weather. The harness is really easy to use on both items and the four various modes this system caters for meant that we could choose the best combination for us for that moment in time. The clever storage pockets built into the Calmi carrycot on both the outside and the inside meant that I was never without a blanket/comforter and could easily and quickly find the items rather than having to rummage in a changing bag."

Read our full Joie Finiti With Calmi review.

• Lightweight to push
• Ample under-seat storage
• Durable suspension
• One hand fold
• Canopy doesn't completely cover the seat when fully reclined

2. Mamas and Papas Ocarro

Best baby travel system for on the go.

www.very.co.uk

If the grandparents-to-be are chipping in, or if you've saved hard for a top-of-the-range travel system, we think every penny is well spent on this Mamas and Papas Ocarro travel system. We love the puncture-proof off-road tyres – perfect for rural adventures in style. The reversible, lie-flat pushchair seat ensures maximum comfort during snoozes on the move.

Mother&Baby tester review: "I must admit I do love this pram! I love the fact that you can put it up and down using just one hand which did make my life easier (especially when caught in the rain)! I like the fact the hood comes down quite far but there's a zip to let some air in and a flap to check on your baby as you're pushing (my previous pushchair didn't have this) which does put your mind at ease, especially the first time you put your baby forward facing! Also, the fact that you can fold the pushchair down with the stroller seat on, and it folds down just as neat as it would without the seat is an added bonus as it saves time when out and about in the car! All in all these little features do make a huge difference!"

Read our full Mamas&Papas Ocarro review .

• Choice of colours
• One-hand fold
• Easy to carry when folded
• Dual suspension for even terrain
• Basket can be difficult to access with larger item

3. Ickle Bubba Stomp V4

Best for a bundle.

icklebubba.com

If you've got a little more to spend on a travel system, you'll want to know you're getting more bang for your buck. The Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 ticks that box, and is sturdy and felt safe, according to our reviewer. It's achingly cool and stylish, yet the highly functional design is also great for parents with differing heights, with a fully adjustable handle. With this travel system you'll get the carrycot, seat unit, i-Size car seat and Isofix base, raincover, footmuff and changing bag all included in the price.

Mother&Baby tester review: "This pushchair was a pleasure to use! It was sturdy and felt safe. It steered well and collapsed relatively easily. It reclined nicely and the sunshade was large enough to provide good cover for my daughter. This was a great feature. I have a dog, and it pushed surprisingly well on grass and pebbles whilst walking her. The handle positioning was easy to adjust and great for my husband who is tall."

Read our full Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 review.

• Easy to connect to the car
• Lightweight
• Quite compact once folded
• Useful extras included
• Our parent testers found it hard to fold down

4. Nuna TRIV Next

Best baby travel system for assemble.

www.johnlewis.com

The Nuna TRIV Next was awarded Gold for Best Travel System  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Another travel system that really looks and handles well, the Nuna TRIV Next was a hit with our tester, who found it easy to assemble, and was impressed at how simple it was to change the positions. The all-season seat keeps your baby warm in winter and converts to breathable mesh in summer, while the rain cover provides extra protection no matter the weather. This travel system is also compact when folded, and will stay standing by itself which is a huge bonus to many.

Our mum tester said: "The assembly process of the pushchair was so easy, I was able to assemble the pushchair alone at 40+2 weeks pregnant. I also tried out a few of the different seat positions, and changing to the collapsible carrycot the first time I set it up and I was really impressed with how simple that was to do. It all felt very good quality, especially the stylish colour scheme of black, really set off by the brown leatherette handle and front bar."

Read our full Nuna TRIV Next review

• Easy to use and super straightforward assemble
• Great colour scheme
• Suspension isn't great
• Travel cot hood cover is hard to get zipped up

5. Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System

Best baby travel system for quick interchanges.

www.boots.com

The Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System was awarded Silver for Best Travel System  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

If you're looking for a travel system to use in towns or cities, then the Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System could be what you're looking for. Our tester thought it was easy to use and folded down really small, even fitting into a small car with room to spare. This product has a long lifespan, lasting from birth to four years, and comes with a carrycot, seat unit, car seat (with adapters), changing bag, foot muff, insect netting and rain covers.

Our mum tester said: "This is a great travel system for towns and cities. It was really easy to put together with clear instructions and it’s easy and quick to interchange the different components. The pushchair and bassinet are great, folding down nice and small so that they fit easily even in a small car such as a Fiesta, with a bit of room to spare!"

Read our full Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System review.

• Modern design and luxurious finish
• Water-repellent fabric
• Large with solid wheels
• Cozy footmuff included
• Adjustable footrest

6. Venicci Tinum SE Stylish Black 3in1

Best baby travel system for simplicity.

www.argos.co.uk

Award: Won Silver in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023

The Venicci Tinum SE Stylish Black 3in1 travel system won a silver award at the 2023 M&B Awards, and with good reason. One reviewer said she loved the one-hand fold, and how it was compact too. It has a lightweight frame, easy-to-fold mechanism and modern design, as well as having a pram, car seat and carrycot included, it comes complete with all the accessories needed to make going out and about with your little one as easy as possible. These include a footmuff, changing bag with mat, rain cover and mosquito net.

One mum said: "This product is extremely user-friendly. Everything about the pushchair is easy to do, with strong smooth mechanisms. The pushchair seat and bassinet are both really easy to attach and detach. Everything feels great quality. It is so easy to fold and unfold the pushchair with one hand and there is no need to remove the seat which is so handy for me. The fold is nice and compact too which is great and it stands freely. The nice big chunky wheels make it great for all terrain and it is really smooth to push."

Read our full Tinum SE Stylish Black 3in1 review.

• One-handed folding
• Looks stylish
• Some mums struggled at first to attach the car seat to the base

7. Kinderkraft EVERYDAY Travel System

Best baby travel system for easy use.

Award: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2022

Kinderkraft EVERYDAY is a multifunctional 2-in-1 baby stroller with a large carrycot (with a handle) and a soft mattress; it has bamboo viscose fibres in the cover for good ventilation and antibacterial properties. Our reviewer loved that it has good suspension and is easy to use on different terrains. Together with the Kiddy Evoluna car seat, this makes a comprehensive travel system and the car seat lies flat, both inside and outside the car. *At the time of writing, the travel system which won our award was no longer available, but we have linked through to the 2-in-1 pushchair.

Mother&Baby tester review: "This is a great pram to use as the bassinet sits higher up than others. This means it is easier to see the baby and also lift them in and out. It has good suspension and is relatively easy to use on different terrains. The sunshade is excellent and clips on to the hood and base of the bassinet meaning good shade cover. There is a useful cupholder and also storage pocket within the bassinet for keys/phones etc."

Read our full Kinderkraft EVERYDAY Travel System review .

• Easy to use and adjust
• Spacious basket
• Good suspension for different terrains
• Quite heavy
• Doesn't come with anything to hold the stroller in place once folded to keep it compact

8. Silver Cross Reef pushchair

Best baby travel system for newborns.

The Silver Cross Reef pushchair is an multi-terrain travel system, which is suitable from newborn to 22kg. Our reviewer thought the system was well designed and sturdy, and loved the one-hand fold, but one downside is its weight. This might be an issue for those who have had a c-section, or struggle moving heavier objects out of a car boot. However, the car seat is very sturdy and comfortable and was a hit with the tester's baby.

Mother&Baby tester review: "If you find that you are comfortable with the weight then you would be hard-pressed to find a better travel system out there. It is very well designed, intuitive to use, safe, sturdy, secure, user-friendly and very good to look at."

Read our full Silver Cross Reef review .

• Feels safe and sturdy
• Looks and feels luxurious
• Well-designed and user-friendly

9. Bugaboo Fox 5

Best baby travel system for style.

www.bugaboo.com

If you're looking for something that uses sustainable products, then the Bugaboo Fox 5 could be the right travel system for you. It is a versatile and stylish solution for parents seeking a premium pushchair. Our tester loved its lightweight design, and it seamlessly transitions between a comfortable carrycot for infants and a reversible seat for older children. The Bugaboo Fox 5 features a robust chassis, all-terrain wheels, and adjustable suspension for a smooth ride. Its modular design and high-quality materials make it a top choice for modern, active parents.

Dad tester Ashley said: "It is impeccably well-designed, managing to be both totally functional and stylish. The fact that sustainable products have been used to manufacture it is a huge plus point in this modern age. The suspension system makes the ride silky smooth and coupled with the lightness and quality steering makes it very easy to push and manoeuvre."

Read our full Bugaboo Fox 5 review

• Stylish appearance
• Lightweight but strong
• Brilliant steering and handling
• Fits into the boot without removing the seat
• Can be difficult to first put together

10. Cosatto Giggle 3in1 Travel System and Accessories Bundle

Best baby travel system for vibrant design.

Rrp: £ 599.95

One thing about Cosatto products is you can never call them boring. Their fun designs are perfectly eye-catching for parents and kiddies too, and this travel system, the Cosatto Giggle 3in1 Travel System & Accessories Bundle, is no different. The bundle includes the chassis, convertible pram to seat unit, car seat (with adaptors) and raincover. Our tester thought it was brilliant for the price, but would have liked a larger basket and felt the rails scratched too easily.

Mother&Baby tester review: "I am very pleased with my pram. It looks amazing and it is easy to drive. I have tried it so far on the pavement but went off-road too. My little one loves to observe cute foxes inside. There is only a couple of downsides: rails are a little too easy to scratch and the basket could be bigger. However I highly recommend this pram, you can't get a better design at this price. Love it!"

• Three wheels for easy manoeuvrability
• Lightweight chassis
• UPF100+ protection sunshade hood
• Storage basket could be bigger

11. Joie Versatrax Travel System

Best baby travel system for excellent storage.

www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk

The Joie Versatrax is another stylish travel system, which is free-standing when folded. Appealing to those who are eco-conscious, this travel system is made from 153 recycled bottles. It comprises of a carrycot, infant carrier and stroller, and was easy to push according to our tester. Along with the travel system, you'll get a raincover, bumper bar, cupholder and adapters.

Mother&Baby tester review: "My son found this buggy really comfortable and had no problems falling and staying asleep in it. I found it really easy to push and liked the colour and materials used, it felt really stylish. I particularly liked the large basket that was easy to access and the fact that the buggy was really easy to push and was a smooth ride for my son."

Read our full Joie Versatrax Travel System review .

• Easy to use
• Large basket
• Sturdy build
• Excellent foldability
• Carry handle included
• Not as easy to adjust compared to other prams
• Quite big in size

12. Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe 2

Best stream-lined baby travel system.

The Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe 2 pushchair is the perfect 2-in-1 pushchair for cool, relaxed city living. This travel system can fit into a small flat without compromising your baby's comfort, and is suitable for newborn to 3.5 years. The Maxi-Cosi Zelia 2 pushchair is the second version of the Maxi-Cosi Zelia stroller, which won bronze in the Mother&Baby Awards in 2019.

Our testers thought it was better suited as a second pushchair, as it wasn't as robust as some of the market, and more suited to a city environment.

Mother&Baby Tester review: "I really loved the Zelia Travel System. It was lovely to steer and push and easy to slot into place. I especially like that it is suitable for all ages. I like that I have the option to use it if I were to have another child with the Pebble Plus car seat. This is a bonus as it's so much easier to have it all as one rather than separate car seats and buggies."

Read our full Maxi-Cosi Zelia review.

• Good value for money
• Comfy and cosy
• Fairly compact fold
• Rain cover included
• Could be sturdier

13. Ickle Bubba Eclipse

Best all-in-one baby travel system.

Another travel system with a one-hand fold, loved by our reviewers, is the Ickle Bubba Eclipse. This travel system won the silver M&B award last year and with good reason. Our reviewers found it to be appealing to look at with easy-clean fabrics and a very spacious basket. They also said they would definitely recommend it because it is reasonably priced and features everything you might need. A brilliant addition is the Bubba Board, a built-in board, which can hold another child weighing up to 20kg.

Mother&Baby tester review:  "The pram is very easy to fold up (with one hand) and unfold. The under pram basket is very spacious. But in addition to this, the change bag that comes with the pram is also huge and attaches neatly on the back. Easy to access both the change bag and basket on the go. The pram is very stable - even with a full change bag attached to the back, it did not tip when my toddler was stood up in the seat." 

Read our full Ickle Bubba Eclipse review .

• Easy to clean and use
• Simple to fold
• Spacious storage basket
• Could do with a handlebar brake

14. BabaBing! Raffi

Best trending baby travel system.

The BabaBing! Raffi looks stylish and one reviewer thought that it was amazing quality for the price, however this travel system doesn't come with a car seat, which would be an extra cost. But it does come with a number of accessories, as well as the carrycot and seat unit, it also comes with a 2-in-1 raincover, a waterproof footmuff and car seat adapters.

One review said: "The Raffi Pushchair is perfect for my little one due this year, and such amazing quality for the price. Everything comes with it which makes life so much easier, its easy to use and has a nice sturdy frame but isn't too heavy. I really love it, and can't wait to use it."

• Sturdy one-hand fold
• Generous storage basket
• Reasonably lightweight

15. Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System

Best baby travel system for a compact fold.

mybabiie.com

Award: Won Bronze in the Mother&Baby Award2022

The Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System was designed with celeb mum Dani Dyer as part of her Cherish range. It's design adapts as your family grows and includes a bassinet which can attach to the stroller frame for family strolls and fresh air, eventually progressing to the reversible seat.

Like the Ickle Bubba, it comes with a built-in buggy board for tots and detachable wheels for compact storage at home or on the go. It is also really well priced for such a versatile product, and folds down to a compact size, perfect when you have a lot to fit in your boot!

Mother&Baby tester review:  "This travel system is amazing. It's so easy to put up and fold with one hand, and switch between seat styles, which is everything you need In a travel system. The fact it all comes as a package and you don't need to worry about finding the correct accessories anywhere else, the box has it all. The shopping basket being large with zips is a godsend."

Read our full Dani Dyer Belgravia Travel System review .

• Compact fold
• Easy to use and fold
• Larger seat for prolonged use
• Stunning style
• Some parents didn't even consider it gender-neutral in design

What to look for in the best travel system

Convenience is the main benefit, as you can transfer your baby to and from a pushchair without removing them from their car seat. This is less disruptive for your child and saves time and stress. A travel system is often more expensive and sometimes bulkier than a standard pushchair, so it's only worthwhile if a car is your main form of transport.

It's important to keep in mind that different travel systems are compatible with different car seats, although there is some crossover. The most important thing about buying the best travel system is to make sure it will fit in your car.

Here are some things to look out for when considering your purchase.

Shopping basket

A big basket is essential! It should be large enough to hold everything you need when you're out with your baby, including the rain cover and your baby changing bag . The basket should be accessible, even when the carrycot is attached, or the pushchair seat is fully reclined.

Seat recline

The recommended sleeping position for babies is flat on their back, so a pushchair seat that reclines fully flat is a must for naps in the pushchair. It should be easy (and quiet!) to adjust with your baby in the seat.

A height-adjustable handlebar ensures the pushchair is comfortable for you, your partner or anyone else who might use it regularly. Check that it's easy to adjust and comfortable to hold.

Is the car seat included in the price, or do you have to buy it separately? Factor in the price of the base, too, and don't forget car-seat adaptors to attach it to the chassis.

Babies shouldn't sit in car seats for more than two hours at a time - we've looked at the research into how long a baby should stay in a car seat - including when it's attached to a pushchair chassis. Choose a travel system with a comfy lie-flat carrycot. Your baby will outgrow it by six months old, so check how bulky it is to store – some are cleverly designed to convert to an upright seat.

Seat direction

A travel system with a reversible seat unit means you can choose which way your baby faces. A parent-facing seat encourages your baby's communication skills, but an inquisitive toddler might prefer to face where they're going. There are regulations and advice on how to keep your baby rear-facing for longer .

Accessories

Some travel systems come with coordinating accessories such as a footmuff or change bag. Think about which ones you actually need and whether they're included in the price.

Fold mechanism

A travel system will be in and out of your car boot. Choose one that's compact and easy to fold, leaving room for shopping or luggage.

The brake should be comfortably positioned and easy to operate without the risk of applying it by accident or scuffing your shoes. Check how reliable it feels and whether it's easy to release.

All-terrain wheels make for easy manoeuvrability on muddy walks. Smaller, solid wheels make light work of city pavements and shiny shop floors. If you're likely to switch between different types of terrain, go for lockable, swivel wheels.

Do I need a baby travel system?

A baby travel system can be convenient has they come with all the travel essentials you need for your baby. They are often good value, however if you buy an ISOFIX car seat to stay in your car, you wouldn't need a travel system that comes with a car seat.

What other things do I need to consider when buying a baby travel system?

Not all infant car seats can be attached to all pushchairs, and you may need to buy adaptors. If you'd prefer an i-Size car seat, which sits your baby in the safer rear-facing position until they are at least 15 months old, you'll need to choose a pushchair frame that's compatible. If you want to keep your child rear-facing in the car beyond 15 months, you'll need an extended rear-facing car seat. However, these are designed to stay in your car, so a travel system isn't an option.

The car seat will either clip on top of the pushchair's seat component or attach directly to the chassis with the seat component removed. Adapters are sometimes required to fix the car seat onto the pushchair or chassis. Check if these are included. If they aren't, find out what the additional cost will be.

What about the pushchair?

A travel system often has a seat component that enables it to be used as a 'normal' pushchair. Many mums use the car seat clipped into the frame when their baby is very young, using the larger seat component as their little one grows. If you intend to keep your newborn in the pushchair for long periods, you will need a travel system with a fully reclining seat component.

Newborns should only remain in car seats for a few hours at a time, as lying horizontally is better for their breathing and healthy spine development. Some travel systems also offer the option of a pram-style carrycot. While this can add expense, the carrycot can double as a Moses basket and portable travel cot.

Can you use a travel system for toddlers?

Only Group 0+ car seats will fit on the travel system. These will be outgrown at around 12-15 months. Most mums will continue to use the travel system with the seat component fitted after that.

For toddlers, a seat that reclines for naps is useful, but it doesn't have to be fully horizontal. Some pushchair seats are reversible, so your baby can face you, to begin with, but face outwards to get a better view of the world as they get older. For older children, you may want to look into the best car seat for 4-year-olds .

How easy is it to fold?

All travel systems fold up so that they can be stowed in a car boot. Try out the folding mechanism in the shop – your 'tricky' might be another person's 'easy'. Consider that you may sometimes need to hold your baby while you fold and unfold the chassis. You'll also have to lift the folded pushchair chassis in and out of the car boot, so consider its weight – anything over 10kg could be a struggle.

How big is your car boot?

Travel systems are more compact than ever, but some models are still pretty bulky to allow for all the extra functionality they offer. Before you buy one, check it fits in your car boot. You can always remove the carrycot or seat unit from the chassis and store it on your back seat. Although, this will limit space in your car for other passengers.

Can I use a second hand travel system?

While it can be perfectly fine to use a second hand travel system, it is not advised to use a second hand car seat unless you are absolutely sure that it has never been in an accident.

It would be advisable to only use second hand if it's from a very close relative or friend.

What is the difference between a 2in1 and 3in1 travel system?

A 3in1 travel system includes a car seat, carry cot and a pushchair all on the same frame, where as a 2in1 would only include the car seat and pushchair.

The bonus to both is that they are interchangeable with a car seat, which can be handy when you're out of the house and don't want to disturb your baby if they fall asleep.

Emily Gilbert  is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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• Baby and kid

The Best Travel Strollers

By Elise Czajkowski

A good travel stroller can make the difference between a jaunty vacation and a miserable slog.

We researched dozens of travel strollers, tested seven on a variety of trips involving planes, trains, buses, and cabs, and concluded that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the best option to keep parents and tots happy. Unlike most travel strollers, you’re sacrificing very little in comfort and maneuverability with the Minu V2—which is why many people find it’s also the ideal everyday stroller.

If you’re looking for a lighter, simpler option, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller is a great budget pick.

Everything we recommend

Uppababy Minu V2

The best travel stroller.

This comfortable, sturdy travel stroller handles bumpy streets better than the competition and is easy to fold one-handed. Many parents love it for everyday use as well.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller

Simple and sturdy.

This less-expensive option handles rough terrain well and offers the best on-the-go napping option of all the strollers we tested.

What we looked for

Being able to quickly collapse or unfurl the stroller is crucial when traveling.

We prioritized strollers that are easy to steer one-handed over bumpy surfaces and around tight turns.

A travel stroller should be small enough to store easily, whether in a closet or a packed car trunk.

You shouldn’t need to look at the manual to relearn how to use your stroller each time you pull it out.

Neither the Minu V2 nor the City Tour 2 Stroller is compatible with any of the picks in our guide to infant car seats ; if that’s a must, the Mountain Buggy Nano (2020+) is another good option . And if putting your stroller in an overhead compartment is a priority, we recommend the Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller .

The Uppababy Minu V2 has many features that allow it to function as a full-size stroller, including an underseat basket that holds up to 20 pounds, a simple recline option that’s good for napping, and a handy backseat pocket for storing odds and ends. Its one-hand fold is impressively simple, and of the travel strollers we tested, it has the easiest harness to adjust and the most-intuitive brakes. It also has a large, zip-out sun canopy with UPF protection. You can use it—without attachments—with children as young as 3 months, or with Uppababy’s bassinet or select car seats with newborns. A kid doesn’t officially outgrow it until they reach 50 pounds—which is often grade-school age. But at 17 pounds, it’s heavier than our budget pick.

The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller isn’t quite as simple to fold, recline, or buckle as the Minu V2, but it has the most comfortable handlebar of the travel strollers we tested, a decent canopy with UV protection, and a good amount of underseat storage (though it is harder to access than the Minu V2’s). Its large, adjustable footrest, long seat, and deep recline make it the best stroller that we tested for on-the-go naps, even for older kids (it fits kids up to 45 pounds). At 15.1 pounds, it’s a couple of pounds lighter than the Minu V2 and, unlike that stroller, comes with a travel bag.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, our pick: uppababy minu v2, budget pick: baby jogger city tour 2 stroller, other good travel strollers, the competition.

I’ve been writing about strollers for Wirecutter for more than a year, and I’ve tested dozens of strollers from 16 brands in that time. For this 2023 update to our guide to travel strollers, I researched more than a dozen popular models and tested seven with my 1-year-old son.

My husband and I brought these strollers on international flights, regional trains, and local buses, and we loaded them in and out of cabs and cars of various sizes. Other Wirecutter parents tested strollers on their summer trips, and I badgered people around my neighborhood about their experiences with travel strollers.

This article builds on the work of writer Sonjia Hyon, who logged 130 miles testing nine travel strollers for an earlier version of this guide.

For many families, a travel stroller will never be necessary; for others, it may be the only stroller they ever need. In general, travel strollers are smaller and lighter than full-size strollers and fold down to fit easily in many forms of transportation.

If you don’t travel regularly, or you’re mostly visiting people who have a spare stroller, you can forgo one entirely and rely on carriers and car seats. On the other hand, I know plenty of parents who use a travel stroller as their everyday go-to; it’s a particularly good option for anyone who is living in a small space or has to carry a stroller up and down steps on a regular basis.

Travel strollers have increasingly replaced umbrella strollers as the go-to lightweight, foldable option for travelers, which became clear when we noticed brands discontinuing their umbrella strollers and making travel models instead. They are primarily distinguished by their fold; a travel stroller collapses into a more compact, suitcase shape while umbrella strollers fold into a long, golf bag shape. This extra convenience comes at a cost; travel strollers are generally much pricier. All of the so-called budget travel strollers we tested in 2023 were more expensive than the priciest model we considered for our guide to umbrella strollers .

You do, of course, have to make some compromises. The travel strollers that fold the most compactly are likely to be the hardest to fold; the lightest strollers do not maneuver as well as heavier options. And all lack some features that many parents love in their full-size strollers, such as large storage baskets, reversible toddler seats, and adjustable handlebars.

If you’ve already purchased a full-size stroller that you like and are looking to add a travel stroller, you may want to look first at options from the same brand. Stroller manufacturers keep many things consistent across their lines, so you’ll find that elements like the type of brake, the style of the buckle, and the feel of the handlebar are familiar. For instance, the Uppababy Cruz V2 and Minu V2 share the same harness that’s easy to adjust and buckle, which I consider to be one of the most important elements in a good stroller.

More travel strollers are available now than when we began testing in 2018, as high-end brands have begun to offer more luxe options. We began our 2023 research by looking at the updated models of our three past picks—the Uppababy Minu V2 has replaced the original Minu, the Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller has replaced the Yoyo+ Stroller, and the Mountain Buggy Nano (2020+) has replaced the original Nano. We also read online reviews for dozens of strollers to determine other good options to test. Based on our research, we determined that a good travel stroller is:

Easy to push and maneuver: Because a travel stroller needs to perform in a variety of environments inside and outside, we prioritized strollers that are easy to push on uneven terrain and able to maneuver through tight spaces. We only tested strollers that could be pushed and steered one-handed. I took seven strollers home and tested them several times in different conditions, including over cobblestones and uneven streets, in and out of subways, and up and down stairs. I also put them through a test course in our Long Island City, New York office, using sandbags in the toddler seat to test maneuverability and the one-handed push.

Easy to fold and unfold: A travel stroller needs to be easy to quickly fold and unfold; ideally, you should be able to collapse or unfurl a stroller while holding a squirming baby or kicking toddler. In my testing, I timed how long it took to fold and unfold each stroller and if it required one or two hands.

Easy to carry and stow: The stroller should fold down to a compact size; some even get small enough to fit into the overhead compartment on an airplane. We didn’t prioritize that ability, since different airlines and planes have different requirements, and it may be up to individual flight crews to decide if you can put a stroller in the overhead bin. We weighed each stroller ourselves, and the ones we tested ranged from 13 to 17 pounds, a close enough number that it didn’t end up being a major factor in our decision making. We also looked for strollers that have a shoulder strap or travel bag for carrying.

We liked to see that strollers had an option for clicking in an infant car seat, though neither of our picks are compatible with our best infant car-seat picks .

We also looked for a reclining seat, an easily adjustable harness, a decent-size canopy for sun protection, and an accessible underseat storage basket. I tested how easy it was to clean up food messes by smearing jam and whipped cream on all of the strollers and seeing how hard it was to remove stains with just baby wipes or fabric cleaner. Where small children go, messes follow—that’s why we devoted an entire article to  how to clean a stroller .

The Uppababy Minu V2 is an exceptionally comfortable travel stroller for children and parents. It’s similar to the previous version of the Minu, which was our top pick for years, but it improves on that model with a simpler-to-adjust harness, a bigger sun canopy, and an adjustable footrest.

I found that it was sturdy enough to maneuver on bumpy cobblestone streets, light enough for one person to haul up short flights of stairs with a child buckled in, and simple enough to fold one-handed and throw in the back of a car. It has a comfortable handlebar, ample underseat storage, a large canopy with UPF protection , and a harness that adjusts quickly and intuitively.

It has a fantastic one-handed fold. The Minu V2 is the only one of our picks with a one-handed fold—you slide a lever and push a button simultaneously on the handlebar, push the whole thing forward, and the stroller collapses onto itself. The unfold is also fairly simple; undo a latch on the side and pull up on the handlebar, and it all flings open. The stroller stands up pretty well on its own when folded. In our tests, we found that it took less than 10 seconds to fold or unfold the stroller.

It’s easy to carry. The Minu V2 includes a carry handle and a shoulder strap, so it’s easier to pick up for short hauls than our other pick. (Though at 17 pounds, it’s not particularly comfortable to tote around for long periods.) Uppababy also sells a travel bag that lets you access the TravelSafe program , an additional two-year warranty added onto the original product warranty that offers replacements for parts damaged during air travel.

The harness is simple. The simple plastic buckle is easy to close and open. I find the Uppababy’s harness straps to be the easiest to use of any strollers I’ve tested because the shoulder and waist straps are permanently connected (on other strollers, including the city tour 2, our budget pick, they can separate). This does mean wiggling your child’s arms in and out of the straps, which some parents find more taxing. The harness straps are also the easiest to adjust of any that we tested; simply slide the strap up and down along the back of the child’s seat to change the height, and pull on the ends of the straps to tighten or loosen.

The recline and incline function on the seat is straightforward. You simply pull down a buckle to recline and pull up on two straps to incline. It does take some effort to incline with a toddler in the seat, but none of the travel strollers that we tested were any easier.

The brakes are intuitive and easy to engage, even when you’re barefoot. Like the Uppababy Cruz V2 , a pick in our guide to full-size strollers , the Minu V2 has two brake pedals—a red to lock and a green to unlock—that are easy to engage and, based on their position, allow you to see from a distance if the stroller is locked.

It can be used for a long time and has plenty of storage. With an additional attachment, the Minu V2 can be used with the Uppababy bassinet as well as several infant car seats, making it a good option for newborns, and it can fit a child as young as three months without any accessories. The seat can hold a child up to 50 pounds, the maximum of the travel strollers we tried, and the underseat storage basket can hold up to 20 pounds, the most of any travel stroller we tested, making it popular as an everyday stroller, with good reason. It lacks some of the best features of the larger, more expensive Uppababy Cruz V2 —a reversible toddler seat, a storage basket that can handle a grocery haul, an adjustable handlebar—but it’s narrower, lighter, and faster to fold.

The canopy, seat fabric, and underseat basket can be removed for hand-washing. In our cleaning tests, it was hard to get stains out of the green fabric of our stroller; even after using a stain remover, we could see dark splotches on the seat.

Uppababy strollers come with a two-year limited warranty and an extra year if you register your stroller within three months of purchasing.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The first Minu V2 that we tested held up well for several weeks of travel—and then, one day it refused to fold. We contacted Uppababy, which said this is not a known issue (although we found a few online complaints of a similar issue with the original Minu) and that anyone with this problem would be issued a new frame immediately; our replacement stroller has held up just fine so far. Given Uppababy’s reputation for good strollers, we’re fairly confident that we simply got a lemon.

At nearly 17 pounds, the Minu V2 is the heaviest of the strollers we tested. It’s also one of the largest when folded, meaning it may need to be gate-checked when boarding a plane. (Though it is larger than almost all airlines’ official requirements for on-board luggage, it may fit in the overhead bins on larger airplanes.) In our travels, it required some careful, Tetris-like finagling to squeeze it into a hatchback alongside our luggage, although one tester was able to fit it behind the driver’s seat of a sedan.

Like all of the travel strollers we tested, it sometimes requires a little shoving to get it to collapse fully. And because of the way the canopy is attached, it sometimes felt flimsy, and it occasionally popped off the frame on one side when unfolding or carrying the stroller up stairs with a child inside.

Weight: 17.3 pounds Frame dimensions: 20.5 by 36 inches (WL) Folded size: 20.5 by 23 by 13 inches (WLH) Child weight, height limit: 50 pounds, 40 inches Storage basket weight limit: 20 pounds Car seat compatibility with an adapter: Uppababy Mesa; Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Infant Car Seat, Mico NXT Infant Car Seat, Mico AP Infant Car Seat, and Mico Max Plus Car Seat; Nuna Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite Lx, Pipa Lite R, Pipa Rx, and Pipa Lite Rx; the Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, and Aton M Second child adaptability: ride-along board available for purchase Wheel diameter: front wheels 5 inches, rear wheels 6.5 inches Included accessories: bumper bar Add-on accessories: cup holder , travel bag , parent organizer , bassinet , ride-along board , snack tray , rain shield , and basket cover

If you’re willing to sacrifice a one-handed fold, an easily accessible storage basket, and a notably easy-to-buckle harness, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller is a remarkably solid and maneuverable stroller for its price. It handles bumpy streets and cobblestones without complaint, and I found the handlebar’s height and material more comfortable than those on the other less-expensive options we tested.

The City Tour 2 Stroller also has a large adjustable footrest that allows a young toddler to lie almost completely flat; paired with its built-in UV 50+ sun canopy, it’s a great option if on-the-go naps are a priority. For many parents, the best thing about this stroller is that it doesn’t feature anything too noteworthy or fussy; it’s a simple stroller that just works.

The fold is simple, but it requires two steps and both hands. Slide a lever and push a button to fold down the handlebar, then pull up on a strap on the inside of the seat to collapse the whole thing. (If you have the adjustable footrest up, you need to put it down for maximum compactness.) To unfold, undo a latch on the side and click it all into place. In our testing, it took about 10 seconds to fold the stroller (including lowering the footrest) and about 7 seconds to unfold.

The buckle has five pieces but stays together well. The shoulder and waist straps on each side click together, which allows you to simply slide your child’s arm through the shoulder straps rather than attach five separate pieces. One tester found that these pieces tended to separate when her toddler was getting out of the stroller, requiring her to clip them again the next time. But the straps remain snug once buckled. Reclining and inclining the seat is simple—pinch a clamp and pull down on the seat to recline, then pinch the same clamp and push up to incline. As with all of the travel strollers we tested, inclining can be a challenge with larger children.

The underseat basket can easily hold a day’s worth of stuff. The underseat basket holds 15 pounds—not as much as our top pick, but more than most of the strollers we tested.

The seat fabric of the City Tour 2 Stroller can be machine washed; other parts should be hand-washed. In our cleaning tests, we found that food wiped easily off of the black fabric, and any lingering smudges disappeared with stain remover. Unfortunately, we can’t say if this was due to the dark color or the fabric itself, but this stroller only comes in black (you can also buy a blue-green, special-edition model that’s about $100 more) while the Minu V2 comes in many colors.

It also comes with a travel bag, which adds another layer of protection if you’re gate-checking a bag or putting the stroller away for long-term storage.

Baby Jogger strollers come with a lifetime warranty for manufacturer defects on the frame, and a one-year limited warranty on the fabrics. And though it doesn’t offer the same sort of TravelSafe program as Uppababy, the company said they “are always willing to help our customers where we can with damaged goods.”

The canopy can be hard to unfurl. The peekaboo window is secured with Velcro, which means it could wake up a sleeping child when undone. (The peekaboo flap can also be held open with a button.) The single brake pedal must be pushed up from the bottom to unlock, which is tricky if you’re barefoot or in open-toe shoes; the Minu V2’s two pedals are easier to use. And though the City Tour 2 Stroller does come with a travel bag, the stroller itself doesn’t feature a shoulder strap for carrying.

The seat’s most upright position is somewhat reclined. As with other Baby Jogger strollers that we’ve tested, the seat is never fully upright, which can be frustrating for a bigger kid who wants to look around (or a parent who doesn’t want a toddler to nap). The harness can be a challenge to adjust—the waist straps in particular take some time—and to change the height of the shoulder strap, you need to rethread the straps through the back of the toddler seat, which can’t be done with a child in the stroller. Unlike the Minu V2, the back of the seat doesn’t have a pocket for small items.

The stroller does not stand on its own when folded. It always needed to be propped against a wall or laid down flat. And I found that I sometimes smashed my hand when pushing down to make sure that it was folded as compactly as possible. The stroller also doesn’t have a mechanism for the whole stroller to stay attached to itself when folded; if you grab the handlebar when the stroller is folded, it will pull away from the body.

At 5 foot 2, one tester found it was difficult to fold the handlebar down and needed to stabilize the stroller by putting her foot on the underseat basket for leverage; at 5 foot 7, I didn’t have the same issue.

Weight: 15.1 pounds Frame dimensions: 20 by 39 inches (WL) Folded size: 20 by 22.5 by 9.5 inches (WLH) Child weight, height limit: 45 pounds, 40 inches Storage basket weight limit: 15 pounds Car seat compatibility with an adapter: Baby Jogger City Go Infant Car Seat, City Go 2 Infant Car Seat, and City Go Air Infant Car Seat; Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite and SnugRide SnugLock 35 Platinum Second child adaptability: stroller cannot be adapted; City Tour 2 Double Stroller is also available, but we have not tested it yet Wheel diameter: front wheels 5 inches, rear wheels 6 inches Included accessories: travel bag Add-on accessories: belly bar , parent console , and weather shield

If you need or want to travel with a car seat: The Mountain Buggy Nano (2020+) is equipped with a universal car seat adapter—a genius feature that all stroller companies should adopt. Not only can you use many infant car seats with the nano—including any of our infant car seat picks —but it works with lightweight toddler car seats and convertible travel car seats like the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat , which we recommend as the best convertible car seat for travel .

But the canopy rests against the handlebar when closed, making the stroller uncomfortable to push for long periods, especially in the heat. It also has finicky harness straps that never felt tight enough and a brake that’s easy to trip accidentally.

If a stroller that fits in most overhead compartments is crucial: Consider the Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller , which has the smallest fold of any of the strollers we tested. It meets the International Air Transport Association standards for carry-on bags, and I’ve seen people putting it in the overhead bins on several flights—even though at 17.3 inches wide, it is wider than the official width limit of 14 inches on many airlines. The fabric was also the easiest to wipe clean of every stroller we tested.

But its multistep folding mechanism is frustrating; it involves pushing a button and pulling a handle underneath the seat, which means crouching down and feeling around for the right spots. It’s also difficult to push and steer in a hurry; in our tests, it veered off course easily when pushing one-handed. And the front tires had a tendency to spin uncontrollably after hitting a bump, creating a drag that took a few seconds to correct.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide; it only includes strollers that are still available for sale.

The 16-pound Bugaboo Butterfly is well made and easy to maneuver, but multiple testers said they found the handlebar uncomfortable to push, particularly on hills. I also found that I sometimes struggled to get it unlocked and unfolded in a hurry—an important feature of a travel stroller.

At about $500, the nearly 16-pound Nuna Trvl is the most expensive travel stroller that we tested, and it has some excellent features, including the simplest fold we saw on any travel stroller. But it is very large when folded with the belly bar attached, and when the canopy is closed, it covers the handlebar, making it uncomfortable to push.

The dual handlebars of the Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller , our umbrella stroller pick , make it nearly impossible to push one-handed—an important feature if you’re traveling by yourself and need your other hand for carrying other items. If you don’t mind using two hands and relying on a simpler but less maneuverable stroller than those recommended in this guide, you can save money by using an umbrella stroller over a travel model.

The Zoe the Traveler is only 13 pounds and has some nice features, including a parent cup holder, but it didn’t maneuver as well as I’d like. I struggled to push it off the subway, and it nearly tipped forward from a small, uneven bump in the sidewalk. It was also one of the hardest strollers to unfold.

We tested the 11-pound Zoe XL1 Best in 2018 (which has since been renamed The Tour+) and dismissed it after finding it harder to push and maneuver than other travel strollers we tested. It would frequently stop suddenly, causing the parent to pitch forward.

The 9.5 pound GB Pockit Air All-Terrain and the 13-pound GB Pockit+ All-City were dismissed because they didn’t feel sturdy.

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller was dismissed because it did not feel durable, was challenging to maneuver, and didn’t have a working lock.

This article was edited by Rachel Hurn and Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guide

Elise Czajkowski

Elise Czajkowski is a freelance writer and editor covering strollers for Wirecutter.

Further reading

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

The Best Travel Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

After testing 17 lightweight, portable car seats, we have five good options for infants, toddlers, and big kids to recommend.

The Best Stroller Wagons

by Liz Iversen

Got kids and gear you need to schlep to the soccer field, the beach, or the neighborhood block party? A stroller wagon might be for you.

The Best Umbrella Stroller

by Elise Czajkowski

An umbrella stroller should be hassle-free and inexpensive enough to buy as a spare to store at Grandma’s house.

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The 12 Best Stroller & Car Seat Travel Systems [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

779 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

33 Published Articles 3136 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Things To Consider With Travel Systems

1. a travel system for parents on-the-go, 2. compact travel system that saves room, 3. a seamless travel system for all occasions, 4. budget-friendly system that doesn’t give up quality, 5. a travel system that guarantees a smooth ride, 6. a carseat that offers your baby privacy, 7. a quick travel system to set up, 8. easy and lightweight travel system, 9. a travel system option that’s trusted worldwide, 10. environmentally-friendly travel system, 11. a travel system you can use for years, 12. makes trips a breeze with 1-handed setup, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Being a parent is a rewarding adventure, but you can’t just run around town unencumbered anymore. You have to take your baby with you, and you have to make sure that they’re safe.

That’s where travel systems come in. These tools are essential for making sure your child is safe and comfortable in your car and while walking around.

While the main goal of every travel system is the same — to give you an all-in-1 option for your car seat and stroller needs — there are tons of little differences between models. When trying to figure out which travel system is the right one for you, here are a few things to consider:

Size and Weight

A travel system’s size and weight are the first thing you must keep in mind before purchasing one. If you anticipate you’re going to be carrying your system for any reason, like up the steps of an apartment building, for example, you’ll want to opt for lighter travel system models.

Hot Tip: You also want your travel system to be large enough that your baby has enough room to be comfortable. This is also true if you want your travel system to last a few years as your child grows.

The material of a travel system is another primary thing to consider when you’re looking at different options. You want a material that will be easy to clean since it’s very likely your child will make messes while strapped in.

You also want a material that won’t be uncomfortable for your baby to sit in or for you to push.  Heavy-duty plastic is a good choice, particularly if there are cushions in the travel system to add extra comfort. That will ensure both comfort and the longevity of your product.

You want to keep your baby safe, so it’s important that you look into travel system options that are durable.

A sturdy travel system means you’ll be able to push it on rough surfaces or take it on bumpy rides without your child getting jostled. It also means you don’t have to worry about damaging any of its components when it’s not in use, thus compromising its structural integrity. 

Weather Conditions

You should also consider the weather when you’re considering which travel system to buy. If you live in a climate with all 4 seasons, you’ll want to make sure you purchase an option that you’ll be able to use both in the summer heat and in the snow .

You’ll want to make sure you pick a model that isn’t made of material that will melt or become deformed in hot weather if that’s your climate. You’ll also likely want wheels that have some traction when used in snow or rain.

You should consider your child’s age when picking the right travel system. While many travel systems are designed to last through at least a few growth spurts, they might have specifically designated age ranges.

For example, some travel systems are designed to be used from newborn age to 3 years. Others have car seats that are suitable for up to 18 months, but the stroller can last longer. Decide how long you want your travel system to last and your child’s age to help narrow down your options.

The 12 Best Travel Systems

Choosing the right travel system can be daunting. There are so many options out there and so many little differences between them that can make one option better than another.

To help you, we’ve weighed the pros and cons to decide which are the best travel systems on the market.

Baby Trend Pathway 35 Jogger Travel System

If you’re a busy parent who likes to keep their little one nearby, this travel system from Baby Trend is perfect.

It was designed for jogging parents to use so they can keep up with their exercise while still keeping their children by their side . Due to that, when in the stroller, kids will be in for a nice, smooth ride without bumps and jostles.

It’s also lightweight and easy to push for that same reason. However, the jogger also allows for safe car travel as well, thanks to its sturdy car seat that will ensure absolute safety on drives around the block or long road trips. With a maximum weight of 35 pounds, you can use this travel set for a while.

What We Like:

• Super comfortable

What We Don’t Like:

• Not for toddlers

Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Travel System

People looking for a travel system that can be compact for easy storage should look into the Graco FastAction model.

Though the system is nice and spacious when the stroller portion is set up, it can fold into itself so it can fit in most closets and storage areas.

This also makes this model a breeze to travel with as it passes most public transportation regulations for stroller sizes.

Thanks to its 5-point harness, you also don’t have to worry about safety. Your baby will be nice and snug in their seat for as long as needed.

• Elevated maximum weight of 50 pounds
• Wheels deflate quickly

Hot Tip: Check out our in-depth buyer guide to the best travel strollers for newborns and toddlers for more great options!

Evenflo Pivot Vizor Travel System

Some travel systems are designed to make long days and travel easier. Others are designed for walks around the block. This model by Evenflo is designed for both.

The system is sleek and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for any occasion. So whether you’re able to walk leisurely or you’re in a hurry, you can get where you need to go with this travel system’s stroller.

The car seat is also designed for any occasion . It’s able to fit in most vehicles without any problems, and it’s easy to install, so you don’t have to deal with a headache every time you have to strap your baby in for a car ride.

• Sun-protective and privacy visor
• Wheels struggle on rough surfaces

Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System

If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality travel system, but you’re on a tighter budget, this model from Baby Trend is worth looking at.

The seating is made out of plush material that won’t be uncomfortable for your baby to sit in. Thanks to its soft grip, you also won’t get uncomfortable pushing or carrying it.

You can even adjust the stroller handles so you don’t have to crouch or stretch. The stroller portion comes with 2 cupholders as well, so you and your baby can stay hydrated while you’re out and about.

The system was even designed to sit your baby further back while the system creates “wings” around them to offer maximum protection on both sides.

• All-encompassing protection
• Lower weight allowance

Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System

If your main concern when looking at travel systems is the comfort of your child, then look no further than this Safety 1st option.

With  “Smooth Ride” in its name, you might expect a lot from this travel system, and it delivers. It has sturdy wheels that can stand up to most floors and terrain. So, whether you’re inside or out, you can easily use this stroller.

The wheels also glide effortlessly. They won’t make any noise and help smooth the ride if you push it over a bumpy surface. The car seat also keeps your baby secure and in one place during rides without being jostled around.

• Good for motion-sickness-prone children
• Not intuitive

Graco Modes Pramette Travel System

Your baby can’t speak up and tell you when they want some time to themself, so it’s up to you to make sure you can give them some peace. That’s why this Graco pramette travel system is such a great option.

The stroller can be front- or rear-facing , meaning you can decide if your baby needs some stimulation by seeing the world or if they need some peaceful time. It’s also an added safety measure.

For example, if you’re going to be using your travel system in areas with potential dust or debris or you’re worried you might stumble, a rear-facing system will help keep your baby safe.

• Large storage basket
• 20-pound limit

Graco FastAction SE Travel System

If you want a travel system you can set it up in the blink of an eye, Graco has you covered. Thanks to the way it’s designed to fold compactly, you don’t have to fight with the system to get it open or closed.

The system also comes with a lightweight but heavy-duty car seat to keep your baby safe on the road. It’s even a rear-facing seat, giving it extra points where safety is concerned.

The stroller has a parent tray that comes with a cup holder and a small storage area, so you can keep your essentials within easy reach without having to fumble in the storage compartment too much.

• Convenient design
• Only for newborns and young babies

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All

If you’re in need of a travel system, but you don’t want something heavy and bulky that will weigh you down, consider this option from Baby Jogger.

The system is made with breathable material that isn’t just lightweight but will also ensure your child isn’t uncomfortable no matter what time of year it is.

The system also has a single-handed locking mechanism to make folding or unfolding it a breeze.  You don’t have to worry about the stroller trying to fold back in on itself or coming undone either. Once the junctions are locked in place, they stay that way until you unlock them.

The car seat has also been designed to protect your precious cargo by using anti-rebound and trauma-blocking technology.

• Not budget-friendly

Hot Tip: If you prefer to travel lighter, check out our guide to the best travel baby carriers, including wraps, slings, and backpacks .

Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Travel System

If you’re generally undecided about which direction you want to go with your travel system, then consider an option with international respect. Chicco is a brand known worldwide, and it knows what it is doing when it comes to babies. This system was designed to ensure your baby is comfortable on the sidewalk or in the car.

The soft material isn’t just for your baby’s comfort, it also adds another layer of safety. Keeping your baby nice and cozy can absorb any potential trauma by the cushions and the system structure. The system itself is also lightweight and weighs under 20 pounds.

• Highly recommended
• Difficult to clean

Century Stroll On 3-Wheel 2-in-1 Lightweight Travel System

Environmentally-conscious people on the hunt for a good travel system should check out this option from Century. With fabrics made from recycled material, this system helps you do your part in being a little greener .

It also doesn’t hurt that the material is also lightweight, making the system easy to move around. Your baby, on the other hand, will love how breathable the material is. You don’t have to worry about overheating or problems with temperature regulation with this option.

Since the stroller has 3 wheels instead of 4, it also gives it an aerodynamic design that makes it great for moving around quickly.

• Easy-gliding wheels
• May show more wear and tear

Graco Verb Travel System

Graco’s got an option for you if you want a travel system that has a lot of longevity. Whether you want to make sure you can use your travel system for future children down the line or you plan on giving it away as a hand-me-down, you don’t have to worry.

Made of high-quality material that meets strict size standards, this option won’t break down for years. The rear-facing car seat can fit most newborns and infants up to 30 pounds.

On the other hand, the stroller is large enough to give your baby plenty of room to be comfortable. At the same time, it’s also compact enough to suit the stroller-size allotments at most theme parks.

• Suitable for anywhere

Chicco Viaro Quick-Fold Travel System

If you want to be able to take your child on adventures with you and you’re looking for a travel system to help you do just that, Chicco has a great option for you.

This travel system has a quick-fold design that allows you to assemble and fold up the frame in a breeze. That means you can go from the car to the stroller in no time. You can even open it up 1-handed.

The system also had plenty of padding both for your baby and for you while you push the stroller or hold the carrier.  Your child even has 2 cupholders and a tray available to enjoy snacks or otherwise keep busy while you’re on the go.

• Reclining seat
• Only rear-facing car seat

Ideally, a travel system will allow you to seamlessly transfer your child from your car to a stroller and allow you to move around while keeping them secure.

However, there are hundreds of travel system options on the market to choose from. We hope that this list has helped you begin to narrow down which travel system is right for you.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

Are travel systems safe for newborns.

Travel systems are generally safe for newborns. However, that might not be universally true for all travel systems. Some travel systems might be designed for older babies and toddlers, for example. Before purchasing or using a travel system with a newborn, check the suggested age group of the product first.

How do travel systems work?

Travel systems typically work the same way their separate parts work normally. The stroller frame will usually fold up or collapse for easy carrying and storage, and the car seat will fit into your vehicle. However, these 2 parts will snap together as well, turning the stroller into a carriage.

What is the difference between a travel system and a stroller?

The biggest difference between a stroller and a travel system is the fact that a stroller is just 1 tool while a travel system is 2, sometimes 3 tools, all in 1. Travel systems include a stroller, but they also have a car seat and, sometimes, a baby carrier, too.

How long does a travel system last?

Since travel systems are typically multiple-in-1 tools made up of a stroller, car seat, and sometimes even a baby carrier, they can last a varying amount of time. As your child grows, they’ll eventually be too big for the car seat and carrier. However, the stroller may last through toddlerhood.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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11 Best Travel System Strollers

Getting around with your little one is much easier if you have the right stroller. Many parents find a 3-in-1 travel system stroller practical because it includes a stroller and also an infant car seat that doubles as a baby carrier.

A travel system stroller is great because it can be used from the moment you take your newborn home from the hospital until well into toddlerhood.

Based on more than 4,500 Pampers Parents votes, we’ve put together a list of the best travel system strollers. We also cover which features to look out for when comparison shopping, as well as some safety tips for using your new stroller and car seat.

Why Choose a Travel System Stroller

Travel system strollers can adapt as the baby grows, making them particularly appealing to parents who like the idea of a combo product that fulfills different needs.

A travel system stroller typically includes an infant car seat (which sometimes doubles as a carrier), a car seat base, and the main stroller unit, which holds the infant car seat and can convert into a toddler stroller when the time comes.

Here are some pluses of owning a travel system:

It can allow you to move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing her.

Some models have a stroller seat that reclines flat, so it can be used when your infant is 6 months or younger. As your baby gets older, the backrest can be adjusted to a higher, more comfortable position.

Once your baby outgrows the infant car seat, she can continue to use the stroller part of the travel system into toddlerhood.

Even though a travel system stroller can cost more than most standard strollers (some, like the UPPAbaby Stroller, cost over $1,000), you get more bang for your buck because you don’t need to buy an infant car seat, infant stroller, baby carrier , and toddler stroller separately.

The even better news? Pampers Parents recommend several travel system strollers that are around $300 or less.

These are the travel system strollers Pampers Parents chose as their favorites:

1. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

Why pick this one? Pampers Parents chose the Chicco Bravo as their absolute favorite travel system. With features like a one-touch braking pedal, all-wheel suspension, swiveling front wheels, and a three-position adjustable padded handle, this stroller has a lot going for it.

The way this travel system works is that the rear-facing infant car seat clicks into either the stroller or the car seat base. The car seat base installs securely and can remain fastened in your car.

Once your baby has reached the maximum weight and height limit of the infant car seat, you can shift to using the stroller seat. However, that also means you’ll have to get a new forward-facing car seat that suits your little one’s bigger size.

The stroller includes a parent tray with two cup holders and a storage compartment as well as a child tray with two cup holders. The stroller’s canopy is fully adjustable, and the backrest reclines for added comfort.

Highlights: The stroller has an innovative fold-and-carry handle with a one-hand, quick-fold feature. The stroller seat and canopy can be removed for cleaning. The infant car seat features removable padding for use with your newborn.

Price * : about $379.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Pros: It’s very easy to use and fold up with only one hand.

Cons: It could be lighter, and it would be better if you could have your baby either face forward or backward in the stroller.

2. Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Baby Travel System

Why pick this one? If you’re looking for a travel system stroller that’s also good for jogging, then the Graco Fastaction is for you.

The stroller features three air-filled rubber tires for a smooth ride on any terrain. The front wheel easily locks in place for added stability when jogging. Unlock it for full maneuverability when strolling.

The rear-facing infant car seat easily clicks into both the stroller and the car seat base. Installed in your car, the car seat can recline to four different positions to suit your infant’s need for head and neck support.

Both the stroller and the infant car seat feature canopies, but the stroller’s canopy includes a peek-a-boo window.

Highlights: The stroller features a one-hand folding mechanism, which the manufacturer claims takes one second to operate.

Price * : about $269.99 on Amazon.com

Pros: It’s easy to use, and it folds quickly.

Cons: The stroller is rather bulky and does not fold very compactly. The handle is not adjustable. The wheels need constant refilling.

3. UPPAbaby Full-Size Vista Infant Baby Stroller

Why pick this one? This bundle from UPPAbaby includes three components: a stroller seat, an infant car seat, and a bassinet that attaches to the stroller.

This combo allows for multiple configurations, starting with the bassinet for strolling with your sleeping newborn, the infant car seat for traveling in the car, and the toddler seat, which can be positioned to face forward or backward in the stroller frame once your little one is bigger.

The infant car seat includes a padded insert for a baby that weighs between four and eight pounds.

Keep in mind that once your baby has reached the maximum height and weight limit of the car seat, you’ll have to upgrade to a new one.

The stroller features front and rear shock-absorbing suspension and a one-button telescoping handlebar so that you can adjust it to you or your partner’s height.

When you’re not using the stroller, you can fold it up in one step. However, some Pampers Parents noted that it requires both hands to fold. The stroller stands when folded, which makes it easier to handle and store.

Additional items such as a bassinet storage bag, bassinet bug shield, toddler seat rain shield, and toddler seat bug shield are included.

Highlights: Both the bassinet and the infant car seat feature breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that is also removable for spot cleaning. The storage basket below the stroller can hold up to 30 pounds.

Price * : about $1,199.98 on Amazon.com

Pros: It’s easy to use, made of quality materials, and it can be used to accommodate more children.

Cons: It’s very heavy and very expensive.

4. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System

Why pick this one? This jogging stroller from Baby Trend features a swiveling and locking front wheel, with all-terrain tires. The wheels can be quick-released for extra-compact storage.

The stroller features a convenient parent tray and a child tray. There is also a large storage basket under the stroller for things like diaper bags and other necessities.

The five-point harness on both the stroller and infant car seat is easy to adjust with one hand, and there is a push-button release.

The car seat base features four positions so that you can adjust the infant car seat to the proper height for your little one. And the infant car seat has a multi-grip handle that is easy to hold and carry when you’re transferring your baby from the car to the stroller base.

Highlights: For easy maneuvering, the push handle is extra wide, ergonomically shaped, and foam padded. The footrest features reflectors to provide better visibility in low-light conditions.

Price*: about $132.99 on Amazon.com

Pros: It’s easy to maneuver over many different terrains with one hand, and it’s affordable.

Cons: The storage basket could be bigger and it isn’t as easy to access when your baby is in the stroller.

5. Evenflo Vive Travel System

Why pick this one? Unlike the other travel system strollers that made the Pampers Parents list, the Evenflo Vive Travel System’s infant car seat has an extended weight rating of up to 35 pounds, so you can use it a bit longer than the other car seats on this list.

Eventually you will have to upgrade to a new car seat, but at least with this product it will be able to happen later.

The stroller’s 13-inch-thick EVA wheels feature shock absorption in the front, which helps make the stroller more stable.

In addition to the storage basket under the stroller base, there is a storage pocket on the back of your baby’s seat.

Highlights: The stroller features a very slim 16-inch fold, so it doesn’t take up too much space in the trunk of your car or when in storage.

Price * : about $106.99 on Amazon.com

Pros: It’s lightweight and it’s easy to move from the car to the stroller.

Cons: The wheels aren’t the best and they tend to be squeaky.

6. Baby Trend Skyline 35 Travel System

Why pick this one? Although it’s not a jogging stroller, the Baby Trend Skyline features three wheels, which can help make it easier to maneuver much like a jogger-style stroller. The rear wheels are lockable for when you need to put on the brakes.

Handy features of this stroller include a handle that is adjustable to your height, and one-handed foldability.

The parent tray includes a covered compartment for storing items you may want to keep secured nearby, but there’s also an extra-large storage basket below the stroller.

The infant car seat of this travel system includes a reversible infant insert and a six-position crotch belt adjustment. The car seat base can be adjusted in four different ways with the push of a button to ensure the infant car seat is level.

Highlights: Both the car seat’s and the stroller’s canopies are made of two panels, but the stroller canopy also includes a peek-a-boo window on the front and mesh windows on the sides.

Price * : about $161.99 on Amazon.com

Pros: The price is affordable and it’s easy to fold up and open.

Cons: The buckle on the infant car seat could be easier to use.

7. Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System

Why pick this one? Designed with travel in mind, the Safety 1st Smooth Ride makes it easy to transfer your baby’s car seat to the stroller with its QuickClick technology. Once your baby outgrows the infant car seat, you can continue to use the stroller through toddlerhood, but keep in mind that you’ll have to purchase a new car seat.

Folding the stroller is easy with the one-handed operation. Once folded, it can stand on its own without tipping over.

The rear-facing infant car seat includes head and body inserts for your newborn as well as four adjustable harness heights to help you achieve the perfect fit for your baby.

Highlights: The large stroller canopy features a flip-out visor and a mesh peek-a-boo window.

Price * : about $179.99 on Amazon.com

Pros: The stroller is easy to handle, it’s easy to travel with, and it’s affordable.

Cons: The storage basket could be bigger and the canopy could be more durable.

8. Chicco Viaro Travel System

Why pick this one? The Chicco Viaro Travel System features a lightweight frame and three-wheel maneuverability, making it an appealing option if you travel a lot. The one-handed fold feature makes it even easier to handle when you’re trying to get it in and out of the trunk, and opened up and ready to go quickly.

Like many of the other strollers on this list, it includes a child tray, parent tray, and large storage basket.

The stroller also has a multi-position reclining seat, which will come in handy with your newborn, who requires the head support. There’s also an adjustable canopy and toe-tap brakes on the back wheels.

The infant car seat includes head and body supports. The car seat easily transfers from the car seat base to the stroller base for travel. Once your baby reaches the car seat's maximum height and weight recommendations, you can still keep on using the stroller through toddlerhood, but you’ll have to purchase a new car seat.

Some Pampers Parents noted they would prefer one large front wheel versus the small two-sided front wheel on the stroller for better maneuverability.

Highlights: At just 18 pounds, this is the lightest travel system stroller on our list.

Price * : about $349.99 on Amazon.com

Pros: You’ll love the versatility and portability.

Cons: The handle could be adjustable and it could use better quality wheels.

9. Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System

Why pick this one? The Evenflo Pivot Travel System was designed so that both the stroller seat and infant car seat can face either forward or backward in the stroller frame, depending on your preference. Plus, the stroller seat can be adapted and positioned horizontally as a bassinet-like carriage for strolling with your newborn.

The stroller frame features four large cruiser tires for smoother handling. There is a three-panel canopy; however, the canopy does not have mesh panels or a baby window, which some of the other models on this list offer.

The infant car seat features a four-position recline for your baby’s comfort and a unique ergonomic handle so that it can be carried in the bend of your arm.

The stroller has no child tray or parent tray, which may be a deal-breaker for some.

Highlights: This travel system includes a blanket boot, which keeps your baby’s legs warm in cold weather.

Price * : about $279.99 on Amazon.com

Pros: You’ll like the design without the expensive price tag. There’s the option of changing the direction of the seat.

Cons: It’s difficult to close the stroller with one hand. The front wheels tend to get stuck on certain surfaces.

10. Graco Trax Jogger Travel System

Why pick this one? This jogging stroller from Graco features air-filled rubber tires with suspension for a very smooth ride on a variety of terrains. The single front wheel can lock in place for running, and unlock so that it can swivel for daily strolling.

The one-handed folding feature includes an automatic lock so that the stroller will remain closed and standing when stored. Keep in mind that some Pampers Parents noted that when folded the stroller is awkward to transport.

The stroller also features a safety tether that attaches to your arm as an extra layer of security to ensure the stroller can’t roll away, even when you are running. The baby seat features deluxe padding and multiple positions for your baby’s comfort and safety.

The infant car seat comes with newborn head support. It also has its own expandable canopy. The seat cushion is machine washable.

Use the infant car seat until your baby reaches the maximum weight and height limit. After that, you’ll have to purchase a new car seat. But your baby can continue to use the stroller into her toddler years.

Highlights: The stroller’s expandable canopy not only features a peek-a-boo window but also provides UV 50 sun protection.

Price * : about $201.07 on Amazon.com

Pros: You’ll love the handle adjustability and the superior suspension for jogging.

Cons: The front wheel can be problematic when it comes to steering and maneuvering, and the stroller could be easier to clean.

11. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System

Why pick this one? The manufacturer of the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel System claims you can configure the stroller 22 different ways, including accommodating 2 riders at the same time. This means you can use this stroller with your infant and your toddler simultaneously, for example.

This is how it works: The stroller frame features a unique slide and lock system, which allows for expansion in order to accommodate both the toddler seat and the infant car seat. You can configure each seat to face different directions. The toddler seat can also be configured to be used in infant mode.

This travel system stroller can come in handy if you have a newborn and a toddler and don’t want to commit to buying a double stroller .

Be aware that the infant car seat has a maximum weight and height limit. So, at some point your baby will outgrow it and you’ll have to upgrade to a new car seat. But you’ll be able to use the stroller portion of the travel system into toddlerhood.

The storage basket underneath can expand to over two feet long and is accessible from the front and back.

Highlights: The seat pad can be machine-washed in cold water and placed in the dryer on low. When folded, the stroller can stand on its own even with the toddler seat attached.

Price*: about $322.22 on Amazon.com

Pros: The combination of features, the multiple configurations, and the design without the expense.

Cons: There is no infant tray or parent tray. The wheels tend to make steering tricky and can get stuck sometimes.

Features to Consider When Buying a Travel System Stroller

When it comes to choosing a travel system stroller, here are some important things to consider:

JPMA safety seal. Make sure your stroller and infant car seat combo meets strict U.S. safety standards. It’s worth checking to see if the product has been recalled . Look for a seal on the packaging that shows that the manufacturer participates in the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association’s (JPMA) certification program.

Secure harness. A five-point harness is standard for most strollers and infant car seats. Experts say it’s the safest option because it secures your baby over his shoulders, at the waist, and between the legs. Secured this way, he can’t slide out, fall out, or climb out. The straps should be easily adjustable and easy for you to use, but difficult (or even impossible) for your baby to unfasten himself.

Recline function. This will be important when you’re using the stroller or infant car seat with your newborn. Newborns don’t have the ability to sit up or hold their heads up, so you’ll want to make sure your newborn is in a comfortable reclined position to prevent his head from flopping forward.

Easy-to-open-and-close stroller. Opening or folding a stroller with one hand can be a blessing, especially when you’re holding your baby in your other arm. A stroller that remains upright when folded can also come in handy when storing.

Easy-to-install car seat. Some infant car seats may be easier to install than others. Most feature a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in the car seat base, which can make it a lot easier to install. The infant car seat clicks into the base, and it’s easy to remove and attach to the stroller base. If you plan to transfer the car seat from car to car, it can be beneficial to have one that has an easy-to-install car seat base, or you could consider buying an additional car seat base for the other car. To make sure that the car seat is correctly installed, you might consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician .

Protective canopy. Being able to keep your baby shaded from the sun and covered in case of bad weather will be important. Canopies come in a range of sizes and styles. Some provide nearly full coverage of the front of the stroller. If that’s the style that interests you, make sure it has mesh panels, which can help keep your baby at a comfortable temperature. You can also consider a model that has a plastic window so that your baby can see out and you can see in. If this feature is not included in the stroller you like, you can often purchase it separately. Most infant car seats will also have a canopy, but these often don’t have the peek-a-boo window features or mesh panels of a stroller’s canopy.

Suitable stroller wheels. Larger wheels make maneuvering the stroller much easier. You’ll want a stroller that has lockable front swiveling wheels, as this makes it easier to go over a variety of terrains. Air-filled tires provide a smooth ride, but need to be pumped up occasionally. Foam-filled tires provide the same smooth ride but don’t need refilling. Many strollers include a suspension system with shock absorbers to make the ride even smoother. It’s best to avoid strollers with tiny plastic wheels as these can make the stroller bounce around a bit.

Roomy storage. Having a large storage basket underneath the stroller can come in handy for stashing your handbag, diaper bag , and any other necessities. Some stroller models may feature dividers or zippered pockets for storing valuables. The basket should be accessible even when the infant car seat is in place or fully reclined. The storage basket should be strong enough so that it doesn’t drag on the ground once filled with your items.

Good brakes. Most strollers have foot-activated brakes that are controlled by either a single foot bar at the rear of the stroller, or a pedal above each of the rear wheels. Some models come with a hand-operated lever near the handlebar.

Comfortable and adjustable handlebars. You may want to look for a stroller with padded handles that can be adjusted to suit your height. Some strollers have two separate handles instead of a single handlebar.

Easy-to-clean fabric and upholstery. Some stroller and infant car seat manufacturers have layered seat fabrics that can be removed as needed. For example, a breathable mesh seat for summer can be layered with a cushioned one for winter. Choose a travel system that is easy to clean. Some include seat covers that are removable and machine washable; others offer stain-resistant fabrics that are easy to wipe down.

Size and fit. Before selecting an infant car seat, it’s a good idea to measure your car’s back seat to ensure the car seat will fit. It’s also smart to check the size of your trunk to ensure the stroller will fit once it’s folded.

Safety Considerations When Using Your Travel System Stroller

Once you’ve chosen the best travel system for you and your baby, here are some safety tips to keep in mind as you use both the car seat and stroller:

Don’t leave your baby alone or unattended in the stroller or in the infant car seat.

Be sure to use your stroller’s brakes to lock the wheels before placing your baby in the stroller, and whenever you have stopped with the stroller.

Always check your automobile’s instruction manual and the infant car seat’s guidelines for information on the safe installation of the infant car seat. Do not use any additional straps that aren’t part of the travel system to install the car seat.

Remember that the safest place for your baby to ride in a car is the back seat, with the infant car seat facing the rear until she’s at least 2 years old or exceeds the manufacturer's maximum weight and height limits. After that you can upgrade to a new front-facing car seat .

Don’t hang heavy items like hand bags, tote bags, or diaper bags from the stroller handles. The weight can cause the stroller to tip backward. Instead use the storage areas under the stroller.

Watch out for your baby’s fingers when using the stroller so she doesn’t get them caught in the wheels or the hinges of the stroller’s folding parts. Also, make sure that your baby can’t reach the brake lever.

After placing your little one in the stroller or the infant car seat, be sure to always use the five-point harness so that she is properly secured whenever she’s riding in the stroller or in the car. The harness straps should be at or under your baby’s shoulders and the chest clip should be at armpit level. You know the harness is tight enough when you can’t pinch any strap fabric at your baby’s shoulders.

Don’t use the car seat or stroller as a substitute for your baby's crib, which is the safest place for your little one to sleep. You might be tempted to allow your baby to finish a nap in the car seat, but doing so can lead to the development of a flat spot on the back of your baby’s head, cause acid reflux or GERD , and affect her breathing.

If you decide to attach toys to the stroller, make sure they’re securely fastened so they won’t fall on your baby. Remove these toys as soon as your baby can sit or reach them.

If your stroller has a cup holder, make sure never to use it for hot drinks, which could accidentally spill on your baby.

In hot weather, don’t leave the stroller in the sun as it can cause the plastic and metal parts to get hot. Check that the stroller isn’t hot before putting your baby inside. The same goes for the infant car seat. If you plan to leave your car in a parking lot for long hours during hot weather, consider covering the car seat with a towel to prevent it from getting too hot. Always check the car seat isn’t hot before placing your baby in it.

Be sure to mail back the warranty card to the travel system stroller’s manufacturer so that you’ll be notified in case there’s a recall.

A travel system can be a wonderful way to move your baby from the car to stroller and back again with ease. And it has the added benefit of being useful once your little one is into her toddler years. We hope that Pampers Parents’ insights have helped make your buying decision a little bit easier.

If you’re still in the process of compiling a baby shower registry , why not add the travel system of your choice to the list?

Recall Notice

Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

*Prices are correct at the time of writing.

How We Got These Results

We surveyed thousands of parents in the Pampers Community and asked them to choose the products they love the most, and to share their views on specific products and product categories. Based on the survey responses, we have taken the top product picks and added our own research to create this article. The aim is to help you choose the right product for you and your family. We might receive commissions on purchases made from the links in this article, but the products featured are the Pampers Community’s top choices.

• AAP p. 494,496-498,503-504
• Consumer Reports: Stroller Buying Guide
• Kids Health: Choosing Safe Baby Products: Strollers
• Mayo Clinic: Stroller Safety: Tips for parents

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Find An Authorized Nuna Dealer

trvl™ + pipa™ urbn travel system

A lightweight travel system where innovative safety and sleek luxury features combine into a compact package that moves you and baby seamlessly through the city. The Nuna PIPA urbn reimagines the future of travel with baby. This one-of-a-kind, ultra-lightweight infant car seat weighs only 7 pounds* and installs using the advanced pipaFIX™ rigid latch. This groundbreaking baseless installation feature is integrated into the car seat, allowing for super secure installs in seconds when moving from car to taxi, to rideshare and offering a new generation of journeys. It also features a one-handed, quick release from stroller and vehicle and Nuna’s iconic Sky drape™ for ultimate privacy - so you and baby can navigate life with modern-day ease. The super-compact Nuna TRVL stroller with one-handed self-fold is only 13.6 pounds, making it easy to carry with the armbar when folded or store away in the carry bag that’s included. Its progressive front and rear-wheel suspension technology provides smooth strolls for baby, while the one-handed steering makes it a cinch to maneuver through even the liveliest of city streets. It is designed to effortlessly connect with the PIPA urbn with just a click, making your day-to-day so much easier. *Without canopy and insert

• Luxury features for city and travel meet lightweight convenience
• Self-folding stroller opens and closes with one hand
• Free standing compact fold
• MagneTech Secure Snap™, a self-guiding magnetic buckle that automatically locks into place
• 2-second steel-reinforced pipaFIX™ rigid latch installation makes set up swift, simple and above all - safe
• Ultralight for on-the-go at just 7 lbs
• Travel with ease with pipaFIX™ or vehicle seat belt- no base needed
• One-handed vehicle and stroller release for quick and easy in-and-outs
• Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry with the arm bar when folded
• Go hands free with the carry bag that’s included
• One-hand, multi-position recline and adjustable calf support for added comfort
• Progressive front and rear-wheel suspension technology provides a smooth ride
• One-handed steering and exceptional maneuverability make it a dream to push and turn
• Water repellent, easy to clean, UPF 50+ canopy provides both coverage and multiple windows
• Quick-release, no-rethread five-point harness for easy adjustments
• Luxe leatherette accented pushbar and armbar lend style to your strolls
• Quick release wheels make for an even more compact fold
• Simple, one-touch, rear-wheel braking system
• The removable and rotating armbar fits kids of all sizes
• Front swivel wheels with swivel locks
• Easy access basket for storing on-the-go essentials
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Gold Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world's most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, and certified to not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure
• Auto-reclining foot that aids in proper installations in vehicles
• European belt path for vehicle belt installations
• Aeroflex™ foam that is cleverly lightweight, resilient, and minimizes force transferred to baby by absorbing and diffusing energy
• Side Impact Protection for ultimate baby safe keeping
• Five-point harness keeps travels secure
• Sky drape™ pulls down smoothly and attaches quietly with magnets
• Full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy is extendable and features a flip-out eyeshade and XL peek-a-boo window
• From fabric to foam and beyond, each element is smartly sourced to be both flame resistant and contain no added fire-retardant chemicals
• Integrated magnetic buckle holders help keep straps out of the way when buckling baby in
• Head support includes a 2-layer soft surround to accommodate smaller babies
• Infant head support and body inserts feature environmentally friendly Merino wool and TENCEL™ *** branded lyocell fiber blend that is soft, naturally controls moisture, and is environmentally friendly
• Machine washable seat fabrics and inserts
• Luxe leatherette carry handle for stylish journeys
• FAA certified for aircraft use
• All installation types are baseless- no base needed
• Not compatible with PIPA™ series base or RELX™ base
• Set of included anchor guides make it easy to locate and install on the lower anchor bars in vehicle
• *Refer to instructions for any final adjustments **Weight excludes canopy and infant insert ***TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG

Product specifications

TRVL Up to 50 lbs

Weight: 13.6 lbs without canopy and arm bar (canopy and armbar approx. 1 lb) Stroller dimensions: L 32.5 x W 20.25 x H 44 in Stroller dimensions (folded) L 24* x W 20.25 x H 11 in (*with arm bar removed) PIPA urbn 4 to 22 lbs, and up to 29 in Weight: 7 lbs without canopy and inserts (canopy and insert approx. 2 lb) Car seat dimensions: L 25 x W 17.5 x H 22 in

Q: Can the PIPA urbn be installed with a base?

Q: when will pipa urbn be available as a stand-alone, q: can you take the trvl on an airplane.

Modern rides, reimagined

Best Baby Travel Systems (Stroller Car Seat Combos) 2022

When it comes to buying baby equipment, you would benefit from investing in multi-functional products. This way, you are not left with a million products your child has outgrown and have no use for. Versatile long lasting products, especially ones that go together, are extremely useful. The best baby travel systems combine a stroller and car seat so that you can move between places like your cars, or playgrounds with ease.

A travel system or a travel system stroller and car seat combo can help you kill two birds with one stone. You'll be getting both an infant car seat and a stroller with one buy.  Not to mention it's also more cost-effective. Which brings us to the next question- "What is the best travel system to buy?" This comprehensive review of the top baby travel systems will give you some great ideas.

What Is A Baby Travel System?

A travel system is a 2-in-1 combination of an infant car seat and stroller. How? By using a stroller frame that can accommodate both a car seat, toddler seat, and even a bassinet. The highlight of this unit is that allows you to transport your child using the same unit.

Why Buy A Baby Travel System?

Here are some reasons why you should consider investing in a  travel system stroller:

Undisturbed sleep:

Babies tend to wake up when they are being transferred from their car seat to stroller or vice versa. With a travel system, you can attach and detach the carrier with your baby still sleeping in it. 

Car seats can be heavy to lug around, and if you have a sleeping baby, you'll want a travel system to keep that baby sleeping!

Economical and saves time and energy:

Think of all the time, energy, and money you save on research and purchase with this 2-in-1 model. A travel system consists of a stroller that grows with your child, giving you value for your money.

Strollers can be quite expensive, though sometimes you might need an ultralight stroller as well as a sturdy stroller for day-to-day use. Many parents end up owning 3 or 4 different strollers!

In short, a travel system is all you need from birth through toddlerhood to transport your little one. 

This versatile stroller car seat combo can keep your child safe at all times.  Some models have reclinable seats. This is more suited for newborns as they have poor head and postural control.

Types of Stroller Travel Systems:

Common types of travel systems include:

Lightweight Travel System:

As the name suggests these travel systems weigh light, around 25-30 pounds . Ideally, your stroller must weigh around 15 pounds or less, and the car seat 5 pounds for easy handling. The lightweight factor is what makes these systems appealing for use on public transit and for those with poor arm strength.

Rugged Travel System:

These are ideal for nature lovers who want to take their kids along with them on their hikes.  It has larger wheels that can handle different types of terrain like tracks and gravel,

Jogging Travel Systems:

Runners invest in the jogging travel system. These are light and easy to maneuver. With its easy push feature, you can get back to jogging, with your little one for the company. 

But it should be noted that a jogging travel system is different from a jogging stroller . The latter has extra features to keep children safe such as safety tethers, locking front wheels, and brakes. Even so,  some jogging strollers are compatible with car seats and can double up as a travel system.

Deluxe Travel System:

These are high-quality models with features that enhance their durability, versatility, and reliability.

Buying A Travel System:

You can buy a travel system in two ways :

• As part of a package deal. This is more economical. It also guarantees the compatibility of the car seat and stroller as they belong to the same brand.
• Create your system. Using adaptors, we can combine individual strollers and car seats from different brands. While this method allows you to mix and match brands, you should know that some brands may not be compatible. Also, it's costlier than getting the 2-in-1 model.

Creating Your Travel System:

When creating a travel system, keep in mind the following factors :

If you are using your car seat, check for its compatibility with your travel system chassis. You might also need to figure out how to fit it onto the chassis. Check to see if you need adaptors to secure the car seat onto the frame. Additionally, consider the:

• The type of car seat to get. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you use a rear-facing car seat up to 1 year of age.
• Seat weight and dimensions and maximum weight recommendations for the child.
• Compatibility with your car.

Stroller Frame: 

Check the stroller dimensions and make sure the car seat fits within the frame. Check to see how many adaptors you will need to install the car seat onto the frame.

Selecting A Travel System:

If you're purchasing a regular travel system, here's what you need to look out for :

Comfort and Safety: Look for models with:

• A bassinet or carrycot that can serve as an alternate sleeping area for your child outside.
• Canopies for protection from sun and other weather. You can choose from a wide range of canopies for sun protection. It ranges from full coverage to partial range coverage. Canopies also have a mesh window to increase air circulation and visibility.
• JPMA safety seal, which indicates that the model adheres to the safety standards. The model must not have received a r ecall notice from either the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
• A five-point harness system. The harness helps to secure your baby at all the key points. This includes the shoulders, waist, and between legs, preventing the baby from sliding, or falling out.

Dimensions: The car seat must fit the baby until they are 32 inches tall or weigh 35 pounds. Strollers must accommodate children until they are around 50 pounds. Checking the height and weight limit of the unit can help you determine its period of usefulness.

Frame : Choose a model with a small lightweight foldable frame for easy storage and transport.

Ease of use: The model must be easy to install, and use. You're less likely to use a model that is difficult to open or fold, or takes up time when you reattach the seat to the base. Choose units with a LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). This enables easy attachment and detachment of the car seat from the base and stroller frame.

Purpose: This can influence your choice of a system. For use on uneven terrain, you will need a model that has large, lockable, swiveling front wheels. For a smooth ride, you must choose between an air-filled, foam-filled tire, or models with a suspension system. Unlike foam-filled tires, air-filled tires require refilling.

Customer reviews: Choose a model with high customer ratings and safety ratings. It can give you a better idea of the pros, cons, and worth of the model in question.

Customer Support : Buying a product from a reputable company and with good customer service is invaluable when it comes to returning damaged or incorrect products. Also, ensure that the product has a warranty or return policy in place. This will protect you in case of receiving a damaged product.

The Best Travel Systems Of 2022

Bearing in mind these factors, we have reviewed and compiled a list of some of the best travel systems available to you:

The Best Travel Systems Of 2021:

Chicco bravo trio travel system, uppababy vista v2 & mesa infant car seat travel system.

• Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System
• Britax B-Lively & B-Safe 35 Travel System

Maxi-Cosi Zelia Max 5-in-1 Modular Travel System

• Multi-functional 
• Easy to use
• Less space-consuming
• Brakes may not lock in place.
• Plastic wheels more suited to even terrain

Check Pricing

The Chicco Bravo Trio travel system is the most sought-after model at present. Why? Because it ticks all the boxes on our list. It is versatile and doubles as either a car seat or stroller. You can use it right until your child's toddler years, as it can accommodate a weight of 4-50 pounds.

Made out of aluminum the model is both sturdy and lightweight. It has an innovative one-hand fold to help you single-handedly fold the unit. Once folded, self-prop the model or store it away in your trunk.

With reclinable seats (into three positions), adjustable canopy, and large storage space, the Bravo Trio is designed for comfort. Not only for kids, but it also caters to parents' comfort with a parent tray and an easy-to-grip handle adjustable in three positions.

About safety, the Chicco system comes with excellent safety features. It has a 5-point harness system for securing the child and a LATCH system for secure attachment of infant seats onto the base. Energy-absorbing foam and side-impact protection reduce the impact of a collision. Its front swivel wheels (with suspension) and a one-touch brake system make it easy to maneuver the unit.

If you own the Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat, you can easily install it onto the stroller frame and create your DIY travel system.

Our Verdict:

Loaded with features for convenience,  the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel system is the best overall travel system currently available.

• Ideal for growing families
• Durable and easy to use
• Efficient safety features
• Heavier model

Price $$​$$​

If you’re into sleek and elegant designs, the UPPAbaby Mesa may interest you. Although pricey, bear in mind that the cost is inclusive of the VISTA V2 stroller and Mesa infant car seat. And both these products are high-quality products on their own.

The VISTA V2 is easy to install as it has a LATCH system, with an auto-tightening feature. The adjustable reclining base comes with level indicators to help you position the baby at the right height. It has a sliding shoulder harness for smooth, and quick positioning of the harness on the child.

Not to mention the other design features that add to its appeal. These include the breathable merino wool covering on the seat, high back, and deep footrest,  large adjustable canopy for adequate sun protection, and mesh windows for air circulation.

As for safety, the UPPAbaby VISTA is equipped with energy-absorbing foam for side-impact protection; shock-absorbing front and rear suspension wheels to handle rough terrain, and soft tires for a  comfortable ride.

The best part, this model is designed with multiple configuration options especially for growing families. The seat systems allow for two selections, forward or parent facing, and can recline into a flat position. You can use the reversible seating system with a carriage, toddler seat, or car seat and it can be doubled to include two children. That’s right, with the VISTA V2, you can double the car seats, toddler seats, and many more.

Our Verdict: The UPPAbaby VISTA V2 is definitely an expensive buy, but if you are particular about aesthetics along with functionality, then this is the best aesthetically designed model.

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System :

• Safety features that reduce the risk of injury.
• Convertible model, into a double stroller
• No need for adaptors
• Heavy and bulky.
• Thin tires.
• Shoulder harness adjustment is difficult.
• Fails to accommodate for child height.

The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel system is ideal for those looking for a double stroller at affordable pricing. Although the UPPAbaby is equally useful, it is way more expensive. That doesn’t mean the Evenflo Xpand is sub-par.

No indeed. In fact, this system combines the unique Evenflo SafeMax infant car seat with the Pivot Xpand stroller system. Add in super-rich features like adjustable handlebars (3 positions), self-standing fold, front swivel wheels, rear-wheel suspension, and 22 different modes and functions,  you have an efficient, effective travel system in hand.

The multiple configuration options enable this model to double up as a stroller using both the infant car seat and toddler seat, ergo its name ‘the Xpand system.’ That’s not all, it has a reversible (forward and parent facing), adjustable seat, with multiple recline positions making this unit ideal for newborns. Secondly, this is one model that allows for car seat attachment without any adaptor. How? The adaptors are inbuilt into the system, therefore eliminating the extra cost of purchasing additional ones. Let’s not forget the ample storage space (2 feet) under the seat, cup holders, large canopies for sun protection, peek-a-boo windows for increased visibility, and the thick padding and soft fabric that add to the convenience factor of the unit.

As for safety features, the Evenflo Pivot is one of the few travel systems that has been roll-over tested. Besides side-impact protection features, it has an anti-bound bar to reduce the impact of rotational forces preventing injuries in a frontal collision, and a flip-flop-friendly rear brake to safely lock the model in place.

Our Verdict: With its integrated belt lock system, multiple base positions and recline indicator, the Evenflo Pivot system is the best affordable double travel system stroller. With this model, you can be assured that your child is safe and secure in their transportations.

Britax B-Lively & B-Safe 35 Travel System:

• Prioritizes safety of the child
• Easily adjustable harness
• Easy maintenance
• Basic without accessories
• Shoulder space is less.
• Lacks an anti-rebound bar

The Britax B-Lively is a simple model designed specifically for its function, to transport children safely. And that it does well! The system is inclusive of the Britax B-Safe 35 infant car seat, a B-Lively stroller, and adaptors. It provides maximum child protection, especially their head, neck, and torso, using a layer of side impact protection, crash energy-absorbing base, and a v-shaped tether that minimizes seat rotation.

It utilizes the LATCH system to secure and tighten the car seat to the base and has a harness release button to loosen harness straps easily. While the car seat is steel reinforced to keep it more stabilized, the stroller frame is made with aluminum and is lightweight and sturdy. 

The Britax B-Lively offers comfort to the child through its all-wheel suspension system and 3-wheel design for smooth journeys, UV50 canopy for weather protection, ventilation window pockets for increased air circulation, peek-a-boo window for checking on the child, a near-flat infinite recline seat. For parents, the benefits include the one-handed quick fold, lightweight frame for easy maneuvering, large storage basket with front access for conveniently storing the baby’s essentials. 

The covers are removable and washable and you can attach the car seating using the car seat adaptors one for each side. 

Our Verdict: Sometimes safety 1st is our motto and in such cases, the Britax B-Lively with B-Safe car seat is the best safe high-quality system we need for our kids.

• Removable and cleanable fabrics
• Easy maneuvering as lightweight
• Safety features
• Difficult to install the car seat onto the base. 

This 5-in-1 Modular Travel system includes the Mico Max infant car seat, Zelia Max stroller, and the car seat base. Designed for both safety and comfort the Maxi-Cosi is equipped with a big inflated side impact protection, an anti-rebound bar, EPP energy-absorbing foam. Being made with soft-textured fabrics, the model is quite comforting for the kids.

With reversible (forward and parent facing) reclinable seat, removable bumper bar, extendable canopy which has an additional flip-out visor for added protection from the weather, mesh peek-a-boo windows to foster connection and increase ventilation.

Lockable swivel all-terrain wheel and all-wheel suspension help to keep the ride smooth. 

Our Verdict: Although it lacks too many bells and whistles, the Maxi-Cosi is enterprising enough to make its presence felt. The fact that it has washable fabric along with safety and convenient features, makes a huge case for this model, especially since we know how messy and dirty things can get with kids. 

Disadvantages Of The Travel System:

While there are many benefits to using the travel system, there are some cons too, such as:

• These systems are heavier and bulkier and are more difficult to transfer from in and out of the car, and maneuver on uneven roads, and narrow tight spaces like grocery aisles.
• You need to buy a front-facing infant car seat, once your baby outgrows the rear-facing one.
• You will need to buy multiple units (car seat and seat base), if you have different cars, to cut down on time and energy required to unhook and set up the unit each time you use a different car.

Tips For Safe Use:

While it is completely safe to use travel systems for your child, here are some additional safety tips to be aware of:

• Try and ascertain that the model is compatible with your car before purchasing it.
• When assembling the unit, make sure that you use all parts. It is there in the package for a reason.
• Make sure that the car seat is correctly aligned on the seat base or stroller frame before moving, to avoid accidents.
• Check for its expiration date. Some models have an expiration date set after 6 years from the time they are launched. It's good to check this so that you know your product won't expire before your child outgrows its use. Additionally, older models may not adhere to the latest safety standards and may lack the necessary safety features.
• Do not use a travel system as the main sleeping area for your child.

Second Hand Travel Systems:

While it's alright to accept or purchase certain second-hand products, when it comes to travel systems, this is not advised! Only because it might not be safe for your child, especially if it was

• Involved in an accident.
• Misused by the previous owners.
• Has faulty parts or that which do not align properly due to wear and tear.
• Expired warranty, which makes the cost of replacing parts high.

If we’ve been successful in convincing you of the advantages of having a travel system over a standard stroller car seat combo, the next step would be to find your unit. For this, you can use our comprehensive travel system guide to compare different models and find your fit. Or go through our list of travel systems, already reviewed to save you time, and find the one which suits your needs the best. 

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Rookie Moms

Pregnancy > Parenthood

The 9 Best Travel Stroller Systems in 2023

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What is a travel stroller system? Well basically, it is just a stroller and car seat duo. Rather than purchasing each piece separately, you will get the stroller, infant car seat, and car seat base in a bundle.

We used a travel system stroller for each of our kids when they were infants. I have to say, it is totally worth it. It is so nice when you have a sleeping baby to easily transfer them to the stroller. All you have to do is get the car seat out of the car and pop it into the stroller where it will securely click in. We want to make finding the right fit for you as easy as possible, so we’ve broken down all the details. Let’s take a look at the best travel stroller systems!

The Best Travel Stroller Systems

Breaking Down What You Need to Know About Travel System Stroller and Car Seat Duos

Travel system strollers have multiple components:

• Bassinet (*only some travel systems will include this piece)

The best travel system strollers have two main components, the car seat, and the stroller. Most systems discuss the stroller specifics as that’s the piece you will use longest, but you should also look into the car seat specifications before deciding on a system.

The Car Seat

When looking to purchase a travel system stroller there are a few things to think about when it comes to the car seat. Most importantly, you should know that the car seat will likely be for rear-facing infants only. If you would prefer a convertible car seat , then a travel system may not be the best fit for you.

As a new parent, you will inevitably be lugging around a baby car seat because babies sleep all the time. Being able to place the car seat into a stroller is the perfect solution. With a travel stroller system, you can rest easy that your car seat will pop right into your stroller safely and easily since they are made for each other.

 If you need further guidance on choosing the right car seat, we can help you out with that here!

The Stroller

While the car seat is very age specific, the stroller typically can be used beyond the car seat age. This is something to consider because you may want to use the stroller after your baby has grown beyond the infant car seat. If you’re looking to buy just one stroller but don’t mind upgrading your car seat as needed a travel system stroller may be a good option.

The components or specifics of the stroller should also be considered before finalizing your purchase.

Other stroller components to consider are:

• Storage : Most have a basket for bottom storage but may also include an option to hang the diaper bag. For days when you will be out for a while, this storage becomes very important.
• Cupholders : Most come with cupholders, either in the handle or attached. You will want these for bottles, sippy cups, and the occasional coffee of yours that makes it out the door before cold.
• Flexibility or adjustable seating : Some seats can fold down, or carry two children at once. If you have other children or plan to, it is smart to look into attachment options for the system you choose, like standing boards.
• Ease of travel:  Consider how the stroller breaks down to travel with, the overall weight, and how easy it is to use. No matter how cool it is or what unique features are included, if you can’t easily use it there’s no reason to have it. Parenthood is hard enough!

9 Best Travel Stroller Systems

UPPAbaby Vista V2 + Mesa Infant Car Seat Travel System – Our Top Overall Pick

If you are looking to splurge on the very best travel stroller system, you have to check out the UPPAbaby Vista V2 and Mesa Infant Car Seat travel system.  The Vista V2 stroller, bassinet, and Mesa Infant Car Seat make up this gorgeous and high-end set. You will be getting a great stroller that is built for the long run + an easy to clip in & highly rated car seat.

The stroller can recline completely flat, which comes in handy with a small baby if you are going for a walk and don’t feel that the car seat is necessary. Not to mention the bassinet attachment that is perfect for newborns and the toddler seat which can face forward or towards you! The stroller also folds up with one easy step.

As for longevity, the Vista V2 stroller can be converted to grow alongside your family by adding on accessories like the Piggyback Ride Along Board and additional seat attachments.

Make sure to check out all the beautiful colors this stroller comes in to find one that is uniquely you!

Weight & Age Restrictions:

• Car Seat Age Range: 4-35 lbs
• Stroller Age Range: Newborn up to 50 lbs per seat

Nuna Tavo & Pipa RX – Best Lightweight Travel Stroller System

This luxury set comes with the multimode TAVO stroller, a PIPA RX infant car seat, and a base. Nuna is all about clean lines and the ingenuity of Dutch design, which clearly carries over into this timeless stroller set. This set is very lightweight and folds up nearly flat for storage. This is a durable stroller that you will get use out of for many years!

Getting the car seat in and out of the stroller is a breeze, so you won’t risk waking up your sweet babe. The canopy provides 50+ UPF sun protection, the seat is very easy to recline for those toddler years, and there is a good amount of storage underneath.

• Car Seat Age Range: 4-32 lbs
• Stroller Age Range: Up to 50 lbs

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System – Best Bang for Your Buck

The Chicco Bravo Trio includes the Key Fit 30 infant car seat, the base, and the Bravo stroller. This car seat is extremely popular and definitely a Rookie Mom Favorite! The stroller features a completely removable seat, making it very easy to pop the car seat right into the frame. Then, when you put the seat back in, it is converted to a traditional stroller.

As for ease, you can fold the stroller with one hand, there are auto-positioning wheels, and it self-stands when in its compact position. From mom to mom, this self-standing thing is a pretty big deal. It means you can get your little one out, put them safely in the car, and then come back to put your stroller away at the very end without worrying about it sitting on the dirty ground.

There’s also a parent tray on top with cupholders and storage space perfect for your phone. This travel stroller system really has it all at a great price tag! 

Weight & Age Restrictions: 50 lb rider weight limit

• Car Seat Age Range: 4-35 lbs and Up to 32″ tall

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System – Best Grow with Me Option

The Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System includes the Safemax infant car seat, the SafeMax base, and the Sibby stroller. First off, the car seat fits right in the stroller seat making it very easy to convert back and forth. The stroller is also very easy to fold and store. It has an oversized bottom basket for storage that is accessible from both the front and the rear.

All around, this stroller is sleek and built for convenience. And I forgot to mention, every component is super lightweight! At this low price point, this is one of the best budget buys you can make as a parent.

• Stroller Age Range: Newborn to 5 years

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System – Best for Moms of 2 or More

Don’t worry, the best travel system strollers are not just for moms of one! The Evenflo Pivot has a unique system that allows you to transport two children at once. The SafeMax car seat, base, toddler seat, and stroller frame are all included in the system. This stroller has a whopping 22 different configurations. This gives you the freedom to customize the stroller to your needs, with parent-facing options and a deep recline. It can be used as a single or double stroller and everything in between.

The extra large storage basket expands to give you two feet of storage. This is incredibly nice when you’ve got 2+ kids tagging along and need to bring all their gear. Amazingly, the stroller still folds into a compact size and the lightweight frame makes it easy to maneuver and travel with.

• Stroller Age Range: Up to 55 lbs

Britax B-Free Sport & B-Safe Gen2 Flexfit+ – Best Travel System Jogger

This system comes with the B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit Plus infant car seat and base, B-Free Sport Stroller,  and adapters. The car seat has a steel frame and a shock absorbing base to provide your baby with maximum safety. The stroller has a three-wheel jogger design, which can be hard to find as a travel system. The handlebar is super easy to adjust along with the ability to fold the stroller with just one hand.

Another big bonus is the amount of storage with the huge basket and great storage pockets! You will definitely be able to bring everything you need along with you. 

• Car Seat Age Range: Up to 35 lbs
• Stroller Age Range: Up to 65 lbs

Graco FastAction Fold Travel System – Easy to Use Design

The Graco FastAction Fold system comes with a SnugRide Click Connect 30 car seat and a lightweight stroller. This is another extremely popular and highly rated car seat. As for the stroller, it stands out among competitors with its FastAction fold system that collapses the unit in a few seconds. Talk about taking ease to a new level! The stroller is light, collapses with one hand and stands on its own for storage.

This stroller was designed with older children in mind as well. The seat is adjustable and reclines for a comfortable ride. The extra large storage basket and parent tray with cup holders make this a great all-around travel stroller system.

Weight & Age Restrictions: 

Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System – Great for Travel

The Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel Stroller System includes the onBoard 35 LT infant car seat with the base and compatible stroller. The QuickClick LATCH system secures the car seat to the stroller quickly and securely. You will find that the visor on the car seat along with the visor on the stroller provides great sun protection. Some other features I love are the super agile wheels, the 5-point harness on the stroller component, and the perfectly sized storage basket.

The entire system was designed with the priority of having lightweight components easy to travel with. This being said they made sure to create a stroller that is also easy to collapse with one hand. This is a great simple & complete travel system.

Graco Modes Nest Travel System

I have been thoroughly impressed by this stroller! The Graco Modes Nest Travel System offers numerous high-end features while still remaining affordable. It comes with the Graco Modes Nest stroller base, toddler seat, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite Elite Infant Car Seat, and car seat base.

The standout feature of the Graco Modes Nest Travel System is its versatile configurations, allowing it to function as an infant car seat, Pramette (bassinet), or regular toddler stroller. It effortlessly adapts as your baby grows, with seamless transitions between modes. Switching the toddler seat from forward-facing to rear-facing was surprisingly effortless, and attaching the car seat to the base was also a breeze. All of these modes remind me a lot of the Uppababy Vista! You can find my full review of this travel system here.

Weight & Age Restrictions: 

• Infant Car Seat Age Range: 4-35 lbs
• Stroller Age Range: Up to 50 Lbs

Here’s Why We Think New Parents Need a Travel Stroller System

Travel system strollers are ideal because they give you easy mobility with a small infant. Your baby cannot sit in a regular stroller until they can sit up on their own. For most babies, this is around 5-7 months old. Until then they either need to be laid back completely flat, placed in a bassinet, or be in a car seat that is part of a travel stroller system. Of course, there is always the option to carry them or wear them but this ties up your hands and becomes super difficult as they put on those baby rolls.

The travel stroller system is one of the best options out there because you get everything you need for your newborn all in one. Then, as a bonus, you get to continue using the stroller even after they have long outgrown their rear-facing car seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the top rated stroller travel system?

Best Overall- UPPAbaby Vista V2 + Mesa Infant Car Seat Travel System Best Bang for Your Buck- Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System Best Lightweight Travel System- Nuna Tavo & Pipa RX

What is the lightest stroller travel system?

Our favorite light weight stroller travel system is the Nuna Tavo & Pipa RX. This set is very lightweight and folds up nearly flat for storage.

Why is UPPAbaby so popular?

UPPAbaby makes great strollers that are built for the long run, easy to use, and are made of high-end materials.

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The 4 best travel cribs for babies and toddlers in 2024.

Finalize your decision with one of these four travel cribs.

The Best Travel Cribs

Courtesy of Guava Family

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is so compact, you can wear it like a backpack.

There are an increasing number of travel cribs on the market these days, and nearly all of them are touted to have a lightweight design and an easy setup, which makes it overwhelming to choose the right one for your pint-sized travel partner.

Taking into consideration key factors like safety, comfort and convenience for travel – as well as recent consumer reviews, expert recommendations and our own experiences – we've chosen the best travel cribs for babies and toddlers.

Best Overall: Guava Lotus Travel Crib

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Lightweight: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

• Best Budget: Graco Pack 'n Play On the Go Playard

Best for Toddlers: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

Note: All travel crib dimensions are listed in order of length by width by height.

Highlights:

• Especially convenient for air travel, the Guava Lotus Travel Crib can be worn like a backpack in an included carrying case with padded straps, then checked as a bag.
• The Guava Lotus is GreenGuard Gold Certified , which means its emission levels are even lower (and better) than industry standards.
• It doubles as a bassinet and playard featuring a zippered door for easy access to your baby.

Setup: The Guava Lotus is easy to set up. The sturdy aluminum frame's hinges swiftly snap in place with the touch of a button. Once the frame is assembled, a fabric cover with mesh sides can be zipped on before you place the included waterproof mattress with a sheet (which is not included) inside. Then the mattress is secured to the frame via a buckle on each corner. When it's time to take the crib down, you don't have to disassemble the entire thing – another reason to love this option.

YouTube tutorial: Guava Lotus Setup | Guava Lotus Teardown

Maintenance: The mattress is easy to wipe down, and the crib's fabric portion is machine-washable.

"I've taken this crib all across the world over the past three years, and it still looks as good as new. We initially bought this crib because we were wary of using hotel cribs during COVID. We quickly fell in love with it and still bring it on every trip we take. Additionally, we purchased the optional sun shade, which came in handy on beach trips in our daughter's infant days." – Tamiz Ahmed , co-founder of Poppylist

Courtesy of BabyBjörn

• If you're specifically looking for something lightweight, meet your match: The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is one of the lightest travel cribs on the market.
• The crib comes with a mattress and carrying bag.
• All materials meet OEKO TEX Standard 100, Class 1 standards for baby products – meaning the crib permeates low levels of chemicals and is also free from as many as 350 harmful chemicals, making it safe for a baby's skin and curious mouth.

Setup: The frame of the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is assembled in one swift motion. Next, the mattress is placed inside and secured to the crib's legs. When it's time to put the crib away, the mattress and crib frame easily fold down.

YouTube tutorial: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Setup | BabyBjörn Travel Crib Teardown – Option 1 | BabyBjörn Travel Crib Teardown – Option 2

Maintenance: The mattress can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and both the mattress cover (which can be zipped off) and the other fabric on the crib are machine-washable.

Best Budget: Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go Playard with Bassinet

Courtesy of Graco

• This crib comes with a full-size bassinet insert that folds with the playard when it's time to transport or put away the crib.
• The crib also has a toy bar with soft toys to amuse your curious baby.
• A carry case is included with this crib.

Setup: First, hit the crib's push buttons to assemble the frame. Once the four rails are locked, you can push the crib floor down before placing the mattress inside. Finally, secure the mattress straps (on the bottom) to the playard. To disassemble, you'll reverse the process almost exactly: Unfasten the mattress straps, remove the mattress, pull the tab at the bottom of the crib and – using the push buttons – fold the crib down.

YouTube tutorial: Graco On the Go Playard Setup and Teardown

Maintenance: The crib can be wiped down with mild soap and water, while the carry bag is machine-washable.

" The Graco Pack n Play On the Go Playard offers all the bells and whistles of other travel cribs, but at a far more affordable price ($80 vs. $150-$300). In particular, the removable bassinet is a game-changer during those early weeks of parenthood. My family used it during our first two weeks home with our daughter, and I appreciated that it provided a safe sleep space but didn't require me to bend over and stress my sore body. After that, we moved it to my mom's house and, even though it's super easy to fold and store, she keeps it out because it doesn't take up a lot of space." – Leah Rocketto , Associate Commerce Director at What to Expect

Courtesy of hiccapop

• Long and tall bumpers ensure your little one won't roll off the bed.
• It inflates with an included electric pump and rolls up into an included carry bag.
• The bed comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee and top-notch customer service.

Setup: The setup for this toddler travel bed is similar to that of a traditional air mattress – simply use the included electric pump to inflate the bed frame with rails and a mattress pad.

YouTube tutorial: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed Setup and Teardown

Maintenance: The hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel bed can be wiped down with soap and water.

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Guava Lotus vs. Baby Björn

When choosing the best travel crib to purchase, the final decision for many buyers often comes down to the Guava Lotus Travel Crib and BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light since they're so similar.

If you're undecided between the two, see which crib wins in the following categories:

Your decision may ultimately come down to the type of traveler you are. If you frequently travel (especially by plane), the Guava Lotus is the best choice.

Guava Lotus vs. Newton Travel Crib

Many people also compare the Guava Lotus with the Newton Travel Crib, a newcomer to the travel crib market. The Newton Travel Crib mimics the Guava Lotus almost exactly, but here are some key differentiators (and the reasons we ultimately recommend the Guava Lotus instead):

• Price: At $299, the Newton Travel Crib is about $50 more than the Guava Lotus.
• Weight: The Newton Travel Crib is also 2 pounds heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 17 pounds.
• Setup: While the Newton Travel Crib is easy to set up, many buyers say that disassembly is difficult.

Travel Crib Accessories

When purchasing a travel crib, think about the other essentials your baby will need for restful naps and nights in your destination – especially since they'll be in an unfamiliar environment. These might include:

Room-darkening curtains: If your little one is accustomed to sleeping in a pitch-black room at home, you'll want to ensure your hotel room or vacation rental bedroom is as dark as possible. There are a few ways to do this:

• Use foil and duct tape:  It won't look pretty, but covering the windows with foil and duct tape is a cost-effective option.
• Invest in a Slumberpod:  The highly rated  SlumberPod  ($180) is essentially a tent that goes over the travel crib, ensuring total darkness for a peaceful night's rest. For a cheaper alternative, check out the  Dofilachy Blackout Cover  on Amazon.
• Buy portable blackout curtains:  Purchase a set of curtains that won't take up too much space in your luggage. These  portable blackout curtains from Amazon Basics  are highly rated and come with a storage bag.

White noise machine: Even if you already have a white noise machine you plan to pack, you might consider buying an additional, more portable option to use in tandem with it – especially if you'll be in a small space with older siblings who stay up later. U.S. News editors say they've had good experience with both the Yogasleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine (also useful for stroller rides) and this option by Magicteam .

Portable fan:  A small battery- or USB-powered fan is a useful accessory when traveling with little ones – you can attach it to the travel stroller and car seat on hot days and secure it to the travel crib on warm nights. There are a variety of affordable, well-rated stroller fans on Amazon, including this adjustable option by AMACOOL .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross is a family travel expert who regularly travels with her toddler. Shortly after she found out she was pregnant, she excitedly bought the Guava Lotus Bassinet Kit & Travel Crib and – despite its hefty price tag – never regretted it once.

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The Best Lightweight Strollers for Travel in 2024

These strollers are perfect for traveling with toddlers and newborns.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

In order to find the best lightweight strollers, we reviewed over 30 strollers over the course of the past two years. For this update, we also got hands-on with newer variants of previously tested models as well as newer-to-market options.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Lightweight Stroller

Uppababy minu v2 stroller.

Best Value Lightweight Stroller

Summer infant 3dlite convenience stroller.

Best Lightweight Stroller for Travel

Bugaboo butterfly.

Best Luxe Lightweight Stroller

Joolz aer stroller.

Best Full-Featured Lightweight Stroller

Colugo the compact stroller.

Best Lightweight Double Stroller

Delta children jeep turboglyde side by side double.

Best Lightweight Stroller For Infants Through Preschool

Baby jogger city tour 2 ultra-compact travel stroller.

Lightest of the Lightweight Strollers

Gb pockit air lightweight stroller.

Best Lightweight Stroller Wagon

Evenflo pivot xplore stroller wagon.

Best Ultra-Compact Lightweight Stroller

Cybex libelle.

Our Lab experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test every type of baby product you can think of from baby toys to top-performing nursery gliders and high chairs . For most, we rated them for key factors including ease of fold, maneuverability (We run them around a track!), stability (We hang weights from the handles) and storage space (We place the same fully packed diaper bag in each basket to see how it fits.)

Why don't parents start with lightweight strollers? Some do. But consider: A lightweight stroller does not roll as smoothly as something with large wheels and a serious suspension system. If your baby is tiny, they will be less jostled and more cushioned when riding in one of the many great full-size strollers or car seat and stroller combos . As your baby gets bigger, they will be just fine in a smaller, lighter-weight stroller. And when you have a preschooler who wants to hop in and out of their stroller, you'll be grateful to have a lightweight one.

After our picks, stick around to learn more about how we test lightweight strollers in and out of the Lab and what to look for when shopping for one. If you are looking for even more options, check out our roundups of the best strollers for travel and the best portable car seats to improve short and long trips with the little ones.

If you're looking for a lightweight stroller you can use every day for several years, consider this top-of-the-line pick, a recent GH Parenting Awards winner. Despite having small wheels, the MINU V2 is great at handling rougher terrain. That's because it has the shock absorption and all-wheel suspension usually found in full-size strollers. This makes it a little over 15 pounds, but our testers still found it lightweight and easy to carry.

Other features we love for your child's comfort: The canopy zips out to provide lots of shade. The seat does not recline fully but it does lean far enough back for comfortable relaxation. Buy the adaptor and you can even snap the MESA car seat onto this. The footrest is adjustable, which is a nice touch.

Parents will appreciate that the storage basket can hold up to 20 pounds of whatever you need to put in there, though the basket is not particularly large. We found that we could fold the whole stroller with one hand and in one quick motion, so you should be able to do it while holding your baby in your other arm. Plus we're suckers for the real-leather trim at the handle and on the bumper bar, the bar that crosses your baby's lap and lets you hang toys to keep them occupied. While there is no cupholder included, there is a parent pocket you can use to hold your cell phone or your reusable shopping bags.

Some assembly is required, and we particularly got caught up trying to attach the canopy correctly, but we found the manufacturer's videos helpful. The good news is that once it's set up, you're good to go, and the no-rethread harness means this is simple to modify as your kid grows. If you want to check this at the airport, consider the travel bag accessory .

This $100 lightweight pick is also one of our best stroller picks. A carry strap on the back makes it easy to sling this over your shoulder if you have to carry it around , for instance, if your toddler insists on walking. If, on the other hand, your self-proclaimed "big kid" really needs a rest, the seat reclines for them.

The basket is fairly wide and open, but note that it can only hold 10 pounds. Likewise, the canopy has a pop-out sun visor but it is not as generous as many others. Those eight tiny wheels are great for maneuvering this through the supermarket — It did great on our obstacle course! — but they would not do well on a rocky trail. We see this as an excellent choice mainly for daily errands, runs to the playground and trips to preschool.

This does include a very small parent pocket (you could fit some dollar bills for the ice cream truck in there, but not much else) and a single cupholder. It's got more than 11,100 five-star reviews on Amazon, with most parents saying it's an easy, affordable choice.

With silky fabric and a fold that literally takes a second, there's a lot to appreciate about this new compact stroller, a winner of one of our GH Family Travel Awards. Kids can take comfort from the tall seat that reclines, the extendable footrest and the giant canopy that blocks the sun.

Both our GH Lab experts and our home testers liked how well this handles. This is another lightweight stroller that has suspension wheels similar to a more deluxe model. We noticed it could fly over New York City sidewalks smoothly. A big selling point is that it folds down quickly into a little rectangle to fit in the overhead compartment of a big airplane. (It might not fit in a small plane, but could be gate-checked.) One note: Buckling a child in requires connecting four pieces, and each makes an audible click — helpful because you know it's connected, but a little loud if your young tot is drowsy.

The Butterfly comes with a rain cover which is super useful. But like other strollers on this list, this one has other accessories sold separately including a cup holder and storage bag that fits on the handles. The Butterfly is so new that there's not yet a travel bag for it, but we suspect the brand will come out with one.

There's a reason this has a price close to a full-size stroller: It has quality construction backed by a lifetime warranty . It also comes with accessories such as a rain cover and travel bag that other brands ask you to buy separately.

The Dutch brand has a patent pending on the seat construction for its ergonomic, supportive design — it's like a little nest that's supposed to conform to a child's body. The seatback is also taller than many, making it able to accommodate a growing preschooler. Testers said that their kid was totally comfortable riding in this for an afternoon, though in the Lab, we found the recline feature a bit cumbersome to implement.

The seat doesn't lay completely flat but it does recline for relaxation. If, for this price, you want to use the AER from birth, you can buy a separate bassinet attachment , then replace the seat with the bassinet for the first six months. They also sell car seat adaptors to turn this into a travel system but note this only fits three brands of car seats: Nuna, Cybex and Clek.

Another GH Parenting Award winner, this pick comes in many fun colors and with a bunch of accessories . Our Lab really liked that the stroller could be folded down with just one hand. We found it easy to turn with the sturdy rubber (not plastic) wheels and liked that it came with a cupholder, raincover and carry backpack, plus a seat-pad layer that could be thrown in the washing machine.

The seat folds nearly flat for naps, but this is still suggested for babies 6 months and up, according to the manufacturer. We like the magnets in the buckle, though it took us a few tries to get used to the harness. Watch the brake while walking since they're placed right by your feet and are easy to accidentally step on.

Double strollers are always going to be heavier than single strollers and to get one under 20 pounds, you have to either lose the canopies or the under-stroller storage.

We chose to lose the basket storage. The Jeep TurboGlyde has four storage pockets on the back of this double, though you don't want to add too much weight or, according to our tests, it will tip backward. Mostly what we loved when testing the TurboGlyde Double is the incredibly small fold and the sun protection , and the price is extremely nice for a travel or errand-running double stroller.

Testers say it is easy to push kids of different weights in this, for instance, a 1-year-old and their 3-year-old sibling. The seats don't recline much, so if you want a double stroller for long outings, look for a full-size double stroller .

If you want a lightweight option that lasts you for years, we like that this deep, padded seat has a near-flat recline that's appropriate for infants and big kids alike . Buy the car-seat adaptor and this is a good lightweight choice for newborns who are able to ride in their car seat atop the stroller seat. They should be able to move out of the car seat and to the regular seat by 6 months.

As parents, we appreciated that this comes with its own carry bag for travel. We found the fold to be super easy; you squeeze a latch at the handle and it collapses down in a few easy seconds. It's not exactly a one-handed fold — our testing showed it to be much easier with two hands — but it is fast. The basket is a fairly standard size, not tiny but not huge, so we'd spring for the add-on parent console that gives you a place to rest your water bottle and hide your phone.

Note: Baby Jogger is a brand that, as the name suggests, started as a company that made strollers for jogging. Now, they make a ton of baby gear that has nothing to do with running for exercise; this stroller is great for running errands, but is not for actual jogs! See or guide to the best jogging strollers for those. We also have a lightweight pick for jogging at the end of this list.

If your number one priority is a stroller that's as featherweight as can be, this weighs just over 10 pounds and the fold is incredibly small . Here's the thing: To get there, it has just a sun visor rather than a full canopy, a small basket and the seat is a really simple sling of fabric. That said, our testers said it's perfect for traveling and for short errands with a toddler.

You almost have to see the folding action to believe it — the wheels turn in so the stroller forms just a thin square. It fits anywhere, including an airplane overhead, under an airplane seat in front of you and maybe even in your diaper bag!

If you like the idea of this small fold but would prefer a larger canopy and a little more of a seat, see the Pockit+ All City version — though it's a bit more expensive and a bit heavier.

Our pick for the best overall wagon stroller also happens to be lightweight — for a stroller wagon. Obviously, nothing with wheels this big is going to be light as air, but the fact that it's a little under 35 pounds makes it a great choice if you'll be lifting your wagon in and out of the car or occasionally taking it up and down steps to the beach or a park.

This stroller wagon can be pushed or pulled. Separate sun-protective canopies let you position them differently for each kid. Each child has a snack tray with a cupholder and there's a generous storage bucket on the back. Stroller wagons are not the best for tired kids, as the seats don't recline, but they are good if you have a lot of stuff to haul and if the kids will be jumping in and out of the wagon.

Our testers say the assembly comes together quickly and the stroller is easy to fold. It works on most terrain (we would stop short of saying all terrain). One tester points out that this, like all strollers, is not totally weatherproof — if it rains, a stroller wagon can collect water in the bottom. But the mesh sides of this model help it dry out and allow for airflow on warm days.

When space is super tight, lightweight strollers don't get much more compact than the Cybex Libelle which, like the Pockit, folds into a rectangle shape. Folded, it measures just 12.6" by 18.9" by 7.9". You will need to use both hands to get it there, while your kid stands next to you or someone else holds your toddler, but in testing, we were able to fold it quickly.

It unfolds fast too — you just unlock it and give it a quick shake to snap it open. It boasts all the functionality you'd want in a lightweight stroller, including easy recline and a UPF 50+ canopy, and it also has a nicely adjusting footrest that can help make this more of a little bed for resting.

This stroller is compatible with the Cybex infant car seat , sold separately if you want to use it from birth.

Thule Spring Stroller

If you like the sporty look of a three-wheeler, we liked testing this stroller with lots of parent-friendly touches . There's a telescoping handle, so if you and your partner are different heights it can adjust.

There's a wrist strap, normally only found on jogging strollers, which gives you a feeling of extra security as you push this along. While it does not fold especially small, it stands up on its own when folded, which makes stashing it anywhere from beside you at a restaurant to inside your foyer a lot easier. And the fold is one of our favorites, you just pull up a lever that's under the seat.

It has a high weight limit, great if you have a Kindergarten kid who still needs a stroller on long outings. Both the canopy and the basket are wide, and the seat reclines nearly flat for naps. All of that adds to the weight, so this comes in a little over 20 pounds — not exactly lightweight, but light for a three-wheeler with all of its features.

Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller

Jogging strollers are going to have a bit more weight to them thanks to their big, bike-like tires that keep things smooth as you breeze down your path. The front wheel can lock so that the jogging stroller stays on course.

Because this is crafted with aluminum and a slim design, it comes in under 30 pounds , about the best you can hope for with a stroller meant for running. It doesn't skimp on its nice wide canopy, and it includes both an organizer with a cupholder and a basket underneath.

While the fold is never especially compact with any jogging stroller, including this one, it does fold very easily using just one hand. One note: These are real air-filled tires, so the stroller comes with a pump. Some online users say it's possible for the wheels to puncture and need a tire change.

Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller

Because seat cushions are sold separately from the frame, you can use this excellent lightweight stroller for your newborn. First, you buy this stroller frame, then add the Newborn Pack that makes it safe from birth. It's truly a newborn-friendly lightweight option that does not require you to use your infant car seat with it.

The frame, shown, comes in either black or white and has a shoulder strap for carrying the folded stroller. There's also a bag to use for travel or storage. The separate newborn pack comes in your choice of six colors and includes a mattress, canopy, foot cover and head support. Once your baby is ready to sit up and use a regular seat you'll want to buy one of the $70 Color Packs which provide a seat cushion, canopy and zippered back pocket. It means you can change the color of your stroller and get a fresh new cushion when you transition from infancy to toddlerhood.

City families who tested this for us love how compact the system is. The small footprint of this stroller makes it a breeze to push down a crowded sidewalk, and the stroller takes up little room in a small home. We suggest leaving it set up at home because folding it is a little awkward. It's easy enough to do if you want to put it in the trunk of a car or into the overhead on an airplane, but in everyday life, we'd just leave this little stroller in its open position.

If you do fall in love with the YoYo, it has a unique way of turning into a double stroller by hitching one YoYo to another, or you can have your big kid ride behind with the board attachment . We like that it adapts and changes as your family grows, and it may be more economical than buying a full-size stroller now and a full-size double stroller later.

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How to find the best lightweight stroller for you

Take note that with the advantage of going light, you will find yourself trading off some sturdiness (the wheels will be smaller and lighter weight) and storage (an under-seat basket, if it exists, will be smaller than that on a full-size stroller). That's why it's important to recognize which features matter to you most.

We find sun protection to be a non-negotiable, which is why we're not featuring any of the super-cheap umbrella strollers that have no visor or canopy. When you're shopping for the best lightweight stroller for your family, we recommend you consider the following:

✔️ Physical footprint: Lightweight strollers typically take up a smaller amount of space, but some fold down to be more compact than others. A stroller with a larger storage basket and wide canopy might not fold as small.

✔️ Folding capabilities: Some strollers feature single-hand folding — this comes in handy when you're by yourself and need to carry your baby in one arm while you fold the stroller.

✔️ Canopy size: Some strollers feature an adjustable or extendable canopy and others claim to have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) to safeguard against the sun.

✔️ Adjustable seat: Check to see if the seat offers multiple reclining positions. The further back a seat folds, the better it might be for a baby under a year old. For any age, a reclined seat is great for tired kids heading home for a nap. But regardless, always make sure to check the age limit and weight limit before you purchase any stroller.

✔️ Wearable features : Some strollers come with a convenient carrying case or strap that you can sling over your shoulder if you want to carry it folded.

How we test lightweight strollers

The Good Housekeeping Institute has reviewed more than 30 strollers over the past two years using a combination of in-Lab and at-home tests with both expert and consumer reviewers. We also asked manufacturers to provide American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) certification to verify that strollers pass ASTM's safety standards.

At our Institute, we perform tests to assess maneuverability, stability, ease of reclining the stroller, ease of getting babies in and out of the seat including buckling and unbuckling the five-point harness, ergonomics for the parents pushing the stroller, storage space (We try placing the same diaper bag in each basket to compare how it fits.) and more, giving each factor a score of 1 to 5.

We also take the strollers outside and push them over varied terrain including pavement, grass, dirt and cobblestone and we make obstacle courses to judge the navigation effort required.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For well over a century the Good Housekeeping Institute has tested consumer-product claims and made recommendations based on data-rich evaluations.

Our stroller testing and coverage was led by Rachel Rothman , who also oversaw GH's annual Toy Awards and Parenting Awards . Rothman is the mom of three young kids.

Our most recent update was written by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn who has covered the stroller market for a few decades, most recently for Parents magazine.

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents .

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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Best travel stroller 2024: lightweight buggies for holidays

The best travel strollers are lightweight, compact and easily maneuverable here are our top picks

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Best flexible option
• 3. Best lightweight option
• 4. Best adaptable option
• 5. Best compact option
• 6. Best small option
• 7. Best affordable option
• 8. Best comfortable option
• 9. How we test

Best travel strollers 2024: Jump Menu

00. T3's top 3 ↴ 01. Best overall : BABYZEN YOYO2 02. Best flexible option : Silver Cross Zest 03. Best lightweight option : Joie Aire Pact Lite 04. Best adaptable option : Silver Cross Jet 05. Best compact option : Ickle Bubba Globe Ultra Compact 06. Best small option : GB Pockit+ Stroller 07. Best affordable option : Red Kite Baby Push Me 2U 08. Best comfortable option : Chicco Echo 09. How we test

The best travel strollers are essential for long flights and trips away. If you’ve ever tried to cram a large pram into a car boot or stash a pushchair on a plane, you know exactly how important they are! Your child may only be in a pushchair for a few short years, but if you have one that’s heavy, awkward and cumbersome, it can feel like an eternity.

Whether you’re an aspiring jetsetter or simply like to have a buggy at the ready, a quality lightweight travel stroller that’s compact and easy to maneuver is a must (as well as one that’s comfortable for a baby or toddler…of course). Lightweight buggies come into their own for trips around town (when your child decides to walk you can push them one-handed), for journeys on public transport and of course, on holiday… especially if you’re flying or hiring a small car.

Of course, if you're planning on travelling soon you'll want to make sure you're using the  best suitcase or the best carry-on luggage , but for the best travel strollers, keep reading for our top picks to buy today.

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

The top three

The best overall travel stroller 

The BABYZEN YOYO2 is a lightweight pushchair perfect for frequent users, especially as it’s one of the more comfortable and study designs with lots of extras. 

Read more below

The best flexible travel stroller

The Silver Cross Zest folds into a long, thin shape, making it perhaps more preferable for driving holidays than flying…at least not for stashing in the cabin. Coming in at a diminutive 5.8kg, this stroller isn’t the cheapest, but we bet you’ll use it way beyond your holiday.

The best lightweight travel stroller

If you’re in the market for a lightweight holiday buggy or an extra for short trips around town, Joie’s Pact Lite ticks lots of boxes. At 5.5kg, it’s both physically and financially lightweight.

Best travel stroller 2024 ranking

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The best travel stroller overall

1. BABYZEN YOYO2

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The BABYZEN YOYO2 is a lightweight pushchair perfect for frequent users, as it’s one of the more comfortable and study designs with lots of extras. It weighs 6.2kg, which is pretty light, but more featherweight alternatives are out there. Designed for city living and everyday errands, it’s suitable for children from six months and up to a maximum weight of 22kg, is designed to by comfy, with a removable and washable seat pad and 5-point harness, 4-wheel suspension and multi-position reclining seat for dreamy naps. 

Parents will like that it’s one-hand folding, unfolding and driving capabilities, shoulder strap and shopping basket and for holiday makers, this one comes with a UPF 50+ sun protection canopy and fits into most overhead plane storage when folded (H52 x W44 x D18cm).

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Silver Cross Zest

The Silver Cross Zest folds into a long, thin shape, making it perhaps more preferable for driving holidays than flying…at least not for stashing in the cabin. Unlike some travel buggies, this one if built to last, including accommodating toddlers up to 25kg, who can get incredibly tired and grumpy about walking anywhere. The seat is padded but roomy and reclinable in a few positions, and there’s a 5-point safety harness as you would expect. A fully extendable ventilated UPF50+ hood, rain cover and basket has got you covered in all conditions, while the aluminium chassis helps the Zest weigh in at a diminutive 5.8kg. This stroller isn’t the cheapest, but we bet you’ll use it way beyond your holiday.

3. Joie Aire Pact Lite

If you’re in the market for a lightweight holiday buggy or an extra for short trips around town, Joie’s Pact Lite ticks lots of boxes. The forward-facing pushchair has a flat reclining seat that can be used from birth (technically) but lots of parents like parent-facing buggies at the beginning. That aside, the buggy reclines flat and has other reclining positions to keep napping youngsters comfy, and has an extendable canopy with visor for protection from the elements as well as all-wheel suspension. The Pact Lite is Joie's easiest, quickest and most compact folding chassis and comes with a carry strap for easy travelling. One handed fold, it’s designed to be free standing for easy storage – a godsend if you have a small hallway or use public transport. And at 5.5kg it’s both physically and financially lightweight.

The best adaptable travel stroller

4. Silver Cross Jet

The Jet ultra-compact stroller weighs in at 5.9kg and folds small enough to be a piece of cabin luggage at 90cm x 45cm x 96cm and can even be wheeled along like a little suitcase. It has an ergonomic seat for better baby comfort, with wider front wheels and improved suspension providing the best ride yet. The standout design features softly textured weave fabrics, with a tan leatherette handle and bumper bar and stylish matt black chassis. Suitable from birth up to 15kg, Jet has a soft padded lie-flat seat, multi-position recline and adjustable calf support to keep babies and toddlers comfortable, as well as a fully extendable UPF50+ hood with an air-flow ventilation system and pop-out sun visor to keep them cool and safe. The flip-flop-friendly brakes are easy to use, while the lockable front swivel wheels and suspension provide a smooth ride for baby. It’s not the cheapest option for a short holiday, but with so many features it would be handy option for short trips at home too.

The best compact travel stroller

5. Ickle Bubba Globe Ultra Compact Travel Stroller

Ickle Bubba’s Globe is designed for tiny travellers who like first class touches, like leatherette handles and an adjustable leg rest. Weighing in at 6.4kg and costing not-too-much, it’s a good middle-of-the-road package an folds to a dinky 45 x 55 x 25cm, making it easy to stash in overhead lockers on planes and trains. Like other offerings, the stroller is travel system compatible (meaning you can buy into the brand), and it has lots of room for holiday souvenirs, with a storage basket and handy pouch for essential items. A hood viewing window means you can keep an eye on your little one without disturbing them, while a full length protective rain over has got you covered for all weather scenarios. There’s a one handed 3 position seat recline feature and front and rear suspension for a smoother ride for toddlers, as well as a large extendable UPF 50 hood to protect from harmful sun rays and ventilated roll up fabrics to keep them cool, making the stroller a great choice is you’re holidaying somewhere sunny.

The best small travel stroller

6. GB Pockit+ Stroller

If you’re after a lightweight stroller, why not choose the most compact out there? The lightweight gb Gold Pockit+ is the world's smallest folding stroller, which in only two steps can fold into a 34 x 20 x 42 cm handbag-shaped package. With the ability to switch from pushing to carrying in seconds, the Pockit is travel stroller perfect for places with lots of steps, or can be easily stashed on a boat, bus, or the corner of an atmospheric café, plus it’s free-standing. Despite its size, the buggy is suitable for kids from 6 months to 17kg (approx. 4 years). It’s well priced, but you’ll need to buy extras like a sub shield or rain cover.

The best affordable travel stroller

7. Red Kite Baby Push Me 2U

If you only want a buggy for one holiday you don’t want to spend much, this is where Red Kite’s Baby Push Me 2U stroller comes in. It’s cheaper than a round of all-day breakfasts at the airport and has a surprising number of handy features despite its bargain status. Suitable from 6 months, the buggy offers two positions to sit or lie back, lockable swivel wheels and a removable canopy which is handy if you’re going somewhere sunny. There’s also a shopping basket and rain cover for all eventualities. At 5.6kg the buggy isn’t the lightest out there, but it does boast an extra deep seat, which is brilliant for older babies and toddlers who fancy a break from all that arduous walking.

The best comfortable travel stroller

8. Chicco Echo

Chicco is a trusted brand and its Echo stroller offers plenty of comfort and decent looks for less than £70/$100. Compared to other budget options, this buggy shows attention to detail, with an embroidered seat and ritzy wheels as well as a fully reclining backrest with four options and an adjustable leg rest to make sure your bundle of joy is comfortable. At 8.5kg this stroller isn’t the lightest of travel buggies, but it is one of the better-looking options. Suitable from birth to 22kgs, and is very affordable, giving it longevity and plenty of bang for its buck.

How we test

There are more lightweight and compact buggies than ever that are designed to make navigating customs (and most important Duty-Free) a breeze, while being easy to fold and stow in the hold, or even squeezed into the overhead lockers, without breaking into the sort of sweat you’d expect from an adventure holiday somewhere on the equator. 

Unfortunately, we can't always take every single one on holiday to see how they perform (unless someone wants to start a GoFundMe for us and this vital research), but we can test them out in more everyday situations.

We'll test these travel strollers on trips to the supermarket, shopping centre, and city centres, some of the most demanding and stressful locations known to parenthood. This, of course, involves taking the strollers on trains, buses and cars, so it does give us a great idea of how they perform. We'll also check if they're easy to fold, if they're comfortable for baby, and how practical they are.

How to choose the best travel strollers

Weight vs comfort: Like sports cars, some pushchairs are as light as possible at the cost of creature comforts and one that’s super stripped-back may not suit everyone. So consider how much padding your little one likes (especially if they’re a light sleeper) as well as features like whether the pushchair is parent or world-facing (not all buggies are both) and whether they have multiple reclining positions. If your child likes a little nap on the go, you will not want a buggy that doesn’t recline!

Age: It sounds obvious, but it’s important to consider whether lightweight buggies are suitable for the age of your baby. Some with less padding are only designed for babies aged six months or one or over, for example.

The weather: If you’re buying a light buggy for use in the UK, you’re going to want a rain cover and a sun cover (well, if you’re feeling optimistic). Not all buggies, especially the lightweight ones, come with rain covers, and they can cost quite a lot, so it’s worth noticing whether they come fitted as standard when budgeting. Similarly, the very lightest designs can sometimes have no hood or sun canopy, or one that’s incredibly small. So if you’re shopping for a light buggy for a holiday in the sun, this is a factor that you’ll want to look at carefully. 

Parental extras: Lightweight buggies seldom come with extras like cup holders but you might want to check the size and sturdiness of a buggy’s shopping basket as this can be a curse or saviour if you use a buggy frequently. 

Size: As well as being light, some buggies are designed to fold up incredibly small. This is great if you’re a frequent flier, use public transport or have a small car, but this feature can make some models more expensive, so if you’re not bothered, you might want to pass. Similarly, folding mechanisms vary massively, and you need to find one that’s easy for you and suitable for your needs. If you can, we recommend trying before you buy.

Vanity: Like with cars, sometimes looks matter almost as much as practicality. Some buggies look better than others and come in a rainbow of colours. So whether you want a fun one for a holiday vibe or have a favourite colour, you may as well pick one you like the look of as you’ll probably be using it a lot.

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Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

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Best Lightweight Travel System Strollers For A Baby

As a new parent, there’s a lot of information you need to keep track of. Naturally, you want to ensure you’re making the best choices for your baby. But finding the best lightweight travel system strollers can be tricky. 

That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you figure out what factors you need to consider and the top options currently available on the market. So let’s get started!

📌 Pin it for later 📌

What is a travel system stroller?

These days a lot of parents are opting for travel system strollers because of the convenience and ease they offer. These multi-purpose systems combine the functions of a baby car seat (infant carrier), seat base, and stroller. This has a lot of benefits. 

The best feature of using a travel system stroller is that when your baby falls asleep in the car seat, you don’t have to wake them when you reach your destination. They can continue sleeping in the car seat, and you can easily remove it from the base in the car. Then you can take the infant carrier where ever you are going or clip it into the stroller system. You never have to wake up your baby by unstrapping and disturbing them when transferring into the stroller. That’s definitely a win-win for parents!

Secondly, you don’t have to carry around multiple bulky contraptions. Simply strap your infant into their car seat and once you reach your destination, snap the seat into a stroller. This is great for people who don’t have a lot of trunk space.

You may also be interested to know that the car seat sits on top of the stroller, so your baby faces you as you push them along. Many parents prefer using such rear-facing infant carriers because it allows your child to look at you instead of strangers, keeping them calm.

Plus, once your baby is older and doesn’t need the infant car seat, you can continue using just the stroller.

Do you have to check a stroller when flying?

For parents that spend a considerable amount of time flying , it’s important to note that you will need to check in your stroller before boarding a plane, either at the ticket counter or gate. However, since children’s seats and strollers do not fall under the standard baggage category, you do not have to pay a fee. 

What to do with a stroller when flying?

Air travel can be quite challenging with a newborn. But having your stroller on hand makes it a lot easier. If you want to stroll through the airport check-ins like a pro, then you need to be prepared. There are a few things you need to be aware of so you’re suitably prepared and know how to bring a stroller on a plane.

1. Gate check policies

As of 2011, all American airlines allow parents to carry collapsable strollers under 20 pounds through the airport. However, the individual restrictions may vary from airline to airline. So you’ll want to contact customer service and make sure you have all the details on hand. 

2. Pack smart

When you reach the airport, you’ll need to check in your stroller at the gate, as we’ve already discussed. You’ll be able to reclaim it at the end of the ramp or at baggage claim when you reach your destination. In order to manage this transition with the minimum amount of fuss, you need to pack two bags. 

Firstly, you’ll need a diaper bag for travel to use on the plane and while you’re waiting for your stroller at the airport. This will hold essential baby items like formula, bottles, pacifiers, diapers, baby wipes, clothes, baby travel toys , etc.

Secondly, you’ll need a gate check bag for your stroller. We recommend using the J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Single Umbrella Strollers or the J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Standard and Double Strollers . Both of these items are airline certified and come in a bright red color that’s easily identifiable at baggage claim. The material is durable yet lightweight and water-resistant, while the seams are double stitched to prevent easy tearing.

If you want to read more about our experience of flying with an infant carrier and stroller travel system when our daughter was a baby, then head over to our blog, where we share everything we’ve learned from our experiences traveling with infants.

3. Declare liquids

As you move through the various TSA checkpoints, you’ll need to remove your infant from the stroller and place it in the X-ray machine, along with all bags, toys, or blankets. It’s helpful to bring a baby carrier for travel so you can wear your baby and still have your hands free while going through security checks.

Also, make sure you remember to declare any liquids you’re carrying like formula or breast milk (see also, ‘ How to Travel with Frozen Breast Milk ‘). While you are allowed to carry infant-related liquids in large amounts, you do need to declare them. 

Once you’ve made it through the various checks, set up your stroller. Put your baby in, and make your way to the gate. 

Best lightweight travel system

As you’ve probably guessed, traveling with an infant can get quite complicated, especially if it’s your first time doing it or if you’re traveling alone. You’ll need to fold your stroller so it can go through the X-ray machine. Then you’ll need to set it up again after you make your way past the metal detector, all while carrying a baby. Hence, the lighter your travel system, the better it is for you.

Read these articles to learn more about how to travel with an infant car seat or what to consider before you travel with a car seat.

Infant Travel System Reviews

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best lightweight travel system strollers to help you pick the perfect system. Check out our infant travel system reviews.

1. Graco NimbleLite Travel System

At 15 pounds, the Graco NimbleLite Travel System falls well within the airport travel restrictions. It can hold anywhere between 4 to 35 lb and is rear-facing. Additionally, the belly bar helps keep your baby snug in place while you zip through the airport. There are also cup holders and ample storage space for all your infant’s essentials. The one-step compact fold feature makes this model incredibly convenient to use. You can fold or unfold it with one hand without having to put your little one down.

It is a complete travel system so you can attach the infant car seat to the stroller with a single clasp. On its own, the car seat weighs just 7.2 lb, making it incredibly lightweight, a plus when you’re transporting your baby from the car to the stroller. Overall, this is one of the best lightweight travel system strollers, and we can’t recommend this model enough.

As far as the basics go, the Graco NimbleLite Travel System has everything you need for the affordable price of $200. The system is quick and easy to assemble and delivers what it promises. The only con is that this stroller doesn’t come with built-in neck support for your infant, so you’ll need to spend extra on additional support.

2. BOB Gear Rambler Travel System

Although slightly higher priced at $700, the BOB Gear Rambler Travel System is made using a durable steel alloy that will last you several years through various stages of your child’s growth. The system comes complete with the Rambler Jogging Stroller, Britax B-Safe Generation 2 infant car seat, seat base, and adapters. It can hold anywhere between 4 to 35 lb and is leagues ahead of other cheaper travel systems.

Designed to provide a smooth and safe ride with a suspension model based on a mountain bike system, you can use this travel system stroller on any type of terrain without issue. So if you want to take your infant out jogging, this is definitely the model you’ll want. There’s also a lot of extra storage space with its 6 pockets and spacious cargo basket. There’s even a cell phone pocket next to the handlebar so you can keep your belongings within easy reach. 

The Britax safety system offers a top-of-the-line, high-strength, reinforced base with a protective shell foam that provides head-to-toe safety. The travel system is easy to install in 3 simple steps. You just need to connect the lower anchors, tighten the straps, and click the carrier into the seat base. One negative aspect of this travel system, however, is that despite the high price, you’ll have to purchase accessories like snack trays to cup holders separately.

3. Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System

For parents looking for a mid-range travel system, the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System definitely fits the bill. With its versatile features, including a modular frame and 6 modes, you can place your infant facing inwards or outwards. Additionally, you can transform the stroller into a car seat or carriage mode whenever you want. 

This is one of the best lightweight infant travel systems. Since it’s so lightweight, carrying the car seat is no issue at all. Unlike other models, the car seat model is incredibly parent-friendly because of the stay-in-car base that helps establish a quick and easy connection. The large canopy and re-attachable armbar will make putting your infant into the car seat easier than ever before. Additionally, the large cruiser tires allow the stroller to navigate all types of terrain while still offering a smooth ride. 

All the accessories are child-friendly, and the car seat base comes with an anti-rebound bar as well. When it comes to storage space, the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System has a large storage basket that will more than cater to your needs. However, keep in mind that the stroller will not push as smoothly as the more expensive models. Additionally, other parents have complained about not being able to replace just the car seat base because getting a replacement from the manufacturer was a long and tedious process.

4. Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System

Another top-of-the-line yet slightly expensive stroller and car seat combination are the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Generation 2 Travel System . At $450, the set has a solid steel alloy frame, a lightweight design, and many great features. It’s a rear-facing system and can hold a child between 4 and 35 pounds. You can fold it single-handedly, and the all-wheel suspension offers a smooth ride, making it one of the best lightweight travel system strollers. 

Additionally, the Britax safety system includes a protective foam shell on top of the high-strength steel frame. The travel system is easy to install in 3 simple steps. You just need to connect the lower anchors, tighten the straps, and click the carrier into the seat base. One negative aspect to keep in mind is that this seat is not listed with NHTSA.

5. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

Another similar setup you might like is the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System , priced at $400. The smart fold design is easy to handle single-handedly when you’re carrying a child. Additionally, the canopy is UPF rated for sun protection and has a mesh window you can look through. The large wheels on the tread tires offer easy movement, while the 2 pockets give you ample storage space. The item weighs 24.9 pounds. 

The infant carrier car seat has the easiest-to-install KeyFit 30, featuring premium LATCH connectors, a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and removable newborn head & body support.

These are some of the best lightweight infant travel system strollers you can find on the market. 

Best travel system strollers for newborns

At the end of the day, you have to pick the stroller that best fits your needs and budget. But if we had to pick out our favorite, then it would have to be the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Travel System . There is simply no other model that offers the same smoothness of drive for both the parent and child. The Britax Safecell Technology protects your child from danger by absorbing crash energy, while the Britax SafeCenter Latch helps you secure and tighten the car seat base.

The stroller also offers a 360-degree swiveling front wheel that gives you complete movement control, while the adjustable handlebar makes for a perfect fit and grip. And if all that wasn’t enough, there are also additional protective features like the XL UPF 50+ Canopy to protect your child from the harmful rays of the sun. 

The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Travel System may seem a little too expensive at first glance, but it’s actually pretty cost-effective in the long run. Thanks to the No-Rethread Harness, you can adjust the fit to suit your growing child’s needs over the years. Meanwhile, the machine-washable Safewash Cover is easy to maintain and incredibly durable. Trust us when we say this isn’t a purchase you’ll regret.

Overview of the Best Lightweight Travel System Strollers

There are a lot of options when it comes to the best lightweight travel system strollers for your growing child. But if you can’t find a ready-made set that meets all your requirements, then you can always create your own custom set. Choose a separate car seat and stroller that you like the most. 

When you’re exploring travel systems, you’ll find full-size, lightweight, and jogging stroller system types. Generally, full-sized strollers are the ideal long-term option. They will support your child for several years and often max out on helpful features. 

Lightweight strollers are the best for parents on the go, especially when traveling with a baby . They generally weigh less than 15 pounds and are ideal for parents who need to travel by bus, plane, or train. While they still have useful features like a partial recline, snack tray, and storage basket, the list isn’t as extensive as that of a full-sized stroller. 

Jogging strollers are designed for the fitness-oriented parent and come with superior suspension systems and larger wheels that can handle alternate terrains. They’re wider than other types of systems and don’t function well in tight spaces.

So the best travel system for you depends entirely on what you’re looking for! In any case, happy shopping!

For more about family travel, check out these posts: When Can You Travel With A Newborn? How To Fly with Infant Car Seat Most Popular Infant Car Seat For Travel Best Travel Car Seat for Toddler Travel with a Baby Stress-Free this Holiday

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The BE Family Travel Team writes articles to help parents travel with children.

The best lightweight strollers for travel, holidays and city living

Our pick of the best light and compact buggies for urban life, holidays and popping into town

If you struggle with space at home, you're always on the move and need a pram that is sturdy when in use but easy to fold and pack away, or you're looking for a super-lightweight model to take on holiday, you have come to the right place.

From Beyoncé's favourite buggy brand, to the pushchair Kim Kardashian's never seen without, we've tested the best travel-friendly strollers on the market to help you choose your ideal ride.

While you're here, don't forget to treat yourself to a buggy organiser too, and maybe even extra attachments to house your valuables or mitts to keep your hands warm in the cold weather.

Best lightweight strollers to shop now

In a hurry? Here are the best lightweight pushchairs at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER FOR CITY LIVING

Mamas & papas airo stroller heather.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER FOR CITY BREAKS

Silver cross clic 2023 edition pushchair - almond.

BEST ECO FRIENDLY LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER

Joolz joolz aer+ pushchair - space black.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER FOR DAYTIME NAPS

Silver cross clic stroller.

BEST FUNKY PRINT LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER

Cosatto whoosh 3.

BEST INVESTMENT LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER

Bugaboo bee 6.

BEST CELEB ENDORSED LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER

Nuna triv next stroller.

BEST LUXURY CABIN APPROVED STROLLER

Silver cross jet 3 compact pushchair.

BEST ALL-ROUND LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER

Babyzen babyzen yoyo2.

Best foldable cabin size buggy

Micralite micralite profold stroller, how we tested our buggies.

Our lightweight stroller shortlist has been compiled with the help of our panel of WH mum testers, in-house experts and those that have been well-reviewed online. To put the buggies through their paces, we looked at size, weight, foldability, steering and comfort for both mum and baby.

We also chose not to list them in order of preference, as each stroller we reviewed has been selected for stand-out features that we believe make it a great contender. The best pushchair for your family ultimately comes down to personal choice. So, keep scrolling for our pick of the best lightweight strollers on the market and see which one works for you.

What is a lightweight buggy?

Most standard buggies weigh 15kg, while the super-light strollers on our list range from 5.4kg to 7.6kg in weight. But anything that's light enough to comfortably carry in one hand is considered a lightweight buggy, according to Ella Henshaw from baby and toddler retail service Buggy Baby .

'Lightweight strollers differ from traditional buggies, as an everyday model is usually more bulky, heavier and has bigger wheels and accessories like snack trays, shopping bags and cup holders,' says Henshaw.

Lightweight buggy benefits

While more substantial pushchairs tend to be sturdier in construction and often come with extra storage and seat adjustable options, lightweight buggies have a number of benefits for busy parents.

Simple set up

If you're ever struggled with an awkward pram and a wriggly toddler by a waiting taxi in the rain, you will know how important buggy set-up speed can be. Easy assembly (known as one-hand fold) wins!

Constantly tripping over monster pushchairs in the hallway? Switching to a buggy that can be easily folded and stowed will free up space at home and on the move.

Getting about town

As the name suggests, lightweight strollers tend to be much lighter and easier to manoeuvre about town. 'They help parents attend to a child and manage a buggy at the same time, such as having to carry both upstairs,' say Henshaw.

Frequent flyer, bus hopper or day tripper? 'Having a stroller that folds down small enough to fit in the boot of a car or overhead compartment will save hours of grappling,' says Henshaw.

Travel systems include everything you could possibly need for getting about with your little one in tow, but they often come at a price. If you're on a budget, a lightweight buggy is often a cost-effective option for new parents.

Help choosing a lightweight buggy

For help choosing your ideal lightweight buggy we've narrowed down our faves below. But it's also worth keeping the following tips in mind:

• Shop for trusted brands : All pushchairs must comply with the British Standard for safety testing, so you know your baby will be in safe hands. But if you're not sure, 'look for a trusted, high-quality brand', says Henshaw.
• Age is important : How old is your little one? 'Consider the age of the child and whether a bassinet is needed, plus recline options or parent-facing swivel' suggests Henshaw, as not all strollers on our list have these functions.
• Consider the terrain : Are you planning to go off-road with your pushchair? 'Look at the wheel size, as most lightweight buggies are better suited to pavements.'
• Think about your stroller's main function : If you need a buggy for a holiday, that would be different than for use on a daily basis.
• The benefits of a bundle : Most lightweight buggies don't come with a rain cover as standard, but you can often buy accessories as add-ons or part of a package.
• Shop for cabin-approved : Consider if you'll be taking your stroller on a plane. If so, look for 'cabin-approved' buggies so that you have your pram as soon as you step off the plane.
• Storage : Snack access is surprisingly important for some little people and most smaller buggies have limited pockets. If your mini-me has a big appetite opt for a buggy with space to store snacks on the move!

The best lightweight strollers to shop now

To help you choose the right pram for your family, we've narrowed down the best lightweight buggies for parents on the move.

Mamas & Papas Airo Stroller Heather

This own-brand stroller from Mamas & Papas replaced our bulky bassinet when my son Woody turned 18 months old, and I'm not sure how we ever coped without it. Although it's not technically the lightest buggy on our list, the Airo feels really lightweight and super-easy to wheel about town. But most importantly, the entire thing folds up to marginally bigger than my laptop bag.

We've put it through its paces over city streets and rainy parks, facing milk spillages and impromptu naps along the way, and I honestly can't fault it. I particularly like how light it feels but without being flimsy, and the fabric hood is high quality.

Extras : The extendable hood is handy for bad weather and nap times, plus the plush harness and front bumper makes the whole thing feel really secure. You can also purchase a complete bundle , which includes a lie-flat baby seat, newborn pack, changing bag, car seat, foot muff and cup holder.

Key specifications

If you're looking for a travel-friendly stroller that's small enough to take on-board your flight in the run up to holiday season, we might just have the solution. Our mama tester Rosie recently tried the Clic 2023 Edition Pushchair from Silver Cross out for size and was impressed with the results.

'It looks fantastic', says Rosie, Mum to 4-year-old Daisy. 'And has a water-resistant hood which withstood an accidental spill of a full bottle of water on it without making any marks or soaking through!'

The latest model features an improved one-handed seat recline and super compact fold that will keep your little ones cosy and safe from birth right up to four years old. Extras : Comes with one-hand recline, adjustable calf support, a magnetic buckle plus a UPF50+ hood and sun visor.

Thanks to the toddler board and funky colour range, the Joolz travel buggy is a real conversation starter in the mum club and it's just been updated in time for the holiday season.

The Joolz Aer + looks very similar to the original Aer, however, the new tweaks to the design make for a comfier experience for mum and bub. First off, there is a 15 per cent increase in the seat recline allowing baby to nap virtually flat - good news for tiny travellers. Next up, the sun canopy can be unzipped to offer extendable coverage.

Other updates include a slightly bigger shopping basket, easier-to-adjust shoulder straps and chic new seat fabrics. So, that's what's new. But what's stayed the same? In our tester's opinion, Joolz' travel buggy is sturdier than other compact prams and is one of few travel buggies to offer a buggy board , which if you’re a Two Under Two mum, is a must. Easy to attach, the Joolz Footboard (now £71.21) can be used as a seat or a place to stand. You can even fold down the buggy with it attached. And btw , the one-button fold is a breeze.

The other major point of difference between Joolz and other brands is their eco-credentials. The Joolz team used recycled plastic bottles in the seat fabric design and they plant a tree for each pushchair sold. Even the pram packaging can be recycled into an aeroplane for your kiddo. [ Disclaimer: This beat our exhausted brains, but it did kill an hour between bath and bed!]. We also love the brand's commitment to making products that last. So much so that each Aer + comes with a lifetime warranty if you register within 6 months.

The only bugbears we found when testing the Aer and Aer + - and we had to try really hard to find them - are the seat recline requires two hands (read: not that easy while clutching a coffee) and you need to keep one hand on the pushchair when a toddler is on the footboard. Should they use the handlebar as support to stand up then the whole pram can fly back.

Extras: This is where things can get expensive. The pushchair is from 6 months to 4 years. Should you want to use it from birth you’ll need to purchase the cot , which has a genius compact fold, or use car seat adapters . There is also the option to purchase a leg rest so toddler legs don’t dangle. Other add-ons include the bumper bar , mosquito net and a seriously snuggly footmuff .

British brand Silver Cross has been manufacturing baby products in North Yorkshire since 1877, and continue to make trusted prams, car seats and nursery furniture . The Clic is suitable from newborn to toddler and comes with plenty of parent-friendly features including easy folding.

'This stroller is so super light, our standard buggy now feels like a real workout to push!' says Sophie, Mum to 2-year-old Rita. 'When we take the train I can carry it up the stairs with my toddler strapped in and it's totally manageable on my own, which is game-changing,' she says. 'And most of all I really love the bright colour! Plus it's nice and slim so much easier navigating shops, and when we go to the pub or a restaurant we can have it right by the table.'

Extras : The buggy features a lie-flat seat which is great for nap times, plus you can squeeze up to 5kg of shopping in the under-seat compartment. You can also purchase the corresponding foot muff separately.

In a world of beige buggies, why blend in when you can stand out? If you've seen one of these vibrant strollers out in the wild, you'll no doubt wish you had one too. We've heard on the Mum grapevine that the Whoosh handles well and folds up pretty small, and online reviews have praised its foldability, weight, and overall comfort for little ones. But most of all we just love the funky fabric! So if colour is your thing, head over to Cosatto and check out the brand's great range of flamboyant strollers, car seats, high chairs and even dolly prams.

Extras : You can purchase extras including a corresponding rain cover or parasol as part of a bundle. You can also buy a (mismatched if you're feeling funky) foot muff separately on Amazon.

Another big brand in baby circles, a number of A-list parents have been spotted pushing a Bugaboo around town including Meghan Markle and Kim Kardashian. But while we can't argue that it's a popular buggy, is it worth the price tag?

'We live in a titchy apartment with two kids, and the Bugaboo has been a lifesaver!' says Lisa, mum to one-year-old Bo and three-year-old Ronnie. 'I particularly like the way it folds up neatly in the hallway,' she says. 'It's a great pushchair and handles well. But it really comes into its own with two little ones, as we added the wheeled board so I could push both of my kids around and it saved us from having to buy yet another buggy. So in that sense, it's worth the investment.'

Extras : If you'd prefer a more stable option for your new baby, you can also purchase a complete carrycot and seat pushchair for newborns, plus extras including a sun canopy and cup holder .

The brand loved by A-list celebs including Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian, the Triv from Nuna Baby may not be the smallest or lightest stroller on our list, but it's definitely one of the most stylish. It's an ideal segue if you're looking for a compact model that still has all the benefits of a bigger pram.

'It’s really light and super easy to steer,' says Sandie, Mum to six-month-old Jasmine. 'And you can also lock the front wheels, which is handy for going over bumps. It's perfect for city life.' Sandie also loves the faux leather detailing. 'It feels like a premium pram, but folds up like a travel buggy,' she adds.

Extras : The Triv has a clever magnetic buckle that automatically locks baby securely into place. Another perk is the adaptable seat so your little one can face forwards or backwards. You can also purchase a 5-piece bundle which includes a carry cot, car seat and adaptor.

If you thought cabin-approved buggies were a ‘baby essential’ too far then take the Silver Cross Jet 3 for a spin - or flight.'Having a means to secure an overtired toddler when all you want to do is get through security and all they want to do is run wild is game changing,' says mum-of-two Amy.But why spend on the Jet 3 when Silver Cross has the Clic for £100+ less? Think of Jet 3 as the premium sibling of the Clic. It offers features modern mums will love such as a completely lie-flat seat, adjustable calf support, a fancy magnetic buckle and the option to pull it along like a suitcase when folded - which is super handy in airports.Unlike many other travel strollers that only offer a partial recline the Jet 3 allows your tiny human to lie horizontal - a must for many babies napping on the go.The only drawback was storage. ‘Although the shopping basket is roomy, I struggled to get larger items in there because of the middle bar but pushchair clips for my baby changing bag helped solve this issue,’ adds Amy. Extras: Jet 3 can transform into an agile travel system when used with compatible car seats - a winning design feature for those traveling with tiny humans - and you can use a foot muff on cold winter days making this an all-year round buggy, not just one for sun soaked hols in Greece.

If you spend any time at the school gates, chances are you'll have spotted the BabyZen about town. The go-to buggy for suburban parents, the French brand burst onto the baby scene in 2012 and has been a global success story ever since. Thanks to attention to detail (yes it fits into the overhead compartment on planes, folds up really small and still has good suspension), this compact stroller makes a great all-rounder for city life and transatlantic travel.

'We've had this buggy since the baby was born and it has been brilliant,' says Nadia, mum to two-year-old Roman. 'We've taken it on planes, trains and buses with no trouble, and it's still going strong after over two years of use.' The buggy is suitable from birth up to 22kg. 'Roman started as a tiny baby lying down and graduated to using it as a stroller, and it's always felt sturdy enough.'

Extras : The brand stocks all the extras you could think of including newborn bassinet, rain cover, leg rests and a wheeled board for toddlers, so it's super easy to adapt to the changing needs of your tot. You can also purchase a twin travel bundle, which includes two bassinets to transform your buggy into a double pushchair.

At 7 kg, the Micralite ProFold is the brand’s lightest and most compact stroller. But, it’s the fold-mechanism that really earns this cabin-approved stroller brownie points. ‘You truly are able to put this buggy up and down in one second,’ says our tester Edith, who trialed the pram while on holiday with her 6 month old daughter Amelie.

‘I found the simplicity of this buggy’s design really good for travelling as we didn’t need the bells and whistles that more expensive travel buggies have. Plus, the shopping basket is quite roomy for a travel buggy.'

Sounds good. But what about back at home? ‘I would use the Profold as a second, smaller buggy for occasional use. I found that the wheels struggled on rougher ground and I’d worry that they’d get worn down quickly but around the supermarket or the shops they were brilliant'.

Extras: The Micralite design team have already added a few cheeky extras: a reversible (and washable) seat liner, rain cover, a carry strap and a secure pouch on the hood. If you want more you can add a foot muff .

Ickle Bubba Globe Prime

This good-value stroller from family-run UK brand Ickle Bubba has been designed with travel in mind. Thanks to an aluminium frame it's fairly lightweight, and when collapsed it's one of the smallest buggies on our list. It also has a little window in the hood so you can check-in with your precious cargo on the move. And according to our Mum tester plus multiple online reviews, this is one of the easiest strollers to dismantle.

'This buggy is really small,' says Alice, Mum to new baby Wilfred. 'We have an old Mini Cooper with a titchy boot and it fits in easily. It’ll be a handy to have for trips away due to it being compact and easy to fold.'

Extras : The brand provides a 4-year warranty for their travel systems and strollers should anything go wrong. You can also purchase corresponding extras including a buggy organiser and pram mitts separately.

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Best Lightweight Strollers

Top-rated strollers under 15 pounds that save you time, space, and hassle during quick errands or long road trips

Lightweight strollers are an ideal choice for traveling with babies and toddlers.

By Keith Flamer

Updated by Daniel Bortz

A bulky stroller can be a drag in the car, on an airplane, or in a crowded mall—not to mention on busy city streets. But a lightweight stroller can lighten your load.

“At CR, we consider a stroller lightweight and compact when it’s under 15 pounds and easy to carry,” says Joan Muratore, the engineer who oversees stroller testing at Consumer Reports. “You should be able to carry it in one hand and your child in the other. And it won’t take up your entire car trunk space .”

Some of the traditional and umbrella strollers, as well as car-seat carriers, that we’ve tested fit this description: In our stroller ratings , you’ll find umbrella strollers as light as 11 pounds and traditional strollers starting at 10 pounds. On the other end of the spectrum? Bulkier strollers weigh as much as 34 pounds.

While these lighter strollers are easy to lift, carry, fold, and stow—and most meet strict Disney theme park requirements—they do have limits. Some may feel flimsy, and their small wheels can make them more difficult to maneuver. Most aren’t car-seat compatible, and few accommodate babies who can’t sit up on their own. (For infants, consider a lightweight single car-seat carrier stroller .)

The best lightweight strollers are anything but lightweight performers in our tests. CR engineers put strollers through their paces in our labs and on the grounds outside our Yonkers, N.Y., headquarters to assess which ones are safe, maneuverable, and easy to use. They use each stroller the way parents do, but with weights simulating a child—up to 30 pounds for maneuverability and 40 pounds for safety—and push each model through an S-curve test course, steering them on pavement between cones, up and down curbs, and over obstructions including grass, mulch, and tree roots.

Our stroller ratings feature a wide range of options, from brands such as Graco, Joovy, Maclaren, Mountain Buggy, Uppababy, and more. Refer to our stroller buying guide as you shop, and if you have multiple young kids, see our guide to the best double strollers .

Here are six lightweight (but solid) strollers, listed alphabetically by category, that will take a load off when you’re out and about.

Best Lightweight Umbrella Strollers

Summer Infant 3D Lite

CR’s take: At just 12 pounds, this low-priced, compact Summer Infant umbrella stroller is a steal. This safe umbrella stroller is a top-notch choice for traveling with a child of 6 months or older, up to 50 pounds. The seat reclines, which is great for on-the-go naps. It’s easy to fold, unfold, and carry thanks to its convenient shoulder strap. It comes with a cup holder, extra-large undercarriage storage, and a small seatback pocket.

UPPAbaby G-Lite

CR’s take: The 11-pound Uppababy G-Lite self-stands when folded, a plus for stashing in your hallway or closet. Its restraint system is one of the highlights of this model: The buckle is easy to open and close, and smooth and easy to adjust for fit. The seat fabric/cover is removable and machine-washable. This model features a large canopy and carry strap for easy transport. Its maneuverability is very good—the stroller feels light (if a bit wobbly to some testers) and is a bit tough to navigate on rougher surfaces.

Best Lightweight Traditional Strollers

Baby Jogger City Tour™ 2

CR’s take: The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is small and lightweight and earns strong marks across the board in CR’s tests. This 14-pound folded stroller should easily fit under an airplane seat or in an overhead bin when it’s in its included carry bag. Our testers find that the stroller is responsive and sturdy for its size. It has an easy one-hand fold. The basket is midsized but shallow (it holds a diaper bag and not much else). One caveat: Despite its name, this model is not suitable for jogging or running because it lacks a fixed or lockable front wheel, an essential feature to prevent the stroller from tipping or swerving while jogging.

Mountain Buggy Nano

CR’s take: The Mountain Buggy Nano is a great choice for travel. This compact, 13-pound stroller comes with its own carrying bag and reportedly fits in an overhead compartment for air travel. It’s car-seat-compatible, too. Our testers give this model’s ease of use and maneuverability strong ratings. There’s limited storage, but that might be a worthwhile sacrifice for the convenience. One thing to note: The instruction manual is largely pictorial and can be hard to decipher. We found instructional videos on Mountain Buggy’s website to be much clearer and more helpful.

Best Lightweight Car-Seat Carrier Strollers

Chicco KeyFit Caddy

CR’s take: The Chicco KeyFit Caddy offers parents click-and-go ease. Chicco’s KeyFit and KeyFit 30 infant seat just snap right in, no adapter needed. At 11 pounds, the small carrier stroller moves into and out of your car trunk with ease. (The car seat will add some extra weight, of course.) When folded, it’s self-standing. With an adjustable handle, it’s very maneuverable for a car-seat carrier, despite its small wheels. The large basket offers good accessibility, aided by front zippers. There’s also a parent console, with cup holders.

Graco Snugrider Elite

CR’s take: Running errands just got easier. The Graco Snugrider Elite tosses a lifeline to parents who’d otherwise find themselves buckling and unbuckling a newborn into and out of seats all day. As the top-rated car-seat carrier stroller in CR’s tests, this model alleviates much of the baby travel-and-transfer hassle. Parents can just click the infant car seat onto the lightweight frame (14 pounds) and go, even if your baby is sleeping. This stroller’s ease of use and safety are stellar, and it has very good maneuverability. There are some limitations, though: It lacks one-touch brakes and adjustable handles, and it doesn’t stand when folded. But it does meet Disney theme park requirements. Note that once your baby outgrows the infant car seat, you’ll need a new stroller.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Customers like the shade, size, quality and weight of the stroller. They mention that it has a very functional sun shade, it fits in an overhead bin and that it's well made. They are also happy with portability, ease of folding, and ease of use. Opinions are mixed on comfort.

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Russian IADS Redux Part-7: The Effectors

In the next part of our series on Russia’s strategic integrated air defence system, we look at the kinetic ground-based air defence systems it deploys.

In part-6 of our series on Russia’s strategic Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) we examined the command and control architecture it depends upon. The IADS’ role is ultimately to provide a response to air threats approaching or entering Russian airspace. In Russian air defence doctrine this response is provided using kinetic and/or electronic effects.

The kinetic side of the IADS depends on the Russian Aerospace Force’s (RASF’s) fighters and Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. Sources have shared with Armada that both the fighter and SAM force would be deployed in wartime to protect key Russian strategic targets. Typically, these could include politico-military targets like the Kremlin, the seat of the Russian government in Moscow. Other potential strategic targets include hardened facilities believed to be earmarked for use by the Russian leadership in wartime. One of these facilities is thought to be located at Mount Yamantau, southwest Russia. A back-up facility may exist at Mount Kosvinsky Kaman, western Russia. Russia’s industrial city of Elektrostal, on the eastern outskirts of Moscow, was one of the first locations where the RASF deployed its S-400 (NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler) high-altitude, long-range SAM systems in 2010.

The SAM Systems

Moscow itself is ring-fenced by the RASF’s 53T6 (ABM-3 Gazelle) anti-ballistic missile system. The 53T6 employs SAMs equipped with a ten kiloton (one kiloton is equal to 1,000 tonnes of conventional explosive) nuclear warhead. These missiles would detonate at altitude in proximity to incoming salvos of ballistic missile warheads or formations of hostile aircraft. The logic is that this ‘shotgun’ approach will vaporise, or at least badly damage, these targets.

The S-400 is the mainstay of the RASF SAM force. A typical S-400 battalion includes two batteries. A battery comprises between eight and twelve individual launch vehicles, each equipped with four missile tubes. Thus, an S-400 regiment could have between 56 and 84 individual missiles ready to launch if fully loaded.  Each battery has a command post, a 91N6 (Big Bird) S-band (2.3 gigahertz/GHz to 2.5GHz/2.7GHz to 3.7GHz) 324 nautical mile/nm (600 kilometre/km) range surveillance and tracking radar. The 91N6 is joined by a 96L6E (Cheese Board) C-band (5.25GHz to 5.925GHz) early warning and target acquisition radar. This radar has a range of up to 162nm (300km). A plethora of SAMs can be launched by the S-400 with an array of engagement ranges from 21.6nm (40km) using the active radar homing 9M96E missile. Engagement ranges can reach up to 216nm (400km) using the 40N6E missile which has a reported engagement altitude of 98,425 feet/ft (30,000 metres/m).

Legacy systems used by the RASF include the S-300PS (SA-10B Grumble-B) and S-300PM (SA-10D/E Grumble) which have subtle differences. An S-300PS battery has three Maz-543 launch vehicles each with four launch tubes. The battery is also equipped with a single 5N63S (Flap Lid-B) X-band (8.5GHz to 10.68GHz) fire control radar. An S-300PM battery has a single 36N6E (Flap Lid) X-band/Ku-band (13.4GHz to 14GHz/15.7GHz to 17.7GHz) fire control radar with a 162nm (300km) range. Joining the 36N6E is a 76N6 (Clam Shell) X-band (8.5GHz to 10.68GHz) search and track radar with a 70nm (120km) range. The rest of the battery is comprised of up to eight Kraz-260 launch vehicles each with four tubes. Both the S-300PS/PM are thought to deploy 48N6/E SAMs which have a reported 81nm (150km) range. The S-300PS/PM’s 5V55R missile has an engagement range of up to 48.6nm (90km).

Sources have shared with Armada that RASF SAM batteries are not routinely deployed but may deploy from time-to-time to support exercises or training. The batteries would only be deployed in anger to protect key strategic targets like those discussed above. The sources continued that the task of the SAM units is to provide a protective ‘bubble’ above these targets. Air defence coverage up to 54 nautical miles/nm (100 kilometres/km) altitude and a range radius of 189nm (350km) around the target would be provided. The SAM units would work to attrit any incoming air attack as much as possible. Russian air defence doctrine focuses on safeguarding as many strategic targets as possible in anticipation of an eventual counterattack.

One crucial part of the RASF’s SAM force is its 96K6 Pantsir-S1 (SA-22 Greyhound) combined medium-range SAM and anti-aircraft artillery systems. 96K6 units would deploy with S-300 and S-400 batteries. Their role would be to destroy air-launched weapons like anti-radiation missiles or attack helicopters engaging the batteries Armada’s sources added.

Over the longer term, the RASF is looking to introduce new SAM systems to enhance the strategic IADS in the form of the S-350E and S-500 Prometey long-range, high-altitude SAM systems. The S-350E is mooted as a replacement for the RASF’s S-300PS/PM batteries. Open sources state that a S-350E battery has one 50N6A X-band ground-based air surveillance radar with a range of 215nm (400km). The 50N6A is joined by a single 50K6A mobile command post and up to eight 50P6 launch vehicles. Each launch vehicle can fire 9M96/E or 9M100 SAMs with engagement ranges and altitudes of up to 65nm (120km) and 98,000ft (30,000m) respectively. It was reported in January 2020 that the first S-350E battery had entered service, although a developmental system may have been deployed to support Russia’s military presence in Syria. The VKS could receive twelve S-350E batteries by 2027.

The S-500 is mooted to have a longer engagement range than the S-350E. The S-500 ensemble includes a 91N6A(M) air surveillance and battle management radar. This radar is an enhanced version of the 91N6A radar accompanying the S-400. The S-500’s 96L6TSP target acquisition radar is an enhanced variant of the S-400’s 96L6E. These two systems are accompanied by the 76T6 multimode fire control radar, itself thought to be a derivative of the 92N6. Also forming part of the S-500 ensemble is the 77T6 anti-ballistic missile engagement radar the capabilities of which remain largely unknown in the public domain.

Open sources say that missiles equipping the S-500 could hit targets at ranges of up to 270nm (500km). Russian sources have claimed that the S-500 could engage targets at up to 656,168ft (200,000m) altitude. Russian media, seldom the most reliable source, claim that the first S-500 regiment went on combat duty in October 2021.

The long-term prognosis for the S-500 and S-350E systems remains uncertain. As documented by the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based thinktank, the Russian defence industry is dependent on clandestinely-sourced Western microelectronics for sophisticated weapons systems. Will Western efforts to clamp down on Russia’s access to such technology have an impact on the fortunes of the S-350E and S-500?

Stay tuned for more analysis on Russia’s strategic air defence capabilities in the next instalment of our Russian IADS Redux series.

by Dr. Thomas Withington

Read our other Russian IADS Redux   articles:

• Russian IADS Redux Part-1: Resonating with Resonance
• Russian IADS Redux Part-2: Hilltop View
• Russian IADS Redux Part-3: Strategic Skywatchers
• Russian IADS Redux Part-4: Missing Link
• Russian IADS Redux Part-5: Reset Password?
• Russian IADS Redux Part-6: Fundament-alists

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