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  • Baby & kids
  • Prams & pushchairs

Best travel system for babies 2023: Car seat, carrycot and pushchair in one

  • Catherine Hufton
  • Kat de Naoum

top rated travel systems uk

Getting out and about with your little one needn’t be a faff, with our pick of the best travel systems that offer the perfect solution

Finding the best travel system for your baby can feel a little daunting. After all, there’s plenty to consider when making your choice – they need to be able to transport your little one safely; they need to be comfortable to manoeuvre, while remaining relatively portable; and they need to be compatible with carrycots, car seats, and toddler seats to accommodate your baby from birth well into their toddler years. With an array of models vying for your attention, there’s a lot to think about with, potentially, a significant cost.

As is the case when you buy almost anything, what you pick will often come down to your own circumstances and lifestyle. If you travel frequently and use public transport often, then a travel system that’s lightweight and folds down with minimal effort will likely be a priority. If you’re more of an off-road adventurer with a dog or two to walk, then sturdy suspension and durable wheels will top your list of requirements. If size or road conditions aren’t a concern, then you might be free to prioritise style over more practical elements.

Whatever your needs, we’ve put together a brief buying guide with some FAQs and rated some of the top travel systems on the market to help you make the best choice for you and your family.

Best travel system: At a glance

  • Best luxury travel system: Bugaboo Fox 5 | £1,115
  • Best overall complete travel system:  Mamas & Papas Ocarro | £1,509
  • Best travel system for city living: Nuna Triv 4 Piece | £1,050
  • Best affordable travel system: KinderKraft XMoov 3-in-1 Travel System | £279

How to choose the best travel system for you

What is a travel system.

It’s a do-it-all pushchair with a modular design that allows you to slot in a carrycot, car seat or toddler seat as needed. The majority of models are presented in a variety of different packages, or bundles as they’re commonly known, ranging from the barebones with just the frame or stroller, right through to deluxe versions comprising everything from the carrycot, car seat, and accessories such as footmuffs, canopy, nappy bag, and even cup holder bundled as standard.

Do I need a travel system?

Not necessarily. You could instead choose to buy a separate pushchair with a carrycot, a stroller , a third-party car seat – or any combination of products that works for you. The appeal of a travel system is integration and the convenience that it brings.

Everything in a travel system is designed to work together, so it potentially means less overlap. For instance, you can just click the car seat onto the travel system chassis and push your baby around town, which saves you transferring your child from a car seat to a pushchair or cot.

What key features should I look for?

Size and weight are crucial, meaning it’s a good idea to go to a store or showroom to have a good play around with the models you’re considering. Will it fit in your boot and/or hallway? Can you carry it upstairs, if you live in a flat? Make sure you’re happy with the folding mechanism, too, since some are more tricky to operate than others.

Note that babies need to lie flat in a pram until they’re six months old, so you’ll need to ensure you’re happy with the size and comfort level of the carrycot. Don’t forget to check details such as whether it’s suitable for occasional overnight sleeping, too.

The size of the wheels is also important: big sturdy wheels are great if you walk a lot on rougher terrain, while slimmer wheels are better suited to city life. It’s worth noting the smaller details, too, such as built-in sunshades, buggy boards for older children, the size of the shopping basket and the stroller seat. Will the travel system accommodate your baby as they grow into a toddler, or will you need to spend more money further down the line? Can it accommodate two (or more) kids, if and when you have more?

How much should I spend?

It’s tempting to assume that the more expensive a travel system is, the better it will perform; but this isn’t necessarily the case. There are a variety of models on offer, at all kinds of price points (starting at around £300 and soaring to well over £1,000), so the best place to start will be to prioritise your main needs and work from there.

At the other end of the spectrum, while the high price of some of these travel systems may appear extortionate at first, factor in the cost of buying all the parts that feature in the bundle separately, and you may well find that an all-in-one travel system actually offers good value for money.

How we test travel systems

To test the best travel systems on the market, our reviewers spend several days putting each pram through its paces. As well as assessing how easy each travel system is to assemble, we also evaluate how it performs in everyday life, covering the school run, trips to the supermarket, as well as on public transport. We also consider extra details such as how easy it is to load and how well it fits into the boot of the car, and the amount of space it takes up in the hallway.

This real-life testing means we can highlight any areas that could prove problematic, or where a product truly shines. In addition, such testing allows us to more accurately categorise each travel system according to people’s different needs, such as storing in a small space, carrying up a flight of stairs, or navigating a muddy sports field. Finally, we include details such as the age range for which each travel system is suitable, the type of wheels it has, and its dimensions.

READ NEXT: The best car seats you can buy

The best travel systems you can buy in 2023

1. bugaboo fox 5: best luxury travel system.

top rated travel systems uk

For those who wish to personalise their pram, they can choose from 12 different colourways and add-on many of the luxury Bugaboo accessories, such as the baby bag and cup holder. We recently tested the Bugaboo Fox 3, which similarly feels weightless to push and manoeuvre; but the Fox 5 is even more comfortable to use.

This is a great travel system to use right from your front door, taking you from the school run to out and about on all terrains. It’s a little big for folding down frequently as a result of its large wheels, and you may find lugging it in and out of the car a little annoying. Likewise, if you need to pull it up stairs and fold it down in a hallway, there are more lightweight travel systems that may be better. But if comfort and style are your main needs, and you have the space for it in your car and your home, this is one of the best travel systems we’ve tested.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable for 0 to 4 years or 22kg; Wheels: Lockable swivel; Unfolded Dimensions: 93 x 60 x 105cm; One-piece standing fold: 44 x 60 x 90cm; Weight: 10.4-12.2kg

Check price at John Lewis

2. Ocarro 9 Piece Complete Bundle: Best overall complete travel system

top rated travel systems uk

This bundle is also available with a carrycot and cushioned mattress that can be used from birth, a foot muff, changing bag, cup holder, baby blanket, Cybex Aton 5 Car Seat and the base fixing to fit it in the car. Overall, we found this pram super-easy to assemble and fold down, which will be music to the ears of any sleep-deprived new parent.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable for 0 to 4 years or 22kg; Wheels: Lockable swivel; Dimensions: 101 x 59 x 101cm; Weight: 13.7kg

Check price at Mamas & Papas

3. Cybex Priam Travel System: Best high-end travel system

top rated travel systems uk

Suitable from birth, when it’s used with the carrycot included in this bundle, right up to when your child is four years old (or 22kg), this stroller can handle any on- and off-road terrain thanks to its rubber wheels and impressive all-wheel suspension that make for a super comfy, and quiet, ride.

Extra features include an SPF50+ canopy, a backrest pocket to store your smaller valuables, and a shopping basket that folds down when not needed. Almost everything you require comes in this bundle, except for the extension pack that replaces the front wheels with a pair of skis for when you head to Meribel.

Key specs – Age range : Suitable for 0 years to 22kg in weight; Wheels : All-terrain wheels; Folded dimensions : 83.5 x 51.5 x 31.5cm; Unfolded dimensions : 92-83 x 60 x 98.5-108cm; Weight : 12.6kg

Check price at Pramworld

4. Nuna Triv 4 Piece: Best travel system for city living

top rated travel systems uk

The main pram in this travel system has an easy-to-fold design and a large storage basket underneath, while the spacious flip-fold seat features an adjustable leg rest that can easily accommodate a toddler up to the age of around three.

The additional carrycot can be attached for newborns and this bundle includes a Pipa Next i-Size car seat. The stroller also includes lots of thoughtful details such as a wallet slip at the back of the seat, attractive leather detailing and a peekaboo panel along the back of the canopy.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to 22kg max; Wheels: Front swivel wheels; Folded dimensions: 32 x 52 x 65cm (LWH); Unfolded dimensions: 77-87 x 106-110cm (LH); Weight: 8.8kg (without canopy, armbar and insert)

Check price at Little Angels

5. Ickle Bubba Eclipse All-In-One: Best affordable travel system bundle

top rated travel systems uk

The car seat comes with the Isofix car seat fitting system base that makes carrying the baby in and out of the car a breeze: this eliminates the need to faff around with a seat belt as the baby is already securely strapped into its 5-point car seat harness. Just clip the car seat into the Isofix’s two metal clip fixing points to lock it into place, and unclip to release. Other perks include a full winter footmuff, a smart baby bag that fits neatly on the back handle, an extendable UPF 50+ hood, puncture-proof, high-grip tyres and a wallet slip across the back of the buggy seat.

While the pram is lightweight and incredibly easy to push or lift up onto high pavements, that’s not to say it’s by any means a small buggy. In fact, it’s rather on the larger side, partly due to its bigger wheels which make it great for active families who love the great outdoors. It also, unfortunately, doesn’t fold down completely flat, which may be slightly cumbersome if you have limited storage space.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to approximately 4 years old; Wheels: Lockable front 360-degree swivel wheels; Folded dimensions: 58 x 80 x 37cm (WLH); Unfolded dimensions: 58 x 116 x 106cm (WLH); Weight: 8.6kg (chassis with wheels)

Image of Ickle Bubba Eclipse 3 in 1 Travel System, with Galaxy Car Seat, Isofix Base & Built in 'Bubba Board (Black with Tan Handles)

Ickle Bubba Eclipse 3 in 1 Travel System, with Galaxy Car Seat, Isofix Base & Built in 'Bubba Board (Black with Tan Handles)

6. micralite getgo: best for affordable style and great design.

top rated travel systems uk

If you enjoy long walks and trips into the countryside, the multi-terrain, puncture-proof tyres and dynamic four-wheel suspension will come in handy too. The carrycot is lined with a super soft antibacterial bamboo fabric and is fitted with an integrated pull-out sun visor. There’s also a built-in storage pocket for your purse and keys.

Once your baby has outgrown the carrycot, you can switch it out for the seat unit, which has adjustable calf support and a lie-flat design. We also love the extra details such as the extendable hood with UPF50 protection, zip-out airflow panel and pull-out sunshade.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to 22kg; Wheels: Four-wheel suspension; Folded dimensions: 76 x 59 x 38cm (LWH); Unfolded dimensions: 72 x 59 x 89-105cm (LWH); Weight: 10.8kg

Check price at Micralite

7. KinderKraft XMoov 3-in-1: Best affordable travel system

top rated travel systems uk

A nappy bag with removable changing mat, a rain cover, cup holder, footmuff, extendable canopy and a height-adjustable handle are just some of the XMoov’s features, and the reclinable car seat has adjustable shoulder straps with protectors for the baby’s optimal safety and comfort.

For strolling, the all-terrain pumped wheels have a shock-absorbing mechanism allowing it to glide effortlessly on all kinds of roads, making it the perfect option whether you live in a busy city or in the country. The front wheels swivel and can be locked in position for solely going straight, while back wheel brakes have a simultaneous double clamp.

Key specs – Age range : Suitable for 0 years to 22kg in weight; Wheels : Pumped, all-terrain, locking, swivel, self-aligning; Folded dimensions : 92-116 x 110 x 60cm; Unfolded dimensions : 75 x 42 x 62cm ; Weight : 11.8-14kg

Check price at Baby and Child Store

8. iCandy Peach 7: The most comfortable travel system

top rated travel systems uk

While this pram is super-stylish, it’s also loaded with ultra-practical details such as the zipped pocket on the back of the seat, and the integrated stand-on board – which is invaluable if you have an older child. One of the other major pros about this pram is the comfort and security it offers your little one and the fact that it just makes a day-to-day routine feel much easier.

We really liked that the main bundle comes with everything you need to get started, including a carrycot, seat unit, chassis, removable ‘Pip-Zip’ bag, car seat adaptors and elevator adaptors. But you can also add on lots of personalised extras, such as the matching baby bag, footmuff and liner and cup holder, to really make it your own.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to 25kg; Wheels: Puncture-proof, ultra-smooth rolling PU tyres; Folded Dimensions: No wheels (cm) L70 x W54 x D28; Weight: 12.9kg

9. BabaBing Raffi: Best iCandy alternative

top rated travel systems uk

The travel bundle also comes with everything you need to navigate all four seasons, such as an adjustable forward- and rear-facing seat unit, a UPF50+ canopy, a spacious carry cot with a Kose Cool breathable lining, 2-in-1 rain cover and an Ubersnugg Footmuff. That’s a lot of kit for a very reasonable price.

This is a great travel system that’s super stylish, pleasurable to push and with plenty of storage space to boot. It’s definitely worthy of serious consideration and is a much more affordable option to some of the very expensive options in this list.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to 15kg; Wheels: Full suspension off-road tyres; Folded Dimensions: 70cm x 60cm x 29cm; Weight: 12.5kg

Image of BABABING Raffi Pushchair 3-in-1 Travel System, Baby Pushchair Buggy with Infant Car Seat Adapter & Rain Cover, Adjustable Stroller for Newborn - Navy Blue

BABABING Raffi Pushchair 3-in-1 Travel System, Baby Pushchair Buggy with Infant Car Seat Adapter & Rain Cover, Adjustable Stroller for Newborn - Navy Blue

10. thule urban glide 2 complete bundle: best running buggy.

top rated travel systems uk

There’s a twist hand brake for quickly stopping safely and it offers superior control even on hilly terrain. You can fold this buggy with just one hand while holding the baby in the other, and it weighs a touch over 11kg, so you can easily lift it in and out of the car’s boot and even up stairs.

The sun canopy can be adjusted to multiple positions and offers side ventilation and a peekaboo window that closes with a magnet. The complete travel bundle comes with a bassinet that can make the stroller suitable from birth onwards, and you’ll also get the Cabriofix i-Size car seat along with the base and adaptors.

Key specs – Age range : Suitable for 0 to 4 years, or 22kg; Wheels : Swivel front wheel, 16-inch rear wheels; Folded Dimensions : 87 x 69 x 34cm; Weight : 11.4kg

12. iCandy Core: The best travel system for second babies

top rated travel systems uk

This premium travel system from iCandy is a great option if you have other children and regularly interchange between urban and rural environments. It can be used from birth, starting with the fleece-lined carrycot that can be used for permanent overnight sleeping. When your baby grows into a toddler, simply switch over to the adjustable clamshell seat, which can also be used with the compatible car seat (if you purchase the full travel system bundle).

One of our favourite design features with this travel system is the built-in buggy board; it’s a lifesaver if you have older children. It will also save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to buy an additional buggy board or a double buggy, depending on the age of your other children.

Other details to note are the front-wheel swivel lock, bag hooks, an on/off brake indicator (which is flip-flop friendly), and ergonomic adjustable handlebar. Plus, the one-handed fold with the chassis still attached. The basket is also a good size at 48 litres, providing plenty of room for shopping and the baby bag. Finally, it comes with interchangeable wheels: the lighter wheels make it more of a compact city stroller, while the second set is more substantial and ideal for more rural areas. All in all, this is a smart and stylish travel system that will take you from birth to toddlerhood with ease and comfort.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to 25kg; Wheels: Interchangeable and removable (1 x rural wheel set and 1 x urban wheel set); Folded dimensions: L69 x W61 x H24; Unfolded dimensions: L68 x W61 x H105; Weight: 12.6kg

thule shine stroller from a side view in black on an off-white background

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The 10 best travel system strollers (2024 buying guide).

top rated travel systems uk

With budget driving plenty of new parents’ decisions when it comes to the big purchases, it’s easy to see why travel systems have become the stroller (or pram, or buggy) of choice.

The ‘3in1’ nature - offering a carrycot, car seat and toddler seat function - means they can be used from birth right up to the ages of 4-5 years old and offer a seamless transition from newborn pram to car seat to toddler stroller. That versatility and ease of use makes them sound purchases as your everyday stroller, and stand out in the search for the best baby strollers . 

Table Of Contents

Our top three travel system strollers.

Best overall

Mamas & Papas Ocarro

mamas and papas ocarro, mama and papas travel system, dad review

Best budget

Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 

N/A

Best lightweight

Evenflo Pivot Modular

N/A

Travel system features

Newborns start off in a lie-flat carrycot that resembles a moses basket on wheels. It’s often well-padded, with high sides and a sun canopy. They’ll be there for the first six months (or until they can sit up unaided).

Travel systems allow car seats to clip on and off the stroller for easy transition from car to stroller. Some will be able to clip straight onto the frame, while others will require car seat adapters. 

Some strollers may only be compatible with the same brand (or a very specific brand) of car seat so be sure to check before you buy. 

Experts recommend following the two-hour rule for car seats. Regardless of whether it's in the car or on the stroller, babies shouldn’t spend more than two-hours in a car seat at a time. There is research showing links between extended use of a car seat and breathing difficulties.

Toddler seat

Once your baby is six months old (or can sit up unaided), they can leave the carrycot and move into the toddler seat. These are upright seats with a recline function, allowing you to lean them back for a snooze. These are typically forward-facing, however, an increasing number of brands are designing their toddler seats to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing. 

The benefit of a rear-facing seat is that you can keep a closer eye on your little one in those first few months in the toddler seat. Those that don’t have a rear-facing seat will usually have a peekaboo window in the sun canopy that allows you to check in on them.

I knew what a foot muff was, but sitting down to try and explain it was an interesting experience. It’s like a large sock that attaches to the stroller to cover the bottom half of your child. They’re usually used to keep baby warm, and so are padded or sometimes quilted. However, there are some temperature regulating ones that can also be used to keep baby cool. 

Wheels and suspension

Unlike jogging strollers , travel systems don’t have a specialist use and are usually more ‘basic’ when it comes to wheels and suspension systems. 

The vast majority of travel system strollers will have four wheels (or four sets of dual wheels) with standard hard rubber tyres. You might find some with air-inflated tyres but these are less common on travel systems. 

Because they’re not as likely to be used on bumpy terrains than jogging strollers, travel systems are less likely to come with suspension systems. However, some of the more expensive strollers on the market do have them.

Like all strollers, travel systems have a parking brake usually operated by the foot near the back wheels. Because you’re unlikely to be jogging or running with them, there’s no need for a deceleration brake. But brands will occasionally put the parking brake on the handlebar.

Adjustable handlebars

Like any stroller, travel systems will either have two separate handles or one, arching, connected handlebar. 

Safety harness

Because travel systems have three different seating positions (carrycot, car seat and toddler seat), there are three different safety harnesses involved. 

A carrycot has a three point safety harness, usually with two straps across the hips and one between the legs. These are sometimes connected via clips, however, some opt for velcro straps because they are used for newborns. 

A car seat will also have a three-point harness. This time they’ll be two straps over the shoulders and one between the legs, and a clip buckle system. 

The toddler seat needs to have a five-point harness because toddlers are bigger and able to start wriggling out of things. So, there will be two shoulder straps, two across the hips and the one between the legs.

The 10 best travel system strollers

   1.    mamas & papas ocarro.

mamas and papas ocarro, mama and papas travel system, dad review

Editor's Review

“The best choice I could make for the pram! Big wheels, easy and light to move around even in the most uncomfortable places. Comfy carrycot, comfy and spacious buggy, and an amazing & extra warm foot mat!! Very good car seat also. It’s just a great choice for your little ones.”

Our pick as the ‘Best Overall Travel System’ , the Ocarro is a complete, premium travel system from Mamas & Papas, offering all of your travel essentials. The modern slate colour palettes and herringbone weaves make it easily one of the most stylish around, while the sheepskin liner adds a little extra quality and comfort. With dual suspension on all wheels and an ergonomic chassis, it tackles tricky terrains well for an everyday stroller. 

It does start from £899 ($1,110) for the stroller alone, rising to £1,200 ($1,500) for a five-piece bundle with a carrycot. To get a car seat, you’re looking at one of the nine-piece bundles which include an ISOFIX base, a changing bag, foot muff, the skeepskin liner, car seat adapters, and cup holder, and costs £1,700 - 1,900 ($2,100 - 2,350).

If you’ve got a big budget and want the best available, the Ocarro is your best bet. 

  • Wheels - Four puncture-proof, hard rubber wheels
  • Weight -  13.7kg (30.2lbs)
  • Upright size - 101 x 59 x 101cm (39.7 x 23.2 x 29.7”) - L x W x H
  • Folded size -  78 x 59 x 40cm (30.7 x 23.2 x 15.7”)
  • Suspension - All wheel dual suspension

Suitable from - Birth to 22kg (4-5years)

Key features

Ergonomic chassis

Sheepskin liner

All-wheel dual suspension

One-hand folding mechanism

  • Beautiful design
  • Incredible quality
  • Top of the range for baby comfort
  • Super easy to collapse and fold away
  • Handlebar adjustment is great for taller dads
  • Bag definitely wasn’t designed for dads
  • Unaffordable for most parents
  • Only a two-year warranty

   2.     Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 All in One

“A truly universal travel system from newborn through toddler to pushchair. The quality overall is very good, and I’d say this is at least on a par with the top end iCandy system- which costs about $400 more. Very happy to recommend this travel system.”

The Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 is our pick as the ‘Best Lightweight Travel System’. It weighs just 7.1kg, making it feel nimble to steer and easy to move around, yet it also feels sturdy. It’s also one of the most stylish options with a nice range of fabric and frame colour choices. The All in One system does have a separate carrycot (like most), but also includes an ISOFIX base, changing bag and changing mat, car seat adapters, foot mutt, rain cover and car sunshades - making it excellent value for money.

  • Wheels - Four puncture proof tyres
  • Weight -  7.1kg (15lbs)
  • Upright size -  95 x 61 x 104cm (37.4 x 24 x 40.9”)
  • Folded size -  77 x 61 x 30cm (30.3 x 24 x 11.8”)
  • Suspension - All wheel suspension

Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)

Multiple colour combination options

Double layer contrast-lined hood

Six accessories included

  • Light and nimble, yet sturdy, to move around
  • Really stylish design
  • Great value for money
  • Suspension is great on smoother surfaces
  • Car seat adapters are tricky to attach
  • Tiny front wheels make it hard to push on bumpy surfaces

   3.     KinderKraft 3-in-1 MOOV Travel System

amazons choice badge

“I recommend Kinderkraft as a brand regularly and this will definitely be added to the list of products I recommend to others.”

  The 3-in-1 MOOV from KinderKraft is one of the cheapest travel systems on the market, costing less than £250 ($300). At that price, you also get a rain cover, foot muff, car seat adapters, changing bag and mosquito cover included as standard. It does have its downfalls - at 14kg it feels heavy to lift in and out of the car, and sluggish to move around. And the off-road ride isn’t great considering it has air-inflated tyres and all wheel suspension. But if your budget is tight, you’ll get excellent value from this one.

  • Wheels - Four air-inflated tyres
  • Weight -  14kg (30.9lbs)
  • Upright size -  110 x 62 x 92 cm (43.3 x 24.4 x 36.2”)
  • Folded size -  75 x 65 x 45cm (29.5 x 25.5 x 17.7")

Large storage basket

Compact fold

Adjustable handlebar

  • Excellent value for money
  • 24cm handlebar extension range
  • Optional 10-year warranty extension
  • Rain cover, foot muff, car seat adapters, changing bag and mosquito cover included
  • The ride isn’t good off-road, even though it’s got air-inflated tyres and suspension
  • Not the most exciting to look at

   4.     Maxi Cosi Disney Zelia² 5-in-1 Modular Travel System

N/A

“After doing a lot of research and using different brands, this has been by far the best travel system that I ever owned. Hands down! I am very impressed! Perfect quality!”

The Maxi Cosi Zelia² is already one of the best-selling travel systems on the market. Now, Maxi Cosi has collaborated with Disney to produce these two wonderfully stylish (and subtle) Mickey and Minnie branded travel systems. The carriage can be rear and forward-facing, while reclining to a fully flat position means there’s no separate carrycot. At just 5kg, it’s one of the lightest travel systems on the market, making it really to move around day-to-day. The PureCosi fabric provides plenty of padding and comfort for your little one without generating too much heat. 

  • Wheels - Four plastic wheels
  • Weight - 9.5kg (21lbs)
  • Upright size -  103 x 66 x 111.7cm (‎40.7 x 26 x 44”)
  • Folded size -  61 x 55.8 x 116cm (24 x 22 x 46")
  • Suspension - No suspension

Suitable from: Birth to 14kg (3 years)

Subtle Disney design

PureCosi fabrics

Lie flat toddler seat replaces separate carrycot

  • Disney design is surprisingly subtle and stylish
  • Fabrics are really easy to remove for washing
  • Comes with ISOFIX base
  • Brilliant padding
  • Super compact and self-standing fold
  • Can feel a bit too lightweight at times
  • No suspension
  • You’re paying an extra £120 ($150) for the Disney branding
  • No accessories included

   5.    Graco Modes™ Nest DLX  

N/A

“While this stroller has plastic wheels, it still seems to be a very smooth riding stroller. I like that it has the ability to slide the seat up and down depending on what your needs are, and I like that the seat can face either towards me, or away from me.”

At just over £400 ($500), the Graco Modes Nest DLX is a great compact and versatile mid-range travel system. Rear and forward-facing, its Slide2Me feature means the rear-facing toddler seat can be adjusted to three different heights, bringing your baby closer to you in those first few months. The huge storage basket is also a huge hit. It comes with a ISOFIX base to accompany the Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX car seat and a handy cup holder.

  • Weight -  13.6kg (30lbs)
  • Upright size -  90 x 65.4 x 119cm (35.5 x 25.75 x 47”)
  • Folded size -  98.4 x 65.4 x 50cm (38.75 x 25.75 x 19.75”)

Suitable from -  Birth to 15kgs (3-4 years)

Slide2Me seat adjustment

Rear and forward-facing

Expandable storage basket

  • Being able to change the seat height is brilliant
  • Rear and forward-facing choice
  • Smooth ride considering hard plastic wheels and no suspension
  • Storage basket is huge
  • The drink/snack tray will block the view of smaller passengers
  • Smaller weight limit compared to others on the market

   6.     Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System and Base

N/A

“Love our stroller and car seat. Car seat is light but has lots of padding. Baby loves to be in it. The stroller is light and easy to manoeuvre around.”

The Chicco Bravo Trio is one of the best rated travel systems on Amazon for its build quality, stylish design, smooth ride and super simple fold system. Unlike most travel systems, however, it doesn’t have a carrycot function meaning your baby will have to go in the car seat for the first six months or so. It does save you storing a separate carrycot after the first six months, but does limit your usage in the first few months. 

If you want to save yourself $100, you can get the travel system without the ISOFIX, making the stroller and car seat $440 (£350).

  • Weight -  11.3kg (24.9lbs)
  • Upright size -  89.4 x 57.9 x 108.4cm (35.2 x 22.8 x 42.7")
  • Folded size -  38.1 x 57.9 x 93.8cm (15 x 22.8 x 36.8”)
  • Suspension -  No suspension

Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)

One hand smart fold

Parent cup holder and storage tray

  • Huge storage basket
  • Super quick and easy to fold
  • Smooth ride
  • No newborn carrycot means your time is limited with the car seat
  • Larger children might find it a bit of a tight squeeze

   7.      UPPAbaby Vista V2

N/A

“This stroller is amazing, worth the money! I knew it would be since my sister owns this. But boy I love it even more using it for my baby. It steers so easily with one hand, and I can even tip it back to climb or descend a curb with one hand. It’s smooth, sturdy, and seems durable. I love that the car seat clicks in as well. Can’t imagine using another stroller.” 

The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a much-loved Amazon’s Choice stroller at the premium end of the market. Starting around £800 ($1,000), it’s a stand out travel system with the ability to convert into a double stroller (with an expansion pack and additional seat), making it ideal for families that are planning to grow quite quickly. The bassinet has a perforated mattress pad offering breathability and temperature control that can be used at night time, too. It also comes with rain and bug covers for both the carrycot and toddler seats, and a useful carrycot storage bag. 

However, it doesn’t come with a car seat, so you’ll need to source that elsewhere.

  • Wheels - Four puncture-proof tyres
  • Weight -  12.2kg (27lbs)
  • Upright size -  91 x 65 x 100cm (36 x 25.7 x 39.5”)
  • Folded size -  43.9 x 65 x 84.5cm (17.3 x 25.7 x 33.3”)

Perforated mattress pad

Up to three children

Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection

  • Sleek, stylish design and great colour options
  • Can grow with your family
  • Huge storage basket can carry up to 13kg
  • No car seat included
  • Expansion packs and accessories are expensive
  • Can feel bulky

   8.     Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System

“A great option for parents looking for a safe and convenient [stroller]. The car seat is easy to install and clicks easily into the stroller frame. It's also very easy to manoeuvre, even with one hand."

At just £250 ($320), the Evenflo Pivot Modular is easily one of the cheapest and best value travel systems on the market, and is our pick as 'Best Budget Travel System' . It doesn’t come with a separate carrycot - instead the toddler seat can fully recline to a lie-flat position for newborns, meaning less bulky stuff for you to store. Each seating position can be rear and forward-facing (although we’re not sure why you’d want a forward-facing car seat position) for maximum flexibility. The SafeMax car seat has been tested to twice the required level of US federal safety standards, and it also comes with an ‘anti-rebound bar’ ISOFIX base, adding even more value for your money. 

  • Weight -  9kg (20lbs)
  • Upright size -  86 x 64.7 x 119cm ‎(34 x 25.5 x 47”)
  • Folded size -  49.5 x 64.7 x 101.6cm (19.5 x 25.5 x 40")

Six modes of use

Car seat tested 2x above US federal crash test standards

Easy lie-flat conversion

  • Comes with ISOFIX, child tray/bumper bar and parent cup holder as standard
  • Super affordable
  • No carrycot to store after the first few months
  • Really lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
  • No handlebar adjustment
  • Not great on bumpy terrains (but then it’s not built for them)

   9.      Hauck Pacific 3

N/A

“Absolutely fantastic value for money. Easy to put together and amazing to manoeuvre. Would definitely recommend it to anyone!”

The Hauck Pacific 3 is another option at the budget end of the market, costing less than £270 ($335). Like the Evenflo Pivot Modular, it has a fully reclining toddler seat to replace a separate carrycot. The toddler seat is also rear and forward-facing while the 3in1 boot cover can be used as an insert for the carrycot function and a padded footmuff later down the line. Unlike most everyday travel system strollers, it has three wheels but that doesn’t make it a brilliant off-roader despite the suspension. 

It does have a lower weight limit than most of alternatives, and does look quite cheap in comparison to its budget rivals.

  • Wheels - Three puncture-proof tyres
  • Upright size -  106 x 65 x 111cm (41.7 x 25.5 x 43.7”)
  • Folded size -  39 x 65 x 102cm (15.3 x 25.5 x 40.1”)
  • Suspension - Rear wheel suspension

Suitable from: Birth to 15kg (3-4 years)

Carrycot to toddler seat conversion

3in1 boot cover

  • No separate carrycot to store
  • Easy to push on most surfaces
  • 30cm handlebar adjustment
  • Lower weight limit than most
  • Looks a lot cheaper than budget rivals
  • Tricky to lie toddler seat back if your child is already asleep
  • Not very durable

  10.     Safety 1st Deluxe Grow and Go Flex 8-in-1

N/A

“Love the fact that you can have baby facing you or out and that it can lay flat like a bassinet. Had no issues with the car seat and base like others. Great system for the price and you’re not paying an arm and leg like other brands for something they won’t use for long.”

Costing slightly over £200 ($250), the Safety 1st Deluxe Grow and Go Flex 8-in-1 is the cheapest travel system on this list. Like the Evenflo Pivot Modular and Hauck Pacific 3, it also has a carrycot-toddler seat conversion function, offering eight different seating positions - the carrycot, car seat, toddler seat, and ‘travel system’ (which Safety 1st describes as having the car seat attached while the carrycot/toddler seat is collapse at an angle), all forward and rear-facing. It also comes with an ISOFIX base.

  • Weight -  15.4kg (34lbs)
  • Upright size -  104 x 50.8 x 104cm (41 x 20 x 41”)
  • Folded size -   59.6 x 48.2 x 88cm (23.5 x 19 x 34.7”)

8 seating positions

Drinks and storage trays

Step-up bar for toddlers to climb in

  • 8in1 seating positions offer great flexibility
  • Low width makes it easy to navigate tight areas
  • ISOFIX base is really unsteady and seems unsafe
  • Heavy to lift and steer
  • Difficult to assemble
  • Low width makes it a tight squeeze for larger children

Things to consider when buying a travel system

Travel systems are often used on a daily basis by parents, so they need to be suitable for as much of your life as possible, so you need to think about what you need it for most - is it small enough to fit into your car boot? Is it light enough to lift on and off public transport? Do you live on a small street where cars are usually parked on the pavement? Do you like going shopping and need something to easily weave around the shelves and rails?

Many brands will bundle their travel systems together into one, single price. However, not all brands will make strollers and car seats. In that case, they’re usually made to be compatible with a certain brand of car seat or come with universal car seat adapters. 

Naturally, the bundles are usually cheaper than buying each component separately. However, if you’re buying a stroller that doesn’t have its own car seat, and has universal adapters, you may be able to find a cheaper deal by shopping around.

We all know that budget is a huge factor for a lot of parents when it comes to purchasing decisions. And like most things, there are travel systems priced to meet almost every budget. 

The cheapest travel systems tend to start at around £250 ($310), while the most premium options can cost more than £1,000 ($1,250).

Size and weight

Basic prams used to be notorious for being large and cumbersome, and that didn’t change in the early years of travel systems. The need to transform from carrycot to toddler seat, and hold a separate car seat, initially meant travel systems were also large and heavy. 

However, innovations in design and materials used mean that many travel systems are lightweight yet sturdy enough to offer the required protection and safety for your baby.

More than one child? 

There are double travel systems on the market, although they’re naturally bigger and heavier. Some options are designed specifically for twins, while others allow a great degree of flexibility if you have two children a year or two apart in age. 

How much does a travel system cost?

Like most products, there are options to suit every budget. The cheaper end of the market costs in the region of £200 - 350 ($250 - 430). Mid-range travel systems tend to cost £350-600 ($430 - 745), while the more premium choices tend to cost at least £700 ($870) and can rise as high as £2,000 ($2,500).

How long can my child use a travel system stroller?

Travel systems are designed for use from birth right up until the ages of 4-5, depending on your child’s size and weight (and if they still need/want to use it). 

The carrycot (or carrycot function) should be used from birth until your baby is around six months old, or when they are able to sit up unaided. After that point, they can use the toddler seat in either the forward or rear-facing positions. 

All brands use weight rather than age as the clearest indicator of when it’s time to stop using a travel system stroller. Most tend to go up to 22kg (50lbs) which is around the age of four or five.

Can travel systems be used off road?

The purpose of a travel system is to be your everyday stroller from birth to toddler and beyond, and so it needs to meet your everyday needs. 

While they’re not designed specifically for off-road usage, they can still be used. Plenty of brands use suspension systems to make it easier to push off-road, and some will use air-inflated tyres. 

Consider what your everyday needs are to help make your decision. If you live in the city and will only occasionally need to push the stroller off-road, suspension and air-inflated tyres shouldn’t be a huge factor. If you live in the countryside, however, and you’re regularly talking walks on gravel tracks and bumpy terrains, you might need to stump up for a more premium model with better suspension and off-road capabilities.  

Which travel system is best for tall dads?

As a tall dad, there’s nothing worse than spending a couple of years hunched and slouched over the handlebars as you push your child around. 

So finding a travel system stroller with adjustable or extendable handlebars is essential for you. At the top end, the Mamas & Papas Ocarro has brilliant handlebar adjustment, while at the other end the Kinderkraft 3-in-1 MOOV has a handy five-point adjustment. But there are plenty of alternatives out there with good handlebar adjustment.

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Jonathan Davies

Jonathan is DaddiLife's Head of Content and has been working with DaddiLife for several years. He became a father to Raife in 2017 and Eden in 2020, and has been writing about fatherhood ever since. Jonathan loves being outdoors with his family and is particularly passionate about encouraging employers to support dads to work more flexibly.

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Best Travel Systems of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

They say never wake a sleeping baby. Smooth transitions from car to stroller make that a reality!

mom pushing the uppababy vista travel system with attached infant car seat against background of bushes

Mommyhood101 independently tests and curates baby gear to help you make informed decisions. If you buy products through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

A travel system combines an infant car seat  with a compatible stroller , allowing you to easily attach and detach the car seat as needed.

The ability to easily pop the car seat onto the stroller is a game-changer, helping your baby stay sound asleep when transitioning into and out of the car.

Fortunately, we've been reviewing travel systems for over 10 years, and if we made our own, here is what it would look like:

✔️  Fits Chicco car seats. ✔️  Fits Britax car seats. ✔️  Fits UPPAbaby car seats. ✔️  Fits Graco car seats. ✔️  Reversible seating position. ✔️  Expands to fit two+ children. ✔️  Bassinet & toddler seat included. ✔️  Easy car seat attachment. ✔️  Stroller weight limit ≥50 pounds. ✔️  Stroller frame ≤20 pounds. ✔️  One-handed recline & fold/unfold. ✔️  Compact fold fits midsize trunk. ✔️  No-rethread harness. ✔️  Big, UPF 50+ canopy. ✔️  Canopy with peek-a-boo. ✔️  Four-wheel suspension. ✔️  Large diameter wheel. ✔️  Locking front wheel(s). ✔️  Smooth and easy to maneuver. ✔️  Adjustable handlebar height. ✔️  Durable construction. ✔️  Stands when folded. ✔️  Storage pockets & large basket.

Of course, you will also want the travel system to fit your style (color, patterns) preferences and meet your budget constraints. That's a lot to ask, and very few travel systems meet the needs of picky parents!

Every year we test new travel systems and update this list with the best we find. Below are the top 5 models we've tested, followed by detailed reviews of over a dozen different options.

  • Top 5 Travel Systems Comparison Table
  • 1. Best Overall: Chicco Bravo Trio
  • 2. UPPABaby Vista V2 & Mesa
  • 3. Britax B-Free & B-Safe 35
  • 4. Doona Travel System
  • 5. Britax Willow Brook
  • 6. Evenflo Pivot Xpand
  • 7. Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
  • 8. Graco Modes Nest
  • 9. Maxi-Cosi Zelia
  • 10. Nuna Mixx Pipa
  • 11. Chicco Viaro
  • 12. Graco FastAction Fold
  • 13. Baby Trend Expedition

Full disclosure: Some of these travel systems, including the Maxi Cosi, Doona, Britax, and Baby Jogger models, were sent to us as free test samples by the manufacturer.

If you've been around our site, you know that we absolutely love the Chicco, Britax, and UppaBaby car seats. Conveniently, those same companies also make several awesome strollers, including the Chicco Bravo, Britax B-Free, and UppaBaby Vista.

Unfortunately, sometimes putting the perfect car seat on top of the perfect stroller can cause unexpected issues: the stroller can become top-heavy and unstable, the car seat doesn't attach or detach easily from the stroller, or the stroller suddenly becomes challenging to maneuver.

Here are the Best Travel Systems of 2024!

parents pushing and folding the chicco bravo trio travel system

1. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35 are two of the most popular and best-selling infant car seats on the market, next to its new sibling, the Chicco Fit2. Take that awesome KeyFit car seat and combine it with the versatile Chicco Bravo stroller, and you have a stellar combination. What makes this travel system different is that the stroller can be used in several ways. When your baby is too little for the big stroller, you can completely remove the stroller seat and use it as a lightweight frame for attaching the car seat. Super easy to fold up, throw into the trunk, and pop open. Or, you can leave the stroller seat attached and use its huge canopy to completely cover the car seat and your baby. In this manner, the stroller can function as simply a stroller frame for connecting the car seat, or as a complete stroller that can also have the car seat attached. Of course, both seats can't be used at the same time by two children, but it does give you access to the large canopy. That's an awesome feature and we really appreciated Chicco's ingenuity. A couple of other things make this stroller stand out, including the cup holder and parent tray, all-wheel suspension, adjustable handlebars, a large storage bin, decent canopy size, and one-handed folding (the handle is under the seat). The KeyFit 30 and 35 car seats support infants as small as 4 pounds and as heavy as 30 or 35 pounds (respectively), and the stroller seat supports kiddos up to 50 pounds.

nestig cloud crib

The car seats are amazing, safe, and overall great quality; it has been at the top of our best infant car seat list several times and for good reasons! The KeyFit car seats are a hair smaller and lighter than the B-Safe, and some of that weight savings is by not having a steel-reinforced frame, though it is equipped with energy-absorbing foam, side-impact protection, and an easy installation process. The KeyFit's big brother, the Fit2, also has some excellent features and specifications (see our review of it here ), so if you prefer that seat you can buy it separately and attach it easily to the Chicco Bravo frame. Speaking of attachments, the travel system comes with a car seat attachment bar that looks a bit like a bumper bar, that the car seat attaches to (and detaches from) super easily. No issues there, and we loved the versatility of this combination! A bit less expensive than the UppaBaby or Britax travel system, coming in at around $300-350 depending on color options, but definitely not cheap! Who else loves the Chicco Travel System? Our friends at Babylist, BabyCenter, and WhatToExpect all consider it a top pick! Impressed? Check out the Chicco Trio Travel System here .

assorted configurations of the uppababy vista mesa travel system

2. UPPABaby Vista V2 & Mesa Travel System.

The UPPABaby Travel System is definitely one of the sharpest-looking travel systems on the market, with the sleek urban lines and aluminum on the Vista stroller, and the high-end detailing of the Mesa car seat. This is definitely head-turning baby gear, and you'll pay for it! This UPPABaby travel system is the most expensive on our list, coming in at about $1000 for the stroller, car seat, and bassinet . We'll let you decide whether it's worth it. While it's a big investment, you're getting some great features and luxury. Starting with the Mesa car seat, which is usually around $350, is a top-rated infant car seat that is usually listed in the top 5 of our best infant car seats list . It's one of the easiest-to-install and use car seats we've ever tested, with its auto-tightening LATCH system, seat belt lock-offs, adjustable recline base, easy-to-use level indicators, and no-rethread shoulder harness. For safety, it has a double layer of side-impact protection, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and supports babies from 4 up to 35 pounds rear-facing. In our testing, we found it super comfortable and easy to use, with premium quality throughout.

We didn't like that some of our test babies had sweaty backs after sitting in it during the warmer months, but the Merino wool option did help alleviate that situation (Merino Wool is very breathable). The stroller is one of the best in existence, though it is quite expensive. It has class, style, durability, reliability, and versatility. It's truly a one-in-a-million stroller, and if we could take the Chicco Fit2 or Britax B-Safe and combine it with this stroller, we would be like kids in a candy store! The stroller has an enormous canopy, a big storage bin, a reversible seat (front-facing or parent-facing), and extraordinary versatility. It can be used with the carriage alone, with the toddler seat, or with the car seat that snaps in without any adapter. Or, it can be used with TWO kids! You can do two car seats, two toddler seats, a car seat and toddler seat, two carriage bassinets, and several other configurations. It has amazing versatility, and that baby carriage attachment is second-to-none. In our testing, we fell in love with the stroller and we don't know how we've survived without having it in our lives! This is really the travel system of your dreams, save for some minor limitations of the car seat and the extravagant price. If you can afford it, we think it's worth the splurge! Who else loves the UppaBaby travel system? Our friends at Babylist, WhatToExpect, and The Bump also call it a top pick! Interested? Check out the UPPABaby Travel System here .

a mom pushing the britax travel system in an urban background

3. Britax B-Free or B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Flexfit+ Travel System.

What do you get when you combine the top-rated Britax B-Safe Gen2 infant car seat with the awesome all-new Britax B-Free or B-Lively stroller? You get a winning travel system that is truly awesome in every way! The car seat itself is feature-rich and carries the Britax reputation for safety, reliability, versatility, and quality. Made right here in the USA, the B-Safe Gen2 supports babies as little as 4 pounds and as heavy as 35 pounds (or 32" in height). The Britax car seat is a little bit heavier than most options (just like with its convertible car seats ), but that's because it has a steel-reinforced frame, substantial side-impact protection, and EPS energy-absorbing foam. Safety always comes first with Britax, and the B-Safe is their flagship car seat with a fantastic crash test and safety reputation. The new Gen2 version of the B-Safe is bigger and roomier than the previous version, providing a more spacious and comfortable shoulder area for bigger babies. It comes in two versions, the FlexFit and the FlexFit+, only the latter of which includes an anti-rebound bar on the car seat base. While it's a bit more expensive, we strongly recommend the FlexFit+ for added safety. Now for the stroller. Britax offers their travel systems with several stroller options, including the B-Free (our favorite), B-Lively (lighter weight), B-Ready (good versatility), and B-Agile (good price). In our experience, the B-Free and B-Lively are the best all-around strollers for use as a travel system. In addition to their core features (lay-flat recline, one-handed fold, all-wheel suspension, huge canopies, and compatibility with all Britax and BOB infant car seats), the B-Free adds a higher weight capacity (65 vs 55 pounds), adjustable handlebar, all-terrain tires in a three-wheel configuration, and more storage pockets. We really love the folding mechanism of these strollers, which is truly a 1-handed operation (push a button on the side and then grab the handle at the back of the seat and pull up - super easy!), and the 20-pound (B-Lively) or 22-pound (B-Free) weight makes them more manageable than other strollers with a similar feature list.

The B-Free is also easy to push and steer with one hand, which is nice given that there's no cup holder to hold your coffee! Some cool things we found were the hidden zipper pocket underneath the footrest area, which you flip up to access the storage bin, the zip-open canopy extension that made the canopy truly huge, and the zip-open peek-a-boo window. Attaching the car seat to the stroller is very easy - the travel system comes with two car seat adapters, one for each side of the stroller. Once you snap the adapters on, you can leave them on for as long as you need, and the car seat very easily snaps onto and off the stroller. It worked like a charm, and were super impressed with this combination! Definitely worthy of this top spot on our list, though it is a bit pricey coming in at about $550. Who else loves the Britax travel systems? Our friends at Babylist, What2Expect, and The Bump consider them a top pick! Interested? Check out the Britax Travel System here .

a mother pushing a baby in the doona travel system in an urban environment

4. Doona Travel System Integrated Car Seat & Stroller.

The Doona gets a lot of points for originality and convenience as the only travel system that converts from a car seat to a stroller using an integrated frame and wheels. This integrated travel system is for parents who are tired of lugging around a separate stroller and car seat, having the stroller take up too much space in the back of the car and entrance to the house, and worrying about car seat and stroller compatibility. The Doona solves all of that by mounting a folding stroller frame right to the bottom of the car seat, allowing you to switch quickly back and forth between the car seat and stroller mode in about 5 seconds. It's a perfect option for families with smaller homes or apartments, smaller vehicles, and families that travel a lot by ride-sharing or taxi. The Doona accommodates babies as small as 4 pounds, making it a nice option for preemies, and all the way up to 35 pounds (or 32" tall). Those are pretty standard specifications for a car seat, and match the best ones out there (such as the Britax B-Safe Gen2 and Chicco Fit2). To accommodate such small babies, it has a super soft lower infant insert that you can remove once your baby is about 2-3 months of age. The head support side impact system has plush memory foam, and all of the seat fabrics are high quality and soft. Speaking of safety, it has three layers of side impact protection, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and a handlebar that doubles as an anti-rebound bar when installed in a vehicle. Clever! The Doona system does include a separate LATCH-equipped car seat base, though it can also be installed using the European belt path for a base-free installation. The car seat is surprisingly easy to install into the vehicle, especially if you're using the base. The only downsides are: the harness requires rethreading, no steel-reinforced frame, the canopy isn't as large as we'd prefer, and the seating area is somewhat narrow for larger babies.

So what about the stroller? Well, we don't need to consider how easy or hard it is to attach the car seat to the stroller since they're integrated, so that's a definite bonus! To transition between the car seat and stroller modes, you pick up the car seat with one hand and use the other hand to push a red button on the back and squeeze the wheel release lever. The wheels drop down from the bottom and click into position. Because the Doona weighs about 16.5 pounds, this isn't an easy feat if you don't have reasonable upper body strength. Once the wheels are down, there are two modes - you can use it in what Doona calls pull-along mode which simply means that the car seat handle is pointing straight up, and full stroller ("on the go") mode which involves positioning the handle down and towards yourself. The stroller is pretty bare-bones and basic, which is to be expected given that it has to fold up into the bottom of the car seat and maintain a reasonably low profile. Specifically, the wheels provide a somewhat rough ride quality and there are none of the basic stroller features you might want: storage basket, pockets, cup holders, trays, etc. One of our biggest gripes with the Doona concept is that we got our backseats a bit dirty from the stroller's wheels; not a huge deal and can be solved with a seat cover if you're worried. This is a truly innovative travel system that solves a very common problem, and we're overall impressed with the idea and execution. Who else loves the Doona travel system? It's a top pick by our friends at Babygearlab and WhatToExpect! Interested? Check out the Doona Car Seat to Stroller Travel System here .

assorted configurations of the britax willow brook travel system and parents pushing a baby through the park

6. Britax Willow Brook Travel System.

Britax is world-renowned for making high-quality car seats and strollers with superior safety features, comfort, and versatility. Their flagship infant car seat, the B-Safe Gen2, is one of the best-selling car seats in the world and consistently sits at or near the top of our annual list of the best infant car seats . Traditionally, Britax travel systems combine a full-size one-piece stroller with an adapter that allows you to attach the B-Safe car seat; these work well but are somewhat heavy and can have limited versatility. That said, we were excited to see this new addition to the Britax lineup for three primary reasons. First, the Willow Brook stroller uses a modular design that allows you to attach a toddler seat in a forward- or rear-facing position, or the Willow infant car seat in a forward- or rear-facing position. Second, the ability to detach the toddler seat (rather than it being integrated into the stroller frame) means that the stroller is much lighter weight when the infant car seat is attached. Finally, the Willow Brook travel system is much more affordable than most other travel system options from Britax, including the B-Free and B-Lively, coming in at about $400 including the stroller frame, toddler seat, and infant car seat.

We were lucky enough to get our hands on a sample of the new Willow Brook travel system late last year (thanks for the sample, Britax!) and were excited to test it out. Starting with the Willow infant car seat, we absolutely love how Britax took the successful ClickTight system from their convertible and booster car seats and integrated it into the base of the Willow. The ClickTight system provides a very secure installation that gives you confidence that your child is safe in the vehicle. They also integrated their new RightSize system that helps you make fine-tuned adjustments to the hip, shoulder, and crotch areas, resulting in a perfect fit as your little one grows. The car seat also uses the famous SafeCell crumple zone technology, quick-push LATCH connectors, anti-rebound bar (on the Willow S model), and the cover can be removed and machine washed. Limitations include a relatively low weight limit of 30 pounds, and the shoulder harness requires manual rethreading to adjust the height. Of course, at this price point, those features shouldn't be expected from a Britax travel system. For the stroller, we loved the toddler seat, its canopy and recline settings, the comfort and quality of the seating materials, and the easy-to-use five-point harness. Attaching and detaching the toddler seat and infant car seat was simple and intuitive, and we loved how both seats can be attached front-facing or rear-facing. The toddler seat can be used with a child up to 44" tall or 50 pounds. The stroller wasn't quite as smooth, sturdy, or nimble as the Britax B-Free (see above), but at this price point, we thought it performed surprisingly well. The frame is lightweight yet strong, the folding/unfolding sequence is easy and effortless, and our test toddler loved the tray with its snack area and cup holder. Oh, and parents get a cup holder too! Notably missing was an adjustable handlebar, expansion to two children, and wheel suspension. Overall, we loved this new addition to the Britax lineup of high-quality travel systems that prioritize safety and functionality. The Willow Brook does this at a relatively accessible price point and we thought it showed surprising levels of quality and versatility. Highly recommended for parents looking for the Britax reputation without breaking the bank! Interested? Check out the Willow Brook Travel System here .

several configurations of the evenflo pivot xpand travel system and parents interacting with babies sitting in the strollers

6. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel System.

We've always associated Evenflo with inexpensive baby gear that was never really impressive in any given way. Our experience with the Evenflo Pivot Xpand travel system changed our opinion for the better. We were super impressed with what Evenflo pulled off here. They made a truly impressive travel system that not only feels, looks, and acts like a much more expensive stroller and car seat combination, but is available for about $400. We realize that seems expensive for an Evenflo travel system, but hear us out! This system combines the great Evenflo SafeMax infant car seat (about $200) with the new and super versatile Pivot Xpand stroller. Add those two together and you end up with a truly awesome travel system that caught us off-guard! Where do we start with this stroller? Evenflo pulled out all the stops. This stroller has a super rich feature list: adjustable handlebars, a HUGE lower storage bin, self-standing fold, rear-wheel suspension, cup holder, and versatility that makes any stroller on this list look like a chump! This stroller has 22 different modes and functions as both a single stroller and double stroller, combining the infant car seat and toddler seat in tons of different ways. The fact that it can work as a double stroller is why they call it the "Xpand" system, a little bit like the Britax "B-Ready" system, and it defies the assumption that double strollers need to be huge and cumbersome. Here are some of the things we loved: the toddler seat can be reversed to be front-facing or parent-facing, or it can be reclined back to make it more like a baby carriage. And it can be put up front or lower down, without using any adapters. That's right, the adapters are built right into it, which is truly amazing!

We never thought we'd be saying this about an Evenflo product, but this stroller really rocks - it feels high quality and sturdy and looks super chic and modern. One of our reviewer moms wrote "this stroller is amazing, can I buy the sample?" That's a ringing endorsement from a mom who uses the UPPABaby system, which costs three times as much. The only thing we'd suggest to Evenflo is to make the tires a bit thicker and better quality, they are somewhat thin and cheap. So how about that car seat? This travel system includes the Evenflo SafeMax, which is their top-of-the-line infant car seat. It supports babies as small as 4 pounds (with the infant insert) and as heavy as 35 pounds (or up to 32" tall). What makes it so safe? Well, it has big side-impact protection and kudos to Evenflo because it is the only car seat that has been roll-over tested. It also has an anti-rebound bar, which reduces rotational forces and the potential for injury in the event of an accident. And it's very comfortable, with thick padding and soft-touch fabrics that are also pretty easy to clean. Installation was easy, it was easy to attach and detach from the base and the stroller, and we thought the seat actually felt very high quality (especially for the price) and we were impressed overall. Cons? Well, the handlebar was a bit cumbersome to adjust, the shoulder harness required rethreading from behind to adjust, it's surprisingly heavy, and it's just not up to par with the Britax, Chicco, or UppaBaby car seat options. There's a lot to love here, especially with the stroller, and we think you'll be happy overall with this travel system. As an update, we've been testing this system for over 2 years now and it has withstood the test of time! The wheels are a little worn at this point, but nothing major to report. Who else loves the Evenflo travel system? It's a top pick by our friends at Babylist, BabyCenter, Babygearlab, and The Bump. Interested? Check out the Evenflo Pivot XPand Travel System here .

7. Baby Jogger City Mini Travel System.

the baby jogger city mini travel system

Baby Jogger is well-known for their awesome City Mini GT2, City Select, City Tour, and City Summit (jogging) strollers. But they aren't so big in the car seat market, though their City View convertible car seat has some pretty good reviews (including ours!). This travel system comes with the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, their most popular and one of their most expensive strollers. The City Mini GT2 is stylish, versatile, high quality, easy to maneuver, and comfortable for the littles. It is ranked in the top 5 for the best luxury strollers of the year, given its easy fold, sturdy and durable build quality, adjustable handlebar, big forever air all-terrain rubber tires, large UV50 canopy coverage (and peek-a-boo window), and the super high weight limit of 65 pounds. In our testing, we loved the hand brake (rather than the foot brake), how easy it was to steer, the super comfortable seat (with adjustable calf support), and the one-handed fold. The GT includes a car adapter for the City GO infant car seats. However, we didn't like that everything is an add-on for more cost - like the parent tray, cup holder, other car seat adapters, child tray, rain cover, etc. It's expensive as-is (about $370), and it really starts to add up when you add in accessories. Relative to the regular City Mini, the GT2 version brings the higher weight capacity, the hand brake, adjustable handlebar, and big wheels; so a lot of what we like is bound specifically to the GT2 model. There's a lot to like here, but also some limitations that keep it from ranking higher in our lists. By default, the City Mini stroller is compatible with the Baby Jogger City GO infant car seat. The City GO is a pretty decent car seat, and this was the first time we actually got our hands on it for testing. It supports babies from 4 to 35 pounds (or up to 32" tall), and has nice plush infant inserts. The fabric itself is great, but the padding is substantial. We liked certain things - the seating area itself is nice and wide, when placed on the floor is has a rounded base so parents can rock it front-to-back, and the base and car seat aren't excessively wide.

But we didn't like a few things. First, it felt a little outdated relative to the top-rated Britax, Chicco, UPPABaby, and Peg Perego car seats. Second, clicking it into and out of the base, or attaching/detaching from the stroller wasn't anywhere near as easy as the higher-rated travel systems. Third, the canopy was large but also a little clumsy - it clicks loudly and has a crunchy fabric noise when you're adjusting it. Fourth, adjusting the harness didn't involve rethreading (which is great), but it also was a total pain to adjust since you need to do it from the rear. And we couldn't figure out how to remove what we assumed was the upper infant insert padding (around the shoulders and head), but it doesn't come out and makes it really cramped once our test babies were over about 4 months old. Together, those are some big limitations for an infant car seat priced around $250. So what are the other options? If you really like the City Mini GT2 stroller, you can purchase an adapter to make it work with your favorite car seats. For example, there's an adapter for the Britax B-Safe, the Chicco KeyFit 30/35 or Fit2, the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio, and the Graco SnugRide Click Connect models ( see all their adapters here ). That was smart of Baby Jogger, to provide so many adapters to make it possible for parents to purchase one of the best strollers on the market (the City Mini GT2) and couple it with their favorite car seat (which was not likely to be the City GO). That's also one of the reasons we've included this travel system up here on our list, since the City Mini stroller has so many compatibility options that make it a potentially winning situation for picky parents who want to mix and match! Who else loves the City Mini GT2 as a travel system? Our friends at Babylist! Interested? Check out the Baby Jogger Travel System here .

8. Graco Modes Nest Travel System.

the graco modes nest travel system

We love the Graco Snugride car seats, which offer serious bang for the buck, with high-quality materials, comfort, versatility, and safety at a very reasonable price point. What Graco was lacking, however, was a high-end stroller to match the Snugride car seats. Well, enter the new lineup of Graco Modes travel systems! From the fewest to most features, they have the Modes Element, Modes Pramette, and Modes Nest. The Modes Nest system adds the Snugride 35 Lite Elite model (rather than the DLX or LX), a height-adjustable seat, an expandable storage basket, and a self-standing fold. It's the most expensive of the Modes models, coming in at about $399, but we think it's also the most sophisticated and functional of the models. You already know we love the Graco Snugride car seats, and the 35 Lite Elite is no exception. This car seat usually sells for about $170 and is one of Graco's higher-end models, offering Snuglock installation, Simply Safe (front adjust) harness system, side impact protection, and a washable removable cover. It supports babies from 4 pounds up to 35 pounds, or 32" tall, while maintaining a super lightweight build of only 7.2 pounds. The Modes travel system includes not only the car seat but also the base with its 4-position adjustable recline to fit a variety of rear seat inclines. The car seat pops into and out of the stroller using the Snuglock system, which is a simple and easy mechanism.

The stroller has a ton of helpful features, with highlights including a seat that is not only reversible (front- or rear-facing) but can also recline and turn completely into a lay-flat infant bassinet (so you don't need to purchase a separate one!)! One of the most unique aspects of this stroller is that the seat is height adjustable, allowing you to raise the seat up closer to you, or push it down farther away. That simple feature is something we ended up loving during our tests, because it helps suit parents of all arm lengths (maybe not a t-rex, however) and makes it possible to easily pop a pacifier back in, or even bottle feed your baby while strolling. Awesome idea, and well executed! The stroller also has a huge storage basket, folds very easily, and we found it highly maneuverable and sturdy. It was smooth over the bumps, nicely sized for doorways and tight turns, and fit readily into the back of a CR-V, Outback, Accord, or RAV4. And bonus points for having a cup holder. Cons? Well, attaching the car seat and toddler seat wasn't entirely confidence-inspiring. Sometimes we thought we heard an audible click but it wasn't actually attached, so you need to double-check that things are lined up appropriately. Also, assembly took about 45 minutes and seemed needlessly complex! Other than those minor gripes, we love this new addition to our list and think it's an awesome solution for parents looking for Snugride travel system! Who else considers the Graco Modes travel systems a top pick? Our friends at Babylist! Interested? Check out the Graco Modes Travel System here .

9. Maxi-Cosi Zelia Travel System.

the maxi cosi zelia travel system

Maxi-Cosi, as the name suggests, makes some of the coziest baby products on the market, including their adorable and comfy infant car seats (the Maxi Cosi Mico Max) and the super versatile and luxurious convertible car seat (the Maxi Cosi Magellan Max). But comfort is not the only thing they do right. Their products are well-made, high quality, safe, and versatile; this Zelia travel system is no exception. While the Maxi Cosi Mico infant car seat is on our best infant car seat list, it isn't near the top of our list. That's mostly because we found things a little finicky, cumbersome, and too pricey for our tastes. But to be fair, it's in the top 10 for the year, making it a really great option. It supports babies from 4 to 30 pounds (or up to 32" tall), has big inflated side impact protection, EPP energy-absorbing foam, and it's actually pretty lightweight given its relatively bulky footprint (mostly in its width). While the canopy of the car seat isn't great, the canopy of the Maxi Cosi stroller is pretty impressive.

In fact, there are a ton of things that are really impressive about this stroller. First, the seat can be folded down into a lay-flat carriage bassinet for your baby. Second, the seat is completely reversible so your baby can face forward or backward. Third, it supports babies as small as 5 pounds and kiddos up to 50 pounds, which is a pretty respectable range. It also has a cup holder, a huge canopy (did we say that already!?), a peek-a-boo window, a well-sized storage bin, one-handed folding, a bumper bar, and a decent recline. There were some limitations, however. First, it was a bit of a pain getting the car seat to attach and detach from the stroller because it requires really good hand-eye coordination to attach it, and then two hands to detach it from each side. Second, it was nice that it was a little lighter weight than some others on this list, but it also didn't feel as sturdy or well-constructed as others. And that's unfortunate because it's about $400 for the travel system, and that's a lot to cough up. Interested? Check out the Maxi Cosi Zelia Travel System here .

10. Nuna Mixx and Pipa Travel System.

the nuna mixx pipa travel system

Nuna makes several very high-quality strollers and travel systems, all of which are compatible with the popular Nuna Pipa infant car seat (the Pipa, Pipa Lite, and Pipa Lite LX). These include the Nuna Demi Grow stroller, Nuna TRIV stroller, Nuna Mixx, Nuna Pepp, and Nuna Tavo. Most of these strollers are available as travel systems, simply combining the sale of a Nuna stroller with one of the Nuna Pipa models. Typically the Nuna Pipa is about $300 if purchased alone, the Nuna Pipa Lite is about $350, and the Nuna Pipa Lite LX is about $399. Note that the Lite versions need the base, while the non-Lite version can be installed in a vehicle without a base. When you purchase a Nuna travel system that combines one of these car seats with a stroller, you end up spending only a little bit less than you would be purchasing them separately. For instance, the Nuna Mixx stroller costs about $650 alone, but when combined with the Pipa Lite LX it's about $999, saving you about $50. We got our hands on the TRIV, Mixx, and Tavo for testing, and we were impressed with the quality of all of them. Nuna makes high-end products that are simple, stylish, lightweight, and functional. So while we're including the Mixx travel system here, realize that you'll be very happy with any of these options - this just happens to be the model we fell in love with! So what's to love? Let's start with features. The Pipa Lite LX supports babies from 4 up to 32 pounds (or 32" tall), and only weighs 8 pounds without the base (the base is about 14 pounds and includes a load leg). The car seat is Greenguard Gold certified and contains no fire retardant chemicals. It has an awesome "dream drape" canopy that provides full UPF 50+ coverage from the elements (with a peek-a-boo window), side-impact protection, a base crumple zone, included infant insert, FAA certified for air travel, and modern quick-connect LATCH. What it doesn't have is a no-rethread harness, anti-rebound bar, or steel-reinforced frame.

Regarding the stroller, its integrated toddler seat supports up to 50 pounds while weighing a hefty 27 pounds. But that weight brings some awesome features, like a true lay-flat sleeping recline (with 5 positions), a no-rethread harness, a super intuitive and easy one-handed fold, very high quality and plush padding and fabrics (including a removable and washable seat liner that is insanely comfy, revealing a high airflow mesh back), four-wheel suspension, an amazing full-coverage canopy, reversible seat, adjustable handlebars, pop-up footrest and boot cover, an included Mixx ring adapter (that allows one-handed attachment of any Pipa car seat), and super easy fold and unfold. In our testing, we fell in love with the smoothness and maneuverability of this stroller, which were both fantastic. We also think it's the most comfortable stroller we've ever tested, and that's saying a lot! We loved the magnetic canopy extension (the dream drape), the no-rethread harness height adjustment (which is really rare), and the fact that the seat can be converted from a thick and warm pad to a relatively minimalist and high airflow mesh seat back. Together, the Nuna Pipa and Mixx make great partners, and you can also purchase the Nuna Mixx bassinet to attach for newborns, infants, and hopefully longer naps! That's another $150. To be honest, we're not in love with the Nuna Pipa in general, we think for the price it's rather limited in features while prioritizing style and weight savings. But the stroller more than compensates for those limitations, with its comfort, maneuverability, and style. We think it's an excellent stroller, making this a pretty darn good travel system overall. Limitations of the stroller include no cup holders or storage pockets for parents, no ability to expand to two children (check out the awesome Nuna Demi Grow for that), and a somewhat limited-size storage bin. Overall, if you're sold on the Nuna Pipa already, this is a great way to integrate it with a super high-quality, stylish, and surprisingly functional stroller. Who else recommends Nuna travel systems? Our friends at Babylist, WhatToExpect, and The Bump! Interested? Check out the Nuna Mixx and Pipa Travel System here .

11. Chicco Viaro Travel System.

the chicco viaro travel system

This Chicco Viaro baby travel system is very similar to the Chicco Bravo (above) in a few ways. First, it includes the top-rated Chicco KeyFit 30 or 35 infant car seat, which is a truly fantastic infant car seat with a great reputation and track-record for safety, comfort, versatility, ease of use, and style. You can't go wrong with the KeyFit 30, making this automatically a great option for discerning parents. Second, it includes a quality stroller that uses a lightweight aluminum frame, a 3-wheel design, and many features (a great storage basket, one-handed fold, weight limit of 50 pounds, etc) that will sound very familiar with the Chicco Bravo. What are the differences between the Chicco Bravo and Chicco Viaro? The Viaro uses a 3-wheel design while the Bravo uses a 4-wheel design, which makes for some differences in stability and maneuverability: the Bravo is a bit more stable, while the Viaro is a bit more maneuverable. Another difference is that the Bravo uses an awesome adjustable-height handlebar that makes it suitable for both shorter and taller parents, whereas the Viaro's handlebar is not adjustable.

In our testing, the height was fine for average-height parents, but taller parents or grandparents (over about 6 feet) might get a sore back and shoulders after pushing this stroller. The Viaro also isn't as versatile in its settings - the Bravo lets you reconfigure the seat and canopy to remove elements to shave off weight and basically allows you to use it as a car seat stroller frame without all the added bulk and weight. But the Viaro doesn't let you reconfigure in this way. There are also some other differences worth considering: the Bravo's canopy is bigger, its rear brake is more substantial, and it has a four-wheel suspension (the Viaro is only front suspension). How about some benefits of the Viaro: it has a great snack and bottle tray for your toddler or big kid, and it is a bit lighter (18 versus 23 pounds). In our testing, we loved that the Viaro was easy to maneuver, relatively simple and lightweight, and easily fit the KeyFit (and Fit2) car seat. We found some minor annoyances such as the fact that it doesn't lock into a folded position, and the rear brakes were individually locked as opposed to a yoked locking system. So overall, the Viaro generally pales in comparison to the Bravo. But if you're looking for a relatively simple and more cost-effective travel system that works perfectly with the KeyFit 30, this could be a great option for you. Interested? Check out the Chicco Viaro Travel System here .

12. Graco FastAction Fold Travel System.

the graco fast action fold travel system

Graco is famous for its expansive line of SnugRide Click Connect infant car seats. In fact, the assortment of SnugRide car seats is so expansive that it confuses the heck out of parents, so much so that we created our SnugRide buying guide to help clarify the features and cost of each model. This Graco travel system includes the SnugRide Click Connect 35, which is the most basic of the SnugRide car seats. Let's start with what it has: a broad weight range from 4 to 35 pounds (or up to 32" tall), a narrow (just over 18" wide) and lightweight (7.5 pounds without the base) shell, 6 recline positions, side-impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, the Click Connect system that makes it super easy to snap into and out of compatible Graco strollers, and it's FAA approved for air travel (just like all of the car seats on this list). Now let's consider some of this car seat's limitations: the harness requires rethreading from the rear for height adjustment, it uses old-style hook LATCH connectors, it doesn't have the rapid remove cover, nor does it have the True Shield or Safety Surround side impact protection. As we said, it's a pretty basic car seat. Some minor annoyances with it include the smaller-than-ideal canopy, the somewhat flimsy padding and infant insert, and the handlebars requiring two hands to adjust. So you're getting an overall very basic car seat that usually sells for around $130. Now for the stroller.

This thing is very heavy and sturdy, coming in at a hefty 30 pounds that rivals even some of the biggest double strollers! But we do admit that while all that weight makes it cumbersome to lug around, it actually makes it feel very firmly planted on the ground, which is a nice feeling. It has pretty large diameter wheels, and the front wheel can be locked out for jogging. We love the fact that it has two cup holders for parents, a tray for your cell phone (though it's a little small for some newer devices), and a little compartment for holding keys and anything else you can squeeze in there. Your child has a pretty similar bumper bar and tray, also with two cup holders and a little tray in the center. The best part of that is you can open one side of it and swing it out of the way, which makes it much easier to pull toddlers in and out of the stroller. You can also remove that bumper bar entirely, but that makes it impossible to attach the car seat since it's part of the Click Connect attachment. It has a good-sized storage bin on the bottom, folds easily with one hand (though it's super heavy), reclines reasonably well (but nowhere near lay-flat, only about 45 degrees), and it supports kids up to about 50 pounds. Not bad for a stroller that amounts to only about $160. Cons? Well, in addition to being excessively heavy, it doesn't fold down into a very compact package. You need to have big biceps to lift it, and a big vehicle to fit this in, and that's not helped by the fact that the rear wheels are so big and don't quickly detach like some other models. And frankly, it's not so easy on the eyes - it doesn't look anywhere near as nice as the $90 more Evenflo. So overall, you're getting a jogging travel system for less than $300, which is about half the price of the BOB jogger (above). So if you're looking for a jogger travel system for a reasonable price, this could be a great option. Interested? Check out the Graco FastAction Travel System here .

14. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System.

the baby trend expedition jogger travel system

If you're looking for the cheapest jogging travel system with a decent quality jogging stroller and a super basic car seat, this might be a great option for you. This Baby Trend travel system screams basic, and the low (about $199) price tag is evidence of that. Starting with the stroller, this travel system uses the Expedition Jogging Stroller, which is down near the bottom of our best jogging strollers list. It's not bad, it's not great, but it really is a sweet deal for parents looking for a basic jogging stroller. There are some impressive things going on here: it has very large diameter rubber pneumatic tires that are 16" (front) and 12" (rear) in diameter, which is actually quite large and that makes it great at absorbing small and moderate bumps, and going over cracks and gaps in the sidewalk without any issues. It also has cup holders and a small cubby for phones and keys, comfortable handlebars, a decently-sized lower storage bin, and a reclining seat (but doesn't go anywhere near lay-flat). Those big wheels make for superior comfort and maneuverability, especially impressive for a stroller at this price. There is no front suspension, however, which makes it a bit more jarring over the bumps than most other options on this list. It also doesn't have adjustable handlebars for taller parents, and the seating surface doesn't feel anywhere near as comfortable as other options on this list. Folding it up, it folds into a decent footprint, but it's still quite large with those hulking wheels popping out from the sides.

Now for the car seat, which is the Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc infant car seat, which typically sells for around $110 or so. That low price always means limited features. It supports babies from 5 to only 30 pounds, and only up to 30" tall. So that's a pretty limited range of height and weight for an infant car seat, making the transition to a convertible car seat happen pretty early for many parents. But to be fair, most toddlers will be itching to get out of this seat anyway, given that it's relatively sparse in its padding and comfort features. It does have side-impact protection and energy-absorbing foam, an infant insert, and a surprisingly comfortable handlebar for carrying. The seat itself is also pretty lightweight and snaps into and out of the stroller with ease and convenience. So that's all good. So overall, this Baby Trend travel system is the most inexpensive travel system on our list, and it shows in many ways. But it might be sufficient for parents looking to save some cash and get a pretty decent jogging stroller and a super basic infant car seat. Interested? Check out the Baby Trend Expedition Travel System here .

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Best pushchairs, prams and buggies as tested and reviewed by parents

We've completed rigorous, in-depth testing and combined our results with the knowledge and feedback of real parents to bring you the best pushchairs and prams for newborns and beyond. Plus our pick of the best Prime Day deals.

By Gemma Wilcock & Laura Westerman | Last updated Aug 19, 2024

Six of the best pushchairs

Choosing the best pushchair or pram for your growing family should be easy, right? But, as anyone who’s been there before will tell you, the world of pushchairs, prams and buggies can be a minefield.

First you'll need to establish what kind of pushchair will suit your needs. Are you looking for a travel system that you can attach a carrycot or baby car seat to? Or are you after a lightweight buggy or umbrella stroller for nipping around the city? A convertible double buggy may be better suited to you if you need to ferry two children around. Or maybe you're in need of a pram that can be fitted with a buggy board to accommodate an extra passenger?

With such a huge range of pushchairs, prams and buggies on the market, we’ve meticulously researched hundreds of models, sought opinion from experts as well as the knowledge and experience of real parents, and undertaken our own in-depth testing with a number of parent testers to help you choose the right pushchair for you and your family.

How we tested the best pushchairs, prams and buggies

We put the pushchairs in this list through their paces in day-to-day life with the help of real parent testers, who scored each one on six key areas: safety, assembly, day-to-day use, aesthetics and value for money. Our parent testers spent weeks with each pram, testing how well it coped in various scenarios such as shopping trips, muddy walks in the park, in the car boot, and on rough terrain.

Using the results from our extensive testing as well as lab test results from consumer champion Which?, reviews from wider consumers and honest recommendations from parents on the Mumsnet forums (home to eight million users per month), we've selected the best prams and pushchairs for all needs and budgets, whether you’re a new parent, a growing family or simply looking for a good stroller to take on your next family holiday .

Best pushchairs, prams and buggies at a glance

Best overall pushchair: Nuna Mixx Next | Buy now

Best budget pushchair: Maxi-Cosi Zelia S Trio 3-in-1 Travel System | Buy now

Best lightweight pushchair for travel: Babyzen YOYO2 | Buy now

Best pushchair for newborns: Bugaboo Dragonfly | Buy now

Best pushchair for easy fold: Didofy Aster 2 | Buy now

Best pushchair for rough terrain: Bugaboo Fox 5 | Buy now

Best pushchair for city life: BabyJogger City Tour 2 | Buy now

Best all-terrain pushchair: Out n About Nipper V5 | Buy now

Best pushchair for storage: Mamas & Papas Ocarro | Buy now

Best double pushchair: Mountain Buggy Duet V3 | Buy now

Best pushchair with travel system compatibility: BabyStyle Oyster 3 | Buy now

Best pushchair for growing families: Didofy Stargazer 2in1 | Buy now

Nuna Mixx Next

Suitable from birth

Reversible seat with five-position recline

Travel system-compatible

Easy to manoeuvre over all terrain

Good storage basket and pocket

Quite heavy

Bulky when folded

Buckles can be a bit fiddly

RRP: £660 | Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 11.09kg (without canopy, armbar and insert) | Folded dimensions: 42 x 65 x 52.5cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes | Wheels: Rubber, foam-filled tyres | Carrycot included? No, unless you buy the bundle

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Nuna Mixx review (older model)

Flexible and oh-so-trendy, the Nuna Mixx Next is comfort and style rolled into one. It’s the third generation in the range, an update on the Nuna Mixx 2019 , which features a new, more compact fold and improved suspension for a smoother ride.

One of the pushchair’s big appeals is the number of options it offers. It can be used as a stroller from birth, with a spacious seat that can be either parent-or world-facing or switched out for a car seat or a carrycot with the included adaptors.

The frame is very sturdy with large rear wheels and improved suspension so it’s a dream to push over all kinds of terrain. This does mean that it's not the most compact of folds, but the Next does fold down smaller than its previous model. It’s easy too – though you do need two hands - so you can quickly get it in and out of your car boot.

The shopping basket holds up to 4.5kg, which is more than enough for a day out shopping or off-roading in the countryside. We also love the handy zip pocket on the back and the seat is padded with a mesh back to keep children comfortable in all seasons.

Read next: How to clean a pram, including tried-and-tested tips from Mumsnetters

Maxi-Cosi Zelia S Trio 3-in-1 Travel System

Excellent value for a complete travel system

Seat converts to a lie-flat bassinet for newborns

Easy one-handed fold

Height-adjustable handlebar

Tricky to change seat position with heavier children

Wide frame – hard to fit through narrow doorways

Straps can be fiddly

RRP: £310 | Suitable from: Birth to 15kg (around age four) | Weight: 9.6kg | Folded dimensions: 65 x 36 x 75cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes | Number of wheels:  Four |  Car seat compatible: Yes |  Extras included:  Rain cover and boot cover/apron

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full  Maxi-Cosi Zelia review

For around £300, the Maxi-Cosi Zelia 2-in-1 pushchair offers brilliant value and is one of the cheapest complete travel systems on the market. Despite its price point, it performs well in terms of quality and design.

Its major selling points are its weight – it's sturdy but only weighs 9.6kg so the frame feels light to push, fold and carry; and its two-in-one seat that converts from a newborn bassinet to a regular seat for babies from six months.

This bargain bundle also comes with a rain cover, a boot cover and car seat adapters.

Read next: Save 10% at Maxi Cosi with an exclusive Mumsnet discount code

Babyzen YOYO2

Super compact when folded

Cabin-bag size

Lightweight

Great for city life and public transport

Handy carry strap for travel

Fold takes a bit of practice

Generally doesn't move well across bumpy terrain

Rain cover and footrest not included

Small storage basket - but extra storage pocket on sun canopy makes up for this

RRP: From £370 | Suitable from: Birth (with newborn pack or bassinet) to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 6.2kg | Folded dimensions: 52 x 44 x 18cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes (but only with a newborn pack) | Car seat compatible: Yes | Wheels: PU foam | Carrycot included? No, unless you buy the bundle

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Babyzen YOYO review

At just 6.2kg, the Babyzen YOYO2 is an incredibly lightweight buggy and is the ideal pushchair if you live in the city or like to travel. Cabin-bag size, with folded dimensions of just 52 x 44 x 18cm, and approved by most airlines as a carry-on, the YOYO2 is super compact when folded and features a handy strap for easily carrying it on and off the plane.

It’s extremely nippy, especially if you’re navigating small shop aisles or public transport (be that trains or buses), and it offers a smooth and comfortable ride over pavements and paths. The small wheels mean it fares less well on bumpy, uneven terrain like grass and gravel, so this is something to bear in mind if you live in a more rural area.

While we think the buggy really comes into its own with babies aged six months and above, it can be used from birth with a newborn pack (sold separately) - a sort of cocoon that allows you to lay your baby completely flat. The great thing about the newborn pack is that it folds down with the buggy and doesn’t need to be removed if you want to attach an infant car seat . The other newborn option is a bassinet, but this isn’t airline-approved and needs to be removed if you’re using your YOYO2 as a travel system .

In terms of storage, the basket is fairly small (although that’s not really surprising considering the buggy’s diminutive size), but we like that there is an additional pocket integrated into the UPF 50+ sun canopy to store your valuables.

Read next: Can you take a pram on a plane? Everything you need to know about travelling with a pushchair

Bugaboo Dragonfly

Carrycot can be collapsed with the buggy

Generous amount of storage space

Rear storage pocket can be detached and hung on the handlebar

Huge sun canopy

Sliding five-point harness

Performs well on most terrain

Stiff and clunky recline

Tricky to fold and unfold

No rain cover included

Can’t easily be bumped up kerbs

RRP: £695 (£945 with carrycot) | Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (around four years old) | Weight: 7.9-10.4kg | Folded dimensions: One-piece self-standing fold with seat 36 x 52 x 90cm; one-piece self-standing fold with carrycot 32 x 52 x 90cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes | Wheels: Puncture-free tyres | Carrycot included? No - only as part of a bundle

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Bugaboo Dragonfly review

Released in June 2023, the Bugaboo Dragonfly is Bugaboo’s latest pushchair. And it doesn’t disappoint. Designed as a city stroller, it’s smaller than other travel systems on the market, but has a huge 13kg storage capacity thanks to the rear pocket that can be detached from the regular storage basket and hung on the handlebars like a changing bag .

While the Dragonfly is super comfy for toddlers, with harness straps that slide up and down for ease, saving the need for any rethreading, we think this pram performs especially well with newborns.

Tested with a seven-week-old, our parent tester, Laura, found the carrycot to be roomy and well padded with a sun canopy that can be extended quite substantially on sunny days. The sun hood is used for both the carrycot and the regular seat unit.

What really impressed us though is the innovative carrycot design. While the fold can be a bit tricky to master, the beauty of the Dragonfly is that the carrycot can be folded down with the pram, which means you won’t have to remove it when transporting the buggy in your car boot or on public transport. 

Laura says, “The fold isn’t particularly compact, but the fact that [the Dragonfly] can be collapsed with the carrycot (and, of course, the regular seat unit) still in place is, quite frankly, revolutionary. It also doesn’t matter which way the seat faces - the pushchair will fold regardless.”  

Related: The best travel cots, tried and tested

Didofy Aster 2

One-handed compact fold at the push of a button

Cabin bag-approved

Flip flop-friendly brake

Includes a rain cover, footmuff and cup holder

Great if you regularly use public transport

Parent-facing only, unless used with a carrycot or car seat

Handlebar doesn’t extend to suit different user heights

Recline requires two hands to adjust

Steering sometimes tricky on uneven ground

Cup holder can be reached by a toddler in the seat

RRP: £299 | Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 6.2kg | Folded dimensions: 55 x 47 x 25cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes - only with carrycot (sold separately) | Car seat compatible: Yes | Wheels: Puncture-free | Carrycot included? No - sold separately

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Didofy Aster 2 review

If you’re looking for an affordable and compact solution right from the get-go, the Didofy Aster 2 ticks a lot of boxes as both an everyday pram and a buggy to travel with, fitting seamlessly into car boots and in the overhead luggage compartments on planes.

Tackling public transport with ease, including both trains and buses, as well as effortlessly navigating shop aisles, this pushchair is both nimble and lightweight. Benefitting from an innovative MagicFold design, which means that the Aster 2 can be folded or unfolded at the push of a button, this is a pram you’ll want to have on hand if you live in the city.

It was praised by our parent tester, Beccy, mum of two to a toddler and preschooler, who said that the Aster 2 “revolutionised our family’s outings,” adding “if I had known about the Aster 2 before our first child, I would have bypassed our bulky travel system and opted for this ultra-compact pushchair instead.”

There are some downsides to this buggy though, the main one being that the seat is world-facing only for newborns unless you shell out for the carrycot , which is pricey at £180. Operated by a toggle, the recline is also more fiddly than we would have liked and the handlebar unfortunately isn’t extendable. Minor nitpicks though of an otherwise high-performing all-rounder.

Read next: Read our full UPPAbaby Ridge review

Bugaboo Fox 5

Sliding five-point safety harness

Advanced suspension for all terrain

10kg underseat basket with hidden pockets and extendable flaps

One-handed fold

12 colour combinations

Large puncture-proof wheels

Same frame is used for the carrycot and seat

Footmuff not included

Stiff during first assembly

RRP: £1,115 | Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 10.4 to 12.2kg | Folded dimensions: Two-piece compact fold 89 x 53 x 34cm; one-piece self-standing fold 44 x 60 x 90cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes | Wheels: Puncture-proof | Carrycot included? Yes ( bundles with accessories also available)

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Bugaboo Fox 5 review

With large puncture-proof wheels and a bouncy suspension, Bugaboo’s latest offering in the Fox line, the Fox 5 , provides an exceptional ride for little ones. Our parent tester, Beccy, put it through its paces on gravel roads, muddy paths and woodland trails, describing it as a “true workhorse” when on the move with her toddler and preschooler.

An upgrade on the popular Bugaboo Fox 3, the Fox 5 boasts more premium detailing as well as a new range of colours and finishes for the ultimate in personalisation. You’ll also now find a one-handed fold, unfold and recline, all of which our tester loved (although the fold took her a few tries to master), as well as an upgraded chassis design, which makes the pram much smoother to navigate and steer than its predecessor. The seat can now extend up to 10cm, making this buggy more accommodating for growing children too.

While it’s a bit fiddly to assemble and with folded dimensions that are better suited to large SUVs than small hatchbacks, the Bugaboo Fox 5 has many small and useful features that our tester appreciated, including a sliding mechanism to easily alter the straps and a large sun canopy that provides more coverage that you see on most pushchairs. Underneath the chassis is a large underseat basket with hidden pockets and extendable flaps, which holds an ample 10kg of storage - more than you’ll see on the Bugaboo Fox 3.

When it comes to newborns, the Fox 5 is unique in that the seat and carrycot don’t come as separate units. We think that some parents may find this impractical, especially as you need to take the carrycot apart then reassemble to form the seat. Despite this, the Bugaboo Fox 5 ticks all the boxes for parents looking for a pram that will tackle the rigours of daily family life as well as different terrain. According to our tester, Beccy, “as a parent who loves outdoor adventures, this is a game-changer.”

Read next: The best pram toys at attach to your pushchair

BabyJogger City Tour 2

Longer age range than most pushchairs

Good value for money

Seat reclines fully

Extendable UPF 50+ canopy

The harness can be fiddly

Not as smooth a ride as other prams

Rain cover not included

Not freestanding when folded

RRP: £284 | Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (four years) | Weight: 6.5kg | Folded dimensions: 59.5 x 49.5 x 19 cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: No, unless used with car seat or carrycot | Car seat compatible: Yes | Wheels: Swivel rubber tyres | Carrycot included? No

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Baby Jogger City Tour (single) review

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Baby Jogger City Tour 2 (double) review

Although ideal for city life and travel, as the name suggests, the BabyJogger City Tour 2 is actually a great option for any family.

Weighing just 6.5kg, it's a super-lightweight buggy that offers plenty of space for a child to grow and could last you around five years, making it great value for money. An upgrade on the original Baby Jogger City Tour , it can be used with a carrycot and baby car seat so it’s suitable from birth with plenty of options for seating your child when you’re on your travels. You do need to buy them separately though.

The Tour has a one-handed fold which locks into position and is compact for storing away whether it’s in your home or your car – although it doesn’t stand up on its own so this may be a problem if you’re short on space.

Unlike many of the pushchairs on our list, the City Tour 2 doesn’t come with a rain cover so you will need to buy that separately. There's also a Baby Jogger City Tour Double buggy if you need to ferry two kids around.

Read next: The best running buggies for active parents

Out n About Nipper V5

Handles rough terrain exceptionally well

Lightweight design

Easy to manoeuvre with a one-handed push

Peekaboo window has a handy magnetic cover

360-swivel front wheel

Seat is forward-facing only - newborn insert, carrycot or car seat recommended for use with a newborn

Non-extendable handlebar with low-quality foam padding

Long frame means the buggy struggles in smaller spaces like shop aisles

Limited storage

RRP: £425 | Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (approx. four years old) | Weight: 9.8kg | Folded dimensions: 61.5 x 42.5 x 94cm (wheels on); 48 x 29 x 86cm (wheels off) | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes - only with carrycot or car seat | Car seat compatible: Yes | Wheels: 3; pneumatic tyres | Carrycot included? No

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Out n About Nipper V5 review

Sturdy, well made and with excellent steering capabilities, the Out n About Nipper V5 is a high-performing all-terrain buggy that’s ideal if you live in a rural or suburban area.

An upgrade on the Nipper V4 , the V5 benefits from a new and improved sun canopy with a handy peekaboo window, new logos and more colour options to choose from. 

It expertly handles bumpy and uneven terrain thanks to its two large rear wheels, swivel front wheel and pneumatic tyres. The all-wheel suspension gives a smooth and comfortable ride for your small passenger.

Our parent tester Rachel says, “I took the pushchair to Broadstairs beach for a day trip with my in-laws. [...] We strolled along the sandy beach, marvelling at how easily the V5 navigated the sand. Inevitably it began pouring with rain so I put on the included rain cover, which was quick and simple to do, and it kept [my daughter] very cosy and dry.”

What lets the Nipper V5 down is the storage basket, which is too small to fit a changing bag , and the handlebar is made of low-quality foam which is easily damaged. We also wouldn’t recommend this buggy for a newborn unless you buy the compatible carrycot or attach a baby car seat . 

Read next: The best all-terrain prams

Mamas & Papas Ocarro

Can be folded down when seat is forward- or-rear-facing

Large hood and basket

Deep padded seat, head pillow and chest pads

Good storage space

Ideal for country living

Not great for public transport

Basket can only be loaded from the back

RRP: £849 | Suitable from: Birth (with a newborn carrycot or car seat; otherwise six months) to 15kg | Weight: 7.45kg | Folded dimensions: 27 × 46.5 × 65.5cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes (with newborn carrycot) | Car seat compatible: Yes (only with Maxi-Cosi car seats) | Wheels: Plastic | Carrycot included? No, but it is carrycot-compatible

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Mamas & Papas Ocarro review

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is an all-in-one pushchair that is every bit as stylish as it is practical. Dual suspension and large puncture-resistant wheels means it can handle any terrain well, and the padded seat and head pillow offer maximum comfort for any small passenger.

When it comes to storage, the Ocarro comes up trumps with a large basket that offers plenty of space for when you need to pack the pram up for any off-roading adventures, however it’s worth noting that during testing we found it was only accessible from the back.

The frame is sturdy but that means it’s not the lightest of pushchairs, weighing in at 13.7kg, a fair bit heavier than Baby Jogger City Tour 2, so it may not be ideal for using on public transport. It is easy to fold though and can be done when the seat is world- or parent-facing and is freestanding for easy storage.

The seat is soft and snug, made even more cosy by the memory foam-style insert to provide extra support for newborns. The Ocarro is also travel system-compatible for use with the carrycot and a car seat. While it is a heavy pram, it's a dream to push with wheels that turn smoothly and glide over any terrain, making this a great option for country living.

Read next: The best baby carriers for newborns and beyond

Mountain Buggy Duet V3

As slim as some single buggies

Has both a footbrake and handbrake

Individual hoods and footrests

Really good storage

Suspension and air-filled tyres suitable for all terrain

Footbrake is hard to engage

RRP: £709 | Suitable from: Birth to 18kg in each seat (around 4 years) | Weight: 14.5kg | Folded dimensions: 31 x 63 x 89 cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes, with car seat or carrycot | Car seat compatible: Yes | Wheels: Air-filled tyres | Carrycot included? No

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Mountain Buggy Duet V3 review

This is one for parents that are expecting twins or their second child and need to find a good double buggy for ferrying their family around. Mountain Buggy Duet V3 is a side-by-side buggy with lots of different configurations for life with two young children.

The seats lie flat so can be used from birth but you can also buy a newborn carrycot or a cocoon if you want to provide extra support. You can also add up to two car seats to the frame. The seat material is cosy and durable, providing plenty of support for young children. It features a secure five-point harness.

Speaking of safety, one of the buggy’s standout features is the two brakes - a footbrake and a handbrake, similar to a bicycle brake set-up - which is great when pushing kids up and down steep hills.

Even though the Duet is a double buggy, it’s the same width as some single strollers so the Duet is great for everyday life, especially with the pram’s suspension and four air-filled tyres that glide over everything from narrow shop aisles to mountain trails. With a basket that can hold up to 10kg and handy zip pockets, you won’t have to worry about leaving newborn essentials at home.

You'll need to buy a rain cover though and the cost of the pushchair could get quite high if you want to buy a newborn carrycot or cocoon too.

Read next: Best toddler reins to keep your little ones close

BabyStyle Oyster 3

One-handed recline

Seat lies flat for newborns

Compact fold for easy storage

Chunky rear wheels that handle off-roading

Great for use on public transport

Can’t be folded one-handed

Carrycot can be tricky to remove from the frame

RRP: £599 | Suitable from: Birth (with carrycot) to 25kg in single mode and 15kg in double | Weight: 12.1kg (with one seat) | Folded dimensions: 60 × 28.5 × 70cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes (with adaptors) | Wheels: Puncture-resistant | Carrycot included?  Yes

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full BabyStyle Oyster 3 review

The BabyStyle Oyster 3 is a large well-built travel system that’s designed to last well into the toddler years.

You can buy the pushchair on its own or it's available in different bundles to suit different budgets, from the Essentials package – which includes a car seat, carrycot, car seat base and adaptors - to the Ultimate, which also includes a bag, parasol, footmuff and much more. The Oyster 3 also comes in a range of stylish colours to suit different tastes.

It doesn’t just look good though. It’s super functional too, with a world- and parent-facing seat that can be folded down in either position. While you can’t do it one-handed, it's light and compact for fitting into a car boot and you have the option to remove the wheels if you need more space.

With a maximum weight of 22kg, it should last a long time although the seat isn’t as spacious as other prams. The extendable handlebar and chunky rear wheels provide a smooth ride and there's a large basket that can fit your shopping bags inside. This is a functional and stylish travel system.

Didofy Stargazer 2in1

Good value for money with the bundle

Eco-friendly, made from sustainable materials

Easy, one-handed manoeuvrability

Collapsible carrycot

Large shopping basket underneath

Rain cover is too small

Tricky to adjust the harness strap height

Doesn’t unfold with one hand, requires a lever to be unlatched

RRP: From £650 | Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 9.9kg| Folded dimensions: (frame on its own): 64cm x 69cm x 37cm | Folded dimensions (with seat): 64cm x 69cm x 39cm | World-facing: Yes | Parent-facing: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes | Wheels: Rubber, foam-filled tyres | Carrycot included? Yes with the bundle

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Didofy Stargazer 2in1 review

The Didofy Stargazer (specifically, the 2in1 bundle) is a great, affordable travel system that doesn’t sacrifice on high-quality. This eco-conscious pram is great value at just £700 for the bundle or £425 for the pushchair alone. The former is an 11-piece bundle that includes a carryout as well as a changing bag and car seat adapters, footmuff and a rain cover – perfect for a growing family’s needs. And it’s all made using 165 recycled plastic bottles!

The sleek black colourway (or green, grey and sand if you prefer) looks super modern and upscale. But it's not just nice to look at - this pram is functional too. It’s an absolute breeze to manoeuvre, even with one hand and this is thanks to the adjustable handlebars that almost fold to give you a little ledge to grip nicely. This does, however, require two hands to adjust.

In seat mode, you can choose either world– or parent-facing depending on your needs. As far as comfort goes, our parent tester Beccy says her children were very happy to sit in the pushchair as the seat provides a comfy, upright position that allows them to take in the world when they’re on the go. “The adjustable footrest means their feet aren’t hanging, and the multi-position reclining backrest means they can comfortably have a nap if they need one while we’re out,” she adds.

The roomy carrycot that comes with the bundle has a rocking mechanism when placed on the floor and folds down compactly for easy transport, while still providing an elevated, breathable space for newborns.  

The downside is the rain cover doesn’t quite fit properly and the sun canopy is on the smaller side compared to other pushchairs on our list. Although the five-point magnetic harness takes a little getting used to initially, it offers excellent stability for children over undulating terrain.

What is the best pushchair and pram to buy?

A travel system that is both stylish and functional, we think the Nuna Mixx Next is the best pushchair to buy right now. With a reversible seat, the option to add a car seat or a carrycot, large wheels for pushing over any terrain and an easy fold, this pram is versatile and easy to use. The sleek design and plentiful storage also make this a great choice for new parents.

Read next: The best buggy boards to buy, as tested by parents

Why do babies need to lie flat in a pram?

To use a pram in the first six months of your baby's life, you'll need the seat to lie completely flat, as recommended by the NHS . A lie-flat pushchair will support your baby's spine and help to keep their airwaves open.

This could be in the form of a seat that fully reclines or a carry cot that can be attached to the frame.

What are the different types of pushchair and pram?

Travel systems  .

The best travel systems have an interchangeable seat so you can add a baby car seat or a bassinet onto the frame instead of the regular seat. Some manufacturers sell packages including a car seat, but many don't.

Unlike lightweight buggies or strollers, most travel systems offer a bit more flexibility on how the seat is positioned. You can turn the seat so that it faces you, which means you can see your baby in the pram, or so that it faces outward, so that they can look out as you're walking.

In the early months, it's nice to be able to keep a close eye on your baby when you're outdoors, but as they grow older you might find that they're happier looking out at the world.

Lightweight buggies  

The best lightweight strollers are usually smaller than a complete travel system and more lighter in weight. While some can look quite flimsy, a good buggy can be a lifesaver when your child starts walking but isn’t yet able to cope with longer distances. They’re also great for going shopping, taking on holiday and for busy families who need to quickly get a pram in and out of the car.

Some buggies have seats that can lie flat for newborns, but not all do so it’s important to check this before buying. They’re often considerably cheaper than a travel system, plus they’ll take up less space in your house. The downside is that the wheels can be smaller and the seat can be less padded and lower to the ground, which could make for a bumpier ride for your child.

All-terrain pushchairs

If you like to go off the beaten track or go running , these buggies have been designed to withstand rough terrain. They’ll have a good wheel suspension and robust tyres – either three or four wheels – but they tend to be bulkier, so you’ll need space to store the pram and it won’t be as useful when it comes to wheeling it around narrow shop aisles and getting on and off a bus.

Double buggies 

If you plan to have more than one child, some prams can be transformed from a single pushchair to a double by adding another seat. For families who already have more than one child, you may want to go for a double buggy that already has two seats for ferrying your children around.

Read next: The best baby carriers, wraps and slings

How much do pushchairs and prams cost?

Pushchair prices vary widely depending on make and performance. You can get a lightweight buggy for as little as £50, but for a decent travel system you can pay anywhere from about £300 up to £1000 if you’re after a designer brand with all the bells and whistles.

If you’re set on a high-end design, it may soften the blow to know that they do tend to retain some of their value, so you could look at selling it once you’ve moved out of the pushchair stage. Equally, if you’re not keen on the idea of shelling out hundreds of pounds, it’s worth taking a look at a local reseller or eBay for a good deal on a secondhand pushchair.

What should I look for when buying a pushchair or pram?

Age range: Most pushchairs last up to 22kg which is around age four. However, not all prams can be used from birth unless they have a lie-flat seat or have a carrycot attachment.

Lifestyle: Some pushchairs are well designed for public transport, but some definitely aren't. If you use public transport regularly, a compact and lightweight buggy will be your best bet. If you live in the countryside, or think you’ll spend a lot of time on trails and footpaths, you'll want an all-terrain pushchair with a good suspension and robust puncture-proof wheels instead.

Fold: Whether you're in the car, on public transport or need to regularly fold your pushchair away for storage, looking for a pram that will quickly and easily fold down. Some lightweight strollers fold down so compactly that they can fit in an overhead cabin luggage on a plane , which is great for holidays.

Travel system compatibility: One benefit of a travel system is that, with the right adaptors, you can take your baby car seat out of the car and clip it onto your pushchair. However, most car seats don't have a lie-flat mode, which means newborns can only safely stay in that seat for 30 minutes at a time. If you're planning to attach a car seat, make sure the travel system you choose is compatible with your preferred seat. Car seat adapters cost anywhere between £30 and £60. Most travel systems sell adaptors to fit major car seat brands, but double-check just in case.

Adjustable handlebars: A handlebar that can be adjusted will make the pram much more comfortable to push and will come in handy for parents who are different heights.

Storage basket: This may be one of the most important features of a pushchair. With all the nappies, bottles, snacks and changes of clothes that come with a baby, it’s almost impossible to travel lightly, especially if you plan to pick up shopping while you’re out. Pram baskets vary, with capacities from around 1kg to 15kg, but no matter how big it is, make sure you can access it easily. Some pushchairs also come with handy storage pockets.

Comfort and recline: If you want to ensure your child is comfortable, look for a pram that has padded seats. The angle of the recline is also important for ensuring your child can sit comfortably. Some seats have an infinite recline so you can choose the angle, while others may only have a few options. A seat with a leg rest or support will prevent children’s legs from dangling over the edge of the seat - some are adjustable so you can alter it as they grow.

Wheel size: Pushchairs tend to have three or four wheels. Generally bigger wheels are easier to move on rougher terrain, with air-filled tyres better suited for off-roading (but they can puncture). If you want to be able to easily push your pram, swivel wheels move in any direction to make it easier to push. This can make it trickier to navigate over uneven ground, so look for wheels that lock so you have the option to use both.

Accessories: What does the pram come with? Accessories can include a cup holder, footmuff and rain cover. Check what it comes with before buying as things like rain covers are essential for keeping your little one dry so you’ll need to factor in the extra cost.

Need more guidance? We have comprehensive buying guides that round up the best travel systems , the best lightweight strollers and the best double buggies to buy. All feature prams that have been tested and recommended by real parents.

For more information on pushchair safety, visit The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

How we chose our recommendations

Collect unbiased recommendations from parents.

To ensure we find products that can withstand family life, we always look for recommendations from our trusted Mumsnet users on the forums . With 10 million users each month, we know we’re identifying products that have been thoroughly put to the test in everyday situations.

Consult the experts

When compiling our list of recommendations, our trusted and experienced parenting journalists spend hours researching each product category, using a variety of sources to evaluate which products are the best.

This means checking that it is highly recommended by experts and stands up to scrutiny. We consult expert review sites, such as Which? .

Check the products are loved by consumers

Knowing that the real experts are you, the consumer, we make sure to check online reviews on retailers such as Mamas & Papas, Argos, John Lewis and Amazon, to make sure the products are up to scratch. We look out for both negative and positive feedback, considering the quality, safety, value for money and extra features to ensure they performed well across the board.

In-depth testing to put the products through their paces

Finally, we put each one through its paces with the help of real parent testers, during which they test and determine several factors, including: ease of use, sturdiness, storage available, how the recline and brake performs, the quality of accessories, cleanliness, aesthetics and value for money.

Once tests were complete, each parent provided detailed notes, scoring them out of five on how well they performed in each area. When the final scores were in, the products that performed the best were included in our round-ups; best lightweight strollers , best travel systems , and best double buggies . In this guide, you'll find the best ones from those lists that are suitable for newborns and beyond.

About the authors

Gemma Wilcock is a freelance journalist and writer with over 15 years of experience writing for national magazine and online publications, including Prima Baby, Woman's Own and Bella.

She has researched and written baby and child product reviews and round-ups for Mumsnet for over six years - reviewing everything from buggies to  baby bouncers . As a mum of two, knows just how important first-hand parenting knowledge and recommendations can be.

Laura Westerman is an editor, writer and Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet. With over seven years' experience as a full-time editor, five of which have been spent writing, commissioning and editing product reviews and round-ups, Laura has a keen eye for what parents love and likes nothing more than putting together honest reviews to make parents' lives that little bit easier. 

In addition to her work as a writer and editor, she has also appeared in a number of baby product review videos for Mumsnet's YouTube channel. She is a mum to a one-year-old.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.

11 Best travel systems for easily transporting sleeping babies

Get from A to B hassle-free with these all-in-one pushchair, car seat and carrycot systems from some of the best baby brands including Joie, Ickle Bubba and Graco

Find the best travel system for your family

  • 17:50, 6 Jun 2022
  • Updated 13:02, 7 Jun 2022

There is such a plethora of things to organise just to leave the house when you have a newborn (wipes, bibs, toys, you name it), that anything you can do to make life easier will always be a good idea.

And a suitable travel systems will certainly do that for you if you're trying to get prepared.

What is a travel system?

A travel system is essentially a pushchair that you can use with a car seat and a carrycot, as well everything you need in one for a simple trip to the shops, to see family or to take on holiday.

These nifty contraptions come in different shapes and sizes for your needs, whether you want a lightweight, foldable stroller or a plush pram for a newborn.

How much are travel systems?

A good travel system can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred pounds right up to a whopping £1000 so there's a lot of choice out there depending on your budget.

Of course you can buy products like the pram, car seat or carrycot separately, but travel systems are designed to be more cost effective and will save you time searching for everything individually.

What features should I look for?

One quite important category that no one really thinks of is the size. If your stroller can't fit in and around your home (specifically out the front door), or inside your boot - you'll have a problem.

Weight is another thing to think about, for when you'll need to disassemble parts and get get around easily. We'd also recommend looking for other features including facilities to board another small child, sun canopies and ISOfix attachments.

An Isofix child seat is 'plugged' into the corresponding fitting points in the car, removing the need to use the car's seat belts to secure it.

We’ve rounded up the best baby travel systems to make mum life easier below and there’s something good for every budget.

Best travel systems to buy

1. hauck shopper slx trio set, best for affordability.

Suitable from: Birth to approx four years old

Key features: 5-point harness, easy switch from pram to stroller, foldable

Weight: 8.1kg

With a carrycot, car seat and a shopper buggy, this well-priced baby travel system has everything you need right from birth to pre-school age. One thing we love about this is how quickly it can transform from a pram into a stroller once your child is old enough to do so.

Its swivelling, lockable wheels make it easy to manoeuvre, and it has also compact folded dimensions to fit into a small car boot.

The carrycot and car seat are quick and easy to mount onto the integrated adapters using the practical easy-fix system, and there's an extra-large shopping basket for all your necessities.

2. Joie Juva Travel System

Best budget travel system.

Suitable from: Birth to 13kg

Key features: 5-point harness, removable newborn support cushions, freestanding fold

Weight: 7.9kg

If you're looking for the best affordable baby travel system, this has to be up there thanks to its lightweight chassis that's easy to manoeuvre on the street, in the park or up the stairs.

The pushchair suitable from birth with multi reclining positions, including lie-flat, has a one-hand recline adjustment for ease of use, a forward-facing start, and lockable wheels.

There's also a handy shopping basket, detachable hood and a rain cover. The infant car seat carrier is rear-facing with side impact protection, and is suitable to take baby home from the hospital.

3. Cosatto Giggle Mix Travel System Bundle

Best lightweight travel system.

Suitable from: Birth to 20kg

Key features: 5-point harness, four recline positions, all-round premium suspension

Weight: 5.5kg

ISOFIX: Yes

Who could resist this stylish baby travel system enhanced with a beautiful print of Mister Fox?

It mixes cute with chic, and delivers on performance, too, with a convertible pram-to-seat and car seat, along with a rain cover.

It offers forward and rear seat options, multiple reclining positions (suitable from birth), lockable swivel wheels, a shopping basket and a foot muff. There's also a detachable hood, and the pushchair's cover is removable and washable. Practical and pretty.

The bundle also comes comes with a coordinating Port i-Size car seat and adaptors.

4. Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 iSize Special Edition Baby Travel System

Best premium travel system.

Suitable from: Birth to approx three years old

Key features: Two sun visors, multi recline positions, quick fold auto lock

Weight: 6.5kg

If budget isn't an issue, this Ickle Bubba baby travel system is worth splashing out on.

The gorgeous olive-toned carrycot can be used as a pram or a stroller, while its easy-click release makes for quick transitions between car and pushchair with the handy car seat.

When it comes to value for money, the stomp v4 is a great buy for new parents who want to cover all the bases in maximum style and comfort.

The deluxe no-foam tires offer a smooth ride, and the carry cot has a rain cover, flexible hood, and safety mattress. High-end and high-quality.

5. Chicco Trio Best Friend Travel System

Best travel system for city living.

Key features: Universal fitting, three recline positions, shock absorbing wheels

Weight: 10kg

Including a carrycot, group 0+ rear-facing car seat and a stroller, this system has everything you need at a reasonable price point.

The best friend stroller has a very simple and intuitive mechanism. The seat is 2-way facing, as well as super comfortable and cosy for the baby and the adjustable handle, in precious Eco-leather, gives the stroller a high quality finishing touch.

Whether popping out to the shops or travelling longer distances, it's easy to switch from stroller to car and also folds up into a compact size for simple storage and transportation - a great little investment.

Buy now from Uber Kids ( £399 ).

6. Graco Evo XT i-Size Travel System

Best for on-the-go parents.

Key features: One hand fold mechanism, lockable swivel wheels, comes with foot cover

Weight: 7kg

Designed with busy parents in mind, this travel system bundle has all the necessary goods to get you out and about with ease from birth.

We love the stylish design and lightweight body that makes it perfect for a busy family on the go.

The reversible pushchair seat unit has three recline positions to lie-flat, adjustable handles, a one-hand fold mechanism to make things easy, a car seat, luxury carrycot and rain cover.

7. Homcom 3-in-1 Travel System

Best for busy parents.

A three-in-one design at a very good price, this stroller, carrycot and car seat combination makes transitions from the car to outdoors super-easy.

Offering a smooth ride, it boasts an impact-absorbing base, a removable overhead canopy a flip-out visor and window.

The cot is reversible so you can see your tot while using the pushchair, it's also easy to push along and also features a bottom carry bag for convenient storage on-the-go.

It's also foldable to pop in the car boot or store away when not in use, a great little buy for expectant parents.

Buy now from Aosom ( £195.99 ).

8. Nuna Triv-Pipa 5 Piece Pushchair Bundle

Best luxury travel system.

Suitable from: Birth to 22kg

Key features: Built in safety wings, 13 ISOfix positions, freestanding fold

Weight: 10.3kg

The Pipa Next car seat is i-Size regulation compliant side impact protection and built-in wings that automatically deploy when the car seat is installed for ultimate safety when travelling with your little one.

It's lightweight enough to tote while doing your shopping, or travelling around town, urban settings.

The Pipa Next isofix base is designed with a five-second True lock installation and 13 ISOFIX positions that allow a custom fit to your vehicle seat. Lightweight, compact and with spring suspension technology, this is the perfect ride for your little one.

Buy now from John Lewis ( £950 ).

9. iCandy Orange Pushchair

Best for two children.

Suitable from: Birth to 25kg

Key features: Cinema seating, integrated buggy board, three recline positions

Weight: 12.6kg

The iCandy Orange is the ultimate companion when it comes to parenthood and this multi-functional pushchair is ready for the adventure.

If you have another small child, an integrated Ride-on Board allows for you to keep an eye on both little ones. Whilst the lightweight and streamlined chassis, super spacious basket and even a changing bag and Duo Pod included, means the iCandy Orange is ready for everything from the word go.

The added peace of mind that the iCandy Orange can scale into a double pushchair future proofs the design for parents.

10. Ocarro Complete 9-piece Travel System Bundle

Best overall bundle.

Key features: One hand fold mechanism, chest pads and head hugger included, universal cup holder

Weight: 13.7kg

Entering blow-the-budget territory, this nice-piece baby travel system bundle comes with all the bells and whistles.

The all-terrain pushchair has puncture-proof wheels and a footmuff to keep baby snug in the cold weather.

And when it comes to packing your Ocarro away in the car or at home, you can quickly fold it using one hand, then store it neatly away thanks to its compact design.

There's also a carrycot, adaptor, cup holder for your coffee (very important), a changing bag, parasol, and car seat. What more could you need?

11. Raffi Travel System

Best award-wining bundle.

Suitable from: Birth to three years old

Key features: Adjustable Seat Unit with Canopy, 2-in-1 Rain Cover, Generous underseat storage basket

Weight: 12.5kg

If you love strolling the streets with your little one in tow, then you’ll love the new and improved Raffi Travel System. A must-have for everyday adventures in the wild, and the city, it comes with toughened wheel quality, all-round suspension and three reclining seat settings, for minimal fuss and maximum chill.

You'll be able to store all your shopping-essentials in the large, underseat basket and be prepared, whatever the weather.

The Raffi is now made from 100% recyclable fabrics and comes in three easy-clean, mud-friendly colours – Black, Vapour Grey and Navy Blue.

Buy now from Bababing ( £650 ).

MORE ON Mirror Best Babies Parenting Infant Mirror Choice

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Parkers

The best travel system for taking baby on the move

  • Travel system fundamentals explained
  • We've teamed up with our friends at Mother&Baby to find the best
  • What's the difference between different travel systems?

Best travel system

Written by Eleanor Weaver Published: 6 October 2023 Updated: 23 January 2024

If you’re expecting a bundle of joy, investing in the best travel system as a new parent is a smart way to go. A travel system is essentially a pushchair and car seat combined, designed to make it as easy as possible to take baby on the go – you can move them into the car without having to remove them from their car seat. You simply detach the car seat when it’s time to get in the car and fold the pushchair frame down to pop in the boot. Anything that makes parenting easier is a yes in our books.

The cost of baby essentials adds up pretty quickly, but a travel system is a bundle purchase that covers some pricey essentials for the first year of a baby’s life. Travel systems fit Group 0+ car seats only so can be used until your little one is around 12-15 months. You’ll often find 3in1 travel systems include a carrycot too so you can use the pushchair as a lie-flat pram – an important addition to support the development of baby’s spine and lungs until they’re six months old.

Prices for travel systems range from under £250 up to over £1,000 with added handy extras, such as changing bags and footmuffs. We’d recommend making a list of must-have features to ensure it fits your car and you’re getting good value for money. We’ve explored this in more detail in our FAQs section but for now, here’s our pick of the best travel systems for getting out and about with a little help from our friends at Mother&Baby .

Best travel systems at a glance

Best overall: Joie Baby Finiti Bundle – View on John Lewis Best for simplicity: Venicci Tinum 3in1 Travel System Bundle – View on Kiddies Kingdom Best on a budget: Kinderkraft Travel System 3in1 NEWLY – View on Kinderkraft

Best travel systems in more detail

Joie baby finiti bundle, best overall.

top rated travel systems uk

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

While a 2in1 travel system includes the car seat and pushchair, a 3in1 travel system has the added element of a carrycot. This can be switched out with their car seat on the pushchair frame, converted into a pushchair seat, and removed. This is a handy addition for when you’re out and about or don’t want to disturb your baby as they snooze. It comes with a heftier price tag, but seeing as the carrycot can double as a Moses basket or portable travel cot, it may prove invaluable for your home.

It’s also worth noting that newborns should only remain in car seats for two hours at a time within a 24-hour time period. If you intend to keep them in their pram for long periods, opt for a 3-in-1 travel system or a fully reclining seat – making sure your baby lies flat is better for their breathing and spinal alignment.

How to buy a travel system

In terms of purchasing a travel system, you have two options. You can opt for a complete package from a single manufacturer – a simple and easy way of ensuring all the parts are compatible with each other.

Alternatively, you could buy separate components from different brands. This option is typically more expensive and requires extra planning to ensure all the parts are compatible – you may need to buy additional adaptors to fit the system together or find the car seat you’ve got your eye on isn’t travel system compatible. However, once all is said and done, you get the benefit of a travel system you’ve built from scratch to make it perfect for you and your baby.

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Modern Gardens, Yours, and Take A Break Pets, writing for Parkers.

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Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections –  read why you should trust us

Best travel system

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Best baby travel systems to move from pushchair to car with ease

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When you are shopping for baby, you’ll see lots of different pushchairs and car seats. Many parents choose to have matching items – both so that they can express their personality through the style and fabrics of their chosen pushchair but also so that the car seat will be able to click onto the chassis to be used as a travel system.

What exactly is a travel system?

For parents wanting the ideal travel solution for their baby, a pushchair and car seat are two of the most essential items. That’s why many parents opt for a travel system, which is a pushchair (chassis and seat unit) that comes with a car seat that can be clicked straight onto the chassis. This means that if you drive to the shops with your baby, there’s no need to wake them when you get there, as you can simply put the car seat onto the pushchair wheels.

Bundle or not?

It’s well worth looking for special offers from retailers, which often include additional extras that you may find useful. Many pushchairs offer the addition of a carrycot that you can use for your baby’s first few months; some can even be used for overnight sleeping, which is ideal for travelling or if you don’t want to buy an extra crib. If your model doesn’t offer a carrycot, make sure the pushchair seat lies completely flat for newborns. You might also want the security of an ISOFIX car seat base, so look for a bundle that includes this useful item. Other extras include car seat adaptors, changing bags, raincovers, sunshades, cup holder and footmuffs. Do consider if you will use all the items and don’t be bamboozled into a bundle if some of the items will just stay in their boxes!

Car seat safety

It’s a very confusing market, with two different types of car seat laws in play but, put simply, for a Travel System you’ll need either a Group 0+ car seat, which holds babies from birth to 13kg, or an i-Size version, which can be used until your baby is 83cm tall. Look for lie-flat car seats, which help your baby’s breathing and make sure that newborns are not in car seats for longer than two hours according to advice from The Lullaby Trust. They are not a place for your baby to sleep; they are for safe travel.

  • Check the seat fits your car
  • Never buy a second-hand one unless you are sure it has never been in an accident
  • Move your child to the next seat as soon as they reach the upper weight or height
  • Place the seat in the centre of the rear seat
  • Never use a car seat where there’s an active air bag
  • Rearward facing is by far the safest, so keep your child facing the rear as long as possible – to four years is recommended

What should I look for?

Try to see the items in person if you can and get the retailer to demonstrate how to fold and unfold, how to attach the seat and carrycot and how the car seat fits. Make sure it’s not too heavy for you to lift, that you can fold it and that it fits in your car - and home!

To help you shop, we’ve rounded up some of the best bundle deals below - shop now.

*(All pushchair weight stated are for the chassis and seat unit)

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Silver Cross Dune (inc: pushchair, car seat and base, adaptors and cup holder)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 12.5kg

Car seat weight: 5.45kg

Best feature: Seat unit grows with your child

Pushchair: Get yourself on the waiting list for the latest oeuvre from Royal pram makers, Silver Cross. Out soon, its new Dune is a contemporary travel system designed to look amazing in the city and has lots of great features to help make parenting effortless.

The chassis is sleek and strong, so it will be a long-lasting pushchair that will see you through several babies. It has small, yet very manoeuvrable wheels that are durable and have a reflective accent to keep you safe on dull days. There’s a telescopic handle covered with the same vegan leather that’s on the gate-opening bumper bar and the hood is not only a good size to start with but it also has an extendable panel to give even more coverage, plus a mesh airflow panel for hotter days. The chassis can be folded with just one hand, in a two-step process, which is great when you’re carrying a baby in the other. It locks together and is freestanding when folded and neither the fabric nor handle touches the floor. There’s good suspension all round and the shopping basket is nice and deep.

Now the genius part – the seat unit can grow as your child does! A simple sliding button on the back raises both headrest and harness at the same time, as the best car seats do – no need to re-thread the harness as your little one gets bigger! This pushchair looks and feels really well built with luxe tailored fabrics and neat little touches and with a nod to sustainability, all fabrics are from recycled materials and have bamboo linings that help maintain your baby’s body temperature.

Car seat: The rear facing Dream i-Size clicks easily onto the chassis and has memory buttons that stay unlocked when you want to remove it. It has been awarded the best ever safety rating by testing institute ADAC and features lovely soft anti-bacterial bamboo fabrics. Suitable from birth to 85cm (about 15 months), it has four layers of impact protection to keep your little one safe. It has a great installation video, accessed via your phone, so you can remind yourself of how to instal it safely every time. Used on a one-click i-Size base, it makes a great option for transporting your baby from the pushchair to the shop and home again.

Carrycot: Yes, the from-birth carrycot has great ventilation thanks to an adjustable air flow vent and a mesh hood panel. It folds for storage and has its own travel bag.

Also available at KiddiesKingdom

Uppababy Vista (inc: pushchair, carrycot and car seat with adaptors)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 12.4kg

Car seat weight: 4.3kg

Best feature: Transforms from a single to a double pushchair

Pushchair: A very neat and stylish pushchair, this comes with a matching carrycot and MESA car seat to create a travel system. But the good stuff doesn’t end there, as if you decide to add to your family – or if you have twins – you can transform the single pushchair into a double, with the ability to add two seats, two carrycots, two car seats or any combination of those. You can even add the PiggyBack ride-along board for a third child, ideal if you have a very young family all under three or four years old. The pushchair seat can face you or the world and it has a generous five recline positions, so there’s a comfy sitting or lying position for even the fussiest baby. The ventilated hood is a good size, is extendable and has a flip-out visor, so even low sun rays and light drizzle won’t affect your little one, plus the whole hood can be raised – a god-send for very tall babies. The handle is particularly nice, covered with premium leather and it is very adjustable, so even very short or very tall parents will be able to find a comfortable pushchair position. The manoeuvrable chassis is sturdy and can be folded easily, with the seat unit in place. It stands on its own when folded, avoiding banged shins. The wheels are a good size with shock-absorbing suspension to make a smooth ride, even over bumpy ground. The basket is huge – one of the largest I have seen, ideal for shopping, toys, changing bags and more. While it’s not the lightest of pushchairs, when you consider that the chassis needs to be able to take three children, you’ll realise that you have a long-lasting and durable product. There are an amazing 10 colour choices, including my favourites Noa, which is a dark blue on a carbon frame, Alice which is a beautiful pale pink on a silver frame and Emmet, which is a lovely green on silver.

Car seat: The MESA car seat can be used to 78cm and attaches directly to the frame, so there are no adaptors to mess around with (it can also be seat belt fitted) and it will help you move your baby from car to street without waking them. There’s an insert to help very young babies lie flatter and the headrest and harness can be adjusted together as your baby grows.

Carrycot? Yes, it comes with a generous sized carrycot that turns the pushchair into a stylish pram, with your baby lying flat on the comfortable and ventilated mattress and base. Suitable for overnight sleeping, it has a large and extendable UPF 50+ sunshade with a ventilation panel.

Bugaboo Fox 3 (inc: pushchair carrycot, car seat + accessories)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 9.9kg

Car seat weight: 3kg

Best feature: Great for off-roading

Pushchair: If you are an outdoorsy family who loves nothing better than to get out and explore, this all-terrain pushchair may be just the one for you. Incredibly easy to manoeuvre (you can, they say, push it with just one finger), it has really good suspension that includes a central point on the chassis to help absorb shocks from cobbles and curbs, springs above the wheels and with large puncture-proof tyres that help keep your little one riding smoothly no matter how bumpy the ground.

The Fox has a good and easy-to-use five-point harness in a nice woven fabric that’s gentle against your baby’s skin. All functions are controlled by white memory buttons that are easy to spot and use and the seat can be placed facing either forwards or backwards. It’s a fixed-position seat, meaning you shouldn’t use it from birth – but you can add the Carrycot for the first few months. The brake clicks on and off with just a touch of your toe. The handlebar has a large range of movement to suit even the tallest parent – well, it is from a Dutch company after all.

The fold is easy, though the handle does touch the floor and the pushchair is quite bulky when folded, especially with the seat unit in place – but that’s the pay-off when you want something as durable and functional as the Fox. It has a generous canopy that extends, plus a zip-out panel for full coverage form the elements and a handy peek-a-boo mesh window so you can keep an eye on your little one as they sleep; it provides extra ventilation too. It comes in seven lovely stainproof, soft fabric colours including my favourite, Forest Green and you can also choose your chassis colour from black or the new graphite.

Car seat: Bugaboo has chosen to pair with Nuna for an i-Size car seat that attaches to the pushchair. The Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna can be used from birth to 85cm (about 13kg or 15 months) and is ISOFIX compatible. It’s light and easy to carry thanks to its ergonomic handle and the fabrics inside are deliciously soft Merino wool to keep your baby’s temperature regulated. It has a neat canopy with sun visor, a newborn inlay and adjustable headrest.

Carrycot: Yes, you can add the Breezy carrycot which can be used from birth, has good ventilation, an extendable hood and an aerated mattress to help regulate your baby’s temperature.

Peg Perego Veloce Lounge Modular (inc: pushchair, carrycot, car seat and changing bag)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 10.7kg

Car seat weight: 5.5kg

Best feature: cool Italian style   

Pushchair: If you’re a fan of Italian style, this will turn heads and set you apart from other parents. The stroller is a very agile model with a smart, European look that helps it stand out and it has great quality wheels with high-visibility accents to steer easily around shops or roll over bumpy ground. The seat unit can be turned either way with simple to use clips, has great padding and it reclines flat for use with very small babies or when they drop off for a nap. The handlebar has several positions, including a position where it can be folded upright, to save space if you are folding the pushchair or are in a lift, for example and it is covered with leather. One genius feature is that you don’t have to bend to fold the pushchair – just use the control on the middle of the handle to fold the chassis down and it can not only be folded with the seat in place (in either direction) but it’s extremely compact when folded and stands alone. It’s also nice that the seat fabric and the handlebar are kept away from the floor, keeping both clean. The basket is large and reinforced, which means you can carry some hefty shopping with you and its open back makes it easy to access. The hood is large, with a zip-out extendable panel and a ventilation section at the back and it offers UPF50+ protection. The seat is a good size too, with a five-point harness that has pads in the outer pushchair colour and the bumper bar can be opened from either side and is covered with eco-leather. The brake is really good – easy to push off and on and there’s a colour indicator to tell you if it’s locked or not.

Car seat: The Primo Viaggio Lounge is an i-Size car seat that can be used from birth up to 87 cm (around 15 months) and has a neat three position recline function, including lie-flat, the healthiest position for babies to travel. It can be used with the car’s seat belts or with an i-Size base and has a UPF50+ ventilated hood to protect your baby between your home and the car. It has good side impact protection thanks to kinetic pods, which move force away from your child in the event of a crash. It grows with your baby - the belt and headrest adjust together – and it clicks straight on to the pushchair chassis without the need for extra kit.

Carrycot: yes, you can add the Culla Grande, which has an adjustable head and footrest section, large hood with ventilation and can be used for safe travel in the car too.

Nuna Mixx Next (inc: pushchair, carrycot, car seatamd base)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 11.9kg

Car seat weight: 2.8kg

Best feature: Superbly designed with luxe fabrics

Pushchair: This pushchair has won the coveted Red Dot design award and it’s easy to see why – it has lots of great features, functions well and looks great too. The seat unit with its five reclining positions, one fully flat, which can be used from birth, clicks easily on and off the pushchair chassis. It has a ventilated seat back to keep your baby at just the right temperature (the mesh can be used alone without the seat liner in summer – genius!) and the seat will face the front or the rear. It has an extending UPF50+ hood with two ventilation panels - there’s even a pop-out sun visor. The leg support is adjustable and the bumper bar, rather than opening, drops down – not as handy as an opening bar and could be quite tricky with older children. Both bumper bar and handle are covered with a luxurious leatherette and all fabrics are lovely soft tweed-like weave that repels dirt. The five-point harness has magnetic help to get it into the right position and lap and shoulder are padded. The pushchair folds simply and is a neat package when folded, though not as flat as some – check it fits your car boot. The foam-filled wheels have a lovely shape and are quite distinctive, with suspension all round. It comes in five muted and stylish colours including black of course and a rather lovely taupe.

Car seat: The PIPA Next car seat is a rear-facing, base-fixed seat (it can also be belt-fixed), suitable from 40-83 cm (birth to around 13kg) and weighs just 2.8kg, one of the lightest I’ve come across. It’s aircraft certified (so you can fly with it), has a headrest that can be adjusted with just one hand and has good side impact protection. The ‘Dream Drape’ us an integral sunshade that pulls out and attaches with magnets.

Carrycot? Yes, the MIXX Next Carrycot with two large ventilation panels can be used for occasional overnight sleeping and also attached to the Next car seat base in the car. The apron attaches with magnets and there’s a breathable, thick mattress plus a hidden pocket for your valuables.

iCandy Orange (inc: pushchair, carrycot, Cabriofix car seat and base)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 12.1 kg

Car seat weight: 3.2kg

Best feature: Elevators to raise your child higher

Pushchair: iCandy has been making great-looking prams for years now and its Orange (confusingly the name of the model, not its colour) espoused cool features early on, such as an integrated ride-on board, elevators to raise your baby closer and the ability to transform into a double. Use the seat unit for a pushchair that faces front or back with four recline positions (including lie-flat), adjustable with one hand. It can be folded quickly with one hand, locks when folded and has a handy carry strap. On the seat’s rear is a handy pouch with two zipped compartments to store keys and precious items and there is an extendable hood with ventilation panel and a commodious basket for your shopping or changing bag – luckily, a matching one comes with the pushchair. Want to use it as a travel system for quick trips to the shops? No problem, just use the adaptors to attach a car seat. The aluminium chassis is light yet durable - it needs to be, as you can potentially transport three children! The pushchair can be used as a single with car seat, carrycot or seat unit, as a double with any configuration of those, plus an older child can stand on the ride-on board, so it has great longevity. Fabrics are soft and good quality; the tyres are smooth and puncture-proof and the adjustable handlebar (from 95 to 105cm) is covered with a lush leatherette that’s also used on the bumper bar. The brake is set to one side to prevent catching your foot as you walk and Orange has a neat and narrow profile, great for manoeuvrability in shops. Using the elevators raises the seat, carrycot or car seat, which is great for newborns when you want them close and for mums who have had Caesareans, as you don’t have to bend so far down. It’s perhaps most useful when you have the seat unit on elevators facing forward, as this creates space for your older child to stand on the ride-on board. It comes in light or dark grey, Royal or light blue, sandstone and black and the chassis can be chosen in black or grey.

Car seat: Although iCandy doesn’t make its own car seat, Orange can be used with a wide variety including the Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix, an i-Size seat that suits newborns up to 75cm and is super lightweight, with a large, protective canopy, newborn inlay and headrest. It can be used with an ISOFIX base too.

Carrycot? Yes, add the iCandy carrycot that faces the parent, allows baby to lie flat and is suitable for overnight sleeping. It has a soft fleece lining and comfy, ventilated mattress.

Maxi-Cosi Adorra Luxe Pebble 360 (inc: pushchair, car seat and base, carrycot)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 12.2kg

Best feature: All you need from birth to four

Pushchair: The Adorra is part of a whole smart package that allows you to transport your baby by pushchair or car from birth to around three years. This pushchair has a smart chrome chassis with black trim and the bumper bar and handlebar are covered with really lovely vegan leather that’s super comfortable to hold and looks great too. All fabrics across each part of the travel system are made of a soft twill and there are touches of breathable mesh and embroidery to make it feel plush; though there’s only two colour choices, both are smart greys that will suit most tastes. The wheels are solid PVA, easy to steer with one hand though not always great on very bumpy surfaces and it has a very generous shopping basket, able to fit a couple of shopping bags. The brake is on centre of the rear axle, which makes it easy to find and is pushed down to lock, up to release. The adjustable handle offers a good range of heights and the seat can be used from birth and face either front or back. One nice touch is the memory buttons; they are accented in light grey so they’re easy to spot and they stay in when pressed so that it’s easy to remove the seat, carrycot or car seat. A lever at the back of the well-padded seat reclines it and it will lie completely flat for newborns; the leg rest is also adjustable to allow little feet to rest. The hood is not as large as some, though adequate and the bumper bar opens from either side. Folding is easy with the seat unit in place in either direction, though the handle may touch the floor, so watch for rough surfaces.

Car seat: It comes with the Tinca i-Size car seat and base, which scores high on in-car safety, has good side impact protection, a newborn inlay and a simple to use harness. It can be used from birth to around 12 months and has a large UV protective canopy.

Carrycot? Yes, the bundle comes with the Oria carrycot, a well thought out design that’s foldable, making it easy to store when you’re not using it, and for travel. It’s light and spacious and clicks quickly onto the pushchair chassis.

Cosatto Wow Continental Bureau (inc: pushchair, carrycot, car seat and base, cosy toes, changing bag, toy)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 9.8kg

Car seat weight: 4.6kg

Best feature: Two types of suspension

Pushchair: The Wow is a compact-folding pushchair that promises to fit into even the smallest car boots and is great for transporting your baby from birth to three or four years. It has an adjustable handle with several positions, covered with nice leatherette and the brakes are easy to engage and release, even when you’re wearing sandals. The seat, which reclines through four positions, can be raised and lowered with one hand, as can the leg rest, and it can be turned towards you or the world. The wheels are puncture-proof and while the rear wheels are large enough for bumpy ground, the front ones are a little small for all terrains, though they’d be pretty nippy in the shops. All three elements, the car seat, carrycot and seat unit click on and off the chassis really easily and the bumper bar opens from either side to allow access to your baby. Designed in the UK, the stylish fabrics are lovely and have cute contrast linings and have that bit of personality you’d expect from Cosatto. The basket underneath is roomy and the lightweight aluminium chassis has two suspension modes: a tighter suspension for city streets and a bouncier mode for when you’re heading into the country. The pushchair folds into a compact bundle and locks together and it comes with not just raincovers but also a matching footmuff and changing bag to complete the look. The hood is a good size and though it doesn’t have an extendable panel, it does have a flip-out visor and a viewing window that opens and closes silently – great when you don’t want to wake a sleeping baby!

Car seat: The Wow comes with the RAC Port i-Size seat, which fits your little one from birth right up to 87cm (about 15 months) and it can be used rearward facing with your car’s seat belt or Cosatto’s ISOFIX base. It has neat memory buttons that help you take the car seat off the pushchair chassis – push them in and they remain released on one side so that you can release the other side too.

Carrycot? Yes, the bundle includes a carrycot with a hood ventilation panel, a winter flap for weather protection, plus an adjustable backrest. One hand releases it from the frame.

Graco Near2Me (inc: pushchair, carrycot, car seat)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 10.6kg

Car seat weight: 3.66kg

Best feature: Seat can be raised nearer to the parent

Pushchair: One of the best things about this pushchair is that it features a function called Slide2Me, which allows the parent to move the child’s seat through three height positions. This means you can have them close to you as you push, raise them up to a café table or drop them down lower when they sleep. You can do all this with the child in the seat facing either way (and with car seat or carrycot), though bear in mind it will be more difficult with a heavier toddler! The seat can be turned towards the front as well as facing you with simple buttons on the sides and it has three reclines, including one that allows your child to lie flat. It is made with nice fabric and leatherette accents and it comes with a lovely padded footmuff and raincover, so you’re covered for all weathers. It has a light, slim chassis with large back wheels to make the ride comfortable and swivel front wheels. The pushchair can be folded with the seat in place, though only in the forward position (the handlebar does touch the ground, so watch where you put it) and it is neat and compact when folded, locks and stands alone.

The brake is simple to engage or release with one push of your toe and the harness has good padding and is easy to click in place. The hood is a fair size and though it does not have the large, ventilated panels other models do, it has a viewing panel of mesh and a pull-out visor. The bumper bar can be released with a simple push-button from either side and both seat unit and leg rest are adjustable. Sadly, the handle is not adjustable, so make sure it is comfortable for both you and your partner. The basket at first appears rather shallow, but you can raise the back end to make it deeper; I’m not sure why you’d ever want it in its lower position!

Car seat: The i-Size car seat that comes with this pushchair can be attached using the included adapters and can be used as an ISOFIX seat using the base (sold separately). It has a five-point harness, a large canopy and is very lightweight. It offers good crash protection and is easy to instal using intuitive belt routes or the click-on base. Covers are machine washable and your baby can travel rear-facing up to about one year.

Carrycot? Yes, the bundle includes the Near2Me Carrycot, which is foldable, has a padded handle can be used for occasional overnight sleeping.

Pushchair (£270)

Car seat (89.90)

Ickle Bubba Stomp V3 (inc: carrycot and car seat with ISOFIX base, window shades, changing bag, footmuff)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 7.1kg

Car seat weight: 3.4kg

Best feature: A budget bundle with all you need included

Pushchair: The Stomp V3 is a budget-friendly travel system and it comes with all you could possibly need for your little one from newborn to around four years. The chassis is lightweight and manoeuvrable and though it might not have the luxe ride of some expensive makes, it doesn’t feel like a cheap option and rides well over smooth or rough terrain thanks to puncture-proof, foam and a chassis that puts baby’s weight right in the middle.

There’s all-round suspension plus a large basket for all your baby bits. The long bar brake is easy to use (no need to feel for it with your toe) and the bundle includes not just rain covers but window shades too. It’s super simple to fold and is even smaller if you remove the seat unit. The handle has a smart, luxe feel, leatherette covering and is adjustable (it pivots rather than pulling out) through different positions. The seat pivots (rather than flattening) through three positions and can be turned parent- or world- facing; this does mean it isn’t suitable for newborns but that’s no problem, as the pushchair comes with a carrycot to use from birth. The recline must be done with two hands, which can be tricky with your child in place.

The hood is made of a light and stretchy fabric, is a good size and wipes clean. The bumper bar has the same leatherette as the handle, though it can’t be opened from one side; you have to remove the whole thing to get a larger child in. It has a matching changing bag too. The fold is quick and easy, though the handle does touch the ground, so make sure it’s in a clean place. There’s a choice of three chassis, five fabrics and two handle trim colours, so you can create a unique transport system.

Car seat: The lightweight Galaxy car seat is an ISOFIX seat and comes with an ISOFIX base (or you can use the car’s seat belts) and has a double layer frame for good side impact protection. The head hugger keeps your baby’s head in the correct positions and the headrest adjusts through five positions. It comes with a hood and chest and lap pads plus there’s a lie-flatter option for very young babies.

Carrycot? Yes, it comes with a matching carrycot which, while it feels a little small and shallow for long-term use, is great for newborns on the pushchair chassis. It has a hood an apron and clicks swiftly onto the chassis.

Joie Finity i-Level Travel System (includes pushchair, carrycot, i-Level car seat, ISOFIX base)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 11.2kg

Car seat weight: 4.83kg

Best feature: a good all-rounder

Pushchair: Joie offers affordable pushchairs and the Signature collection, of which this forms a part, features more luxurious woven fabrics. This is very reasonable price for such a versatile pushchair, with its four modes: with the car seat, carrycot, or with the seat facing either front or back. It has four recline positions that are adjusted one-handed with a lever and the leg rest has two.

The seat, though it reclines to a flat position suitable for newborns feels a little exposed at the sides though you can use the carrycot for the first few months. It’s compact and yet sturdy and can carry your child up to 22kg – that’s a four year old! It is not a bad weight either at 11.2kg, though it’s not one of the lightest. The aluminium chassis is easy to handle and it has all-wheel suspension, meaning it handles well on most surfaces, the wheels are puncture-proof and the handle can be adjusted to suit your height. Inside the nicely padded seat is a buckle with magnets to help you close it, which makes it easy to use. It has a very large, easy to access basket, even when the seat is fully reclined with a removable bag, good for baby changes. The hood is generous, with a flip out visor and ventilation panel and it has a pocket on the back of the seat for your phone or keys. It folds easily one-handed and is pretty small when folded and has a carry handle.

The brake, while easy to use, is a little small. It comes in three colours – Eclipse, which is black on a black chassis, Oyster, a two-tone grey on a grey chassis and my favourite, Pine, which is a lovely two-tone green on a grey chassis. All have a brown vegan leather trim.

Car seat: The pushchair comes with the i-Level car seat, an ISOFIX seat with a base that can also be used with the next stage car seat, meaning it has a longer life. The seat lies flat (to 157 0 ) which allows your baby to breathe more easily and it can be used like this in the car or on the pushchair. The headrest has clever memory foam that is safe for your baby’s head and neck and both headrest and harness adjust to fit your growing baby simultaneously.

Carrycot? Yes, the Ramble carrycot fits this model.

Thule Shine (inc: pushchair, car seat)

top rated travel systems uk

Pushchair weight: 9kg

Car seat weight: 4.8kg

Best feature: Excellent for holidays

Pushchair: Designed as a city stroller, this neat little pushchair is also great if you’re heading away on holiday. The seat is nicely padded and can face parent or world and it has a generously sized and ventilated canopy too, which gives great coverage from the wind and rain. The leg rest can be adjusted to keep baby feet supported. The basket can take a whopping nine kilos of luggage and it’s easily accessible from the rear, even with the seat reclined. When you want to pack it away, the Shine folds easily with a one-handed action, clicks together and stands alone when folded. There’s no need to remove the seat, either. It comes in three lovely shades; pale pink, pale blue and black.

Car seat: Thule recommends several car seats to click onto the Shine chassis but the best-looking and one of the safest is the Cybex Cloud X i-Size seat. This rearward facing seat has lots of great features including an i-Size base, plus an ergonomic lie-flat position that means you can use the car seat for longer for very young babies. The headrest grows with your baby through 11 positions and it offers Linear Side-impact Protection for in-car safety. Add the inlay for newborns and use the UPF50+ canopy to protect from sun and wind.

Carrycot: Yes, there’s a soft bassinet that you can pop on top of the chassis for very young babies. It can’t be used for overnight sleeping but it’s great for trips and uses the same hood as the seat.

  • Strollers /

The 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, cpst | medically reviewed by holly peretz ot | fact checked by shannon vestal robson.

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

We’ve folded and unfolded, packed and unpacked and (sweatily) pushed a lot of travel strollers over the years. After conducting our own testing and talking to both travel experts and the real heroes—parents who travel frequently with their babies and toddlers—we think the Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller is the travel stroller you should bring along on your next adventure. It offers a smooth ride over almost any terrain and folds compactly in seconds with just one hand.

And if you want to keep shopping, we also chose six other top picks across more specific categories like the best travel stroller for everyday use, the best choice for planes and our favorite double travel stroller.

Why Trust Babylist?

Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands of people annually via our Best Baby Products survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.

In addition to being Babylist’s gear editor, I’ve also been a mom of two boys for over a decade. I’ve traveled with them at every stage both domestically and internationally on airplanes and on several long road trips. I’ve had the opportunity to test dozens of travel strollers in both my professional and personal life, and used those insights to inform my best-of picks. I reviewed travel stroller feedback from thousands of parents through Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey of over 6,000 Babylist users. I also spoke with a group of Babylist team members, all parents who travel frequently with their little ones, and picked their brains about the strollers they love and why. And I talked to Kim Militello, a former flight-attendant-turned-Babylist-employee (and a mom of three) about all things travel + kids. 

The Best Travel Strollers

Best Overall: Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller

Best for Toddlers: Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller

Best Affordable: Summer Infant 3Dquickclose CS+ Compact Fold Stroller

Best for Everyday Use: UPPAbaby MINU V2 Stroller

Best for Planes: Stokke YOYO3 Stroller Bundle

Best Double: Zoe The Twin V2

Best Travel System: Nuna PIPA urbn + TRVL Travel System

How We Judged

Suspension and maneuverability. A smooth, easy-to-turn stroller is a better experience for you and your baby, especially when you’re traveling. We ensured all of our picks made strolling as effortless as possible.

Ease of use. All of the strollers on our list are easy and intuitive to use. We focused on fold, size and weight when choosing our best travel strollers because we know from our own experience—and from what we’ve heard from thousands of Babylist parents—that folks prioritize these features when choosing a travel stroller. 

Features. We made sure all of our picks had thoughtfully designed features to make you and your baby the most comfortable while you’re away from home like large canopies, good storage, recline options and carry handles.  

Value. Travel strollers range from under $100 to over $500. We didn’t limit our best-of picks by price, but we did factor it in while making our top choices so you can be sure you’re spending your money wisely.

Best Travel Stroller Overall

Joolz Aer + Lightweight Stroller - Sage Green - $449.00.

Joolz Aer + Lightweight Stroller - Sage Green

  • Quick, compact one-handed fold and built-in carry strap
  • 4-wheel suspension rides smoothly like a full-size stroller
  • Compatible with top-rated car seats + bassinet (sold separately)
  • Small storage basket
  • Expensive, especially if used infrequently for travel
  • Some parents noted a flimsy brake that may not fully engage

I’ve tried many travel strollers over the last decade, and the Joolz Aer+ is the one I come back to again and again. Parents in our Best Baby Product survey highlighted the Aer+ as “lightweight and smooth” and repeatedly called out its compact fold and incredible maneuverability. And Babylist team member and mom of three Amanda pegged it as her all-time favorite travel stroller.

“I’ve brought it on several trips and it’s great quality and extremely light. It fits in the overhead compartment, which makes it great for going through the airport. It is easy to push/handle and you can push it with one hand,” she told us.

Pushing the Aer+ doesn’t feel much different than pushing a larger, more expensive stroller—and that’s one of the main things I love about it. That’s because the Aer+ has four-wheel suspension, an uncommon feature in travel strollers. It glides effortlessly across uneven surfaces like bumpy sidewalks and dirt paths.

Combined with the incredibly easy one-handed fold (after a few tries, it won’t take you more than two or three seconds, ever), the compact design and the comfortable seat that contours to fit your child’s body, this stroller is a great choice for travel and everyday use. (It currently occupies a permanent spot in the trunk of my car in addition to coming along on all trips.)

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 sling over your shoulder—there’s a carry strap built right in—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.

The stroller’s biggest con is the basket size, which is small, but it’s still large enough to fit an average-sized diaper bag. You’ll also need to purchase the footrest separately if you want one, which is frustrating for a stroller at this price point.

Real Parent Reviews

“The Aer is an amazing stroller. Like over cobblestone and brick with no trouble and actually the easiest stroller to open or fold one-handed while being wicked lightweight. [My son] also LOVES being in it.” — Babylist Best Baby Products survey parent feedback

“I thought I needed the big fancy stroller everyone has…but after five months I just wanted something more mobile, portable, [and with a] smaller footprint and this has just been the greatest stroller and so much comfier than the other one for my baby.” — Babylist Best Baby Products survey parent feedback

“I live in New York City and have five strollers because it has been so challenging to navigate the streets. Everyone in my area has a different travel stroller so I was hesitant to buy something different but I’m so glad it did. This is the best purchase by far. I wish I would’ve known about this before registering for so many different products. It truly is a one-hand fold, which is great for the train, plane, car and going up and down stairs. It is light, moves with one hand and is sturdy. It’s narrow enough to go down aisles but also roomy for my child. There is an extended shade, which is perfect and there is an air vent so I can see her. I absolutely love it. It has made my life and my child’s life so much easier and SAFER! I purchased the extra foot extension for my one year old which folds with the stroller and the handlebar. In my opinion, it is worth the money.” — Vanessa D.

Additional Specs

Best Travel Stroller for Toddlers

Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller - Midnight Black - $479.00.

Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller - Midnight Black

  • Compact, quick, one-handed fold and built-in carry strap
  • 4-wheel suspension for a smooth ride
  • High backrest = good for older/taller kids
  • Highest upright position is still fairly reclined, which can cause kids to slouch or slide down
  • A few pounds heavier than our top travel stroller pick

There are two travel strollers I recommend to families regularly: the Joolz Aer+ (which I’ve raved about sufficiently above) and Bugaboo’s newest compact stroller, the Butterfly. This style-forward stroller shares many of the same thoughtful features as the Aer+. It also has a four-wheel suspension system, a huge perk when I pushed it on anything other than smooth pavement and perfect for toting around my larger toddler. While it doesn’t maneuver quite as easily as the Aer+ (and recognize I’m being really nitpicky in saying that), it’s pretty darn close; it moves and turns really well and I was able to steer it with only one hand. 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 and will fit in the overhead bin on most airlines. There’s also a built-in carry strap, a must-have for me.

Where the Butterfly differs from the Aer+ is in its backrest. It’s high; my 95th-percent-in-height almost three-year-old still fits perfectly in it. If you’re a parent of a taller or older kid, this feature is noteworthy as it means you’ll be able to use the Butterfly longer. There’s also an almost full recline and a built-in footrest for extra comfort, two more toddler-friendly features. And the sun canopy on the Butterfly is one of the best I’ve seen of all the travel strollers on our list.

The Butterfly is pricey. The storage basket is larger than the Aer+’s but still on the smaller side. And the back wheels 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.

“After using it on multiple flights to places around the world, I’m so happy with this choice! It’s become our go-to stroller over our full-size even for everyday life. When unfolded it definitely feels a little bigger than some of the other FAA-approved travel strollers, but this is great for taller parents and for kids to grow into.” — Theresa A.

“The basket had a high weight capacity for such a compact stroller & the seat back is tall which gives me peace of mind with my 96th percentile tall baby. Overall an amazing stroller and I appreciate that it comes with the rain cover.” — Ysabel E.

Best Affordable Travel Stroller

Summer 3Dquickclose CS+ Compact Fold Stroller - $99.00.

Summer 3Dquickclose CS+ Compact Fold Stroller

  • Lots of features + great functionality for the price
  • Opening and closing is fast and easy
  • Small wheels + no suspension = a bumpy ride
  • Fold isn’t as compact as other travel strollers
  • Detachable cup holder and cell phone holder stick out on the sides and are a bit flimsy

If you can’t or don’t want to spend upwards of $500 on a travel stroller, or if you don’t travel frequently enough to justify a higher price tag, Summer Infant’s 3Dquickclose is your best bet. At under $100, this lightweight stroller matches many of the features found on the much higher-priced travel strollers on our list. It’s about 17 pounds, which is only a pound heavier than the Bugaboo Butterfly. Its most noteworthy feature is the fold; it’s quick and one-handed, and there’s a carry strap to make it easy to take on the go.

Performance-wise, the 3Dquickclose lacks a suspension system and has plastic wheels, so you won’t get as smooth of a ride as with more expensive picks. But it still has a ton going for it, especially considering the price. The 3Dquickclose handles well on paved surfaces. It’s easy to push and steer, the recline is adjustable and the fabrics are soft. The storage basket is big enough to tuck away an average-sized diaper bag or a jacket and some snacks, and the canopy provides good shade. One of the best features is infant car seat compatibility. The 3Dquickclose accepts a variety of seats from popular brands like Graco, Chicco and Baby Trend, and there are no adapters needed—just secure the seat with the included strap.

If you’re debating between this stroller and another lower-cost option like an umbrella stroller ( Summer’s 3D Lite Convenience Stroller is a popular umbrella-style pick), I’d choose this one. The 3Dquickclose is more compact, easier to maneuver, can be used from birth and has much better storage and sun coverage, among other things.

“I bought this stroller because it folds down very compact and my car doesn’t have the biggest trunk, but this is sturdy enough to travel on the airplane as well. My kid hates sun in their eyes so the extended canopy is a must. I like that there is a car seat belt that tucks into the stroller for when you need to put an infant car seat on the stroller. The basket is big enough to hold a diaper bag and even another purse or bag. It’s super easy to fold the stroller down and open it back up again, you can quickly do it one-handed. It’s not a cheap feeling stroller, it has a good weight to it but the shoulder strap for carrying it from the car to wherever will help. Main cons are: the seat padding isn’t great so I might see options for additional padding if my kid is gonna sit/sleep in the stroller for longer than an hour or 2, the wheels are plastic whereas I would prefer a stronger material like rubber, and the handrail to push the stroller stays in only one position instead of being able to adjust the angle & height. Overall I definitely recommend this stroller especially for those looking for a compact stroller as this one folds down the most compact that I’ve seen.” — NJ

“Let’s start with the negatives…1. No snack tray for baby…but you can buy it separately. 2. The cup holder and phone holder are very flimsy but they do the job. 3. The storage basket is somewhat large for the size of the stroller, but there is a bar that kind of limits the full access to it. 4. Wheels are plastic. Now to the positives. 1. Super easy installation. 2. Extremely easy to fold and unfold. 3. Super smooth to maneuver. 4. You can lock the front wheels if desired. 5. Looks expensive. 6. LOVE LOVE LOVE the extended sunshade for the baby. 7. The peep window on the sunshade is far back enough that you don’t have to “look for” the baby. 8. I’m short (5 ft) and my husband is average height (5ft 10in) and both of us feel comfortable where the handle height is. 9. The recline is easy to use. 10. The buckles are easy to use and I love that the cover for the crotch strap is wide. 11. You can use your Graco car seat with it. Overall I really really like this stroller. It is small enough to travel with or fit in compact places but large enough to have all the benefits of a full-size stroller. I would tweak it just a tad bit but you honestly can’t beat the price for what you are getting. — Ashley L.

Best Travel Stroller for Everyday Use

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Stroller - Jake - $399.99.

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Stroller - Jake

  • 4-wheel suspension + large basket = a stroller built for travel & everyday use
  • One-handed, compact, self-standing fold
  • Includes carry strap and storage bag
  • Two separate foot brakes for stop-and-go
  • Canopy can be flimsy and become detached
  • Heavier and bulkier than other travel strollers

When I became a parent, travel strollers were just what they sounded like: strollers used for travel. Fast-forward a decade and the world of lightweight strollers is something else entirely. UPPAbaby’s Minu is a great example of these advances, a compact stroller that can also be used as an everyday option.

From your neighborhood to your family adventures and everything in between, the Minu offers all the conveniences of a day-to-day stroller in a travel-friendly package. According to many Babylist parents we spoke to, this stroller can do it all.

“We never bought a full-size stroller because [the Minu] met all our needs,” one mom told us. “It’s light, easy to use, and fits overhead on a plane. Our infant carrier was a different brand and still clicked in like a breeze when our girl was little. There are available attachments if you want cup holders and other extras. There are cheaper travel strollers out there, but since getting this one was enough for us to forgo a full size, it provides a great value.”

Babylist team member Cassie, a mom of a toddler and a new baby, agrees. “It’s truly our primary stroller, not just travel. Given what I know about the Minu I often tell my husband I’d likely just get that if I was expecting now, and not also get the Vista.”

A few of my favorite features on the Minu V2 include 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 or an infant car seat plus adapters, which will cost you. And while it folds compactly, it is bulkier than some of the other travel 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 traveling (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

“We love how little this stroller is, and that smaller babies can still fit in the seat. Unfortunately the canopy is not very secure so gets messed up every time we fold it up which is fairly annoying. Other than that, it’s very well designed and we use this 90% of the time over our Vista because it takes up less car space and is easier to fold up. — Jillian Tellez Holub H.

Best Travel Stroller for Planes

Stokke YOYO 3 Stroller 6M+ - Black Frame/Black Color Pack - $449.00.

Stokke YOYO 3 Stroller 6M+ - Black Frame/Black Color Pack

  • Compact fold, fits in overhead bin
  • Lots of options for customization and accessories (for an additional cost)
  • Comfortable, padded seat and straps
  • Fold isn’t intuitive; takes some practice
  • Shorter seat back, so not a good choice for taller kids
  • Narrow storage basket won’t fit average-sized diaper bags

Traveling by plane presents a challenge when your little one still uses a stroller. “Checking a stroller means it goes with the rest of the luggage and no one’s really paying special attention to it,” says Militello. “It goes up and down ramps, gets thrown from one area to the next, and [you have to] pick it up on the carousel.” Gate checking is an option, but many parents still don’t love the idea of letting such an expensive item of baby gear out of their sight.

The YOYO3 folds the most compactly of any of the travel strollers on our best-of list, and will fit easily in the overhead bins on most planes. (PSA: It’s always worth a call to your airline just to be sure.) It’s 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. “[The YOYO] is the best travel stroller and it has been SO easy to travel with overseas and around the country and you can carry it on,” one parent told us in our Best Baby Products survey. “It’s super light, easy to clean and works like a dream.”

It performs like a champ off the plane, too, easily steering through crowds and narrow spaces. It’s also endlessly customizable, a unique feature I really like. You can change out the seat and shade fabrics with a new color pack , add a custom footmuff for cooler temps or a stroller board for an older child and even add a [storage bag]https://www.babylist.com/gp/stokke-yoyo2-and-yoyo-rolling-bag/15261/243303 “Babyzen YOYO2 and YOYO+ Rolling Bag”) that uses wheeled support so your stroller won’t tip. And it’s compatible with many popular infant car seat brands.

The fold on the YOYO3 isn’t as intuitive as other travel strollers on our list; there are two steps, and it takes some practice. 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, which can add up quickly as this stroller is expensive on its own.

“As a mom of four, I always had my hands FULL of various things…so dealing with a huge bulky stroller was NOT IT. I had a big, full-size Nuna at one point. It was a great stroller but it was too much stroller. We got the Yoyo2 and it was a game-changer. It’s so lightweight but still sturdy. It could maneuver through tight spaces like clothing racks at stores or big crowds without any issues. For a lightweight stroller, it even handled various uneven terrain well enough, which was an initial concern. Plus it folds down to be smaller than a carry-on piece of luggage, whereas my big stroller literally took up my entire trunk. Critically, it’s a little tricky to learn how to fold and needs two hands but that wasn’t a deal breaker. It got easier the longer we used it. And while it can handle mildly uneven terrain (think small cracks in sidewalks, gravel roads, etc), if it got any more uneven than that, it was a chore to get it to work.” — Angela

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

Best Double Travel Stroller

Zoe The Twinᵛ² - $529.00.

Zoe The Twinᵛ²

  • Slim frame while still feeling roomy and comfortable (fits Disney size requirements)
  • Easily converts to a triple or quadruple stroller with additional seats
  • Huge sunshade and storage basket
  • Doesn’t roll well on uneven ground or rougher terrain
  • Some parents complained about the cup holder on the outside of the frame getting caught in doorways
  • Fold isn’t compact

Double strollers often feel big and bulky, even those designed specifically for travel. That’s not the case with Zoe’s The Twin. It’s a delight to open, close and even lift in and out of your car, making it perfect for traveling with two (or more) kids or for times when you don’t want the hassle of a larger stroller.

I was able to open and close the stroller in seconds (and without reading the instruction manual) the first time I tried. Because traveling with kids often involves all of the snacks, I appreciate that this travel double comes with a child snack holder right out of the box. (There’s a parent cup holder included, too.) The stroller weighs about 19 pounds, which is really light for a double. And it’s only 29 inches across, so it fits through standard doorways with ease and is Disney-approved. If you’re traveling with more than two kids, the Twin converts into a stroller for three or even four by adding a triple or a quad seat.

On the cons side, The Twin doesn’t handle well off-road—it’s designed for smooth surface strolling. It also doesn’t accept infant car seats or bassinets, and it doesn’t recline flat, so it’s not a great choice for newborns.

“Had my eyes on this baby since the day I found out I was on my way to 2 under 2! I couldn’t have been happier with this decision. Lightweight, compact when folded, EASY, and so cute…canopy provides sun coverage when necessary, but the best is watching my babies be NEXT to each other and not separated.” — Jordan M

“The stroller is extremely easy to maneuver and the folding feature is the best for storage. Our family takes the Twin everywhere. We have put over 100 miles on it and it still rides like it’s brand new.” — Michaella

“This stroller is super lightweight despite the amount of room, oversized canopy and a large storage basket. My toddlers have plenty of room and enjoy riding in it next to each other. I do wish the wheels were a little better at navigating pavement bumps and cracks, it gets tricky, especially with the added weight of both kids.” — Brie

Best Travel Stroller Travel System

Nuna PIPA urbn & TRVL LX Travel System - Cedar - $950.00.

Nuna PIPA urbn & TRVL LX Travel System - Cedar

  • Baseless infant car seat included (no adapters needed)
  • Compact, lightweight stroller
  • Includes carry bag
  • Car seat has lower height and weight limits than others
  • No snack tray attachment available
  • Stroller handlebar isn’t adjustable like with other Nuna strollers

If you know you’ll be traveling frequently throughout your baby’s first year, you may want to invest in a travel system (a stroller and car seat that attach; here’s more on how to pick a travel system ). This combo is my favorite and what I wish I’d had eight years ago as a new mom living in New York City who 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.

TL;DR on infant car seat installation: almost all infant seats can be installed without a base, but require a seat belt—along with time and patience. But not the urbn! There’s no base, no seat belt required for installation AND the LATCH system is built right into the seat’s base. This means the seat installs effortlessly and in seconds. I’m blown away every time I try it; you simply press a button on each side of the seat and push to attach it directly to your vehicle’s lower anchors. That’s it. It’s as foolproof as it gets, and especially ideal if you’ll be using your car seat on the go in rideshares or taxis. “I love being able to move the car seat in and out of any car without worrying about a base,” one Babylist parent told us.

The included TRVL stroller is just as great. The two standout features for me are 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 + a bit 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.

Keep in mind that the TRVL is on the pricier side and 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 a 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.

“I love this travel system. The car seat alone is lightweight and the stroller has many options and is easy to fold down. It’s not light but strongly built so I figure that’s the trade-off.” — Elizabeth R.

“The baseless quick install has been a breeze. Whether he is going in my car, my partner’s, uncle’s, or his grandma’s—no need for a base for quick insert.” — Dana N.

“Love this stroller. So light and easy to push and fold. I was able hold my 20+lb baby, fold this and put it on the X-ray belt without holding up the security line. It’s the closest I’ve come to feeling like superwoman. It also fit comfortably in the overhead bin. Only downside I would say is the storage space underneath as it is a lot smaller than we’re used to with our Nuna Demi Grow.” — Meghan T.

How We Chose Our Best Travel Strollers

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 me, 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 spoke to Kim Militello, a Babylist team member and a mom of three who previously worked as a flight attendant for many years, about traveling with kids (and all of their gear). We also spoke to a group of Babylist team members, all parents who travel frequently with their little ones.

We read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on our Babylist staff about their real-life product experiences.

Travel Stroller Basics

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.

Stroller pros and cons

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

Traditional strollers: Everyday strollers typically have convenient features like lots of storage space, adjustable handlebars, cup holders and large canopies. Many also have suspension systems and can 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 or small car trunks).

Umbrella strollers: Bare-boned and exceptionally lightweight, umbrella strollers 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 strollers: Also called lightweight or compact strollers, 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.

Do I need a travel stroller?

Figuring out the best stroller to use for travel comes down to what type of trade-offs you want to make around budget, space and personal preferences. There’s no right or wrong answer, and what works for one family may not work for another. “We traveled all around the world with the UPPAbaby Vista V2,” Xan, a Babylist team member and mom of two, told us. “With two kiddos, it is the best! It’s the most universal when it comes to traveling on different sidewalks and surfaces and it holds a ton.”

Before you invest in a travel stroller, ask yourself:

How often do I travel, and to what types of destinations?

How much do I want to spend?

Where will I store the 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. 

What to Look for in a Travel Stroller

A travel stroller should be easy to take with you on trips and be a comfy spot for your little one. 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 are important. Look for one that’s lightweight and manageable. Also pay attention both to the folded and unfolded size of your travel stroller. If you’re planning on using it for an older toddler, also be sure it’s large enough to accommodate them.

Fold. You’ll be folding and unfolding your stroller often while on the go, whether it’s to take it in and out of your car, stash it under a table at a restaurant or store 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 help determine 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.

Flying with a Travel Stroller

Spend a few minutes in any parenting forum and you’ll likely see a question from an anxious new parent about flying with a baby—and all of their stuff. It’s daunting, and there are a lot of questions to answer. How do you get your stroller 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.

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. “The advantage to this is that you don’t have to carry it with you around the airport if you’re not using it,” says Militello. Pair a front carrier with a backpack-style diaper bag so your hands will be free to deal with other things (like the best travel toys that will make your trip a breeze). Just remember that your stroller will be subject to the same rough treatment as the rest of your checked baggage—no special attention and lots of tossing around. And 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. “When you gate check a stroller, it’s handled more with care,” says Militello. “Gate-checked items are usually more fragile and are hand carried from the entrance of the airplane to the bottom of the airplane and vice versa. They’ll deliver your gate-checked item right to the exit of the plane when you get off so you don’t have to to go the luggage carousel and will have immediate access to it once you deboard the plane.” 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. If your stroller collapses small enough, it can be stored in an overhead bin. Having your stroller with you eliminates the potential for damage and the hassle of waiting for it on the jet bridge or at baggage claim. But strollers count as a carry-on item. “You typically only get one carry-on item, so choose wisely!” Miletello recommends.

Keep these other tips 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 and want to check it with your luggage or at the gate, then you’ll probably want to use a travel stroller bag. Look for a padded option to help protect your stroller in case it gets dropped or tossed around. If you’re not planning on flying much or if you’re using your travel stroller as a 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 bags that may work, too.

Jen LaBracio,

Senior gear editor, cpst.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor and a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). When she’s not geeking out over car seats, testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, do all things Peloton, 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.

top rated travel systems uk

  • First Year Products

Enjoy family adventures with these 13 lightweight and compacted travel strollers, tested by parents

best travel strollers to take on holiday

Hauck Travel N Care Stroller

John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller

John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller

Graco Myavo Compact Stroller

Graco Myavo Compact Stroller

Joolz Aer stroller

Mamas and Papas Airo Pushchair

MARIA MARTIN with daughter in Babyzen Yoyo stroller

BABYZEN YOYO²

Joie Pact Lite

Silver Cross Zest Stroller

top rated travel systems uk

Cosatto Trail

Ergobaby Metro +

Ergobaby Metro+

Bugaboo Butterfly

Bugaboo Butterfly

Joie Baby Tourist Signature Pushchair, Shale

Joie Baby Tourist Signature Pushchair

Hauck Sport Stroller

Hauck Sport Pushchair 

Whether you're jetting off for some sun or just planning a family staycation this summer, you're probably wondering how to travel with a pushchair for your baby without overloading your car or exceeding your luggage allowance, but this is where the best travel strollers can help. Leave your pushchair at home and invest in the best travel strollers to make your journey a whole lot easier.

Robust enough to cope with cobbled streets and sandy beaches but light enough to carry up a flight of stairs, a lightweight stroller is also more compact, so it'll take up minimal space. Some can even fit into the overhead compartment on a plane. They're the ultimate convenient travelling companion.

You may already have a pram or pushchair and be wondering if you need a stroller too. The difference between a stroller and pushchair might not seem immediately obvious, but especially when travelling, a stroller, which is lighter and more compact than your everyday pushchair will be very welcome. Typically, a stroller is lighter and smaller than a pushchair or buggy. This means they are great for folding up in the boot of a car, taking on a plane or even hiding away when eating in a restaurant. Prams and pushchairs do tend to be more sturdy and durable, and often come as part of a travel system with the option of a carrycot for newborns, and are often compatible with a car seat. Strollers are great for older children and toddlers though who might like to hop in an out of their stroller on holiday or on a day out.

Best travel strollers at a glance:

• Best travel stroller overall: Hauck Travel N Care Stroller - Buy now on Amazon UK • Best for taking as cabin luggage: Joolz Aer - Buy now on Very • Best for a city break: John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller - Buy now on John Lewis • Best travel stroller with one-hand fold: Graco Myavo Compact Stroller - Buy now on Amazon UK

While travel system prams can be more suitable to everyday life, a travel stroller can be a lot more practical than having to take all the sections of a travel pram or car seat on holiday so you can pack more holiday essentials.

How we chose the best travel strollers

With several mums on the team, Mother&Baby is best placed to find the best travel strollers as used and tested in real life by our own babies. Plus, we have a huge panel of real mums who test products every year for the annual  Mother&Baby Awards , meaning we get to find out the best award-winning products that have been put through their paces thoroughly and independently by our readers.

Awards testers are asked to score the product they are reviewing in four areas: usability, design, quality and value for money. Each product is scored out of 10 with each of these areas in mind, and the final score determines which products make the coveted bronze, silver and gold spots in that product category.

Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.

The best travel strollers 2024

1. hauck travel n care stroller, best travel stroller overall.

Rrp: £ 149.95

The Hauck Travel N Care Stroller was awarded Gold for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

The Hauck Travel N Care Stroller is a budget-friendly yet premium option for parents on the go. Setting it up is a breeze with its simple assembly, and the intuitive one-handed fold mechanism makes it an amazing time-saver for busy parents, which we loved. Testers also found this stroller lightweight which makes it great for travelling. Deputy Digital Editor for Mother and Baby, Stephanie Spencer, said, "really compact and easy to open, especially if you’re on your own! I like that you can sling it over your shoulder easily, too."

While the Hauck Travel N Care Stroller boasts many impressive features, including an adjustable footrest, removable/washable covers, and ample storage basket, some users have noted that the canopy could be extended further to provide more extensive coverage from the sun, especially during intense sunlight hours and when travelling in sunny locations, although Stephanie Spencer said, "the sun shade covers right over, probably more so than other strollers I’ve used so extra shading in the sun."

A real plus is that it is easy to clean so it won't matter too much about melting ice-creams or any unfortunate travel sickness. We also loved that it comes in a range of colours and Stephanie Spencer really liked the olive green colour. Our tester was impressed with how flat it lies for naps and also commented on how easy it is to use saying, "it’s smooth to push along, too."

Read our full Hauck Travel N Care Stroller review.

  • Lightweight
  • One-handed folding
  • Large storage
  • Easy to clean
  • The hood could extend more
  • Handy and compact travel companion
  • Agile, comfortable and safe travel
  • Practical handling for active parents
  • Light, handy and robust
  • Self-standing and small folding
  • Adjustable seating and lying area
  • Canopy with UV protection and peek-a-boo window
  • Easy to care material

2. John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller

Best for a city break.

https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeUlldWV5dTllEHABdW00OVlpZTwkHRFtLFFMLQQVVSRVTQ1JAQV1RTh8QRkQNCFVXRU0HDlJRUxZCVAlRBgMNAgIF&x=v1

The John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller was awarded Silver for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

The John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller offers convenience and practicality. We loved the look of this travel pram, which gives style at an affordable price point. But testers also noted that it is easy to collapse, which is what you need when travelling, as well as being lightweight so it is convenient to transport even when folded. Our dad tester, Chris, commented, "being easy to both collapse and fold open, it’s become our preferred choice for when we decide to take shorter walks to get out of the house."

We found this pram was amazing for city living and smooth pavements but struggled a little on more uneven terrain. So, if you are looking for something that looks great for a city break, this is an ideal choice. Dad, Chris, thinks it is a great second pram and noted, "it’s also proven to be an invaluable failsafe for those situations where one of us has ‘forgotten’ that the pram is in the boot of whichever car they happen to have driven off to work in, meaning we don’t have to carry baby far on the way to nursery."

Read our full John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller review.

  • Easy to collapse
  • Suitable on smooth pavements but does not handle uneven terrain very well
  • Steel frame Five-point harness Two-year guarantee

John Lewis & Partners

3. Graco Myavo Compact Stroller

Best travel stroller with one-hand fold.

With an automatic, one-handed fold, the Graco Myavo is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to take on the go, just what you need when travelling with a little one. Our tester, Senior Writer, Samantha Ball, said, "it's a brilliant compact design, incredibly easy to use and lightweight enough to carry." We like that it has the option of a three- or five-point harness system to keep your little one secure and a detachable bumper bar to make it easier to put them in and take them out. Additionally, the UPF50+ canopy provides amazing comfort and protection from UV rays, enhancing the stroller's appeal and making it a fantastic option for parents planning a holiday.

Testers liked the compact design and integrated folding lock which ensures hassle-free transportation and storage, plus they noted it fits easily into car boots, leaving ample space for other essentials. While it can be folded one-handed, testers found that the mechanism for the one-handed fold can be tricky to use at first, and also commented that their child sometimes slid down in the seat. That said, Samantha Ball, was impressed by the one hand fold commenting, "the one-handed fold alone was enough to impress me."

However, the Graco Myavo still excels in usability and build quality. Its smooth manoeuvrability over various terrains and easy recline feature makes it a practical choice for everyday use. Plus little ones seems to find comfortable too, with Samantha Ball adding, "my daughter was actually happy to stay sat in the stroller and I loved that she felt comfortable enough to stay sat in it, as she would normally try to climb out. The Graco Myavo is definitely a great travel stroller."

Read our full Graco Myavo review

  • One-handed fold
  • Lightweight design
  • Large storage basket
  • The one-handed lock feature can be tricky to use at first
  • Automatic standalone fold
  • Integrated folding lock
  • Removable bumper bar
  • UPF50+ canopy

4. Joolz Aer

Best for taking as cabin luggage.

https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeVVdYVkFZV1RHUxNTRUwHVl8YEhcNV0dbTUFKUg5bXEIbVFJAFUlFRFoAWlcLFhRBRwMGBx5QVFIfVgBWAgJfDwUH&x=v1

The Joolz Aer was awarded Bronze for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

With a width of just 44cm, the lightweight Joolz Aer can be taken straight onto the plane and popped into the overhead locker which we love and it is a real plus for a travel stroller, especially with a carry handle to make carrying it even easier. Plus, even better the stroller is available in three colours, including refined Black, and it is made from recycled plastic bottles rescued from our oceans so it is kind to the environment too.

The large, extended hood offers UPF 50 sun protection to keep your baby safe, and also has ventilation to keep your little one cool. Its robust construction and premium feel make it suitable for both urban and rural walks, accommodating children comfortably while being easy to manoeuvre for parents of varying heights, although the reclining transition is not very smooth and reviewers thought this could be improved.

The Aer's compact fold and integrated shoulder strap make taking this pram out quite literally a walk in the park. It fits into car boots effortlessly and still leaves ample space for other essentials like trikes, scooters and shopping. Plus, customers commented, "it collapses small enough so it can be stored easily and is also great for restaurants as it again goes down so easily so you have more room."

We loved that despite its lightweight design, the stroller maintains a high-quality feel and reviewers really liked it saying, "we bought this buggy when I was eight months pregnant for our 2.5-year-old and I just wish we had got it sooner," while others noted that it's "lightweight yet feels sturdy."

Read our full Joolz Aer buggy review

  • Narrow design
  • Fits in the overhead compartment
  • Made from sustainable materials
  • Good Ventilation in the hood
  • Comfortable seat
  • Seat recline could be smoother
  • One-hand one-second fold
  • UPF 50+ sun hood with ventilation
  • Adjustable harness
  • Click & go 5-point buckle 
  • 4-wheel suspension
  • High handle bar for taller parents
  • Reclines to sleeping position
  • Fits in overhead plane storage
  • Comes with shoulder strap
  • Comes with travel pouch and rain cover
  • Available in six different colours

Mamas & Papas

5. Mamas and Papas Airo Pushchair

Best for travelling abroad.

Super-slim and perfect from birth and for growing toddlers, the Airo pushchair is perfect for navigating tight spaces. Not only is it Mamas & Papas' lightest ever pushchair, but the stroller can even be worn as a backpack when your little one would prefer to toddle on their own, which we think makes it the perfect travel stroller. Mother&Baby Editor, Maria Martin, has tested the pushchair and said, "Myself and my 1-year-old have been testing the Airo out for about 15 months. The pushchair has served us well as a light compact travel assistant that's come in useful when boarding aeroplanes and also when out on busy city day trips."

Testers liked that it folds with one hand and is solid and sturdy, thanks to the unique dual-sided wheel lock. Maria Martin also commented that "it folds down to a compact size and is super lightweight. We've been able to fit this into every car boot possible." With adjustable positions for your baby, a bumper bar, and a quick-fit five-point harness, testers loved that you can be safe in the knowledge that your little one is comfy and secure. Plus it is cabin friendly so can be carried onto the plane.

Impressively, despite being compact, it has great under seat storage. Maria Martin found that "the under-seat storage compartment is big enough for snacks, water bottles, hats, etc. We added a couple of buggy clips too, which have helped attach a change bag whilst on the move." Although some reviewers did note that the seat is smaller than on other strollers and so may not be as comfortable for larger toddlers. That said, our tester, Maria Martin added, "I love that the seat can lie completely flat and that the Airo can be used with a sun-shield/insect net (sold separately) – handy when nap times are calling, but home is nowhere in sight."

Read our full Mamas & Papas Airo review

  • Cabin-friendly
  • Decent storage despite its compact size
  • Easy one-hand fold
  • Some found the seat smaller than most
  • Adjustable handle height positions
  • Easily adjustable straps with the quick fit 5-point harness
  • One hand quick fold
  • Unique dual-sided wheel lock
  • Adjustable footrest

6. BABYZEN YOYO²

Best travel stroller for newborn and beyond.

Becoming one of the go-to for many mums and dads, this versatile stroller wears a few different hats, it’s easy to take around cities and can be picked up when catching the underground or bus. Plus, it's also easy to take on an aeroplane and can be popped into the overhead lockers. Our Group Editor Maria Martin tested the strolled and said, "this stroller is a game changer – I just love how sturdy it feels while static or on the move."

Testers really liked that the lightweight YOYO2 incorporates Hytrel elastomer suspension on all four wheels, meaning it is a very comfortable ride for your tots, but also convenient for parents to carry, our tester, Maria, noted, "its lightweight feature is impressive, making it all too easy to get in and out of my car boot." BABYZEN also uses their patented Soft Drive system, eliminating the need to lock the front wheels on rough terrain for easier manoeuvrability so you can steer with one hand if needed. We also liked that the seat feels well-padded and Maria agreed, adding, "it’s comfortable for my little one."

It is worthwhile noting that the price is just for the frame so if you want a colour pack then you need to pay extra, which disappointed some reviewers. There's also the option to add a newborn pack which means you can use the stroller from birth. Our reviewer, Maria, was impressed with the fact it "folds into a cabin baggage size, keeping all straps in place," which makes it an ideal travel stroller.

Read our full BABYZEN YOYO² review.

  • Fits most airline cabin baggage restrictions
  • Four-wheel suspension for all terrains
  • Price is for frame only, the colour packs are an additional £60-£80
  • Soft faux-leather handlebar
  • UPF 50+ sun protection canopy with peekaboo window
  • Zipped back pocket
  • Safety wrist-strap
  • Multi-positioning reclining backrest with a 5-point harness
  • Hytrel® elastomer suspension

7. Joie Pact

Best travel stroller with lie-flat seat.

https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeTF5QQ11BSlhYQk1RWQ9LFl1ZDgwMVh9XV14cFytbWV0bZVZRTBRZWR8mX1QHFhRxWA8VA1BGFWpGF1cNWFVKGUUYBw4JAQAB&x=v1

If you're a frequent flyer looking for a practical travel pushchair, the Joie Pact might just be it. Impressively light, a doddle to fold, and seriously compact, we love that it even comes with its own storage bag and has an integrated carrying strap. It is also compatible with some models of Joie car seats which makes it even more convenient when travelling. One reviewer said, "I bought this as I need to travel by train with my 5-month-old. I can fold and unfold it with ease with one hand, whilst holding my baby. It's extremely lightweight, and the strap is great for carrying it."

Reviewers really liked the all-wheel suspension which ensures a smooth ride for your baby on all types of terrain and we love the lie-flat seat, which is suitable from birth. However, there was some criticism about the back rest which doesn't fully rise and could be more comfortable.

Overall testers were impressed and said the stroller was good quality and they like how compact it is so it doesn't take up too much room in the boot of the car. One mum tester was impressed and commented, "it feels of good quality and will grow with my baby. It's perfect for travelling with and folds up very small to fit the boot of a car."

  • Comes with a convenient carry strap
  • Includes its own storage bag
  • Compatible with certain models of Joie car seats
  • The backrest doesn't fully rise
  • Forward facing seat
  • 5 point harness
  • Lockable front swivel wheels
  • Dual wheel suspension
  • Adjustable leg rest
  • Handle height adjustable from 97 to 105.5cm
  • 1-hand recline adjustment
  • Multi recline positions

The Entertainer

8. Silver Cross Zest Stroller

Best premium travel stroller.

The Zest pushchair from Silver Cross is bursting with features to make everyday strolls a breeze, plus with fun designs we think it is really stylish too. It is one of the lightest travel prams on the market, perfect for parents who need something light yet robust and great for family holidays with little ones, as one reviewer said "I bought this pushchair for my five-month-old baby to take on holiday, and it was perfect."

The lie-flat seat and adjustable drawstring recline let you find the most comfortable position for your little one and adjust their seating position without disturbing their nap and testers liked the extendable UPF 50+ hood which keeps your little one shaded on sunny days, plus also has an air-flow mesh panel to keep them cool and dry, which testers loved, commenting that it is, "light and cool in the heat."

While the stroller is easy to manoeuvre and easy to carry when needed, reviewers found that it is difficult to push on tough terrains due to the suspension which could be improved. That said, one reviewer agreed it is not great on all terrains but did say, "it moves perfectly over hard ground."

One customer commented on the under storage basket saying, "the only drawback, which wasn't really a problem for us but if you rely on the under-pushchair storage, then it can be difficult to access when the baby is in the pushchair and lying down." However, overall we like this stroller for travelling because it helps with keeping cool in the heat and the hood provides great protection, plus it is extremely lightweight.

Read our full Silver Cross Zest stroller review.

  • Fun designs
  • Easy to manoeuvre
  • Convenient to carry
  • Suspension across all terrains could be improved
  • Basket hard to access when baby is lying down
  • Upf50+ sun protection hood
  • One motion fold and carry handle
  • 5-point safety harness with chest and harness pads
  • Full lie-flat seat with one-hand recline

9. Cosatto Trail

Best travel stroller for design.

This is a robust travel stroller and we love that it is suitable up until 25kg, plus it has an extra spacious seat for your little one. With puncture proof tyres this stroller will tackle even the most tough family adventure and the basket can hold up to 8kg so will be able to store all your travel essentials. One reviewer said, "This buggy is really easy to fold with 1 hand while holding a toddler, goes nice and small and is easy to lift - not as super lightweight as some but no problem for lifting in and out of the car. Great size basket and sturdy so can hang lots on the handle without risk of tipping. Have taken this to parks, over cobbles and gravel and dirt tracks and it handles well!"

Some reviewers found the stroller heavier than other strollers, but once folded it is easy to transport. Reviewers commented, "it's great, I walk everywhere as I don't drive and it's so much better than my last stroller. It has really good suspension so it is good at getting up paths, it also has some other helpful features such as a bell. In addition, if you travel abroad, it can fold so you can wheel it easily while folded so it's perfect for transporting. I honestly can't fault this stroller at all."

Of course, the design is outstanding and really adds a touch of style to this stroller for all your family adventures, plus it is great for longevity because it last flat from birth and will last well into the toddler years.

  • Lots of fun designs to choose from
  • Sturdy over most terrains
  • Heavier than other travel strollers
  • UPF100+ double-tiered hood for ultimate shading
  • Extra-large basket
  • Fabric made from recycled bottles
  • Front and rear suspension
  • Includes extras such as a bell and cup holder

10. Ergobaby Metro+

Best sturdy travel stroller.

The Metro + will keep your precious cargo comfy, whether you're in Barcelona or Bromley, thanks to smooth suspension and puncture-proof tyres. We love that the seat has plush padding, as well as an adjustable leg rest and faux-leather handlebars, which make the stroller perfect for smaller or taller parents. Reviewers were impressed and commented saying, "after a lot of research, we picked the metro based on sturdiness, weight, large sun canopy and tyre size."

This is a lightweight stroller and easily fits on buses, tubes, trains and planes, weighing just 7.8kg. Reviewers also commented that it is compact when folded and can even fit in the footwell of a car. However, while the stroller feels strong the shopping baskets do not feel as secure which bothered some reviewers.

Nevertheless the sleek, streamlined design is still impressive and makes this a great choice for adventures. One reviewer added, "we brought it on holidays and are really happy with the product. The stroller feels much heavier than 6kg - more towards 7kg but does fold up pretty compact."

Read our full Ergobaby Metro+ review.

  • Sleek, streamlined design
  • The compact fold can even fit in car footwell
  • Adjustable handlebar
  • Shopping baskets could be more secure
  • Perforated vegan leather handlebar
  • Night-reflective details
  • Hidden ‘newborn nest’ flaps

11. Bugaboo Butterfly

Best travel stroller to grow with them.

https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeUlldWV5dTllEHABdW00GTFVWAAoNHlBNTUYASgdYSRVGQERaW1FRXkBMQUINFlRLGgAJF1YdSA8AVA5QDAg%3D&x=v1

Bugaboo is always popular and the Bugaboo Butterfly is impressively compact, plus we like the one-second fold which is great for travelling but also for day to day city life. Parents were impressed with how easy it is to set up and open, with one reviewer saying, "I opened the box, and you simply push in two buttons with one hand, and the whole thing pops right open. It also closes that easily as well." Plus, they liked that it is really lightweight, plus because it is compact, it doesn't take up much room in the boot of the car, which is extremely handy because we all know how much stuff you need to pack when away with children.

While it might be small and light, you can still put up to 8kg in the basket, which is perfect for a shopping trip. Unfortunately, the Bugaboo Butterfly is not suitable for newborns so you will need an alternative travel buggy for those early days, but it is suitable from 6 months and can hold a weight of 22kg. For travelling there is a shoulder strap to make carrying it much more convenient and reviewers described it as "comfortable." Plus it can be carried onto the plane as hand luggage.

We also love that this is compatible with various Bugaboo accessories, which is great for parents who have already purchased accessories for a Bugaboo pram. The reviewers like the different colours with one reviewer saying, "I got green, which is the prettiest colour for our sweet little boy." They were also impressed with the car seat adapter which is easy to add to the stroller, and one one customer added that "his Nuna Air car seat just pops right on," and he continued, "I love this stroller and how it can grow with our little boy for several years to come."

Read our full Bugaboo Butterfly review.

  • Compatible with certain car seats
  • It comes with a convenient carry strap
  • Easy and compact fold
  • Not suitable for newborns
  • Underseat basket holds up to 8 kg
  • Full suspension
  • UPF 50+ sun canopy with extendable breezy panel
  • Almost fully flat one-hand recline

12. Joie Baby Tourist Signature Pushchair

Best travel stroller for hands-free folding.

https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeUlldWV5dTllEHABdW00OVltSTwcDUUsVTV0QSghHRBVFXFBcWU1FRVdOQkMRDFpaVgsXT0BaWVVXSkhQBQEPAAcGCgw%3D&x=v1

Suitable from birth, with a flat reclining seat, this tiny traveller is proof that big things can come in small packages, with three different modes to choose from including a carry cot, infant carrier and forward facing option. Reviewers liked that it offered multi-position recline to help your little one sleep soundly when out and about.

Weighing just under 6kg, the Tourist offers easy hands-free folding, as well as a handy carry strap and a storage bag which is great for travelling through airports or on planes, but also on buses and trains. For every day trips out to the shops, or day trips with the family, there is a roomy basket for all your essentials which we love. Reviewers agreed with one customer commenting, ""I purchased Joie Tourist for my one-year-old baby girl. I switched from a massive and heavy pushchair to a light one; it's so easy to use and can be folded and unfolded with one hand. It fits everywhere, and the design is lovely. I would recommend it."

Some testers found the harness is not that easy to use and can be fiddly so suggest it could do with improvement, but they liked the lockable front wheel for tough terrain and were impressed with the lie flat option making it suitable from birth. It is a great stroller to see you through from the newborn days right through the toddler years.

Read our full Joie Baby Tourist review.

  • Harness could do with improving
  • One-hand auto fold
  • Lie-flat recline
  • UPF 50+ water-repellent canopy
  • 5-point safety harness
  • One-touch braking system
  • Clever autoclick™ magnetic buckles

13. Hauck Sport Pushchair 

Best travel stroller for affordability.

Hauck's Sport stroller is the ideal travel companion, not only for public transport but for travelling too. The Hauck Sport has an easy and compact fold that will fit in most car boots, so getting where you need to be is simple with very little hassle. Reviewers were impressed with its simplicity, with one commenting, "I bought it to take on holiday with me, and it was easy to fold, super light and worked absolutely fine. It doesn't have any fancy features, but you really can't expect them for the price. I'd recommend this product."

Our reviewers thought its lightweight frame makes it easy to push around, which is great when out and about every day or on holiday. Plus, the basket underneath has enough space for all your essentials. Testers did note that the wheels could be improved because they are a bit small. But for an affordable stroller, this is a great option, and we liked that it is strong and durable to withstand travelling and everyday use.

Price is a big plus here and one customer said, "I was pleasantly surprised about this stroller. Considering how little it costs, it really does do the job!" We like that it is lightweight and durable but won't break the bank.

  • Easy to fold
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Wheels could be improved
  • Swivelling and lockable front wheels
  • Multi-adjustable backrest
  • Large shopping basket
  • 5-point harness and front bar

What to consider when buying the best travel strollers

Hayley Hanigan, the Founder of baby equipment rental service,  Tiny Explorers , gives us her tips on what to look for when choosing a travel stroller.

Compact and Lightweight : Hayley says, "a travel stroller should be compact and easy to fold, making it convenient for travel. Look for strollers that can fit into airplane overhead compartments."

Portability : "Consider strollers with a carry handle or a travel bag for easy transportation. Some models even come with a shoulder strap for hands-free carrying."

Reclining Seat : "Look for a stroller with a reclining seat so your child can nap comfortably during travel. Some strollers have multiple recline positions."

Sun Canopy : "A large sun canopy is crucial to protect your child from harsh sunlight. Some canopies also have UV protection."

Cleaning : "Can you remove the materials easily to clean the sand and lolly stains?!"

Storage Basket : "Check if the stroller has a spacious storage basket for carrying essentials like diapers, snacks, and small bags."

Safety Features : "Ensure the stroller has a 5-point harness to secure your child. Also, look for a brake system to keep the stroller stationary when needed."

Compatibility with Car Seats : "If you plan to use the stroller with an infant, consider one that is compatible with your infant car seat. This allows you to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing their sleep."

Another factor you can consider to ensure travelling with little ones is easy and stress free is the folding mechanism. Folding and unfolding your pushchair should be easy and intuitive, even when you're holding your baby. One that's freestanding when folded will take up less space in your accommodation when it's not in use. Also consider the pocket because somewhere to stash your valuables is a handy feature in a holiday stroller, but make sure it is big enough to hold your purse, phone and keys. Finally don't forget the wheels. Some lightweight strollers have adjustable wheels that can handle different types of terrain. Lockable swivel wheels are ideal for manoeuvring between shiny shop floors or hotel lobbies and rougher ground. If you're heading for the beach, choose all-terrain wheels with good suspension.

{#h-how-we-chose-the-best-travel-strollers}

Maria Martin Mamas&Papas Airo

For the essential products, our annual  Mother&Baby Awards  shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. Thousands of our mum and dad testers have been putting these carriers and slings through their paces all year round and reporting back to help us coordinate this list of the best carriers out there.

Our shopping experts have also done their research to find the best travel strollers that have the best specifications with excellent reviews. So, which travel strollers came out on top?

Do you need a travel stroller?

Lightweight travel strollers are the perfect holiday pushchair if your existing buggy feels too cumbersome to travel with. But they're not just for holiday use – lots of parents replace their baby's first pushchair with a lightweight stroller once their baby starts walking, especially when a light, manoeuvrable pushchair is a practical choice. There are compromises to be made, though, and not all are suitable from birth.

How light do you need it to be?

A pushchair is considered lightweight if it is 7kg or less, but some weigh nearly half this! A very light pushchair will inevitably be less robust, so think about just how light you need it to be – will you be lifting it on and off trains with your baby strapped in, or carrying it with your baby in your arms when boarding a plane?

How compact do you need it to be?

When folded, most lightweight pushchairs are compact enough to fit into a standard car boot without taking up all the space. Others are designed to fold even more compactly. Check that it's freestanding when folded, too.

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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11 best lightweight strollers for hassle-free and compact travel

Whether for everyday trips or travel abroad, set out with these lightweight and collapsible pushchairs, article bookmarked.

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We tested the strollers for ease of use and durability, in a range of weather conditions

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With their shrunken footprint and ease of manoeuvrability, travel-style buggies can make life run more smoothly for city dwellers and frequent fliers alike. Just as these folding, compact strollers can become small enough to fit into overhead lockers, they can also be stored away without much hassle when not in use – great for those with tighter living spaces.

Like many parents, we bought a larger buggy ahead of our baby being born, not considering at all how cumbersome it might be on public transport, or how much space it would take up in our London home. We resigned ourselves to having to buy a cheap travel buggy separately to take on flights, along with the separate running buggy we had accumulated, too.

In reality, living in the city meant we only really need the larger buggy for the odd occasion where you want to pile the basket full of shopping, or take on especially muddy paths – and even that’s a convenience thing, not an essential.

The wheels of a compact buggy can make uneven surfaces trickier to navigate but, if you live in a city and are far more likely to traverse public transport than you are a country lane, a compact travel buggy can absolutely be the only investment you need make.

The models suitable for everyday use tend to have a comfier seat, suspension, a decent recline system and the option to add accessories, such as a footmuff or bassinet. Something to watch out for with these buggies versus traditional travel systems is that the accessories you’d expect to be included are often sold separately – such as footrests and rain covers which can make the cost mount up.

16 best prams and buggies 2024 – tried, tested and approved by parents

16 best prams and buggies 2024 – tried, tested and approved by parents

7 best running buggies for zooming around with your little one

7 best running buggies for zooming around with your little one

12 best car seats to keep your child safe, secure and comfortable

12 best car seats to keep your child safe, secure and comfortable

6 best all-terrain strollers for making off-road adventures a walk in the park

6 best all-terrain strollers for making off-road adventures a walk in the park

How we tested the best compact strollers

Over the course of three months, we put a range of compact strollers through their paces, with the help of our one-year-old and a three-year-old mini testers. We tested in all weather conditions, and graded the buggies on ease of fold, weight, handling, look and feel, and durability. We have covered both crossover buggies we believe are truly sturdy enough for everyday use, and those realistically designed for travel-only.

The best compact strollers for 2024 are:

  • Best compact stroller overall – Joolz aer+: £429, Joolz.com
  • Best budget all-rounder – Mamas and Papas airo: £299, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best budget travel option – Didofy aster 2: £199.99, Didofy.com
  • Best for air travel – Babyzen yoyo2: £399, Babyzen.com
  • Best for taller parents – Ergobaby metro + deluxe: £369.90, Ergobaby.co.uk
  • Best : Compact stroller overall
  • Folded dimensions : 53.5cm x 45cm x 21.5cm
  • Weight : 6kg
  • Age suitability : From six months up to four years old
  • Incorporates recycled plastic bottles
  • Top-quality wheels
  • Premium look and feel
  • Those with larger feet might want something easier to handle

We are obsessed with this buggy. Not only does it look chic, weigh just 6kg and fold seamlessly into aircraft overhead cabin size (even with the footmuff on), it also has some serious green credentials, with its transferable 10-year warranty, the material being made from recycled plastic bottles and in a rather sweet touch, a tree being planted with every purchase.

For travel or city life, parents need look no further than this elegant and thoughtful design. It is simply best in class for so many of the features, from the sturdy, comfortable handlebar, to the impressive full recline for the baby. What we felt really set it apart, however, was the quality of the wheels. Coated in a soft EVA foam rubber material they are noticeably silent and make for a smoother ride. It seems a small plus, but the clattering of plastic on a pavement doesn’t calm the jangled nerves of a parent.

Everything about this buggy looks and feels premium, from the canvas material, to the soft handlebar. The canopy is also excellent for warm weather and folds nearly completely down, with a handy peekaboo gauze above the baby. The other excellent feature is the fully flat recline.

The only downside we could find was that, while we were getting used to the buggy, we accidentally kicked the centrally located brake a couple of times. So, if we were being super picky, we would suggest those with larger feet opt for something slightly easier to handle.

Mamas and Papas airo

  • Best : Budget all-rounder
  • Folded dimensions : 25cm x 45cm x 55cm
  • Weight : 7.6kg
  • Age suitability : From birth up to four years old (or up to 22kg)
  • Premium finish
  • Looks great
  • Weightier than some other models

We really like the look and feel of the airo, which has a premium finish and is incredibly sturdy. The fold on it is excellent and it very neatly locks and freestands – ideal for holidays or storing in tight spaces. It’s pretty lightweight at 7.6kgs, but not flyweight like some other models. It also comes with a separate sun shield and rain cover as standard, both of which are very high quality.

The airo also looks nice – it has an attractive padded seat and is consistent with the high quality of other Mamas and Papa’s products. It can be used with a footmuff and a newborn pack is also available to buy separately (£149, Mamasandpapas.com ).

Didofy aster 2

  • Best : Budget travel option
  • Folded dimensions : 55cm x 47cm x 25cm
  • Weight : 6.2kg
  • Age suitability : From birth up to 22kg
  • Lots of included accessories
  • Wheels don’t feel particularly premium

The great thing about the aster 2 is it comes with everything you need, with no need to buy any extra accessories – even the footmuff and drinks holder. It is also incredibly lightweight, at just 6.2kg, which makes it ideal for slinging in an overhead locker or the boot of a car.

Like many of the others we tested, the fold is easy to achieve single handedly and folds down seamlessly into a freestanding square. The recline on the aster is also pretty much flat, and it has the same drawstring mechanism of many of the others, which allows a silent recline in any position.

We liked the design of the handlebar, too – this pops to the side with no faff – while the underbasket is also generous and it comes complete with a footrest, ideal for taller passengers. We also loved that the canopy not only has SPF 50 protection but is waterproof, too – so there is no need to faff with the raincover during a light shower. The only real cons to consider are that the wheels and narrow wheelbase, like many of the pure travel options, feel less premium and thus the buggy does rattle on very uneven ground. It felt more difficult to steer with our larger passengers, too.

Bugaboo butterfly

  • Best : For comfort
  • Folded dimensions : 54cm x 23cm x 45cm
  • Weight : 7.3kg
  • Chic design
  • Hand luggage-compatible when folded
  • Roomy basket
  • Plasticky wheels
  • Only suitable for babies aged six months plus

For those familiar with the quality of the Bugaboo brand, the butterfly does not disappoint. Its simple and chic design also makes it a nice-looking option, while another plus is that all the Bugaboo accessories fit, such as the universal footmuff. The buggy folds and is able to free stand even with the footmuff attached – again making this a serious contender for only needing the one buggy.

The fold is excellent and it is International Air Transport Authority (IATA) compatible, meaning it’s small enough to be classed as hand luggage when folded. It also has a handy shoulder strap for carrying. While the stroller doesn’t quite lay flat, more like 145 degrees, our babies had no issues sleeping in it. In fact, the chair is noticeably more cushioned and roomy than many other buggies we tried. For the quality and comfort of the seat we rank the butterfly as top in class. The recline mechanism of the pulley strap is also pretty much silent and easy to use, even with the weight of the baby.

The brake is in the middle at the back between the back wheels, but the smaller design means larger-footed parents don’t kick it. Another nice piece of design is the sprung-loaded and roomy basket – it can comfortably carry up to 8kgs and is noticeably larger than the competition – again, handy if this is your only pushchair. The spring-loaded basket also makes putting things into it easier when the baby is reclined – which can be tricky on other models.

The only downsides we noted are the plasticky wheels and the fact it is only suitable from six months old because there is no option to attach a separate bassinet. However, the Bugaboo has an impressive four-year warranty, so you should get your money’s worth for years to come.

Babyzen yoyo2

  • Best : For air travel
  • Folded dimensions : 52cm x 44cm x 18cm
  • Folds down very tightly
  • Mostly suitable for overhead lockers
  • Very lightweight
  • Slightly fiddly fold
  • Wheels are abit noisy

The yoyo2 is the buggy du jour in the city. Originally designed for air travel, this gorgeous piece has gone beyond just a good piece of kit and is now also somewhat of a fashion item, and we can see why.

There are several things we love about the yoyo but the fold is probably the best feature because it goes way smaller than any of the other buggies and is super lightweight to carry at 6.2kgs. It is the buggy most airlines recognise as being suitable for the overhead lockers, so frequent travellers will have no issues here.

The recline doesn’t go quite flat, but nearly, and our baby had no issue sleeping in it. The pulley system is also silent and easy to use. The brake is sturdy and off to the side, which is great if wearing sandals. Meanwhile, the peekaboo window is in just the right spot on the generous canopy (which is made with SPF 50 material). Storage underneath is also ample – this stroller is able to carry much more than you might think.

Another small plus, the strap and buckle system is very well thought out – there are no fiddly bits of material to fall down over any of the adjusting parts – something any parent will be grateful of with a wriggly passenger.

The only cons to the yoyo, and we are being picky, are the slightly fiddly fold, compared with that of the Joolz (£429, Joolz.com ) and Bugaboo butterfly (£419, Amazon.co.uk ), and the slightly noisy wheels (this seems to be the norm with smaller buggies, though). The fact it doesn’t fold well with the footmuff attached is also a bit annoying – the Velcro attachment and the smaller fold size means you have to reattach it at the bottom when you unfold it again. It also doesn’t free stand when folded with the footmuff, but this is really not a major detractor.

Baby Jogger city tour 2

  • Best : For suspension
  • Folded dimensions : 59.5cm x 49.5cm x 19cm
  • Weight : 6.5kg
  • Value for money
  • Deceptively spacious
  • Fits most airline overhead lockers
  • Easy to manoeuvre

This is a great option for users who want an affordable compact buggy suitable from birth for both travel and at home, as it comes in significantly cheaper than the premium models. It also comes with the option of adding a bassinet (£129, Naturalbabyshower.co.uk ) at a reasonable price compared with the pricier buggies. Despite its diminutive size, the buggy feels very spacious and was particularly comfortable when testing with our taller, older children. There is plenty of room in the padded, generous seat and the adjustable calf support and footrest make it comfortable for sleeping babies and toddlers alike.

Folded, it is larger than the other travel options, but still collapses tightly enough to fit in most airline overhead lockers – but, like with all of the travel buggies, many airlines may ask you to store it in the hold. If this happens, the Baby Jogger comes with a handy travel bag.

The stroller also only weighs 6.5kgs, but the feature that sets it apart is the very good suspension and handling – if you find yourself on uneven surfaces a lot, this buggy fares very well and is akin to our best buy in terms of a smooth ride and manoeuvrability. The recline is also near flat and silent and easy to use with the pulley system. Meanwhile, the canopy is also generous and has SPF 50+ protection. So, though it doesn’t share the chic design of pricier models, this buggy is excellent value for a very good quality product.

Ergobaby metro + deluxe

  • Best : For taller parents
  • Folded dimensions : 54cm x 45cm x 24cm
  • Weight : 7.8kg
  • Includes most extras
  • No need to buy an extra bassinet
  • Comfortable padding
  • Weightier than some

We loved the sturdy and comfortable Ergobaby, not only for its no-nonsense look and feel, but also the fact it is a premium product at a decent price point, without the need to buy extras, apart from the footmuff (£94.90, Ergobaby.co.uk ) if you needed to. It is slightly heavier (7.8kg) than other models but the extra weight is coming from the fully adjustable handle and the solid, lockable frame, which makes the buggy best in class for bigger children and taller parents.

Another benefit to the Ergobaby is it requires no extra bassinet to be suitable for newborns, thanks to a clever feature called the newborn nest, where the footrest is adapted to create a bassinet out of the existing seat. Like the aer+ , it has rubber wheels, which make for a much smoother ride than the plastic-wheeled competition, and the generous basket has plenty of room for a decent amount of shopping.

The seat itself is exceptionally well padded, and our mini testers old enough to talk opted for this buggy over many of the others, in terms of comfort. The seat itself is also nicely elevated away from the ground. In fact, the only con we would note about the Ergobaby is the weight when folded, but it more than makes up for this in terms of reassuring stability and functionality. It also folds down very tightly to 54cm x 45cm x 24cm.

Out n About GT

  • Best : For off-road strolling
  • Folded dimensions : 56.5cm x 36cm x 95cm
  • Weight : 8.8kg
  • Age suitability : From birth up to ‎22kg
  • Doesn’t require extra purchases for newborns
  • Car-seat compatible
  • Durable wheels
  • Won’t fold small enough for aircraft overhead bins

While this stroller does not fold tightly enough for an aircraft overhead bin, it does fold very flat into a small car boot. It is also narrow enough to fit down the aisle of a London bus, and boasts the off-road capability of a much larger model, making it ideal for both in the city and a muddy park walk. The handle also adjusts, which makes this another buggy great for the taller parent, and it’s spongy and feels nice to push. The material is also easy to clean – something we found very useful.

Another plus is it lies completely flat, so is suitable from birth, with no added purchases required. The buggy is also car-seat compatible with select brands, so it’s effectively a very cost-effective and compact multi-terrain travel system. At 8.8kgs, it’s not as lightweight as some of the other models, but the weight is coming from the heavy-duty wheels and excellent suspension. Speaking of the wheels, they are puncture-proof and incredibly durable and silent, like tiny bike wheels, and the buggy comes with a rain cover and bumper bar as standard.

We really liked this buggy for its price point, versatility and capability on tough terrain, too. It is unavailable at the moment, but you can sign up to be notified once it’s back in stock.

Inglesina quid 2

best compact stroller indybest review Inglesina quid 2.

  • Best : For budget air travel
  • Folded dimensions : 46.5cm x 58cm x 19cm
  • Weight : 5.9kg
  • Supremely lightweight
  • Slightly more elevated buggy seat
  • Ideal for frequent fliers
  • The extra accessories will be costly

The premium feel of the Inglesina and the fact it is the lightest in class at 5.9kgs should pique the interest of frequent fliers. It really is flyweight, and looks great – we tested in the gecko green and loved it. The material is high quality and it has a nice, wide wheelbase – something you come to notice when your passengers are heavier – and it also has a taller handlebar.

Small but thoughtful touches with this buggy made us fall in love with it, such as the excellent and smartly designed carrying handle, which sits on the side when folded, and the fact it freestands without any of the fabric touching the ground – a valuable hygiene plus. Another nice touch is the baby snug pad (£69, Inglesina.uk ), which is similar to a newborn insert on a car seat, allowing the buggy to be used from birth with no need for a bassinet.

The buggy seat also feels slightly more elevated, so the child is not so low to the ground, again, a nice plus, particularly for taller parents. The fold is one-handed and without faff, and the recline is a silent drawstring. A really good-looking, thoughtfully designed travel option, it’s ideal for frequent fliers, though, like many of these buggies, the extra accessories mount up.

Cybex orfeo

  • Best : Bright travel option
  • Folded dimensions : 15.5cm x 47.5cm x 52.5cm
  • Age suitability : From birth to four years (or up to 22kg)
  • Exceedingly lightweight
  • Bright colourways
  • Convenient shoulder strap
  • Time-saving harness

Like the quid 2 (£299, Inglesina.uk ), the orfeo weighs just 5.9kgs and looks poppy and summery in its cheery colourways. That’s not where the similarities end, either. This stroller, too, has a simple fold, is extremely lightweight and, performance-wise, pushes and sounds similar on the pavement. The difference with this one, though, is it has a handy shoulder strap, as opposed to a handle for carrying. The colour palettes are also a bit more fun and in-keeping with a summer holiday vibe – we tested the beach blue and loved how it stood out in the street.

A small thing, but the harness is great on this buggy and performs more like a car seat with one pull tightening all the straps. We loved this time-saver and our baby was always safe and snug. We also really loved that the fabric is machine washable at 30C – ideal after a healthy cover of sunscreen and ice cream.

Like all the top travel options, it’s a seamless one-handed fold into a small square shape, with a decent silent recline. Folded, it really does feel tiny, with a depth of just 15.5cm – so handy in small spaces. Those with a Cybex car set can also attach it to the orfeo – a plus if you’re a fan of the brand and want to mix and match.

Nuna triv next compact pushchair

  • Best : Premium compact stroller
  • Folded dimensions : 31.5cm x 57.5cm x 69cm
  • Weight : 8.72kg
  • Premium feel
  • Not the most lightweight

The Nuna triv next compact pushchair combines practical simplicity with a premium feel. It’s easy to fold (no matter which way it’s facing) and doesn’t take up too much space. It’s not the lightest travel buggy but, at just under 9kg, it’s light enough to tackle stairs regularly and the handy carry strap is a simple touch that makes it relatively easy to juggle the pram and baby at the same time. You only need one hand to fold it, which is great, and it stands up on its own when folded.

It’s compatible with other Nuna products (bought separately), converting it into a complete travel system with a 360 car seat, making it a sort of hybrid between a purpose-built travel buggy and the full range. The zip-off canopy is smart, with a flip-out eyeshade, and it’s UPF 50+. Baby’s comfort is ensured by an all-season chair with breathable mesh for summer and the bigger back wheels make it pretty sturdy and robust.

We tried the caviar version, all black with a brown leatherette handle, which was slick enough to stand out but not garish – just how we like it. The main downside to the Nuna triv next is the price tag. At £600 it’s one of the most expensive buggies we reviewed, but that does include a rain cover. It also comes with the adaptors to attach any Nuna infant carrier, making it pretty versatile. Having said that, it is a premium item in both look and feel, and feels worth it.

Compact strollers FAQs

Which brands sell the lightest pushchairs.

Both the Inglesina quid 2 stroller and the Cybex orfeo weigh in at just 5.9kg, which is markedly lighter than many other models on the market. Meanwhile, our best buy boasts a weight of just of just 6kg – comparatively slight when compared with our most weighty pick at 8.8kg.

What pushchairs are recommended for airlines?

Whether you can bring yours onto the plane as hand luggage will depend on the airline you’re flying with. That being said, very small and foldable strollers can often be placed in the overhead luggage (provided there is enough space).

Which pushchairs are best for small cars?

Small and foldable pushchairs will lend themselves well to fitting into the boot of your car. Better still, an especially helpful feature to consider is whether the chassis is compatible with a car seat. This will make transporting your child to and from the car less of a hassle, while it can also save you some space.

Can the prams collapse as one unit?

Collapse mechanisms with buggies and pushcairs vary, but there are models that allow you to collapse your buggy with one quick and easy motion, often with the click of a button. Then there are models that require a few steps to fold down – these may not always be as compact as those that can close in one simple motion.

The verdict: Compact strollers

The testing of these buggies took months, and we really put them through their paces in all weather and terrain conditions. All of the buggies that make this shortlist are excellent purchases – we tested many more that didn’t make the cut – but for us the Joolz aer+ is very much the standout in terms of comfort, features, handling and style. It also has a fantastic guarantee and is kind to the planet. You need buy no other buggy from birth to toddler with this excellent and stylish product.

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Baby Travel Systems & Travel Bundles

Cosatto Wow XL Carrycot, Pushchair, Acorn i-Size Car Seat and Base with Accessories Everything Bundle

Cosatto Wow XL Carrycot, Pushchair, Acorn i-Size Car Seat and Base with Accessories Everything Bundle

Babyzen YOYO² Chassis & Colour Pack Bundle, Stone/Black

Babyzen YOYO² Chassis & Colour Pack Bundle, Stone/Black

Reduced To Clear

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 Baby Car Seat and Base Bundle, Midnight Black/Essential Black

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 Baby Car Seat and Base Bundle, Midnight Black/Essential Black

Save £198 (Bundle price includes saving)

Babyzen x Bonpoint YOYO² Chassis, Newborn Kit & Colour Pack Bundle, Black / Bonpoint

Babyzen x Bonpoint YOYO² Chassis, Newborn Kit & Colour Pack Bundle, Black / Bonpoint

Silver Cross Reef 2 Pushchair, Carrycot & Accessories with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 Baby Car Seat and FamilyFix 360 Pro Base Bundle, Space/Black

Silver Cross Reef 2 Pushchair, Carrycot & Accessories with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 Baby Car Seat and FamilyFix 360 Pro Base Bundle, Space/Black

Save £200 (Bundle price includes saving)

Babyzen YOYO² Chassis, Newborn Kit & Colour Pack Bundle, Stone/Black

Babyzen YOYO² Chassis, Newborn Kit & Colour Pack Bundle, Stone/Black

Bugaboo Dragonfly Pushchair, Carrycot & Accessories Essential Bundle, Midnight Black

Bugaboo Dragonfly Pushchair, Carrycot & Accessories Essential Bundle, Midnight Black

Save £174 (Bundle price includes saving)

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair with Cybex Cloud T Baby Car Seat and Base T Bundle, Forest Green/Deep Black

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair with Cybex Cloud T Baby Car Seat and Base T Bundle, Forest Green/Deep Black

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 Baby Car Seat and Base Bundle, Forest Green/Essential Black

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 Baby Car Seat and Base Bundle, Forest Green/Essential Black

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair & Accessories Essential Bundle, Midnight Black

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair & Accessories Essential Bundle, Midnight Black

Save £134 (Bundle price includes saving)

iCandy Peach 7 Pushchair & Accessories Bundle

iCandy Peach 7 Pushchair & Accessories Bundle

Grey

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair with Cybex Cloud T Baby Car Seat and Base T Bundle, Midnight Black/Deep Black

Babyzen x Bonpoint YOYO² Chassis & Colour Pack Bundle, Black/ Bonpoint

Babyzen x Bonpoint YOYO² Chassis & Colour Pack Bundle, Black/ Bonpoint

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair & Accessories Essential Bundle, Forest Green

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair & Accessories Essential Bundle, Forest Green

iCandy Peach 7 Pushchair & Accessories with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Baby Car Seat and Base Bundle, Black/Essential Graphite

iCandy Peach 7 Pushchair & Accessories with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Baby Car Seat and Base Bundle, Black/Essential Graphite

Save £43 (Bundle price includes saving)

Stokke YOYO³ Pushchair Frame, Newborn Pack and 6+ Colour Pack, Black

Stokke YOYO³ Pushchair Frame, Newborn Pack and 6+ Colour Pack, Black

Stokke YOYO³ Pushchair Frame and 6+ Colour Pack, Black/Olive

Stokke YOYO³ Pushchair Frame and 6+ Colour Pack, Black/Olive

Bugaboo Dragonfly Pushchair, Carrycot & Accessories with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 i-Size Car Seat & Base Bundle, Midnight Black

Bugaboo Dragonfly Pushchair, Carrycot & Accessories with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 i-Size Car Seat & Base Bundle, Midnight Black

Save £125 (Bundle price includes saving)

Maxi-Cosi Oxford Pushchair & Accessories with Pebble 360 Pro2 Car Seat and FamilyFix 360 Pro ISOFIX Car Seat Base Bundle, Twillic Black

Maxi-Cosi Oxford Pushchair & Accessories with Pebble 360 Pro2 Car Seat and FamilyFix 360 Pro ISOFIX Car Seat Base Bundle, Twillic Black

Save £189.98 (Bundle price includes saving)

Bugaboo Dragonfly Pushchair, Carrycot & Accessories Essential Bundle, Desert Taupe

Bugaboo Dragonfly Pushchair, Carrycot & Accessories Essential Bundle, Desert Taupe

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair & Accessories with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 i-Size Baby Car Seat and FamilyFix 360 Pro ISOFIX Base Bundle, Misty White/ Essential Black

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair & Accessories with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 i-Size Baby Car Seat and FamilyFix 360 Pro ISOFIX Base Bundle, Misty White/ Essential Black

iCandy Peach 7 Pushchair & Accessories with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 Baby Car Seat and Base Bundle, Coco/ Black

iCandy Peach 7 Pushchair & Accessories with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 Baby Car Seat and Base Bundle, Coco/ Black

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 Baby Car Seat and Base Bundle, Desert Taupe

Bugaboo Fox 5 Pushchair with Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 Baby Car Seat and Base Bundle, Desert Taupe

Cybex e-Priam Pushchair Chassis & Seat Pack Bundle, Matt Black/ Leaf Green

Cybex e-Priam Pushchair Chassis & Seat Pack Bundle, Matt Black/ Leaf Green

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About our range of baby travel systems

Take the stress out of choosing specific baby mobility products by purchasing a travel system. These handy bundles enable you to buy everything you need in one go without worrying about which components integrate with each other.

Our baby travel systems place a huge emphasis on convenience, with one of the key benefits being that you can easily move your little one from the car straight onto the pushchair frame, without even waking them.

3 in 1 travel systems

Our range of 3 in 1 travel systems make getting out and about a breeze, and include:

  • A pram or stroller
  • A baby car seat

Consequently, three-in-one systems can grow with your child; having a mobility option ready for when they’re ready to go from lying flat to a more upright seated position.

Travel systems from leading brands

Because you’re buying everything from the same brand, you don’t need to worry whether the components will connect to each other, or worry about messing around with adaptors.

At Halfords, we supply products from the UK’s leading brands, including Joie and Cybex. With travel systems available in a wide range of sizes and colours, we’re confident we’ll have something to suit your needs.

Shop online, or visit your local Halfords store where our friendly experts can support you further. For all aspects of baby mobility, visit our complete range of pushchair and pram-related products.

Best of the United Kingdom

27 days | take an adventure through all the highlights of the uk – including england, scotland and a dip into wales.

top rated travel systems uk

Take an epic four-week adventure through the very best of the UK – including London, Cornwall, Dartmoor National Park, Oxford, Cardiff, Snowdonia, Liverpool, the Lakes District, Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Isle of Skye and Inverness. Walk through the UK's most picturesque scenery in Britain's best national parks and Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. In England and Wales, you’ll explore coastal towns with rich history, immerse yourself in the buzzing city hubs and discover the birth places of The Beatles and Dr Who. In Scotland, take in the huge lochs riddled with mythology, explore cobbles streets and medieval architecture and find the origin of literary gems – Harry Potter fan, anyone?

Trip overview

  • If you're a Harry Potter lover, this is for you! Explore J.K. Rowling's greatest inspirations in Edinburgh and take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys through the Highlands, crossing the famed Glenfinnan Viaduct.
  • Marvel at the archeological wonder of Stonehenge and discover all you need to know about the rich history of this iconic site.
  • Spend a day exploring arguably the most beautiful and most British countryside – the Cotswolds. Explore the sleepy villages, walk through endless fields and taste some of the best ales in the neighbourhood.
  • Walk the famous Lon Gwyrfai path in Snowdonia National Park, travel to the mountainous landscape of Lake District National Park and hike through the purple heather in Cairngorms National Park.
  • Take a ferry to the Isle of Skye, soak up the fresh sea air and mountain views and taste your way through the local whisky. Then, take a day trip through the stunning landscapes and medieval castles of Skye.
  • Just as a heads up before you book, this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again, there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
  • Please note that most of the travel on this trip is done by train. While this is a fantastic and sustainable way to move around, you will be responsible for shifting your bags to and from the trains and moving them round the station. Sometimes a short walk from your hotel to the train station is also required. Please pack carefully and do not bring any unnecessary items with you. Suggested weight of your luggage should not exceed 12 to 15 kg.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Welcome to London! The capital and largest city in England, London stands on the River Thames and has a history spanning back to the time of the ancient Romans. There’s lots to see and do in this bustling metropolis, so it’s recommended that you arrive a couple of days early to explore the city. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. After, you’re free to hit a West End show or find a fancy restaurant for dinner with a view.

  • Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to leave the city behind as you make your way via train to Salisbury, located in England’s southern rural heartland. When you arrive in this modern medieval city that meets at the confluence of five rivers, follow your trip leader to get your bearings with an orientation walk. After, you're free to roam the city and maybe even make your own way to see the Salisbury Cathedral which dates to 1227 and showcases an example of Early English Gothic architecture. The rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish.

  • Salisbury - Leader led walk
  • Salisbury - Cathedral visit - GBP9

Your travel time today is approximately 2 hours.

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to explore one of Britan’s most iconic sites – none other than the 5,000-year-old Stonehenge. Just a short drive away, the morning will be dedicated to delving into the history of this archaeological marvel. After absorbing everything you need to know about this fascinating monument, you’ll then make your way to Dartmoor. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. History lovers can learn about local myths and legends at some of the town's museums or galleries, or take it easy and find a cosy spot and a hearty feed at a nearby pub.

  • Stonehenge visit

Your travel time today is approximately 3 hours.

Today after breakfast, you’ll have the chance to experience some of the area’s best walking trails and panoramic landscapes. Keep an eye out for famed Dartmoor ponies in the area and cosy farmhouses that hold years of history. Together as a group, you will make your way along the Dartmoor Princetown walk. This gentle walk includes some inclines along the gravel bridleway and offers sweeping views across the rugged moors and takes you to South Hessary Tor. On a clear day, you may be able to see as far as Plymouth Sound. Next, travel to the seaside town of Penzance, with time to stop for lunch along the way. Your afternoon is free to wander through the picturesque town where cobbled streets, local boutiques and fisherman’s cottages can be found.

  • Dartmoor Princetown Walk guided walk & picnic lunch

Enjoy breakfast before heading out to admire one of the most loved landmarks in the area – Land’s End, known for its impressive natural beauty and unique location. Hike along to Porthcurno and admire the spectacular terrain and coastal landscapes that stretch far into the distance, then enjoy some free time for lunch. Along the Cornish cliffs you’ll also visit The Minack Theatre – a spectacular open-air venue overlooking the water. Later, return to Penzance where the evening is yours to spend at your own pace.

  • Land’s End visit
  • Porthcurno guided hike
  • Minack Open Air Theatre visit

After breakfast, you’ll visit St Michaels Mount, a fascinating tidal island in Mount’s Bay. You may have seen images of this rocky island, but nothing compares to witnessing the magnificent site up close. Enjoy time to explore St Michaels Mount at your own pace and maybe stop by the church and medieval castle set at the top of the island. Later, travel to the historic fishing village of Port Isaac. A guided walk with your leader will showcase the history and highlights of this cosy hub before continuing on to Tintagel – a destination that shares historic ties to King Arthur. The evening is yours to see what hidden wonders can be found within the town.

  • Tintagel - Port Isaac Leader led walk
  • Tintagel - St Michael's Rock visit

Step back in time after breakfast with a visit to Tintagel Castle and uncover the history, myth and tales of King Arthur. This historic site is set along the clifftops of North Cornwell and boasts dramatic views from all angles. The remainder of the day is yours. Make time to visit the Tintagel Old Post Office or drop into one of the small boutique gift shops or take a seat at one of the many eateries and restaurants.

  • Tintagel -Tintagel Castle visit

Bid farewell to the panoramic coastline and vast landscapes and make your way to Newquay before catching the train to London. After arriving later in the afternoon, the evening is free to spend at your own pace. Maybe celebrate the final evening of your journey together as a group and choose one of London’s many exciting pubs or restaurants to enjoy an evening of good times and good company.

Your travel time today is approximately 6 hours.

Today after breakfast the first part of your trip will finish, and it's likely that your group will change. You're free to explore London as you wish, but please be sure to return to your hotel at 6 pm for a meeting with your new group, and potentially a new trip leader. After, you’re free to grab a pub dinner, go on a self-paced walk around town or find a fancy restaurant and treat yourself to some cocktails.

As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and to meet new travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where and when the meeting will take place.

After breakfast this morning, take a train to Oxford – established in the 12th century, this city revolves around its prestigious university of the same name. The architecture of the city’s medieval centre led poet Matthew Arnold to the nickname 'City of Dreaming Spires'. When you arrive, enjoy a spot of punting – a timeless Oxford tradition of taking a leisurely boat ride (or punt) upstream. Pass along gorgeously green gardens and admire the city from the water. Then, you have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. You might like to visit the famed college campuses or the Botanic Gardens, where you can picnic for lunch.

  • Oxford - Punting Activity

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

After breakfast this morning, you have the day free to explore Oxford. If you haven’t already, it’s highly recommended that you take a tour of the University of Oxford, with its many prestigious libraries and historic buildings. Then, you might want to explore Oxford Castle and Prison or the Ashmolean Museum – the university’s museum of art and archaeology. Then, maybe check out Blenheim Palace – a 300-year-old country house in Woodstock and the only non-royal house in England to hold the title of palace. Tonight, why not reconnect with your group and find a spot of dinner?

  • Oxford - Oxford Castle and Prison tour - GBP16
  • Oxford - University of Oxford visit - Free
  • Oxford - Blenheim Palace visit - GBP35
  • Oxford - Ashmolean Museum visit - Free

Enjoy breakfast and then take a day trip to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Designated as the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this region rises from the meadows of the upper Thames and is a beautiful place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Explore the English countryside and the peaceful beauty of the local villages. This area is also known for its distinctive local yellow limestone buildings, including medieval-looking cathedrals and thatched homes. If the weather is right, today is perfect for a picnic lunch in the park with your group. Tonight, you’re free to make your own dinner plans. Spend the night in Moreton-in-Marsh.

  • Moreton-in-Marsh - Cotswolds day trip & picnic lunch

After breakfast, take a train to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Enjoy some free time for lunch and then take a walking tour with a local guide – calling all Dr Who fans, this one is for you! Explore various filming locations and a few of the city’s hotspots related to The Doctor, all within Cardiff’s city centre. After you walk in the footsteps of David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker and Matt Smith, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore, time travel or visit Cardiff Castle – which has stood for almost 2000 years. Tonight, relax in your hotel, enjoy a Dr Who marathon, or find a great spot for dinner with your group.

  • Cardiff - Cardiff guided city tour (Dr Who theme)

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Wake up nice and early this morning for breakfast at your hotel and then take a private transfer to Beddgelert – a village nestled in the Snowdonia area of Wales and translating to Gelert’s Grave. This community was named after the legend of Gelert the dog, who Prince Llywelyn left to guard his child. The prince found the dog covered in blood and assumed he had turned on the child, thus killing him. Tragically, the prince realised that Gelert had saved the child from a nearby wolf. Stricken with grief and remorse, the prince gave his heroic hound a ceremonial burial by the river, and to this day, thousands visit the cairn of stones that mark Gelert’s grave. When you arrive in this riverside village, take a scenic hike on the Lon Gwyrfai path to Rhyd Ddu. Winding through some of the best parts of Snowdonia National Park, this trail will wind through Welsh plantations, ancient woodlands and viewpoints spanning across the valley. An included group lunch will break up the walk, and after, you’ll take a private transfer to Bangor – the oldest city in Wales. When you arrive, the rest of the afternoon is free. Relax at your hotel or visit one of the many cathedrals in the city.

  • Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) - Included guided hike: Lôn Gwyrfai trail from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. Your trekking time today will be maximum 4 hours.

Have breakfast this morning at your hotel and then take a direct train to Liverpool – famously, the hometown of The Beatles. After arrival, check in and hit the streets of this city. You’ll take a Beatles-themed walking tour of the city with a local guide, exploring the waterfront, the famous architecture of the Georgian Quarter, local pubs where the Fab 4 began their musical journey, and maybe even the childhood homes of Paul and John. Explore some local music shops, record stores, and other famous locations tied to the historic musical geniuses while learning about the history of Liverpool itself. After, maybe grab a pub dinner with your group before enjoying a free evening to explore on your own.

  • Liverpool - Liverpool guided walking tour

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning, take a short train ride to Chester - another cathedral city first founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century. Take a boat cruise along the River Dee and sightsee this ancient city, with its red sandstone Roman walls, from the water. Enjoy some free time for lunch and then take a train back to Liverpool. Enjoy a free evening when you arrive – maybe hit one of the many pubs again and spend a night with some local Liverpudlians.

  • Chester - boat tour

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a train to Windermere, in the famous Lake District of England. A mountainous region and national park, this area is popular for its stunning scenery, glacial ribbon lakes and historic literary association. Enjoy some free time for lunch, exploring the town of Windermere and then take a guided walk with your trip leader along the shore of Lake Windermere – by far, the most popular natural lake to explore in the district. This lake is also the largest in the country! Extend your walk this afternoon, relax in your hotel or find a quaint spot for dinner with your group – the evening is yours.

  • Windermere - West Shore Lakeside Walk

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning with your group. You have a free day to explore the Lake District National Park today – your trip leader will have many suggestions for hikes, short walks and activities in the area. You might like to take a boat tour, very popular on Windermere Lake, or take a drive to Beatrix Potter’s home in Near Sawrey. You could also choose to visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle – a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the Neolithic period. There’s so much to see and do in this gorgeous national park, it’s a nature-lover’s paradise!

After breakfast, take a train to Edinburgh, Scotland this morning. The birthplace of Harry Potter, Edinburgh is a hilly city that has captured the hearts and minds of many. When you arrive, you’ll take a walking tour with your trip leader. Explore the medieval Old Town, with Edinburgh Castle looming above, then head into the Georgian New Town, with its beautiful gardens and neoclassical buildings. The rest of the afternoon is free. Maybe explore the castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels, or head to Arthur’s Seat, an imposing peak with sweeping views over the city in Holyrood Park. You can also book a Potter-themed walking tour to further explore the city and learn about JK Rowling’s inspirations and writing locations and even visit the grave of the original Tom Riddle! Maybe celebrate a trip well-travelled tonight with your group with a farewell dinner in one of the city’s popular restaurants.

  • Edinburgh - Leader led walking tour

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your arrival in Edinburgh will be around 3pm. If you are planning to book any extra activities, we suggest you do it for the next day due to limited time today.

This morning after breakfast, you'll make your way to the train station and travel to Glasgow. You'll be given all the necessary tickets and instructions, but please note your trip leader will not travel with you. In Glasgow, attend the welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the travellers joining you on this leg of the trip and your new trip leader. Glasgow is a city full of character, history and flair and has recently been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music. Widely recognised as a significant international musical centre, it is the largest music economy in the UK after London. An interesting place to check out is the Riverside Museum with their interactive displays. These exhibitions highlight Glasgow’s transport history as a major port city in the 18th and 19th centuries. After, maybe stroll along the river Clyde’s banks and hang out at the Glasgow Green. After your meeting, you could get your new group together and become acquainted over dinner – Merchant City is a great area for a ‘fish supper’ or a pint.

  • Glasgow - Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Free
  • Glasgow - City Centre Mural Trail - Free
  • Glasgow - Tennent's Brewery Tour - GBP17
  • Glasgow - Royal Botanic Gardens - GBP3
  • Glasgow - Britannia Panopticon - Free
  • Glasgow - Cathedral and Necropolis - Free
  • Glasgow - Hunterian Art Gallery - Free
  • Glasgow - Pollok Country Park & The Burrell Collection - GBP8
  • Glasgow - Afternoon Tea at the Willow Tea Rooms (from) - GBP13

After a short walk to the train station this morning, catch the early morning train, the world-famous West Highland Line, where your adventure really begins. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is a captivating railway journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Arriving in Fort William early afternoon gives the group time to explore this famous town. Fort William is world famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities available and of course is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. The afternoon is free, so why not take a short walk into the countryside with your new friends or do some shopping in the town. Maybe jump in a taxi to the Nevis Range Gondola, which offers incredible elevated views of this wild region.

  • Guesthouse (1 night)
  • Fort William - West Highland Railway Line train journey
  • Fort William - Nevis Range Gondola - GBP26

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

The train itself is operated by ScotRail and is clean, comfortable and modern. A menu of drinks and snacks is available to purchase on board which includes lots of Scottish produce like Tunnock’s wafers and the famous Irn-Bru drink.There are toilets on board.

In holiday seasons and summer months please expect the train to be busy, and whilst we endeavor to book seats together as a group, seat reservations are not always possible.

This morning, complete your train journey on the West Highland Line, as the train departs from Fort William, passengers are immediately greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, and clings to the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Here, hop off the train and onto a ferry, which takes you over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape of Skye is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. It's a place where the elements have shaped the terrain into awe-inspiring natural wonders, some of which you’ll explore tomorrow. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening you can join the group leader to maybe even sample a dram or two!

  • Hotel or Guesthouse (1 night)
  • Isle of Skye - Leader-led Whisky Tasting
  • Glenfinnan - Railway Viaduct Crossing

Today’s train ride is on a regular passenger service operated by Scotrail, not on the steam-hauled tourist train. It travels on the same route as the Jacobite train, but you'll have the bonus of traveling the local way. Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours

Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even have the opportunity to catch sight of some of Skye's native wildlife, such as otters or seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous and most recognisable landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. The Trotternish Peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing with its unique geological formations, that will leave you in awe. The towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a dramatic sea cliff with a cascade of spectacular waterfalls. Your bus tour will take you along winding coastal roads and offer stops at these remarkable sights, as well as time to explore a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, you may visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.

  • Isle of Skye - Guided hike
  • Isle of Skye - Guided private bus tour of Trotternish Peninsula

Today’s guided hike will be 3 to 5 km (1-2 hours). If you wish to opt out of this activity your leader will be at hand with alternative suggestions. The leader-led whisky tasting may take place on Day 3 or 4. Dunvegan Castle is open from April to mid October.

This morning, bid farewell to the enchanting Isle of Skye on a private bus, travelling over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Your journey continues through picturesque landscapes, until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, cradled at the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively local culture. This is where you'll stay for the next two nights.

  • Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise

Please note that today's included excursion on Loch Ness is a public cruise, and you will share the boat with other travelers. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favorite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit the castle or a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping, or if you are looking for a hidden delight,, then Leakey’s bookshop in Inverness is a must-see.

  • Inverness - Culloden Battlefield visit
  • Inverness - River Ness walk

The afternoon is free to explore, either as a group or alone.

A morning train from Inverness takes you to Edinburgh today. Edinburgh is famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast in architecture and streetscape between the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Want to know more about ‘Auld Reekie’, the capital city of Scotland? After dropping bags at the accommodation, you’ll take an insightful tour of the city, led by someone who has previously been homeless. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets and bars, visit some of the famous attractions or hit the designer stores of the city centre.

  • Edinburgh - Invisible Cities guided walking tour

Train Inverness to Edinburgh approx 3.5 hours Invisible Cities walking tour approx 1.5 hours - paved & cobbled streets. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The accommodation is a 10 minute walk from Haymarket Railway Station, you will be required to carry your own luggage. Should you require a taxi, there is a taxi rank at Haymarket station.

Today's walking tour of Edinburgh is run in partnership with Invisible Cities, an NGO that trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides in their own city. 100% of the tour net proceeds will be reinvested in developing the guides further with education or new opportunities. Money from your tour will help Invisible Cities organise high-quality training for guides, who have all experienced homelessness, and organise events for the homeless community.

Edinburgh's terrain offers something for everyone, from historic city streets to challenging hill climbs and peaceful riverside walks, making it a fantastic destination for walking. The cobbled streets, particularly in the historic Old Town, can pose a challenge for some pedestrians. They can be uneven and may be difficult to walk on, especially for those with mobility issues. Additionally, the inclines in some parts of the city, particularly around the Royal Mile and historic areas, can make walking more strenuous. However, many areas in Edinburgh, especially in the New Town, have smoother and more even pavement, making them easier to navigate. The city also has made efforts to improve accessibility with ramps and curb cuts in various locations.

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you – there’s so much to see and do – just speak to your booking agent. If you’d like extending your exploration of Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on Orkney or Shetland Islands. Again, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

  • Edinburgh - Castle Visit - GBP20
  • Edinburgh - National Museum of Scotland - Free
  • Edinburgh - The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour - GBP16
  • Edinburgh - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - GBP7
  • Edinburgh - The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse - GBP13

25 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Train, Private vehicle

Hotel (24 nights), Guesthouse (2 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. As this is a combination of 3 trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in London and Glasgow. 3. At the end of second part of your trip in Edinburgh, you will be provided with a train ticket and instructions how to reach the start of the third part of your trip in Glasgow. This part of your journey will not be assisted by our Tour Leader.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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