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The 15 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested the best travel strollers on the market for maneuverability, design, durability, and portability.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You May Also Want

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Phoebe Cheong

If you're traveling with a child under 4 years old or so, you need a stroller. But your everyday stroller might not be ideal for packing into trains, planes, and automobiles or for bringing in and out of a hotel. If you plan to travel even somewhat often with your little ones, you might want to invest in a travel stroller, which is typically smaller and more scaled-back with a collapsible frame. Many travel strollers fold multiple ways to reduce the length, width, and height, while others fold one way into a narrow but still-long piece. In the end, you want your travel stroller to be comfortable and safe for your child while folding up into a very compact, easy-to-carry package.

We tested more than 32 travel strollers from top brands such as Uppababy, Nuna, and Babyzen. We measured and weighed them, then spent eight and a half hours in our New York City lab putting them all through the wringer, looking at each stroller's maneuverability, design features, durability, and portability. We then sent them out into the real world to be used by families like yours to guarantee stroller longevity and functionality.

Best Overall

Joolz aer+ baby stroller.

It folds up into an extremely compact, easy-to-carry package that is great for storing at home or on flights.

The seat can only be hand-washed and air-dried.

The Joolz Aer+ looks great, rolls smoothly, and features plenty of padding for the little rider sitting in it. It wowed us right out of the box and was one of the quickest strollers to assemble with just a quick-snap connection to a secure and stable stroller. While the Aer+ is about one pound lighter than earlier models, it is still the same size and features all of the perks parents look for in a high-quality stroller. The roomy shopping basket can hold up to 11 pounds, the canopy is adjustable, and the seat reclines to multiple settings to help keep your little one comfortable as they grow.

Throughout our tests, we tossed the stroller off of a counter to see how it held up and it remained in impeccable condition with little to no scratching and no major breaks or rips. Even when fully loaded up, the wheels moved smoothly and limited turbulence as they are designed to absorb shock from pebbles, rocks, and other rough terrain. We could easily collapse the stroller down using only one hand — which is perfect for use when flying — and it can once again be assembled with just the click of a button. At just over 13 pounds, it's also easy to carry, so you can transport this stroller just about anywhere life takes you.

The Details: 13.2 pounds | 41.5 x 32.7 x 17.7 inches assembled | 8.5 x 21 x 17.7 x inches folded | 50-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Travel + Leisure / Phoebe Cheong

Best Overall, Runner-up

Nuna trvl lightweight stroller.

Not only does it roll well, but the one-handed folding process was the smoothest of all the strollers we tested.

It's not especially small when folded and is a little unwieldy to carry.

During testing, when we pressed the buttons to collapse and fold the Nuna Trvl, it felt like some spring-loaded mechanism started the process for us and made it easier. That's the kind of helpful detail any parent or caretaker appreciates. And that folding process was quick, easy, and doable with one hand. The Trvl isn't quite as light as some of the other strollers, however, and it has no strap for carrying over the shoulder (although the bumper bar turns into a handle for carrying when the stroller is collapsed). It's also not clear whether the Nuna Trvl will fit in all airplane overhead compartments; It was a tight squeeze when we placed it in ours, with the wheels sticking out a bit.

The Trvl has a lot of great design features, including an adjustable leg rest and simple, adjustable reclining system for your baby. The strap clasp is magnetic to save a little time, and the canopy has a peekaboo window and good ventilation. The bottom storage basket is also on the larger side for a travel stroller and can comfortably fit a backpack. The stroller gilded beautifully over each surface we tried; there was no difference between rolling over the smooth hardwood and the shag carpet, and it handled gravel without issue. And it held up just fine in the durability test.

The Details: 15.4 pounds | 41 x 26 x 20.5 inches assembled | 11 x 27.25 x 20.25 inches folded | 50-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Claire Cohen

Best Budget

Kolcraft cloud plus stroller.

It comes with a tray for baby's food and drink but is still extremely lightweight and easy to fold.

There isn't a ton of space in the undercarriage for storage.

Strollers are unnervingly expensive; many new parents experience sticker shock when they first see those price tags. The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is not. And while it's not the prettiest of the bunch (there's some loud branding), it folds easily — it can even be done one-handed with a little effort and coordination. We love that unfolding can also be done one-handed.

The Cloud Plus doesn't fold down quite as small as most every other one we're testing; the shape is somewhere between an umbrella and normal travel stroller. It's very lightweight, which we love, but since it doesn't fold small enough to fit in an overhead bin and doesn't have a strap or handle, it's not as portable as other options.

This stroller is the only one we tested with a tray for the baby's food and drink; the tray is removable if you're looking to save space. There are also two small cup holders for the adults, though our travel mug did not fit in them. The storage basket can fit a small backpack. The recline system is pretty easy to use and goes back three-fourths of the way to horizontal, and the canopy is good but not great. Same goes for the seat padding.

It rolled well on smooth surfaces, though there was some resistance on the carpet and a lot more on the grave. But we were able to push it through, and the stroller is light enough that when the wheels aren't rolling you can still keep moving. It's not the smoothest ride, but passable. The tray came unclasped during the durability test, but there was no actual damage. Overall, the price-to-performance ratio of the Cloud Plus is so good that it's an excellent budget option.

The Details: 11.8 pounds | 38 x 27 x 18 inches assembled | 10 x 33 x 17.5 inches folded | 50-pound weight limit

Travel & Leisure / Phoebe Cheong

Best for Warm Weather

Gb qbit+ all city stroller.

The back is made from breathable mesh to allow for airflow.

The handlebar isn't adjustable and the stroller is a bit heavier than other options.

The GB Qbit+ All City reminded us of the Nuna Trvl, but at a significantly cheaper price. The only areas the stroller fell short of the Nuna model are the canopy, which is not especially nice or expansive, and the fact that it's slightly harder to carry since it's a little heavier and has no actual carrying strap. That said, there's plenty to love about the Qbit. One-handed folding is smooth, and buckling and unbuckling the straps is easy. The seat is nicely padded, the entire back is made of breathable mesh to keep your child from overheating. The leg rest is simple to maneuver and goes all the way flat. The seat also reclines almost all the way back so that your baby can take a comfortable snooze. The included bumper bar comes off and on easily, and the handlebar looks and feels nice. There's enough storage for a backpack, too. As for maneuverability, it rolled great on all our testing surfaces and made crisp, tight turns. If you want something similar to and almost as good as the Nuna Trvl, this is your travel stroller.

The Details: 17.6 pounds | 41 x 24 x 17 inches assembled | 10.5 x 23 x 16.5 inches folded | 54.8-pound weight limit

Best Folding

Uppababy minu v2 stroller.

It folds up far more compactly than other UPPAbaby models.

The canopy sticks out a bit when the stroller is folded.

The Minu has a lot of the features familiar to UPPAbaby devotees — unstructured rear storage pouch, locking clasp to keep the stroller folded, excellent canopy — but unlike the brand's G-Luxe and G-Link models, this one is not an umbrella stroller. We actually think that makes for a better travel stroller. The Minu folds up more easily than other UPPAbaby models and far more compactly than an umbrella model. The fold can be done with one hand, but keep in mind the canopy needs to be tucked in once it's folded. A padded carrying strap easily fits over the shoulder. When carried, the Minu isn't the lightest or smallest option on our list, but it's portable enough and fits fine in an overhead compartment.

The Minu's seat back reclines nicely and easily for naps, and the handlebar feels good on the palms. The canopy's magnetic mesh window is handy and easy to keep open, and the sun shade for keeping the brightness out of your baby's eyes is one of the best we saw in our tests. The seat's padding is ample, though we'd like it if the leg rest were adjustable. We did appreciate the sizable bottom storage basket.

In terms of maneuverability, the Minu performed fine. It didn't make quite as tight turns as the Joolz or Nuna, and it felt a bit heavier to push, but it handled the gravel really well. A canopy rod popped out of place when we pushed the stroller off the table, but we were able to fix it pretty easily. Overall, while the stroller is expensive, it's not the priciest on the list and is worth it for the well-crafted features.

The Details: 14.75 pounds | 41 x 31 x 20.5 inches assembled | 12 x 22.5 x 20.25 inches folded | 50-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best for Cities

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller.

It's very well-padded, folds up into a tidy package, and has a convenient carrying strap.

The clips and buckles can be hard to maneuver.

Folding the Babyzen Yoyo 2 took two hands and, while not difficult, was a little more involved a process than with some other strollers. Unfolding is pretty easy, except we noticed our feet getting caught in straps a few times. While folding and unfolding were slightly disappointing, we love how portable this stroller is. It folds up very small and has a comfortable padded shoulder strap as well as a metal bar for easy carrying. And it fits easily into an overhead storage bin so it's a great option to consider when flying with a baby .

The Yoyo 2 has nice features, too. The seat padding is especially cushy, and the seat reclines three-fourths of the way back to horizontal (though the recliner is a bit tricky to figure out). There's also a pocket in the back and a decent storage basket underneath that can fit a small bag. The canopy is good, though we'd prefer the peekaboo window to be mesh instead of plastic.

This stroller especially stands out for its handling. We were able to maneuver this stroller through the safety cones with such ease, we could really see this stroller being helpful at a crowded grocery store or airport.

The Details: 14.7 pounds | 41 x 28.8 x 17 inches assembled | 8 x 20 x 16 inches folded | 40-pound weight limit

Best Double

Uppababy g-link v2 stroller.

It folds more easily and rolls more smoothly than we expected from a stroller this size.

It doesn't fold down very small, and unfolding it could be easier.

For such a large contraption, this double stroller folds with surprising ease. We were even able to do it one-handed with a little effort, which none of us expected. Unfolding is a little trickier, as it takes some force to unhook the locking clasp. As a double stroller, the G-Link 2 is not the most compact package when folded. Plus, it's an umbrella structure, so this one probably isn't fitting in many overhead bins. Carrying it was a little unwieldy, as should be expected with a double stroller, but there is a helpful handle, and the stroller is lighter than it looks. You can actually wheel it along when it's folded instead of carrying it, but it's not easy, and it bumped into us when we did so.

We like the canopies on the G-Link 2: quality material and good coverage. There are little storage pockets behind each seat, and it comes with a cup holder. You can also fit a purse or very small backpack in the undercarriage basket. The seats have generous padding, which extends to form a sort of calf rest for the riders. The straps buckle easily and have different height options; the seat backs have two recline positions and are super easy to adjust.

The stroller rolled well over all the surfaces, even the gravel, and it made much tighter turns than we anticipated. We also like that there are no wheels in the middle of the frame (as most double umbrella strollers have), which makes it easier to push without kicking the wheels or frame. Finally, it showed no damage after our durability tests.

The Details: 21.8 pounds | 41 x 25 x 28.25 inches assembled | 14 x 40 x 17.5 inches folded | 55-pound weight limit per seat

Cybex Libelle Compact Stroller

It's a modern-looking stroller that's easy to move.

It lacked some of the features we'd have liked to see at its price.

The Cybex Libelle Stroller looks sleek and is easy to fold down into an easy-to-store size. Unfolding this stroller is incredibly easy — perfect for families on the go. The wheels of this stroller turn more easily than some other styles and provides a smooth ride over most surfaces.

Due to its simplistic design, this stroller doesn't have extra pockets or cupholders, but its lightweight and compact style makes this a great option for traveling since the stroller can fit in the overhead bins of most airplanes. Just be aware that this model does not include a carrying strap, so if you plan to walk for long periods of time with the folded stroller, you'll have to carry it by its medal frame.

It handled pretty well over the smooth hard surfaces with no noticeable hiccups, but it struggled a bit on the gravel.

The Details: 13.7 pounds | 41 x 20 x 20 inches assembled | 8 x 22 x 14 inches folded | 55-pound weight limit

Best Maneuverability

Bugaboo butterfly stroller.

It takes next to no effort to push this stroller over terrains of all types.

The instructions have pictures rather than words, so they’re a bit unclear.

From sharp turns to steep curbs to rocky terrain, the Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Stroller easily traverses it all. Built with advanced four-wheel suspension and a lightweight frame, we loved how little effort it took to push the stroller, even with one hand. The wheels seemed to absorb bumps and shock well, keeping the seat stable and the baby in place. 

We were equally impressed with the stroller’s packing and traveling capabilities. Weighing in at just over 16 pounds and boasting a compact size when folded down, the Butterfly is easy to carry and even hoist in the air to stow in a plane’s overhead bin. It’s also simple to assemble, and it remained perfectly intact and undamaged after we dropped it.

Other useful features of this stroller include a Velcro rain cover, seat cover, spacious under-seat basket, padded handlebar with a wrist strap, reclining mechanism, and an easy-to-use foot brake. 

The Details: 16.1 pounds | 36.4 x 17.7 x 40.3 inches assembled | 17.7 x 9.1 x 21.3 inches folded | 48.5-pound weight limit

Best for Air Travel

It easily fits in overhead bins and is a high-quality, durable option.

At 14.6 pounds, it's one of the heavier strollers we tested.

The Cybex Coya is a stylish and durable stroller that families will be happy to use for their daily activities and while traveling. It folds up quickly and easily slides into airplane overhead bins for easy access as you board and de-board. The comfortable seat padding is removable for cleaning and the canopy comes down for sun and rain protection. The five-point harness is also incredibly easy to adjust and the seat itself reclines to be almost flat. Pair that with the adjustable leg rest and you have the perfect spot for your youngster to nap on the go.

We also love the cushioned handlebar that adds some extra comfort when pushing the stroller and the zippered pocket in the back of the canopy where you can store your phone or wallet for convenience. The cargo area is also a great size considering the overall compact nature of this stroller and easily fit our packed diaper bag . After our toss test, the stroller is still in great condition, although we do recommend investing in a dust bag if you're nervous about bumps and scratches while traveling.

The Details: 14.6 pounds | 38.2 x 17.3 x 31.1 inches assembled | 7.1 x 17.3 x 20.5 inches folded | 55-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Compact

Contours itsy.

Once folded, this is about the size of a large grocery bag.

Parents of older, larger children may not find it as useful.

If you like to live your life simply, the compact and convenient Contours Itsy may be the stroller for you. Right out of the box, it’s already nearly fully assembled — all you have to do is snap the bumper bar into place, which takes almost no effort. On top of that, it’s a no-frills option, so there’s no cup holder or oversized basket to weigh it down, take up space, or make things complicated. 

We did, however, love features like the secure bumper bar, easy-to-use harness, canopy with UV 50 sun protection, and padding on the crotch strap, which makes the stroller look comfortable. They also appreciated the small size of the foot rest, basket, and entire stroller in general, because it made using and transporting it a breeze.

When it was time to stow the stroller away (or pack it up for travel), we got a kick out of just how tiny it folds up — in its simplest form, it’s not much larger than a grocery bag. It’s also ultra-lightweight and easily folds with just one hand. 

The Details: 12.3 pounds | 32 x 39 x 18.2 inches assembled | 11 x 22 x 11 inches folded | 40-pound weight limit

Best Comfort

Baby jogger city tour 2 stroller.

This rolls smoothly on various terrains, making it comfortable for riders and pushers.

It did not fit in our overhead bin and isn't easy to fold one-handed.

Folding this stroller was pretty simple, though not quite as smooth as it was with some of the others. The unfolding process was a little finicky as well and took some practice. So what do we like about the Baby Jogger City Tour 2? The price is reasonable, it performed solidly on most of our tests, and it maneuvered exceptionally well over all surfaces. We noticed little perceptible difference between its rolling over the shag carpet and smooth wood surface, and while other strollers struggled a bit on the gravel, this one navigated it with ease.

In terms of portability, the City Tour 2 doesn't feel bulky and has a good hand carrying handle. We would have liked to see a shoulder strap, however, and it did not fit in our overhead bin. The seat back has a lot of recline, and the drawstring to pull and push the seat forward and back is easy to use. The seat has good structure and good padding; the straps work well and can be adjusted to different height levels. There's lots of leg room and adjustable calf support for the baby, and the canopy has a peekaboo window and goes up and down smoothly. We'd have appreciated some more storage space; you can't fit a backpack anywhere. When we pushed the City Tour 2 off a table, we did notice that a small foam pad came off, though we couldn't even figure out where it came from, and it did not structurally damage the stroller.

The Details: 14 pounds | 40 x 26 x 20 inches assembled | 7 x 22.5 x 19.5 inches folded | 45-pound weight limit

Best Umbrella

Uppababy jordan g-luxe stroller.

The umbrella folding feature is more straightforward to use than other folding models.

The button/ring-pull combination for folding it is a bit finicky and has to be timed perfectly.

The first thing to note here is that ​​umbrella strollers only fold one-dimensionally, so the result is narrow but long…like an umbrella. The other strollers on this list fold down via multiple joints and in multiple directions for a smaller and more squarish package; neither is necessarily better, but you'll want to decide what you want before buying a travel stroller.

This particular UPPAbaby model is a bit tricky to fold because the handle/ring combination used to do so is finicky and has to be timed perfectly. Once you get that, the folding is smooth, but the whole button-and-ring thing is a little annoying. As with most UPPAbaby products, however, the G-Luxe's features are pretty nice. There's an included cup holder that fits a travel mug easily, and the canopy is expansive with extra sun shade (there is no peekaboo window, however). The leg rest for the child is easy to adjust, and the straps feature a five-point harness and adjustable height levels. The seat padding is substantial without looking bulky, and the recline system, while only providing two settings, is exceptionally easy to use. The unstructured (perhaps too unstructured) pocket behind the seat is pretty spacious and in a good location, but the storage basket at the bottom of the stroller isn't particularly big.

The G-Luxe maneuvers well, with good tight turns, though it rattled noticeably over the gravel. It held up well during our durability tests and sustained no damage.

The Details : 16.5 pounds | 42.5 x 23.5 x 18.5 inches assembled | 15 x 41 x 11.75 inches folded | 55 pounds weight limit

Best Lightweight

Zoe the traveler.

It's one of the lightest options on this list.

The attachable snack tray is sold separately.

If you're heading off on a family trip and looking for a simple, lightweight travel stroller, this minimalistic design will do the trick. It's incredibly easy to assemble and takes just a few minutes to click the wheels and bumper bar into place. It also comes with a parent cupholder and back pocket to help keep your hands free throughout your journey. We did note that the cargo area is the perfect size for a small tote bag or purse, but it may not be large enough to fit diaper bags or weekender bags .

We love that this stroller comes with a removable seat liner that can be thrown in the washing machine after a trip to keep clean and fresh. The canopy can also be unzipped to expand and it has a peek-a-boo feature on top so you can check on your child without stopping. This stroller is also easy to push around on every type of terrain — especially around tight corners. The stroller is light enough to lift up stairs, but we do recommend you use two hands when carrying down the stairs. When it's time to disassemble the stroller, simply press a button on the handlebar and bend the stroller forward. It’s so easy we didn’t even need instructions to figure out how to do it. You can even fold and unfold this one-handed, perfect for on-the-go travels.

The Details : 13 pounds | 41 x 30 x 18 inches assembled | 22 x 19 x 10 inches folded | 45 pounds weight limit

Most Adjustable

Thule shine.

The leg rest and handlebar are adjustable, providing comfort for parents and passengers.

It can be hard to turn on sharp corners.

For such a compact stroller, the Thule Shine has plenty of storage, an expandable canopy with UPF 50+ protection , a reclining seat, and adjustable leg rests — everything you need for a busy parent and growing youngster to travel comfortably. We love the fast assembly of this stroller and the security of knowing everything clicks together when positioned and popped in correctly. There is an adjustable handlebar that is super easy to figure out, an extra rain canopy that you can pack and bring with you, and it is so easy to fold down. The harness does need to be clipped in a specific order before it can be fully buckled, which might become difficult with a fussy child, but we did find the seat to be comfortable and loved that it was extremely adjustable.

During our tests, it only suffered minimal scuffing and we never felt as though it would tip or fall while maneuvering through an obstacle course. We were able to fold the stroller with just one hand, but it was difficult to get it fully locked into the travel position without using two hands. It does stand upright once folded, so you can pop it down quickly for storage, whether you're coming back home and stashing it in a closet or boarding a plane. The stroller also fits easily into car trunks, but is most suitable for gate checking and is not likely to fit in overhead airplane bins. Overall, the stroller felt durable and was light enough that most parents would be able to carry it when needed. We felt like it would last through at least a couple of kids should your family use it multiple times, which is perfect for growing families.

The Details : 21.6 pounds | 35 x 42 x 20 inches assembled | 13 x 27 x 20 inches folded | 49 pounds weight limit

Other Travel Strollers We Liked

Some of the travel strollers we tested did not make our list of recommendations. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back.

Summer Infant 3DLite : This is a decent budget option, but the price-to-performance ratio was just not quite as good as the Kolcraft Cloud Plus.

Doona Infant Car Seat and Latch Base : The easy-to-maneuver pick collapses into a car seat but the use case for this is too specific to pay as much as it costs, and many other stroller frames can fit a car seat.

Gb Pockit Air All Terrain : This one is incredibly light and folds easily, but there are basically zero features.

Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller : While this is a sleek and stylish option, i t's not easy to carry, and the canopy adjustment makes a lot of noise, which could wake up a sleeping baby.

Munchkin Sparrow : The lightweight design is smart and thoughtful, but everything from the canopy to the storage bin is simply too small. 

Once we fully assembled all strollers in our New York City testing lab, we measured their height, length, and width, both fully opened and fully folded down. We also weighed each one, since weight is a particularly important aspect if anyone will be carrying the stroller during a trip. Then after carefully reading instructions, we repeatedly folded and unfolded each stroller. We took copious notes to record whether the folding process was intuitive and easy to execute. We considered how difficult it would be to do with a baby in one arm or with a whiny toddler pulling at our legs.

While each stroller was in its most compact setup, we tested it for portability. Is it easy to pick up? Comfortable to carry? Are there good handles and straps? Is it compact enough to fit in an airplane overhead bin (we constructed our own makeshift one according to standard airline measurements using a storage rack and a box). We recorded all this and more.

Next we carefully examined each stroller for included features. We looked for seat reclining and cushioning, cup holders, baskets and other storage space, canopy cover for protection from the weather, seat cushioning and reclining, and more. We tried the features out and took detailed notes on whether they were functional and helpful. We also practiced buckling and unbuckling the straps.

Then we put 25-pound sandbags in every stroller. We wheeled them forward and backward over hard floor, carpet, and gravel. We practiced U-turns and pivots and even wheeled them through a miniature obstacle course of cones. We also noted how well the brakes worked and if they were easy to engage.

Finally, we gave all of the strollers a durability test. We dropped each one from waist height and then pushed each off of a table slightly higher than that. We examined each after the falls to see if there was any damage.

After completing our lab tests, we sent each stroller out to real families to use these strollers over a period of six months to really put them to the test. Throughout the testing period, we asked how each stroller was holding up in terms of durability, comfort, portability, and more and updated our findings here.

Tips for Buying a Travel Stroller

Consider the types of travel strollers.

Not all travel strollers are designed with the same priorities in mind. Some may emphasize a lightweight and packable style while others are focused on maneuverability or durability. There are umbrella strollers, that are best for toddlers, but light enough for travel; jogging strollers with advanced suspension for smooth rides; and even full-sized strollers that may not seem best for air travel, but often include great features like storage compartments and padded seats when portability is less of an issue. When it comes to selecting the best travel stroller for your family, think about portability and convenience, but don't forget about comfort and bonus accessories to make your trip a smooth and unforgettable experience.

Pay attention to folded size

The biggest difference between a regular stroller and a travel stroller is that a travel stroller should pack up more compactly. You'll want it to fit easily into car trunks or train/airplane compartments without taking up much space. The Joolz Aer , our top pick, folds down to 8.5 (height) x 21 (length) x 17.75 (width) inches. That's a good guide for a stroller that will fit nicely into the aforementioned compartments.

Look for storage space and additional features

Just because your travel stroller might be a smaller and more scaled-down version of your everyday stroller, you shouldn't have to suffer from a lack of convenience. Good travel strollers still offer some storage space for small bags, toys, snacks, etc. Remember, you can always add a drink caddy for both your stroller and luggage. The seat for your baby should be padded and comfortable and able to recline; keep an eye out for a canopy that offers good coverage and buckles and straps that are easy to use. So, while compact folding and good portability are what make a travel stroller a travel stroller, be sure to look closely at the other features a stroller does (or does not) include.

Prioritize comfort and safety

At the end of the day, your stroller needs to be safe and comfortable for your child. Check for good, padded seats that recline. Make sure the straps don't look like they'd cut into your baby's shoulder or chest, and take note if there are leg rests. Note if the wheels can handle different surfaces well enough to keep the stroller from shaking and rattling too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can fit it in the overhead, you can bring it on board. If you have an umbrella model or are using your regular (non-travel) stroller, your best bet is to gate check it. But many travel strollers fold down so compactly that they fit easily into an overhead bin. In general, carry-on luggage should be 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 inches) or less. You can reference the FAA website for more guidance.

In short, a travel stroller is lighter than an everyday stroller and folds down far smaller. This means that the frames are usually thinner and have several folding joints, and the wheels will be smaller and less suited for rough terrain. Storage space, cup holders, and other accessories will usually be kept to a minimum. But a good travel stroller should give you everything you really need and even function well enough to be used every day — all while folding down nice and small and being easy to carry or pack away.

Traveling with a toddler? You're going to need a lot more than a travel stroller to help things go smoothly — or at least as smoothly as traveling with kids can be. These items will make your next trip a little easier, whether you're taking a road trip or flying internationally.

Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat : This lightweight car seat is great for families who are traveling with lots of luggage — it weighs only 16 pounds and doesn't feel as bulky to carry around as other options. Installation only takes about 15 minutes.

​​ Stokke JetKids BedBox : Kids can ride on this spacious suitcase through the airport (a lifesaver for little ones who get bored while traveling), then turn it into a footrest or bed on the plane. It also comes in multiple colors and can be decorated with stickers.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Chris Abell is the Associate Editorial Director at Travel + Leisure , and he is a parent and frequent traveler. He's owned the Uppababy G-Luxe and the Joolz Aer, and he helped design and execute the testing for all the strollers on this list. Chris and commerce updates editor Hillary Maglin worked with a team of other editors and parents to test these strollers in our New York City lab space.

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Best travel strollers for Europe

Our buying guide on choosing the best lightweight stroller for travel in Europe and tackling those charming (and bumpy) cobbled streets! What to look for when choosing a pushchair for cobblestones, must-have travel stroller specs and the best travel strollers for Europe .

I am an Italian mama, born and raised among the beautiful and bumpy cobbled streets of Rome.

I am also a mama of two with a huge passion for European city breaks with kids ; so as you can imagine, I have more than my fair share of experience, when it comes strollers!

One of the questions that I receive more often, from readers who love to travel with kids, is a recommendation for the best stroller for traveling in Europe and I am always happy to engage with it as really, picking the best pushchair for European is not easy.

A good travel stroller is one of the best investments you can make, when it comes to family travel gear , but it is also an expensive one people can often do without.

And so the conundrums begin:

• Will my normal stroller do well sightseeing in European cities?
• Do I need a special stroller for Italy’s cobbled streets and Paris’ busy restaurants?
• And how about the flight: do I need a pushchair that fits in the overhead compartment of the plane, so I can be sure it arrives intact?

The answer depends on your exact European travel plans (Ireland and Italy are very different when it comes to stroller friendliness, for instance) and on the stroller you have at home.

In this post, I am going to share what strollers worked for us and what to look for when looking for a lightweight stroller for travel that can handle Italy’s cobblestones while keeping your baby comfortable and your back safe. 

This post has single travel strollers: if you have two young children, you may want to check out our recommendations for double travel strollers for travel instead.

No time to read the post? Check out our favorite travel stroller here

Please note: This post contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase through them we might get a small commission. As Amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. 

How I have made this selection – need to know! I have written this list on the basis of my own experience of using strollers in Europe and that of parents who read my travel pages and that felt like sharing their thoughts. I felt adding their first hand experience of newer models was the best way to bring you hands-on, trustworthy and real options about how these strollers fare on the streets of Europe

Table of Contents

Do you need a lightweight stroller for Europe? Reasons to invest in a traveling stroller

I don’t believe you necessarily need a lot of gear to travel with kids.

In many cases, the best stroller for Europe is the stroller you have at home; however, there is no doubts that some strollers are better than others while traveling.

The first time we flew to Italy with my then 2 month old son I was adamant: the coveted pushchair I had selected as main carriage for my baby would come with Italy with me, no additional money spent or space to be taken in the house.

I was optimistic: the stroller had large inflatable wheels (great for cobbles) and was car seat compatible (great for taxis) and in my books these were the two only things to look for.

As it turns out, these two characteristics are excellent in a travel stroller. Still, they are not alone sufficient to make an excellent stroller an awesome travel, especially if the destination is a historical city in Europe.

The issue I found is that continental Europe tends to have some specific characteristics that can be challenging for larger strollers and in particular:

Restaurants

Many charming restaurants and cafes are short on space and you may be unable to wheel the stroller in or even keep it beside you while having your meal. With a big stroller, your dining options shrink fast!

Public transport 

Catching public transport can be challenging with larger pushchairs: in many cities (like Rome) you need to close the buggy when hopping onto a bus and in other cities (like Paris) you need to lift it to pass turnstiles to access the metro – not something you want to do with anything but a lightweight stroller!

Sightseeing

Many historical sites and sightseeing places do not allow strollers in and may require you leave them at the entrance, unattended. A smaller lightweight stroller you can easily carry with a shoulder strap will take away all the worries attached to this scenario! 

During that trip I learned what to look for in a travel stroller and had a mental list of what worked and what didn’t.

These findings are what I am sharing with you today.

Before you read on about the best travel strollers for Europe – pin this!

Use this image to save this selection of the best travel strollers for Europe on Pinterest!

What makes a great travel stroller for Europe?

When looking for the most convenient traveling stroller for European travel, I now take into account.

In Europe, you want a stroller that is Lightweight

How heavy is it?

Make sure the travel stroller is lightweight enough that you can easily lift it when needed.

This may happen when catching the metro (Madrid is a nightmare for accessibility, Paris not much better, Rome… don’t even get me started!) and also in older AirBnB properties and other establishments that may not have a lift.

has a sturdy frame

Lightweight travel strollers are often synonymous with cheap frames resembling dolls prams rather than real strollers, but they won’t get you far on Europe’s bumpy streets!

While a light frame that doesn’t strain your back is important, a stroller that is too light or too flimsy will not survive cobbled streets (let alone the occasional walk in nature you may want to take if you are visiting a countryside location or the gardens of a royal palace) and will literally fall apart in your hands!

has big wheels

The one thing that really worked for us when we brought our normal stroller to Italy was that it had big wheels.

They provided excellent cushioning for your baby on ancient roads, worked really well on uneven terrains such as the beach and historical sites and they saved my back – smaller wheels tend to catch on bumpy roads and the first thing that suffers is your back, something you seriously do not want to have to deal with on travels (or ever, truly).

Big wheels are not always easy to find on a lightweight stroller.

Therefore, in this list, I included also small wheeled buggies when they scored high on all other items on my list.

Reclines fully

Especially for babies and young toddlers, this is an important feature for comfortable naps and dinners out as it means you can stay out longer and enjoy the Southern European later dining habits like a local

With a large enough basket

Lightweight strollers don’t often come with large baskets but there is quite a variety out there and it is worth checking especially if, like me, you consider the stroller and extension of your bag or you will also have a baby carrier with you (something I highly recommend in Europe)

folds easily, ideally with one hand folding system

My first stroller was easy to fold but I needed two hands to collapse it and this quickly became a problem on travels.

From security checks in airports (read our guide to flying with kids  here ) to quick bus rides, the lack on one hand fold mechanism meant we always needed two people to get the stroller down, something that got very tiring very fast and would make a stroller unusable if you were out with baby in Europe on your own, even just for the day. 

has large canopy / proper rain protection accessory

To protect from the sun/rain during long days sightseeing so you can make sure you don’t need to give it time to dry should it get wet

Safety harness

Ideally 5 point so you know your child is secure no matter what.

I find this is always needed on a stroller but even more on a travel one when your child is likely to be even more stimulated by their new surrounding and will lean forward to see as much as possible!

Sufficient padding in non plasticky material 

Many travel strollers compromise the quality of the seat padding in an effort to keep the size small, which can quickly become a problem on a long day out.

The best travel stroller for Europe has a reasonably padded seat that can cushion some of the bumps on the road and is of good quality material that allows healthy perspiration and doesn’t get your child to overheat in the Southern European sun!

Fits in  the overhead bin of the airplane

As well as delivering once in Europe you also want your lightweight stroller to be good when traveling by plane.

I don’t believe you actually need your stroller to fit in the plane overhead compartment.

I take this more as a nice to have rather than a hard constraint, but if you can keep the stroller with you at all times, you definitely have some advantages, not last the certainty that it will get to your destination with you intact! 

Flying to Europe with a stroller: Lightweight Travel Stroller Airline Policy

Airlines don’t have consistent policies when it comes to travel strollers.

In most cases and unless otherwise stated, strollers are not allowed past the boarding gate.

You can pass security with them and get to your gate but they will then be taken for check in and returned to you either outside the aircraft or at luggage reclaim (this depends on the airport, not the airline).

The exception to this rule is travel strollers marketed specifically for plane travel.

If you travel by plane often and this is a concern for you, I would highly recommend you put this as a high priority must have for your travel stroller for Europe. 

You can get an overview of airline stroller policies here  but always check with your airline as rules and allowances change often.

Best lightweight strollers for European travel:

Considering all the asks I have for the perfect stroller for Europe you may be wondering if there is one that I swear by and that I consider the best of the best, the one to buy for tackling cobbled streets and stairs while in Italy and other similarly wheels-challenging destinations in Europe. 

The short answer is: no.

I have not found one stroller I can say is the perfect lightweight stroller for Europe but I have found a few that tick the most important boxes. 

Some score higher for plane travel, some do better on cobbled streets and you are likely not to find absolutely all that you want in just one model. 

However, all the ones in the table below are great travel strollers for Europe so you know they are a worthy investment. I tried to mix several budget bands to suit most buyers but for prices and specs, check the links so you get updated info right from the seller.

Best compact stroller for Europe: Cybex Eezy S Twist+2

The Cybex EEzy S Twist+2 is one of the newest and best travel strollers for Europe under many points of view.

Beautiful and sturdy, it has wheels big enough to cushion most of the bumps from the cobbles, yes still folds easily and small enough to make it good while on the go.

Suitable from birth up to about 22Kg, it has:

• A good size basket so for your daily essentials while sightseeing
• A nice and big sun canopy for those beautiful European summers (and an option to buy a rain cover, if going in winter or the north of Europe)
• A reclinable seat that can face you / face out and can recline flat, perfect for babies and naps!
• Easy one hand fold

GB Pockit lightweight travel stroller

I start with list with the GB Pockit stroller as this an excellent stroller for Europe and one you have probably encountered over and over again on travel forums as a recommended buy. 

Indeed, it is excellent for travel.

It is the world’s smallest folding stroller and as such is excellent for travel in Europe as it means you can carry it easily pretty much no matter where you are going.

This is a compact stroller which means it folds differently from an umbrella stroller and much smaller (dimension when folded:  11.8” x 7” x 13.8”)

Despite its size, it is a strong and durable stroller built with good materials and has a  generous storage basket that is perfect for supplies on long days sightseeing.

GB Pockit specs that make it an excellent travel stroller for Europe:

• Folds really small and stands on its own, making it perfect for restaurants and small spaces
• Has a generous basket to hold all your essentials
• Stows away easily in any plane overhead bin
• Has a secure, adjustable harness system
• Works with one-hand pushing and steering
• has a sliding back panel with adjustable torso length, lockable front swivel wheels, overhead canopy, rear wheel parking brake and padded handlebars

Parents in our group reported:

>>> ‘ I have the compact gb pockit original and they are great strollers that work on cobblestone, compact if you need to carry them for a bit . [How does is compare with others?] It’s not even in the same category as any other umbrella. It is so easy to push and maneuver over curbs etc. ‘ mom of a 4 year old and 2 year old.

>>> I used the GB Pockit for our toddler all over Rome with lots of walking and had no problem. It did positively great on cobbles! Mom of 2.

>>> We just came back from Europe and took the Pockit stroller. It was perfect! Mom of one.

Baby Jogger City Mini – one of the most recommended travel strollers for Europe

With the GB Pockit, the City Mini is the most recommended by parents in our group, with many agreeing the bigger wheels make it the absolute best travel stroller for Europe, bar none!

Indeed, bigger wheels are excellent on cobbles and the three wheel model with swivel front wheel is fantastic for easy of manoeuvring even with one hand only.

The city Mini has:

• Forever air rubber tires with all-wheel suspensions (great for you and your child, plus they don’t get as stuck as small wheels in cracks and potholes)
• Adjustable handlebar
• Hand-operated brake for longer stops 
• Good size sun canopy
• Good size basket for everyday essentials

Uppa Baby Minu lightweight stroller for Europe

I discovered Uppababy strollers thanks to a friend who raved about it. For travel, the best Uppa baby model is the Minu. 

Lightweight and very easy to fold, it has the added advantage of standing on its own when folded, which I find handy in restaurants and hotels.

It has a large seat and easy recline option and the wheels work well on uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, making this a great stroller for European travel and city sightseeing in general

Main specs:

• Suitable from 3 months to 50 lbs
• Dimension when folded: 20.5x23x11.5
• Multi-position recline
• Shock-absorbing, all-wheel suspension
• Extendable, pop out UPF 50+ sunshade
• Large, easy-access basket with 20 lb weight limit

Parents’ opinion: We checked our uppa baby stroller several times to Europe and it was fine on the plane! Use the bag when you gate check, it prevents damage

>>>  I have the Luxe edition I love it for my 2 year old. It does incredibly well on the cobblestones and I love my shoulder strap for going up stairs.

Baby Jogger City Tour lightweight stroller for European travel

Traveling parents forums buzz with the name baby Jogger city tour.

It always comes up as the best travel stroller, especially for its small size when folded, making it handy on planes and road trips.

If fits nicely even in a smaller car, which is great if you are renting a car in Europe where you may not necessarily want a massive vehicle with trunk to match (city driving calls for smaller cars).

Please note that despite the name this stroller is not intended for jogging! It is marketed for city parents and urban travel.

Main specs: 

• Dimension when folded: 56cm x 45cm x 23cm
• Weight capacity: Suitable from 6 months 20.5kgs
• Stroller weight: 14.21 lb
• One hand quick fold
• Cabin approved: yes

BabyZen Yoyo+ (perfect stroller for flying too): great travel stroller for Europe city travel

Baby Zen Yoyo+ caught the attention of traveling parents as one of the first (possibly the first!) stroller to fit in the plane overhead bins.

It gets exceptional reviews especially for city travel since the wheels hold very well on cobble streets, something that our travels to Rome have often shown as quite a test for lightweight strollers!

This regularly features as one of the best travel strollers for Europe for overseas families who fly long haul into Europe.

• Fits current airline regulations for carry on luggage
• One hand folding system
• Suitable from birth (needs adapter)
• Large basket
• Comes with storage pouch
• Very lightweight: about 6.6Kg

Mountain Buggy Nano lightweight travel stroller

Another stroller with a misleading name (it is not for hikers!) but that is excellent for European adventures is the Mountain Buggy Nano

The main selling points for the Mountain Buggy Nano are its exceptional lightweight and the fact that is it so compact it is easy to transport when traveling.

This is one of the best travel strollers for Europe if you are planning on moving around by train or bus especially.

• Product weight: 5.9kg / 13lbs Maximum Load: 20kg / 44lb
• Car seat compatible (needs adapter)
• Shoulder carry strap.
• Multi point safety harness
• Good size seat despite the compact size when folded
• 2 step folding system

Parents’ opinion:

>>> Our mountain buggy nano did really well in Florence, Rome, etc! We bought big stroller clips to hang shopping bags. It was a good size for the sidewalks, was easy to push, and even with the cobblestones, our daughter didn’t mind that it was bumpy sometimes.

>>> We used a Mountain Buggy Nano for our 2 year old. It was perfect. Great basket to put all the necessities that kiddos need. Folds up very small when you need to eg restaurant’s, trains etc. We purchased the shade cover that goes with it and our son easily napped while on the go .

>>> Mountain buggy nano amazing! We got one second hand, super durable for those cobbled streets and easy to carry when folded up.

Summer Infant 3D lite travel stroller

The Summer Infant 3D lite is a good value for money options parents love for its compact size and lightweight, which make it handy for everyday errands and car journeys in particular. 

• Aluminum frame (13 pounds) with large seat area
• 4 position recline with 5 point safety harness
• Anti-shock front wheels
• Adjustable and removable canopy with flip out sun visor
• Storage basket and rear storage pocket
• Compact fold, it comes with a shoulder strap for easy carrying
• Need to know: parents often notice the buggy will tilt when empty if you have a heave bag attached to the handles.

Maclaren Quest – one of the best travel strollers for Europe’s cobbled streets

I am closing this list with our very first travel stroller, the Maclaren Quest.

This is a model that doesn’t get as many mentions in forms anymore, probably because so many other strollers have come onto the market offering smaller folds and cabin approved sizes.

However, we found it excellent in Italy, so much so that we quickly graduated it to main stroller even back home here in Ireland. 

An excellent lightweight stroller in terms of comfort and features, our kids used it from baby age to toddler years.

Maclaren quest  main selling points are:

• Easy to fold and with a generous basket and large canopy.
• Sturdy wheels
• Suitable for newborns and children up to 55lbs
• Basic weight of 5.7kg / 12.6lb
• Fully recline multi-position seat
• Extendable waterproof  + sun canopy and built-in sun visor
• Good size hood and shopping basket
• Lockable front swivel wheels

I hope you enjoyed our overview of lightweight strollers for travel in Europe and it helped you pick the best travel stroller for your European adventure. Safe family travel!

This post was originally published in 2017 and has now been fully updated with the best travel strollers for Europe currently available.

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Marta Correale

Marta Correale is the creator, writer and creative mind behind Learning Escapes. A travel loving mama of two from Italy, Marta currently lives in Ireland with her husband and two kids, they take frequent trips to European destination, the US and beyond. A professional travel blogger for over a decade, Marta is passionate about traveling with kids and helping others to travel more and better as a family.

Privacy Overview

The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Make your trip comfortable and fun for all with these top picks

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

A lightweight, collapsible travel stroller is a must-have accessory for parents on the move. There are many options to choose from, with the right stroller depending on your specific requirements. If you’re planning on traveling locally, a stroller that packs away into the trunk of your car may suffice; but if you're traveling overseas, you may prefer one that complies with airline carry-on restrictions. If you’re buying for a newborn, a fully reclining seat is necessary, while car seat compatibility is another factor.

We tested nearly two dozen strollers in our lab and rated each on their design, portability, maneuverability, durability, and overall value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested.

• Others We Tested
• What To Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, nuna trvl lightweight stroller.

• Design 4.8 /5
• Portability 4.2 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Value 4.7 /5

Convenient one-handed fold

Suitable for newborns

Handles a variety of terrain with ease

Potentially unwieldy when removing from overhead bin

Our testers loved this stroller. "It was one of the best, if not the best, in the entire test," one tester concluded. But it's also one of the most expensive. The top marks begin with the fold and unfold, which was easy to do with practice. "Whoa! It folds for you! With alacrity," one tester reported. Our testers also liked smart features including easy and full reclining positions, good ventilation, a mesh window in the canopy, a big storage compartment, and a magnetic strap clasp.

But what really set this one apart from others was the smoothness of its ride. "It glides like a dream on every single surface," a tester reported. "There was no difference between the smooth hardwood and tile and the shag carpet. The gravel was also incredibly easy to maneuver, with little to no jolting or bumping up and down."

The nitpick our testers found was that it wasn't the easiest to fit in the overhead bin space, and our testers were concerned it could flop open when retrieving it at the end of a flight. Sure, this stroller is expensive. But if you've got the budget, this was one of the best of the batch.

Weight: 15.4 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 11 x 27.25 x 20.25 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 26 x 20.5 inches | Seat Dimensions: 10 x 13 inches

Best Overall Runner-Up

Gb qbit+ all city stroller.

• Portability 4 /5
• Maneuverability 4.9 /5

User friendly

Solid handling

Long lasting

Canopy could be improved

Gb's QBit+ All-City stroller scored nearly as high as the Joolz AER in our lab test but cost less. In particular, the QBit+ did best in our durability, maneuverability, and foldability tests. Folding requires pressing two buttons, but our testers could do it with one hand. "Locking it when unfolding takes a second, but overall it was really good," a tester noted. The QBit+ also passed our maneuverability tests with flying colors. And there was no damage to it during our durability tests.

Our testers noted that while the canopy has coverage and a mesh peekaboo window, it doesn't go down very far. It also didn't score best in our portability test since it did not come with a carrying strap. "We wouldn't want to carry it folded for long periods of time," a tester reported. But, for the cost, our testers thought the QBit+'s other features more than made up for it. "This stroller would be great as a regular stroller—not just for travel," a tester said.

Weight: 17.6 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 10.5 x 23 x 16.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 24 x 17 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 13 inches

Best Budget

Summer infant 3dlite stroller.

• Design 3.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.6 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

Budget-friendly

Cushioned handlebar

Ample storage space

Not the best for frequent fliers

What's better than a reliable, easy-to-operate, and durable travel stroller? Well, one that checks all these boxes without breaking the bank. The 3Dlite is that stroller. Though a bit bumpy over uneven terrain, it performed quite well in the maneuverability test and suffered no damage despite being dropped multiple times from several heights. A convenient carry handle makes porting around this mid-weight option relatively painless—but you'll have to gate-check it as it didn't fit in our simulated overhead bin.

Our testers would have liked to see improved features, namely a canopy that offers more coverage and a shoulder strap with padding. But, if you won't be traveling by plane much, the 3Dlite is a solid pick that will get the job done.

Weight: 13.6 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 10.5 x 42 x 12 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 43 x 24 x 18 inches | Seat Dimensions: 6 x 13 inches

Best Double

Uppababy g-link v2 stroller.

• Assembly 4.9 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 4.4 /5

Opens and closes well

Solid canopy

Excellent handling

Heavy (somewhat expected in a double)

Some details could be improved

For those with twins, friends, or siblings close in age, our testers like the G-Link V2 Double Stroller best. Our testers liked how easy the fold is, noting it can be done with one hand (although unfolding was a bit tougher). They also liked how easy it was to recline the stroller and that the recline had two positions. It also maneuvered skillfully. "The shag carpet was pretty easy with little drag or resistance," one tester noted. "The gravel impressed me, too; it was relatively smooth and barely bumpy." Another tester liked that there were no wheels in the middle of the frame (like most double umbrella strollers have). "It makes it easier to push without kicking the wheels or frame," they noted.

While our testers reported they'd liked to have seen windows in the canopy and pads on the shoulder straps, overall, they scored this stroller very well.

Weight: 21.8 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 14 x 40 x 17.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 25 x 28.25 inches | Seat Dimensions: 10 x 11 inches

Best Sun Shade

Uppababy g-luxe stroller.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 3.9 /5
• Maneuverability 4.7 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

Solid portability

Loaded with functional extras

Supports itself in the collapsed position

Operating takes practice

Not great for packing into small places

An adequate sunshade is an important feature for many caregivers. The G-Luxe stroller offers loads of extra shade with its oversized canopy. But that's not the only feature our testers loved about this stroller. They also enjoyed the large cupholder, which fits travel mugs; how easily the footrest worked; the location of the pocket behind the seat; its padding; and the five-point harness with an adjustable shoulder strap.

Folding was a bit tricky and annoying at first with a handle and ring combo, but once you get it, the folding is smooth, our testers reported. While the stroller wasn't very small when folded, our testers did like the strap. "It feels light when you sling the strap over your shoulder, and it's nice that it will leave your hands free to carry more things," one tester noted. It performed well in the maneuverability test. Bonus: This stroller can stand on its own when folded.

Weight: 16.5 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 15 x 41 x 11.75 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 42.5 x 23.5 x 18.5 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 11 inches

Best Lightweight

Kolcraft cloud plus stroller.

 Amazon

• Design 3.9 /5
• Portability 3 /5
• Maneuverability 4.2 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

Works well (once you figure it out)

Only option with a tray

Portability is not great

If you're looking for a lightweight budget option, we like the Kolcraft Cloud Plus for its foldability, durability, and overall value. You're not going to get all the bells and whistles with this stroller. But you will get a functional item at a much more reasonable price than others on this list. Our testers liked how easy it was to fold and unfold, noting that this could be achieved with one hand (with some strength and coordination). The Kolcraft didn't have the smoothest ride, but our testers could push it through gravel even if the wheels stopped spinning because of its lightness.

You will sacrifice a few things with this option—mainly portability. While the stroller is one of the lightest we tested, it does not come with a case, strap, or handle. It also didn't fold down small enough to put in an overhead bin, meaning you'll need to check it at the gate if you fly with it, but our testers were impressed with the durability of the stroller. Overall, we view this as the Honda Accord of the batch. Does it have the performance and features of the more expensive models on this list? No. Is it great value, and will it get you—and, more importantly, your little one—from location A to B? Absolutely.

Weight: 11.8 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 10 x 33 x 17.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 38 x 27 x 18 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 13 inches

Most Maneuverable

Baby jogger city tour 2 stroller.

• Maneuverability 4.8 /5

Comfort features for the rider

Great value for its cost

Not as convenient for air travel

Our testers raved about the maneuverability of the City Tour 2. "The maneuverability on the Baby Jogger is exceptional," one tester said. "There was little perceptible difference between shag carpet and smooth wood and tile surfaces. And while other strollers struggled a bit on the gravel, this stroller navigated it with ease."

While the maneuverability of this one is stellar, there's a lot more to it than just that. The folding and unfolding were relatively easy. Our testers loved the recline, structure, and padding. They also liked small touches like extra legroom and adjustable calf support. While the storage space was minimal and there was no cupholder, our testers liked the functionality of the canopy and that it has a window.

One issue: It didn't fit in the overhead bin space, so checking it at the gate is necessary. But overall, our testers thought it was a solid performer for the stroller's price.

Weight: 14.5 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 7 x 22.5 x 19.5 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 40 x 26 x 20 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9 x 13 inches

Best Portability

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller frame.

• Design 4.4 /5
• Portability 5 /5

Excellent padding

Easy to stow

Solid over rough terrain

Not intuitive for folding and unfolding

For the best portability, our testers liked the Babyzen Yoyo2. It's not the lightest stroller we tested (but it's on the lighter side). And it's not the most compact (but it's close). But its compact size, relatively lightweight, plush and comfy shoulder strap, and metal bar handle combined to make this the overall best for portability.

Our testers also liked the canopy window, back pocket, basket underneath for boosted storage, and how easily it fits in the overhead bin space. They also liked how well it was handled. "There was minor resistance on the gravel, but it was smoother than many other strollers over the bumpier surface," one tester noted. "It maneuvers well for back and forth and changing directions."

Weight: 14.7 pounds | Folded Dimensions: 8 x 20 x 16 inches | Assembled Dimensions: 41 x 28.8 x 17 inches | Seat Dimensions: 9.5 x 12.5 inches

To make traveling as seamless as possible with a young companion, you'll want a travel stroller that's easy to fold and unfold, carries comfortably from place to place, and handles well over various surfaces. The Nuna Trvl Lightweight Stroller has all this plus top-notch durability. If you're looking for something affordable and lightweight, we also recommend the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller .

Our editors and testers tapped into prior knowledge of strollers and stroller brands and conducted internet research to select products. Once a group of products was set, we whittled the list down based on the strengths and price of each stroller to get a range of functions and price points.

All products mentioned in this roundup were tested in our Brooklyn, New York lab. Products were tested for the following attributes: folding/unfolding, design, portability, maneuverability, and overall value. We also weighed and measured each stroller.

We followed the instructions to fold and lock each stroller and then unfold it. We rated it based on how easy these actions were and if they could be achieved with one hand. The design was ranked based on the stroller's extra features and how well (or not) those features worked. We were looking for things like adjustable handle heights, reclining positions, storage space, and canopies, among other things.

For portability, we folded each stroller into its most compact state and carried it around our testing lab, up and down stairs. We also created a simulated overhead bin space using a baker's rack. Maneuverability was tested with a traffic cone obstacle course in our lab and on different surfaces including hardwood, tile, shag carpet, fake grass, and gravel.

Durability was tested by dropping the folded strollers from waist height and from on top of a table. Lastly, the overall value was rated based on the cost of the stroller and how it performed in the tests compared to others.

Other Travel Strollers We Tested

Doona : We liked that this was the one stroller tested that also works as a car seat. It also performed very well in the maneuverability test, as one tester noted being able to maneuver through the cones one-handed. However, it was tough to fold and unfold (we had to watch a video to figure it out). Overall, our testers concluded that it was a specific product, and while it was good, it wasn't great enough to make our top picks.

Cybex Libelle Stroller : The Cybex Libelle Stroller was another good, just not great performer. It was fine in our tested categories and will get the job done. Our testers just liked the other ones listed above better. Our testers particularly liked how easy it was to fold and unfold.

Jeep Scout Double : Folding the Jeep Scout Double was not intuitive and took some figuring out. "Once you get used to it, it does get easier, but it's not very intuitive," concluded one tester. While this one falls into the budget range, our testers didn't care for it.

Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller : The Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller was lightweight and compact. It also did well in the maneuverability test on turns and with one hand. But this one had some quirks, like a reverse folding canopy and an unfolding process that was counterintuitive enough to keep it off our favorites list.

Jovial Portable Folding Stroller : Overall, the Jovial Portable Folding Stroller wasn't a super strong performer in our lab tests. It did fine—just nothing to put it over the top. The folding and unfolding took some effort. The handlebar was a bit low, and the canopy felt somewhat flimsy. And it struggled on the gravel during our maneuverability test.

Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller : Waking a sleeping baby is a big no-no. And while the Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller had some features our testers liked (folding and unfolding, excellent maneuverability, and good reclining), it was loud, particularly the canopy. "It just didn't impress across the board for the price," one tester concluded.

Colugo The Compact Stroller : The Colugo Compact Stroller checked many boxes. It can be folded and unfolded with one hand. It has padded shoulder straps. And it was pretty good at maneuvering and handling turns. But it performed poorly on gravel. And the buckles for the straps hurt our testers' hands. Plus, the canopy's performance deteriorated throughout the test.

What to Look For in Travel Strollers

If you're buying a travel stroller, you're after one that'll be lighter and more compact than your everyday model. Look for high-tech materials that are sturdy without adding extra weight. You'll find materials such as aluminum, polyester, and plastic are popular. Anything less than 15 pounds for an individual model is an excellent place to start, which applies to all the picks on our list. Fully collapsible models can be carried on board airlines, and weight restrictions for these are uncommon but not entirely nonexistent. Check your airline's requirements and restrictions before your trip.

A comfortable child on vacation is a happy child on vacation—so you'll want a stroller that will keep your child at ease during long days of sightseeing and exploring. Look for reclining seats, adjustable canopies, and padded harnesses. Keep in mind that features that add comfort often add weight. Consider a more minimalist design if you're planning to use a travel stroller primarily to get from point A to B or will be loading and unloading frequently. On the other hand, if you're road-tripping to natural or attraction parks , you and your little rider will appreciate those added comfort items.

Extra Features

Sure, you can go bare-bones with a stroller that's little more than a nylon sling chair on wheels, but you may also want features like cup holders or a rack underneath to hold larger bags. Your ideal travel stroller fits the specific needs of your family and the type of trip you have in mind. That extra storage space could save you from carrying another bag or two, which could turn a potentially stressful event into a relaxing and fun outing, depending on where you're headed.

The best travel stroller to take on a plane is one that fits in the overhead bin space, is lightweight, and is one that you feel comfortable using. When in doubt, check the folded dimensions of the stroller, matching it with the overhead bin space of the plane you'll be flying on.

You don't need a separate travel stroller. But if you do a lot of traveling—whether that's flights or road trips with your kids —we recommend having a travel-specific stroller. Many of the ones we suggested could double as your everyday stroller.

Jess Macdonald is a travel expert and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2016. She has honed her skills as a freelance writer specializing in travel, scuba diving, and wildlife conservation. She's also a mom of two who has traveled extensively (both at home and overseas) with her kids.

Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor at TripSavvy. While not a parent himself, he's learned the importance of having a good travel stroller after spending a month road-tripping the Western US and Midwest with his four-month-old niece.

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• 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 | medically reviewed by holly peretz ot | fact checked by shannon vestal robson.

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: Babyzen YOYO2 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller Bundle - Black Frame/Aqua 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 YOYO2 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 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 YOYO2 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

• 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

• 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.

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

10 Best Strollers for Travel

Whether you're flying to grandma's or navigating Disney World, we've got strollers that will smooth your journey.

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

Best Overall

Bugaboo butterfly.

Summer Infant 3D Mini

Best All-Terrain

Baby jogger city tour 2.

Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have reviewed more than 40 strollers over the course of the past five years and for this story, we pulled together the strollers that can fit in tiny spaces (some in the airplane overhead) and those that rank high for ease of folding. Separately, we have a list of lightweight strollers that will help you tackle the toddler years with your sanity intact, and some of those are great for travel, too. But the travel strollers below have an additional focus on being compact and folding quickly so you can move like a travel ninja.

We called this a "first-rate folding stroller" when we named this a Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award winner. It doesn't sacrifice comfort for compactness , so expect the usual Bugaboo high-quality fabric, deep seat, real sunshade (no skimping on sun protection here!) and extendable leg rest, just in a more tiny, adorable form that's easy to take along on trips.

One tester mom of a toddler geeked out about the fold, specifically. "The button to fold it is on the handle, so you just push down and it collapses nearly instantly. Our regular stroller requires ducking down and pushing a lever," she said. "Also, the glide of the Butterfly is comparable to much larger strollers. I can push my son uphill easily, with one hand!"

The folded Butterfly stands up by itself, great if you need it to sit while you check bags or load the car. But our Lab experts note that unfolding the Butterfly takes some finesse and practice — you shake it out and lock in place before you can set your kid inside. We like the carry handle that lets you sling the folded stroller over your shoulder, as shown in the picture.

If you want this to carry a newborn in a car seat you can buy a car seat adaptor for the Butterfly. But it only works with select brands including Bugaboo, Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex.

If you're only taking one big vacation and don't plan to travel often, you might want a no-drama lightweight stroller that's priced under $100 . This little 3D Mini might cost the same as checking a piece of luggage each way, and at just 11 pounds it's easy to handle on a trip.

The basket is small — an average-size diaper bag is too big to fit down there — but there's a zippered parent console that holds two drinks. It's got a reasonable sunshade, and the seat can lean back. There's no seat padding, nor is there springy suspension for the five-inch plastic wheels. It's built for the convenience of getting toddlers and young preschoolers around flat pedestrian areas, and it does that just fine.

The 3D mini folds long, to the size of a traditional umbrella. (Get it? That's why they call this style an "umbrella stroller.") It doesn't stand up when folded — like with an umbrella, you have to prop it against a wall or a car, or lay it down, say in your car's trunk, or carry it in one hand, which is made easy by its light weight.

Not only does this weigh less than 15 pounds but its molded-rubber wheels can tackle a sandy beach path. Our tester did just that, saying, "We took the risk and rolled this along a nature trail in Puerto Rico and it did great." It won't tackle deep sand, though. For that you'll want a beach wagon . But the City Tour 2 is smooth-rolling on plenty of terrain and of course smooth on city streets, too.

This is a comfy choice with a deep seat that reclines almost flat, a wide calf rest plus a decent sun-protective canopy. The fold is easy and starts with squeezing a button on the handle. But when folded this is not as small as some others; it will not fit in an airplane overhead. It also can not stand up while folded. Use the carry bag, included, to gate-check this at the airport.

The handle sits just under 40 inches tall, making it a little low for tall parents. If you want a Baby Jogger stroller that holds an infant car seat, the brand's newer City Mini Air can hold a Baby Jogger or Graco model. But it's about nine pounds heavier and more of a full-size stroller than a travel option.

Colugo The Compact

Lots of the choices on our list are great for airplane trips because of their fold and compact size. But if you fly often — as in to and from grandparents four or five times a year — we like that The Compact can be carted around several ways.

It's important because toddlers hop in and out of their stroller all the time in the airport. Use the carry strap on the back to sling this over your shoulder when you're on a moving walkway, with one arm holding your kid. Or put the stroller in the included backpack-style bag so it's easy to carry your kid and wear the stroller on your back as you step onto the plane, where the stroller can fit in most overhead bins. (If the flight crew says the overheads are full, the bag makes it easy to gate-check.)

When we named this a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award winner, we called out some of the other great features: a more generous basket than most compact strollers; a parent cupholder (because caffeine ); and a rain cover in case it's pouring when you step outside. Our one issue is that this is not a choice for a newborn; your baby has to be at least 6 months old to ride in this.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW : Is a Colugo Stroller Worth It?

If you're taking a young baby and don't want skimp on anything, this comfy, well-made compact stroller comes with a long list of amenities including a carry bag, a magnetic buckle so you can quickly snap your baby in place, plus a no-rethread harness so it's easy to adjust the shoulder-strap height as your child grows.

You can use the TRVL from birth because the seat reclines fully. You can also turn it into a Nuna travel system with the lightweight Nuna PIPA infant car seat, sold separately, without needing any extra adaptor (the car seat rests against the bumper bar).

All-wheel suspension helps this roll more like a full-size stroller. The basket can't hold as much as a few other picks on this list. But fans of the TRVL rave about the fold, which can be executed with just one hand while you hold your baby in your other arm. When folded it stays standing up on its own. Note, however, that it's just a few inches too big to fit in an airplane overhead bin, so plan to gate-check this stroller.

UPPAbaby Minu V2

Another Parenting Award winner, we've said this is "a perfect balance between a convenient compact and a sturdy full-size stroller." We think it's a great travel stroller for a toddler because of the extendable sun canopy, leatherette bumper bar you can use to hang a few toys and the lower basket that can hold up to 20 pounds . Swap the bumper bar for a snack tray , sold separately, if that will keep your toddler happier. If you're less concerned with getting something tiny and more interested in having a relatively compact stroller with all the features of a larger model, this might be your pick.

If you use this in an airport you will have to gate-check it; it won't fit in the plane's overhead. You can buy the UPPAbaby Minu carry bag separately. The Minu's small, self-standing fold means it takes up very little room in your home or hotel room. Tall parents will appreciate that the handle sits over 40 inches from the ground.

RELATED: The Best Baby Strollers

Testers have loved this tiny stroller for taking trips. "The one-handed push-button fold is a notable feature — it’s a game-changer!" one told us. We put it in our most recent Family Travel Awards , where we noted it's compact enough to fit in a plane's overhead storage. The shoulder strap for easy transporting is elastic, which one tester found a little odd, saying, "It feels weird to carry a sizable object by an elastic strap," but it works!

"The Aer+ has a decent sized sun shade for being a compact stroller," another tester said. Nothing on it is huge, and there's no cupholder or bumper bar, but that keeps it lighter than 14 pounds. The price is on the high side, but it does come with a travel pouch and the brand offers a 10-year limited warranty. (You have to register your product for it to be in place.)

Chicco Liteway

Little travelers who are beyond the baby stage do well with an umbrella-style stroller like this one that gives them a place to sit when they need a break but does not cost parents much cash. Mesh sides provide airflow when you're visiting warm places and rear suspension provides a smoother ride than the truly cheap sling-style models that are built more like toys. Because it's got such a lightweight aluminum frame the weight limit for the Liteway is 40 pounds while others on this list go up to 50 pounds.

The handle is two grab handles versus one long bar. Because this is umbrella-style, it has a long, thin fold that has to be rested on the ground or against something. You engage the fold with your foot rather than your hand, kicking up near the basket and stepping down on a lever at the side.

The seat cushion is machine washable and it comes with a parent cupholder. It's ideal for preschoolers, including 4- and 5-year-olds. It's not for a baby younger than 6 months and does not take an infant car seat.

Munchkin Sparrow

It's all about the fold! The Sparrow folds into the neatest little 15" x 14" rectangle and tucks into its own carry case. Not only will it fit in an airplane overhead but we can imagine a bunch of other travel scenarios for this: tucked into a drawer in your hotel room or cruise ship cabin, at your feet as you ride the train around Disneyland, on your shoulder while you hold your child and ride an escalator.

To get that small it has a lot of flexible joints and tiny wheels. Also, the Sparrow weighs less than 13 pounds. The combination can make the Sparrow feel more rickety than others on our list. It performed well enough rolling around smooth New York City sidewalks but, especially if you have a lightweight baby inside, it bounces over cracks, bumps and curbs. Fortunately, if you're mostly steering this through airports or through a theme park, you should be good to go.

A few other notes: The handle is low (not great for tall parents) but the seat is high (so a toddler is not leg-draggingly close to the ground). The basket is tiny and blocked by two bars, so it can't hold very much, maybe just a stroller blanket and water bottle. The tiny sunshade flap is minimal.

Evenflo Gold Otto

If you love the idea of a self-folding stroller that collapses at the touch of a button while you're holding your baby in your arms, this model does just that and at a nice price, too. Getting in and out of vehicles is easy because the Otto, when folded, can be self-standing or carried around by its bumper bar. You can use an Evenflo car seat with this without any separate adaptor, and the molded rubber wheels have suspension in the front.

There is a gap between the seat and the canopy that lets airflow in but also allows a kid to squirm around and see you, which can either be a pro or con. We noticed online reviewers writing that the wheels squeak, which we did not experience in our Lab tests but seems to be an issue during real-world use.

It comes with a parent cupholder. Note that the Otto is heavier than most of the other single strollers on our list but still weights less than 20 pounds. Because it's fairly robust it has a slightly higher weight limit compared to other travel strollers, up to 55 pounds.

Other travel strollers we recommend

Aside from our picks above, here are some others that performed well in our Lab tests and with our consumer testers:

•Best double travel stroller: Zoe The Twin V2

This popular compact double is frequently sold out, but worth checking on if you need to take two kids on vacay. We've called this stroller " t he best double stroller for Disney " based on testers' real-world experiences. It meets the Disney park size requirements but weighs less than 20 pounds so it's not too tough to schlep on and off transport, plus it stands up when folded so it's easy to set it down and pick it up again without having to lean the stroller on something. Each seat has a large canopy (so important for long, sunny outings!), separate reclines so either kid can lean back when needed and bumper bars for toys and to help keep preschoolers from leaping out if they spot Mickey.

•Best car seat-stroller combo: Doona

Nothing else comes close to being an ideal car seat and stroller combo for travel with a baby. The Doona is an infant car seat for a vehicle, then you pop the wheels out and stroll with it. No need to travel with both a car seat and a stroller since this is a two-in-one. "Now I tell every mama that she needs this," said one tester who started traveling with her baby in the Doona at 2 months old. Because it's only for toddlers up to 35 pounds and 32 inches tall, most families outgrow it by their child's second birthday. Read our full Doona Car Seat and Stroller Review .

•The original square-fold travel stroller: Cybex Libelle Pockit

Cybex pushed the travel-stroller category when it came out with a Pockit stroller that folds into a neat square . The latest version is the Libelle which, when folded, is just 12.6" x 7.9" x 18.9". And yet, unfolded, it can hold a Cybex infant car seat, sold separately. It comes in an array of colors though some of them will add to the price.

•Best small-space travel stroller : Babyzen YOYO2 (pictured)

We recommend this stroller for city parents or anyone who lives in a small spac e because of its compact size. It travels well, too. "We took it on a trip to Australia and it was so easy to travel with," a tester told us. Folded, this 13.5-pound stroller can be worn over your shoulder with the carry strap, and it comes with its own carry bag. Buy the $180 bassinet to use it from birth.

How we test the best travel strollers

We test strollers both in the Good Housekeeping Institute Labs and in real-world conditions. For travel strollers, we ask consumer testers to take a model on a trip and report back on how easy the stroller made their journey.

In the past five years we've tested more than 40 strollers, looking at a dozen factors including stroller weight, ease of fold, size of stroller when folded, whether it comes with a travel bag, size of the sunshade and basket, whether the seat can recline for rest and more. We roll strollers along varied terrain and time how long it takes to assemble strollers out of the box.

We offer many stroller guides, including lists of the best jogging strollers and the best stroller wagons .

What to consider when shopping for a travel stroller

✔️ Just how tiny do you need it to fold? If you want to roll your stroller right onto the plane and throw it in the overhead bin, look for a travel stroller that promises to fit up there. The International Air Transport Association suggests that carry-on luggage not be larger than 22'' x 18'' x 10".

✔️ A carry bag makes a nice backup plan if you're flying. If your stroller is supposed to fit in the overhead but the plane is too full, having a carry bag lets you easily gate-check it. Plenty of families, including many of our Lab experts, actually prefer to gate-check their stroller. You roll your child to the gate, wait until boarding, then fold and bag the stroller and have airline personnel put a tag on it so you can pick it up on the jet bridge when the plane lands, allowing you to stroll your child to baggage claim.

✔️ Check the Disney Park requirements , if you're going there. Unfolded, your stroller should be no larger than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long for a day at one of the parks.

✔️ Pay attention to age grading. If your infant is still only a few months old, they will be potentially unsafe in a stroller for ages 6 months+. If you'll be traveling with a newborn, look for a travel stroller that works from birth or that accommodates your infant car seat riding on top of it. At any age, know your child's current weight and height, and read the requirements specific to your stroller to ensure it's appropriate.

✔️ What happens when it folds? We like a stroller that can stand while folded, because you can set it and forget it while you deal with other travel and packing hassles. However, sometimes an umbrella fold, which is long and skinny, is nice for road trips when you have a tightly packed car. You can almost always wedge an umbrella stroller in there! Watch videos online to see how travel strollers fold and how you are expected to carry one in its folded position.

✔️ We like a canopy. We're nuts about sun protection (see our best sunscreens for kids ) and that's why all of our picks have at least some sunshade. We do not recommend one of the ultra-cheap sling-type strollers lacking any sun visor. But not all canopies are equal: Some extend far out, some have mesh panels for ventilation and many large canopies have peekaboo windows that let you easily peer down and see how your kid is doing. Some sunshades make noise as you move them in and out and some are silent. Finally, some are made of UPF 50+ sun-blocking fabric, which is preferable.

There are many things you will not get in a travel stroller that you would get in a big, full-size stroller. A compact travel stroller won't have a huge basket because it must fold down small. It won't have large, heavy wheels either, which means it will not roll as smoothly as a stroller with robust tires . However, if you're using the travel stroller with a toddler or preschooler, their weight will help anchor the stroller to the ground and make it less jumpy as you push it over bumps. A travel stroller is essentially small, nimble wheels on a compact frame — something that's easy to take on vacations.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For more than a century the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been dedicated to helping consumers make safe and sound choices when purchasing items for their home and family. You can trust our experts to test kitchen appliances like the Best Espresso Machines and outdoor equipment like the Best Zero Turn Lawn Mowers . For kids we rank the Best Kids' Mattresses and, for travel with babies, the Best Pack n Plays and Playards .

This list was written by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn who has followed the juvenile-products industry for decades, most recently for American Baby magazine and Parents magazine. She's a mother of two.

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

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The Best Travel Strollers for Europe

As a parent, you want to make every travel memory as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Having a top-notch travel stroller can be the key to making your adventure exactly that. In this post, I’ll reveal the best travel strollers that will transform your family adventures into easy and unforgettable experiences.

You can use travel credit cards to earn points towards flights, accommodations and more. Learn more about our top 6 favorite travel credit cards here!

Navigating the World of Travel Strollers

When it comes to travel strollers, it’s crucial to understand the key features that make them stand out. Here’s what you need to know:

Choosing a Travel Stroller

Travel strollers are designed with a specific purpose in mind: to make your life easier while exploring the world with your little ones. They should be lightweight, compact, and built for portability. But what sets the best travel strollers apart from the rest?

What Makes the Best Travel Strollers?

The best travel strollers are created to be versatile and convenient. Designed to be compact, lightweight, easy to fold, and have very sturdy wheels for various terrains. Many often come with additional features like reclining seats, sunshades, and storage compartments for you and the child.

Picking the Perfect Travel Stroller

Choosing the right travel stroller for your family includes factors like destination, the child’s age, and the specific needs of the family. Are you planning a city excursion or an off-road adventure? Do you need a single or double stroller? Let’s delve into these considerations.

Best Strollers for All Travel

UPPAbaby G-Luxe

The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is a crowd-pleaser for many parents. It’s sleek, lightweight, and incredibly easy to fold, making it perfect for European city explorations. The one-handed recline feature is great for napping on the go, and the sunshade keeps them protected all day.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

For the more adventurous families, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a game-changer. Its all-terrain wheels can handle the old cobblestone streets and bumpy paths of Europe. The quick-fold technology helos when jumping on public transit or stopping at a cafe.

Best Strollers for Air Travel

GB Pockit Plus

If you’re all about saving space, the GB Pockit Plus is your go-to travel stroller when flying. It’s the Guinness World Record holder for the smallest fold. Imagine stashing it in an overhead bin on a plane or on a European rail compartment.

Munchkin Sparrow

Another very lightweight, collapsible stroller for families on the go . Small enough to fit into most airlines overhead bins and includes a 5-point harness. The carrying case is very easy to use when packing for a long flight.

Best Strollers for City Travel

Babyzen YOYO2

The Babyzen YOYO2 combines style and functionality. It’s compact, lightweight, and offers a beautiful design. This stroller can easily get through small city streets and alleyways, also great for tight marketplaces.

gb Qbit+ All City

The gb Qbit + is a compact and lightweight stroller that is best for urban settings. It’s perfect for families on the move, especially when using public transportation overseas. The one-hand folding mechanism is a game-changer, making it a breeze to collapse the stroller while still holding your child. Despite its compact size, the Qbit + provides a surprisingly comfortable ride along uneven streets and walkways.

Best All-Around Stroller for Travel

Bugaboo Butterfly

For those parents who crave both style and functionality, the Bugaboo Butterfly is an excellent choice. Its sleek design and build quality make it stand out from the crowd. The Butterfly offers a very smooth ride for your child, thanks to its suspension system. It is quick to fold when getting to your destination and makes full-day sightseeing much simpler. This stroller is a fantastic option for city exploration and it’s built to last.

Strolling the Streets of Europe

On our early family trips to Europe, we found ourselves weaving through bustling cobblestone streets, endless gardens, and older neighborhoods. Our trusty Bugaboo travel stroller allowed us to navigate the cities seamlessly. The quick fold made hopping on and off buses and trains a breeze! Our little explorers enjoyed the comfort of the reclining seat during nap time in several of the most popular European landmark tours.

What’s your favorite travel stroller? Be sure to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Check out my post on How to Plan your dream trip to Europe

Can I Take My Travel Stroller on a Plane?

Absolutely! Most airlines allow travel strollers on board, and some even let you gate-check them. It’s advisable to check with your airline in advance for specific rules and regulations regarding stroller dimensions. We’ve always had good luck traveling with our strollers, especially on longer journeys.

You may also be interested in The Best Car Seat Alternatives for Travel

Looking for ways to fit everything else in for your trip, here’s a post on Packing Hacks for Families – 30 Days in Europe!

10 Day Portugal Itinerary to Help Plan Your Trip!

We put together this 10-Day Portugal itinerary to guide you on a journey along the most lovely and family-friendly stops in Portugal, including Lisbon, Algarve, and Porto. Get the itinerary here!

We hope this guide has shed light on the world of travel strollers and inspired you to embark on new family adventures. If you need more parenting tips, tricks, or anything related to family travel, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to make your family’s journey a memorable one.

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9 Foldable, Lightweight Strollers for Travel

By Stirling Kelso

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Things change when you have a baby. You start talking in months instead of years. Conversations about the bathroom become (more) tolerable, if not downright interesting. And you begin to notice strollers the way you used to eye nice cars. Your attention gravitates toward sleek aluminum wheels, SPF-protected sunshades, and upgraded leather handles. You can visualize yourself pushing one through a leafy park on a spring morning, all eyes diverted from your outfit—likely stained by grubby hands, anyway—to your state-of-the-art pram.

Finding a travel-friendly buggy only adds to the pushchair pressure. Frequent travelers need to consider things like airports , buses, subways, and terrain that ranges from  18th-century cobblestoned streets  to gravelly park paths. Big strollers—which might make sense on wide sidewalks in a suburban cul-de-sac—lose street cred in an urban environment or crowded airport. Would you try and parallel park your Escalade in Times Square ? No. And as stunning as those mountain-bike style suspension wheels are, you probably shouldn’t attempt to squeeze your double stroller through a metro turnstile either. We road-tested top strollers with family travel in mind , so you don’t have to sift through hundreds of options to find one that works for your brood. Below, nine of the best travel strollers on the market.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

If you’ve ever been in a physical altercation with your jogging stroller—folding them up, alone, can feel like a fixed wrestling match—consider upgrading to this speedy pram, one of the best travel strollers I've tried. The Roam, designed by the good folks at Guava (makers of the popular Lotus travel crib ), is capable of a marathon thanks to its all-terrain bike wheels and bump-friendly suspension system. But, unlike its competitors, it’s sleek and compact, weaving through shoppers on a West Village sidewalk as easily as it lets loose on a Portland hike and bike trail. It also folds into a suitcase-like rectangle that’s 50 percent smaller than other joggers and doesn’t dominate trunk space on road trips. Other welcome details keep weary parents in mind: Instructions for the stroller’s easy fold are spelled out on the back of the generous sunshade, and you can lock your front wheel—ideal for running—remotely from the handle.

Whether you’re catching a flight in Sydney or boarding a train en route to New England, there’s one thing you’re bound to notice now that you’re a parent: The Yoyos. This cosmopolitan favorite—universally loved for its one-click open and close, serious functionality, and sleek design—has now debuted its 2.0. The Yoyo2 has more color options (a white or black frame and sun canopies in colors like aqua and red), an updated faux leather handle, and wheel suspensions that make for an even smoother, more comfortable ride. It also accommodates newborns thanks to a cocoon-like bassinet that is light and clicks into the frame so quietly your baby will continue to snooze. And like its predecessor, the Yoyo2 is small enough to fit in tight spaces, from an airplane’s  overhead compartment  to the snug trunk of your classic Fiat rental in Tuscany.

When Colugo founder Ted Iobst and his wife found out they were having kids, they had an experience many parents are familiar with: They headed to a big box store and were nauseatingly overwhelmed, not by morning sickness (for once), but by the sheer number of stroller options with subpar features for on-the-go families. So Iobst created his own stroller—along with a handful of other baby products—that ticks all of the boxes for frequent travelers. The Colugo has a solid frame and nice wide wheels with a hearty tread, but is still lightweight at 16 pounds. It has an easily removable (and washable) interior layer in elegant colors like olive and rose sparkle—something you’ll appreciate the first time your baby spills milk en route to a museum—and a canopy with UPF 50+ protection. It also comes with a rain cover, shoulder carry strap, cup holder, and storage backpack that fits in an airplane’s overhead compartment. Best of all, the Colugo is so easy to open and collapse that there’s no need for anyone to mansplain the stroller’s “intuitive engineering.”

Like its competitors, Uppababy makes a lighter (around 15 pounds) and more streamlined stroller that opens and collapses with one click. What we love about the Minu is its look: Elegant colors and a handsome leather handle add the level of sophistication you crave when you spend most of the day chatting in baby talk. It also has an easily accessible pocket for essentials, a back-saving undercarriage that can hold a 20-pound diaper bag, and a locking system that’s intuitive enough for a tired parent. Like Uppababy’s other stroller models, the Minu also has shock-absorbing wheels and an extendable sunshade.

This wheeled wonder is both an infant car seat and a stroller, transforming from one to another with a few button clicks. While its shelf life is somewhat short (babies can grow out of infant car seats as early as a year), it’s worth the investment while it lasts, especially if you’re thinking of having more than one kiddo down the line. In stroller mode, the Doona is super solid, with big wheels, a long push handle, and a hearty frame that’s weighty enough to manage both gravel paths and manicured sidewalks. And along with its original green canopy, it now comes in an elegant midnight black. Best of all, you always have your car seat with you, whether you want to jump into a taxi or load it up on a plane. The only drawback? The Doona doesn’t have a built-in storage compartment, though you can buy additional bags that snap onto the stroller with ease.

We’ve always loved this British brand, Maclaren, for its umbrella strollers , which are lightweight and collapse to roughly the dimensions of a walking stick. The Atom echoes that ease and practicality but delivers on features more in line with a full-sized stroller. The sturdy frame has four-wheel suspension, seats recline to a near lay-flat position, and accessories include a rain cover, seat liner, and a storage bag. Even with the welcome extras, the Atom weighs just 12 pounds thanks to a breathable mesh fabric, and it folds up to the size of a briefcase. It’s also car seat compatible and comes out of the box practically ready to roll—great news to those of us who have spent more time piecing together strollers than a nursery’s worth of IKEA furniture.

German-based stroller company Cybex is a favorite throughout Europe, and its stateside popularity is growing thanks to its smart design and intuitive engineering. Libelle, the latest pram from the brand, is its smallest yet: Folded up, it easily fits in an airplane’s overhead compartment or between car seats on the road. When open, it shows off bells and whistles—a large sunshade, padded seats, and an extendable leg rest—that competitors have skipped to stay so small. And thanks to its sturdy frame and sizable wheels, the Libelle maneuvers well on city sidewalks and park pathways alike. The seat and reclinable back are also wider than most compact strollers, so there’s room for a teddy. Or 10.

If you’re road tripping or willing to take on a little more weight in exchange for comfort, the Cruz V2 is the perfect compromise. A revise to Uppababy’s original Cruz pram, this model has several travel-friendly updates, including a more compact frame that’s a cinch to fold, as well as an undercarriage that handles 30 pounds of additional cargo, a win for anyone toting around a vacation’s worth of baby essentials. Register the Cruz V2’s travel bag with Uppababy’s TravelSafe program; it covers any damage incurred to your gear while you fly. (Airlines, on the other hand, rarely cover broken strollers and car seats.) The stroller’s toddler seat now has an extendable UPF 50+ sunshade, easy one-hand recline, and a leather handle, and Uppababy’s Mesa car seat —a favorite for its chemical-free, merino wool upholstery—easily snaps into the V2’s base. Hauling a crew? Older siblings can also hitch a ride on the V2’s PiggyBack Ride-Along Board.

The designer behind this tiny stroller—it’s so small that it won a Guinness Book of World Records award for its compact size—was clearly a jetsetter who was tired of gate-checking prams. Measuring less than 12 by 14 inches, the little gadget is a conversation starter. Even stern TSA agents can’t help but comment (or at least let their eyes linger) when the set of wheels haughtily shrinks down to the size of a handbag and breezes through the x-ray machine. No more gate-checking, either: It can fit in an airplane’s overhead bin or even under the seat. Our only gripes? Its small wheels are fine on city sidewalks but can’t handle more rugged terrain, and its shallow sunshade won’t cut it on long walks outdoors.

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The Best Double Stroller for Travel to Europe (From Personal Experience)

As you can imagine, I love to travel (like I love it alot). But in the first few months postpartum with our second kiddo I was feeling a little overwhelmed with the idea of traveling with two kids rather than just one. I had felt like we were very much in a groove traveling with one kiddo and didn’t know how we were going to make the adjustment.

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Now 7 months later, I’m happy to say that it feels like we know what we’re doing (*most of the time* 🤪) and I’m pretty sure I’ve found the best double stroller for travel to Europe (or really anywhere for that matter) and it’s the Zoe Twin+ !

We’ve seen sooo much with this double stroller in Europe. We’ve visited Copenhagen, Paris , London and Amsterdam and have many other trips in the works. Not to mention, we’ve taken it to the US (we currently live in Denmark) plus we use it every day around our own neighborhood and town.

The Best Double Stroller for Europe: Zoe Twin+

When I stumbled upon the Zoe Twin+ I needed a travel double stroller for an infant and toddler. A friend had purchased the Zoe Twin+ for their two kids as it’s one of the best double strollers for Disney. I had been searching for a while for a great, compact double stroller for travel and from her raving review, I was pretty sure I had found it.

In fact, I wanted this stroller so much that I had it shipped to a friend’s home in the US and they brought it back to us the next time they came to Denmark 🙈 (where we live but they, unfortunately, don’t currently ship to). And after all that hassle, I’m so glad to say it was worth it.

Quick rundown of why the Zoe Twin+ is the best double stroller for traveling

First off, let me be clear that I genuinely believe that usually, the best double stroller for traveling is also usually the best double stroller in general. I’m not really sure why some people are looking for a stroller for every occasion (except for jogging… I get that). Just buy one and use it for everything!

Anyways, here is a quick rundown of what makes the Zoe Twin+ such a great double stroller:

• Super cute and photogenic (okay not really a top priority but definitely a bonus)
• Insane sunshades (your kiddos can basically be in a cave if they want to be)
• Can be pushed with one hand (none of that 2 handled stroller business here)
• It fits through doorways! (basically everywhere a wheelchair can go, this stroller can go)
• Turns on a dime (like seriously, the turning radius on this is so impressive)
• Loads of storage underneath (fits like a stuffed backpack, couple small blankets, jackets etc)
• It’s Disney approved (for when you get back from your Europe trip and are heading to Disneyland next)
• Seats go allll the way back (suitable for a 3-month-old baby)
• Seat bottom has a flap that can go up or down (to make sitting or laying more comfortable)
• Nice little peep holes up top to check on your kids inside the mentioned cave (when you are praying that they have fallen asleep 😅)
• Convenient pockets on the back (for mom & dad’s phone etc.)
• Folds in literally one second (and can even be done with one hand… I’ve done it, multiple times)
• Weighs 19 lbs. (aka it’s surprisingly light)
• Waterbottle holder for parents and two cup holders plus one snack holder for the kiddos (and you can purchase even more add-ons)

Is it the best travel double stroller for flying?

We absolutely love flying with our Zoe stroller . Did you know that basically every airline (yes, even budget ones) generally allow 1-2 pieces of equipment to be checked for free per child? Just check your airline’s website and you can get all the deets.

This means you can bring a stroller for free! No need for it to count as a carry-on piece of luggage! And almost every single airport lets you take your stroller all the way through security and up to the door of the plane where you will leave it for them to stow under the plane. It’s pretty awesome.

No matter what double stroller you buy (even though it should be the Zoe Twin+ 😉) I highly recommend purchasing a stroller bag to help protect it as it’s getting thrown on and off the plane. And the stroller bag for the Zoe Twin+ is absolutely awesome.

We’ve had a couple of different stroller travel bags for previous strollers, but the Zoe stroller bag really is next level. It fits the stroller perfectly which makes it very compact, plus it has a handle to carry at your side, and it even has backpack straps to carry on your back.

We especially love the backpack straps for when we pack up the stroller at the gate but then have a bit of a walk to the entrance of the plane. For example, if you have a long hallway to the plane door or have to walk out on the tarmac to access the airplane. The Zoe double stroller bag backpack straps, help us keep our hands free for luggage and holding our little kiddos’ hands.

Seriously, if you purchase Zoe’s double stroller , be sure to also order their stroller storage bag backpack.

Is it a good double stroller for cobblestone?

So, if you’re headed to Europe with a double stroller you’re probably feeling a little worried about cobblestone 😅. Let me start with a caveat-taking any stroller on cobblestone really isn’t a wonderful experience but the best stroller for the job would be a jogger/all-terrain stroller.

However, any jogger/all-terrain DOUBLE stroller really starts getting big and heavy and doesn’t seem like the best day-to-day double or travel double stroller to me. And we love jogging strollers in our house (for jogging that is).

That being said, we’ve taken our Zoe Twin+ on cobblestone while traveling in Europe. It can be slow-going at times but it’s handled the cobblestone without breaking which is about as much as I’d hope for since it’s not an all-terrain stroller 😂.

Keep in mind that not all of Europe is covered in cobblestone. We’ve taken this stroller to Copenhagen, London, Amsterdam , and Paris and really only had trouble with it in the Montmartre area of Paris. But we did walk all through Montmartre with our stroller on cobblestones but then decided, when we came back the next day, for our toddler to walk and our baby to be in a carrier.

But like I said, I think the Zoe Twin+ fares just about as well on cobblestone as you can hope for.

How easy is the Zoe Twin+ to fold?

It’s super easy to collapse and store the Zoe Twin+ double stroller . There are two straps, one on each seat, that only require a gentle pull for the stroller to fold completely in half and you’re done! The process really takes about one second (not exaggerating). I’ve even folded it with one hand on multiple occasions.

When folded, the stroller basically lays in a flat rectangle on the ground. It also has a little hook to help keep the stroller folded shut.

Is it a compact double stroller with good storage?

Definitely! The storage on the Zoe Twin+ is really great. First of all, there is a large, oversized basket underneath that easily fits our stuffed diaper bag, extra jackets, blankets, rain cover, and anything else we decide to throw down there.

Plus there are two handy pockets on the back of each seat which are perfect for your phones, keys, snacks etc. Plus one water bottle holder for you and a cup holder per child and a shared snack holder in between the kid’s seats.

If you want even more storage you can purchase an add-on organizer that hangs from the push bar for extra storage. Personally, we have found the two pockets on the back to be all we need for the things we need quick access to.

Is the Zoe Twin+ a lightweight double stroller?

This has got to be one of the best lightweight double strollers for travel because it clocks in at only 19 lbs! In all of my searching, the Zoe Twin+ is the lightest double stroller that I could find. And what’s amazing is that even though it’s light, it doesn’t sacrifice form or function!

The Zoe double stroller frame is made of durable, lightweight aluminum which feels neither flimsy or bulky. It’s great to have a light double stroller for when you are packing it up to load onto the airplane or (heaven forbid) having to carry it up and down stairs while loaded with two kids 😅🤣.

But does this double stroller fit through doorways?

One of my favorite things about the Zoe double stroller is that it fits through doorways! Like seriously, it fits through every standard doorway. This is huge because if you have a stroller that is too big to go through doorways, it will severely limit what you can do and where you can go (aka stay outside all of the time?). And that will get old very quickly.

But that is definitely not an issue with the Zoe Twin+ Double Stroller ! We’ve come to realize that this stroller will fit through anything that is wheelchair friendly. This means that it will even fit in the tiny elevators deep underneath the ground of a city’s metro system or through the wheelchair-accessible turnstiles of any train station. It’s pretty awesome.

It’s quite fun to see people look at us like they aren’t sure if we’re going to fit through something but we’re like, “Don’t worry, we’ve got this” and then cruise right through😄.

Is this a double stroller with good sunshades?

Another one of my favorite things about traveling with this double stroller is that the sunshades are huuuuge. You can either keep the shades up out of the way or pull them basically allll the way down. They are made up of four large panels with UPF 50+ lining.

We recently got back from Disneyland Paris where I spent a lot of time checking out other strollers (both double and single). It was absolutely shocking to me how many of those strollers did not have sunshades with good coverage.

This feature is a lifesaver when it comes to napping on the go. Both our 6-month-old and our 3.5-year-old consistently napped in the stroller while we traveled Europe with our double stroller. And every time, we’d pull that sunshade allll the way down to help them feel cozy, safe, and relaxed.

Sometimes our toddler would even pull down the sunshade on her own if she was feeling overstimulated and wanted a quieter, darker place to be. I really don’t think I’ve seen a better sunshade on any other double stroller.

Plus the sunshades have nice, big peep flaps to be able to check on your kiddos. It’s so nice to be able to look down on them to quickly to see if they’re asleep/doing ok rather than leaning around and peering down over the front of the stroller.

Does the Zoe Twin+ have a rain cover?

Yes! You can purchase a rain cover directly from Zoe for the Zoe Twin+ Double Stroller ! And I highly recommend it. You want to make sure you always have a rain cover on hand, especially if you are traveling to Europe with your double stroller (seems like rainy days are always a possibility).

We visited Paris with our double stroller in September and used the rain cover on multiple occasions. It was a lifesaver to be able to keep our kiddos and belongings dry when out exploring all day. You can easily fit the folded rain cover in the storage bin underneath (along with everything else you are toting along).

The Zoe-specific rain cover was sold out when we needed it so, instead, we bought a universal double stroller rain cover from Amazon. If the Zoe rain cover isn’t available, the universal one is a great option.

Do the Zoe Twin+ seats recline?

Yes! The Zoe Twin+ seats can both be individually reclined so that one kiddo can be napping and one can be sightseeing. The seats have a 165-degree sliding recline meaning you can choose the perfect amount of recline vs only having set recline positions.

The recline is advertised as being suitable for ages 3 months and up. However, our little one started using the seat at 2-months-old with it reclining as far as it could go.

When purchasing this stroller, we figured we don’t go out and about too much during the first 2-3 months postpartum and so we decided on the Zoe Twin+ versus another stroller that may offer a bassinet or car seat option for those first 2-3 months. I’m so glad we chose this one vs any other strollers!

Also, we do diaper changes 99% of the time in the stroller with the seat reclined all the way. It’s so convenient. There’s just no going back to bathroom/park bench diaper changes once you’ve done a Zoe Stroller diaper change. It’s amazing.

Can you take the Zoe Double Stroller on public transit?

My, oh my yes, have we taken the Zoe double stroller (Zoe Twin+) on public transit. We have ridden far too many metros, trains, busses, and boats all while toting along our kiddos and the Zoe Twin+ .

This double stroller fits anywhere that is wheelchair friendly. I love knowing that because I know that if a wheelchair can do it, we can too.

I actually find it easier riding public transit with our double stroller than our single jogging stroller that we used to travel with when we only had one kiddo. I also think it is probably easier than a two-seated stroller that sits front-to-back instead of side-to-side because yes it is wider, but it’s not as long and so it can fit into a more compact space.

Plus the Zoe Twin+ turns on a dime so getting in and out of buses and trains with this side-by-side double is much easier than turning around a boat of a front-to-back double stroller. It really is impressive the tight situations we are able to turn around in. I love it.

As far as taking public transit with a double stroller goes, I definitely recommend taking a bus as often as possible rather than the metro. There are so many underground metro stations in Europe that are multiple stories underground with limited to no elevators.

And let me tell you, it takes soooo long to find and ride the elevators (if they have them). And if they don’t have elevators it is a chore and a half to figure out how to navigate the crazy amount of stairs with two kiddos in a stroller.

With a bus, you can just walk right on via the large wheelchair/stroller door, stand in the designated stroller area and then walk right off. No stairs are needed! It really is insane how much easier it is than the underground metro systems.

Trust me, even if Google Maps says it’s going to be slightly faster on a metro, by the time you get done navigating the underground system of elevators and/or stairs it’s going to be longer than the bus takes and way more stressful.

Is this double Disney approved?

Definitely! If you’re not familiar, Disneyland and Disneyworld have certain size requirements for strollers to help ease congestion within the park. Strollers must be no larger than 31″X 52″ and wagons/stroller wagons are not allowed.

But no worries here because the Zoe Twin+ is 29″X 33″! And for all of the above-mentioned reasons, it really is one of the best double strollers for Disney!

How much is the Zoe Twin+?

The Zoe Twin+ currently is listed at $399 or you can upgrade to their ‘Luxe’ version for $449 (basically it’s a few different fabric options plus a leather handlebar). We have the Luxe version and I really love our textured grey fabric and leather handlebar- it makes me feel so fancy 💁‍♀️.

And you can use this link to get $15 off your Zoe stroller purchase !

I feel like this is a super reasonable price for such an awesome double stroller. As I’m sure you’re familiar with, some strollers are priceyyyy so I feel like finding such a great ride for under $400 is a steal.

Zoe Twin+ vs. UPPA Baby G-Link 2

Chances are if you are looking for the best travel double stroller you’ve come across the UPPA Baby G-Link 2 . At first glance, the Zoe Twin+ and UPPA Baby G-Link 2 have a lot of similarities.

However, in my mind, the Zoe Twin+ still stands out as the best travel double stroller out of the two. Here’s why (I’ll refer to them as the Zoe and the UPPA Baby to make things a little easier):

• The Zoe has one handlebar vs the two separate handles of the UPPA Baby . This means it can be pushed with one hand which can be very convenient but also essential if your hands are full.
• The Zoe has even larger sunshades than the UPPA Baby – which is impressive because the UPPA Baby does have pretty great, extendable sunshades as well.
• The Zoe has one cup holder for each child and one snack holder to share both easily within reach of the kids. Plus there is a large cup holder on the side of the push handle for mom and dad. However, the UPPA Baby only has one cup holder which is placed on the backside of the stroller only within reach of mom or dad. This means the UPPA Baby doesn’t have anywhere to put snacks or drinks for your kids except in their laps.
• The Zoe has a sliding reclining system meaning you can choose the exact right amount of recline, whereas the UPPA Baby only has three seat positions available.
• The Zoe only weighs 19 lbs while the UPPA Baby clocks in at 22.3 lbs (not a huge difference, but a difference nonetheless).
• One downside to the Zoe is that it’s priced slightly more than the UPPA Baby , however, I think the extra $50-$100 is worth it for the extra features of the Zoe Twin+ .

And that’s everything I think you need to know about the best double stroller to take to Europe! Please reach out to me with any questions in the comments below! I love to talk all things travel .

Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them:

Zoe Traveler Review: The Best Stroller That Fits In an Overhead Bin

• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Paris with a Toddler: Things to do + Top Tips

15 Essential Tips for Disneyland Paris Planning

• 10 Fun Playgrounds in Paris Near Top Paris Attractions
• 22 Things to do with kids in Amsterdam + Where to Stay
• The Best Family Hotel in Amsterdam: Van der Valk Amsterdam Amstel
• 10 Top Hacks: How to Enjoy Wintery Bruges Belgium with a baby

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When traveling with babies and toddlers , having the right gear – especially an easy-to-maneuver travel stroller – is essential. If you're in the market for a stroller you can take on the plane, train and beyond, read on to find the best option for your family as recommended by parents.

The Top Travel Strollers of 2023

Best overall travel stroller: joolz aer, best umbrella stroller for travel: uppababy minu v2, best double stroller for travel: uppababy g-link 2, best travel stroller for big kids: evenflo pivot xplore all-terrain stroller wagon, best travel stroller for infants: doona car seat & stroller, best travel system stroller: nuna trvl stroller, best budget travel stroller: summer 3dlite convenience stroller.

Looking for more information on how to select your ideal travel stroller? Consult the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

(Note: All stroller dimensions are listed in order of length by width by height.)

Folded dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches Stroller weight: 13.4 pounds Minimum child age: 6 months Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

When it comes to quality travel strollers, the Joolz Aer is the best investment you can make. Not only does this stroller's lightweight and compact design make it easy to store in the overhead compartment of a plane, but it also opens and closes with a one-handed motion – an essential feature for multitasking parents. Little ones travel comfortably and safely thanks to a five-point harness, extended seatback and adjustable recline, as well as a rain cover. Available in six modern colors – from sage green to taupe – the Joolz Aer also comes with a stroller bag. Parents rave about this travel stroller, with some noting they prefer it to the highly rated BABYZEN YOYO2.

The Joolz Aer is designed for babies 6 months and older; it can be used from birth with select infant car seats, secured by a car seat adaptor you'll need to purchase separately.

Price: $449 or less Shop now: Amazon | buy buy Baby | Nordstrom | Joolz

Courtesy of UPPAbaby

Folded dimensions: 12.5 x 20.3 x 23 inches Stroller weight: 16.9 pounds Minimum child age: 3 months Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

If you're looking for an umbrella-style stroller for travel, consider the UPPAbaby MINU. Its latest model, the V2, features a swift, one-handed setup; a five-point harness; an adjustable recline and foot rest; an extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection; and a vented peekaboo window. It's also equipped with a generously sized storage basket that can hold up to 20 pounds of additional items. While the MINU is recommended for babies at least 3 months old, you can use this even sooner with UPPAbaby's Mesa Infant Car Seat and adaptors, or with adaptors for other car seats.

Terry Ward, a Florida-based travel writer and co-founder of Florida Beyond , still raves about this travel stroller, which her kids recently outgrew. "I loved the MINU so much that it became my go-to stroller at home, too," she says, adding that it has a great resale value. "I sold it for more than half of what I bought it for after three years – these strollers are really in demand."

The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is available in five color variations and features a stylish full-grain leather bumper bar and handlebar.

Price: $449.99 or less Shop now: buy buy Baby | UPPAbaby

Folded dimensions: 40 x 20 x 14.5 inches Stroller weight: 22.3 pounds Minimum child age: 3 months Maximum child weight: 55 pounds per seat

If you have twins or two stroller-age kiddos and need a tandem stroller for travel, the UPPAbaby G-LINK 2 is a solid choice. Available in charcoal and black, this highly rated double stroller offers two UPF 50+ canopies and independent, multiposition reclining seats. Like the UPPAbaby MINU, this one is a cinch to set up and maneuver, and it features an easy-to-access storage basket that accommodates up to 10 pounds. There's also a sturdy cup holder for that must-have caffeine boost.

Reviewers note that the G-LINK 2 is surprisingly compact given its double capacity, and that it's also ideal for tall toddlers.

Price: $349.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | buy buy Baby | UPPAbaby

Courtesy of Evenflo

Folded dimensions: 23 x 27.5 x 37.5 inches Stroller weight: 34.7 pounds Minimum child age: 6 months Maximum child weight: 55 pounds per seat

Another great travel stroller for two kids or older kids (up to age 5) is the Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon, which has two seats and can be used as a wagon or a stroller depending on your needs and destination. Its all-terrain wheels make it ideal for navigating any landscape – from cobblestone streets to sandy beaches – and a large storage basket and cup holders allow you to easily pack additional travel necessities. "It's basically a portable U-Haul for anything else you're dragging along," says Ward, who upgraded to the Xplore when her kids outgrew the UPPAbaby MINU. It also has an adjustable canopy for protection from the elements.

Price: $399.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | buy buy Baby | Evenflo | Target

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Courtesy of Doona

Folded dimensions: 23.6 x 17.3 x 26 inches Stroller weight: 17.2 pounds Minimum child age: None; can be used from birth with infant insert Maximum child weight: 35 pounds

When it comes to travel strollers, nothing quite compares to the Doona Car Seat & Stroller, which is exactly what it sounds like: a (genius) car seat and stroller in one. Aside from its magical ability to transform from a car seat to a stroller and vice versa in seconds, this travel stroller features a five-point harness, an adjustable handlebar and removable textiles for easy (inevitable) washing. It is Federal Aviation Administration aircraft-approved to fit in most overhead bins and comes in a variety of colors.

Angela Burks of La Vida Mom loves how easy it is to travel with the Doona Car Seat & Stroller. "I like that I don't have to worry about getting an additional car seat for a car service or rental when I arrive at the airport," she says. Another bonus? It doesn't require a car seat base.

The only downsides of this travel stroller are that your child will outgrow it when they hit 35 pounds in weight and/or 32 inches in height, and its hefty price tag given these limitations.

Price: $550.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Doona | Target

Getty Images

Folded dimensions: 24 x 20.25 x 11 inches (without arm bar) Stroller weight: 13.6 pounds (without canopy and arm bar) Minimum child age: None; can be used from birth with infant car seat Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

If you're looking for a travel system stroller that'll grow with your baby, you can't beat the Nuna TRVL Stroller. The Nuna PIPA series car seat clicks right into the stroller – no adaptors necessary – and can then be removed when your little one is old enough to sit upright in the stroller seat. This luxury stroller features a five-point harness with magnetic technology, a multiposition reclining seat, adjustable calf support, a removable and adjustable arm bar, and a UPF 50+ canopy. Like some of the other travel strollers on this list, this product easily opens and closes with a one-handed motion and comes with a carrying bag. It is also certified GREENGUARD Gold and free of harmful chemicals.

Price: $500 or less Shop now: Nordstrom | Nuna

Courtesy of Summer

Folded dimensions: 42 x 11.5 x 12.5 inches Stroller weight: 13 pounds Minimum child age: 6 months Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

You get what you pay for in many situations, but parents say they're impressed with the Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller given its cheap price tag, noting it has seamlessly navigated bumpy streets in Europe , Disney theme parks and other family vacation destinations. This easy-to-assemble travel stroller features a carry strap (useful for schlepping it when not in use), five-point safety harness, four reclining positions, and an adjustable and removable canopy. It also has a storage basket and cup holder, and comes in four colors.

Price: $99.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Walmart | Summer

[Read: The Top Kids Luggage .]

How to travel with a stroller and car seat

Perhaps the easiest way to travel with a stroller and car seat is to invest in the two-in-one Doona Car Seat & Stroller , which can be used for children up to about 35 pounds and stored in the overhead bin of a plane. However, other travel stroller systems can also ease the burden of all that gear – especially for those traveling with infants. Here's how to travel with a stroller and car seat in the following situations:

If your baby is in an infant car seat: Simply attach a compatible infant car seat to your everyday or travel-specific stroller and wheel your baby through the airport. When you arrive at the gate, check your car seat and stroller free of charge. (Children 2 and younger can fly for free as lap children on most airlines.) If you'd like to purchase a seat for your baby and bring your car seat on the plane – recommended by the FAA and American Academy of Pediatrics – you'll need to ensure it is FAA-compliant . Alternatively, you can wear your baby in a carrier and use the car seat and/or stroller for storage.

If your baby is not in an infant car seat: If your child is somewhere between an infant and a toddler but no longer uses an infant car seat at home, you can technically get by without a car seat since they can ride through the airport in a stroller or carrier and then sit on your lap during the flight if they are younger than 2. However, you'll need to rent or borrow a car seat when you arrive at your destination.

If you have a toddler older than 2: Children are not legally required to have a car seat for air travel, though it's still recommended by the FAA and AAP (and you will likely need one when you get to your final destination anyway). It's easiest to wheel your child in the travel stroller and transport your FAA-compliant car seat by simply carrying it (not preferable, of course) or using one of the following assists:

• Travel cart: Most luggage carts (including the ones offered at the airport) cannot go through security, so look for a foldable travel cart – this one by HÖLM is a good option – that can easily be placed on the security screening belt and then used to transport your belongings to the gate.
• Car seat luggage strap: Strap the car seat to your carry-on bag with a heavy duty luggage strap like this one .
• Car seat backpack: You can free up your hands by wearing a car seat backpack .

If your toddler won't sit in the stroller: Use your stroller as a travel cart instead – strap the car seat and anything else you can get on there. Once you get to the gate, you can either check your car seat (typically free of charge) or bring it with you on board.

Travel Stroller FAQ

Deciding whether you need a travel stroller is an entirely personal decision. Some people are content to travel with the stroller they use at home, while many prefer travel strollers since they are typically less bulky than their everyday counterparts.

No, a stroller can typically be checked at the gate free of charge and picked up on the jet bridge post-flight. It's always best to review your airline's stroller policies before flying, however.

Yes. Simply put it on the X-ray belt with the rest of your belongings.

The Joolz Aer and Doona Car Seat & Stroller can fit in most overhead bins. However, it may be easier to gate check your stroller (typically for free) so you have less to carry on to the plane.

While a stroller bag is not required, it can be useful for protecting your stroller from potential dirt and damage if it needs to be checked at the gate, as well as storing additional items – think: diapers (which can double as extra padding), wipes and other small essentials. Some travel strollers come with a branded stroller bag, but if you'd like a different option, check out these highly rated bags:

• Zohzo Stroller Travel Bag
• J.L. Childress Gate Check Travel Bag
• Gate Check PRO Stroller Bag

Disney World requires that both single and double strollers do not exceed 52 x 31 inches (length by width) when fully assembled. Below are the best strollers for Disney World that meet these requirements (listed with unfolded dimensions in inches):

• Joolz Aer : 32.7 x 17.7
• UPPAbaby MINU V2 : 35.5 x 20.3
• UPPAbaby G-LINK 2 : 27.5 x 28.5
• Doona Car Seat & Stroller : 32.3 x 17.4
• Nuna TRVL Stroller : 32.5 x 20.25
• Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller : 27 x 18

The UPPAbaby strollers and Nuna TRVL Stroller are especially ideal for Disney parks since they offer UPF 50+ canopies for protection from the sun. Wagons are prohibited entirely.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross used her personal experience as a frequently traveling mom, as well as her research skills and conversations with other parents, to determine which travel strollers are truly the best. She first traveled with her infant in a front carrier before transitioning to the Joolz Aer , which she's successfully used on multiple flights with her growing toddler.

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Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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The 9 best strollers for travel

Until you have kids, it's impossible to imagine that deciding which stroller to purchase could come with as much hemming and hawing as shopping for a car. And when you factor in the need for a stroller that travels well — be it in the airport, on a train, pushing through Manhattan crowds or over those cobbled streets in a quaint European village — there are even more things to consider.

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Is the stroller easy to fold and unfold when you've got a feisty toddler to contend with at a busy airport departure gate at the same time? Is there ample storage space and easy access for your diaper bag? Is it lightweight enough to qualify for gate check with the airlines (check out 20 airline stroller policies around the world )? Does it have lots of dangling bits and bobs that will make it more likely to break in transit? Those questions and many more came into play when we researched the best strollers for families that travel around the world. Read on for our top picks.

UPPABABY MINU

It debuted a few years back now, but the UPPAbaby Minu (about $400) continues to rise to the top of the travel stroller pack thanks to its ease of opening and fold-down, compact design and all-around simplicity of operation. I've pushed my kids in this thing everywhere from the uneven, dusty streets of Cuba , where their grandmother lives, to my local Florida supermarket (it's become my go-to for errands and outings at home, and fits easily in the overhead bin of most airplanes, too).

There are so many things to like about this stroller, which weighs just under 15 pounds and has multi-position recline so you can situate your little rider just so. With just a single swift motion using one hand, you can pop it open or break it down. And the storage area under the seat is easy to access and can fit a backpack packed to the brim with kids' stuff. The UPF 50-plus sunshade has a section that gives it extra extension, lending sun protection on a walk or if you want to nap your kid at the beach. And the magnetic closures on the peek-a-boo window let you peek at a sleeping kid without making a scratchy Velcro-induced sound.

Do note that without the bassinet add-on or infant car seat adapter, the MINU doesn't accommodate most newborns and is suitable for babies from 14 pounds (roughly 3 months old) to 50 pounds only.

SILVER CROSS JET

Setting a new standard in luxury travel strollers, the Silver Cross Jet (about $350) might be just the super-compact travel stroller you're looking for. It's cabin-approved for most airlines and fits neatly in the overhead bin. Weighing just under 14 pounds, it has a handy feature that, once folded down, lets you pull it along behind you like a piece of luggage through the airport or any time your child wants to walk or is in a carrier.

Suitable from birth (with car seat adapters), the newest version of the stroller, which launched in 2021, is approved for kids up to 55 pounds, so you can get a lot of years out of this one. The handle you use to pull the stroller behind you when folded down doubles as a toddler bar when it's in use, adding an extra layer of safety there. This is a particularly easy stroller to push along uneven street surfaces, too, with wide front wheels that improve suspension and make for a comfortable ride for babies on board.

DOONA INFANT CAR SEAT STROLLER

I can't tell you how many times I've seen this stroller out and about and marveled at just how tiny it is. And when you see it in action, the Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller looks like one of those transformer toys. Talk about a game-changer when you're traveling with an infant . It has an ingenious design with wheels that can be easily tucked away to let you transform the stroller into a car seat with the push of a button, the pull of a lever and an easy closing motion. It takes a few tries to get used to the knack of switching between modes, but once you have it down, it couldn't be easier to go from pushing your baby on the street to hopping in a cab and having him or her securely strapped into the stroller.

The stroller weighs around 16 pounds and the car seat portion can be used with a base or alone with the car's seat belt. Note that while the company claims babies up to 35 pounds and 32 inches in length can be accommodated, when your baby reaches those limits, it might be a tight squeeze. Also, the sunshade could be more ample (but you can buy an extension to fix that).

CHICCO MINI BRAVO PLUS

Chicco did away with its umbrella stroller offerings in favor of this ideal-for-travel entry in the compact stroller category. A handle hidden away under the stroller's seat cushion lets you fold down the Chicco Mini Bravo Plus (about $180) with one hand. The fact that the stroller can stand on its own in the folded position makes it that much easier to just leave at the gate and go. The stroller weighs in at 19.6 pounds, so it's not the lightest. But it's sturdy and the stroller to take along if you don't want to worry if it gets a few bumps and scratches in transit.

The user-friendly recline knob (no pesky ties to pull) lets you lean your baby back with ease in three different positions, including a nearly lie-flat angle. This stroller also has one of the biggest and most easily accessible under-seat storage areas, so you can tote a lot of things along with you.

BABY JOGGER CITY TOUR 2

One of the more affordable of the luxe Baby Jogger offerings, the City Tour 2 stroller (about $230) weighs 14 pounds and can be folded up and stashed in an overhead bin if you choose. Accessing your diaper bag and other carry-ons on the go is easy thanks to a wide-open basket under the seat that's extra roomy and a cinch to reach into. The backpack-style carrying bag that comes with the stroller makes it a breeze to fold up and carry along when your baby prefers to ride on you. And other highlights include the UPF-plus extendable sunshade to keep your baby protected from punishing rays when you're off, say, touring Athens in the summer . Did we mention the comfy, padded seat that reclines nearly to flat to help induce naps and the adjustable calf support to help bring on the sleep as you roll along?

Looking for a different jogging stroller? TPG contributor Jill Krause says the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller is a best bet.

BABYZEN YOYO²

Leave it to the French to dream up such a petite and pretty stroller. If ever travel stroller-envy was a thing, the Babyzen YOYO² (about $500) is the one that induces it.

This super tiny stroller folds down into a tidy little package that can be stashed in an overhead bin or under a restaurant table with ease. And it's so narrow, you can even roll it down an airplane aisle right to your seat (a particularly handy feature if you're traveling alone with two kids , and wearing one in a carrier on your body).

The stroller weighs around 13 pounds yet has luxe amenities like tires with four-wheel suspension, a soft faux-leather handle and a lightweight aluminum frame that's surprisingly sturdy.

The under-the-seat basket is easy to access and can hold up to 11 pounds of extra gear. There's a padded carrying strap, too, for when you need to fold up the stroller and tote it in a cramped attraction or a place where strollers aren't allowed.

GB POCKIT STROLLER

A stroller that made the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most compact on the planet is certainly deserving of a traveler's attention. The sleek gb Pockit Stroller weighs under 12 pounds but can accommodate kids up to 55 pounds — and with an additional 11 pounds of baby gear stowed in the under-the-seat basket, too.

Watch the flight attendants be wowed when you roll this thing down the airplane aisle with plenty of room to spare and proceed to fold it up and stash it under your seat in two easy steps and with seconds. A tiny but mighty marvel, indeed.

ZOE TRAVELER STROLLER

For affordability, durability and compact size, you get the trifecta in the Zoe Traveler Stroller ($159), made from high-grade aluminum to keep things extra light at just 11 pounds. With a single hand, you can fold and unfold The Traveler and stash it into the overhead bin of an airplane. It fits easily into a backpack , too, to tote on the go, and can even be carried as a backpack on its own, too. Features that make this stroller a solid nap-inducing pick include the full recline, adjustable footrest and expandable canopy with UPF 50+ lining. And while the wheels are a bit on the small side, you'll be surprised how easily they roll over uneven and cobblestone streets on the go.

COLUGO COMPACT

Relatively new to the baby gear market, the Colugo brand has a steady contender in the travel stroller niche in the Colugo Compact ($285). It feels quite similar to the UPPAbaby Minu in a lot of ways— with a full seat recline, easy and ample storage and no-puncture tires—albeit at a friendlier price point. The stroller weighs 16 pounds and can accommodate kids up to 55 pounds. As a bonus, a rain cover and backpack that are perfect for travel are included.

Best Double Stroller for Europe Travel

By: Author Wandermust Daddy

Are you looking for the best double stroller for Europe travel? n this guide we tell you the important considerations for the best double stroller for travel to Europe such as size, robustness and more.

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you! 

Table of Contents

Considerations for the best Double Stroller for Europe

We are very lucky to have traveled to many places around the world with our toddler and baby and what we have found, is that despite what some people say there is no one travel stroller that works perfectly in location around the world.

When considering what the best double stroller for Europe is there are a few things that you will want to take into consideration such as 

• wheels 
• storage. 

While we recommend having a robust double stroller for Europe, you really need to consider the size of a stroller especially if you are staying in a hotel with baby . 

One of the things to remember when choosing your accommodation in Europe is that hotel rooms tend to be much smaller in European cities than their US counterparts.

So remember if you are traveling with lots of luggage, pack and plays and car seats for two children and have a large and not compact double stroller then you may find yourself running out of space in your hotel room pretty quickly. 

For tips on picking toddler and baby friendly hotel rooms check out this post. 

Also you will find in many European countries, outside of the UK especially that double strollers can be tricky on public transport. 

On many European buses you will be required to fold down your stroller to get on the bus and other public transit systems, i.e. the London Underground or Metro in cities such as Amsterdam, will have inconsistent availability of lifts. This can be tricky when travel with any stroller but is especially tricky with a large double stroller. 

For more information on using strollers in certain cities and countries check out our related guides:

• using a Stroller in Italy
• using a stroller in London

We have said before there is no one double stroller that can work for every situation perfectly. 

For instance if you are looking for the best stroller for cruise ship travel you want something that is lightweight and collapsible into a very small space. While using a stroller in Japan’ s ancient cities you will want something that has big wheels and that is robust enough to manage cobbles.

Some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations are very ancient and as such you will find that there are lots of uneven walkways and cobbled stones. Therefore while you want something that can collapse down easily, you also need to make sure that you have a double stroller that has wheels that can cope with cobbles and uneven terrains well. 

Copes with multiple terrains

The other thing to remember about Europe is that your travels don’t necessarily have to be all in cities. There are some great beaches to visit in Europe with kids as well as many countryside hikes especially in locations such as Switzerland. 

Therefore if your European itinerary with kids covers cities, beaches and countryside be sure to check that you have a stroller that can deal with multiple terrains. 

Easy to Fold

One of the key things for a stroller in Europe is to make sure it is easy to fold down especially if you plan to use on public transportation such as the buses, Metro and trains. In many places in Europe children cannot remain in the stroller on a bus and you will need to fold it down.

Be sure to pick one that is easy to collapse and practice doing it in a low stress environment so you are prepared for being asked to do this in public. 

Individually reclining seats

If you are using a double stroller you will want to make sure each seat reclines on its own. If you are traveling to Europe from the US then you may find your baby or toddler suffering from jet lag . Having a seat that reclines on its own will help a child suffering from jet lag nap on their own schedule. 

That way each child can nap on their own schedule. 

Has a Sun Shade

Depending on what part of Europe you are traveling to and the season you are traveling in, you may need a good sun shade. So if you are traveling to Italy with a toddler or somewhere like Greece or Spain in the summer be sure to have a large sun shade on your stroller. 

Has a Rain Cover

Although we love living in Europe, and lived have many different places in Europe, the one downside is that you can get rain during any season. For this reason no matter the time of year you are travel to Europe be sure you have a good rain cover for your stroller. 

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL – Standing platform

Not all double strollers have a stand option. If you want to have this option be sure to check that it is offered on your stroller of choice. 

For more traveling in Europe with toddlers and baby tips check out the below posts:

• Best European Countries to visit with toddlers
• London with a toddler
• London with a baby
• Rome with a baby or Toddler
• Amsterdam with a Baby or Toddler 

Best Double Stroller for Europe

In this section we will round up the best double strollers against our considerations alongside their pros and cons to help you make your choice for the best double stroller for travel to Europe.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double  

• Customizable Stroller: Customize your ride with 4 different modes via accessories such as infant car seat, pram, glider board, parent console and child tray
• Easy Handling: The adjustable handlebar & hand-operated parking brake ensure a comfortable steering and control, always within arm’s reach
• Comfort First: Near-flat reclining seats and adjustable calf supports for your children’s comfort
• One-step Quick-fold: Patented technology for easy transportation and storage
• Compatibility: Compatible with Britax, Cybex, Graco, and Maxi Cosi infant car seats

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double stroller could be a perfect pick for Europe as it is extremely agile with great rubber tyres that would work on any type of terrain. This is perfect if you have a European itinerary that covers both cities and mountains for instance. 

It also has a great weight range as it works from newborn all the way up to 22kg which means it will have a long shelf life for your family. 

It is also very easy to fold which you will do a lot on European public transit. 

Click here to shop this double stroller

Baby Trend Expedition Double Stroller

• Locking front swivel wheel
• Pneumatic bicycle tires
• Ratcheting shade canopy for each seat
• Convenient parent tray includes two cup holders and covered storage compartment
• Large storage basket

This is a great double stroller that comes at a much reduced price tag to the above at only around c.300USD which is good value for a double stroller.

It also has a pretty decent sun shade and each seat reclines independently which is an essential for jet lag naps. 

Click here to shop Baby Trend Expedition Double Stroller

This stroller is really only an option for our US readers as this is not available in Europe currently. However it is a great choice for traveling to Europe. 

It is one of the lightest double strollers for travel weighing in at only 19lb.

It has individually reclining seats but doesn’t go flat, so if this is important to you you may want to consider a different stroller on the list. 

This stroller also has an amazing canopy so this is great for those traveling in Summer or going to Southern Europe. 

Mountain Buggy Nano Duo

• ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT! Just a 20lbs double stroller to make pushing two that much easier!
• ULTRA COMPACT FOLD! No double folds smaller! Perfect for travel and quick errands around town!
• NEWBORN SOLUTIONS FOR ONE OR TWO! Compatible with the additional cocoon accessory for lightweight newborn comfort
• CAR SEAT COMPATIBLE with Mountain Buggy, phil&teds, Graco, Peg Perego, Cybex, Nuna, and Maxi Cosi (with adaptor purchase)
• EXTRA TALL SEAT WITH DEEP RECLINE! With two 26” seats, the nano duo can be used comfortably with your growing toddler and the deep recline on both seats is perfect for napping on the go

While we love this Mountain Buggy Nano Duo however it does have some drawbacks which mean it is doesn’t have the longest shelf life. The stroller seats have a relatively low weight test and the seats are also narrow compared to others on this list. 

If you have older children or larger kids then this might not be the best pick for them. 

Click here to shop this stroller

KolKraft Cloud Plus  

• SIDE BY SIDE LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Travel-friendly stroller design (only 23 lbs) makes this a perfect stroller for traveling. The width fully assembled is 31 inches which allows this stroller to easily roll through standard doorways. DISNEY Size Approved!
• LARGE SUN CANOPY: Three-tier, extended canopy for maximum sun protection and coverage. A peek-a-boo window so you can easily check on your little one while on the go
• RECLINING SEAT: Reclining seat offers 5-point safety restraint system and accommodates child to 40 pounds per seat. (80 lbs total) Seat does not recline completely flat. Seat Width - 12.5 Inch
• EXTRA STORAGE: Include one parent tray with two drink holders, removable child trays with dual cup and juice box holder. Two large and easy to access storage basket holds all baby's necessities
• EASY STANDING FOLD: Convenient self-standing fold, easily tucks away when not in use, or perfect for car travel and vacations. Folded Dimensions: 20"L x 31"W x 33.5"H

The Kolkraft Cloud Plus is the cheapest double stroller we recommend for travel to Europe and is a great option for families on a budget. 

This double stroller is ultra light weight at only 23lbs and at only 31 inches wide which is great for navigating some of the very narrow doorways and streets in some of Europe’s older cities such as Rome .

It also has a large canopy which is great for sun protection if you are visiting Europe in Summer or visiting some of the more Southern countries. 

However it is worth noting that while there are 5 different layers of recline this stroller doesn’t lie completely flat. Therefore if napping is a priority for your stroller this might not be the best one for you.  

joovy Scooter x2

• UNIQUE, COMPACT TRI-FOLD DESIGN makes this twin stroller ideal for small cars with limited cargo space
• BIG WHEELS that give little ones a smooth ride, even when pushed one-handed
• DUAL SNACK TRAYS with built-in cup holders. And when it’s time to get out the snack trays swing open
• TWO ZIPPERED STORAGE POCKETS too keep your personal items secure and an extra-large storage basket for all the essentials
• MULTIPLE SEAT RECLINE POSITIONS and adjustable footrests so each of your little ones can customize their ride, making this a perfect toddler stroller

This mid price stroller, the Joovy Scooter X2 has some great features. For instance it has one of the best sun canopies on the market and a huge stroller basket and it has the all important independent seat adjustment. 

Joovy Caboose Too Tandem Stroller

• REAR BENCH AND STANDING PLATFORM so the tandem stroller gives your big kid the freedom they deserve. Kids can sit, stand, or stroll whenever the mood takes them
• UNIVERSAL CAR SEAT ADAPTER for when a new kid comes along, you don’t need to upgrade your stroller
• 3-WAY RECLINING SEATS for naps and babies. Your little ones can lay back in this infant and toddler stroller and enjoy naptime thanks to the Caboose’s three reclining positions
• 90LB WEIGHT CAPACITY giving you the flexibility to carry two big kids without strain. Incredibly, this sit and stand stroller is still small enough to fit in the trunk
• EASILY REMOVABLE SNAP-ON FOOD TRAY with two built-in drink holders so kids can dine on the go!

Joovy is one of the go to brands for double strollers on the market especially those who are traveling with a baby and a toddler rather than twins of the same age. 

Unlike the other double strollers on this list the seat configuration is one in front of the other rather than side by side seat arrangement.

e front seat is for the younger children – from six months to 2.5 years while the rear bench seat and standing platform goes from 2.5years until the child meets the weigh of 45 pounds. 

I will admit this isn’t my favorite stroller on the list as my little ones don’t like being in the behind seat however if your child doesn’t mind this it may be a perfect choice for you as it is narrower for those tight buildings you find in Europe. 

But what I do like about this is that children can stand on the back platform which my kids love. 

Click here to shop this stroller.

Baby Trend Sit and Stand Ultra Tandem Stroller

The final double  stroller on the list for European travel is the baby trend sit and stand ultra tandem stroller. It is a really flexible stroller offering multiple combinations of double seats or sit and stand combos. 

And at under 200USD this is one of the cheaper strollers on this list. 

Click here to shop this stroller 

FAQs re the best Double stroller for European travel

What is the narrowest double stroller for travel.

The narrowest double stroller for travel that we have found is the Joovy Caboose Tandem. That is because the seats are behind each other rather than side by side. 

The width of this double stroller is only 54 cms / 21.25 inches. 

Another narrow stroller is the City Tour 2 Double. 

What is the lightest double stroller for Europe travel?

The Zoe XL2 double stroller only weighs 19lbs so is one of the lightest double strollers on the market. 

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Nena Farrell

The Best Travel Strollers for Your Summer Adventures

I love travel strollers. I test strollers as a part of my job , but whenever I'm not testing something new, I switch to these fantastic, lightweight strollers, even if I'm not traveling! They've become my go-to everyday strollers since my kid turned 1 and could face forward on our walks. They're quick to fold and easy to throw in the trunk of my small sedan, and I can carry 'em with one hand while balancing my kid and unlocking the door with the other. They're great for actual travel too. Whether you're on a road trip or a plane ride, these lightweight travel strollers are the ones I love most after weeks of testing.

Be sure to get our tips on how to buy a stroller first. If you're curious about more parenting gear, check out our related guides, including the Best Baby Monitors , Best Breast Pumps , Best Baby Gear , and Best Strollers .

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Best Overall

No stroller is as easy to fold as the Nuna TRVL . Just the other day a fellow mom asked me what stroller it was, saying she'd never seen a stroller fold like that before. The 14.6-pound Nuna quickly folds forward onto itself into an upright position, sticking the belly bar in the air for you to grab and go, whether you're in the airport or piling into the car after a day at the zoo. It comes with a travel bag, which you can stuff into the lower storage basket and then use when checking the stroller onto a plane. Speaking of, the storage basket’s sides are a little low, but it was a perfect size to fit my favorite diaper bags .

I really love this stroller for the hand fold. I used to live in an apartment with a staircase between me and the rest of the world (my car! the street! any useable sidewalks!) and having a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller made getting out of the house or coming home from a walk so much easier. For my next little one, I'm buying Nuna's car seat and using this system from day one, since Nuna's TRVL line is compatible with its car seats . It offers a smooth ride even with the lightweight frame, though you do have to look out for big bumps on the sidewalk.

13.6 pounds without handlebar, 14.6 with the handlebar. Comes with a travel bag.

Best Budget Travel Stroller

The Zoe Tour V2 stroller has a lot of what I like about the Nuna, with a slightly worse fold and not as nice of a finished folding position. But it's $200 cheaper! It also comes with cup holders for both parent and baby, and even a little snack bowl for my kid (these are so often extra upgrades you have to pay for on other strollers). You do have to choose either the belly bar or the kid cup and snack holders—you can't have both. The belly bar is handy to lift the stroller with when folded.

The Tour V2 looks nice, though the materials feel a little rough and the build doesn't feel as sturdy. But the seat was still plenty comfy for my kid, and this compact stroller was easy to maneuver around. It's the lightest stroller I have tested and recommend, though the difference isn't that noticeable compared to other strollers that weigh between 13 to 15 pounds. You can also buy car seat adapters from Zoe to make the Tour V2 compatible with car seats from Graco, Chicco, Nuna, and others.

13.4 pounds. Comes with a parent drink holder, baby drink holder, and baby snack bowl.

Best Carry-On Stroller

Most planes will make you check your stroller at the gate. The ones that won't require a stroller within carry-on dimensions; many travel strollers fold too long and wide to fit perfectly. But the Silver Cross Jet 5's folded position looks like a piece of luggage, folding down to 10 x 14.5 x 24.5 inches with a handle sticking straight up like on a traditional carry-on. You can lug it around like luggage when folded, which is super handy when you let your toddler run wild so they nap on the plane. It has a cover to make it look more suitcase-like too. It's still a few inches larger than carry-on luggage—most airlines are looking for 8 or 9 inches by 15 and 22 inches for overhead bin luggage—but the Jet 5 might honestly pass for a carry-on when you wheel it past the flight attendant. You'll need to pop the handle off to fit it in the overhead compartment, which is easy to do.

The build materials are fantastic and the stroller is sturdy, but I did find this one more challenging to unfold than any other stroller I've tested. You have to snap the supports together and while they have handles, my small hands struggled to snap them into place while holding the stroller up. It's easier with two people, but even my husband found it difficult. There’s a seat that reclines into a bassinet-like mode with an included piece of fabric to keep the baby in place, but it didn’t feel secure enough for me to want to use with a newborn.

15.9 pounds. Comes with a travel cover and rain cover.

Best for Infant Travel

Any trip you're taking with an infant will require a car seat. That's true for road trips, air travel, quick Ubers from your hotel, or even just going home to the hospital (baby's first big trip home!). So why deal with a stroller and a car seat when you can have two in one? The Doona Car Seat & Stroller had me kicking myself that I didn't try it sooner. I was so stressed out trying to make a car seat and stroller pair on a budget, and I should have just bought this all-in-one for the early days and then bought a real travel stroller when my kid grew out of it. Another idea for kid number two!

The Doona is 17 pounds, which isn't light once the baby is in there, but it doesn't feel too heavy. It's easy to switch from stroller to car seat mode once you get the motion down to click the legs back up or out again. The Doona's seat and handle are a little low compared to normal strollers, so tall parents might not like it as much, but it's a great pick to go from car to airport to plane and back again without needing more than one gadget. Just remember—infants can't be in a car seat for more than two hours at a time.

17 pounds. Comes with a car seat base.

Best for Taller Kids

The Bugaboo Butterfly is like the Nuna TRVL with a similarly easy fold, but the seat is a little taller and my 70th-percentile-height 2-year-old has plenty of headroom when he's sitting in it (and room to grow into it too). I like that the extendable canopy is larger, giving my son better coverage when we're on a day trip to the zoo or walking around the park on a sunny afternoon. My kid doesn't like to wear hats, so I'm dependent on my stroller's canopy to protect his poor little head. The Bugaboo's frame doesn't feel as sturdy as the Nuna TRVL though.

It has a slightly shorter, more compact fold than Nuna's strollers, almost perfectly hitting carry-on luggage size. It's still a little wide— 17 inches when carry-on luggage usually can only be 14—but it has a better shot than most other strollers. It's rated to be IATA (International Air Transport Association) compatible, so it should fit in most overhead compartments. Bugaboo also has adapters to make this stroller work with popular infant car seats from Maxi Cosi, Graco, Cybex, and others. The Butterfly has a carry strap rather than a handle when folded, which is fine but not quite as convenient to grab—it often got stuck inside the stroller for me. You can also grab the handle but avoid the center button.

16 pounds. Comes with a rain cover.

★ Easier fold, smaller canopy: The Nuna TRVL LX ($550) also has more headspace for bigger kids like the Bugaboo Butterfly. The Nuna has a softer seat and I find the fold a little easier , but the Bugaboo offers a better canopy and is slightly more compact.

A City Stroller I'd Travel With

This is not a travel stroller. The Thule Shine ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is a city stroller, meaning it's a little more compact than your usual everyday stroller, but still has all the capabilities of a full-size stroller. It has a toddler seat that can face both inward and outward and works with third-party car seats with adapters (sold separately).

That said, I like it for travel since it's much smaller than other traditional strollers, like the Uppababy Vista V2 or the Nuna Mixx Next, while still packing similar features. Thanks to the adjustable handlebar, it wasn't too short for my 6'3" dad, and it folds compact enough to almost pass for a travel stroller. It's super easy for city strolling thanks to its slim size and would be a fun stroller to bring on a longer trip where you'll be walking a lot. I'd happily tote it around Europe for a few weeks if I ever get the guts to take my kid on such a long flight. You'll have to check the Thule Shine and it doesn't come with a travel bag, but Thule sells one ($80) . Thule also has a rider board ($130) for older children to hop onto, letting this stroller easily transform into a double stroller. The rider board can get in the way when folding, but it's easy to remove when you aren't using it.

21.6 pounds. Comes with a rain cover.

Honorable Mentions

There are a lot of strollers out there. Here are a few more I like but aren't my top recommendations for one reason or another.

Joovy Kooper for $200 : This stroller is the cheapest I've tested, and I like that it comes with a full snack tray—something you won't find in almost any other travel stroller. It folds down flat rather than upright.

Colugo The One for $395 : This is a fine stroller with similar features to the above picks, but I like the Zoe Tour V2 better for the price, or I'd rather pay $50 more for the Nuna TRVL. That said, Colugo has great stroller accessories I've used with non-Colugo strollers.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 for $430 : This is another city stroller like the Thule Shine, but its nearly flat fold reminds me of a travel stroller. It comes with a car seat attachment that works with many popular car seat makers, so it's a great pick if you want something to work with a car seat right away and still has a great, lightweight fold. It has fantastic wheel suspension, similar to a jogging stroller but with much smaller wheels.

Thule Spring for $400 : This stroller reminded me of the Baby Jogger with its three-wheel design and nice suspension, but folds a lot taller and thicker. It does stand up on its own if you put the handle at a middle height, which is nice. It's touted as a compact stroller for a reason—it's not lightweight or travel-friendly like our other picks. But it still has a nice size and handling if you want something more compact for everyday use.

What to Look for in a Travel Stroller

Shopping for a stroller can be intense. They're not a small investment, and you want them to last until your kid grows out of them (usually once they hit 50 to 55 pounds). If you're trying to pick a travel stroller in a pinch, or are feeling overwhelmed by the options, here are some guidelines that can help.

• Is there a five-point harness? Five-point harnesses are the standard for securing your baby in the stroller via the straps. Every pick we recommend above has one. This is a feature you want and should be included.
• Do you need car seat compatibility? If you're traveling with an infant, you'll either need a bassinet mode or the ability to connect your car seat to the stroller. You can DIY a travel system by pairing any stroller with a compatible car seat. Many strollers we recommend have car seat attachments you can buy that work with popular brands, but some aren't so flexible. (Uppababy's car seats only work with its strollers.)
• Do you want a travel pram? A travel pram or bassinet is the lie-down flat mode that allows newborns to lie on their back while you walk. It's a nice mix-up from always being in a car seat—especially since infants can't stay in a car seat for more than two hours at a time. I haven't liked most bassinet modes I've tried on travel strollers since they feel a little flimsy and not as secure as I'd want an infant to be, but we're testing more soon and will update this guide with more recommendations.
• Are these umbrella strollers? There's a mixed category of strollers sometimes called lightweight, travel, or even umbrella strollers. Umbrella strollers are less popular and are known for their rounded umbrella-like handle. This guide focuses on more general travel strollers, but we plan to test a few of these.
• Do you need a double stroller? If you have two kids, you might be wondering if you're screwed. You're not! If I had two kids, I'd get a stroller I can add a rider board to, like the Thule Shine (if one of my kids is old enough to ride it). If not, the Zoe Twin V2 ($530) is a double stroller version of the Tour V2, and is a great price for two kids (and can still use Zoe's infant car seat attachment).
• Can you bring it on the plane? Many major airlines, like American Airlines and British Airways, require you to gate-check strollers, which means you can still use them at the airport, but can't put them in overhead space. Some airlines like United, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic allow a travel stroller (often called a “collapsible stroller”) as carry-on luggage as long as it fits the size requirements of carry-on luggage, which is usually around 8 x 14 x 22 inches. None of the travel strollers I've tested so far fit into these size constraints, but the Bugaboo Butterfly and Silver Cross Jet 5 have a compact size when folded that gets closer than most (as long as you remove the Jet 5's handle, that is).

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Exploring the World with our Traveling Tots

The Best Travel Stroller for your next Vacation

While we love our Thule jogging stroller at home, a good travel stroller is essential when traveling with small children. The perfect travel stroller will be easy to carry through airports and also allow you to navigate narrow sidewalks while also keeping your little one comfortable and safe.

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What we look for in a travel stroller:

Carry on size

We only fly with a carry on stroller. Most airlines will gate check strollers and carseats for free, making an ultra-compact stroller not seem necessary. However, some airports return gate checked items at baggage claim, rather than plane side. For this reason, carrying on a stroller can save you the headache (and backache) of having to carry your 30 pound toddler through a layover. Additionally, the wait for gate checked items to be returned can be long. We like the convenience of being able to walk right off the plane and to our next destination without the wait. 

Full Recline

Travel is exhausting for everyone, especially little bodies. With so much time spent out and about, it’s likely that your toddler will take a few naps in their stroller. Having a full recline ensures that your little one is able to get a semi-quality nap, despite being out on the go.

Large shade

Since we are a sun-sensitive family, having a large shade is important. You will undoubtedly notice that a very popular travel stroller ( GB Pockit Air ) is not included on this list. While this stroller may be acceptable during certain times of year in certain locations, the lack of adequate sunshade makes it too restricting to even consider as a primary travel stroller.

One handed driving

Sometimes, our hands are just full. Whether you are carrying a coffee, eating a croissant on the go, or holding an older child’s hand, we can’t always commit two hands to steering a stroller. However, some umbrella strollers require both hands to drive, which doesn’t work for our family. 

Drawbacks of a travel stroller:

First and foremost, there is no perfect stroller that will fit every situation and scenario. We accept the following downsides of a travel stroller because the pros outweigh the cons while we are on the road.

Option for newborns

Many compact travel strollers lack a safe option for newborns altogether. On the other hand, others require separate accessories for newborns. For us, this was not an issue because Eloise did not tolerate any stroller until around 6 months. Additionally, we prefer to carry smaller babies in soft sided carriers , rather than strollers. If having a stroller for a baby under 6 months is a priority, then you will need to choose one with that specific feature.

The wheels:

Without doubt, the largest drawback of compact travel strollers are the wheels. People often look for travel strollers that will work well on cobbles, and that just doesn’t exist. In order to perform well on cobblestones, a stroller will need large inflatable tires that glide over the gaps between the stones. Any strollers with large tires will not be able to achieve a compact fold. 

For most destinations, a smaller travel stroller will still be advantageous because large jogging strollers will not easily fit through narrow cities, and are difficult to carry up and down metro stairs. Just be aware that they will never be easy to push over cobblestones.

Other considerations:

If your chosen stroller has an option for a carry bag, get it. Some airline gate agents are resistant to letting you carry a stroller onboard and will insist that it is gate checked, even if it fits carry on dimensions. We place our stroller in the Zoe backpack shortly before boarding and have never been told we need to gate check it. Additionally, it protects our stroller if we need to gate check it for smaller regional planes. 

When we arrived in Paris, our stroller was missing a wheel. It had fallen off at some point in our travel day. Because it was in the travel bag, we didn’t lose the wheel. Without the bag, we would have had to purchase a whole new stroller in Paris.

Carry strap

Consider adding a carrying strap to your stroller. We attached a luggage strap to ours, allowing us to easily carry it up and down flights of stairs in train stations and at AirBNBs. Many travel strollers include this feature, but a luggage strap can be added if not.

The best travel strollers:

All of the strollers listed below will fulfill these requirements:

• carry on size
• deep recline
• large sunshade
• one handed steering

Additionally, you will notice several popular models are not included here. We have only included strollers that we would be happy to own, are well reviewed by parents, and fulfill the 4 requirements above.

Babyzen Yoyo

The Babyzen Yoyo is the Rolls Royce of travel strollers. It is incredibly popular in Europe, where it serves as the only stroller for many families. The Yoyo also has options for carrying newborns safely ( car seat adapter , newborn pack , or bassinet ), although those need to be purchased separately. If you are looking for a compact stroller to use for travel and daily use, this is a great option. 

• Weight: 13.6 lbs
• Child capacity: 6 months to 48lbs (from birth with a car seat adapter , newborn pack , or bassinet )
• Built in carry strap
• Bassinet or Newborn kit for carrying newborns
• Includes a carrying bag
• Car seat compatible
• Stylish color options
• No adjustable leg rest
• Shorter backrest
• Complicated fold

Another high end travel stroller, the Joolz Aer excels in comfort for your little one. With its significantly larger seat and higher back, it is ideal for carrying larger kids. Like the Babyzen Yoyo, a bassinet can be purchased for use with newborns. This is another great option for use as an everyday stroller and as a travel stroller. 

• Weight: 13.4 lbs
• Child capacity: 6 months to 50lbs (from birth with a bassinet)
• Built in shoulder strap
• Easy fold and carry
• Bassinet option for carrying newborns
• Large basket
• Includes rain cover and travel bag
• Larger seat is ideal for older kids
• Adjustable leg rest must be purchased separately

Bugaboo Butterfly

The newest of the travel strollers to make this list. Like the Joolz Aer above, the Bugaboo Butterfly has a significantly larger seat than the Yoyo . It is slightly heavier and feels sturdier, but has a few awkward components, specifically the carry handle/footrest, and the carry strap. This is a brand new stroller in 2022, so it hasn’t been tested the way the other strollers on this list have been. However, Bugaboo is known for building excellent strollers that are very high quality.

• Weight: 16.1 lbs
• Child capacity: 6 months to 48.5lbs (from birth with a car seat)
• Very large, functional basket
• Sturdy build
• Price- the least expensive of the higher end models
• One handed fold
• Smaller wheels
• Price- still pretty high
• Awkward handle and carry strap
• The heaviest stroller on the list

Zoe Traveler

Note: Zoe has recently discontinued the popular Traveler model. They still offer a compact model (The Trip), but it is slightly heavier and a bit larger. Hopefully, Zoe will bring back the Traveler when supply chain issues are sorted out. Until then, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Nano as a more budget-friendly option.

The Zoe Traveler is a great budget option for traveling families. While it lacks the ability to carry newborns, the large hood and deep recline are great for travel. The adjustable leg rest also makes it more comfortable for older babies and toddlers. At just 11 pounds, it is the lightest stroller on this list. 

• Weight: 11 lbs
• Child capacity: 6 months-45 lbs (no newborn option)
• Adjustable leg rest
• Almost flat recline
• Large sunshade
• The lightest stroller on the list
• No options for carrying newborns
• Not car seat compatible
• Carrying strap and bag are sold separately

Mountain Buggy Nano

With a very similar build to the Zoe Traveler, Mountain Buggy Nano is another great budget option for families. This is the only stroller on this list that allows a car seat connection without the purchase of an additional adapter, There is also an option to purchase a separate cocoon for newborns.

• Weight: 13 lbs
• Child capacity: 6 months to 45 lbs (from birth with a car seat- no adapter required).
• Flat recline
• Included carry bag and shoulder strap
• Slightly lower handles
• Wheels do not pack away in carry bag

The Doona is completely different than every other stroller on this list- it is actually a car seat with wheels. Of course, the largest downside of this is the limited time that a baby can fit in the carseat. Because of this, the Doona can only be used for a short period. If you plan to travel a lot with your baby, or frequently take ubers and need a car seat handy, the Doona would be a good option for you. 

• Weight: 16.5 lbs
• Child Capacity: newborn to 35 pounds (although babies are likely to outgrow the height limit before reaching 35 pounds)
• It is also a car seat
• Only usable for a short time
• No storage basket
• Low handles

When we purchased our travel stroller, we felt the Zoe offered the best compromise for features and price. We had a very tough time choosing between the Zoe and the Mountain Buggy and ended up choosing the Zoe based on the slightly higher handlebars (Casey is 6’4”).

When we were choosing our strollers, we anticipated using our full size stroller while home, and only using the travel stroller while away. In hindsight, we have found that we use our “travel stroller” for quick outings around our home when our full size stroller isn’t needed. We ended up buying a Joolz Aer and couldn’t be happier with our decision. The Aer handles better than the Zoe on rough terrain, and feels much sturdier. The taller handle is also ideal for Casey.

Overall, the Zoe would have been perfectly adequate for use traveling once or twice a year. However, because we use this ultracompact for travel and quick outings at home, the higher end stroller was a good investment. If you are on a budget, Zoe and Mountain Buggy both make great strollers. If you are traveling frequently, or looking for an everyday option, the higher end choices here are worth the investment.

Flying with a Baby or Toddler? Check out these other gear recommendations:

• Baby Travel Gear- A full list of things you need when traveling with a baby
• The Best Airplane Toys for Flying with Babies
• Your Personal Item with a Baby- Full Packing List

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triv™ next + pipa™ urbn travel system

A next-level travel system where advanced safety and full-featured luxury features come together in a lightweight package that moves you and baby seamlessly through the suburbs and to the city.   The Nuna PIPA urbn reimagines the future of travel with baby. This one-of-a-kind, ultra-lightweight infant car seat weighs only 7 pounds and installs using the advanced pipaFIX™ rigid latch. This groundbreaking baseless installation feature is integrated into the car seat, allowing for super secure installs in seconds when moving from car to taxi, to rideshare and offering a new generation of journeys. It also features a one-handed, quick release from stroller and vehicle and Nuna’s iconic Sky drape™ for ultimate privacy - so you and baby can navigate life with modern-day ease. Engineered for convenience and comfort, the Nuna TRIV next stroller features all-wheel suspension, a one-touch braking system, and large rear wheels that promise easy maneuverability through varied terrain. This compact fold stroller is cleverly designed with a seat that faces and folds both ways and offers all-season comfort. It keeps baby snug in winter and converts to breathable mesh in summer. It is designed to effortlessly connect with the PIPA urbn to make your everyday outings so much easier.

• Ring adapter folds with the stroller—no need to remove with the car seat
• Quick, one-handed fold means less time packing and more time relaxing
• Seat faces both ways and stroller folds flat no matter what direction baby’s been facing
• MagneTech secure snap™ is a self-guiding magnetic buckle that automatically locks into place
• 2-second steel-reinforced pipaFIX™ rigid latch installation makes set up swift, simple and above all - safe
• Ultralight for on-the-go at just 7 lbs
• Travel with ease with pipaFIX™ or vehicle seat belt- no base needed
• One-handed vehicle and stroller release for quick and easy in-and-outs
• Red Dot Product Design Winner 2022
• Travel system ready - simply attach a Nuna PIPA™ series infant car seat to the included ring adapter
• Durable footrest for a more comfortable ride

Stands alone when folded

• Spring suspension technology under the seat for smooth rides
• Water-repellent UPF 50+ canopy is extendable and features a flip out eyeshade and window
• Easy access zippered storage pocket and oversized shopping basket for all the essentials
• One-hand on-the-go recline and height adjustable pushbar
• Quick-release, five-point no-rethread harness converts to a three-point harness
• All-wheel suspension and one-touch rear brake allows for easy stop and go with just a simple top tap
• Swivel-lock front wheels
• 3-position recline and adjustable calf support for customized comfort
• All-season seat keeps baby cozy in winter and easily converts to mesh in summer
• Luxe leatherette accented pushbar and removable armbar lend style to your stroll
• Removable insert is lightweight and lightly textured with Merino wool and TENCEL* lyocell (*TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG)
• Rubber tires are tough, foam-filled and ready for any terrain
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Gold Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world's most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, and certified to not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure
• Auto-reclining foot that aids in proper installations in vehicles
• European belt path for vehicle belt installations
• Aeroflex™ foam that is cleverly lightweight, resilient, and minimizes force transferred to baby by absorbing and diffusing energy
• Side Impact Protection for ultimate baby safe keeping
• Five-point harness keeps travels secure
• Sky drape™ pulls down smoothly and attaches quietly with magnets
• Full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy is extendable and features a flip-out eyeshade and XL peek-a-boo window
• From fabric to foam and beyond, each element is smartly sourced to be both flame resistant and contain no added fire-retardant chemicals
• Integrated magnetic buckle holders help keep straps out of the way when buckling baby in
• Head support includes a 2-layer soft surround to accommodate smaller babies
• Infant head support and body inserts feature environmentally friendly Merino wool and TENCEL™ *** branded lyocell fiber blend that is soft, naturally controls moisture, and is environmentally friendly
• Machine washable seat fabrics and inserts
• Luxe leatherette carry handle for stylish journeys
• FAA certified for aircraft use
• All installation types are baseless- no base needed
• Not compatible with PIPA™ series base or RELX™ base
• Set of included anchor guides make it easy to locate and install on the lower anchor bars in vehicle
• *Refer to instructions for any final adjustments **Weight excludes canopy and infant insert ***TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG

Product specifications

Q: can the pipa urbn be installed with a base, q: when will pipa urbn be available as a stand-alone, q: can the triv next be used from birth.

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Orioles fan vies for MLB catch of the year with drink, phone, baby stroller in tow

MLB players will have a tough time beating this.

A Baltimore Orioles fan made a strong case for catch of the year from the upper deck Monday in a home game against the Cleveland Guardians .

With one out in the top of the third inning, Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor sent a deep foul ball off Orioles starter Cade Povich towering into the right-field stands. If not for the single fan sitting in the upper-deck section, the ball appeared destined to leave the park.

Our hero was determined that it wouldn't. As the ball approached the outer railing of the upper deck, said fan reached out with his right hand and snagged it before it left the park. The broadcast camera zoomed in after the catch to reveal that the fan had both a drink and his phone in his left hand as he secured the catch.

Right place, right time for this @Orioles fan. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/C9Au0VZ6m5 — MLB (@MLB) June 24, 2024

The fan then struck a well-earned victory pose and tipped his cap for an appreciative Camden Yards crowd.

Replay showed that he bumped into a baby stroller as he made the catch. Dad later revealed in an interview with Baltimore Banner Sports that his name is Tim Byer and that his 3-year-old daughter was in the stroller.

I just caught up with Tim Byer, the fan who caught that ball. He’s been to hundreds of #Orioles games. This was the first ball he’s ever caught at a game. https://t.co/jxR0QzDBu4 pic.twitter.com/QjHFVCLGAW — Paul Mancano (@PaulMancano) June 24, 2024

Mom was away for the catch, but back in the stands in time for his interview. The family had left their season-ticket seats in a lower deck for more room higher up.

"My seats are down there, but we came out here to spread out a little bit," Byer said.

The catch was his first ever at an Orioles game. It was a good one.

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Are We Loving Our Pets to Death?

Pet owners are treating their animal charges ever more like humans. But that isn’t good for pets, or for us, many experts argue.

By Linda Baker

This article is part of our Pets special section on scientists’ growing interest in our animal companions.

Pets are more popular than ever. Roughly two-thirds of American homes have at least one pet, up from 56 percent in 1988, according to the American Pet Products Association , and Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022, up from $123.6 billion in 2021. An estimated 91 million households in Europe own at least one pet, an increase of 20 million over the past decade. The pet population in India hit 31 million in 2021, up from 10 million in 2011.

And our pets are becoming ever more like us — or at least, that seems to be our goal. We pamper them with customized nutrition plans and knapsack carriers, dog hydrotherapy and stays in boutique cat hotels. At All the Best, a high-end pet store chain in Seattle, the most popular items are feline and canine enrichment toys, d esigned to stimulate them and bring happiness to animals that increasingly “are lying around alone and bored,” said Annie McCall, the chain’s marketing director.

Now some animal welfare ethicists and veterinary scientists are wondering if, in our efforts to humanize our pets, we’ve gone too far. The more we treat pets like people, they argue, the more constrained and dependent on us our pets’ lives have become, and the more health and behavioral issues our pets develop.

“We now view pets not only as family members but as equivalent to children,” said James Serpell, an emeritus professor of ethics and animal welfare at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “The problem is, dogs and cats are not children, and owners have become increasingly protective and restrictive. So animals are not able to express their own doggy and catty natures as freely as they might.”

The health risks begin with breeding, of course. One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States is the French bulldog , a member of the brachycephalic family of flat-faced dogs that bond well with people but have trouble breathing, among other severe health problems.

But we are also changing our animals’ relationship to their surroundings. Out of concerns about bird predation, many cats now spend their entire lives inside. Until the late 1970s, even city dogs spent most of their time outdoors, either in backyards or roaming unleashed around the neighborhood. Now, said Jessica Pierce, a bioethicist in Colorado whose work focuses on animal-human relationships, “the unleashed and loose dog is considered against the natural order of things.”

One of the fastest growing market segments is the so-called pet confinement sector, which includes crates and indoor fencing, as well as head harnesses and electronic collars. “The level of constraint that dogs face is profound,” Dr. Pierce said. Although dogs several decades ago were more likely to be hit by cars, she added, “those risks were outweighed by the freedom of experience and movement.”

The modern pet paradox, in a nutshell: “Owners don’t want dogs to act like dogs.” Dr. Serpell said.

While dogs are allowed in an ever-increasing number of human spaces — restaurants, offices, stores, hotels, as well as more parks with designated dog runs — their growing presence has not translated into greater independence.

The confinement and isolation, in turn, have bred an increase in animal separation anxiety and aggression, Dr. Serpell said. Roughly 60 percent of cats and dogs a re now overweight or obese . And due in part to the burden and expense of modern pet ownership — veterinary fees, pet sitters, boarding costs — more people are abandoning animals to animal shelters, leading to higher rates of euthanasia. In 2023, more than 359,000 dogs were euthanized at shelters, a five-year high, according to Shelter Animals Count, an animal advocacy group.

“We’re at an odd moment of obsession with pets,” Dr. Pierce said. “There are too many of them and we keep them too intensively. It’s not good for us and it’s not good for them.”

Granted, taming an animal has always meant striking a balance between its nature and ours. “Defining freedom to a dog, an animal that has been domesticated artificially and selected by humans for so long, is a really interesting puzzle,” said Alexandra Horowitz, a canine cognition researcher at Barnard College.

She drew a contrast with free-ranging dogs, a category to which most of the world’s estimated 900 million dogs belong . Free-roaming canines lead shorter lives and have no guarantee of food, Dr. Horowitz noted, but they do get to make all of their own choices. “That is an interesting model for us to look at — thinking about how to make a dog’s life more rich with choices so they are not just captive to our caprices all the time, while not endangering society at large,” she said.

In recent years Scandinavian countries have started to ban the breeding of some dog breeds that are particularly prone to disease, such as the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. In Sweden it is illegal to leave pets alone at home for extended periods of time; in both Sweden and Finland, crating animals in the home is illegal in most cases.

But whether these animal welfare policies reconcile or reinforce the fundamental paradox of modern pet keeping is unclear, said Harold Herzog, an emeritus psychology professor at Western Carolina University who studies animal-human relations. “The more we view dogs and cats as autonomous creatures, the less we can justify owning them as pets,” he said.

A few years ago, Dr. Herzog vacationed on the island of Tobago, and spent much of the time watching the stray dogs that roamed the landscape. “I asked myself: ‘Would I rather live in Manhattan as a pampered dog, or would I rather be a dog in Tobago hanging out with my friends?’” Dr. Herzog said. He concluded: “I’d rather be a dog in Tobago.”

That’s not a practical option for most people, or necessarily good for the Tobagos of the world. Instead, for the modern pet owner, Dr. Serpell offered this advice: “By all means enjoy your dog’s companionship. But dogs are not people. Get to know the animal from its own perspective instead of forcing them to comply with yours. It enables you to vicariously experience the life of another being.”

How Science Went to the Dogs (and Cats)

The Big Business of Pet Care: People have grown more attached to their pets — and more willing to spend money on them  — turning animal medicine into a high-tech industry worth billions.

Loving Pets to Death?: Pet owners are treating their animal charges ever more like humans. But many experts argue that isn’t good for pets — or for us .

Animal ‘Superheroes’: Transfusions have become an important part of veterinary medicine, but cat and dog blood is not always easy to come by .

Helping Owners Grieve : Though still rare, social workers in animal hospitals  are growing in their ranks.

Immunotherapy for Dogs: Dr. Hans Klingemann, a pioneering immunotherapy scientist, has studied whether the innovative treatment could save his two dogs from cancer .

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How do expecting parents prepare for parenthood.

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The average parent will spend more than three weeks of time preparing the nursery for their child before they’re born.

That’s according to a new survey of 1,500 parents with kids under the age of 10 and 500 first-time expecting parents.

Results revealed that 28% started decorating their nursery during the second trimester, though 17% dove right in and started as soon as they found out they were pregnant.

20% of respondents waited until the third trimester to start decorating, while 5% did not tackle the task until after the baby was born. 

Still, the average parent spent almost seven (6.6) hours tweaking their child’s nursery after they were born.

Almost nine in 10 (86%) chose to know the sex of their baby before they were born. 

The majority of parents who already have children wanted to know the gender before birth (90%), but first-time expecting parents are less likely to want to know (75%).

Overall, 92% of respondents either have had or will have a baby shower. On their guest lists are family (86%) and friends (79%), along with friends of the grandparents (49%) and coworkers (39%).

Some of the most cherished and appreciated gifts from their baby showers include clothing (59%) and practical items such as bottles, blankets and a diaper bag (58%).

A car seat (40%), stroller (37%) and crib (30%) also ranked high.

When it came time for a gender reveal, almost two-thirds of respondents (63%) hosted a party for their family and friends.

Of those, the average parent spent almost 12 hours (11.6) planning the party — with some respondents sharing they spent over 31 hours (7%) event planning. 

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of  Minted , the survey asked parents to reflect on their experiences associated with pregnancy milestones and reflect on what they’d do differently and what they’d do the same.

When comparing currently expecting parents with more seasoned parents, 42% of first-timers prioritized a gender reveal party, compared to only 23% of those who already have kids under 10.

The first time around, parents prioritized stocking up on all of the physical items they’d need, such as a crib, bottles and swaddling blankets (72%), as well as picking out a name for their child before birth (67%) and knowing their child’s sex before they were born (52%).

Yet, when it comes to a second child, those priorities shift. At the top of the list, parents still want to ensure they have all physical items they need (48%) before the baby’s arrival, but creating an archive of memories such as photos, important dates or moments, rose from fifth into second place (34%).

Parents would also spend more time preparing before birth (35%), would like to receive more practical gifts for their child (28%) and would spend more time planning celebrations for their child’s milestones (26%).

Seasoned parents were also asked to reflect on helpful advice they were given when expecting their first child. The top three golden nuggets include sleeping when the baby sleeps (33%), making time for self-care (30%) and trusting your parenting instincts (28%).

Results also found that 45% of parents admit that they are, or will be, less lenient with their second child than they were with their first when it comes to parenting styles, rules and schedules.

This may be because nearly seven in 10 (69%) believe that having a second child helped them “let go” of the less important things in life, and focus more on what’s actually important.

 “We know how much time and love parents put into preparing for the arrival of their little one,” said Marissa Cedarleaf, Minted GM of Baby & Kid, Stationery, and Gifts. “We are here to support parents through every step of their journey and share in the celebration of announcing their new baby’s arrival as well as exciting milestones from first birthday through graduation!”

As parents continue to plan milestone celebrations for their kids, the most important parts of planning a birthday party include whether their child is having fun (60%), the food (43%) and the activities and entertainment (40%). 

Taking that a step further, another 54% consider the adults attending when party planning and are concerned whether they’re having a good time as well. 

“We know how much time and dedication parents put into planning birthday parties,” said Cedarleaf. “Whether it’s your first time or you’re an expert, there are countless ways to make it an occasion your child will never forget. The details of each celebration change year to year, but the memories last forever.”

PARENTS’ MOST HELPFUL ADVICE TO THOSE EXPECTING THEIR FIRST CHILD

• Sleep when the baby sleeps – 33%
• Make time for self-care – 30%
• Trust your parenting instincts – 28%
• Don’t feel guilty about being an imperfect parent – 28%
• Don’t compare yourself to other parents – 27%

• You don’t have to do everything by yourself – 22%
• Take as many photos and videos as possible so you can look back on them later – 22%
• Be as present as you can – 21%
• Make time to bond with your partner during this new phase in life – 19%
• All of your identify doesn’t have to be tied to being a parent – 12%

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 500 first time expecting parents and 1,500 parents of kids under the age of 10 was commissioned by Minted between May 23 and May 31, 2024. It was conducted by market research company  Talker Research , whose team members are members of the Market Research Society ( MRS ) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research ( ESOMAR ).

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