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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.

 Amazon

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.

Buy Buy Baby

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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The 7 best travel strollers, according to parents who use them.

A quality travel stroller makes a world of difference when traveling with little ones.

The Best Travel Strollers

Courtesy of Joolz

The Joolz Aer is the best overall travel stroller on the market.

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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The Best Travel Car Seats

By Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

Let’s face it: Traveling with little kids can be a slog. But a lightweight, compact, easy-to-install travel car seat is one tool that can make trips a bit easier.

We’ve tested 17 travel car seats for infants and up, and we examined how they performed in various circumstances, including during air travel and in rental cars. The Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks for the best infant car seats , is an excellent choice for both travel and everyday use. For an affordable and easy-to-use convertible car seat for toddlers and preschoolers, we recommend traveling with the Cosco Scenera Next , which fits kids up to 40 inches tall for rear-facing or 43 inches for forward-facing. For kids bigger than that who still need a seat with a five-point harness, we recommend the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 , which also converts to a high-back booster. The backless, lightweight Cosco Rise is great for booster-age kids.

If you’ll be hopping in and out of taxis or ride shares with a baby, the Doona is a unique but expensive infant car seat that converts to a stroller. And instead of purchasing a dedicated convertible car seat for travel, another option is to bring yours along with the Britax Travel Cart .

Everything we recommend

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex

The best infant car seat for travel.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is easier than most infant car seats to install securely without its base.

Buying Options

An infant car seat and stroller in one

This unusual car seat has integrated wheels that pop out to turn it into a stroller. It’s best for parents who frequently need to move their car seat in and out of different vehicles.

Cosco Scenera Next

The best convertible car seat for travel.

This affordable and easy-to-use car seat weighs 6.8 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing. But kids can outgrow it quickly.

Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

The best harness booster car seat for travel.

This no-frills seat converts from a forward-facing five-point harness to a high-back booster. It weighs just 12 pounds.

Britax Travel Cart

A travel cart for lugging your own seat through the airport.

This sturdy, smooth-rolling travel cart helps you transport your own convertible car seat—and avoid buying a standalone travel seat. You can even strap your child into their seat and use it like a stroller.

The best backless booster seat for travel

This basic booster seat weighs only 2.2 pounds and can work for children as small as 40 pounds. But it has a rather large footprint and will be too big to fit in most carry-ons.

How we picked

A seat that’s lightweight is more manageable to carry between multiple locations. A more compact seat is also easier to pack.

We considered the seat’s comfort and ability to adjust straps and buckles.

Ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it will be done properly.

We looked at crash-testing scores and ease-of-use ratings. Our infant, convertible, and harness booster picks are FAA-approved for use on a plane.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a great all-around infant car seat—and one of the ones we recommend for everyday use. But for travel it stands out: It has a European belt path that makes it easier to get a secure install without the base than for many car seats, and it’s cheaper than other seats that have this belt routing option.

Weight of seat: 10 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

Parents who can’t leave their infant seat base installed in a specific car but instead need to travel by taxi or rideshare frequently may find the innovative Doona to be a convenient option. This sleek infant car seat has integrated wheels and converts to a stroller that maneuvers easily, plus the seat is FAA-approved for use on an airplane. But the versatile Doona is much heavier and more expensive than a regular infant car seat.

Weight of seat: 14.3 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

The Cosco Scenera Next is a notably lightweight, affordable convertible car seat that is simple to install and carry on an airplane. It receives strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is FAA-approved for use on a plane. But many kids will outgrow it before they reach the height or weight limit because of the low position of the shoulder straps.

Weight of seat: 6.8 pounds Orientation: rear- or forward-facing Weight range: 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing; 22-40 pounds forward-facing Height range: 19-40 inches rear-facing; 29-43 inches forward-facing

For children using a forward-facing five-point harness, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a lightweight and affordable travel option that is FAA-approved for use on a plane (in harness mode only). It also converts to a high-back booster. However, it has lower height limits than some boosters, so kids may not get as many years of use from it, in comparison with pricier options.

Weight of seat: 12 pounds Orientation: forward-facing only Weight range: 30 to 65 pounds for harness mode; 40 to 100 pounds for high-back mode Height range: 32 to 49 inches for harness mode; 43 to 52 inches for high-back mode

Bringing your own car seat to the airport has one big advantage—you don’t have to learn how to install yet another seat. But your own convertible car seat is likely to be heavy (our picks in our guide to convertible car seats range from 19 to 33 pounds). The Britax Travel Cart is compatible with most convertible seats, and when your car seat is secured to it with LATCH, you can use it like a stroller to push your toddler through the airport. The cart can then be stored in an overhead bin during your flight.

Weight of cart: 7.6 pounds

If you need a cheap, no-frills booster seat, we recommend the Cosco Rise . It’s a bit too large to fit into a carry-on suitcase or backpack, but it’s easy to attach with a bungee cord to a carry-on for plane travel. It’s also a great option if you just need a spare booster for carpools or to order ahead for use at the grandparents' house.

Weight of seat: 2.2 pounds Weight range: 40 to 100 pounds Height range: 43 to 57 inches

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, the best infant car seat for travel: chicco keyfit 35, an infant seat and stroller in one: doona, the best convertible car seat for travel: cosco scenera next, the best harness booster seat for travel: cosco finale 2-in-1, a great car seat caddy: britax travel cart, the best booster seat for travel: cosco rise, other good travel car seats, should a kid sit in a car seat on the airplane, what about checking a car seat, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

The authors of this guide have collectively interviewed 40 industry experts, safety authorities, and physicians. Among them were certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) such as Lani Harrison, who installs more than 300 car seats each year; Dr. Aditya Belwadi, a biomechanics research scientist who previously led the child passenger safety research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and now works at Tesla in Crash, Safety, and Occupant Protection/Biomechanics; and Bill Horn, head sled testing engineer at Calspan , one of the country’s top crash-testing facilities. The authors also talked with dozens of parents and representatives from leading car seat manufacturers.

The original version of this guide was written by Rebecca Gale, whose reporting on policy and parenting has appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Slate, and The Washington Post. Rebecca has also been certified as a CPST, completing a 40-hour training program through the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

In 2022 and 2023, this guide was updated by Christina Szalinski, a science writer whose reporting on health and parenting has appeared in The Atlantic and Kaiser Health News . In addition to writing the most recent versions of Wirecutter’s infant and convertible car seat guides, Christina is responsible for Wirecutter’s guides to the best baby formula and kids face masks .

Few people strictly need a separate car seat for travel as you can gate- or baggage-check any car seat for free with most airlines. But lugging your regular (likely heavy and bulky) seat in and out of the car and through the airport can be a major hassle. Investing in a smaller, lighter-weight option may be worthwhile, especially if you fly or use ridesharing services or taxis frequently.

Infant car seats for travel

If you’re traveling with an infant or baby, bringing along your usual infant car seat without its base (to cut down on weight and heft) is typically the best option. Our top infant car seat pick, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX , is relatively lightweight and, like other infant car seats, can be safely strapped in with a seatbelt only and no base.

There are two possible ways to install an infant car seat without a base: either with the belt directly across the top, called “American routing,” or with the shoulder belt placed around the back of the seat in addition to the top, called “European routing.” It’s easier to get a secure fit with European routing, and two seats we recommend in our guide to infant car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 35 and the Clek Liing , are designed to allow for that type of install. If you know you’ll be traveling with your infant often, it may be worthwhile to choose one of these as your baby’s first car seat.

Many infant car seats are compatible with easy-to-fold stroller frames, such as the Chicco KeyFit Caddy , which turns an infant car seat into a stroller and can be convenient for travel. Most infant seats are FAA-approved for airplane use, should you decide to purchase an airplane seat for your infant.

Convertible car seats for travel

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, deciding on a car seat for travel can be trickier. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician, CPST, and co-founder of the website The Car Seat Lady , recommends bringing your own convertible car seat and using a travel cart . That way you have a seat that you’re already comfortable installing. But some people will prefer a dedicated travel car seat, as they can be significantly lighter than regular seats—as little as 7 pounds versus 20 to 30 pounds.

If you do buy a dedicated travel seat, it’s a good idea to practice installing it before your trip—you don’t want to be figuring it out for the first time when you, and your kid, are potentially jet lagged and feeling extra cranky. Installation can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of using a car seat—and particularly a convertible car seat—and is often the point of failure for using a car seat correctly.

Booster seats for travel

If your everyday booster seat has a removable back (as with our top pick and runner-up pick, the Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus and the Graco TurboBooster LX ), you may prefer to simply bring that seat for travel, leaving the bulky back at home. But like with convertible seats, it’s also an option to get a dedicated travel booster that may be significantly lighter and smaller than the one you rely on every day.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, offered several tips for bringing along a backless booster, especially if it’s not one that’s compact: “I bungee cord them to my luggage while traversing the airport. On most flights, my kids could shove them under the seat in front of them and still have room to throw their backpack on top. On some flights, I’ve put them in a tote in the overhead compartment.”

Travel car seat alternatives

If you’re headed to a familiar destination, you could look into borrowing a seat from friends or relatives. Or, you may be able to rent one through a baby equipment rental service.

Many car rental companies also offer car seats for a daily fee, but it can cost up to $15 a day—adding up to much more than the cost of a travel car seat, which can be less than $50. And though you can reserve one in advance, rental car seats are subject to availability, so there’s no guarantee that one will be available when you arrive. The car seat provided may also be difficult to install properly, especially in an unfamiliar car. That said, you may be able to find discounts or other benefits through programs such as AAA, which offers one free car seat rental for members when they book a car through Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty. Ridesharing and airport and town car services may also provide a car seat with advance reservations.

There are hundreds of travel car seat options for infants, toddlers, and older kids. We began the whittling down process by examining online customer reviews and existing media coverage, which included going to Car Seats for the Littles , Lucie’s List , and the Car Seat Lady . We found the travel car seat category to be sorely lacking in an abundance of great options, so we also considered some “regular” car seats and alternatives.

We knew from our expert interviews that proper installation is generally a far bigger problem than the level of protection that a seat inherently provides, so we searched the NHTSA ease-of-use installation database to help determine which seats offer easy installation and come with clear instructions. We also relied on the personal experience of Wirecutter staffers, volunteer testers, and car seat techs who had used the car seats in the past.

Our research led us to conclude that the ideal travel car seat should be:

Lightweight and compact: A travel car seat will likely need to be carried between multiple locations, sometimes with a baby inside (if we’re talking about an infant). The less the seat weighs, the easier it is to deal with when combined with children and carry-on items. A more compact seat can also fit more readily in a wide variety of vehicles.

FAA approved: For parents who want to use their infant seat, convertible car seat, or harness booster on a plane, FAA certification is crucial.

Easy to install: As with all of our car seat recommendations, ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it is to be done properly.

Easy to use: Straps should be simple to adjust to get a snug but comfortable fit in a five-point harness. The buckles should be easy for parents to clip and unclip but difficult to impossible for children to mess with. We considered the experience of both parents and kids in using the seats, as well as how easy each seat was to clean.

Safe: When it comes to travel, convenience can trump a minor safety advantage; a seat that you can bring along with you is vastly superior to no seat at all. Still, we did take the relevant government safety data from NHTSA into consideration.

Over the past five years we’ve tested 17 car seats with travel specifically in mind.

If you’re shopping for an infant car seat with travel in mind, we recommend the FAA-approved Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks in our guide to infant car seats . It is lightweight and easy to use, and it can be installed securely without its base using the European belt path, a method that generally provides a superior install. (Any infant seat can be installed without its base, so if you already have an infant seat, using what you already own is likely the easiest choice.)

You can save on weight and bulk by leaving a car seat base at home when traveling. There are two ways to install an infant seat without its base. The most common is American belt routing, in which the seat belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the baby’s knees. We’ve found that it can be very difficult to secure an infant seat in the car securely using this method.

A few seats also offer the option to rely on the European belt path, the method we prefer, in which the lap belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the shoulder belt goes around the back. It’s easier to get a secure install with the European belt path, but it’s only found on a few car seat models. Of the four infant car seats we recommend, only the Chicco KeyFit 35 and Clek Liing offer the option of using the European belt path.

Beyond the advantage of the European belt bath, the Chicco KeyFit 35 has everything we love about the more popular Chicco KeyFit 30 with a few bonus features, such as an anti-rebound base as an added safety option. The KeyFit 35 can also accommodate a slightly larger baby (up to 35 pounds) than the KeyFit 30.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The KeyFit 35 is about $50 more than our top infant car seat choice, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX . It probably doesn’t make sense to buy this seat just for travel if you already own a similar infant car seat. But if you plan to be jet-setting with your baby, it may be worth the additional $50 or so to get a better on-the-go install from the start.

The Doona is an FAA-approved infant car seat (rear-facing only) with built-in wheels that allow it to convert to a stroller. For travel, this is about as convenient as it gets, allowing caregivers to rely on a single piece of equipment to accomplish two goals: avoid gate-checking a stroller—assuming an airline seat is purchased for the infant—and hop in and out of cabs without having to stow anything in the trunk.

Compared with a regular infant car seat, the Doona has some drawbacks. For one thing, it did not perform particularly well in Baby Gear Lab’s crash testing (there are no government crash tests available yet for this seat). For this reason, and because it’s tricky to install without its base (as most infant seats are), one of our car seat experts does not recommend this seat. At 14.3 pounds, it’s heavy and bulky to carry and maneuver when in car seat mode. The Doona also has the steepest price of any of the car seats (including infant, convertible, and boosters) that we’ve reviewed. It does come with a traditional infant car seat base that allows for an easy click in and out of a car, but the extra width means it could be impossible to fit three across in a backseat. And it would defeat the point to use that base for travel.

Switching the Doona from car seat mode to stroller mode and back requires “both hands and concentration,” said one tester, as well as “quite a bit of practice for me. It takes a rather specific, subtle motion to collapse it back and tuck the wheels.” It’s harder than taking a regular infant car seat off of a stroller with an infant seat attachment. Plus, once your child outgrows this seat, you’ll have to buy another stroller.

As a stroller, the Doona maneuvers easily, and the brake is intuitive and easy to use. But though it comes with an attached storage bag, the Doona lacks a storage basket.

The inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next weighs just 6.8 pounds, is relatively easy to carry and install, and can be used rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 22 to 40 pounds. It’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane (using the plane’s seatbelt).

The Cosco sells for $60, which is a bargain compared with many convertible car seats (the Graco Extend2Fit , our favorite convertible seat for everyday use, is a little over $200). The seat gets strong safety ratings from NHTSA, and given its low weight and heft and easy-enough install, we think it’s the best option available for an on-the-go or backup car seat. We strongly prefer the (heftier) Graco Extend2Fit for everyday use. That’s because it’s easier to get a safe, secure install with that seat and to adjust it to fit the child. Plus, it can be used forward-facing until a kid is 65 pounds and 49 inches tall—a much longer usable life than the Scenera Next.

Several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Scenera Next, appreciating its low cost, low weight, and small size. They’ve found that the seat’s slim profile makes it a great option for smaller cars (specifically, a Prius or Renault Scenic). Senior editor Courtney Schley found that the Cosco allowed her to get three seats (two Coscos and one infant car seat) across in her family’s car.

The Scenera Next’s low shoulder straps mean that a child may outgrow this seat well before they are ready for a booster. ( Shoulder straps should hit at or below the shoulders when a child is rear-facing; when forward-facing the straps should hit at or above the shoulders.) The low straps mean that many 3-year-olds with longer torsos may outgrow the seat in forward-facing mode, even though the seat’s height and weight limits indicate that it should fit an average-size kid up to age 4. With a long torso, the straps end up hitting below the shoulders, a situation that can compromise safety.

Though the Scenera Next is simple to install compared with other lightweight convertible car seats we tested, some of our testers still found it difficult to get a tight, secure install. It has hook LATCH straps that aren’t particularly easy to use—you really have to tug on the LATCH straps to get a tight fit, and getting them off can be an even bigger challenge. We preferred installing the seat with a seat belt in unfamiliar cars, which was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt), and made it much easier to uninstall.

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness wasn’t as responsive or easy to use as those on more expensive seats. The Scenera Next also has less padding than many seats, though Baer points out that the padding on most seats is highly compressible, meaning that just because a seat looks fluffier doesn’t mean it provides much more cushion.

This seat also has a few downsides if you bring it on a plane. Like most convertible car seats, it’s wider than the aisle, so you have to carry it awkwardly down the plane to get to your seat, which can be quite a challenge if you’re on your own and have other carry-on items (plus your child). Additionally, the plane’s seat belt buckle is going to be pushing into your child’s back if the seat is oriented forward-facing. Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends installing any seat with this issue rear-facing, even if a kid is used to forward-facing. Or you can put a diaper or other soft item over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a solid option for kids who are no longer rear-facing but still benefit from a five-point harness. It’s affordable, weighs just 12 pounds, and is relatively easy to install using the car’s seat belt while in harness mode (it also comes with LATCH straps, though we didn’t find these as easy to use). Like other boosters, when in booster mode, this seat relies on the car’s seat belt to secure the child, so there’s no need to install it.

This bigger-kid seat can see a growing child through years of travel: It can be used as a forward-facing five-point harness booster seat from 30 to 65 pounds and then as a regular (harness-free) high-back booster from 40 to 100 pounds (up until a child is 52 inches tall).

As a five-point harness, it’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane using the plane’s seatbelt. However, when it’s in booster mode, like all boosters, it cannot be used on an airplane.

In harness mode, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 performed well in an NHTSA crash test. And several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 while traveling after their child outgrew the Cosco Scenera Next—they liked the price and straightforward install. Converting the seat to a booster is fairly straightforward , and the seat has storage for the harness, crotch buckle, and chest clip. Once the seat is in booster mode, your child can’t use it on an airplane, but many airlines will allow you to check a booster seat for free (you may wish to check with your airline in advance).

A more expensive version of the Cosco Finale 2-in-1, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 , is also available. The only difference between the two is the fabric—the DX has a tiny bit more cushion and a slightly less slippery texture. We asked several children to try each seat and then report their favorite (they wore blindfolds, to remove color preference as a factor). There was no clear winner between the two seats, and our adult testers could hardly distinguish a difference in the cushioning. For this reason, we don’t think it’s worth the extra $20 for the DX.

When using the Finale 2-in-1 in harness mode, you first have to install it in the car, which you can do either with the seat’s LATCH straps or with the car’s seat belt. We found the Finale 2-in-1’s hook LATCH straps difficult to use—it’s hard to get a tight fit in the car, and getting them off can be a big challenge. As we did with the Cosco Scenera Next, we preferred installing the harnessed seat with a seat belt; this was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt) and also made it much easier to uninstall. (When the harness is removed and the seat is in booster mode, you do not need to install it in the car, since the car’s seat belt holds it in place and secures the child.)

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness was a bit more difficult to open compared to those on more expensive seats like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 . The straps have to be manually threaded through the car seat, which isn’t particularly difficult or time consuming, but you have to remember to do it before you install the seat. It also has less padding than many seats, though our child testers didn’t complain (however, we didn’t take it on any long road trips).

This seat won’t have as many years of use as other travel options, like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1, because the Cosco has a maximum height of 52 inches (most boosters go to 57 inches) and does not convert to a backless booster.

If you need to travel with a convertible car seat, you can bring the one you already have to the airport and onto the airplane with the Britax Travel Cart . The main benefit of bringing your own is that you’ll have a seat that you (and your child) are comfortable with, and that you know how to install confidently.

There are a number of similar travel carts out there, but we think this one offers the most for the price. We like that when the car seat is strapped onto the cart using the car seat’s LATCH clips, you can use the whole thing like a stroller and push (or pull) your child through the airport. The frame is also studier than other models—it can hold a total of 100 pounds of car seat and child. Plus, when it’s time to get on the plane you can fold the cart to stow it in an overhead bin.

At about $100 for the cart, it is cheaper to purchase a budget convertible car seat like the Cosco Scenera Next. However, depending on your circumstances, the Britax Travel Cart may outlive the expiration of many car seats (which are between six and 10 years), and could be used for future car seats, or passed along without as much consideration as a used car seat.

For a cheap, no-frills booster seat, the Cosco Rise is a reliable option that weighs only 2.2 pounds. It’s simple to use: Like other backless booster seats, it does not need to be physically attached to the vehicle; a child simply sits in it and fastens the car’s lap belt over their knees (under the seat’s sides).

The Chicco GoFit Plus is our overall top pick for the best backless booster seat because it’s cushy, made with easy-to-clean materials, and includes two cup holders and a LATCH system to anchor the seat to the car. But it’s bulky, heavy, and not great for travel. The Cosco Rise has fewer bells and whistles, but it offers a key safety feature: Unlike many other boosters, this seat has a strap that attaches to a car’s shoulder belt to adjust the belt’s position for smaller riders (the shoulder belt should always rest on a child’s collarbone, and not against their neck).

The Cosco Rise can accommodate children as small as 40 pounds, as long as they are also 43 inches tall, meaning it will work for most kids 5 and up but may not accommodate some 4-year-olds.

This seat is a bit too large to fit easily into a carry-on suitcase or backpack (it takes up almost all the room top-to-bottom in a standard-sized carry-on, with only a little room left on the side). There is also almost no padding on this seat, merely a polyester cover, but for short rides, our testers didn’t complain.

If you want an upgraded infant seat that’s great for travel : We recommend the Clek Liing , one of our favorite infant seats . Like the Chicco KeyFit 35, the Clek Liing can be installed without its base using a European belt path, which is much easier to get secure than the standard American belt routing found on most infant car seats. And when you’re at home, we love how easy it is to install the Liing’s base, which includes an added safety feature: a load leg .

If you want a high-end infant seat and don’t own a car: The lightweight, easy-to-clean Clek Liingo is similar to the Clek Liing but without the base. In general, we think installing a seat with the base is an easier and more secure option with infant car seats. But if you don’t own a car, the Liingo can be installed without a base in several ways. It has the same European belt path that the Liing has, which routes the lap belt over the top and the shoulder belt around the back for more security than an install that just goes over the top of the seat. The Liingo also comes with a LATCH strap that routes in the same spot as the lap belt—though we found this was not nearly as secure as the European belt path routing.

If you want a longer-lasting five-point harness seat for older kids: The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is a good choice. This forward-facing-only seat has a five-point harness that holds kids from 22 to 65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall, and it can be adjusted without rethreading it, so it is easier to modify as your child grows. When your child is ready for a regular booster, you can remove the harness and crotch buckle, converting the seat to a high-back booster that can hold a child from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. Finally, you can remove the back and convert the seat to a lightweight backless booster that can also be used from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.

First off, a car seat must be FAA-approved—as all of our recommended infant and convertible seats are—for a kid to ride in one on an airplane. (Booster seats are reserved for older children and not intended for use on airplane seats.)

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and CPSTs believe it is safer for kids under 2 to ride in a car seat aboard a plane rather than in their parents’ arms. In the event of turbulence or rough air, a child is much safer if strapped in. Being injured in turbulence , though unlikely, does affect a handful of American flyers each year, and recent research indicates that turbulence is on the rise due to climate change.

Many parents find that air travel is easier when their child has their own seat (though of course you have to pay for that additional seat). Children are allowed to sit on caregivers’ laps on planes until age 2, but few toddlers can sit still for a long period of time, and that extra harness and recline (as well as familiarity) provided by the car seat may keep a child seated comfortably longer, especially once they are mobile but still too young to fully understand how to sit still in a lap belt.

There are a number of challenges to bringing a car seat, especially a convertible seat designed for a toddler, onto a plane. Some smaller planes may have seats that aren’t wide enough for many convertible car seats. And even if the car seat is narrow enough for the plane, not many seats are narrow enough to easily fit down the aisle. The Clek Foonf , one of our convertible car seat picks, is one of them, but it is pricey and heavy. (The Clek Fllo , Graco SlimFit3 LX , and Graco True3Fit LX also fit on an airplane seat, but we did not test them.) You’ll generally have to lift a car seat above the seats to carry it to the rear of a plane.

Finally, unlike a car seat buckle, which sits on your hip, a plane’s seat buckle sits right in the middle of your lap. That means for many car seats, once you install them on the plane, there’s going to be a large metal buckle below your child’s legs or behind their back (the Clek seats are among the few without this issue). Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends using convertible seats with buckle-in-the-back issues rear-facing, even with a larger child—they’ll likely be more comfortable if their feet have a place to rest, plus they won’t be trying to rest their feet on the passenger’s seat in front of them. You can also put a diaper or spare T-shirt over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

Some parents may find it simpler to use a CARES harness (Child Aviation Restraint System) to help keep kids in their seats on a plane (and their kids may prefer sitting in an airplane seat over a car seat); you install this four-point harness around the child’s seatback and under the tray behind it.

Most airlines allow at least one car seat to be checked for free but doing so has several potential problems . The luggage can be handled roughly and tossed, damaging the car seat in the process. Seats, like any piece of luggage, can also be lost or misplaced in transit. Ultimately, the main reason you may want to have your child use a car seat on the plane is so that you are absolutely confident you’ll have the car seat when you arrive at your destination.

For people who do check in their car seats, Harrison recommends—ideally—using the original box and styrofoam that the seat came with if they are available or using Bubble Wrap and a garbage bag if not. Examine the seat for visible damage when it comes out at baggage claim, and be prepared to replace the seat if it’s broken or bent.

Infant travel seats

The Chicco Fit2 can accommodate infants as small as 4 pounds and toddlers as large as 35 pounds or 35 inches. Like the Chicco KeyFit 35 we recommend as the best infant car seat for travel, it can be installed with a European belt path. But because of this seat’s large size, some seat belts are too short to route over the car seat securely.

Convertible travel seats

We previously recommended the lightweight, foldable, forward-facing WAYB Pico (rhymes with “baby”) as a good travel car seat for kids who are too big for the Cosco Scenera Next but still need a five-point harness. Its adjustable seat back allows it to accommodate taller kids, and its slim design means it takes up less room in the backseat than other car seats. The 8-pound seat is exceptionally convenient to install, uninstall, and carry around, including through airports and onto a plane. In September 2019, however, WAYB announced it was recalling 4,558 Pico car seats manufactured between March 1 and May 12, 2019, due to reports of breakage in the aluminum tube connecting the headrest to the seat. You can read NHSTA’s report (PDF)  for details about the recall, how to identify your car seat’s date of manufacture, and how to inspect your car seat for damage. Since the recall, there have not been further reports of problems. Like all car seats sold in the US, the Pico was self-certified by WAYB to pass NHTSA standards (PDF) for safety testing.

The EvenFlo Tribute is a lightweight seat (9 pounds) similar to the Cosco Scenera Next and also has a weight limit of 40 pounds, but as our convertible car seat guide testing showed us, it’s not as easy to get a good install with this seat. CPSTs like Harrison recommend using a towel or pool noodle when using the Tribute to address this. It’s also more expensive than the Cosco Scenera Next.

Booster travel seats

We previously recommended the BubbleBum , an inflatable, portable backless booster seat for older kids. However, in February 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety raised concerns about the safety of inflatable boosters. A study using a computerized model determined that an inflatable booster may not have the stiffness required to keep a child from sliding out from under the lap belt upon impact in a car crash.

The backless Cosco Topside is too large to fit into a carry-on or a backpack. Unlike the Cosco Rise , our favorite backless booster for travel, this booster seat also doesn’t have a belt-positioning clip, which can help the shoulder belt fit better on a smaller rider.

We liked the Graco RightGuide booster seat because it was small enough to fit inside a carry-on or backpack. But it was discontinued.

The Immi Go is a booster car seat with a five-point harness that folds conveniently into its own carrying bag. Due to low sales, it is no longer for sale in the US, but you may see this seat if you travel abroad.

The MiFold backless booster seat (currently unavailable) is small enough to fit into the back pocket of some pants and weighs less than 2 pounds. It works by moving the seat belt down to fit the kid (as opposed to raising the kid to fit the belt, as other boosters do). However, our testers found its hard plastic shell uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time and said that the seat was complicated and unintuitive to set up. Also, a car seat safety expert we consulted noted that the design of the seat may encourage a child to use bad posture while they’re sitting in it—in an effort to find a more comfortable position, the child may tend to scoot forward, moving the slick-bottomed seat along with them, which could pose a safety concern.

Travel carts

The Torevsior Car Seat Travel Cart is about $30 less than the Britax Travel Cart we recommend, but it’s also less robust—the frame just doesn’t feel as sturdy. The weight limit is also lower than the Britax’s, at 70 pounds versus Britax’s 100 pounds. Like the Britax travel cart, the Torevsior cart has hooks for LATCH straps, to secure a car seat onto the cart so that your child can ride in it as you’re moving through the airport. It’s 6.4 pounds (Britax is 7.6 pounds), and extends up to 46 inches (Britax to 42 inches).

All of the guidelines for car seat care, use, and maintenance in our other car seat guides apply to travel car seats as well.

This guide was edited by Ellen Lee, Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , email exchange , August 1, 2022

Alisa Baer, pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor, and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady , phone interview, July 15, 2022 and January 9, 2023

Lani Harrison, CPST, Car Seats for the Littles , email interview , January 28, 2019

Meet your guides

Christina Szalinski

Christina Szalinski is a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology.

Rebecca Gale

Further reading

The Best Booster Car Seats

by Rebecca Gale

After researching over 50 booster car seats and testing 13, we’ve concluded that the convenient Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus is the best overall choice.

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

The Best Infant Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski

After extensive research and field testing, we found that the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the best infant car seat for most families.

The Best Travel Carrier for Cats and Small Dogs

by Kaitlyn Wells

After lugging eight pet carriers around NYC, we found that the Sherpa Original Deluxe is the best for taking your small pet on a plane or to the vet.

• First Year Products

The 15 best baby travel systems 2024

Joie Baby Finiti Pushchair

Mamas and Papas Ocarro

Ickle Bubba Stomp V4

Nuna TRIV Next

Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System

Venicci Tinum Edge SE 3in1 Travel System

Kinderkraft EVERYDAY Travel System

Silver Cross Reef pushchair

Bugaboo Fox 5

Cosatto Giggle 3in1 Travel System and Accessories Bundle

Joie Versatrax Travel System

Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe 2

Ickle Bubba Eclipse

BabaBing! Raffi

Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System

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

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

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

Best travel systems at a glance:

• Best overall baby travel system overall: Joie Finiti With Sprint - Buy now on john Lewis • Best baby travel system for on the go: Mamas and Papas Ocarro - Buy now on Very • Best for a bundle: Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 - Buy now on Amazon UK • Best baby travel system for assemble: Nuna TRIV Next - Buy now on John Lewis

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

The best baby travel systems 2024

1. joie baby finiti pushchair, best overall baby travel system.

www.johnlewis.com

Award: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023

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

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

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

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

Read our full Joie Finiti review.

• Lightweight to push
• Ample under-seat storage
• Durable suspension
• One hand fold
• Canopy doesn't completely cover the seat when fully reclined
• Two colour choices
• Five-point harness system
• Lockable swivel wheels

2. Mamas and Papas Ocarro

Best baby travel system for on the go.

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

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

Read our full Mamas&Papas Ocarro review.

• Choice of colours
• One-hand fold
• Easy to carry when folded
• Dual suspension for even terrain
• Basket can be difficult to access with larger item
• Lie-back seat
• Large extendable hood
• Puncture-proof tyres
• Reflective wheel rims
• Large easy-to-access basket

3. Ickle Bubba Stomp V4

Best for a bundle.

Rrp: £ 649.00

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

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

Read our full Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 Special Edition All in One Travel System with Isofix Base review.

• Easy to connect to the car
• Lightweight
• Quite compact once folded
• Useful extras included
• Our parent testers found it hard to fold down
• 4 seating positions
• Forward or rear-facing
• Puncture proof tyres
• Adjustable handle height

4. Nuna TRIV Next

Best baby travel system for assemble.

John Lewis & Partners

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

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

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

Read our full Nuna TRIV Next review

• Easy to use and super straightforward assemble
• Great colour scheme
• Suspension isn't great
• Travel cot hood cover is hard to get zipped up
• Compact fold:  Folds up quickly with one hand and stands on its own, making it simple to use out-and-about as well as store away.
• All-wheel suspension : Spring suspension seat technology, all-wheel suspension and large tough, foam-filled rear wheels mean you're ready for smooth rides.
• Travel system compatible : simply attach any infant carrier to the included post adapter and customise the tilt to baby's needs. It also easily converts to a pram with the included post adapter, compatible with the TRIV series carry cot.

5. Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System

Best baby travel system for quick interchanges.

Rrp: £ 1199.00

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

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

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

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

• Modern design and luxurious finish
• Water-repellent fabric
• Large with solid wheels
• Cozy footmuff included
• Adjustable footrest
• Seat unit can be folded in rear and forward-facing position when attached to the frame.
• Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping
• Quick, one-hand fold
• Additional suspension
• Compact size and lightweight

6. Venicci Tinum Edge SE 3in1 Travel System

Best baby travel system for simplicity.

Award: Won Silver in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023

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

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

Read our full Tinum SE Stylish Black 3in1 review.

• One-handed folding
• Looks stylish
• Some mums struggled at first to attach the car seat to the base
• 360-degree spin front wheels
• Three-position adjustable reclining pushchair seat
• Three-position adjustable footrest

7. Kinderkraft EVERYDAY Travel System

Best baby travel system for easy use.

Award: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2022

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

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

Read our full EVERYDAY 3-in-1 Pushchair review.

• Easy to use and adjust
• Spacious basket
• Good suspension for different terrains
• Quite heavy
• Doesn't come with anything to hold the stroller in place once folded to keep it compact
• AUTO-LOCK after folding
• All-wheel suspension
• Telescopic handle with 3-step adjustment
• Central foot brake

8. Silver Cross Reef pushchair

Best baby travel system for newborns.

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

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

Read our full Silver Cross Reef pushchair review.

• Feels safe and sturdy
• Looks and feels luxurious
• Well-designed and user-friendly
• Features the Genius™ harness system with magnetic buckle
• Sustainable outer fabrics
• Vegan leather handle
• Large, easy-to-access basket with a 5kg capacity
• One-handed fold

9. Bugaboo Fox 5

Best baby travel system for style.

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

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

Read our full Bugaboo Fox 5 review.

• Stylish appearance
• Lightweight but strong
• Brilliant steering and handling
• Fits into the boot without removing the seat
• Can be difficult to first put together
• One-hand fold with a self-standing design
• Reversible seat can extend by 10 cm
• Large puncture-proof wheels & advanced suspension
• Sturdy yet lightweight

10. Cosatto Giggle 3in1 Travel System and Accessories Bundle

Best baby travel system for vibrant design.

Rrp: £ 599.95

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

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

• Three wheels for easy manoeuvrability
• Lightweight chassis
• UPF100+ protection sunshade hood
• Storage basket could be bigger
• Multi-recline duo-directional seat
• Flat-folding lightweight chassis
• Stitched leatherette handle
• Quick-release removable wheels
• 4 position recline

11. Joie Versatrax Travel System

Best baby travel system for excellent storage.

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

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

Read our full Joie Versatrax review.

• Easy to use
• Large basket
• Sturdy build
• Excellent foldability
• Carry handle included
• Not as easy to adjust compared to other prams
• Quite big in size
• Rearward and forward-facing seat
• One-hand, instant flash fold mechanism
• Extendable UPF50+ and water-repellent canopy
• Adjustable calf support
• All-wheel suspension with fake air tyres

12. Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe 2

Best stream-lined baby travel system.

Rrp: £ 369.99

The Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe 2 pushchair is the perfect 2-in-1 pushchair for cool, relaxed city living. This travel system can fit into a small flat without compromising your baby's comfort, and is suitable for newborn to 4 years. The Maxi-Cosi Zelia 2 pushchair is the second version of the Maxi-Cosi Zelia stroller, which won bronze in the Mother&Baby Awards in 2019. Our testers thought it was better suited as a second pushchair, as it wasn't as robust as some of the market, and more suited to a city environment.

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

Read our full Maxi-Cosi Zelia review.

• Good value for money
• Comfy and cosy
• Fairly compact fold
• Rain cover included
• Could be sturdier
• Integrated carrycot
• Baby car seat adapters are included

13. Ickle Bubba Eclipse

Best all-in-one baby travel system.

www.boots.com

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

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

Read our full Ickle Bubba Eclipse review.

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

14. BabaBing! Raffi

Best trending baby travel system.

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

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

• Sturdy one-hand fold
• Generous storage basket
• Reasonably lightweight
• Easy one-handed folding
• Forward- and rear-facing seat
• Anti-reflux carrycot with 3-position incline/recline
• 2-in-1 rain and sun cover
• Made with recycled fabrics

15. Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System

Best baby travel system for a compact fold.

mybabiie.com

Award: Won Bronze in the Mother&Baby Award2022

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

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

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

Read our full Dani Dyer Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System review.

• Compact fold
• Easy to use and fold
• Larger seat for prolonged use
• Stunning style
• Some parents didn't even consider it gender-neutral in design
• Height adjustable push handle
• Multi-position reclining seat with 5-point harness
• 2 position adjustable and extendable leg rest
• 3 position, extendable canopy with viewing window

What to look for in the best travel system

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

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

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

Shopping basket

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

Seat recline

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

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

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

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

Seat direction

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

Accessories

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

Fold mechanism

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

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

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

Do I need a baby travel system?

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

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

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

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

What about the pushchair?

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

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

Can you use a travel system for toddlers?

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

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

How easy is it to fold?

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

How big is your car boot?

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

Can I use a second hand travel system?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best travel stroller 2024: lightweight buggies for holidays

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

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

Best travel strollers 2024: Jump Menu

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

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

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

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

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

The top three

The best overall travel stroller 

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

Read more below

The best flexible travel stroller

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

The best lightweight travel stroller

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

Best travel stroller 2024 ranking

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

The best travel stroller overall

1. BABYZEN YOYO2

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

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

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

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Silver Cross Zest

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

3. Joie Aire Pact Lite

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

The best adaptable travel stroller

4. Silver Cross Jet

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

The best compact travel stroller

5. Ickle Bubba Globe Ultra Compact Travel Stroller

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

The best small travel stroller

6. GB Pockit+ Stroller

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

The best affordable travel stroller

7. Red Kite Baby Push Me 2U

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

The best comfortable travel stroller

8. Chicco Echo

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

How we test

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

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

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

How to choose the best travel strollers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• Bethan Girdler-Maslen Home Editor

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9 Best Car Seat and Stroller Combos, Tested by Experts

These travel systems make it a snap to transition your baby from the car to the stroller and back again.

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.

Typically, a travel system is a two-piece set featuring an infant car seat that clips into a matching stroller. However, there is also a great one-piece combo and some three-piece sets. Whatever the configuration, owning one of these means your infant can stay in the car seat buckled in and undisturbed.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Car Seat and Stroller Combo

Doona infant car seat & latch base.

Best Value Car Seat and Stroller Combo

Safety 1st smooth ride travel system.

Best Car Seat and Stroller Combo With Bassinet Mode

Evenflo pivot vizor travel system with litemax infant car seat.

Best Car Seat With a Rebound Bar and Stroller Combo

Britax willow brook s+ travel system.

Best Full-size Car Seat and Stroller Combo

Chicco bravo 3-in-1 trio travel system.

Best Luxury Car Seat and Stroller Combo

Uppababy vista v2 stroller & mesa infant car seat.

Best Lightweight Car Seat Stroller Combo

Nuna pipa urbn + trvl travel system.

Best Car Seat and Jogger Stroller Combo

Baby trend expedition jogger travel system.

Most Adjustable Car Seat and Stroller Combo

Graco modes nest travel system.

Our Good Housekeeping Institute experts have evaluated more than two dozen stroller and car seat combos based on ease of use, safety features, functionality and value. "You may initially be concerned regarding the safety of a car seat and stroller combination," says Rachel Rothman , a mom of three and mechanical engineer who has evaluated children's products for more than 15 years. "Rest assured, all car seats and strollers are required to meet federal standards. So if there is a system, it will have to adhere to the necessary protocols as a car seat and a stroller."

It's extremely important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for safe usage, including ensuring your child is within the appropriate weight and height limits. A travel system should last a couple of years, from the newborn months (many regular strollers start at 6 months, but you can use a car seat on its matching stroller from birth) until past the second birthday.

One note: Travel systems feature rear-facing-only infant car seats . If you're looking to invest in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one car seat that will eventually turn forward-facing, those are build to stay in the car — they do not snap onto a stroller. There are no car seat/stroller combos for extended-use seats.

Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base

The Doona infant car seat and latch base is a favorite (90 percent of its Amazon reviews are five-star ones) for many reasons. Unlike a traditional two-piece travel system, this is essentially a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels fold up underneath for car seat mode and drop down for stroller mode — the transition only takes a few seconds. Because this is a car seat and stroller in one, you have less gear to contend with.

While this means that the car seat is heavy at 16.5 pounds, reviewers love the simplicity. Rothman says the device "is a game-changer, notably for city families and parents who travel frequently." It can work safely with its base or without (making use of a backseat's seat belts in a ride share, for instance), so it is especially prized for those parents who are moving between different vehicles often. Tilt the handle toward the rear seatback and it forms an anti-rebound bar for added safety.

We think this is the best car seat stroller combo for flying. The Doona is cleared for airplane travel but is a tight squeeze in some airplane seats; if you don't take it onboard, you can wheel it right up to the gate and gate check it. "This is the easiest stroller to maneuver through airport security and in a terminal," said one mom with two young kids. "Then we snap it right into a car without having to fit both a stroller and luggage into the trunk."

If you don't travel much, you may not enjoy the full benefits of the Doona. Also, most babies outgrow the Doona by about their second birthday. At that point, most Doona-owning parents switch to a lightweight stroller .

The Safety 1st car seat and stroller combo is lightweight and easy to maneuver — and only $200 . Lightweight is both good and tricky: It's easy to cart up and down steps and sling into your trunk. But any lightweight stroller will bump a bit over uneven ground since it doesn't have as much weight to hold it down (even if "smooth ride" is in the name of the stroller). If you're mostly rolling through stores and along smooth sidewalks, you'll be good to go.

The OnBoard 35 LT Infant Car Seat can safely hold your baby through at least their first two years. It's FAA-approved to sit on an airplane seat during a flight. It's about $130 to buy on its own, so the combination with the lightweight stroller is a real deal.

When it's time to fold the stroller, the mechanism is on the seat. You remove your baby, then just lift up a strap on the seat and the stroller folds in an instant. "It's ridiculously easy," said one tester. "You can effectively carry your baby in one arm and this stroller in another with no problem." Also, we love the stroller's snack tray — handy in the toddler years — and the parent organizer with two cupholders.

Our testers love the flexibility and versatility of the Pivot Travel System. It can be a rolling bassinet in carriage mode, a car seat carrier or a regular stroller, and in any mode, you can place your baby rear- or forward-facing. The LiteMax Infant Car Seat holds a baby up to 35 pounds and both the car seat and the stroller seat can have a privacy shade for those times when you don't want people leaning in close to your baby, or you want to encourage a nap.

Carriage mode is an adorable, old-fashioned perk, even if new parents don't use it for very long. You recline the stroller seat flat, pull up the footrest and turn the seat into a little bassinet on wheels. In that mode, you're not using the car seat at all, so you'd have to unbuckle your baby and transfer them when it's time for a drive. But it's perfect for a stroll around the block or through a park. "It's fun for pictures because it looks like one of the more expensive pram-type strollers," one mom said.

There's no parent organizer on the handle, but there is a clip-on cupholder. The relatively small, plastic wheels are fine for most strolling but do not do well on rough terrain. Online reviewers say that the stroller is easy to assemble out of the box. We had no trouble setting it up for testing and found it easy to convert it from one mode to another. Add the Evenflo Rider Board and your older kid can stand and ride behind your younger one.

A winner in our most recent Parenting Awards , this modular stroller includes some of our favorite features: easy and intuitive buckles, a large under-seat basket, a handy toddler snack tray and, for extra stability, an anti-rebound bar on the car seat base . In our tests, we found that the stroller seat reclines smoothly and the footrest adjusts nicely for comfort. Though it's new and has not been tested over the course of years, the Brook stroller shows promise for lasting from birth through preschool.

The Willow infant car seat uses the Britax ClickTight system that makes it easy to install the base correctly using your car's seat belt. For a long time, that feature was only available on Britax convertible car seats, but now it is here as well. For times when you aren't traveling with your car seat base, there's a belt path to use instead — this car seat is certified for use in an airplane using the lap belt, for instance.

The car seat fabrics can be machine-washed. The stroller frame with the toddler seat attached is a bit heavy and the wheels don't turn on a dime like they do with smaller strollers, but first time parents might be reassured by the substantial feel (online, one fan of this set wrote that it's built "like a tank"). You push the frame with either the toddler seat or the car seat attached — with a modular system, you never need both at the same time. Note that the frame doesn't fold with either seat on it. You must remove the seat in order to fold the frame.

Often recommended by Reddit users, the Bravo Trio is popular for its reasonable price as well as its well-reviewed car seat . For the early newborn months you can completely remove the regular stroller seat and just push the KeyFit car seat around on the stroller frame. But you can also use this as a traditional travel stroller and sit the KeyFit on top of the toddler seat — it works that way, too.

We like that you can fold this with the toddler seat still on and, when folded, the stroller stands upright on its own. The fold mechanism is easy and within the seat itself. There's a toddler snack tray as well as a parent organizer, and the basket is large and can be accessed from the front or the back. Finally, we like the jumbo canopy for sun protection.

For more money there's also the Bravo Primo Trio Travel System which features leatherette trim and the Keyfit 35 car seat, our Good Housekeeping pick for best overall infant car seat . That car seat can hold a baby up to 35 pounds.

UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller & Mesa Infant Car Seat

While UPPAbaby's car seat and stroller combo is definitely a splurge, it's a great travel system from a sought-after brand, especially among parents who want the smooth-rolling Vista stroller.

It features a springy all-wheel suspension to keep your baby steady as you go up and down curbs or along a dirt road. Investing in the complete travel system gets you a ton of extras including the Mesa car seat, a bassinet, a bug shield and a rain guard. The Mesa car seat can be clipped into your vehicle with UPPABaby's unique Smart Secure LATCH system that makes installation easier. Rothman personally loves this travel system and has used it for all three of her kids.

On the Vista stroller, the handlebar easily and smoothly adjusts for adults of different heights. There's no parent organizer, but the handle is a luxe-feeling leatherette. The basket underneath is giant, so it should hold all your stuff plus whatever you pick up while running errands. The included bassinet is an adorable way to stroll around an infant, and it works as a nap space at home too. For an extra $160, you can buy the UPPAbaby bassinet stand if you want to use it regularly in your home for sleep. One caveat is that the fold and unfold of the stroller takes a couple of steps , and the stroller itself is heavy.

A final, big selling point: If you need to carry two children, you can buy the UPPAbaby RumbleSeat V2 for $270 and turn this into a double stroller . Or you can purchase the UPPAbaby Piggyback for $135 so a child can stand and ride along behind. If you buy both, you could push three children along!

We've previously named the Nuna TRVL the best stroller for frequent travelers for the easy one-hand fold that gets the stroller down to a slim 11" x 24" x 20.25" size. Here it's paired with the PIPA car seat, nice and lightweight at 7.5 pounds.

The PIPA doesn't work with a base; rigid LATCH connectors are built right into the seat so this can easily go in and out of different cars and ride-share vehicles. Together the two pieces make a super lightweight travel system that is among the best car seat and stroller combos for family trips.

We like the Nuna brand's easy, magnetic buckles and premium fabrics, plus the leatherette on the stroller handle, bumper bar and car seat handle. The car seat also has a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby. The TRVL stroller has a free-standing fold, so when you compact it down you don't have to lean it against anything.

If you're looking for the right car seat and stroller combo for your mini running buddy, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger travel system is a great pick with more than 18,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The three-wheel, bike-tire design means it can tackle rough terrains with ease. The front wheel can be locked straight to keep the stroller from veering as you jog or set to swivel when you're out shopping and need to make tight turns.

Once it's time to load your baby back into the car, the stroller collapses to fit into your trunk, and the car seat simply clicks into the LATCH base. "This travel system may cost you less than a year's gym membership," one mom pointed out. "And you might get a lot more exercise with it since you're able to bring your baby along." The low price reflects the fact that there's nothing splashy about the canopy, the fabric, the padding or the heavy alloy steel frame (about 27 pounds). The EZ-Flex Lock 30 infant car seat only holds your baby up to 30 pounds, while some others go up to 35.

We love the child tray — useful for when your baby turns into a toddler and demands a steady supply of snacks — and the parent tray that has a compartment that closes to keep your phone in place. There are two parent cupholders too.

If you need a car seat stroller combo for twins, we like the Baby Trend Universal Double Snap-N-Go . You'll have to buy infant car seats separately but the frame, just a little more than $100, is an easy way to to push your young twins around in their seats.

The Graco brand has been around for generations. The company invented the baby swing in the 1950s and debuted the first travel system concept, a car seat that snapped into its matching stroller, in the late 1990s.

In this century, Graco has often led the way in car seat safety with its SnugRide infant car seat line. We love that this set comes with the popular SnugRide 35 Lite Elite Infant Car Seat, and the stroller seat slides higher and lower on the frame as well as turns forward and backward and converts into a pram. Use the adjustable features to find the height and direction your baby loves (or that you need — this is the best car seat stroller combo for tall parents) and then change it as needed as your baby grows into a toddler.

When you fully recline the stroller seat, you can unbuckle a belt under the footrest to form a bassinet for the infant months. (Graco calls it a "pramette.") To stroll around with the car seat — which is, after all, the appeal of a travel system — remove the stroller seat altogether and use the frame as an infant car seat carrier. The car seat can slide up and down to your preferred height and face forward or back. The SnugRide 35 Lite Elite is among the very lightest infant seats on the market and, at just over 7 pounds, it's a breeze to carry.

Some of the stroller details are fairly standard as opposed to luxe. The plastic wheels are strong but not built for rough terrain. There's no parent tray, just a clip-on cup holder. The canopy is a traditional size, not oversized. There is a nice child snack tray, and we like how the storage basket underneath expands in height so you can fit more without anything falling out.

How we test the best car seat and stroller combos

Over the years, the Good Housekeeping Institute has tested all sorts of baby equipment from booster car seats to double strollers , always making safety the highest priority.

For this story, our Parenting Lab experts tested more than 24 stroller and car seat combos , considering ease of use, safety features, functionality and value. We also sent travel systems to consumer testers for their feedback.

When testing many of the strollers that we feature, the Institute has a brake test that uses a gauge to measure the force required to move a stroller when brakes are engaged. We also perform a stability/tip-over test in which we hang weights on stroller handlebars and measure the force required to tip strollers over. We weigh and measure strollers while folded to help determine how well they can be carried and stored.

Our testers also place infant car seats into a variety of vehicles, taking note of each product's ease of use when it comes to installation. We ensure that each car seat has passed Federal Safety Standards. Then we perform in-Lab and at-home tests to assess stability, ease of adjustments, ease of getting babies in and out of each car seat and ease of removal of the car seat from the base and installation into compatible strollers.

What to look for when shopping for a car seat and stroller combo

First, know that a few strollers call themselves a "travel system" and just mean that they come with an adaptor to hold a car seat.

Be sure that when you're buying something called a travel system, you are genuinely getting both the car seat and the stroller if it's that matching combo that you want. Also consider:

✔️ Height and weight limits: These specifications will be different depending on each car seat and stroller combo. To make sure your baby is as safe as possible, ensure that they fit into the recommended height and weight.

✔️ Your lifestyle: Are you looking for a travel system that will grow with your family or something that will make your jogging trips to the park that much easier? Depending on how you plan on using your car seat and stroller combo, you'll want to seek out a model that fulfills your lifestyle needs.

If you frequently use ride-share vehicles, look for a travel system with an infant car seat that can be installed using just a backseat seat belt, or one with a build-in rigid LATCH system.

If your family owns several vehicles, consider investing in an extra car seat base and installing one in each car. Every infant car seat brand sells extra bases.

✔️ Multiple kids: If you plan to expand your family, you might look for a travel system that allows you to add on a seat or add a ride board to the back for your older child.

✔️ Features: While a no-frills option can be great for your budget, some car seat and stroller combos offer extra features that make all the difference. Are you planning on taking a lot of sunlit walks? Opt for a unit with a large canopy. Do you want to carry a lot with you? Find something with an ample-sized storage basket. Trays and cupholders are the little things you'll use daily.

✔️ Weight: Although heavy strollers usually roll more smoothly than lightweight ones, if you have a lot of steps to contend with, or don't feel confident about lifting a heavy stroller frame in and out of your car's trunk regularly, be sure to get a lighter stroller. We love the new class of under 10-pound car seats, too.

Do you need a car seat/stroller combo, aka a travel system?

Transferring your baby from car to stroller can be a lot of hassle, so using a car seat that snaps into a stroller is fairly genius. That's where a car seat stroller combo will be your new best friend. It also means you only have to make one purchase for both items. Think of it as a two-for-one deal, where you get a stroller and a car seat both at a discount because you buy them together.

Car seat and stroller combos are particularly great for parents who want to move through the world as streamlined as possible. With a few clicks, you can pop the car seat out of the stroller and snap it into your car. There's no need to worry about whether or not your products are compatible since they come bundled together. In most cases, even after your baby outgrows the car seat, you will still be able use the stroller.

You will not want a travel system if your heart is set on one brand's infant car seat and another brand's stroller. In that case, you can check to see if the stroller can hold your chosen car seat with the help of an adaptor. Read all the product specs carefully to be sure you can use them together, buy an adaptor if possible, then purchase the stroller and car seat separately without the two-piece discount.

Another instance when you might not want a travel system is if you're buying an all-in-one car seat for your newborn, intending to use that car seat from birth through the big kid years. Extended-use car seats stay in the car and do not snap into a stroller. You might consider still buying a travel system too, though, and using it just for airplane trips if you are a frequently flying family.

The safest car seat and stroller combos

Keeping your little one secure is your (and our) number one priority. All of the car seats and strollers we recommend meet the federal ASTM standards, and many have the third-party JPMA seal as well, so your baby will be safe as long as everything is installed properly. Here are some tips to ensure your kid is protected at all times:

• Make sure your travel system is correct for the age and weight of your baby . All of the stroller/car seat combos we list are safe from birth. You can sit your infant car seat on top of the stroller base for the first year or two. A 1-year-old might prefer to sit on the stroller seat directly, but you can continue to safely use the infant car seat rear-facing in the car until your baby reaches the weight and height limit, which often happens soon after their second birthday. After age 2, you can continue to use the stroller by itself for years but will want a convertible car seat for your child.
• Always install an infant car seat rear-facing . Every car seat-stroller combo includes an infant car seat, not a convertible car seat, so your baby needs to be facing the rear of the car. This is the safest position until your baby is older than 2 and ready for a larger car seat. See the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration instructions for how to properly install an infant car seat .
• Thoroughly read the directions for your car seat and stroller combo prior to use to ensure that you've included all of the parts and put them together correctly. Very few strollers are ready to go out of the box; you often have to attach the wheels and canopy. Ensure that the LATCH base is properly installed in your car and that the car seat can seamlessly click into place. Many brands provide helpful installation videos on YouTube.
• Double-check the security of the car seat when you place it on the stroller or in your car. Many make an audible click when in place. For safety, pull up a bit on the car seat to make sure it's really securely positioned.
• Don't leave your little one snoozing in their car seat (or stroller) once you get home, per the AAP . While one of the benefits of a car seat and stroller combo is being able to transfer your infant without disturbing them, as soon as you're able, transfer them over to a proper sleep surface such as their crib or bassinet . That will make naps and nighttime easier and safer in the long run.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

The Good Housekeeping Institute parenting pros regularly test and review hundreds of products for babies and young kids with an eye to safety. This includes things such as crib mattresses and baby monitors as well as the best infant toys .

Contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn worked closely with our testing experts to write this article. She's evaluated baby gear for 25 years, including at Parents magazine and American Baby magazine.

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

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Posted on Last updated: April 18, 2024 Categories Kids Travel Gear

By: Author Kate

The Best Portable Car Seat for Travel For Every Age!

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Are you looking for the best portable car seat for travel with your baby, toddler or child? Are you wondering about the best car seats for airplanes? One of the biggest pains of traveling with young kids is figuring out what to do about the car seats! Seriously, I have planned so much of our travel around “well, how are we going to travel with the car seats??!”  

Not only do we want to keep our kids safe on vacation, but we also want a lightweight travel car seat that isn’t going to break the bank. My car seat for my 3-year-old (although AWESOME) is super heavy and bulky – I needed a better toddler travel car seat option! In this post, we are going to teach you all the tips and tricks I’ve learned to make traveling with car seats a breeze.

The Best Travel Car Seat: Quick Comparison

Should you buy a separate portable toddler car seat.

We love the car seats we have at home and we also spent a lot of money purchasing them. We didn’t want to take the chance of having them ruined at the airport or while traveling which is why we decided to buy a separate portable carseat for travel. The portable car seats we purchased were all super affordable, which is why we weren’t too fussed if they got scuffed or damaged in our travels. We also bought the most lightweight portable child car seat we could find! It never hurts to lighten your load when you are traveling. One extra bonus to having separate travel carseat is that you don’t have to uninstall and reinstall your car seats at home! One time was hard enough to get it all perfect, I’m happy not to have to reinstall my seats every time we take a trip.

If you are looking for some excellent basic information about car seat travel, please check out this awesome article by the American Academy of Pediatrics which is a primer on Car Seat Safety and FAQs. 

Top Choices for Portable Car Seats

We’re going to be reviewing all of these car seats in massive detail below but in case you just want to get to the good stuff, here is our list of the best portable car seats for travel:

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 1 Year Old

Our top choice for a 1 year old (or less) is an bucket car seat. These seats are easy to travel with as they can be easily installed using a regular seat belt. We chose the Maxi Cosi Mico 30 for its lightweight design. This is provided that your one year old has not yet outgrown a bucket car seat. Our top choice infant car seat has a weight limit of 30lbs and a height limit of 32 inches. The reason we love bucket seats is that they usually connect to strollers really easily and that means one less piece of equipment on your trip. Read more reviews of the Maxi Cosi Mico 30 and compare prices on Amazon.

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 2 Year Old

In the two-year-old category, we are LOVING the Cosco Scenera Next car seat. This convertible car seat is one of the most popular travel car seats for a reason, literally, every single friend of mine owns the same one. The Cosco Scenera Next is super lightweight and you really can’t beat the price . Read more reviews of this travel car seat for 2 year old toddlers here.

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 3 Year Old

We still love the Cosco Scenera Next for most 3 year olds . The upper weight limit for this car seat is 40lbs, so most average sized 3 year olds will still fit in this seat. This seat can be used rear facing and forward facing, making it super versatile. If you are short on space or planning to travel for a long period, you may want to consider the Ride Safer Delight for this age group. This nifty ride safer travel vest is the perfect travel car seat for 3 year old and 4 year olds that are too small for travel booster seat options. Read more reviews here!

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 4 Year Old

For the 4 year old and up kids, a travel booster may be appropriate. This is all depending on the size of your 4 year old – keep in mind that the majority of boosters have a minimum weight of 40lbs. We love the mifold for its compactness and portability. We have been using this car seat with our now 5 year old son and it has totally changed our lives when it comes to traveling (safely) with kids. Read more reviews and see the weight and height restrictions here.

Should I bring my travel car seat on the plane?

One of the questions that I am asked most by readers is whether it is worthwhile to bring a car seat on the plane. If your child is over age 2 and you are already going to be bringing the car seat along, my answer is always YES!! We were actually late to the game in bringing our car seats ON the plane. I hadn’t really considered it until my second son was almost 2. We’ve now brought our Cosco Scenera Next on the plane for multiple trips and it has been an absolute lifesaver! Not only is it safer to have kids safely strapped into a car seat in the case of turbulence , it also makes flying with kids SO much easier! With my son strapped in, we didn’t have to worry about him constantly trying to bother the people in front of us or trying to hide on the seats. Our kids also sleep super well in the car seats, so it really helped the travel go as smooth as possible. Check out the latest prices on the super affordable Costco Scenra Next here.

One important thing to note is that having a forward facing car seat on a plane puts your kids’ feet at premium seat kicking range! We solve this problem by seating our older child in front of the car seat. It’s something to consider before you book your seats!

Now if your child is less than 2 years old, the decision whether to bring the car seat is entirely personal. If you want to bring your seat, you’ll usually have to pay for the seat. It is definitely safer to have a child strapped in the case of turbulence. Commercial airplanes travel at a speed of 250mph during takeoff and landing and a sudden stop or jolt could send your child flying no matter how tightly you are holding them. That being said, the majority of individuals I know do not buy a seat for their child under age 2. Air travel is one of the safest forms of travel, and in the majority of cases, an infant in your lap will be just fine. One pro tip is to ask the flight attendants whether the flight is full before you board. I have scored a free seat for my less than 2 year old infants twice using this method and both times was able to bring on my car seat without difficulty.

If you aren’t planning to use a travel carseat at your destination, you may consider using the CARES airplane travel harness. The CARES travel harness keeps your kids safe on the flight by strapping them in with an extra chest strap. It is rated for kids 22-44lbs and is approved by the FAA for travel. Not only does the Cares harness keep kids safe, but it also keeps kids contained in their seats. I love that my kids are happier to stay put in their seats when they are all buckled in and relaxed. One thing to note about the CARES harness is that you do need to secure it around the back of the seat behind you. I’ve never had anyone complain about it.

How do I know if my Airplane Car Seat is Approved?

Before you fly, you’ll want to know if your carseat is FAA approved for flight.  Please note that it is important to check your local car seat regulations as these may vary from country to country. In the US,  you will need FAA approved car seats . You can look for your car seat sticker to see if yours is approved, if approved, it should say “this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”

Our quick list of FAA approved car seats:

• Portable Baby Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Mico 30
• Best travel car seat for toddler: Cosco Scenera Next

Please note that booster seats are not FAA approved and cannot be taken on flights.

To check or to gate check?

If we aren’t planning to bring our car seats ON the plane (we almost always do now), we usually gate check out seats. I personally trust the gate checkers to be more careful with the objects than the regular luggage line. I have friends who have checked theirs at the desk and have had damage to the seats which made them unusable.

Should you use a car seat bag?

Check out the latest Car Seat Bags on Amazon here.

There are lots of travel car seat bags available to help you lug your car seats around the airport. Some even have backpack straps and some have roller wheels to make it even easier to bring them along. I have lots of friends who use (and rave!) about these accessories. Personally, I don’t use a car seat bag. For me, it’s just one more thing to bring along!

I also find that when the luggage attendant sees something in a bag they tend to be less careful about it! When they see a car seat out in the open they know they can’t just toss it around (hopefully!). Perhaps if I traveled with my more expensive car seats, I would be more inclined to use a bag, but for now, I’m not sold on the need for one.

How do you bring your car seat through the airport?

If you gate check you can use the seat to transport your child around the airport. Check out this neat product which straps the car seat right to a piece of luggage turning it into a stroller for the airport. Or you can even buy a travel car seat cart to turn your car seat into a temporary stroller at the airport. Read more reviews and compare prices of these travel car seat accessories here.

Personally, one of the reasons that we LOVE the Cosco Scenera NEXT Car Seat is that it fits in the basket of our Uppa Baby Vista stroller. With the car seat tucked in the bottom of our stroller, we still feel like we are traveling light! Check out the Cosco Scenera next in detail here.

Portable Travel Car Seat Rundown

Ok, now it’s time for the detailed reviews! Here are the best car seats for travel that I have tried and tested. These opinions are my own, and I was not paid or sponsored by any of these companies.

Infant Portable Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Mico

Weight and Height Restrictions:

• Up to 32 inches

FAA Approved?

Where to buy it:.

Check out prices at the following retailers:

Why we love it

Taking a car seat with an infant is the easiest and simplest. I have always used a bucket seat with my kids and I take the same bucket seat that I use at home with me when I travel. We have the Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 , and I think this is the most lightweight car seat around!  Any bucket seat , as long as it meets safety requirements, will do!

For the best car seat stroller combo,  our car seat attaches to our UppaBaby Vista which makes it great for use in the airport and also while we are on the trip. We never bring along our actual stroller seat until our little one has outgrown the bucket seat. It is too much to carry and our little ones have always been happy in the bucket seat with a few toys to play with. I LOVE traveling with my full-size stroller. Find out more about why I always bring my full size stroller here! 

Toddler Travel Car Seat: Cosco Scenera Next

• 5-40lbs (rear facing 5-44lbs, forward facing 22-40lbs)
• 19 to 40 inches

Why we love it:

For me, toddlers are the trickiest age for bringing car seats for travel. My 2-year-old certainly doesn’t fit into a bucket seat, but also is way too small for a more portable booster seat. A lot of the toddler car seats are so bulky and that makes them difficult to transport in the airport. At the advice of a friend, I purchased what I consider the ultimate portable car seat for my 2-year-old,  the   Cosco Scenera Next.   I use this car seat exclusively as my toddler travel car seat and I can not stop RAVING about it. This seat is seriously the best car seat for travel!  The car seat is SUPER lightweight, which makes it great for airplanes as it’s easy to transport and not a huge pain in the airport. It also fits perfectly in the basket of my Uppa Baby Vista Stoller (score!).

The biggest plus of this super portable car seat is the price!! It is the best value around, and with such a low price I am not afraid of it getting ruined when we travel.  We don’t use this car seat for anything but travel, and it’s also AMAZING not to have to uninstall our regular car seats from our cars because we have this one. If you are like me, installing the car seat the first time was challenging enough, I prefer to keep my regular car seats installed when I can! In the US, this portable car seat is FAA approved,  meaning that it is an airline approved car seat for travel. I prefer to take this car seat and risk it getting damaged than to take the expensive car seat that I use every day.

Portable Booster Seat: The MiFold

Best car seat for travel.

• 40 lbs – 100lbs
• 40 -57 inches

No! Booster seats are not permitted on airplanes.

My kids are still little but I recently learned about an amazing new product from my friend. The mifold car seat is a super thin and portable booster seat that was designed by a couple who also felt the pain of constantly traveling with their seats. The mifold is so compact, it can fit in your purse! The design is simple, yet safe, as it currently meets all of the safety requirements for booster seats in the US. The minimum weight is 40lbs (and 4 years of age).

My friends review? She loves it! The only complaint would be that she says her kids say the seat is not the most comfortable for long car rides. This usually isn’t a huge problem when we travel. Certainly, I would still be using my 5-point restraint car seat at home (as its safer until you reach the maximum weight!). Once my son is big enough I plan to just use the mifold for trips, carpooling, taxi rides etc. My son is soon to be 4, but far away from 40lbs. I can’t wait to try this for myself!

For those kids who are a bit small for their age,  another cool option is the Ride Safer Delight . Although a bit bulkier than the mifold, this safety restraint is rated for smaller children who are at least 3 years old and at least 30 lbs.  You can compare prices and read reviews of the Ride Safer Delight here . Check out my fellow blogger friend from The Family Voyage for a detailed review of The Ride Safer Delight .

*** Update *** My son is now almost 5 and we are LOVING the mifold! It is so great to have something that literally fits in my purse to take with us on our travels. We don’t typically use a car a lot when we travel so having this option is SO GREAT! It sure beats lugging a bulky car seat along for only 40 minutes of total drive time! At home, we use it for taxi rides as well, which is SUPER convenient on the go. Definitely, love having this option! You can read more reviews of the MiFold here.

Should you just rent a car seat for travel?

Sometimes even the most portable car seat is just too much of a pain to bring on your trip. On several occasions, especially when we have been renting a car, we have rented a car seat . A few times we had a car seat that was quite old and worn, and on one occasion we had a seat that wasn’t properly rated for my child’s size. These are the problems with renting travel car seats from a rental company. Renting from a car rental company is at your own risk, as they don’t reserve the seats ahead of time. We will still occasionally do this, especially if we aren’t planning on using the seats a lot during the trip.

There are also companies that rent out car seats specifically for travelers. These baby gear companies will tell you the exact model of car seat that you are renting. The main disadvantage to a company like this is that unless they deliver to the airport you will be left without the car seat for your trip to go pick it up! This is why we have never rented a car seat from a company like this in the past.

Don’t forget your car seat accessories!

This post would not be complete without a shout out to some of my favorite car seat accessories!

The Best Car Seat Fan

I love my Diono Stroller Fan that attaches easily to the handle of the bucket seat to keep my baby cool on a hot vacation. Check out my other favorite beach hacks in this post on what to pack for the beach with kids.

Car Seat Lap Support

If you are headed on a road trip with kids, a car seat lap organizer is a perfect accessory. This Lap Desk for kids has a spot for a drink and can easily hold a few coloring books and markers. It can be worn like a backpack which makes it easy to carry through the airport when travelling.

The Best Car Seat Head Support

If you are doing a road trip with kids, you may have concerns about ‘head slump’ in the car seat. Mostly because it was freaking me out to see my kid’s heads contorted in such ways, I bought this portable car seat head support . Now when we go on long trips my son doesn’t look so darn uncomfortable when he sleeps! And seriously, the panda face is super cute!

Best Car Seat Cover

I love this car seat cover particularly for travel. It comes with a UPF 50+ sun shade that is perfect for hot vacations where you want to keep your little one protected. Under the sun shade is a mesh layer that is perfect to keep the Mosquitos out at night. With all of the worry about mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika, I wanted to prevent my little ones from getting bit as much as possible! Check out the pricing for this car seat cover here.

What is the best stroller for travel with car seats?

We are huge fans of trying to bring our full size stroller whenever we can on vacation. We have an Uppa Baby Vista and absolutely love it. The only exceptions would be when we are really limited on space (e.g. cruise, small rental car etc ). I love our full-size stroller and I’ve found every travel stroller I’ve owned to be completely lacking in so many important features. The basket on our stroller is larger enough to carry our travel car seat – you would never see that on a travel stroller!

I’ve never regretted bringing my bigger stroller and I’ve also never had any damage to my full size strollers. I have, however, had a wheel break on a flimsy travel stroller during a flight! Check out prices on the Uppa Baby vista here .

We do have a travel stroller that we use occasionally when we are really short on space. We used the Zoe XL2 travel stroller when we went on a Disney cruise and there was no room for a full size. I like that the Zoe XL has a decent recline and a really large canopy. The storage space isn’t great but it’s the best travel stroller I’ve owned yet. You can read more reviews and check out prices of the Zoe XL2 stroller here.

Have any more travel car seat questions?

Drop your questions in the comments below and I will be sure to answer them in this post.

While you’re in trip planning mode, be sure to check out my other guides to the top  baby travel gear and toddler travel gear posts for more ideas.

Pin for Later

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The Best Portable Travel Car Seat for 2 Year Old Toddlers

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Home » The Best Portable Travel Car Seat for 2 Year Old Toddlers

Finding the best toddler car seat for travel can be tricky – especially if you plan on flying with it too!

It does however remain to be one of the most important toddler travel gear items that you could ever invest in.

Obviously, the car seat needs to be a lightweight portable car seat for 2-year-old use. And one that you can preferably use in both cars as well as on planes.

Below we share a quick guide on what to look for in the ideal travel car seat for toddlers.

But if you are in a hurry and just want a quick answer, here is our top recommendation.

Click here to see our pick for the best travel car seat for 2-year-old toddlers

What to Look for in a Travel Car Seat for 2-Year-Old Kids

Find below some helpful information on what you need to look for and be aware of when you are trying to find a great car seat for travel.

1. Using a Car Seat Overseas in Cars

Firstly, if you plan on using the car seat in a car overseas, we highly recommend that you do some research to see how they secure their car seats in your destination.

We have found that some countries such as Australia use anchor points in the boot of the car, while other countries such as Italy, use a click-on system combined with an anchor point.

That means that car seats from Australia won’t be ideal for Italian rental cars and it would make more sense to rent one with the car itself.

Car seat rentals can add up super quickly though, especially if you have a longer vacation, so definitely see if your car seat can fit in the cars before hiring one.

2. Using a Car Seat in Planes

For those who wish to use the car seat on a plane, it is important to note that you can only use a portable car seat for airplane travel if it has been FAA certified , making the process even more tricky.

However, there are some great options out there if you know what you are looking for and we will share our top recommendation below.

3. Preferred Criteria to Lookout For

Here are some important criteria to look out for in your travel car seat.

Slim Design

Of course, when flying with a 2-year-old car seat, you will need to meet special criteria.

The seat needs to be slim enough to fit on airplane seats and down the aisle if you wish to use it on a plane.

Plane seats can be anywhere from around 16″ to 22″.

Most are around the 17 or 18″ mark. You can check to see if your plane is listed on the SeatGuru seat chart table  to see what size your seat will be ahead of time.

Lightweight

The best toddler car seat needs to be lightweight (around 15 lb) and easy to carry around, while still providing complete safety and comfort for your child.

Convertible

And lastly, it is recommended that babies up to 2 years old of age stay in a car seat that is rear-facing, but at some point during the next year, you will want to swap the car seat around to be forward-facing, so a convertible car seat is essential.

Suitable for Toddler Weight and Height 

Find a car seat that is suitable for both your toddler’s weight and height, so get off your computer right this second and go and measure and weigh them.

Here are some average weight and height info, but we all know each child is different, so best to get the correct measurements from your own child.

• The average weight for a 2-year-old is around 26 lb and by 3 years of age, they could be around 31 lb.
• The average height for a 2-year-old is around 33.7″ and by 3 years of age, they could be around 37.5″.

With all of the criteria in mind, we have decided on our best car seat for 2-year-old toddlers!

Out of all our toddler car seat reviews, we have found the best travel car seat for 2-year-old travelers.

This product ticks all the right boxes for both flying as well as car-travel with your little one!

The Best Travel Car Seat for 2-Year-Old Travelers

Find below our top recommendation for a small car seat for 2 year old kids that are lightweight, slim, and definitely portable.

We will also share two other car seats below that we can recommend, as well as an alternative to the car seat, so make sure to keep reading.

Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat Review

This is one of the absolute best toddler car seats for travel, and it is our top pick for flying with a 2-year-old.

The Safety 1st Guide 65 convertible car seat is convertible, and it can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions.

It can accommodate children from 5 to 40 lbs in rear-facing mode and from 22 to 65 lbs in forward-facing mode, which makes it perfect for a growing toddler.

Not only are there lots of nifty features in this product, but the price is also very appealing!

This is great because if the car seat is cheap you won’t care as much if it gets banged about during the trip!

When looking at car seats for toddlers to travel with, you need to make sure they are lightweight – this seat definitely is!

The car seat only weighs 14 lbs, which is lovely and light.

Due to its compact size of 27.25 x 18.5 x 20.25″ , this is the ideal seat for smaller cars, as well as airplane travel.

Even though the Guide 65 has such a compact design, it still manages to offer plenty of padding and space for your child.

It also has 5 harness heights, 3 buckle locations, and an adjustable headrest for proper fit.

This is the ideal car seat for 2-year-old children if safety is a concern.

It has side-impact protection built into this infant car seat keeping your little one extra secure.

The headrest is adjustable with multi positions to ensure a snug fit.

The padding is thick and comfortable (and hand-washable too!), completed with anti-rebound boosters. Of course, the buckle is tight and offers great coverage.

In terms of airplane travel, this seat is perfect.

FAA-certified, and slim enough (18″) to fit easily onto airplane seats, traveling with this is a breeze.

The cup holder is removable to provide more space while carrying down the airplane aisle.

This seat is also light enough to easily carry around the airport and is compatible with most travel car seat carts and bags.

You can also read through our review of this car seat here , and compare this car seat with other popular best convertible car seat for travel options.

Click here to purchase the popular Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat

Other Recommended Portable Car Seats for 2 Year Olds

Not sure that the travel toddler car seat above is the one for you? Here are two other travel car seats that we can recommend for toddlers.

1.  Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat

Another great option as a portable travel car seat for 2 year old kids is the Evenflo Sonus seat.

The car seat is convertible, lightweight (11 lb), slim (18″ in width), cheap, and will last you beyond through to age 4 with a max of 40 lb weight limit.

It is another popular seat and sells really well on Amazon. Read our full review of this car seat here .

>>> Click here to grab this toddler travel car seat .

2.  Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat

And our last recommendation for a car seat for 2 year old on airplane and car use is the Cosco Apt 50 seat.

This seat is convertible, cheap, super lightweight (8lb), and suitable for kids weighing up to 50 lbs.

This seat is wider than the other, measuring at 22″, you need to be aware that you will need to have the armrest up in order to make this seat fit.

Also important to point out that this seat is lighter because it doesn’t have as much cushioning, at 2 years of age with only one nap a day this might not be a big deal, but worth mentioning nonetheless.

>>> Click here to grab this cheap toddler travel car seat .

Alternatives to Using a Car Seat on Airplane for 2-Year-Old Kids

Wondering what alternatives you have to use a car seat on planes for 2-year-old toddlers? We have personally used a harness as well.

The Airplane Safety harness restraint is for children weighing between 22 and 44 lbs (kids 1-year and older).

Our daughter was only 2 years old when we used it for the first time and here are my thoughts.

It was fabulous to not have to drag a heavy car seat through the airport.

The harness is small and super lightweight. It fits into a 6″ stuff sack and only weighs 1 lb. The harness is super easy to install, and it doesn’t interfere with other passengers’ ability to recline.

As a negative, the harness is not really that comfortable for our little one to sleep in. Your toddler will have to sit up straight and only have the slight recline of the seat plane to try and be comfy.

The harness also doesn’t have a strap for between the legs and we found that at 2 our toddler kept slipping down the seat and then we freaked out that the harness might strangle her as it moved up her neck.

We do LOVE the harness now that she is older (almost 3), but I do prefer a car seat for 2 year olds.

>>> C heck prices for the Airplane Safety harness here .

Final Thoughts

Traveling with young kids can be a challenge, and when you add a car seat into the mix you have even more to handle!

However, a car seat is essential for the safety of your little one.

If you plan on flying with a 2-year-old, we would recommend equipping yourself with the best car seats for toddlers: the Safety 1st Guide 65 convertible car seat . We find that this seat just provides the perfect balance between safety, size, and ease of use.

• If you are interested, check out the best car seat for 3-year-old here.
• You can also find loads more helpful information about traveling with a toddler here.

Jolene Ejmont

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Best travel car seat options by age

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Hi! You’ve probably come here because you’re planning your family’s upcoming vacation and recently suffered that moment of dread when you realized that you have no love for the idea of slogging a 25 (or 30!) pound car seat all of creation. Or perhaps you’ve moved past that point and you’re already looking for the best travel car seat to meet your needs.

The good news is that you have options for flying with a car seat . There are plenty of hacks for moving your big car seat around if that’s what you want to do. But if you want to take your travels to the next level, consider upgrading to a lightweight car seat for travel or even a swanky folding car seat . For new parents, there are some great lightweight infant car seats and even specific travel infant car seats to consider as well.

Check out our top picks for the best car seat to travel with at each stage, and keep reading to find out what to look for when you’re shopping for the best car seat for traveling.

On this page you’ll find our pick for the best car seat for travel at each age, but if that one doesn’t meet your needs you can click the link right below for reviews of even more options.

What is the best car seat for airplane travel? Read on below and click through for age-based car seat reviews.

Best travel infant car seat

Top pick: Clek liingo

Key stats: -Weight 9 lbs -Rear-facing size limits: 4-35lbs, up to 32”

Pros: ✔ Can be installed baseless using LATCH ✔ Very compact in all directions ✔ Compatible with lots of strollers via Maxi-Cosi adapters

Cons: ✘ Expensive for an infant car seat ✘ Base is sold separately

Budget pick: Century Carry On 35 LX

Key stats: -Weight 6.5 lbs (10.5lbs including base) -Rear-facing size limits: 4-35lbs, up to 32”

Pros: ✔ Lightest infant car seat + base ✔ Budget-friendly ✔ Fits newborns well ✔ Fits most kids to 15-18 months ✔ Great for compact cars

Cons: ✘ Basic features ✘ Limited stroller compatibility

More options: Best infant car seats for travel

Best travel car seat for a 1 year old

Top pick: Cosco Scenera Next DLX

Key stats: -Weight 7lbs -Shell height 23” -Max harness height 13.5” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs, 19-40” -Forward-facing size limits 22-40lbs, 29-43″

Pros: ✔ Compact ✔ Lightest convertible car seat ✔ Low price

Cons: ✘ Low size limits ✘ Hard to install in some cars ✘ Limited padding for patterned covers ✘ No extra protection in headwings ✘ Requires top tether for forward-facing

This budget-friendly travel car seat for toddler globetrotters is a reader favorite!

More options: Best travel car seats for 1 year olds

Best travel car seat for a 2 year old

Top pick: evenflo sonus 65.

Key stats: -Weight 11lbs -Shell height 25” -Max harness height 18” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs, 19-40” -Forward-facing size limits 22-65lbs, 28-50”

Pros: ✔ Generous size limits ✔ More comfort features than other travel car seats ✔ Nice enough to use as an everyday car seat ✔ Somewhat narrow convertible car seat

Cons: ✘ Requires top tether , which may not be available in all countries ✘ Heavier than Cosco Scenera Next and Cosco Apt 50 ✘ More expensive than Cosco car seats ✘ Can be a tight squeeze front-to-back when rear-facing on some airlines with limited seat pitch ✘ 6 year expiration

More options: Best travel car seats for 2 year olds

Best travel car seat for a 3 year old

Top pick for rear facing or forward facing: graco contender go/slim.

Key stats: -Weight 15lbs -Shell height 27” -Max harness height 18” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs -Forward-facing size limits 22-65lbs, under 49″

Pros: ✔ Fits from newborn to elementary school ✔ “Closed” belt path means no buckle in the back when forward facing on a plane ✔ Easy to install with either LATCH or seatbelt ✔ Allows rear facing past 40″ (as long as there’s 1″ of head room)

Cons: ✘ Tall shell won’t fit well rear-facing in compact cars and economy airplane seats

Top pick for forward facing only: Evenflo Maestro Sport

Key stats: -Weight 9lbs -Max harness height 18.5” -Forward-facing size limits 22-50lbs, 28-50” -Highback booster size limits 40-110lbs, 44-57”

Pros: ✔ Lasts from age 3 (as a harness) to ~age 8 (as a booster) ✔ Affordable price ✔ Easy to install

Cons: ✘ Requires top tether , which may not be available in all countries ✘ Narrow set harness straps with no covers ✘ 6 year expiration

More options: Best travel car seats for 3 year olds

Best travel car seat for a 4 year old/

Best travel car seat for a 5 year old, top travel pick: ride safer travel vest ( full review ).

Key stats: -Weight 2lbs -Size small: minimum age 3, fits best for 30+ lbs and 35-47″ -Size large: minimum age 4, fits best for 50+ lbs and 45-57″

Pros: ✔ Rolls up to the size of a 2L soda bottle ✔ Perfect for taxi rides ✔ Lowers seat belt to provide an appropriate fit for young children ✔ Keeps kids properly seated better than a traditional booster seat – even when sleeping ✔ Easy to fit 3-across since it’s only as wide as the child ✔ 5 year expiration

Cons: ✘ No side impact protection like a highback booster seat ✘ Takes practice to get belt fit right ✘ NOT permitted for use on planes

Top pick: Evenflo Maestro Sport

More options: Best travel car seats for 4 year olds

More options: Best travel car seats for 5 year olds

Best travel car seat for a 6 year old/

Best high back booster seat for travel, top pick: peg perego flex 120.

Key stats: -Weight 15lbs -Highback booster size limit 40-120lbs, up to 63″

Pros: ✔ Steel reinforced frame ✔ Rigid LATCH ✔ Tons of size adjustments for a great fit ✔ Reclines for sleep ✔ Extremely narrow ✔ 10 year expiration

Cons: ✘ Really expensive ✘ No arm rests ✘ Heavy ✘ Folded size is as big as a carry-on suitcase

More options: Best travel car seat for 6 year olds

More options: Best travel booster seat

Best backless booster seat for travel

Top pick – younger: bubblebum ( full review ).

Key stats: -Weight under 1 lbs ( really! ) -Backless booster size limit 40-100lbs, age 4+

Pros: ✔ Lightest booster seat ✔ Extremely narrow ✔ Good seatbelt fit in lots of cars

Cons: ✘ Can slide around if kids are wiggly ✘ 4 year expiration (from first use)

Top pick – older: Graco RightGuide ( full review )

Key stats: -Weight 2 lbs -Backless booster size limit 50-120lbs, 43-60″, age 5+

Pros: ✔ Extremely light booster seat ✔ Very compact booster seat when folded ✔ Narrow option for 3-across with big kids ✔ Inconspicuous option for tweens ✔ 10 year expiration

Cons: ✘ Belt guide may not stay in place securely ✘ Incompatible with some seatbelt designs

More options: Best portable car booster seat

Still researching? Pin this for later!

What to look for in a portable car seat for travel

So what makes these car seats the most travel-worthy? We look at a few key criteria to determine the best car seat for airplane travel.

Right stage for the age

The first, most basic requirement is that a car seat should be age-appropriate. I’m never going to recommend a booster car seat for a 2 year old just because it’s easier to travel with.

At a minimum, we’d suggest following the NHTSA guidelines . Kids should be in a rear-facing infant or convertible car seat until at least age 3, but ideally closer to 4 years old if possible. Beyond that, they should ride in a Ride Safer Travel Vest or a forward-facing harnessed car seat (aka the best combination car seat or even the new Wayb Pico ) until they’re big enough and mature enough to sit properly in a booster seat for travel .

Lightweight car seat

The best travel carseat options (and car seat alternatives) range from 2 to 12 pounds. The high end may sound like a lot, but it’s still a lot more manageable than the 25lb convertible car seat most families use at home!

By the same token, on an extended trip or when where you might need lot of impromptu taxi rides you might be best served by a folding travel car seat – not just lightweight, but compact too.

Easy to use

You may think that ease of use isn’t that important for carseats that won’t see a ton of use, but we disagree. We’ve used plenty of different car seats both at home and on the go, and the ones that are hard to install or use are a disaster.

Remember, you’ll (probably) be in an unfamiliar place and installing that car seat in an unfamiliar car or taxi. It could even be after a 12 hour flight crossing more time zones than you or your cranky children can count. And you’ll have kids (those same cranky ones), spouses and taxi drivers waiting on you while you figure it out. Sounds lovely, eh?

Lasts for a few years

The final feature I look for in a travel car seat is a bit on the subjective side. Ideally, I don’t want my house to look like a car seat graveyard (this was a big problem when we lived in an apartment with two kids). So when shopping for a travel car seat, especially if it’s a toddler travel car seat, I’m hoping for one that we can use for a few years.

However, in our case, I can be a little flexible. Our kids are almost three years apart so when the older kid outgrows a car seat, usually it’s the right time for his sister to start using it. Even seats that generally don’t last one kid very long have given us five or six years of service.

If storage space isn’t a concern for you, then some of the inexpensive compact travel car seats that just last two or three years could work well. After all, some of those seats cost less than a family dinner out ! Even if you just use them a handful of time, you’ve saved yourself money over renting them on vacation.

Which car seats are approved for air travel?

Almost every car seat made for the US market today is an FAA-approved approved car seat provided you use the harness . That means that booster seats are not FAA-approved and that “harnessed boosters” (also called “combination car seats”) can only be used with the harness installed.

Prefer a quick visual summary? Check out my web story on the best travel car seats for every age .

Want to know all my best secrets? Click here to learn how to travel with your car seat like a pro!

Best travel car seat FAQs

The best travel car seat depends on your child’s age and size. That’s what this whole article is about! Here are some of our top picks (scroll up for more detail): – Doona infant car seat stroller – Cosco Scenera Next DLX – Ride Safer travel vest for car + CARES harness for flight – Evenflo Maestro Sport – Graco RightGuide

Almost any car seat can be used for travel, but a lightweight one will be easier to lug around.

Yes! The FAA encourages parents to bring a car seat or the CARES harness for children under 40 pounds. To be guaranteed the ability to use your car seat, you need to buy a ticket for your child; however, many airlines will let you use an empty seat if one is available.

Almost every car seat with a harness can be used on a plane. The exceptions are the Cybex Sirona S and Pipa Nuna Lite.

Car seat travel doesn’t have to be all bad! There are many options to make it easier. You can carry a lightweight car seat by hand or try one of these hacks for heavier car seats, including strollers, carts, backpacks and more.

Best car seats for travel

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Best travel car seat options by age quick picks

If you don’t have time to read through all the details to pick the right traveling car seat, here are the best options by age. Be sure to double check the size limits vs your child’s growth curve!

• Infant: Clek liingo or Century Carry On 35 LX
• 1 year old: Cosco Scenera Next DLX
• 2 year old: Evenflo Sonus 65
• 3 year old: Graco Contender GO or Evenflo Maestro Sport
• 4 year old: Ride Safer Travel Vest or Evenflo Maestro Sport
• 5 year old: Ride Safer Travel Vest or Evenflo Maestro Sport
• 6 year old: Bubblebum or Peg Perego Flex 120

The 9 Best Double Strollers for Families with Two (or More) Kids

Medical review policy, latest update:, quick summary, how we chose the best double strollers , why trust us, best double stroller overall, baby jogger city select 2 double stroller, best affordable double stroller, evenflo pivot xpand modular stroller, best double jogging stroller, bob gear revolution flex 3.0 duallie double jogging stroller, best convertible double stroller, uppababy vista v2, best double stroller for twins, bugaboo donkey 5 twin bassinet and seat stroller, best travel double stroller, zoe the twin v2, best lightweight double stroller, uppababy g-link 2 stroller, best double stroller for an infant and a toddler, joovy caboose ultralight sit and stand double stroller, easiest-to-store double stroller, delta children city street lx side by side stroller, are double strollers worth it, is it better to get a double stroller or a stroller wagon, what kind of double stroller is best, what age is a double stroller for, what double stroller seating configurations work for newborn twins.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained , July 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller , August 2022. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Carriages and Strollers Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide , 2023. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Booster Seats Business Guidance and Small Entity Compliance Guide , 2023. 

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The Best Gear for Traveling With Kids

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best In-Car Entertainment Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Read more

Best Headphones JLab Audio JBuddies Folding Headphones Read more

Best Travel Car Seat Wayb Pico Car Seat Read more

Best Car Seat Alert System Copilot Alert System Read more

Parenting involves more than a little magical thinking. If I go anywhere that parents gather, sooner or later a desperate mom or dad will ask me for the one thing that will make it easier to travel with a baby or small children. I can't make a 4-year-old avert a meltdown at an airport gate, or change a dirty diaper in a cramped airplane bathroom for you. But I can make a list of travel gear and gadgets I've found to be indispensable for the past four years while taking my kids on planes, trains, and road trips. If you need a tablet, compact stroller, or baby monitor, read on.

Be sure to check out our other guides on the best gift ideas for new parents , best baby monitors , best baby carriers , and our picks for a great travel mug .

Update December 2019: We added a few new picks and new product information.

Best In-Car Entertainment

Amazon's Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is the best children's tablet for the money. Amazon's FreeTime Unlimited platform restricts kid content by age, which means that you won't be constantly looking over their shoulders to see if they've found something unsavory on YouTube. FreeTime also includes Audible books, so a kid who has carsickness can listen and look out the window. It's small size makes it great for portability, and the tablet has a 3.5-mm headphone jack.

If your kid wants a bigger screen, the new Amazon Fire HD 10 is a great alternative, with slightly better performance and it's the first Amazon device with a USB-C charging port, making it convenient to juice up if you're already using a USB-C charger for your phone or laptop. Read our best Amazon Fire tablets guide for more options.

Best Headphones

Senior writer Lauren Goode pointed out that if you want to watch movies on a plane, you'll need headphones with a 3.5-mm headphone jack. And with kids, it might always be best to avoid more complicated wireless options. These corded, affordable JBuddies can easily switch between a tablet and a plane's screen. They have a built-in volume limiter and ear cushions to protect little ears and fit both my 2-year-old and 4-year-old.

Best Travel Car Seat

The best piece of kid travel gear I've tested in the past year is Wayb's Pico Car Seat . Children have to be in car seats until they fit a seatbelt properly , at 4 feet 9 inches or 80 pounds, but the manpower required to drag a 25-pound car seat on a trip is exhausting. The Pico weighs a mere 8 pounds and folds into a backpack. It's easy to carry, not only on planes but also while roaming a city and getting into different Lyfts and rental cars.

In November 2019, I did get an update stating customers that purchased Pico car seats with a model number ending in -001 sometimes reported a cracked head tube. It's not a safety issue, but Wayb is currently voluntarily replacing seats with that model number.

Best Car Seat Alert System

Tragically, parents sometimes accidentally leave their very young children buckled in closed, parked cars . It's hard to see a child in a rear-facing car seat, and it's far more likely to happen when you're tired, stressed, or there's a break in the routine, like traveling. Both car and car seat manufacturers are working on making visual and audio alerts standard practice, but in the meantime, this simple Bluetooth-enabled clip is simple, foolproof, and easy to install. Just replace the chest strap on your infant's car seat and attach the fob to your keychain. If you walk more than 10 feet away from a buckled clip, the fob alerts you.

Best Stroller

I've tried the Bugaboo Ant and other awesome lightweight folding strollers , but my favorite one is still Ergobaby's Compact Metro. It folds down to a mere 21 inches tall and has a handle to carry it like a suitcase. It has an easy one-handed opening mechanism, a silky, expansive fabric canopy, and it goes into a full recline for toddlers that need to take a relaxing nap while touring a museum. It's also slim enough to walk through the turnstiles at metro stations in cities like Washington, D.C.

Best Baby Monitor

At the end of a long day of traveling, the last thing you want to do is fiddle with a Wi-Fi-enabled baby monitor and figure out how to prop it up on a bedside table. Eufy's SpaceView monitor is compact and can stand independently. It has a ridiculous 330-degree horizontal and 110-degree vertical rotation, so I can put it almost anywhere in a room. It's not Wi-Fi-enabled, so I don't have to spend endless minutes waiting to connect it. Read our baby monitor guide for more options.

Best Streaming Device for Travel

Children must learn to be adaptable and flexible. But not in the 10 minutes before bedtime, when they're tired, cranky, and just want 10 minutes of Paw Patrol to wind down before passing out. Google's Chromecast Ultra lets you "cast" videos from your phone to any TV. It's easy to use, supports 4K resolution, and has an Ethernet port in case the Internet is wonky. It also works with Disney+ (wait, you don't have Disney+ yet? Go get it. We'll wait here).

Best Kid Tracking Device

I have mixed feelings about tracking my kids , but I've never been as terrified as the moment I lost sight of my preschooler at a neighborhood parade. The Jiobit is as small as an Oreo and easy to attach to my kid's clothes with a hair tie. It's rated IPX8 for waterproofing—you can swim with it—and uses a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular data, and GPS satellites to track your kid almost anywhere on earth. Watching my kid run around in its live-tracking mode was like having a real Marauder's Map on my phone.

I've also tried the Monkey Kid sensor and the Relay , but the Jiobit is still my favorite.

Best Cheap Toy

Even if you're fully prepared with familiar toys and snacks, a tiny surprise will often delight and distract smaller children. These adorable, tiny erasers are affordable and are a surprise hit in my house. You can also get food or truck sets . Package them up individually and whip them out when you see that telltale downward mouth turn that signals an impending tantrum.

Best Travel Bag

The Yeti Camino Carryall won't work as a travel bag on a plane. It won't fit under a seat and the top doesn't zip shut. But if you're taking a road trip for the weekend, it easily transitions from diaper bag to beach bag to grocery bag. If your toddler squishes an entire carton of berries at the bottom, just tip it over, rinse it out with a hose, and dry it with a towel. Once, I lost track of it for a few hours. I complained to a friend that it felt like I'd lost my arm.

Best Snack Box

Small children are powerless beings, so when they find a way to exert control, they do so with relish. The specific way that my children have chosen to torment me is by eating only very tiny portions of lots of different things. I could buy lots of prepackaged snacks for traveling, but it's easier to reduce waste by filling this durable, leakproof bento with six blueberries, two graham crackers, and so on. It also comes in a mini version .

Best Water Bottle

I've tried dozens of BPA-free kid water bottles, with different types of lids and drink tops, and this is the only one that can be tossed in a bag without leaking all over. Both of my kids have had the same bottle since they were old enough to drink from a straw. My two-year-old can easily carry it with the top's loop, and he can fold the straw's lid closed himself to prevent spills. It also has double-walled vacuum insulation to keep milk cold during a four-hour flight, and it's steel, so it doesn't break or dent when dropped (or thrown).

Best Clean-Up Kit

Name one parent who doesn't have easy access to five packets of wet wipes at any given second. I'll wait here while you think. My son has eczema, and Water Wipes have been approved by Allergy UK and the French Association for the Prevention of Allergies, as well as the National Eczema Association here in the US. They're moist and durable enough to scrub at car seats and clothes, as well as faces and hands.

A Useful Tool

As a mom, I find light, sturdy carabiners to be almost as useful as hair ties or wet wipes. You can clip a small pouch to the back of your seat pocket so that you're not constantly reaching under the seat for your bag. You can hang your backpack off the floor in a filthy restroom. If your kid is in a travel harness with a leash, you can clip them to your belt! You can clip a tiny Bluetooth speaker to their car seat to listen to story podcasts or a meditation on Insight Timer to put them to sleep! And because climbers carry dozens of these at a time, each one weighs about an ounce. Carry several.

Best Travel Outfit for Mom

My friends have dubbed this, the "momper." Patagonia's insanely comfortable romper is made from stretchy, light, and durable recycled polyester and Spandex. It has also been treated with durable water repellent (DWR) so goopy messes can be wiped right off, and the crossover straps are easy to peel off to use the bathroom. In addition to two capacious front pockets, it also has a concealed zip pocket for keys or lip balm. I've worn it while hiking, biking, and skateboarding, so sprinting after two toddlers is a breeze.

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Best Double Strollers of 2024

Double stroller are an investment, but crucial to getting out when you have two (or more) kids close in age., by jen labracio | medically reviewed by holly peretz ot.

A double stroller is an investment, but it’s also crucial to getting out when you have two (or more) kids close in age or if you’re having twins . 

After countless hours of testing double strollers in the real world and considering feedback from experts and thousands of Babylist parents, we narrowed down the competition to recommend two top picks: the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller as the best side-by-side double stroller and UPPAbaby’s Vista V2 Stroller as the best tandem double. Which style you’ll prefer will likely come down to a mix of your family’s particular needs + your personal preferences, since side-by-sides and tandems—strollers with front-to-back seating— are both great options. (You can read more on the pros and cons of each later in this guide.)

We also chose five other best-of picks in case you’re looking for something more specific, like a double stroller for twins or a double jogger.

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 annually via our Best Baby Products survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries. 

I’ve tested dozens of double strollers over the years both in my roles as Babylist’s gear editor and as a mom to two young boys. I drew from both of those experiences as I made this best-of list. I analyzed double stroller feedback from thousands of Babylist parents via our annual Best Baby Products survey of over 6,000 users and talked to parents at Babylist for their input. 

I also spoke with several experts. Lois Kaye Lee, MD MPH FAAP, American Academy of Pediatrics Chairperson of Executive Committee, and Courtney English , a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, talked to me about double stroller safety. Tatyanna Hunter Jones is a Babylist Showroom Registry Consultant and part of a trained team of experts who work at Babylist Beverly Hills . She interacts with parents-to-be daily, answering questions about baby gear and helping them build their baby registries. 

The Best Double Strollers

Best Side-By-Side Overall: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller

Best Convertible Overall: UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller

Best Affordable: Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0

Best for Travel: Zoe The Twin V2

Best Stroller Wagon: Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon

Best Jogging: Thule Urban Glide 3 Double

Best for Twins: Bugaboo Donkey5 Mono Complete Stroller

How We Judged

Suspension and maneuverability. A smooth, easy-to-turn stroller is a better experience for everyone, especially when you’re pushing two children. Our picks make strolling with multiple kids as effortless as possible.

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

Features. All of our picks have thoughtfully designed features, like large, independent canopies, lots of storage and recline options, to make you and your little ones the most comfortable while you’re on the go.

Value. Double strollers range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand. We didn’t limit our best-of picks by price, but we did factor it in so you can be sure you’re spending your money wisely.

Best Side-By-Side Double Stroller Overall

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller - Jet

• Quick, easy fold
• Easy to push and maneuver even at maximum weight (two 50-lb children)
• Can handle all types of terrain, including snow and ice
• Limited accessories available (no snack tray, weather protection or parent console)
• Only fits one infant car seat (won’t work for twins under 6 months old)
• Not compatible with Nuna or Chicco infant car seats

Babylist parents love Baby Jogger strollers for their quick, easy one-handed folds. (The brand’s single GT2 holds the top spot in our Best Strollers guide.) This double version is just as easy to break down as the single stroller—extra praiseworthy considering it’s twice the size.

“This stroller folds up in one step! Can you ask for anything better?!” said one Babylist mom, and I couldn’t agree more.

Maneuverability-wise, the GT2 Double is very easy to push and steer, even with two kids on board. (This is a big reason why many parents choose a side-by-side double stroller. Tandem doubles have their pros, but maneuverability generally isn’t one of them—side-by-side doubles are easier to manage than tandems.)

Another big perk of this stroller is size. The GT2 is fairly narrow and fits through standard-sized doorways (interior doorways in the US are usually around 32” wide, while exterior doorways measure 36”), which isn’t the case with all doubles and can be extra helpful if you’re a city family navigating tighter spaces . I also love that each seat and canopy operates independently in case one kiddo wants to chill while the other wants to see the world.

The GT2 Double isn’t ideal for twins since it only accepts one infant car seat. (There used to be a bassinet add-on option, but the brand has unfortunately discontinued it.) And speaking of car seats, many parents complain that the stroller isn’t compatible with Nuna or Chicco car seats, two popular brands, which is something to keep in mind. There’s also no snack tray or parent console available, which is frustrating if you have kids who like to snack on the go or like to stash your phone or a drink in your stroller.

Real Parent Reviews

“I have had my GT2 for three years now. It still looks brand new, despite using it 3-5 times a week. My 5yo still fits in it! I can’t say enough about the easy fold-up, how simple it is to get in and out of our car, the rubber tires make pushing on gravel a dream, and the HANDBRAKE is something I never thought I would use as much as I do. I haven’t found a door that the double GT won’t fit through. And the side-by-side seats make it easy for my older children to climb in and out of effortlessly. The Double GT is worth every.single.penny. I wouldn’t hesitate to click “buy” again. City Mini truly makes the best strollers I have ever used.” — Ambernehne

“I got this stroller and overall like the ease of pushing it and getting it out and up from my car. The thing I dislike the most is that if you’re going to make a stroller for two kids you should have someplace to put a snack or drink for one if not both.” — Stace

Additional Specs

Best convertible stroller overall.

UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller - Jake

• Can hold up to 3 kids (with attachments; sold separately)
• All-wheel suspension + lots of storage
• 30% of Babylist parents voted for this as their favorite stroller
• Harder to push and steer with 2+ kids

Some parents prefer a tandem double stroller (also called an in-line or front-to-back stroller) because of the more streamlined design, making it easier to maneuver through crowds and doorways than a side-by-side. If that’s you, the Vista V2 should be your go-to. You won’t find another tandem with the same quality, durability or convenience features.

The Vista is a convertible stroller, which means it converts from a single to a double with the addition of a second seat.

“If you know for sure you want to expand your family soon, then a convertible stroller might be the right choice for you,” says Hunter Jones. It’s one of the most popular strollers used (and loved) by Babylist parents; almost 30% of the 6,000+ Babylist users who completed our Best Baby Products survey voted the Vista V2 as their favorite, describing the quality as “unmatched,” and many telling us it was the best product they added to their entire baby registry.

The Vista is built to accommodate up to three kids with the addition of the Rumble Seat and Ride-Along Board . It’s twin-friendly, as it works with two bassinets, two car seats or two toddler seats at the same time. It’s pricey, but it comes with a lot: a bassinet, a rain/bug shield, more than ample storage space in the basket for up to 30 pounds of stuff and a toddler seat for kids up to 50 pounds. It’s beautifully designed and boasts an impressive suspension system for a smooth ride, even over uneven surfaces. And it’s sturdy enough to withstand years of use with multiple kids. “The Vista is my go-to ride for both my kids,” Babylist parent Michela said. “I’ve used the bassinet, car seat, main seat and the Rumbleseat over the years. Wheels tackle anything and it glides so smooth.”

Like any tandem double, the biggest con is steering—the Vista can feel unwieldy to push and turn when it’s loaded up with two kids, which I think is the stroller’s biggest fault. It’s especially tough to steer if there’s a toddler in the bottom seat because of how front-heavy the stroller feels. It’s also not the easiest to break down in double mode.

“Ideal stroller for our twins. They did all their sleeping right in the bassinet (one was included with the Vista, had to buy another one). SUPER easy to click them both into the stroller and be on our way. Our nanny was super appreciative of the ease of use as well so she was always out and about with the twins. Overall extremely happy!” — Bob

“Bought it for our first baby. We found a deal where they discontinued our color and they put them on sale for 20% off…We loved the possibility of extending it for up to 3 children. The bassinet is great for the first few months — we used it till she was about 4 months old, [but] could have possibly used it a little longer. The stroller is HUGE and HEAVY. It fills our trunk completely (Ford Edge). It is especially a lot when you have to take the bassinet off to collapse the stroller or reposition the toddler seat to collapse it with the seat.” — Sandra W.

Best Affordable Double Stroller

Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0 - Sea/Watercolor Canopy With Penny Leather

• Luxury features at an affordable price
• 22+ different seat configurations, including bassinet, riding board (sold separately) and 2 infant car seats at once
• Compatible with 10+ different infant car seat brands (adapters sold separately)
• Can be tough to maneuver as weight increases (especially with 2 kids)
• Not great for rougher terrain
• All seats and attachments need to be removed to get a compact fold

Direct-to-consumer brand Mockingbird skips the retail markups so they can offer a luxury convertible stroller for a lot less than many competitors. “Looks and feels high-end for a reasonable price” and “best bang for the buck” are just some of the feedback Babylist parents gave us when we asked about the Mockingbird in our Best Baby Products survey. They also called out all the different features, highlighted the importance of the ride-along board for families with 3+ kids and loved the brand’s lifetime warranty.

The Mockingbird costs less than half of what you’ll pay for a Vista. Both seats are the same size and can be switched to either forward- or parent-facing. You can also use it from birth with the addition of a car seat (it’s compatible with almost every brand—just remember you’ll need adapters), or add the Mockingbird Bassinet , Infant Seat Stroller Insert or Riding Board , for a total of 22+ configurations.

Some parents told us that their overall impression of the Mockingbird was that it wasn’t quite as sturdy and didn’t offer as smooth of a ride as the Vista. I agree somewhat with that feedback, but I think the updated suspension in the 2.0 version goes a long way in improving how the stroller handles. (And considering the price tag, that’s a really big deal.) If you’re taller, you may sometimes kick the crossbar between the stroller’s back wheels. (I did, and I’m 5’10”, but other tall folks I spoke with haven’t had this experience.) And, like the Vista—and all tandems—it’s not effortless to push in double mode with two larger kids.

“At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like this stroller. It is pretty heavy and you have to take off the 2nd seat for it to fit in your car. It takes some time to load/unload and put together. But that being said, it’s a great stroller. It is heavy-duty, it just feels like great quality. The basket is huge for a lot of storage, the canopies are large and I love the blue color I ordered. It is easy to remove and rearrange the seats however you need them to be. The infant insert is really nice, I love not having to carry around the car seat with us. I love that the stroller is easy to fold and locks into place for easy maneuvering into your trunk. It takes some time to get used to how it works and how it is easiest to fit into your car with two seats, but now that I have it down I love it!” — Samantha A.

“I had higher hopes for this stroller, and maybe my hopes were too high. Best parts first: I love the extended canopies that allow for total sun coverage of my babies’/kids’ faces. I love that it fits in the back of our car (an Ascent with the 3rd-row seat in use). It does have to have all seats removed but it fits which is a big win (the BOB double does not—and our biggest reason for purchasing this stroller). The buckles are easy…The seat cover also seems to be easy to remove for cleaning. The less than great [stuff]: I was really surprised that as this is the updated one that it is still kind of wobbly (almost to the degree of my old double umbrella kinderwagon). Unsure the best way to describe it but with two children (a 12 lb 4-month-old and a 22-lb 2-year-old) with the double seat configurations the side-to-side motion of the frame is quite noticeable at times. Not to the point of it feeling unsafe, but surprising. This is also a sidewalk /in-store-only stroller. There is no grass, gravel, etc use happening with any child configuration in my personal opinion.” — Michelle R.

Best Double Stroller for Travel

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
• Can’t use from birth (doesn’t accept car seats or bassinets)
• Fold isn’t compact

One of the first things I noticed when testing out Zoe’s Twin stroller was how easy it was to open, close and get in and out of my trunk. Maneuverability in general is so easy with this double stroller, and that makes it ideal for travel with two+ kids or for those times when you don’t want or need a full-size double stroller.

I was able to open and close the stroller in seconds thanks to the one-handed fold. (And I didn’t even have to crack the instruction manual to learn how!) I also appreciate that it comes with a child snack holder and parent cup holder right out of the box. At only 19 pounds and 29 inches wide, it fits through standard doorways easily and is Disney-approved . There’s even an option to turn it into a stroller for three (or four!) by adding a triple or a quad seat, something you don’t see often with any type of stroller, but especially in a travel stroller.

If you need a double that can tackle off-road terrain or bumpy sidewalks, I wouldn’t recommend this one; it shines on smooth surfaces but doesn’t handle well on rougher surfaces like cobblestone streets or especially uneven city sidewalks. It also doesn’t accept car seats or bassinets (and doesn’t recline flat), so it’s not a good choice for newborns.

“We got this double stroller to use for traveling since it’s lightweight and our other double stroller is too bulky to take with us. I love the large canopies and the seats seem really comfortable. I like that I can lay them all the way down if my toddlers need to take a nap while we’re out and about. They seem to like sitting next to each other (as opposed to tandem) and ask to ride in this one when we take walks around the neighborhood. The only thing I wish is that the wheels were a tiny bit bigger and better able to navigate pumps and cracks, otherwise it’s pretty smooth!” — B

“This stroller is everything! It is lightweight, allowing me to easily get it out of the SUV, glides so smoothly across the ground and folds practically flat! Hands down the best stroller we’ve owned!” — Amy

Best Stroller Wagon

Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon - Adventurer

• Stroller + wagon combo; works for both pushing and pulling
• Open seats give kids a 360-degree view and more freedom to move, plus face each other
• Rides smoothly on all types of terrain, including sand
• Can only accommodate 1 car seat at a time, and only works with Evenflo infant car seats
• Shared footwell is small and flimsy; may be a tight fit for two bigger kids
• Handlebar only has 3 height settings, and could feel too low for taller parents

Are you thinking, “This isn’t a double stroller?” Technically, you’re correct. But wait! The Pivot Xplore is a wagon + stroller hybrid and a super fun way to transport two kids when you’re on the go. Stroller wagons are a great alternative for pushing around multiple little ones, especially when on adventures like the beach or park, and I always recommend parents consider them in their research.

With one quick flip of the handle, the Xplore transforms from a wagon into a stroller suitable for kids from six months up to five years old. (You can get even more versatility by adding in a toddler seat and a car seat adapter , sold separately.) It pushes and turns very similarly to a traditional stroller, something many stroller wagons struggle with. It also features a telescoping handle to accommodate caregivers of different heights. While the all-terrain wheels can handle many types of surfaces, like bumpy sidewalks or short stretches of sandy or gravel paths, I do find it shines on smoother ones; for a more rugged option (but also more expensive), check out the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser Wagon .

“We used the stroller/wagon on paved, graveled and small stretches of bumpy surfaces and all were fine to handle. The wagon does great with single or double use. Depending on the surface of the ground I do recommend having a single rider sit above the bigger wheels for easier handling. I do love that this stroller/wagon has the option of additional attachments to even cater to an infants’ sitting needs within the first year and still accommodate the older sibling down below. If I could change/wish for a few things, I would wish for a more compact fold as it appears still a little on the bulky side while it is folded down, it would also be nice if it had the ability to stand up on its own while folded…It definitely seems heavier than any of my strollers, but that was to be expected, as it appears more rugged, too.” — Lisa

“My 17-month-old twin daughters have been loving this wagon as soon as they could sit up! It makes going on walks so fun and easy, even when the terrain is a little bit bumpy. The large wheels hop down curbs easily, and the adjustable handle makes the wagon easy to maneuver. The sunshades are especially helpful for when it gets a little bit bright or breezy, and the detachable basket is great for holding the diaper bag when I don’t want to! We love this wagon and will continue to use it regularly as long as our kids will fit in it!” — Jenna

Best Double Jogging Stroller

Thule Urban Glide 3 Double - Black

• Top-rated suspension + maneuverability = perfect for jogging
• Twist hand brake for faster, safer stopping
• Lots of storage space + zip-top basket
• Only works with 1 car seat/bassinet attachment at a time
• Seats are shallow and don’t sit fully upright
• Frame scratches easily

I’d never describe a double jogging stroller as small, but the Thule Urban Glide 3 Double is one of the sleeker around. It’s just as great whether you’re an avid runner logging multiple miles a week or someone who walks a lot over uneven terrain. It can even work for urban environments, assuming you have space to store it.

The Urban Glide is long front to back, but ergonomically it’s comfortable to push while jogging and easy to steer. You’ll immediately notice the huge shocks on this stroller’s frame. Those combined with the large rear wheels make for an incredibly smooth ride both on and off-road. The twist break is comfortably positioned and easy to operate and control, even downhill. Improvements to the V3 model include a built-in legrest (a really nice feature for kid comfort), bigger, full-coverage canopies and an even larger storage basket.

The fold on this stroller is intuitive, but know that it’s big and bulky when folded. It weighs over 35 pounds, which is comparable to other double joggers but much heavier than an average double. (This isn’t the stroller I’d choose if I were also planning on using it day-to-day and had to load it in and out of my car regularly.) It’s also important to know that the tires are air-filled. While this is great from a suspension standpoint, it means they can pop or deflate over time.

The Urban Glide 3 Double is compatible with infant car seats from many major brands, and can be paired with a bassinet . (But it can only hold one car seat or bassinet, so it’s not twin-friendly.) And remember that it’s not safe to jog with your baby until they have good head and neck control, usually around six to nine months of age.

“I purchased this stroller over a month ago and it’s the best investment I’ve made when it comes to children’s equipment. I have very tall/large children, thus I need a well-built stroller that can handle a lot of weight and accommodate taller kids, all while providing an enjoyable ride for mom/dad and kids. We use this as an everyday stroller and a jogging stroller and it works great. My only caution is that this is a bulky stroller but it’s more lightweight and easier to collapse/move compared to its competitors. This will not fit in every car, it does require an oversized trunk.” — Momof3under5

“This stroller is awesome. I did some research on almost all brands and came down to this from previous reviews and I am so glad I did…I used it on snow and it pushed so nicely, hopefully [it] does the same with sand (haven’t used it yet on sand). It’s pretty easy to fold and it stands up. I did watch a few review videos and some people complained about folding it and putting it in your car, taking the wheels off, but I have not had to do that yet—this stroller has gone in the back of a pickup truck and Escape and fits fine with wheels on…I have a 3.5-year-old and 11 month old and both sit comfortably in it. I actually prefer this stroller over a wagon.” — Alex K.

Best Double Stroller for Twins

Bugaboo Donkey5 Mono Complete Stroller - Stormy Blue

• Best overall double for suspension and maneuverability
• 8 different configurations with included attachments (30 configurations with attachments sold separately)
• Easily converts from single to double stroller and back again
• Very pricey
• Requires additional attachments (sold separately) to use for twins
• Fold isn’t intuitive

Not all double strollers are created equally, especially for twins. If you’re shopping for a twin stroller, you’ll want to make sure it accommodates two bassinets and/or two infant car seats simultaneously. You should also be conscious of storage, maneuverability and the stroller’s width. Bugaboo’s Donkey5 gets an A++ in all of these categories. It’s one of the narrowest side-by-side doubles on the market, so fitting through standard doorways and other crowded spaces won’t be an issue. I’m amazed by how well it handles every time I push it, even with two kids in tow—no other side-by-side double compares. There’s an incredible suspension system for a smooth ride even over bumpy terrain (it can even curb hop!) and an adjustable handlebar for strollers of different heights. It even turns easily, making you (almost) forget you’re hauling around twice the weight as many parents.

The elephant in the room is this stroller’s price tag, especially once you start adding on twin must-haves like the Duo Extension Set and the twin bassinet . But if your double stroller is your main mode of transportation each day, I do think it’s worth the high price tag if you can swing it. Check out the Valco Trend Duo for a more affordable (and still very much loved) twin option.

PS—you don’t have to use this stroller just for twins. It works just as well for kids of different ages, too.

“I’m a mother of two little ones and I’ve had a slew of different strollers in trying to find our perfect fit for our family’s needs. This is HANDS DOWN the best one. I had the double stroller from UppaBaby and I sold it to get this one and couldn’t be happier that I did. It’s more compact, the seats are more comfortable (they’re the same size) there are a multitude more configurations that you can do with it and it’s even adjustable when you’re with one or two kids. My two-year-old used to hate to go in the stroller with her baby brother…she was far away from me up front and didn’t fit in the tiny extra seat. Now they’re comfortably side by side, close to me and she loves it! I never write reviews, but this has changed our lives and I wanted to share the experience. STRONGLY recommend this product.” — Morgan D

“We have two boys that are 18 months apart and I really wanted a stroller that I could have them side by side, and this seemed like the best (and best looking) option. Things we love: the look of it…feels and looks high end in my opinion, very smooth ride, never really had a problem getting through doors (in the USA at least) since it’s only as wide as a wheelchair, it collapses fairly well width-wise. Things that aren’t my favorite: it is a little bit of a pain to get in and out of my car, so many pieces and it doesn’t collapse as compactly as other double strollers, it takes up the entire trunk of my Audi Q5, I’m hoping this will be less of a problem when we no longer need the bassinet seat.” — Miriam

How We Chose Our Best 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 double strollers.

We spoke to Lois Kaye Lee, MD MPH FAAP, American Academy of Pediatrics Chairperson of Executive Committee and Courtney English, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. 

We also talked with Tatyanna Hunter Jones, a Babylist Showroom Registry Consultant at the Beverly Hills showroom.

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

Types of Double Strollers

There are three types of double strollers: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Each option has pros and cons, and choosing the one that’s best for your family will depend on your lifestyle, needs and preferences.

Side-by-side double strollers

Side-by-side double strollers have seats that are positioned next to each other.

Seats have same amount of space between them

Seats have same amenities (recline, cup holders etc.)

Usually easier to fold and turn

Easier for children to interact

Most accommodate twins

Hard to get through narrow spaces

Tough to steer through crowds

Easier for kids to bug each other

Tandem double strollers

Also called in-line strollers, tandem strollers are single-file seats with one seat in front of the other. The two seats can be the same height, but tandems often have “stadium seating” with the back seat raised higher than the front for better viewing.

Fit more easily through narrow doors and aisles

Fold more compactly

More configurations

Seats don’t have same amenities (one may recline more, have more/less leg room etc.)

Harder to maneuver, especially when turning

Long, front-heavy

There’s no “best” type of double stroller. For some families, a side-by-side may be the best choice, while for others, a tandem or a convertible makes the most sense. The most important thing is to think about your needs and personal preferences.

What about stroller wagons?

The stroller wagon —a stroller + wagon hybrid with the push and maneuverability of a stroller combined with the fun and functionality of a wagon—has gained popularity over the last few years. Stroller wagons can handle a variety of different terrains, hold anywhere from two to four children of different ages and come with lots of accessories. They’re also, simply put, pretty fun. But there are a few things you need to think through if you’re considering one in place of a double stroller.

Stroller wagons feature both pull and push functionality, but even the highest-end ones aren’t as easy to maneuver as a traditional double stroller. They’re also bulky, very heavy and often tricky to break down. If you’re looking for something to use for walks around the neighborhood or quick trips to the park, then a stroller wagon can be a solid choice. But they’re not ideal for consistent, everyday use, if you’re trying to navigate city streets or tight spaces or if you’re getting in and out of a car all day.

Not all stroller wagons accommodate infants, and the ones that do require separate (and often brand-specific) infant car seats and adapters. If you need to transport an infant and a toddler, you’ll need to be sure the stroller wagon you choose can accomplish that.

How to Choose the Best Double Stroller

While it’s sometimes possible to skip the double stroller and use a single stroller with a ride-along board or a baby carrier instead, most parents with multiple kids close in age do choose to purchase a double stroller.

“I cannot live without my double jogger,” says Amanda, a Babylist team member. “It makes it so easy to get out for neighborhood walks with my two kids —and going on walks saves my sanity as a mom.” 

Briana, an editor on the Babylist team, agreed. “Having a double stroller was essential to getting out of the house with my two kids,” she stressed. “They each have a place to sit when they're tired of walking, or when I need them safely contained (like in a crowd or parking lot), and it helped us lug around all of the things we needed while out with them. Even now that my oldest is phasing out of the stroller, we're thankful for our ride on board!”

We often hear from parents expressing confusion about the type of double stroller to choose and the features they should be prioritizing. These are the factors to consider and the questions you should be asking yourself.

Size and maneuverability 

Double strollers aren’t known for being compact—but some are smaller and more streamlined than others. Consider how you’ll use your double stroller and where you’ll be storing it. Do you need a double that fits through narrow doorways? Will you keep it in your car, an apartment, a mudroom or in a garage? Will you need to lift the stroller often, or break it down for storage? You’ll want an answer to all of these questions before you make your decision. 

You should also think through maneuverability. A city family in an elevator building using a stroller day in and day out needs a double that’s easy to steer and push, whereas a family who plans to use a double more infrequently (or in a different living environment) doesn’t need to be as focused on maneuverability.

Things like stroller configuration, modular seating, fabric, canopy size, basket storage, an adjustable handlebar, reclining seats, cupholders and suspension are just some of the things to consider as you shop. Also think about configuration. Do you need a double stroller that accommodates infant car seats or bassinets—and if so, how many, and in what setups? Don’t forget about a stroller’s maximum weight limits, both for each seat individually and for the stroller overall.

“Stroller weight limits are based on the manufacturer’s design and how the stroller is tested for safety and use,” says Lee. “Parents should follow the weight limit to avoid any injuries related to breakage of parts or failure of the brakes.”

“Strollers should have a five-point harness system and brakes that are easy to use,” stresses Lee. If you’ll be using an infant car seat with your double stroller, remember the two-hour rule: limit car seat use to no more than two hours in a 24-hour period. “This is because research shows that when a baby is positioned in a semi-upright position for longer durations, it can restrict airflow to baby's lungs resulting in breathing issues,” says English. 

Oftentimes, younger babies especially will fall asleep in a stroller. While this isn’t a safe place for routine sleep, says Lee, it’s okay as long as you move them as soon as possible. “When you reach your destination, it’s best to move baby to a crib, bassinet or portable playard to finish napping,” she says. If you’re using a bassinet with your double stroller, be sure it allows baby to lie flat while sleeping and that the space is “free of blankets or other soft objects which might cover their face and obstruct their breathing.”

If you’re planning to add a stroller board to your double stroller, be sure it’s approved for use by the stroller’s manufacturer and that it’s sturdy and secure. “Parents should have extra caution when their toddler is on a ride-on board to make sure the child is positioned appropriately and doesn’t fall off,” says Lee.

Double strollers are an investment. While pricier strollers tend to have more features like higher-end fabrics, modular seats and better suspension, many affordable doubles are still high-quality. Consider how often and for how many years you’ll be using your double stroller and what features are important to you (and what you think you can skip) when setting your budget.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

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

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The Best Double Strollers We Tested Over Bumps, Through Doorways, and Loaded With Kids

Having two little ones doesn’t need to slow you down when you’ve got the right set of wheels.

In This Article

Our Favorites

Other notable double strollers.

• Our Testing Process

Factors to Consider When Buying a Double Stroller

How to use double strollers safely.

• Your Questions, Answered

Parents / Tamara Staples

When you have small children, a stroller is your best friend. Even if you’re a die-hard baby-wearing advocate, you can only carry those kids for so long. While families who staggered  every sibling  can get away with single strollers, those with stair-steppers will have multiple small children with tired little legs that can’t keep up. Double strollers are a convenient solution but some are more convenient and reliable than others, which is why we tested dozens of models in our lab and in the real world with our kids. 

Double strollers often get an unfair reputation for being cumbersome and a nightmare to assemble. But this stroller category has come a long way from those behemoth vintage 1980s versions we elder millennials might remember. These days, double strollers are sleek, support a wide array of customizations, can be used from birth through kindergarten, and are available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) formats. They can even be light enough for jogging or travel.

An excellent double stroller not only provides a dedicated space in which little ones can relax during family outings but should also be intuitive for the person pushing them. Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician, advises parents to prioritize adjustable handlebars. She also shares that proper form is critical to avoid fatigue or strain. 

“Make sure you stay close to the stroller with your back straight and the shoulders back,” Cavasino advises stroller pushers. If your stroller doesn’t invite you to walk this way, it’s not the right one for you.

To find the best double stroller for your growing household , consider its features, like built-in storage for kids and parents, piggyback boards for a standing third rider, and convertible seating configurations. Other priorities include maneuverability, intuitive assembly, the ability to fit through standard doors, and how easily it folds down between uses. We looked at all of these factors when testing the most popular double strollers in our lab and in real life. 

With one of these top-notch double strollers, you won’t have to slow down with two kids , whether you’re jogging, running errands, or visiting your favorite theme park.

Best Overall: UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller

• Best Budget: Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double Stroller

Best Compact: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double Stroller

Best convertible: evenflo gold pivot xpand travel system, best configurations: cybex gazelle s stroller, best jogging: bob gear revolution flex 3.0 duallie jogging stroller, best lightweight: uppababy g-link v2 double stroller, best tandem: graco duoglider click connect double stroller, best basic: joovy kooper x2 lightweight compact double stroller.

Why We Like It: Easy maneuverability, shock absorption, capacity for up to three kids, and an adjustable-height handlebar make the Uppababy Vista V2 ideal for city parents, particularly if they’re tall.

But Take Note: The seat canopy heights might be a bit too low for taller tots, and there’s extra cost involved with turning this into a double stroller.

When you’re trying to corral multiple children to head out the door, you need options. The Uppababy Vista V2 Stroller is one of the most versatile, functional, and comfortable strollers out there to meet all of your needs. It accommodates from one infant up to three children riding on it simultaneously—as long as you have the right attachment accessories. It also has one of the most generous cargo areas of any stroller on the market, making it popular among city parents who need to carry everything they need for a day out. 

The Vista V2 comes with an adjustable toddler seat for parent- or forward-facing layouts, rain and UPF 50 canopies, and a bassinet attachment. However, as your family grows, you can also purchase an additional rumble seat to switch to the two-child layout. Then you can buy a PiggyBack board to have a third child ride along, too.

The Vista V2 was already a favorite in our lab test, and our real-world tester loved that it had an adjustable handlebar and offered a smoother ride than any stroller she’d previously owned. She could “push very heavy children and/or bags and/or groceries, and it isn’t exhausting.” Living in a city with uneven sidewalks and unexpected obstacles requires a stroller with easy maneuverability and shock absorption to minimize bumps. For many adults, strollers with fixed handlebars are a problem because they encourage poor posture. Our tall tester could adjust this handlebar to stand normally without placing too much pressure on her wrists and forearms when pushing the stroller. 

The Vista V2 was quick to assemble, and with the instructions, we were able to figure out its many configurations with ease in the lab. But one issue came up at home: The canopy bumped the head of taller, older toddlers. She also found it safer to have the bigger child in the lower seat to maintain weight distribution and avoid tipping the stroller—especially when strapping children into their seats.  

The price of the Vista V2 puts this near the luxury range of baby gear, but for growing families able to afford it, we recommend this as a worthy investment that’s not just about a label or a look.

The Details:

• Type of stroller: Tandem convertible
• Stroller weight: 27 pounds (with single seat), bassinet 8.8 pounds
• Size open: 36 x 25.7 x 39.5 inches

Parents / Leticia Almeida

Best Budget: Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double Stroller

Why We Like It: This is a sturdy, affordable tandem double stroller that supports several different configurations. 

But Take Note: While setting up the stroller frame is easy, swapping modes to accommodate your growing family may require a trip to Youtube and lots of patience. 

Double strollers are usually more expensive than their single-occupant counterparts. But the Baby Trend Sit ‘N Stand Double Stroller is a great alternative that is just under $200. It supports a variety of configurations: two toddler seats, two infant car seats (sold separately), one of each, or a toddler seat/infant seat with a bench seat and a standing platform. The bench-platform configuration is a definite plus for those older kids who don’t always want to be in a stroller—that is, until they get tired and/or jealous of their resting sibling.

The frame can fold flat—which makes it great for tossing in your backseat or gate-checking and hopping on that flight. 

When testing this stroller, we appreciated the trays for the children as well as adults. The child trays easily move out of the way so you can get kids in and out. We weren’t in love with the shallow under-seat storage, however. 

Another positive is that the initial stroller frame setup is quick—the wheels simply snap into place. Yet, when it’s time to change your configuration, patience is a virtue. We often had to refer to Youtube and couldn’t do it without an extra pair of hands. Additionally, although we felt the stroller was sturdy, it wasn’t exactly easy to maneuver. We loved the nice sharp turns the stroller made in the lab but felt the length made it awkward. Also, note that both seats have very narrow recline ranges. 

• Type of stroller: Tandem, standing
• Stroller weight: 28.4 pounds
• Size open: 49 x 21.5 x 43 inches 
• Age/weight limits: From 3 months (or upright independent sitting) to 50 pounds per seat

Why We Like It: This side-by-side stroller is surprisingly nimble and can easily fit through most standard doors. Plus independent full recline support on each seat means one child can snooze while the other takes in the sights. 

But Take Note: Plan on traveling light, as this stroller lacks cup holders for kids and parents, and a crossbar in the storage basket makes it hard to fit standard-size diaper bags.

Tandem strollers may be all the rage, but if you want both children to have unobstructed views around them, then a classic side-by-side stroller is a smarter choice. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double Stroller is a traditional double-wide stroller while still being compact and easy to maneuver. 

You’ll get two child seats with recline and calf bar controls that adjust independently. This is ideal if one child wants to nap and the other wants to observe their surroundings. We made sure in the lab that it easily fits through most standard doors. To make it this compact, the seats are narrow, so this is probably a smarter pick for older babies or younger toddlers. 

Navigation is smooth and easy, thanks to solid cushioning that ensures you glide over all kinds of terrain, including carpeting and grass. The smooth suspension means you won’t feel jostling through the handlebar. We found there was a slight learning curve when folding this stroller the first time; although it did eventually become easy, a glance at the manual is helpful. 

In order to be compact and light, this stroller is a bit no-frills. It can only support a traditional seat, which means it’s not rated for babies that can’t sit up unassisted. Additionally, it lacks any onboard cup holders for both you and your children. Finally, our tester mentioned that there’s a crossbar in the middle of the storage basket, which makes it difficult to store most standard-sized diaper bags. Also, if you’re on the taller side, you might find yourself knocking into the undercarriage. In the lab, our 5-foot-11 tester shared that her “toes or shin would come really close to the crossbar” while walking. But if what you’re looking for is something super compact and easy to push, you’re not going to find anything better.

• Type of stroller: Side-by-side compact
• Stroller weight: 23.2 pounds
• Size open: 37.2 x 26.1 x 40.3 inches
• Age/weight limits: 33 pounds per seat

Why We Like It: This quick-folding convertible stroller is easy to maneuver and features a fast setup, with the frame mostly pre-assembled right out of the box.

But Take Note: It lacks suspension, so you and your tots may feel every bump and obstacle on a rough road. 

The veteran parents among us can attest that travel systems are very smart buys. A stroller travel system usually centers around a stroller that comes with a complementing infant car seat, any adapter needed to use it, and a base that stays in your car. Evenflo leverages the travel system and upgrades it with this Gold Pivot Xpand single-to-double stroller. It comes with just one infant car seat and one toddler seat to use as a single stroller, but it’s designed to accommodate up to two riders with your choice of either interchangeable toddler seats or infant car seats that can face in multiple directions. In addition to its versatility, it’s lightweight and has a compact fold, so you can pack it into car trunks or store it in a small home. 

In the lab, we were impressed by how easy it was to assemble this stroller and switch between its various configurations (there are 22 in total!). Our home tester also loved that the seats were big and adjusted in every direction. The handlebar is also adjustable—an ergonomic bonus for taller or shorter parents. Other highlights such as the included adult cup holder and the roomy undercarriage storage basket round out this pick’s biggest draws. 

While this stroller is relatively lightweight, our tester found that this was just as much of a con as a pro. To make it light, it seems designers skipped adding suspension. So, don’t be surprised if both you and your little riders feel every bump and bounce on your path. Additionally, as is common with high-low tandem strollers, you should park your bigger kid in the lower seat to maintain stability and prevent tipping. 

• Stroller weight: 42.6 pounds
• Size open: 41.5 x 26.5 x 41.5 inches  
• Age/weight limits: 4-35 pounds in infant car seat, up to 35 pounds per toddler seat

Why We Like It: This sturdy convertible tandem stroller supports an impressive range of 20 potential configurations and includes roomy onboard baskets that are essential for city life. 

But Take Note: Be prepared for some head-scratching as you try to figure out the instructions, even though they’re illustrations only. Meanwhile, there’s a common design flaw with the seat back which might leave it permanently reclined. 

Strollers can be long-term purchases when they’re intended to extend well into toddlerhood and can be reused for future additions. The Cybex Gazelle S 2 Stroller is one such model, with an astounding 20 different configurations for infant car seats, bassinets, parent- and front-facing layouts, and even a diverse array of attachments to boost functionality as both a single and double stroller.

While this is one of the pricier strollers, with an age range from birth (if you purchase it with a bassinet or infant car seat) to 4 years, it’s genuinely designed to grow with your family. The included handlebar adjacent shopping basket is visually appealing, and you’ll also get a roomy traditional undercarriage basket.

We love how easily you can reconfigure the seating arrangements, especially when it comes to moving the stroller seats up and down the frame. You can thank the straightforward frame clips that support quick changes from adding or removing a seat to incorporating accessories like the baskets. Also, parents outside of the average height range will like the adjustable height handlebar. 

For all its positives, the Cybex Gazelle S stroller has a few pain points. First, we found the initial assembly confusing, with instructions that were difficult to follow. Folding wasn’t an intuitive process, but we got the hang of it eventually. And while this is a dream stroller on most surfaces, it didn’t handle big bumps very well, so we don’t recommend it as an all-terrain option. Still, this is a beautiful stroller that you’d want to show off on urban excursions. 

• Stroller weight: 28 pounds (as single stroller)
• Size open: 42 x 25 x 43 inches
• Age/weight limits: Birth (with bassinet or car seat) or 6 months (for toddler seat), up to 50 pounds per seat

Why We Like It: Active parents will love the smooth ride and easy maneuverability, which makes achieving a morning run while pushing your tots significantly easier to do. 

But Take Note: The side-by-side design is often wider than most standard doors and folding this stroller down can sometimes become a two-person job because of a confusing configuration. 

If you’re an active parent with small children, you know that trying to get in a workout can be a serious endeavor. The BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Double Jogging Stroller comes with a few key features that are essential for the running crowd. In particular, it has a smooth suspension so that strollers glide over pavement and rough terrain—an essential feature if you’re running while pushing a stroller. 

We loved this BOB in our lab test, and our home tester, who is no novice to jogging strollers, said it’s even easier to push than her single jogger. That’s even when she was pushing two kids, a combined 60 pounds, for 3 miles. 

Keep in mind that this is a side-by-side stroller, so although you get a smooth ride, you have limited support for configurations. It does work with infant car seats if you use the adapter that’s sold separately. You’ll still get an adjustable handlebar to aid in ergonomics, roomy canopies to protect little ones from the sun, a generous cargo area, and pockets for bottles or snacks behind each seat.

A key design flaw is that this stroller is a bit wider than many standard doors. Our tester couldn’t fit it through her entryway.  We also found that folding takes some practice and an extra set of hands at first. 

• Type of stroller: Side-by-side jogger
• Stroller weight: 33 pounds
• Size open: 48 x 30.5 x 45 inches
• Age/weight limits: 8 weeks old (walking only) or 8 months old (jogging) up to 50 pounds per seat

Why We Like It: The side-by-side umbrella design fits through most standard door frames, maneuvers easily in tight spaces, and comes with enough add-on features to be impressive for its modest price. 

But Take Note: If you’re looking for a “from birth” stroller, keep scrolling, as this pick can’t support car seat configurations. 

With their simple frame and minimal heft, umbrella strollers make them a smart choice for traveling or if you need to be able to stash your stroller. They’re also usually less expensive than their bulkier counterparts, and the UPPAbaby G-Link V2 is one of the least expensive options from the revered stroller brand. (We tested the previous model, the G-Link 2, and believe many of our insights are still relevant, though we do know that the V2 has a frame that’s 2.5 pounds lighter, an enhanced three-part canopy, a bigger basket, and new storage pockets in each canopy.)

You’ll get a side-by-side design with seats that can support up to 55 pounds each. Each seat reclines independently and comes with an independent UPF 50+ canopy sunshade and adjustable leg rests. The lightweight aluminum frame only weighs 22.3 pounds when empty, and it’s super simple to fold up and sling over your shoulder if you need to carry it anywhere. 

During testing, this stroller was very easy to maneuver, in part because it has only four wheels instead of the six most double umbrella strollers have. It makes 360-degree turns in small spaces, offers a smooth ride on hard surfaces, and easily fits through standard door frames. Three vertical aluminum bars in the back help to shift the center of gravity and make it feel like it’s not going to fall back, even if you hang items off the handles. This is major since umbrella strollers have a reputation for tipping over.

However, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind if you’re eyeing this Uppababy model. First, it doesn’t support attaching infant car seats, so babies must be at least 3 months old to use it (though since they can be up to 55 pounds, they can use it for longer than many other strollers).  Still, for a double stroller from a major brand like Uppababy, it’s fairly affordable and durable enough to be the primary stroller for families with two small children. 

• Type of stroller: Side-by-side umbrella 
• Stroller weight: 22.3 pounds
• Size open: 27.5 x 28.5 x 42 inches
• Age/weight limits: 3 months to 55 pounds

Why We Like It: This modestly priced tandem stroller is compatible with the brand’s Click Connect travel systems and has roomy undercarriage storage you can access without disturbing your passengers. 

But Take Note: This stroller struggles with maneuverability, so be prepared to use a little elbow grease to push it over curbs or make sharp turns. 

If you’re hunting for an affordable tandem double stroller that offers a decent array of value-added features, you can’t go wrong with this Graco. The DuoGlider Double Stroller comes with support for the brand’s SnugRide Click Connect car seats, shifts into three different seat configurations, and has plenty of onboard storage for both you and your kids. 

You can adjust the “stadium-style” seats (meaning the back seat is slightly higher than the front) so that they’re facing each other, facing you, facing forward, or with one facing you and another facing forward. Both seats support independent reclining, have adjustable canopies, come with a removable storage tray, and can accommodate up to 40 pounds. In testing, we appreciated the padded handlebar—although it’s not adjustable—which also has a cup holder and pouch for your essentials. 

You can activate the standing fold design with one hand, and it gets pretty compact for storage between uses. Meanwhile, the undercarriage basket has a higher lip so you can drop items into it even if the rear seat is set into the fully flat recline position. In the lab, we liked the easy initial setup with a ready frame that only requires clicking the wheels into place. 

The only area where the Graco DuoGlider struggles against competitors is maneuverability. In particular, we found that if you have to push the stroller over a curb, you’ll need to “pop a wheelie” or push down on the back bar with your foot to lift the stroller over the curb. Considering that you might be pushing as much as 80 pounds for passengers plus the 29.5-pound stroller frame, this can get tough. Additionally, the DuoGlider struggles with sharp turns because of its longer dimensions. 

• Type of stroller: Tandem
• Stroller weight: 29.5 pounds
• Size open: 36 x 20.5 x 41 inches
• Age/weight limits: Birth (with infant car seat) to 40 pounds per seat

Why We Like It: This is a classic side-by-side double stroller that’s roomy enough to cart around taller kids while still providing plenty of storage space for kids and parents alike. 

But Take Note: While roomy, this pick doesn’t support versatility so if you’re shopping for a car seat-compatible stroller, this won’t be at the top of your list. 

Sometimes you need a workhorse stroller for everyday use. It’s your daily go-to that carts the kids around, has plenty of storage, is fairly easy to maneuver, doesn’t require an engineering degree to fold, and also doesn’t cost a ridiculous amount of money. The Joovy Kooper X2 Lightweight Compact Double Stroller fits this bill. 

You’ll like that this side-by-side stroller is designed to support up to 100 pounds. While it does fit through most standard door frames, it’s a bit on the bigger side because the seats are spacious to accommodate older children. During testing, we loved that there was plenty of onboard storage both for the tots and their grownups. Each seat comes with independent recline and canopy adjustments along with a removable tray featuring a cup holder and snack compartment. 

Meanwhile, you still get roomy undercarriage storage that accommodates backpacks or diaper bags, as well as backseat storage pouches for your children’s and your essentials. You’ll also like the adjustable footrests on each seat and that the canopies come with UPF 50 sun protection. 

In the lab, we found that this stroller was easy to push on smooth surfaces, but did struggle a bit on the grass, and the more weight we pushed, the harder it was to manage this stroller. Likewise, at the maximum weight capacity don’t be surprised if you have to put more effort to move over curbs or on stairs. 

This stroller isn’t compatible with infant car seats, so you should wait until babies are around 3 months old to use it.

• Type of stroller: Side-by-side
• Stroller weight: 28 pounds
• Size open: 31.7 x 30.3 x 41.3 inches
• Age/weight limits: 3 months up to 50 pounds per seat
• Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight Graphite Stroller : Although it offers multiple configurations for car seats and child seats, its confusing setup process frustrated us. We also didn’t like the tandem design limited the view for the child in the back.
• Peg Perego Duette Piroet Double Tandem Stroller : We found the setup process fairly straightforward on this stroller, which is quite eye-catching and luxurious. However, it’s heavy, a monster to maneuver, and doesn’t fold up very small for storage.
• Jeep Destination Ultralight Side x Side Double Stroller : This is an affordable side-by-side double stroller with an intuitive setup and folding mechanism. While we were generally happy with it, the stroller lost points for slightly cheaper materials and a limited seat recline range. 
• Zoe The Twin+ : This is technically an affordable stroller, but if you want to upgrade your children’s ride with compatible accessories, be prepared to open your wallet. Still, the setup is fairly straightforward, and it’s incredibly maneuverable across a variety of ground surfaces.

Our Testing Process 

Double strollers might seem like a standard item, but as with any other baby gear, safety concerns are always top of mind. To create our testing process for double strollers, Parents only considered models that met the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) guidelines for safety.  

We tested double strollers in two scenarios: in the lab and in real life with our children. In the lab, we timed how long it took to assemble the strollers, and noted whether we needed to consult the instructions or the setup was intuitive. We then completed simple maneuverability tests on smooth hard flooring, rough gravel, and (fake) grass in the lab. We asked testers to push the strollers at half of the maximum weight load and then at the full weight load to test how easily the strollers handled on “corners” represented by cones and over curbs and stairs..  

Another key concern was whether side-by-side strollers could fit through doors and how easily all strollers—regardless of design—could fold. In particular, did the folding mechanism require one or two hands (or in some cases two people? Was the stroller bulky to manage when folded? Seat recline is another critical issue, since many children fall asleep in their strollers (even though this is not considered a safe sleep space for infants). Especially with tandem double strollers, the front seat may not always fully recline. Likewise, we prioritized side-by-side strollers where each seat had independent recline and adjustments for leg rests and canopies. We looked at other design aspects such as aesthetics, harness comfort and usability, storage capacity, and extra accessories. Finally, we assessed the overall value of the strollers by comparing their performance in each attribute to the listed price.

We sent our favorite strollers home with the editors with stroller-age children and asked them to evaluate the design, ease of use, durability, and ease of cleaning in the real world. We also asked them to pay attention to factors such as weight distribution, storage availability, and capacity, as these are common issues caregivers face with strollers. 

We also spoke with several experts to better understand what parents need to consider when shopping for a double stroller. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino , the co-founder of baby-gear rental platform JoyLet, and Ted Iobst , co-founder of Colugo and a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) board member, helped us better understand safety concerns that parents must prioritize when shopping for double strollers.

Type of Stroller

Double strollers tend to fall into three design categories: tandem, side-by-side, and wagon (the latter of which we will feature in a separate article). 

Side-by-side strollers are a more traditional format, with two seats assembled on a double-wide stroller frame.  These strollers usually won’t support multiple configurations and are intended for slightly older babies that have mastered unassisted sitting since they typically won’t have support for infant car seats. 

Tandem or linear double strollers aren’t exactly new, but they have become a more popular design option for this subcategory. If you prefer a double stroller that supports more configurations for ages and stages, then this is your go-to choice. Although you can find tandem strollers that are seat-only affairs, we focused primarily on tandems with high-low seating to give both children an unobstructed view around them. In most cases, these strollers support parent- and forward-facing seat installations, and are compatible with both car seats and standard child stroller seats. Additionally, many of the models we tested are compatible with piggyback ride-along boards—either from the brand or an aftermarket accessory purchase—so you can have three children ride simultaneously. Convertible strollers (which switch between single and double configurations) are all tandems.

Children’s Weights and Ages 

Always pay attention to the stroller manufacturer’s minimum age and maximum weight capacity. Tandem strollers often also support infant car seats or bassinet attachments, so you can use them from birth. Regular stroller seats usually list 3 to 6 months of age as the minimum age, as that’s when babies can sit and have more control over their heads and necks. 

Most of the strollers we reviewed had a maximum seat capacity of 50-55 pounds per seat. This means in total, the stroller can support up to 100 pounds (plus the capacity of the storage areas). However, don’t forget that the stroller frame has weight. The average is anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds for the stroller frame without extra attachments. So, as you consider how much weight you can comfortably push for extended periods, be sure to add your children’s weight plus the stroller’s weight. This is especially critical if you’re considering a jogging stroller. 

Maneuverability 

Double strollers, regardless of configuration, have a reputation for being difficult to maneuver. If you’re eyeing a side-by-side stroller, consider the width of your home’s door frames (or those of your favorite stores). Most side-by-side strollers are usually anywhere from 33 to 35 inches wide which should fit most standard door frames. However, measure twice and cut once—don’t assume that your door frames are standard. 

For both tandem and side-by-side strollers, consider how easily you can make tight turns. In both scenarios, you’re pushing either a longer or wider stroller. 

“Tandem doubles can often make tighter turns [than side-by-sides] but might be tougher to get up curbs than a side-by-side,” Iobst tells Parents . These models are never going to be as maneuverable as a single stroller, but the last thing you want is a stroller that’s impossible to turn in tight spaces. 

Additionally, consider how easily the wheels glide over surfaces. Almost any stroller will perform reasonably well on smooth surfaces, but without good wheels and suspension, carpeting, grass, unpaved paths, and curbs can all be challenging. 

Portability  

No one wants a stroller that they have to fight to fold. One-handed folding mechanisms can be critical if you have to hold a baby in one hand and manage your stroller in the other. This is one area where double strollers are often at a distinct disadvantage to single strollers. 

Cargo Storage 

Consider that you’ll need storage for both children along with whoever’s pushing the stroller. Many of our testers disliked strollers that didn’t come standard with snack trays with onboard storage for cups and snacks, but increasingly, those are not included with high-end strollers on the market. Often, you’ll have to buy cup holders or parent consoles separately, and that could be a plus if you want something customized to your needs (for example, sized for your giant tumblers!). 

With undercarriage storage, the biggest two issues are basket size and access. For example, some strollers have a center bar to improve stability, and that divided basket could mean it won’t accommodate full-sized diaper bags or backpacks. Meanwhile, some tandem strollers often have baskets that are too shallow to avoid having the backseat passenger’s feet dangle into it. Read descriptions and reviews closely to make sure your stroller has the right storage solution for your family.

Double strollers are traditionally more expensive than single strollers. The stroller models we tested ranged from just under $200 to as high as $1100. However, the median range tended to sit between $400 to $800. Still, don’t get stuck on price. Keep in mind that this is a product that you’re going to use for several years. Especially if your children’s ages are staggered, you could easily use this device for five or more years. 

We focused on new strollers, but we understand that many parents might turn to a secondhand stroller to save money. Alli Cavasino reminds parents that they “should always be cautious of buying older models secondhand as these may not meet all current safety standards.”  Before buying a used stroller, always check that the model has not been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) . The oversight organization also lists safety guidelines when shopping for baby products including strollers.

The biggest concern with a double stroller is safety and stability. Ted Iobst notes that parents should only consider strollers that carry JPMA certification, as this means these products have been tested by independent laboratories and “meets the minimum safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).” He also added that follow-up inspections are normal for these manufacturers to maintain their certification. 

Older strollers were known for tipping over because of a poor center of gravity. There are things you can do to prevent this from happening. If you’re using a tandem high-low stroller, your heavier child should always be in the lower seat. This was a common observation our testers shared. Putting a heavier child in the higher seat is asking for an accident to happen.

As with any other piece of baby or child gear, be mindful of pinch points—especially around locking or folding mechanisms. Always ensure that your baby or child is safely strapped into their seats before you start pushing the stroller. Additionally, don’t exceed the seat weight recommendations. Most of the double strollers we tested supported 40 to 50 pounds per seat. Manufacturers are explicit about weight capacities for seats and ride-along boards, so do not exceed these guidelines. Doing so can cause frame fatigue which can lead to an accident. 

Finally, always follow AAP safety guidelines when using a stroller. This includes: 

• Select a stroller with a wider base for added stability.
• The brakes should be easy to operate.
• Always make sure your stroller is securely open before putting your children in it.
• Avoid hanging bags on the handlebars as this changes the center of gravity and can encourage tipping. 
• Don’t leave children unattended in their strollers.
• Get a stroller with windows or sheer mesh panels in the canopy. If your baby does fall asleep in the stroller, this ensures that you can still see them and intervene if something goes wrong. 

Your Questions, Answered 

Is it necessary to have a double stroller.

Every family is different, so what’s deemed necessary can vary widely. But if you have two or more small children at home, a double stroller can make it easier for you to maneuver around town or in stores. Ted Iobst of Colugo shared that with his four kids, his family has toggled between double strollers as well as using a ride-along board with a single stroller when he didn’t want to deal with a bigger double stroller.

Are side-by-side or tandem double strollers better?

This depends on your children’s ages or stages and how much space you have in your home or car. Side-by-side strollers tend to be better for children that can sit up unassisted or are significantly older because this design usually won’t support car seat integrations. 

Alli Cavasino adds that a side-by-side stroller “may be great if the siblings like to interact a lot, but may not be ideal if they’re prone to arguing.” So, don’t forget about the sibling dynamic. Tandem double strollers will usually support multiple configurations where you can mix and match car seats, child seats, and their positioning. Likewise, these strollers aren’t as wide. So, if your home has door frames smaller than the standard width, a tandem stroller might be better. 

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a commerce, health, and parenting writer at Parents , and a mom of one daughter, who is out of the baby stage. Although she only has one child, she knows the importance of a good durable stroller and will forever evangelize a stroller travel system. Dorian no longer laughs at parents that put their older kids in strollers after a trip to Disney World with her 5-year-old.

American Academy of Pediatrics. How to choose a safe baby stroller.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. New stroller standard.

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9-year-old in critical but stable condition after nearly drowning in Warren

Child in critical condition after near drowning in warren.

Around 6 p.m. on Monday, police responded to the pool area at Kings Pointe Apartments and found family members performing CPR on a 9-year-old boy, according to Warren police. "Officers immediately assessed the child and confirmed that he was breathing on his own."

WARREN, Mich. (FOX 2) - A child is in critical but stable condition after nearly drowning in a Warren apartment complex pool on Monday.

The 9-year-old boy was swimming at Kings Pointe Apartments on 12 Mile Road when he became unresponsive, according to a Warren police release. He was rescued by adults on scene.

The boy remained underwater for several minutes before he was rescued. 

Around 6 p.m., "officers quickly responded to the pool area and observed family members actively performing CPR on a 9-year-old male child," according to police. "Officers immediately assessed the child and confirmed that he was breathing on his own."

The Warren Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly after police and provided medical attention to the boy before transporting him to a local hospital.

"It looks like the fast work of the people that got him out of the pool, our officers, and then our fire department did an amazing job getting the child down to the hospital," said Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton, who also responded to the scene himself. 

No one seemed to be paying attention when the child went into the pool, according to the commissioner. These types of scares happen too often, especially on days with scorching temperatures.

"Like in this situation and many that unfortunately have happened throughout the metro area, it only takes a few seconds," Rushton said. "Especially with children around water – they become panicked very quickly and tragedy can strike within a minute or two."

Members of the Warren Police Detective Bureau also responded to follow up on the incident and interview the child’s parents and family members, police said. An investigation remains ongoing.

17-year-old drowns at Camp Dearborn, body recovered

A 17-year-old Hamtramck boy drowned at Camp Dearborn Monday afternoon. His body was recovered nearly two hours after he went missing.

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A Houston woman has been arrested and charged with child abandonment after allegedly leaving a three-year-old child unattended in a hotel room.

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Authorities say that Brenda Canil Larion intentionally left the 3-year-old child unattended in a hotel room, exposing the child to significant risk.

According to court documents, the child wandered out of the hotel room and crossed a busy street, ending up in a shopping center parking lot.

Authorities have charged Larion with abandoning a child with intent to return, setting her bond at $15,000.

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It is unclear what Larion’s relationship is to the child.

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About the Author

Holly galvan posey.

Holly joined the KPRC 2 digital team in March 2024, leveraging her eight years of expertise in blogging and digital content to share her passion for Houston. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the city's vibrant scenes, all while balancing her roles as a wife and mother to two toddlers.