The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the smallest, lightest and easiest to fold. Despite its size, it provides a good ride, great sun canopy and multi-position recline.

At less than $100, this stroller is a great value. It has an easy compact fold and carry strap, which makes it easy to sling over your shoulder or take to public transportation.

1. Lightweight

The key to a good travel stroller is that it should be lightweight and easy to fold. The top travel models we tested fold down with only one hand (and sometimes two hands) and fit into overhead luggage compartments. They are also compact and easily roll which makes them easy to maneuver in tight space. Some even come with a telescoping handle for parents of various heights. If you're planning a brief trip with your newborn or a long-haul vacation with a toddler, you'll need a light, easy-to-pack stroller that makes the journey and return for your family.

To find the best prams strollers for travel, we analyzed nine strollers that meet our minimum weight and size requirements. Each model was put to the test on city streets, country streets, and in the airport terminal for maneuverability as well as ease of folding and carrying, as well as overall comfort for your child.

Our top picks are the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320) that has the most simple fold of all the strollers that we've tested and can fit into overhead bins for airplanes. The seat reclines nearly flat and is car seat compatible which means it's suitable from birth. Other parent-friendly features include a large undercarriage basket and Prams pushchairs prams pushchairs a bag hook attached to the handle, and a UPF 50+ canopy that offers ample coverage for your child's travels.

Other options include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which has a one-handed, concertina fold that is extremely light. Its padded, five-point harness and crotch strap will keep your child safe, while the reversible seat and a large undercarriage basket will ensure that there is plenty of space for their items. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat, making it a viable option for families that start at birth.

Finally, the Coya TRVL ($320) is a different one-handed fold that is one-step with car seat compatibility as well as a large canopy. It's more expensive than the other models in the category, but offers additional features such as a large cupholder and a parent's pocket, a movable handlebar to accommodate parents of all heights, and a comfortable carrying strap. Its simplicity is sacrificed for a bit of durability compared to other models in this category, however.

2. Easy to fold

A stroller that is designed for travel is one that is easy to close and open when you're on the move. You do not want a stroller that is difficult to close when you're carrying children or groceries in your arms. The most efficient travel strollers fold easily and compactly, even with just one hand. Many have a padded strap that you can comfortably wear over your shoulders.

In our tests, we gave the Libelle stroller top marks for its compactness and ease of folding. But it also has other nice features: It rolls smoothly over all surfaces and has a large canopy that gives plenty of coverage. It's also extremely light and stands in its own right when folded. This makes it much easier to store.

We recommend that parents who want their strollers to fit into the overhead bins of planes, look for models that are guaranteed to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example is a great fit in the smallest fold, and comes with a handy travel cover, but it has no recliner, and a narrow cargo area that can only hold a small tote bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).

Another alternative is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds up into a concertina-style but also has the option of a reversible seat to allow face-to-face or back-to-back riding. The handle is hidden behind the seat, but our editor didn't like the way it folded.

The tri-fold is the newest stroller for travel. It folds down into three pieces and provides the perfect combination of compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu for instance, has a reversible seat and a storage compartment that is unstructured on the rear, and a lockable latch that keeps it folded. It's a little bigger than the umbrella models made by the brand however it folds more compactly than G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts and has a padded carry strap that can be slung over your shoulder.

3. Easy to store

The best strollers fold down to an easy-to-store size that's easy to fit into the trunk of your car or squeeze into the overhead bin of the plane. Some even come with a carry strap that is easy to sling over your shoulder and you don't have to be concerned about your hands getting tired. They're also lighter than standard strollers. This makes them easier to lift or carry around for a quick stroll in the neighborhood or at the airport.

This stroller did exceptionally excellently in our durability tests and was easy to maneuver across all types of surfaces. From smooth hardwoods to shag flooring this stroller is an excellent choice. Some of our test subjects found it a bit flimsy, and the handlebar was not padding to ensure your hands were at ease. Another thing to think about is how big the basket is It's on the smaller side, and some parents found it difficult to fit the large diaper bag inside it.

We recommend that you call your airline prior to departure to verify their specific guidelines regarding strollers. They can differ. This is especially crucial if you plan to check your stroller's gate-ability and allow you to get around the airport without it, and then be able to use it once you're on the plane (though that option won't work for families that require car seats or a toddler booster).

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent choice for those who want a lightweight, compact travel stroller stroller. It's almost fully assembled out of the box, and the only thing you have to do is put the bumper bar into the appropriate spot. It has a parent cup holder and back pocket but there isn't a large basket, which could make it difficult to carry essentials for long trips.

If you're a frequent traveler we recommend that you consider a stroller that is more robust, with better features and the ability to hold more items. The UPPAbaby Minu, as an instance, comes with many of the same features like its G-Luxe or G-Link counterparts but is smaller and folds up more quickly. It's also slightly sturdier than an umbrella stroller, and it has a padded carrying strap that takes some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Confortable

It is important to be comfortable when using strollers over long periods of time. Find seats with plenty of padding and a recline system that allows you to set it at various angles. Be aware of whether the canopy extends for sun protection, and if the mesh windows encourage airflow. If you're required to carry a few items look for a stroller with an organizer for parents and a cup holder as well as an enormous storage basket beneath the seat. If you're in the market for a stroller that is suitable for older children, make sure to check the age range and consider whether your child is at ease in the seat, even without an infant car seat.

It is also important to consider how a stroller rolls. It should be able to move easily over various surfaces, from smooth hardwoods and shag carpets to cobblestones and gravel. It must be able to navigate curbs, stairs, and other obstacles with ease. Choose a lightweight stroller when you plan to do a lot walking throughout your trip. This will prevent leg and back pain.

A good travel stroller is also easy to use. It should be simple to assemble and snap back together when it is placed in the right location. It should also be able fold flat and fit into the boot of a car or the overhead compartment of an airplane. It should also remain upright when folded, so that you can reach it up with one hand while holding your baby in the opposite.

If you are a parent seeking a top-quality lightweight stroller for their child, the Joie Tourist is a great option. It has multiple recline positions, so your child can nap comfortably, and its extendable canopy provides ample sun coverage and UPF protection. Additionally, it comes with a lot of other accessories including a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover are included. Charlotte loves the fact that it is suitable from newborns to four years old and does not require an adapter for car seats separately.