Strollers: A Simple Definition

The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the lightest and compact. It's also among the most easy to fold. It offers a smooth ride, a great sun canopy, and multi-position recline.

This stroller is a great value at less than $100. It's compact and easy to fold away, making it ideal for public transport or slinging over your shoulder.

1. Lightweight

When it comes to strollers for travel lightweight and easy-to-fold are the most important factors. The best models we tested can be folded with one hand and sometimes two and can be tucked into overhead compartments for luggage. They are also compact and roll well, making them easy to maneuver in tight space. Some models even have the option of a telescoping handle to parents of various heights. If you're planning a short trip with your newborn or a long-haul getaway with a toddler, look for a light, easy-to-pack stroller that will make the journey -- and return for your family.

We evaluated nine strollers that met our minimum weight and size requirements. Each model was put to the test on city streets, country roads, and in the terminal at the airport for maneuverability as well as ease of folding and carrying, as well as overall comfort for your child.

Our top choice is the Babyzen YoYo2 (320), which folds the most easily of the strollers we tested, and fits in overhead bins of airplanes. The seat reclines to a flat position and is car seat compatible, so it's suitable for babies from birth. The car also has an undercarriage with a deep design with a bag hook on the handle, and UPF50+ canopy to provide plenty of protection for your child.

The Cybex Orfeo (320) is another great option. It has the ability to fold in concertina that can be done using just one hand, and is very light. Its padded, five-point harness and crotch strap will keep your child safe, and the reversible seat and hefty undercarriage basket ensure there's room for all of their items. It is also compatible with the brand's infant car seat. This makes it an ideal option for families with children beginning at the time of birth.

Lastly, the Coya TRVL ($320) is another one-handed fold that is one-step with car seat compatibility as well as a large canopy. It's more expensive than other models in the category but it also comes with extra features like a large cupholder and a parent's pocket, a movable handlebar to accommodate parents of different heights, and a comfortable carrying strap. The simplicity of the model does not mean it's as durable, as contrasted with other models in this class.

2. Folding is easy

A travel stroller is one that is easy to shut and open when you're on the move. You do not want a stroller which is difficult to close when you're carrying food items or children in your arms. The Best Travel stroller travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even when you only have one hand. A lot of them have padded straps that you can wear comfortably over your shoulders.

In our tests, we gave the Libelle stroller high marks for its compactness and easy folding. It also has a few great features: It can roll smoothly over all surfaces and has a generous canopy that provides plenty of coverage. It's also surprisingly light and stands up in its own right when folded. This makes it easier to keep in storage.

Parents who want to roll right up to the plane gate and put their stroller into the overhead bin, we suggest looking for one that can fit into. The Munchkin Sparrow is a good example. It fits in the smallest of foldings and comes with a protective travel cover. However it doesn't have a reclined seat and its cargo space is too narrow to hold anything but an infant diaper bag or tote.

Another alternative is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds down into a concertina design but also has a reversible seat for face-to-face or back-to-back riding. The handle is tucked behind the seat, however our editor didn't love the fold.

The tri-fold is a new travel stroller. It folds in three pieces and provides the most compact combination of size and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for example, comes with a reversible seat, an unstructured storage pouch on the rear, and a lockable latch that keeps it folded. It's a bit bigger than the umbrellas made by the brand, but folds more compactly than their G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts. It also comes with a padded shoulder strap.

3. Easy to pram store near me

The best travel strollers can fold down to a size that is easy to store. They can be easily stored in the trunk of a car, or in the overhead bin of a plane. Some models come with a strap you can use to carry the stroller over your shoulder, so that your hands won't get tired. They are also lighter than regular strollers. This makes them easier to lift or carry for a 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 thought it was a bit fragile and the handlebar wasn't padding to ensure that your hands are comfortable. Another thing to consider is how big the basket is it's on the smaller side and some parents found it difficult to squeeze the large diaper bag inside it.

In general, we suggest calling your airline prior to time to check their specific guidelines for bringing on board strollers as they may differ. This is especially crucial if you plan to gate-check your stroller and allow you to get around the airport without it and still use it when you're on the plane (though that option won't work for families who need an infant car seat or booster).

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent choice if you want a lightweight, compact stroller. The Contours Itsy is fully assembled and all you need to do is snap in the bumper bar. It comes with an apron for a cup for the parent as well as an additional back pocket. However it doesn't have an oversized basket. This could limit your ability pack essentials for a long trip.

If you are frequent travelers, we suggest that you consider a stroller that is more robust, with better features and the ability to hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Mini, for example has many of its G-Luxe or G-Link siblings' features, but is smaller and folds more quickly. It is also slightly more durable than an umbrella stroller and comes with a cushioned strap to help take some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

Comfort is key when using strollers for long durations of time. Seats with plenty of padding and a reclining system that can be adjusted at various angles are ideal. Take note of whether the canopy extends for sun protection, and if the mesh windows promote airflow. If you need to carry your own items take a look at a model that has an organizer for parents and a cup holder as well as an enormous storage basket beneath the seat. If you're shopping for a travel stroller for older children, check the age range and determine whether your child will be comfortable in the stroller without an infant car seat.

It is also essential to consider how a stroller rolls. It must be able to roll effortlessly across different surfaces, including smooth carpets, hardwoods, cobblestones and gravel. It should also handle stairs and curbs without difficulty. Consider a stroller with a light weight for those who plan to do a lot walking throughout your trip. This will help to prevent leg and back pain.

A quality stroller for travel is one that is easy to use, as well. It should assemble in under 30 seconds and snap up securely when you put it in the right place. It should also be able to fold flat and fit into the car's boot or the overhead compartment of a plane. It should also be upright when folded so that you can reach it up with one hand, while holding your child in the other.

The Joie Tourist is an excellent option for parents looking for a lightweight quality, high-end travel stroller. It has numerous recline positions so your child can rest comfortably. Its extended canopy offers plenty of sun protection with UPF protection. It also includes a rain cover as well as a coffee cup holder and footmuff. Charlotte loves that the car seat is suitable for newborns to four years old and does not require an adapter separately.