Strollers: A Simple Definition

The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the lightest, most compact and easiest to fold. It is a great stroller with a great sun canopy, and a multi-position recline.

This stroller is an excellent value at less than $100. It has an easy, compact fold and a carry strap, which makes it easy to carry over your shoulder or carry with you on public transport.

1. Lightweight

The key to a good travel stroller is that it must be lightweight and easy to fold. The top models we tested fold down with only one hand (and sometimes two) and fit into overhead luggage compartments. They are also compact and roll well, making them easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Some models have a telescoping hand for parents of varying heights. Whether you're planning a quick trip with a pushchair 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.

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

Our top picks include the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320), which is the easiest to fold of the strollers that we tested and can fit into airplane overhead bins. It's compatible with car seats and its seat reclines almost completely flat, making it suitable for babies. The car also has a deep undercarriage with a bag hook on the handle, and a UPF50+ canopy that will ensure the safety of your child.

The Cybex Orfeo (320) is another great option. It features a concertina folding that can be done using just one hand, and is extremely light. The five-point harness is padded, the crotch strap, and the Reversible seats keep your child safe and secure, while a large undercarriage basket and a convertible seat ensure there's enough space for their possessions. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat, making it a viable option for families who start from the age of birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320) is a different one-handed, one-step fold with car seat compatibility as well as a large canopy. It's more expensive than other models in the category however, it comes with additional features such as a large cupholder, a parent pocket, an adjustable handlebar to fit parents of all heights and a comfortable carrying strap. The simple design does compromise durability, contrasted with other models in this class.

2. Easy to fold

A stroller for travel should be simple to open and shut when you're out and about. You do not want a stroller which is difficult to close when you're carrying children or groceries in your arms. The best travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even with just one hand. Many come with a cushioned carrying strap that fits comfortably over your shoulder.

In our tests, we gave the Libelle stroller high marks due to its compactness and ease of folding. However, it also has some nice features: It rolls smoothly over all surfaces and comes with a huge canopy that offers ample coverage. Plus, it's surprisingly lightweight and free-standing when folded, which makes it easy to store.

For parents who want to stroll right up to the plane gate and put their stroller into the overhead bin we suggest looking for a model that promises to fit into. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example is a great fit in the smallest fold and comes with a handy travel cover, but it has no reclining seat and a narrow cargo area that can hold a small tote bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another option. It folds in a concertina-style fashion, pram sets Newborn (understanding) but it also has a reversible seating position for face-to-face riding or back-to-back riding. Our managing editor was able to open and close, though she wasn't crazy about the way the handle tucks into the seat when folded.

The newest type of stroller for travel is tri-fold, which folds in thirds, push chairs and prams offers the most compact combination of size and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for instance, has a reclined seat, a non-structured rear storage pouch, and a locking clasp to keep it folded. It's a bit larger than the umbrellas of the brand, but can be folded more compactly than G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts. It also has a padded shoulder strap.

3. Easy to store

The Best travel Stroller travel strollers can be folded down to a compact size that is easy to store. They can be easily stored in the trunk of a car or the overhead bin of the plane. Some models come with a strap you can use to carry the stroller on your shoulder, so that your hands won't be exhausted. They are also lighter than normal strollers, which can make them easy to lift and carry when you're ready to take an easy stroll around the neighborhood or the airport.

This stroller did exceptionally well on our durability tests and was easy to maneuver across all types of surfaces. From smooth hardwoods to sag flooring, this stroller is an excellent option. Some of our test subjects found it a bit flimsy, and the handlebar was not padding to keep your hands at ease. The size of the storage basket should also be taken into consideration. It's quite small and some parents have found it difficult fitting a large diaperbag into it.

In general, we suggest calling your airline ahead of time to confirm their specific guidelines for bringing on board strollers and strollers, as they may vary. This is especially important when you are planning to gate-check a stroller. You can then take it on the plane and travel through the airport without the stroller.

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent option if you are looking for a compact, lightweight stroller. The Contours Itsy comes almost completely assembled, and all you have to do is attach the bumper bar. It comes with a cup holder for the parent as well as a back pocket. However it doesn't come with an extra-large basket. This may make it difficult to pack the essentials for a long trip.

If you're a frequent traveler we recommend considering a more robust stroller that offers more features and can carry more cargo. The UPPAbaby Minu, as an example, has 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 to take some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

Strollers are commonly used for long durations of time when traveling, and it is essential to be comfortable. Seats with a lot of padding and a recline system that can be adjusted to different angles are the best. Take note of whether the canopy extends to provide sun protection and if the mesh windows allow airflow. If you need to carry your own items look for a stroller with a parent organizer/cup holder and a large storage basket under the seat. When you are looking for a travel Jogger for older children be sure to look at the age range. Also, consider whether your child is comfortable in the seat, even without a car seat.

How a stroller rolls is also vital. It must be able to roll easily over various surfaces, from smooth hardwoods and shag carpet to cobblestones and gravel. It must also be able to handle stairs and curbs without difficulty. If your travel plans include a lot of walking, you should choose a stroller that is light to help you avoid leg and back pain.

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

The Joie Tourist is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a lightweight high-quality stroller for their travels. It features multiple recline positions to allow your child to nap in comfort. The canopy that extends can provide ample sun protection, with UPF protection. It also includes a rain cover and a coffee cup holder and a footmuff. Charlotte is thrilled that the car seat is suitable for newborns to four years old and does not require an adapter separately.