The best travel strollers make it a little easier to travel with kids. These lightweight strollers make life easier for the whole family, whether you’re getting ready for a trip or running errands. Many of the best strollers for traveling are small enough to fit in the overhead bin with your carry-on bags. Others, like my favorite travel walker, the Nuna TRVL, can be folded with one hand or almost on their own.
Other travel strollers have built-in baby car seats or click-in attachments that make it so you don’t have to rent a seat when you get to your destination. The best travel strollers also weigh much less than a full-size set of wheels, which makes them easier to lift into and out of cars.
Best Travel Strollers Comparison Table
| Stroller Model | Folded Dimensions | Weight | Recline Positions | Maximum Child Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uppababy Minu | 11.5″ x 20.5″ | 14.5 lbs | Multiple | 50 lbs | $399-$429 |
| Joolz Aer Travel | 21.5″ x 17.3″ | 13.4 lbs | Multiple | 50 lbs | $399-$449 |
| Bugaboo Butterfly | 20.5″ x 12.6″ | 14.3 lbs | Multiple | 50 lbs | $599-$699 |
| Summer Infant 3D Mini | 11″ x 9″ | 11 lbs | Multiple | 50 lbs | $69-$99 |
| Baby Jogger City Tour 2 | 21.6″ x 17.3″ | 14.3 lbs | Multiple | 45 lbs | $199-$229 |
Uppababy Minu
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 28.5″ L x 20.5″ W x 41.5″ H |
| Folded dimensions | 11.5″ L x 20.5″ W x 23″ H |
| Weight | 14.5 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 50 lbs |
| Wheel size | 5.5″ |
| Recline positions | Multiple |
| Canopy | Extendable with UV protection |
Most of the other travel strollers we looked at were harder to fold up than the Minu, and it was the worst at going over cobblestones and steps. Compared to the other models we looked at, it can support almost twice as much weight in its underseat basket. Like our other picks, it has one of the biggest covers and a deep recline that’s comfortable for naps.
While our other picks begin at 6 months, this one can be used with infants as young as 3 months. Its taller, wider seat and higher weight limit mean that you can use it with a single person for much longer than most of the competition. But unlike our other choices, it can’t be changed so that it can be used by a second user. Overall, it is one of the best best travel strollers that you can buy.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- One-handed fold feature for convenience
- Compatible with infant car seats with additional adapter
- Large storage basket for essentials
Cons
- Pricey compared to other travel strollers
- No included accessories, such as cup holders or trays
Joolz Aer Travel Stroller
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 32.2″ L x 19.6″ W x 40.5″ H |
| Folded dimensions | 21.6″ L x 17.7″ W x 7.5″ H |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 50 lbs |
| Wheel size | 5.9″ |
| Recline positions | Multiple |
This travel stroller is very light and has a comfy carrying strap, a travel pouch, a one-touch brake, and suspension on all four wheels. It can also fit in an overhead bin and has a sun cover with UPF 50+ protection and a five-point safety strap. I love that the seat is well-shaped, softly padded, can be moved back and forth, and has a high back rest to make the ride comfy. Attaching a car seat is the only way to use the Joolz Aer with a baby younger than 6 months. It works with car seats from Clek, Nuna, and Cybex.
One customer made the bold claim that the Joolz Aer Stroller was much better than the rest. “It’s fun to push this baby. It moves smoothly and absorbs shocks well. The wheels never get stuck, and you can fold and unfold it with one hand. It is very light, easy to control with one hand, and has a large cover. Thus, it is one of the best best travel strollers that you can buy.
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight for easy travel
- One-handed fold and carry strap for convenience
- Adjustable footrest for comfortable napping
- Large canopy with peek-a-boo window
Cons
- Short handlebar may not be comfortable for taller parents
- Not suitable for off-road terrain
Bugaboo Butterfly
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 31″ L x 23″ W x 41″ H |
| Folded dimensions | 35″ L x 23″ W x 13″ H |
| Weight | 20 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 50 lbs |
| Wheel size | 6″ and 12″ |
| Recline positions | Multiple |
We called this a “first-rate folding stroller” when we gave it a 2023 Family Travel Award. The real key is that it doesn’t give up comfort for size, so you can expect the normal high-quality Bugaboo fabric, deep seat, real sunshade (no skimping on sun protection here.), and extendable leg rest, just in a smaller, cuter, travel-friendly form. For now, it is one of the best best travel strollers that you can buy.
One tester mom of a young child was especially excited about the fold. “The button to fold it is on the handle, so all you have to do is push down on it. “To use our regular stroller, you have to bend over and pull a lever,” she said. “Also, the Butterfly moves like walkers that are much bigger. I can easily walk uphill with my son in one hand!”
Also, the folded stroller can stand up on its own, which is great if you need it to sit for a minute while you put your child in the car or do something else. You don’t have to put it on anything. But some users say that opening the Butterfly takes some practice and skill because you have to shake it out and make sure it locks in place before you can put your child inside.
Pros
- Adjustable handlebar for comfortable pushing
- Large and sturdy wheels for smooth rides on various terrains
- Multiple recline positions for comfortable napping
- Easy one-piece fold and standing storage
Cons
- Heavy compared to other travel strollers
- Pricey and additional accessories can increase cost
- Large and may not fit in smaller storage spaces
Summer Infant 3D Mini
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 27″ L x 18″ W x 41″ H |
| Folded dimensions | 9″ L x 7″ W x 42″ H |
| Weight | 11 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 50 lbs |
| Wheel size | 5.5″ |
| Recline positions | Multiple |
If you only plan to take one big trip and don’t plan to travel much, you might want a simple, lightweight stroller that doesn’t cost more than $100. This little 3D Mini might cost as much as checking a bag each way, but it’s only 11 pounds and easy to carry on a trip.
The basket is small—an average-sized baby bag won’t fit—but there is a parent console with a zippered pocket that can hold two drinks. It has a good cover, and you can lean back in the seat. The seats aren’t padded, and the five-inch plastic wheels don’t have springy support. It’s made to make it easy for toddlers and young kids to get around flat pedestrian areas, which it does just fine.
The 3D small can be folded long, like a regular umbrella. When folded, it doesn’t stand up. Like an umbrella, you have to prop it up against a wall or a car, lay it down, like in the trunk of your car, or take it in one hand because it’s light. Still, it is one of the best best travel strollers that you can buy.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact for easy travel
- One-handed fold and carry strap for convenience
- Large storage basket for essentials
- Multiple recline positions for comfortable napping
- Affordable compared to other travel strollers
Cons
- Small wheels may not be suitable for rough terrain
- No included accessories, such as cup holders or trays
- Short canopy may not provide enough shade
Baby Jogger City Tour 2
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (folded) | 21.6 x 17.3 x 7 inches |
| Stroller weight | 14.5 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 45 lbs |
| Canopy | UV 50+ canopy with peek-a-boo window |
| Wheels | 3-wheel design with front-wheel suspension |
| Brake | Foot-operated parking brake |
| Recline | Near-flat recline |
Not only does it weigh less than 15 pounds, but the wheels, which are made of molded rubber instead of plastic, are strong enough to handle a sandy beach walk. Our tester did just that, saying, “We took a chance and rolled this along a nature walk in Puerto Rico, and it worked great. We liked this better than putting the 1-year-old in a baby carrier because it was hot that day.” Even on city streets, the City Tour 2 is easy to ride. It has a deep seat that reclines almost flat, a comfortable leg rest, and a wide canopy that blocks the sun.
It’s easy to fold, and you start by pressing a button on the handle. But when folded, this one isn’t as small as some others. It can stand up when folded, but it won’t fit in an airplane overhead. It comes with a carry bag that makes it easy to check at the airport. The handle is just under 40 inches high, which makes it hard for parents who are tall to push. Overall, it is one of the best best travel strollers that you can buy.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Compact fold for convenient storage and transportation
- Canopy provides excellent sun protection
Cons
- Wheels may not be suitable for rough terrain or uneven surfaces
- Storage basket is on the smaller side
FAQs
A travel stroller is a small, light stroller made for parents who are always on the go. It’s perfect for parents who want a stroller that’s easy to move around and store when it’s not in use
A travel stroller is usually small, light, and easy to move around. It should be easy to fold up and put in the overhead storage on planes, buses, or trains. It should also be strong enough to handle rough ground and soft enough to keep your child comfortable and safe.
Yes, your child is safe in a travel stroller. Most travel strollers go through strict safety tests to make sure they meet foreign safety standards. But it’s important to choose a travel stroller that fits your child’s age, weight, and height, and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
