The best travel strollers literally lighten a family’s load whether you’re packing for a trip or just scooting out the door on an errand. These strollers are lightweight and compact enough to squeeze into an overhead bin with your carry-on luggage or diaper bag and often narrow enough to stroll down the plane’s aisles or to navigate a crowded street or market. Many fold with one hand. Others have car seats built into them or possess seamless click-in capabilities, meaning there’s no need to rent a seat when you arrive at your destination. Our favorites weigh less than 15 pounds, taking a bit of the (literal) pain out of family travel.
The best travel strollers help families go from the car to the gate with ease.
Nuna
I spoke with parents and parenting experts to find the best travel strollers depending on your needs, from compact travel strollers for toddlers to travel stroller systems for infant passengers, and of course, I’ve tested a number of these strollers out, or my colleagues have, during our own family vacations. After a recent trip, we also revised our No. 1 best travel stroller pick to be the Nuna TRVL stroller, because of its ability to traverse all types of terrain, its ability to literally fold on its own and a slew of other useful features.
“Even when you travel with another adult who can help, traveling [with children] always feels hectic,” says Chelsea Stivers, mom, postpartum and motherhood expert and founder of The Balance After Baby. She travels with a travel stroller because, “I need something lightweight that can fold up in one or two quick motions. You don’t realize how often you have to do this when traveling, but it’s a lifesaver.”
In general, for travel, you’ll want a lighter stroller than your everyday wheels or certainly more compact than a rugged jogging stroller. Many parents also prefer travel strollers for everyday errands, because they’re just easier to use and lift in and out of cars, up stairs and so on. Read more about how to select the best travel strollers in our buying guide at the end of this article.
Best for: Those looking for a self-folding, top-of-the line travel stroller system.
The newly introduced Nuna TRVL travel stroller has quickly made a name for itself—and for good reason. The Nuna TRVL checks all the boxes in terms of the best travel strollers expected features. Its easy self-folding feature is a huge help to traveling parents juggling bags and kids. It also fits in the overhead bin, comes with a carrying case and accommodates children up to 50 pounds, making it a wonderful long-term stroller option. It connects directly to Nuna Pipa car seats with no adapter, which is a convenience for many overtired parents. I also like the one-touch break, adjustable leg support, customizable recline and the removable and adjustable push bar, all of which make it a great infant or toddler option. It’s lightweight and simple to push, even one-handed.
Emilie Kiser, content creator and mom of one, calls it “one of my most used purchases for my baby.” She went on to tell me, “I truly love it. It comes with a stroller bag, is seamless when it comes to opening and closing and is lightweight.”
Pros:
Lightweight and overhead-bin compatible
Excellent for babies and toddlers
Durable enough for everyday use
Cons:
Pricey
Only fits Nuna Pipa car seats
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Best for: Frequent travelers and social butterflies who need a lightweight solution to fit their busy lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a travel stroller to zip you through the airport and would prefer to avoid gate checking it, the Gb Pockit+ All City is worth considering. This travel stroller folds up as small as a handbag in seconds, making it TSA carry-on compliant.
“I can’t imagine going anywhere without first putting our gb Pockit in my trunk,” says Alex Powers, mom of two and avid traveler. “It’s lightweight, so easy to break down and can fit into any overhead compartment. Plus—major bonus—you can also use it while walking down the airplane aisles.”
Not every car seat attaches to the Pockit, but a separate (included) adapter does make it baby-ready with any Cybex infant car seat. It also reclines, has an 11-pound capacity storage basket, removable and machine washable fabric and the sun canopy includes a 50+ UPF rating. The Gb Pockit+ All City travel stroller holds children up to 55 pounds, so its weight limit is a bit higher than the Nuna.
Pros:
Extra compact fold
Higher weight limit
Cons:
Not durable enough for daily use
Limited car seat options
Best Airport-Friendly Travel Stroller
Includes A Carrying Strap, Car Seat Compatibility And Easy Fold
Best For: This stroller is ideal for short vacations and road trips, but its lightweight build means urban parents also love it for zipping along sidewalks and into stores.
Poll any group of new parents, which I did, and many will tell you they absolutely love the Babyzen YoYo2. Anne Bransky, frequent cross-country traveler and mom of two, swears by the YoYo, because it’s easy to use and fits in the overhead bin. Given that it’s only 14 pounds, you won’t throw your back out lifting it up. It folds up compactly, so you can carry it like a tote, and it includes a board attachment, allowing another sibling to ride.
While it’s a bit lightweight for everyday use, the padded seat, four-wheel suspension and shock absorption make for a comfortable ride. It also has an adjustable leg rest, a secure back pocket for storage, a 50+ UPF solar screen and and is compatible with most car seats with the right adapter.
Pros:
Shoulder strap for carrying
Board attachment for siblings to ride along
Compatible with most car seats (with adapter)
Cons:
Pricey
Seat and canopy require separate purchase
Best Budget Travel Stroller
A Cost-Efficient Stroller That’s Simple And Lightweight
Weight: 11 pounds | Car seat compatible: No | Carry-on potential: No | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 55 pounds
Best for: Families with toddlers looking for an easier on-the-go option.
Travel strollers can get really expensive. That’s part of the reason parents love the UppaBaby G-Lite Stroller so much. Appropriate for children 3-months up to 55 pounds, this 11 pound stroller is easy to maneuver, has all-wheel suspension and has tall ergonomic handles. As a 5’8 mom, I found this to be so much more comfortable than other travel strollers with lower handles. It folds quickly with two steps (some parents say they can fold it one-handed, but not all) and has two recline positions, a cup holder, a handy carrying strap and stain-resistant fabric. Unfortunately, it isn’t compatible with a carseat, has a smaller capacity undercarriage basket and is a bit lower to the ground than other strollers, which ultimately makes it a better option for older babies and toddlers. It also isn’t overhead bin compatible, but you can purchase the UppaBaby Travel Bag and register it with the company to have any damage incurred during travel covered by warranty, which is a nice plus.
Best For: Those who take long and short trips frequently or who need a lightweight option for daily use.
The Colugo Compact stroller is another mom-favorite because of its features and low(er) price. The one-handed two-second fold and carrier backpack are very handy, as are the foam filled tires and 5-point magnetic harness buckle. Additionally, it accommodates kids 6 months all the way up to 55 pounds with a full-seat flat recline option.
Jane Sung, the senior beauty editor at Forbes Vetted, called the Colugo “indispensable” for her family vacations. “The stroller is really well designed, lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand the bumps of strolling in various locales,” she says. “It folds down in seconds and fits in an airplane overhead bin, and the best part is that it can roll down the aisle to your seats—perfect for the gate-check-averse like me.”
Best for: City dwellers who need an option they can use for errands and when traveling.
Like other greats in the travel stroller game, the Maxi-Cosi Lara has a one-hand-fold option, and it fits in the overhead bin. This umbrella travel stroller is best for toddlers and will last up to 50 pounds. There is no car seat attachment option, so that may be a dealbreaker for some.
However, the Lara stands out for a few reasons, including its lightweight feel and price point. We also like its extended umbrella canopy. It covers most of your child’s trunk so you can explore the great outdoors without worrying about them overheating or getting wet from a mid-day sprinkle. It also creates a cozy nap environment for tired kids.
Pros:
Lightweight and one-handed fold
Extended canopy
Affordable
Cons:
No car seat attachment option
Limited recline options
Spot-clean only
Best Double Travel Stroller
This Double Stroller Is Lighter And More Versatile Than It Looks
Weight: 23 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes | Carry-on potential: No | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 90 (total) pounds
Best for: Families of twins or two children close in age who are looking to simplify family outings.
The Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight double stroller is about as compact as you can go with a double stroller. The seats are front to back instead of side by side, which allows parents to navigate tight spaces while keeping their kids nice and close. I love this option because of the dynamic seat options: you can remove the back seat in favor or a bench seat or ride-along step for toddlers who’d prefer to stand. The front seat fits babies from 3 months old up to 45 pounds and the back seat is suitable for children 6-months and up. There are three recline positions, as well as a parent organizer, stain-proof fabric, a single handlebar for easy pushing and a dual-direction canopy that provides adequate shade for both kids. It’s not carry-on compliant but it will make travel a whole lot easier.
Pros:
Versatile seating options
Stain-proof fabric
3 recline positions
Cons:
Best Travel System
Your Wheels And Car Seat In One Package
Weight: 17pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 35 pounds
Best for: Parents with children under 2 years old who want to simplify travel—or even trips to the pediatrician.
The Doona is a favorite of parents with infants and younger toddlers because it allows for a seamless transition between your gate, the plane and the car after your flight. The stroller folds down to become a car seat so you don’t have to remove your sleeping child in order to get them sorted out in the car. The large wheels allow for a smooth ride. “It eliminates the headache of renting a car seat at your destination,” says fashion designer and mom Lindsay Lorente. She adds that it’s a game changer for those who live in major cities where many families lack a family car and rely on taxis and public transportation. “It allows for the ability to take your infant on a cab ride.” The downside, however, is that the weight limit maxes out at 35 pounds, so it’s really only of use during the first year or two, depending on how large your child is. I would also note the frame is set a bit low, so if you’re tall, the push handle and general frame might feel uncomfortable for long periods.
Best for: Adventurous parents looking for a long-term solution.
The Baby Jogger City Mini came recommended by a number of parents and after giving it a test-drive of my own I could see why. Sure, it has similar selling points as some other options, like a one-hand fold, adjustable leg support, intuitive steering, a 50+ UV sun shade and undercarriage storage. But it also has features others don’t. For one, it can be used until your child reaches 65 pounds (the highest weight limit I’ve encountered). It also reclines nearly flat and, thanks to the forever-air tires and sporty three wheel system, it takes on uneven terrain with ease. I tried it on rocky ground and was surprised at how simple it was to steer. I also love that it folds so compactly with little fuss and that it can be modified to become a travel system that’s compatible with a number of best-selling car seats. You also have the option to add on a glider board, child tray, or bassinet, which makes it exceptionally versatile. The one thing I noted, as a 5’8 person, was that the push bar is a bit lower than I’d like, but it’s nothing extremely detrimental to the experience and the handlebar is adjustable. It is heavier than some of our other picks.
Pros:
Suited to all sorts of terrain
Quick and compact fold
Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Cons:
A little low if you’re tall
How We Chose The Best Travel Strollers
As with everything we choose to highlight on Forbes Vetted, we put in a great deal of research. Through personal use, recommendations from real parents both at Forbes and elsewhere, as well as a plethora of written reviews, we ultimately decide which travel strollers are worth your money. I’ve tested a great deal of these strollers with my own child or taken friends’ for a spin during park runs. This article is updated regularly (most recently in late August 2022) to ensure the products and prices are still accurate and that we still love these strollers just as much.
Personal test runs and reviews by parents
Extensive research and product comparisons
Frequent updating to ensure accuracy
How To Choose The Best Travel Stroller For You
Katie Long, director of strategy at The Mom Complex and mom of two under 5 (the equivalent of a parental PhD), explains that when it comes to purchasing a travel stroller, there are several key factors to keep in mind: “Look for one that packs down really small. Can it go in another bag or be worn by a strap? This is crucial for when a child needs to be carried. Parents often need both hands.”
What Are The Top Travel Stroller Features?
Overhead-Bin Friendly
Long says it’s especially helpful if the travel stroller fits in the overhead compartment to ease the transition from airport to airplane and back again.
Recline
A travel stroller that reclines is a boon for kids who might just nap on the go but also in determining if it can transport an infant or not. If the stroller seat doesn’t recline flat, you’ll need a car seat attachment to use it with an infant that requires full recline.
One-Handed Fold
When it’s time to head to your seat, you’ll want an easy, one-handed fold option in your travel stroller to save you time and frustration, especially while balancing a bunch of bags, kids and snacks or drinks. It also comes in handy when jumping onto a bus, trolley or into a cab.
Storage Space
Stivers recommends a travel stroller with storage space underneath. “It’s always a huge plus to not have to have a diaper bag or carry-on strapped to you constantly,” she says. “It’s worth the investment, and your back will thank you later.”
Weight Limit
Even after a toddler outgrows the need for a daily stroller, they still might appreciate a travel stroller. A travel stroller with a higher weight limit can give big kids’ legs a quick rest while exploring all day and can even act as a bag trolley while in the airport! Check out the weight limit of your stroller to see how long it’ll last you. Through kindergarten and all those Disney trips or just while they are a baby?
Frequently Asked Questions On Stroller Travel
How Do You Go Through TSA With A Stroller?
Per the TSA’s rules: You should place your carry-on items, as well as your child’s items, on the X-ray belt to be screened. Your stroller, travel system, baby carrier, booster and car seats must go through the X-ray machine, too. If you can place it on the belt, great, but if not, they will direct you to stroll through with it. Place any items from your stroller onto the X-ray belt to avoid complications.
You’ll also need to remove your child from the stroller and carry them through the walk-through X-ray machine, so be sure to prepare for that. Some airports will allow parents and young children through a separate scanner.
Are Strollers A Carry-On Item?
Many travel strollers are carry-on approved but are not classified as your carry-on, which means you can still bring your diaper bag. Before planning your trip, check with your airline to ensure your travel stroller is carry-on approved.
Can You Check Strollers For Free?
Again, ask the airline that your family is flying, but for the most part, airlines recognize children’s strollers and car seats as essential and not part of the standard baggage fees, so you are often able to check these child travel items for free at the gate, ticket counter or curbside. Some strollers outlined above are even small enough to stroll right onto the plane.
Which Stroller Is Best For Traveling?
While there are many fantastic travel stroller options, we believe the Nuna TRVL is the overall best on the market. It folds compactly, is lightweight, has a smooth ride and is extremely well-made. It’s also durable enough for daily use so you’ll get more bang for your buck. However, if you need a double stroller or one with a specific car seat attachment, you might peruse our list for a better fit for your particular family.
Which Stroller Is Best At The Airport?
The BabyZen YoYo2 is a parent favorite when it comes to airport travel. It’s extremely compact and lightweight and it’s even narrow enough to be rolled down an airplane aisle. Did we mention it is overhead bin compatible? In general, the best stroller at the airport folds quickly and is extremely lightweight.
Which Travel Stroller Folds Up The Smallest?
The Gb Pockit folds up small enough to fit in a diaper bag and can be carried like a handbag. It’s really remarkable and weighs only 13 pounds. If you need to save space, this might be your best option.
Do I Really Need A Travel Stroller?
It really depends on your lifestyle. If you travel via car or airplane with a child under age 3, I think it’s definitely worth it to have a travel stroller. It makes your life far easier. And once your baby becomes a toddler and spends less time in a stroller, it’s extremely convenient to have a lightweight option you can have on hand to run errands. You can even keep in your car or bring it to the park if they get tired.
Do Travel Strollers Work Well Enough For Daily Use?
Yes and no. While most travel strollers are optimal for travel, which means not everyday use, there are a few (like the Nuna TRVL) that work for errands and daily use. For the most part, however, the allure of travel strollers is that they’re lightweight and compact, which doesn’t always suit parents’ needs on a daily basis.
Are Travel Strollers Worth It?
Again, it depends on your family and your lifestyle, but myself and many other parents have found travel strollers to be very much worth it. They’re game-changers for air or car travel and highly convenient to have in your car if you’re going to an amusement park, running errands or just walking around your neighborhood.
