The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the lightest and compact. It's also among the easiest folding strollers. It is a great stroller, a great sun canopy, and a multi-position recline.

This stroller is an excellent value at less than $100. It comes with an easy compact fold, as well as a carry strap, so it's easy to put it over your shoulder or take to public transport.

1. Lightweight

When it comes to strollers for travel, lightweight and easy-to-fold are the most important factors. The top models we tested can be folded with one hand and sometimes two and can be tucked into overhead compartments for pushchair stroller luggage. They are also compact and roll well making them easy to maneuver into tight spaces. Some even offer the option of a telescoping handle to parents of different heights. Find a light, easy to transport stroller for your family, whether you're planning to take short trips with a baby, or taking a long-haul journey with an infant.

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

Our top choice is the Babyzen YoYo2 (320) that folds the most easily of the strollers we tested, pram and travel system fits in overhead bins of airplanes. The seat reclines to a flat position and is car seat compatible and is suitable for babies up to age 2. Other features that parents will appreciate include a deep undercarriage basket and a bag hook attached to the handle and a UPF 50+ canopy that offers plenty of coverage for your little traveler.

The Cybex Orfeo (320) is another great option. It has an articula fold that can be completed using just one hand, and is extremely light. The padded five-point harness an adjustable crotch strap and a Reversible seats ensure your child's safety, while a large undercarriage basket as well as a reversible seat ensure there's room for their belongings. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat which makes it a feasible option for families who start from the time of birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320), an all-hands, one-step fold, is also compatible with car seats and has a large canopy. It's more expensive than the other models in the same category however, it comes with additional features, including a spacious cupholder and a parent's pocket, a movable handlebar to accommodate parents of all heights, and a comfortable carrying strap. Its simplicity does sacrifice a bit of durability compared to the other models in this category, however.

2. Folding is easy

If you're constantly on the move, a travel stroller needs to be easy to open and close. If you have a bag of groceries or children in your arms you don't want to wrestle with a complicated stroller to close it. Even with just one hand, the most convenient strollers for travel can be folded easily and compactly. Many come with a comfortable carrying strap that is comfortable over your shoulder.

In our tests, we gave the Libelle stroller top marks for its compactness and its ease of folding. But it also has other nice features: It rolls smoothly over all surfaces and has a generous canopy that gives plenty of coverage. Additionally, it's extremely light and free-standing when folded which makes it easier to store.

We suggest that parents who wish to have their stroller fit into the overhead bins of planes, look for models that promise to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow is a good example. It fits into the smallest folding and comes with an enclosed travel cover. However it doesn't come with a reclining seat, and its cargo area is too small to accommodate anything other than a small diaper bag or tote.

Another alternative is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds into a concertina style but also has the option of a reversible seat to allow face-toface or back-toback riding. Our managing editor found it a breeze to open and close, but she was not thrilled with how the handle slides into the seat when folded.

The tri-fold is a new stroller for travel. It folds into three pieces and provides the most compact combination of size and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for instance, comes with the ability to flip the chair over with a storage pouch that is not structured on the rear, and a locking latch to keep it folded. It's a bit bigger than the umbrellas from the brand but folds more compactly than their G-Luxe or G-Link counterparts. It also comes with a shoulder strap that is cushioned.

3. Easy to store

The most effective strollers for travel can fold down to a size that is easy to store. They can be easily stored in the trunk of a vehicle or the overhead bin of an airplane. Some models come with a strap you can use to carry the stroller on your shoulder, so that your hands don't get tired. They are also lighter than standard strollers, which can make them easier to lift and carry when you're ready for an easy stroll around the neighborhood or the airport.

When we tested this stroller, it did exceptionally well in our tests of durability and was able to maneuver over all sorts of surfaces, from smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. However, some of our testers noticed that it was a bit thin and the handlebar does not include any padding to keep your hands comfortable. Another thing to think about is the size of the storage basket is it's on the smaller side, and some parents have found it difficult to fit the large diaper bag inside it.

We suggest that you contact your airline prior to departure to verify their specific guidelines regarding strollers. They may differ. This is important when you are planning to gate-check a stroller. Then, you can use it on the plane and travel the airport without the stroller.

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent choice if you need a light, compact stroller. The Contours Itsy comes fully assembled and all you need to do is snap in the bumper bar. It has a cup for parents holder and back pocket, but no oversized basket, which could make it difficult to carry essentials for a long-distance trip.

If you are frequent travelers, we recommend you look into a stroller that is more robust, with more features and the capacity to hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Minu, for example, has many of the same features like its G-Luxe or G-Link counterparts but is smaller and folds faster. It's also a bit more durable than an umbrella stroller, and it has a padded carrying strap to take some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Confortable

The comfort factor is crucial when using strollers over long periods of time. Seats with plenty of padding and a reclining system that can be adjusted to different angles are ideal. Be sure to check if the canopy extends to provide shade from the sun and if it has mesh windows to allow airflow. You should consider a model that comes with an organizer for the parents or a cupholder, as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat in case you need to carry things with you. When shopping for a travel jogger for older children, make sure to check the age range. Also, think about whether your child is comfortable in the seat, even without a car seat for infants.

The way that a stroller moves is also vital. It must be able to roll effortlessly across different surfaces such as smooth carpets, hardwoods and shag carpets cobblestones, and gravel. It must be able to navigate steps, curbs and other obstacles with ease. Choose a lightweight stroller when you plan to do a lot walking during your trip. This will help to prevent leg and back pain.

A quality stroller for travel is also easy to use. It should be simple to assemble and snap back together when it is placed in the right position. It should also fold flat enough to fit in the boot of your car or in the overhead compartments of planes. It should also remain upright when folded so that you can grab it up with one hand, while holding your baby in the other.

If you are a parent looking for a high-quality lightweight stroller for their child The Joie Tourist is a great option. It comes with several recline positions so that your child can sleep comfortably. The extendable canopy offers ample sun protection, with UPF protection. It also comes with a rain cover, coffee cup holder, and footmuff. Charlotte loves that it's suitable for babies up to four years old and does not require a separate car seat adapter.