Travel strollers: 10 of the best for your next vacation
When traveling with children and babies, you will need to bring a lot more than just the essentials. A stroller is an essential for parents with small children. The options are endless when it comes to choosing the right stroller for your travels. (That’s not a joke about strollers, but you get the idea). They can also be challenging to maneuver around your travel destination.
Compact or umbrella strollers may work better for flying, as they’re often lightweight and small enough to fold up quickly and easily. In fact, some of these strollers designed for travel will even fit in the overhead bin on your plane.
However, when seeking a smaller size, it can be tricky to find something that is comfortable enough for your child to sit in for extended periods and can handle the rough terrain at some destinations. In other words, there are trade-offs when choosing the best travel stroller for your family.
Related: 42 real-world family travel tips that actually work
As parents and frequent travelers, we’ve tested some of the top-rated travel strollers on the market to help you find the perfect stroller for your family. Here are the travel strollers that passed our test, plus a few tips for your next family trip.
Babyzen Yoyo2
AMAZON
Best for
- : Parents who need a compact stroller that can fit in the airplane overhead binWeight
- : 13.6 to 14.5 poundsSize when folded
- : 20.5 inches by 17.3 inches by 7.1 inchesTo buy
- : Babyzen Yoyo2, $449Why the Babyzen Yoyo2 is a good travel stroller
Most airlines accept the Babyzen Yoyo2 as cabin baggage when folded. This stroller has been designed to last for many years, despite its compact size. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great option for those who live in small areas and need a stroller that’s easy to maneuver. With the addition of the newborn pack ($180), it can be used right from birth. With a substantial sun protection factor of 50-plus for its canopy — as well as a gradual recline, an under-seat storage bag that supports up to 11 pounds, a zipper pocket and a padded shoulder strap for carrying the stroller when folded — the Yoyo2 is as durable and comfortable closed as it is open.
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It’s not the most budget-friendly option on this list, especially if you purchase extras like the newborn pack. The stroller does not fully recline unless you buy the newborn pack. The flight attendants are always surprised at how compact the stroller is. “
GB Pockit Air
AMAZON
Best for
: Families who need a stroller that folds up small but can handle lots of use
Weight
: 10.4 pounds
- Size when folded: 11.8 inches by 7.1 inches by 13.8 inches
- To buy: GB Pockit Air, $139.99
- Why the GB Pockit Air is a good travel strollerThe GB Pockit Air folds up in just two easy steps. It’s not just a small stroller. It still has a weight capacity of up to 55 pounds and can handle a bumpy sidewalk as well as it handles the moving walkway at the airport.
- Although the no-frills GB Pockit Air doesn’t come with all the extra bells and whistles (which is why it folds up so easily), it does have a miniature sun canopy, an adjustable harness and a small storage space underneath the seat.The GB Pockit Air is designed for babies 6 months and older (up to 55 pounds), so parents of newborns will have to wait a bit to use this small but mighty stroller.
Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
AMAZON
Best for
: Families who need a budget-friendly travel stroller
Weight
: 13 pounds
- Size when folded: 14 inches by 10 inches by 42 inches
- To buy: Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller, $99
- Why the Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller is a good travel strollerBudget-savvy parents will be immediately drawn to the price of the Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller. This lightweight stroller is not just about the price. It can hold kids who weigh up to 50 pounds, and the storage basket underneath can hold up to 10 pounds of baby travel necessities.
- Speaking of extras, this affordable stroller comes with a cup holder, a Velcro pocket and a carry strap, too. It does not have adjustable handles. Parents on the taller side may not find this stroller comfortable for long periods of time.Like similar lightweight strollers, the 3Dlite is made for babies 6 months and older, so parents of newborns will have to wait to use this stroller.
Joolz Aer+
AMAZON
Best for
: Families in the market for a comfortable, lightweight travel stroller
Weight
: 13.23 pounds
Size when folded
- : 21 inches by 17.7 inches by 8.5 inchesTo buy
- : Joolz Aer+, $449Why the Joolz Aer+ is a good travel stroller
- The Joolz Aer+ folds up in one second with just one hand — ideal for anyone holding additional luggage (or a child) in their arms. The stroller can be folded to fit into the overhead bins of most airlines. The foldable seat provides comfort and cushioning for the neck and back of the child in all reclining positions. It also conforms to the body, providing additional support. Joolz does offer add-on products like a cup holder, a footboard and car seat adapters, but you must purchase those separately.Although the stroller is adjustable, it’s designed for kids 6 months and up (with a 49-pound maximum weight limit) and doesn’t fully recline. If you plan to use this stroller with a newborn, you can buy a newborn carrycot ($219) to use for babies.
- UPPAbaby Vista V3 Travel SystemAMAZON
Best for
: Parents who want a high-end stroller that can expand with their growing family
Weight
: 27 pounds
Size when folded
: 25.7 inches by 11.3 inches by 32 inches
To buy
- : UPPAbaby Vista V3 Travel System, $1,249.98Why the UPPAbaby Vista V3 Travel System is a good travel stroller
- The UPPAbaby Vista V3 is a luxe travel stroller that can grow with your child. The standard bundle includes a stroller, a toddler’s seat, and an infant’s seat. You can use the stroller from the moment you bring your child home, up to 50 pounds. The stroller can be folded in just one step and stand by itself when it is closed. The UPPAbaby Vista V3 is not only versatile but also provides a smooth ride thanks to its spring-action all-wheel suspension. The UPPAbaby V3 is the first travel stroller chosen by TPG’s vice-president of marketing and communication. The storage basket and stroller roll like butter. The stroller comes with a toddler seat and bassinet, but there are a lot of other accessories that you can buy separately to customize it to your specific needs. It’s not the lightest stroller or the smallest on this list. However, the multitude of use options, durability and thoughtful details — like full-grain leather accents, a rain cover and multiple color options — make it a great choice if you want a do-it-all stroller that you can use for the long haul.Doona Car Seat & Stroller
- AMAZONBest for
- : Parents of newborns who want an all-in-one stroller solutionWeight
: 16.5 pounds
Size when folded
: 23.6 inches by 17.3 inches by 26 inches
To buy
: Doona Car Seat & Stroller, $650
Why the Doona Car Seat & Stroller is a good travel stroller
The wheels of the Doona Car Seat & Stroller snap up to transform it from a stroller into a car seat. It is perfect for those who travel a lot. Having this one-of-a-kind product ensures you won’t need to lug extra gear around the airport or figure out a car seat plan when arriving at your destination.
There are certainly cheaper strollers out there, but when you consider that you are getting a stroller and a car seat for one price, the Doona is a surprisingly economical choice.
The Doona looks sharp with faux leather detailing and sleek black fabric. The Doona is a great stroller with a canopy shade, an extendable handlebar and a storage pouch that attaches on the handlebar. You can purchase a larger storage bag, a sunshade and a travel bag separately.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqlGCDei838The Doona is suitable for babies and kids weighing between 4 and 35 pounds. The Doona is a compact stroller that can be folded up to 34.2 inches by 31.5″ by 14.7″. It’s ideal for newborns. For the newborn stage, though, it doesn’t get much better than the convenient, compact Doona.
- Thule Chariot Double Jogging StrollerAMAZON
- Best for: Families who need a stroller for outdoor adventures
- Weight: 32 pounds
Size when folded
: 34.2 inches by 31.5 inches by 14.7 inches
To buy
: Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller, $1,349.99
Why the Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller is a good travel stroller
The Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller may not immediately strike you as a travel-friendly stroller option, but if your travels include hiking, biking or camping (skiing and jogging kits can be purchased separately), you’ll be glad to have a multisport trailer and stroller along for the ride.
As far as trailers and strollers go, the Thule Chariot is top of the line. The Thule Chariot is a compact stroller that folds down smaller than other similar models. It also has independently reclined seats to allow for naps on the move, as well as adjustable suspension and ventilation. That said, the stroller’s larger size is often touted as one of its biggest benefits.
Bombi Bebee V2 Lightweight Stroller
- Bombi Bebee V2 Lightweight Stroller. BOMBIBest for
- : Families who want a durable, lightweight stroller at an affordable priceWeight
- : 18 poundsSize when folded
- : 23.38 inches by 19.75 inches by 10 inchesTo buy
: Bombi Bebee V2 Lightweight Stroller, $199.99
Why the Bombi Bebee V2 Lightweight Stroller is a good travel stroller
The Bombi Bebee V2 is a favorite of ours for several reasons. It’s also one of the easiest strollers to fold we’ve used. It can be folded up with just one hand in a second, which makes it convenient for when you are on the move. The stroller can be folded down to fit into the overhead compartments of most airlines, and comes with a bag for storage. When in use, the stroller’s rugged wheels provide a smooth ride, and the harness is designed so that you never have to worry about taking it apart when you need to make an adjustment.
The Bebee V2 is designed for use with children ages 6 months and older until they reach 50 pounds. You can also use it from birth with the optional car seat adapter ($19.99).
Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller
AMAZON
- Best for: Parents of multiple kids who need a lightweight, compact stroller
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Size when folded: 26 inches by 30.3 inches by 12.8 inches
- To buy: Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller, $429.99
Why the Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller is a good travel stroller
Finding a side-by-side double stroller that meets your needs is no simple task, but the Joovy Kooper X2 ticks all the boxes. The stroller has adjustable, wide seats that are comfortable for children. It is slim enough to fit through doors. Folds easily with just one hand, and stands upright when folded. The seats and shade canopy adjust independently to accommodate your child when naptime arrives. The under-stroller basket can hold up to 22 pounds of stuff (because having more children means you have more stuff).
Each chair is designed to support a child weighing up to 50 pounds. However, it is not You can’t start using it until your child is at least 3 months old.
Nuna Pipa urbn + trvl Stroller & Car Seat Travel System
NORDSTROM
Why the Nuna Pipa urbn + trvl Stroller & Car Seat Travel System is a good travel stroller
- The Nuna Pipa urbn + trvl system is one of the most lightweight and easy-to-use travel systems on the market. With the infant car seat removed, you can fold the stroller with just one hand into a compact size. You can utilize the included carry bag or remove the wheels for an even smaller folded size, if necessary.TPG’s director of marketing, Caroline English, uses the Nuna Pipa with her child at home and on the road.
- “It’s great on smooth surfaces and can do a full 360-degree turn on a dime,” she said. The folding feature is also amazing. We were able to fold it down small enough to carry around and bring it into restaurants on a recent Cape Cod trip. The Nuna Pipa comes with a UPF-50-plus shade canopy and leatherlike accents. It also has a storage basket. It’s easier to bring your travel stroller with you to the gate so your child can nap or ride in it. If you prefer to check it earlier, though, you can do so at the ticket counter; then, you can use a baby carrier to get your baby or toddler through the airport.Before you get to the airport, make sure you check the regulations for the airline that you’re flying so you’re adequately prepared for what’s to come. Some compact strollers are designed to fit in overhead bins, but whether they will be allowed on board depends on the stroller, the airline and, ultimately, the flight attendants.
- Preventing damageWhen checking your stroller either at the gate or the ticket counter, it’s best to take a few photos before traveling. If the stroller is damaged when it arrives, you can make a claim. When you check in your stroller, use a storage bag to protect it from damage. Depending on the model, you may receive one with your stroller. You can also order a cover for your car seat and/or travel stroller on Amazon.
- Unfortunately, you should also always have a backup plan at your destination in case your stroller is lost or damaged. It is possible that this will happen. You may also want to look at some smaller, less expensive strollers if you don’t need a robust stroller. Don’t forget to check out your local Walmart or Target if they have them. Airline baggage claim offices also sometimes have basic strollers available for use in the case of delayed or damaged strollers.Getting through security
Agents will typically ask you to fold up the stroller and place it on the belt when going through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. If your stroller is not foldable or won’t fit on the belt, it may not be the best for travel through the airport — but security can do a visual or physical inspection of it when they deem it necessary.
Bottom line
Picking the right travel stroller greatly depends on your situation. You can’t choose the perfect stroller for every situation. Prioritize what is most important for your trip. You want it to fit into the overhead bin. You may want to make sure it’s economical, so you don’t have to worry about it if it gets lost or damaged. You want your baby to be comfortable for long trips in the stroller.
