Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The best travel strollers ensure your family vacation is a bit smoother. After testing 17 travel strollers (and researching many more) for this guide, I found the Joolz Aer+ to be the best travel stroller overall thanks to its lightweight design (13.2 pounds), effortless fold and excellent quality. The Colugo Compact Stroller is the best value option, because it packs in many higher-end features at a more affordable price and might be of particular interest for those with older babies and toddlers; it doesn’t take a car seat but can support children up to 55 pounds. And personally, as a mom to two now, I find myself reaching quite frequently for the Silver Cross Jet stroller, another top pick with an extra compact fold and a lie-flat recline ideal for babies. The best travel strollers ensure easier journeys for families with little kids, because they fold in … [+] seconds, lift with ease and stroll smoothly. Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers Whether you’re looking for something lightweight, car seat friendly or overhead-bin compliant, chances are I’ve tested it over the past year, running errands and enjoying road trips, day trips and flights with my two stroller-age boys. As a mother, journalist and professional product tester and reviewer with a particular expertise in baby and kids gear, I extensively tested these strollers, starting from the assembly of each to running them through obstacle courses to boarding planes with them. The following is a list of all the winning strollers from my testing process: Best Travel Stroller Overall: Joolz Aer+ Best Value Travel Stroller: Colugo Compact Stroller Best Travel Stroller For Babies: Silver Cross Jet 5 Best Travel Stroller For Everyday Use: Nuna TRVL LX Best Customizable Travel Stroller: Babyzen YoYo2 Stroller Best Travel System Stroller: Doona Infant Car Seat And Stroller Best Travel Stroller For Air Travel: Cybex Coya Best Travel Stroller Overall Exceedingly Lightweight And Easy To Use For All Amazon Joolz Aer+ Weight: 13.2 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes (Nuna, Cybex, Clek and more) | Folded dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Warranty: 10 years Best for: Parents who want a very lightweight and compact travel stroller Fans of the one-handed fold and effortless one-handed maneuvering Parents looking for a great-quality, smooth stroller Skip if: You’re in need of something more budget-friendly You need more storage basket space The Smoothest And Easiest Of Strolls It was clear during the testing process that while several competitors came close to matching the excellence of the Joolz Aer+, this is simply the best travel stroller on the market. Not only is it one of the lightest travel strollers available, at 13.2 pounds, but it offers a seamless one-handed, 1-second fold—and it can stroll down airplane aisles if you desire, before being folded compact enough to fit into the overhead bin. It’s compatible with several popular car seat manufacturers, so parents can create a full travel system or attach the brand’s stroller bassinet to make it infant-friendly. It also felt extremely high-quality (and is made from recycled materials) when assembling and while in use, and I found it exceptionally user-friendly, as did my spouse, who has less familiarity with the mechanics of strollers. It’s something I can operate with two rambunctious little ones without feeling overwhelmed. The Joolz Aer+ bested the competition by offering all the best features of travel strollers in one … [+] gorgeous package. Lex Goodman For Forbes Vetted From the first push, the Joolz Aer+ felt smooth—and better than its similarly lightweight competitors. No matter the surface I pushed it over, the steering remained intact, and I could easily manage a one-handed push. It handled tight turns effortlessly and was easy to maneuver while also pulling a suitcase or while charging down the makeshift “airplane aisles” in my testing process. The 1-second fold was seamless, ensuring less stress during travel when parents are juggling a lot. While I wouldn’t necessarily take it on a hiking trail, this travel stroller is the ultimate option for the airport, and also useful once you get to your destination. All The Extras The Joolz Aer+ comes with several of the best features available in today’s travel strollers, but with thoughtful additions that really solidified its place as the best. For example, when folded, the stroller stands by itself and automatically locks in place, so if you pick it up and carry it by the travel strap it truly stays folded. The UPF 50+ canopy extends about to a toddler’s trunk, and the extra-long 21.7-inch backrest and the ultra-cushioned seat make it a comfortable option for taller or older children. It also comes with a rain cover, travel bag and extra-long canopy that offers ventilation when unzipped to extend. You’ll need to purchase the bumper bar and car seat adapters separately. While it would be ideal to have a full-flat recline, the recline on the Joolz Aer+ is 33 degrees, making it useful for toddler naps. A Sticky Recline And Not Infant-Ready Over long-term testing, I did find that the mechanism to enable the seat recline isn’t as smooth/easy to use as some other options and can feel quite jerky and disruptive for the baby. It’s also not the stroller I reach for most often when traveling with just the youngest. Without a full-flat recline, you’ll have to use a car sear or bassinet for newborns, and the seat isn’t as wide or as padded as some of the competition, making it a little less comfortable for some kids, though my older son liked it quite a bit at age 3 and 4. He now loves to ride with his brother from the attached ride-along footboard. It does lack a magnetic seatbelt that is becoming more standard in higher-end strollers, and some families may find the undercarriage basket too compact, though I did not. I did find myself wishing it had a little organizational drop-in pocket on the back of the stroller for parental items like a phone or keys. But all things considered, I still find the Joolz Aer+ the best travel stroller overall, and it also works for everyday use on day trips and quick errands. After extensive real-life testing of this stroller over the last year, it did not suffer any mechanical issues, stains, tears or anything at all. (Read my full review of the Joolz Aer+ here.) Best Value Travel Stroller Airplane And Toddler-Ready Colugo Colugo Compact Stroller Weight: 16 pounds | Car seat compatible: No | Folded dimensions: 24 x 17 x 10 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 55 pounds | Warranty: 2 years Best for: Toddler parents Those in need of a plane-friendly travel stroller Parents seeking a high-quality travel stroller for under $400 Skip if: You need something for an infant or require car seat compatibility Exceptionally Easy To Use, Fold And Stroll With The Colugo Compact Stroller is, as the name suggests, compact and folds down to a comfortable-to-carry 24 x 17 x 10 inches. It fits in most overhead bins and is narrow enough to fit into 17- to 19-inch airplane aisles, yet remains sturdy with smooth strolling once you hit the pavement at your destination. It performed exceptionally well when tested, folded with one hand in 1.5 seconds with no practice necessary and unfolded in 2 seconds with a slight lag due to needing to give it a little shake to snap into place when in the full upright position. The padded carry strap sat nicely on my shoulder, but the stroller also comes with a useful carrying backpack if you’d prefer to gate-check it. It required zero assembly upon arrival and also included a nice rain cover package and cup holder. Many other options require you to purchase these items separately, so that was a nice surprise. The Colugo stroller surprised me with its easy-to-use features, comfort for toddlers and ability to … [+] fit right onto airplanes. Lex Goodman For Forbes Vetted Ideal Comfort For Toddlers Another strong point of the Colugo Compact is that it offers a long seat, footrest and (parents of on-the-go nappers, rejoice) a near-flat recline, all of which makes this an exceptionally comfortable ride, especially for older babies and toddlers. The recline system is admittedly unique, and it takes a couple of steps to engage the full recline. But there’s a fabric cover on the back of the stroller that can be rolled down to expose mesh sides, which creates a ventilated nap area. Comfort is key with this option, as it provides an extra-padded harness with magnetic closure and a seat made from memory foam that can be removed and machine-washed. It’s also JPMA-certified, which is always an added layer of comfort to me as a parent. One major downside is that the stroller is not compatible with any car seats or travel systems, so it can only be used from 6 months of age onward up to 55 pounds, which is around 4- to 6-years-old, depending on your child. Furthermore, the UPF 50+ waterproof canopy doesn’t extend as low as some other budget-friendly options, like the Zoe Traveler, which I also tested, and it requires a two-handed adjustment. The foot break left me frustrated a couple of times as well. It’s positioned in such a way that I knocked it into break mode twice, grinding our stroll to a sudden and unexpected halt. After long-term testing, I found myself using this stroller about once a month, especially for errands, because of the extra comfortable seat when compared to other travel strollers and the deep undercarriage basket. It showed little wear other than a bit of fading to its color after a year. I also found it particularly comfortable to push, as did my husband, making it a great option for taller parents. It feels more expensive than it is. (Read my in-depth review of the Colugo stroller here.) Best Travel Stroller For Babies A Compact Fold And A ‘Lie Flat’ Recline For Infants Silver Cross Silver Cross Jet 5 Weight: 15.9 pounds (without bumper bar) | Car seat compatible: Yes (Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Cybex, Clek) | Folded dimensions: 10 x 14.5 x 24.5 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 55 pounds | Warranty: 2 years (up to 3 years if you register within 28 days of purchase) Best for: Parents who want a ‘lie flat’ recline to use from birth Fans of lighter, more compact strollers and sustainable materials Skip if: You need a larger undercarriage base You’re on a tight budget A Flat Recline For Babies And More Extras The beautifully crafted Silver Cross Jet travel stroller provides little ones with their own luxurious ride—and parents with an option to use it from birth, even without a car seat or bassinet attachment. It offers a flat recline, making it safe for newborns but also providing optimal napping conditions for older babies and toddlers. Yet it also accommodates an array of popular car seats, so you can also create a full travel stroller system with it. It’s approved for airplane use and features little extras that make a difference when traveling with kids, like magnetic safety buckles. Since my original testing of these strollers, I’ve welcomed another baby. I used the Jet 3 stroller with him since birth, and it became one of my favorites for outings, because it’s so lightweight and easy to tote to his older brother’s activities. The lay flat option allows him to move his body and feel more comfortable while strapped in and it creates a safer and more enjoyable napping environment, too. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I used this the most (aside from the Doona) for his first six months. My 4-year-old also enjoys it, but his favorite strollers that more comfortably fit his bigger body are the Joolz and the Nuna. A Compact Fold And Lightweight Carry The Silver Cross Jet easily folds in 4 seconds with one hand, but it does take a second hand to click it into place. It unfolds in 3 seconds, with a smidge of delay, because it often needs a second hand to click into the fully upright position. This is an improvement from the Silver Cross Jet 3, and I can attest that this becomes less of an issue the more you fold and unfold the stroller. Regardless, the stroller folds into a narrow package that can be rolled while in a standing upright fold—just like a roller bag. It stores well in overhead bins and can be rolled down some (19-inch) airplane aisles. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the finely crafted UPF 50+ sun cover and adjustable kiddie calf support. The Jet 4 model updated to a sustainable jersey fabric made from recycled plastic bottles (diverted from a landfill) and vegan leather, so you can feel good about your purchase and know that it looks and feels high-quality. The undercarriage basket could be larger, but overall, the Silver Cross Jet travel stroller offers a practical, easy-to-tote package with long-term potential. Please note that I have tested the Jet 3 and Jet 4 models. The Jet 4 felt very on par with my findings of the Jet 3, though it did seem to stroll a bit smoother with an upgrade to its suspension. The brand has just released the Jet 5 model, which is a couple of pounds heavier and a couple of inches wider and taller, among other changes. I plan on testing that stroller in the next month and updating this story with my findings. We included the link to the Jet 5 here as the Jet 4 is quickly going out of stock. Best Travel Stroller For Everyday Use A Comfortable Ride No Matter Your Destination Nuna Nuna TRVL LX Weight: 17 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes (Nuna PIPA) | Folded dimensions: 28 x 21 x 13 inches | Carry-on potential: No | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Warranty: 2 years Best for: Parents looking for a high-end travel stroller that’s sturdy enough for daily use Those with Nuna infant car seats Families seeking a long-term pick to last through multiple children Skip if: You need an extremely compact fold You need a stroller that fits in the overhead bin A Seamless Option From Birth Onward The Nuna TRVL LX offers a luxe strolling experience thanks to its front- and rear-wheel suspension technology; high-caliber materials; unique 1-second, one-handed fold; and simple click-in car seat compatibility (no adapter necessary for the Nuna Pipa). While I originally tested and included the Nuna TRVL in this tested travel strollers guide, I ultimately determined the TRVL LX to be worth the upgrade if you’re truly looking for an everyday travel stroller. It’s slightly larger and heavier than the TRVL with bigger wheels and canopy (and costs $100 more), but I can see this stroller lasting through several children, and it can work from birth through 50 pounds. It has a near flat recline (the footrest flips up to create a cradle) and is car seat compatible. I’m happy to recommend either stroller depending on your needs. The multi-position recline provides seamless comfortable positioning for younger and older children, as does the calf support, adjustable footrest and padded seats. The no-rethread harness, magnetic buckles and standing fold all add to its easy feel. The downside? It isn’t going to fit into every overhead bin. I found it 2 to 4 inches larger than what’s officially allowed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and it didn’t fit into my DIY bin during testing. It may squeeze into some roomier overhead bins, but I believe it would be better as a travel stroller to be gate-checked and used upon arriving at your destination—and it does come with a travel bag. A Smooth, Comfortable Ride With Easy Maneuverability Another Forbes Vetted writer also tested the nearly identical TRVL stroller on a flight from Ohio to British Columbia, along with her baby and three other children, and was simply wowed by the self-folding, lightweight feel and the smooth ride once they hit their destination. “At just under 14 pounds, it’s one of the lightest strollers I’ve owned, and easily transferable in and out of my minivan, which is always filled with sports equipment, groceries and pool toys competing for space,” Alex Frost wrote in her review. “…The wheels and ride are smooth. We easily navigated off-road bumpy gravel paths along our lakeside destination in Canada.” The canopy is sufficiently long and provides UPF 50+ coverage down to my baby’s waist. And the spacious undercarriage basket is more than sufficient, especially for quick errands or trips. The seat fabric isn’t removable and requires spot-cleaning, which isn’t ideal but didn’t prove to be an issue with my 4-year-old or baby. As a whole, the Nuna TRVL LX is lightweight, suitable from birth onward, easy to maneuver and boasts a great turn radius that makes navigating crowds manageable, whether you’re at the airport, a tourist attraction or the park. Best Customizable Travel Stroller Add Skis, Turn It Into A Double—And More Customizations Amazon Babyzen YoYo2 Stroller Weight: 13.7 pounds | Car seat compatible: Yes (Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, Clek and more) | Folded dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 48.5 pounds | Warranty: 2 years Best for: Those who require a lightweight, airplane-friendly stroller Parents looking for an option to grow and evolve with their family Fans of customizations and color swaps Skip if: You’re looking for an extra-simple fold and recline You plan to use it on more rugged terrain or uneven sidewalks Under 14-Pounds And Compact Enough To Fit In The Bin There’s a reason why the Babyzen YoYo2 seems ubiquitous while traveling. With its super-lightweight 13.7-pound construction and compact fold that fits down airplane aisles and in overhead bins, it’s a fantastic choice for air travel or quick outings when you don’t want to be weighed down by a full-size stroller. It’s also car seat compatible with a number of brands. I used it with my Nuna Pipa car seat in a second round of testing after welcoming my second son. I particularly love how compact, lightweight and portable this stroller is without sacrificing sturdiness. The small fold and shoulder strap are so easy to use with baby in hand. It’s helpful for fitting through tight spaces and maneuvering around lots of people. I often pack it for outings at restaurants, but this is what makes it work so well in airports and on planes. I do find the fold and recline to be less seamless than other options during testing. Using two hands to unfold it gets annoying. But the YoYo2 stood out with its many customizations, including among its seat configurations, colors and accessories. Add on a newborn bassinet to make it safe for an infant, or a rider board for siblings. You can attach two YoYo2 strollers together to create a double stroller or a twin-ready double bassinet stroller with the YoYo Connect Frame. There’s a parasol for added sun protection, a foot muff and even an optional ski attachment for the front wheel. The colors can easily be swapped out thanks to the detachable canopy and seat cushion, and there’s a footrest to be added for older children. During extended testing, I came to appreciate the removable fabric pieces that allowed me to wash away a couple of minor spills. Not For Bumpy Terrain Because the wheels are so small, the shock absorption isn’t great. It glides well over airport floors, but if you’re going over bumpy terrain or a cracked sidewalk, the baby can be jostled awake. My older son did complain that it is bumpy. Please note that the YoYo3 travel stroller just launched, days before we published this August 2024 update. We do plan to get it in for testing, but it was not yet available for this round. The new model features additional shock absorbers in the wheels, a taller and more padded seat and a larger storage basket, among other improvements. It weighs the same and still holds children up to 48.5 pounds. Best Travel System Stroller An All-In-One That’s Ideal For Newborn Travel Amazon Doona Infant Car Seat And Stroller Weight: 17.2 pounds | Car seat compatible: It is a car seat | Folded dimensions: 22.4 x 17.4 x 26 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: No | Weight limit: 35 pounds | Warranty: 2 years Best for: Parents of newborns and infants City-dwellers and frequent travelers alike Those with a robust budget willing to pay for added convenience Skip if: You’re looking for a long-term option You have an older baby or toddler Extreme Convenience For Frequent Travelers And Newborns The Doona Car Seat and Stroller is unique in that it offers both baby gear items in one streamlined package, no adapters necessary. The car seat’s stroller wheels are tucked into the car seat when not in use. It offers extreme convenience for those with newborns and young babies who are tired of lugging their infant car seat on their arm, or having to pack both the car seat and a stroller on a trip. It’s just as useful when you’re hopping on a plane as it is navigating public transportation or visiting the pediatrician with a newborn. After I had my second baby, this became my go-to car seat and stroller, and I used it daily until my son was nearly 9-months-old and started to look less comfortable in it. I can’t rave enough about how essential the Doona became to my growing family. It made every outing easier, especially in the newborn days. The car seat installation process was simple and streamlined. Made with high-quality materials, the Doona feels sturdy and well-made enough to last for multiple children. It’s FAA aircraft-approved (with the latch base), requires zero setup and features an adjustable handlebar, but it sits a bit lower overall to the ground compared to other full-size strollers. Those over 5-foot-8 (my height), might prefer a taller stroller. It performed well in the testing process, boasting a smooth ride over multiple terrains. Limited Storage—And Longevity The Doona’s main downside is that it has lower weight and height maximums than most other travel strollers on the market. Instead, its maximums match that of a more traditional infant car seat, topping out at 35 pounds and 32 inches in height. This means while wildly convenient in the first year of a baby’s life, it won’t fit them beyond whichever milestone they reach first, which may be under a year old for some children. Even if some tots are technically just below those maximums, it’s unlikely to be a comfortable ride, because this seat isn’t designed for their larger bodies. Other downsides include a lack of undercarriage storage and a more complex and slower fold than the competition: 8 seconds to fold and 12 to unfold. After months of additional testing with my new baby, I found two more small grievances: the button to adjust the five-point harness gets stuck on occasion and the canopy came undone on its own a couple of times, which was annoying but easy to snap back in. Overall, the Doona is an ideal travel system for infants and especially useful if you’re a frequent traveler or envision lots of quick car trips and errands where you’d rather not have to pack and unfold a stroller from the trunk in the first year. Best Travel Stroller For Air Travel An Elevated Pick With A Compact Fold Cybex Cybex Coya Weight: 14.6 pounds | Car seat compatible: Cybex models | Folded dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches | Carry-on potential: Yes | One-handed fold: Yes | Weight limit: 55 pounds | Warranty: 2 years Best for: Those who want to carry their stroller on board Parents with extra budget to spend on convenience and quality Anyone looking for an option for frequent air travel Skip if: You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option You need a sturdier, everyday stroller A Beautiful Design With Extra Conveniences The Cybex Coya is a true travel stroller with that extra lightweight and more narrow frame, a one-handed fold and a carry strap that’s particularly convenient during air travel. It folds small enough to fit into the overhead bin and down airplane aisles—and it’s gorgeously designed with more premium fabrics and convenient touches like the safety harness that pulls tight in the same manner that your car seat does and magnetic buckles. It is most similar to the Joolz Aer+, but costs $100 more and weighs a bit more. And A Few Frustrations In The Fold The Coya’s recline contraption requires a single hand and a second to raise it, which can be done while a child is in the stroller but it’s more difficult like this. Unfolding the stroller takes a mere second, and while the fold requires approximately 5 seconds and sometimes needs a second hand to click into place, it’s a relatively seamless process. Still these extra seconds mean that the fold on this stroller is a bit more cumbersome than its competition, and I didn’t find myself reaching for it as often as the Joolz or Jet for travel during extended testing. It held up well during long-term testing with perhaps a bit more wear to the fabric than some others. I also would at times kick the break on by accident, and the stroller sat lower than I would have preferred. The Coya also features a diaper bag–friendly undercarriage basket, a far–extending canopy and a removable, washable seat covering. While there are more lightweight options, this travel stroller is sturdy and a fantastic long-term option for any family. I extensively tested 15 highly rated travel strollers to determine the best of the best. Lex Goodman For Forbes Vetted MORE FROMFORBES VETTED The Best Walking Sandals For Women, Tested For Miles By Kari Molvar Forbes Staff The 9 Best Mattress Toppers For Hip Pain, According To Experts By Kelly O’Sullivan Contributor Other Travel Strollers Tested I initially tested 15 travel strollers for this guide, and eight didn’t make the cut. Since we first published this story, I also tested another model of both the Nuna TRVL and the Silver Cross Jet, bringing the total strollers tested for this guide to 17. The Jet 5 is on its way to my house now for additional testing, as is the Stokke YoYo3, and we’ll continue to update this guide with those notes and further testing as we do so. Uppababy Minu V2: A favorite of two experts that I interviewed and featured on many other best travel stroller lists that I researched, the Uppababy Minu V2 is a strong travel option with everyday-use potential, but it simply was not as good as the rest. The downfalls are that it’s on the heavier side at 16.9 pounds and not going to fit onto smaller airplanes. The performance and quality were not on par with other options in the same price range ($400). The fold also gave me some trouble periodically. Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller: The selling point of the Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller is that it’s incredibly lightweight (just 9.5 pounds) and sells for around $40 to $50. The downside is that the quality is on par with the price and weight. It also doesn’t have a recline option or car seat compatibility, and it is not airplane compliant. Without these added features, you could also just buy any umbrella stroller for travel and likely be just as satisfied. Baby Jogger City Tour 2: The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is a durable, affordable ($260), comfortable and fantastic all-terrain option. However, it’s not suited to all the activities you might do with a travel stroller, because it isn’t as compact as other options. It does have a carrying case and can be gate-checked, plus it has a near-flat recline and great turn radius, so it’s a solid choice for everyday city life or road trips but not air travel. Mountain Buggy Nano: In terms of size and compactness, the 13-pound Mountain Buggy Nano is a good option, but there are better strollers as far as performance and quality go at the same price ($220). I found the stroller to generally feel too bumpy, and it tipped when rounding tight corners. Bugaboo Butterfly: The Bugaboo Butterfly is a strong option and may work for some families. It fits in airplane aisles and overhead bins and is compatible with many car seats (with an adapter). However, I found the fold to be trickier on occasion than other options in this price range ($480), and ultimately it wasn’t as smooth or lightweight as its competitors—it weighs 16.1 pounds. Cybex Orfeo: This Cybex Orfeo travel stroller ($320) is a great one-handed-fold option at just 13.9 pounds. It reclines, is compatible with airplanes and Cybex car sets and performed well in testing. The only reason it wasn’t selected as a best option is that others had greater differentiating factors that set them apart. Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller: The strong points of this stroller are its near-flat recline, smooth performance and the fact that it’s compatible with six car seat brands. The fold, however, proved frustrating. Ultimately, there are more compact travel-friendly options with more suitable features in the same price range ($300). Zoe Traveler: A strong contender if you’re in the market for a splurgy ($250) umbrella-style stroller, the Zoe Traveler didn’t make the cut simply because there were other options with higher-quality materials and similar features. During testing, I wheeled each stroller and a rolling suitcase topped with a diaper bag, around … [+] tight turns in my DIY obstacle course, noting maneuverability and ease of one-handed pushing. Lex Goodman For Forbes Vetted How I Tested The Best Travel Strollers In developing my testing process for travel strollers, I felt strongly that they should be easy to use but also maneuver well. Of course, they had to all fall into the extra-lightweight and compact category, too, given that parents are likely to be lifting, folding and squeezing these strollers into small spaces and with some frequency. All winners needed to be of the best quality, too. I also considered whether a travel stroller offered any bonus features that made them particularly attractive in certain situations. For example, if the stroller offered a one-handed fold, an extra-large storage bin or a full travel system that could be used from birth. I tested each stroller in my backyard and around my block, with either my 31-pound child or a 35-pound weight secured into the seat. I pushed strollers around on several types of terrain: brick, concrete, turf, gravel, crushed granite and (when safe) the street. I tested brakes and took the strollers up and down curbs and over bumps. I checked whether the strollers were well-suited to one-handed steering. To really hone in on the performance—specifically tire suspension and steering—I crafted an obstacle course in my yard and wheeled each stroller around tight turns and down makeshift airplane aisles (which range from 17 to 19 inches in width, depending on the aircraft and airline) while also handling a rolling suitcase. I also created a replica overhead bin to ensure that ones that allege they’re overhead-bin compatible actually were. I tested how easily and quickly the strollers folded, and I gauged how lightweight (and comfortable) each stroller was to carry around and up and down stairs and around the block—while pregnant. I noted how easy it was to buckle and unbuckle my child into the strollers, how smoothly they reclined, whether the canopy provided adequate coverage and whether a diaper bag fit in the underseat basket. By chance, I had to leave the strollers outside for 24 hours, which helped to test the quality and durability. With all the data compiled, I studied each stroller to determine the quality of the materials, and I considered how long a travel stroller could be used and in which situations, like visiting an amusement park, acting as an everyday stroller or rolling down the smooth floors of an airport. Long-Term Testing I continued testing the winning strollers from my first round of testing for another year, including with my new baby. This opened up the opportunity to really gauge how each travel stroller performed with a baby vs. a toddler, and now that I had my hands even more full, I found myself really zeroing in on the lightest strollers and those that operated the most seamlessly. Over the next year, I also took the strollers on countless day trips, errands, road trips and air travel, assessing how each performed in every instance. The Joolz Aer+ continued to impress me and remains the top overall pick in this guide. I also found new appreciation for the Doona with a newborn—and the Jet stroller became a regular in my rotation as well. The winning travel strollers were all exceptionally lightweight and provided simple folds but also … [+] sturdy and easy to maneuver through tight spaces. Lex Goodman For Forbes Vetted How To Pick A Travel Stroller When it comes to selecting a travel stroller, the options are plenty and ever-changing. The amount of seemingly similar strollers can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re typically quite costly. And while polling parent friends and exhaustive online research is always helpful, it’s important to note a few factors to help you find the best travel stroller for your family. “When selecting a travel stroller, parents should consider their child’s age, mode of transportation and the activities you’ll be doing at your destination,” adds Alli Cavasino, certified child passenger safety technician and JoyLet cofounder and CEO. “For example, if you’re navigating cobblestone streets, you’ll want to ensure the stroller’s wheels are sturdy for different terrain.” Where And When Will You Use It? First, it’s important to consider how you and your family hope to use a travel stroller. Will it accompany you on airplane trips, be stored in your car for road trips, brought out for amusement park trips or be considered for everyday use? Also consider whether you plan to use it for one child or multiple children over the course of time, whether you want something that’s suitable from birth and whether it’s compatible with your car seat (if a travel system is necessary). Once you determine those factors, you should be able to narrow it down. Whether you select a travel stroller that fits in the overhead bin or one that needs to be gate-checked is a personal preference. Christina Haisfield, a mom and travel blogger, argues that overhead bin compliance can be incredibly helpful if you travel internationally frequently, but that she also finds gate-checking suitable: “Gate-checking is super easy in the U.S., but some international destinations don’t gate-check. And the last thing you want is to not be able to have your stroller on a long layover while traveling internationally.” Features The features you’ll likely want to consider most closely are the fold, storage space, recline, canopy and weight limit. Of course, some options have additional features like folding leg rests, travel carrying bags and magnetic harness buckles. In terms of fold, you may want to keep an eye out for one-handed folds, as this is easier while holding additional luggage or a child. “I think a one-handed fold is a definite bonus; when you’re traveling, you often have a million things to carry, kids on one arm and 10 seconds to get everyone seated, so the last thing you want to worry about is getting a bulky and complicated stroller to close,” says Sarah Huff, baby gear product expert at BabyQuip, which rents baby gear to traveling parents. A deep recline can be helpful for naps on the go, and an extended canopy (preferably with UPF 50+) keeps your child cool in warm weather. You should also determine whether you’d like a large storage basket, whether the weight limit is sufficient for your child and how long you hope to be able to use it. Additional features are always nice to have, but if you don’t intend to use them, they may not be all that important. Haisfield also recommends a “big underseat basket, the ability to recline for on-the-go naps and a nice shade canopy for the sun.” Weight And Size One aspect that makes travel strollers compatible with airports and adventures is that they’re more lightweight and compact than traditional strollers. That said, would you benefit from a 12-pound stroller, or are you willing to go with an 18-pound option to ensure a smoother ride and more undercarriage basket space? While some travel strollers can fit in an overhead bin and wheel down airplane aisles, not all are able to. If you hope to carry on your travel stroller instead of gate-checking it, you’ll need to ensure your travel stroller is airplane compliant. “Travel strollers should be light, easy to maneuver and easy to fold,” says Huff. She also prefers strollers that come with a travel or storage bag. My Expertise I’ve written shopping and review content in the lifestyle space for over seven years. Since becoming a mom in 2020, I’ve specialized in baby and maternity gear. You can see my recent testing experience and reviews on Forbes Vetted, including the best diaper bags, wearable breast pumps and nursery gliders. As a mom to a 3-year-old (and a newborn), I’ve tested many strollers personally, which has fine-tuned my testing strategy professionally. I’m not ashamed to admit that I personally owned five strollers prior to testing for this story. In determining how to test these travel strollers for a comprehensive understanding of which is best for which situation, I tapped into my experience as a parent, spoke with experts in the baby space and had conversations with other parents to ensure the selection was thorough. I read dozens of reviews and explored other best lists from competitors to help inform my selections. These are the baby gear industry professionals I interviewed to inform these selections: Sarah Huff, baby gear product expert at BabyQuip; Alli Cavasino, the cofounder and CEO of JoyLet, a baby gear and toy rental service, who is also a certified child passenger safety technician; Christina Haisfield (aka Jetset Christina), a mom and travel blogger; Dr. Betty Choi, a pediatrician, mom and author With all of these factors in mind, I was able to test the best travel strollers on the market in terms of their ease of use, performance, features, size and durability. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is It Worth Getting A Travel Stroller? Many families do find travel strollers to be well worth the cost. Whether you’re traveling through the airport with a toddler, navigating a city with a newborn or looking for a compact and lightweight stroller option to keep in your car, a travel stroller can streamline your outing. The difference between a travel stroller and a traditional stroller is that a travel one is more compact and lightweight, making it more accessible to use on the go. They often fold faster and smaller, too. Some parents also use a travel stroller for everyday use, because they prefer the smaller and lighter size, maybe especially those in urban areas. What Is The Best Travel Stroller To Take On A Plane? I found the Joolz Aer+ to be the best travel overall in most situations and for most families—and it is one of the few that you can take on a plane, because it folds up compactly enough to fit in the overhead. Additional travel strollers tested her that can be taken on the plane are Babyzen YoYo2 stroller, the Silver Cross Jet and the Cybex Coya. Do Travel Strollers Count As Carry-On? Typically, strollers are considered to be “special items” and do not count as carry-on luggage. However, if your travel stroller is too large, you will need to gate check it. Of course, it’s important to verify that your travel stroller meets the carry-on size for the airline(s) you’re traveling on. If you do gate check, Cavasino cautions that it “opens up opportunities for damage to your stroller.” What Are Important Safety Features To Look For In Travel Strollers? Dr. Choi explains that the stroller you choose should be “made for your child’s age, weight and height.” Additional features that she suggests are “strollers with a five-point harness belt that can hold a child securely in their seat.” She adds that the construction of the harness should be as follows: “Two of the points are at each shoulder, two of the points are from the waist belt at the hips and the last point is the strap between the baby’s legs. Check that the straps are comfortable but not so loose that your child could climb or fall out.” Furthermore, she advocates for brakes that are easy to lock, a canopy to provide shade for your baby and a wide-base stroller with a low-to-the-ground seat for safety. “While it can be tempting to hang your diaper bag on the handlebars, this weight can cause the stroller to tip over. That’s why it’s also important to consider the size of the basket under the stroller,” she adds. Giving Back Note: Eight travel strollers were donated to families in need after testing for this story was complete. The strollers went to Harvest Home in Santa Monica, California, which supports homeless pregnant mothers, and to United Friends of the Children in Los Angeles, where they benefited pregnant foster youth. More Travel Essentials For Kids To Shop Best Kids Luggage Best Baby Carriers Best iPads For Kids Best Headphones For Kids Best All-Inclusive Resorts For Families Check out my website. 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