To find the best option for your family, we put over thirty strollers through rigorous testing, including folding, pushing, and dropping.
Saying “yes” to parenthood frequently means saying “no” to the idea of “traveling light.” But among the panoply of baby gear, a portable travel stroller is a game-changer for family outings. Portability and collapsibility are given priority with these strollers, as opposed to their bulkier, feature-rich counterparts. Due to their tiny design, certain types can fold up as neatly as a bag or fit into overhead bins.
Consider your family’s travel preferences while making your stroller selection. A stroller that is ideal for a road trip may be too bulky for flying, and a stroller designed for airplanes may be great at folding up but not so good on rough surfaces. Budgetary constraints are also quite important, and you should be aware of the different airline policies regarding strollers that are brought on board.
Our search for the best travel strollers involved talking to pediatricians to figure out what important factors to look for, such as design and safety. We have tested these travel strollers in the Vlovemami Testing Lab with the help of this knowledgeable advice. They had to be pushed through a difficult obstacle course with a variety of surfaces, up and down stairs, folded up and stored in a simulated overhead container, and put through durability tests including fake falls from tables. Following that, our editors were given our best picks to evaluate in their own homes. Throughout their trips, they have been carefully evaluating elements such as general durability, steering ease, design features, portability, and the ease of folding. Our editors continuously test and use these strollers to guarantee the most recent travel stroller recommendations. This list is updated regularly as new information is gathered.
- Generous and versatile cargo space
- Easy to fold and stand for compact storage
- Machine washable seat cushions
- The reclining mechanism might need some work.
- Measurements when folded: 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 inches
- Measurements when unfolded: 36.42 x 17.72 x 40.31 inches
- Weight: 16.1 lbs(pounds).
- Supports Kids: 49 pounds to birth is appropriate.
- When folded, stands erect
- Comes with a comfortable carrying strap
- Has pockets to hold a phone, keys, and other minor necessities.
- Inflexible handlebar
- Measurements when folded: 12.5 x 20.3 x 23 inches
- Measurements when unfolded: 35.5 x 20.3 x 41 inches
- Weight: 16.9 lbs (pounds).
- Supports Kids: 3 months to 50 lbs (pounds).
- The capacity to maneuver with elegance and quickness
- When folded, it is easily tugged like luggage
- One-handed, effortless standing fold
- Condensed cargo area
- The assembly instructions only provide limited support
- Measurements when folded:7.08 x 11.81 x 21.65 inches
- Measurements when unfolded: 35.43 x 17.7 x 39.5 inches
- Weight: 13.5 lbs(pounds)
- Supports Kids: Birth up to 55 pounds.
- A handy carrying strap is provided
- Handles stairs with ease with one hand to pull
- Has exceptional mobility for accurate turns
- Extra work may be needed for assembly
- Performance could change on various surfaces.
- Measurements when folded: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches
- Measurements when unfolded: 33.8 x 17.3 x 41.7 inches
- Weight: 13.6 lbs(pounds)
- Supports Kids: Birth up to 50 pounds.
- Lightweight and slim construction for a double stroller
- A simple folding system for effortless storage
- Easy maneuverability and seamless handling
- The folded size stays comparatively huge
- Does not have a carrying strap for more ease of use
- Measurements when folded: 40 x 17.5 x 14 inches
- Measurements when unfolded: 25 x 28.25 x 41 inches
- Measurements of the seat: 10 x 11 inches
- Weight: 22 lbs(pounds)
- Supports Kids: 3 months to 55 pounds per seat
Cybex COYA
- Easy-to-use mechanism for folding and unfolding with one hand
- Travels conveniently by fitting into overhead bins with ease
- Slightly challenging maneuvers over uneven terrain
- No carry case is included for increased portability.
- Measurements when folded: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches
- Measurements when unfolded: 31.1 x 17.3 x 38.2 inches
- Weight: 14 lbs(pounds)
- Supports Kids: Birth up to 56 pounds
Nuna TRVL Stroller
- A system enabling effortless folding
- An attractive and fashionable design
- Generous storage area
- A little heavier than the other options
- Measurements when folded: 22.5 x 20.25 x 12 inches
- Measurements when unfolded: 31 x 20.5 x 41 inches
- Measurements of the seat: 10 x 13 inches
- Weight: 15.4 lbs(pounds)
- Supports Kids: up to 50 pounds.
Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Stroller: Detailed Review
conclusion
Although the Bugaboo Butterfly is a bit more expensive, the purchase is well worth it. Maneuverability is a joy thanks to this lightweight stroller that is easy to fold and open. We adore how roomy the luggage basket is, how the rain cover is included, and how easily it fits in the overhead compartment. While it would be good if a $449 stroller came with phone storage and a cup holder, you can grab those separately, along with an organizer and a wheeled board featuring a toddler seat.Nuna TRVL Stroller: Detailed Review
Introducing the Nuna TRVL – an incredible stroller with a lot of luxurious features that make its price range justified. What makes it unique? With only a simple button push on the handlebar, it nearly folds itself up, making folding and unfolding a breeze!
Thanks to its excellent front- and rear-wheel suspension, the TRVL is smooth on the foldable front and glides over carpet, hard surfaces, and even dirt. Speaking about appearances, the faux leather handle, bumper bar, and fabric all have a luxurious appearance and are waterproof. With a mesh window for peeking and improved ventilation, the UPF 50+ canopy offers enough protection for your child. Do you require more ventilation? Because we all know how important those trip naps are, the seat simply reclines to a comfortable sleeping position with a one-handed drawstring action. The back zips open for ventilation. The seat is a cozy 13 inches wide, and the calf rest can go all the way flat for naptime or fold down for a more active position.
This stroller’s magnetic buckles are easy to use and need little effort. The harness height can be adjusted without requiring any difficult rethreading. Travelers will like the stroller’s bottom storage area, which is roomy enough to accommodate a full backpack.
The one small drawback is that, at 15.4 pounds when folded, it is not the lightest and does not have an integrated strap for convenient carrying. Using the included travel bag is the only way to operate this device hands-free. While it could potentially fit in an overhead storage bin, given its size, most airlines might still ask you to gate-check it.
Although the Nuna stroller is more expensive, it is well worth the extra money. The Nuna Pipa baby car seats are great since they fit into the bumper bar without requiring an additional attachment. Therefore, this stroller can be all you need, whether you adore going on local trips or are constantly on the go.
conclusion
Although the Nuna TRVL is a touch costly, we can’t get enough of it. How come? Because it’s more than simply a stroller; it’s the kind of adaptable, useful vehicle that your family may utilize for regular outings. It has a lot of great features, like magnetic buckles, a no-rethread harness, a spacious cargo basket, a travel bag included, and smooth front and rear tire suspension for easy movement on any terrain. Its bigger nature compared to several other strollers may make it difficult to fit into an overhead bin, which is only one downside.
UPPAbaby MINU V2 Stroller: Detailed Review
A good travel stroller should be easy to fold so you can store it in a car trunk or overhead compartment without difficulty. The UPPAbaby Minu V2 takes it up a notch with its one-hand, standing fold feature. A simple sliding and squeezing motion on the handlebar produces a fully folded stroller in a matter of seconds. (Simply ensure that the safety closure is fastened to the frame.) Although you could technically fold it with just one hand, you might find that using both is more comfortable.
Let’s talk about style now. The handlebar of the Minu V2 features UPPAbaby’s renowned full-grain leather. Although it is elegant, we have to confess that an adjustable handlebar would make it even more awesome. You have plenty of storage options, including a cargo basket that can hold up to 10 kg and a rear pocket that can hold your wallet, keys, phone, and other items. The adult-friendly five-point no-rethread harness and buckle make life simple, and the adjustable canopy has a mesh peekaboo window that is magnetically sealed. The stroller must be folded by engaging the brake, which is situated by the right wheel, and unlocking it with the pedal by the left wheel. Important for folding, the brake is located by the right wheel and is conveniently unlocked by the left wheel with a handy pedal. There’s a simple pull tab to recline the padded seat. The padded strap makes pushing this stroller comfortable, and the handlebar acts as a handle for carrying convenience.
Even while we were traveling through the airport with a heavy suitcase in tow, we felt completely in control because this stroller was so easy to use with only one hand. It rolled over boulders without breaking a sweat and flowed over grass with ease on our test run. Even while making sharp curves, the stairs feel sturdy and steady. They went up easily. Best feature? A small drop test revealed no damage or scuffs.
Even though it wasn’t the easiest task to assemble, we finished it in less than 25 minutes. It wasn’t immediately clear how to attach the canopy and handlebar. If there were written directions in addition to the photos, it would be even better.
conclusion
The $450 price tag of the Uppababy Minu V2 may seem like a bit of a luxury if you’re not using it every day. However, this small stroller is an absolute dream for families that enjoy taking trips, seeing libraries, and visiting the zoo. It folds up easily and glides like a dream.
The Silver Cross Jet 3: Detailed Review
Smooth and easy to maneuver, the Silver Cross Jet 3 Super Compact Stroller is ideal for traversing crowded airports and metropolitan streets. It easily navigates twists and uneven surfaces, even when completely loaded with goods and your child. The clever part comes when you fold it up and put it into its travel cover. The wheels and handlebar stick out allowing you to roll it behind you like luggage. Very practical!
This travel companion is well-designed in addition to being a smooth operator. The footrest can be adjusted, the seat folds flat for on-the-go naps, and the waterproof, UPF 50+ canopy has a peekaboo window. Although the handlebar is comfortable to hold, it cannot be adjusted, which may provide a challenge for taller parents (a feature shared by many travel strollers). Can we also discuss its elegant appearance? There’s an obvious luxury vehicle flavor to the handlebar and bumper bar described in brown leather and black cloth. Furthermore, it is made to last. To test its resilience, we even pushed it off a counter a little bit, and it came undamaged with the bumper bar still in place.
The Silver Cross Jet 3’s drawback is that it falls short in terms of storage capacity. We were unable to fit a diaper bag in the cargo area due to its small size. Furthermore, the handlebar does not have any hooks for hanging a diaper bag. Now, the process of assembling it was a little uneventful. It was easy to attach the wheels and bumper bar, but it was difficult to secure the frame into an upright position, and the directions weren’t very clear. Nevertheless, we were able to put everything together in less than ten minutes.
conclusion
This advanced stroller, which costs $500 (about the same as the Nuna TRVL), is a good buy for families looking for easy steering and smart features. The ability to roll it like a suitcase, even while folded and secure in the included travel cover, is what truly won us over. This is a special feature that we weren’t able to find in any other stroller we tested.
BABYZEN YOYO2 Stroller Frame: Detailed Review
With this BabyZen stroller, navigating crowded sidewalks or grocery stores is a breeze; it even passed our obstacle course test. Perfect on smooth surfaces, it can be difficult on grass or stones, but it is manageable with a firm push. A lifesaver on buses and subways is the one-handed stair pull.
From a design standpoint, the canopy provides excellent coverage, and the seat has plenty of padding. Various colors of fabric give it a stylish touch. The belt, a tad cumbersome with five components detaching, requires rethreading for height adjustments. Luckily, the hook and loop attachment on the seat cover makes it easier.
It’s exciting to select the stroller’s frame and cloth color, but ordering one can be challenging. You will want both the frame and the “color pack for the seat textiles.” Check out the assembly video on BabyZen’s website as it may help simplify the construction process, as the printed instructions and graphics don’t provide much assistance. Attaching the seat board, padding, and wiring via the canopy fabric are the three components that need to be done without the use of any tools. Nevertheless, we completed it in a little more than 17 minutes, and it was a one-time task.
Folding is not too difficult; it just requires a few steps and requires the front wheels to face forward to lock. The lock and canopy separated during our durability test, but unfolding is simple, fast, and only requires two steps.
conclusion
This stroller is ideal for busy streets and easy to transport to walk-up apartments, making it a popular choice for city dwellers and parents on vacation. Even though building it might be a little difficult, it’s only a one-time task, so it won’t be a big deal for us.
Cybex COYA: Detailed Review
Carrying your stroller along with you on flights or during other journeys with your child is a huge convenience. Choosing the Cybex Coya is a smart move because of how easily it folds into the overhead bin. This implies that you can get your bags as soon as you get off the plane, saving you time at the luggage carousel.
This stroller folds up easily with just one hand, which is handy when you’re juggling your little adventurer. To make your life even easier, there is a comfortable carry strap for when it is folded up.
Let’s now discuss style. There is no denying the Cybex Coya’s stylish and modern look. those embellishments in copper or rose gold on the bars that join the seat to the wheels? They have an upscale appearance that makes us think of the more ostentatious full-size strollers we’ve tested. The handlebar exudes luxury with its padded leatherette fabric lining. However, it is somewhat of a drawback that it isn’t customizable.
The seat’s detachable padding makes washing it simple, which is a useful feature that parents like. Here’s another awesome feature: your child gets a mesh backrest made of breathable material in place of the cushioning. It benefits both parties, particularly on hotter days when comfort is essential.
For added comfort during naps, there’s an adjustable footrest and the seat may be almost fully reclined. The canopy provides decent coverage for a travel stroller, and you can expand it a few extra inches by unzipping the back. Additionally, a stretchy mesh fabric/peekaboo window is revealed, encouraging even more ventilation. The zipped pocket at the rear of the canopy is a sensible addition; it’s the ideal place to store your wallet and phone.
Let’s now discuss design benefits. One notable feature is the five-point harness, which is designed to resemble a car seat harness and makes changes simple. It’s simple peasy to pull the strap between your child’s legs while pressing the button above, as opposed to putting individual straps through a buckle. The only small issue is having to deal with a loose strap, but that can be fixed by looping it twice. Although a little on the small side, the storage basket held a diaper bag during testing; it wasn’t the most spacious, but it wasn’t the tightest fit either in the compact stroller class.
This Cybex stroller performs exceptionally well in terms of flexibility on hard surfaces, providing effortless navigation. But in grassy and stone areas, it has some difficulty. Its front wheels are also noteworthy because they have superior suspension than other small strollers we’ve tested, making the ride smoother than anticipated over bumps.
conclusion
We think it’s a good purchase, even though this Cybex stroller is more expensive. The ease of folding and compatibility with overhead bins for travel are major benefits. Notably, it has features that are uncommon in small strollers, like a sizable canopy and an easy-to-use harness tightening mechanism.
Uppababy G-Link V2 Stoller: Detailed Review
Taking a stroller and two little children(maybe twins) on your travels? Not quite a stroll in the park. Having a small double travel stroller, though, can make the process much easier. Presenting the G-Link 2, a side-by-side umbrella stroller with four sets of wheels rather than the typical six that stands out for its reduced size. It folds up effortlessly with a simple pull-up hook between the handles, making it a hassle-free traveling companion.
The stroller’s agility caught us off guard during our tests; it handles turns and bumps with the elegance of a single stroller. The stroller’s smart features, such as its large UPF 50+ canopies, convenient carry handle, completely reclining seats, and strategically positioned adult cup holder, are commendable, but it lacks the single stroller’s portability and design. We would want to see it fold smaller and have a carrying strap to make it more convenient all around.
conclusion
At $350, this double travel stroller is a competitive option, particularly for families with several little children or twins. Although the G-Link 2 may not be as portable as a single stroller or be able to fit into an overhead bin, it still receives praise for being incredibly light, practical, and easy to operate for a double stroller.
