Strollers: The Evolution Of Strollers

The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is one of the lightest and compact. It's also the most easy to fold. It offers a smooth ride, a great sun canopy, and a multi-position recline.

For less than $100 it's an excellent value. It comes with a simple compact fold, as well as a carry strap, which makes it easy to sling over your shoulders or take on public transportation.

1. Lightweight

When it comes to travel strollers, lightweight and easy-to-fold are essential. The most popular models we tested could be folded with one hand, and sometimes two and fit into overhead compartments for luggage. They are also compact and easily roll, making them easy to maneuver into tight spaces. Some models have a telescoping handle to accommodate parents of different heights. If you're planning a brief excursion with a baby or a long-haul vacation with a toddler, look for a light, easy-to-pack stroller to make the journey -- and return for your family.

To find the best travel strollers (recent post by Bookmarktune), we evaluated nine models that meet our minimum weight and size requirements. Each model was put to the test on country roads, city roads, and in the airport terminal for mobility in folding, ease of carrying, and overall comfort for your child.

Our picks include the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320) that has the simplest fold of the travel strollers we've tested and can fit into airplane overhead bins. It's car seat compatible and the seat reclines completely flat, making it suitable for babies. Other features that parents will appreciate include a deep undercarriage storage basket and a bag hook attached to the handle and a UPF 50+ canopy that offers ample coverage for your child's travels.

Other great options include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which features a single-handed concertina fold and is incredibly light. Its five-point harness, padded and crotch straps keep your child safe, and the reversible seat and a massive undercarriage basket make sure there's room for all of their items. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat which makes it an ideal option for families who start from the time of birth.

Finally, the Coya TRVL ($320) is another one-handed, one-step fold that comes with car seat compatibility and a wide canopy. It's more expensive than the other models in the same category however, it comes with additional features such as a large cupholder, a parent pocket, an adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents of all heights, and a comfortable carrying strap. The simplicity of the model does not mean it's as durable, as compared to other models in this category.

2. Easy to fold

If you're constantly on the move, a travel stroller needs to be easy to open and close. If you're carrying a load of groceries, or children in your arms, you don't want to wrestle with a complex stroller to close it. The best travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even with one hand. A lot of them have padded straps that you can put comfortably over your shoulders.

In our tests, the Libelle stroller scored highly for its ease of folding and compactness. It also has some other nice features. It's smooth to roll on all surfaces and has an expansive canopy that offers enough coverage. It's also surprisingly light and free-standing when folded, making it easy to store.

We suggest that parents who want their strollers to fit into the overhead bins of planes Look for models that claim to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow is a good example. It fits in the smallest of foldings and comes with an enclosed travel cover. However it doesn't have a reclined seat and its cargo space is too narrow to hold anything other than the smallest diaper bag or a tote.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another alternative. It folds concertina-style, but features a reversible seating arrangement for face-to-face riding or back-to-back riding. Our editor found it easy to open and close, although she wasn't thrilled by how the handle slides behind the seat when folded.

The newest model of stroller that is a travel model is the tri-fold. It folds in thirds 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 lockable latch to keep it folded. It's a little bigger than the umbrella models of the brand however it folds more compactly than its G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts. It also comes with an adjustable carry strap that can be worn over your shoulder.

3. Easy to store

The best travel strollers can be folded down to a small size that is easy to store. They can easily be tucked away in the trunk of a vehicle or the overhead bin of an airplane. Some models come with a strap can be used to carry the stroller over your shoulder to ensure that your hands won't be exhausted. They are also lighter than standard strollers. This makes them easy to lift and carry around for a quick stroll in the neighborhood or at the airport.

When we tested this stroller, it performed extremely well in our tests of durability and was able to maneuver on all kinds of surfaces from smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. However, some of our testers found it to be a bit fragile and the handlebar doesn't have any padding to keep your hands in a comfortable position. The size of the basket should also be considered. It is quite small and some parents have reported that it was difficult to squeeze a large size diaper bag inside it.

In general, we suggest calling your airline prior to time to confirm their specific guidelines for bringing on board strollers and strollers, as they may vary. This is especially important in case you intend to gate-check your stroller. You can then use it on the plane and navigate the airport without the stroller.

If you're looking for a no-fuss cheap stroller that is lightweight and folds down to an extremely compact size, the Contours Itsy is a great option. The Contours Itsy is fully assembled and all you have to do is attach the bumper bar. It comes with cups holder for the parent and an additional back pocket. However, it does not have an extra-large basket. This could restrict your ability to carry essentials for Baby Pram long trips.

If you're an avid traveler, we recommend considering a more robust stroller with more features and can carry more cargo. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for example, has many of the same features like its G-Luxe or G-Link cousins however, it's smaller and folds up more quickly. It's also a bit stronger than an umbrella stroller, and comes with a comfortable carrying strap to take some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Confortable

Strollers are typically used for long periods of time when traveling, which is why it is essential to be comfortable. Seats that have plenty of padding and a recline system that can be adjusted at various angles are ideal. Note if the canopy extends to provide sun protection, and if the mesh windows allow airflow. Look for a model with a parent organizer/cupholder and a large basket under the seat in case you need to carry your belongings. If you're shopping for a travel stroller for older children, make sure to check the age range and assess whether your child will be comfortable in the stroller without an infant car seat.

How a stroller rolls is also crucial. It should be able to move easily on a variety of surfaces such as smooth carpets, hardwoods and shag carpets cobblestones and gravel. It should be able to handle curbs, stairs, and other obstacles with ease. If your travel plans include the majority of walking, choose an easy stroller to avoid leg and back soreness.

A good travel stroller should also be easy to use. It should be easy to put together and snap together when put in the proper position. It must also be able to fold flat and fit into the boot of a car or in the overhead compartment of an airplane. It should also remain upright when folded so that you can carry it around using one hand and hold your baby in the other.

The Joie Tourist is an excellent option for parents looking for a lightweight quality, high-end travel stroller compact. It offers multiple recline positions, so your child can rest comfortably. The extendable canopy provides ample sun coverage and UPF protection. It also comes with a rain cover as well as a coffee cup holder and footmuff. Charlotte is delighted that the car seat is suitable for newborns to four-year-olds and does not require an adapter separately.