15 Unquestionable Reasons To Love Strollers

The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

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

For less than $100 it's an excellent value. It's compact and easy to fold, making it ideal for public transport or slinging over your shoulder.

1. Lightweight

When it comes to travel strollers lightweight and easy to fold are key. The best models we tested could be folded with one hand and sometimes with two and can be tucked into overhead compartments for luggage. They are also lightweight and easy to roll which makes them easy to maneuver into tight spaces. Some models have a telescoping handle for parents of varying heights. If you're planning a brief trip with your newborn or a long-haul vacation with a toddler, find a light, easy-to-pack stroller that makes the journey -- and return for your family.

We evaluated nine strollers that meet our minimum weight and size requirements. Each model was put to the test on country sidewalks and in the airport terminal for maneuverability, ease of folding and carrying, as well as overall comfort for your child.

Our most popular choice is the Babyzen YoYo2 (320) that folds the simplest of the strollers we tested, and can fit in the overhead bins of planes. The seat reclines to a flat position and is car seat compatible which means it's suitable for babies up to age 2. The car also features a deep undercarriage, a bag-hook on the handle and UPF50+ canopy to provide plenty of protection for your child.

Other alternatives include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which has a one-handed, concertina fold that is extremely light. The padded five-point harness an adjustable crotch strap and a reversible seat keep your child safe and secure, while a large undercarriage basket as well as a reversible seat will ensure there is room for their belongings. It is also compatible with the brand’s infant car seat. This makes it a viable option for families starting from birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320) is an all-hands, one-step fold that is also compatible with car seats and comes with a large canopy. It's a bit pricier than the other models in this class however it has additional features such as a large cupholder and parent pocket, an adjustable handlebar for parents of all sizes and a comfy carry strap. The simplicity of the model does compromise durability, compared to other models in this class.

2. Easy to fold

When you're on the go the stroller you use for travel needs to be simple to open and close. You don't want a stroller that is difficult to close when you have food items or children in your arms. The Best Travel Stroller travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even with one hand. Many have a padded strap that you can comfortably wear over your shoulders.

In our tests, we awarded the Libelle stroller high marks due to its compactness and ease of folding. It also has a few attractive features. It's smooth to roll on all surfaces, and has an expansive canopy that offers enough coverage. It's also extremely lightweight and stands by itself when folded. This makes it easier to put away.

For parents who want to stroll right up to the gate and put their stroller into the overhead bin, we suggest looking for Running pushchair an option that will fit inside. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example, fits nicely into the smallest fold and comes with a handy travel cover, but it has no reclining seat and a tiny cargo area that can only accommodate a small bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another option. It folds concertina style, but it features a reversible seating arrangement to ride face-to-face or back-to-back. The handle is hidden behind the seat, but our managing editor didn't like the fold.

The newest model of travel stroller is tri-fold, which folds into thirds and offers the best combination of compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for example, has a convertible seat, an unstructured rear storage pouch, and a lockable clasp to keep it folded. It's a bit larger than the umbrellas made by the brand but folds more compactly than their G-Luxe or G-Link counterparts. It also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap.

3. Easy to store

The best travel strollers can fold down to a size that can be easily stored. They can be easily stowed in the trunk of a vehicle or the overhead bin of the plane. Some models even come with a carrying strap that makes it simple to sling over your shoulder and you don't have to be concerned about your hands becoming tired. They're also lighter than regular strollers. This makes them easier to lift or carry around for a quick stroll in the neighborhood or at the airport.

When we tested this stroller, it did very well in our durability tests and was easy to maneuver on all kinds of surfaces including smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. Some of our testers were a bit disappointed with the design, and the handlebar was not cushioned to ensure your hands were comfortably. The size of the basket should also be considered. It's quite small and some parents have found it difficult to fit a large diaper bag inside it.

We suggest calling your airline prior to departure to inquire about their specific rules concerning strollers. They can differ. This is especially important if you wish to check your stroller's gate and allow you to navigate the airport without it and still use it once you're on the plane (though that option won't work for families that require a car seat or toddler booster).

If you're looking for a simple stroller that's light and folds down to a compact travel pram size, the Contours Itsy is a great choice. It's almost fully assembled right out of the box and the only thing you have to do is to snap the bumper bar in place. It has a cup for parents holder and a back pocket but there isn't a large basket, which could make it difficult to carry essentials for long trips.

If you are frequent travelers, we recommend you look into a stroller that is more robust, with more features and the capacity to carry more cargo. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for example, has many of the same features as its G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts but is smaller and folds up more quickly. It is also slightly more robust than an umbrella stroller and comes with a cushioned strap to take some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

Strollers are commonly used for prolonged periods of time when traveling, which is why it is essential to be comfortable. Choose a seat with ample padding and a recline system that allows you to position it at different angles. Be aware of whether the canopy extends to provide sun protection, and if the mesh windows encourage airflow. If you're required to carry your own items look for a stroller with cups and organizers for parents as well as an enormous storage basket beneath the seat. If you're looking for a stroller for older children, make sure to check the age range and determine whether your child is comfortable in the seat without an infant car seat.

It is also important to consider how a stroller rolls. It must be able to roll easily across a variety of surfaces that include smooth carpets, hardwoods, cobblestones and gravel. It should also handle curbs pram and travel system stairs with ease. Pick a stroller that is lightweight if you are planning to do a lot of walking during your trip. This will prevent leg and back pain.

A quality stroller for travel should also be easy to use. It should be simple to assemble and snap together when put in the proper position. It should also be able to fold flat and fit into the trunk of a car or the overhead compartment of planes. It should also remain upright when folded, so that you can reach it up with one hand, while holding your baby in the other.

If you're a parent who's looking for a high-quality lightweight stroller for their child The Joie Tourist is a great alternative. It features various recline positions, to allow your child to rest comfortably. The canopy extends to provide plenty of sun protection with UPF protection. It also includes a rain cover, coffee cup holder, and footmuff. Charlotte is thrilled that it's suitable for babies up to four years old and doesn't require the purchase of an adapter for car seats separately.