Traveling with kids can be very fulfilling but also very stressful. Navigating airports, train stations, or trying to pack a vehicle with all of the necessary items can be a difficult process, especially if you're working with bulky items like jogging strollers. But what if you could simplify the process? If you're a frequent traveler, you'll definitely want to check out travel strollers.
Travel strollers are lightweight, compact, and specifically designed to fold and maneuver easily in tight spaces. The best travel strollers offer accessories and features to make your life easier on the go. In this article, we'll give you a list of our top picks for travel strollers plus highlight some of the most important things you need to know when shopping for a travel stroller. We'll also answer some of the common questions people have.
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The Best Travel Strollers - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Travel Stroller: Joolz AER Premium Baby Stroller
- Best Travel Stroller for Flying: Babyzen YoYo 2 Stroller
- Best Lightweight Travel Stroller: Coolkids Lightweight Travel Stroller
- Best Compact Travel Stroller: gb Pockit Air All Terrain
- Best Double Travel Stroller: Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller
- Best Travel Stroller for Toddlers: Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller
- Best Budget Travel Stroller: Summer Infant 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
- Best Umbrella Travel Stroller: Pamo babe Travel Stroller
- Best Travel Stroller for Infants: Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
- Best Folding Travel Stroller: Evenflo GOLD Otto Self-Folding Stroller
Best Overall Travel Stroller - Joolz AER Premium Baby Stroller
SPECS
- Dimensions: 32.7" x 17.7" x 41.5"
- Weight: 13.4 lbs.
- Age range: Baby to toddler
- Weight limit: 50 lbs.
When we're talking about the best travel stroller, we have to be picky. There are a lot of really good travel strollers out there with unique designs and features, but only one can be the best. For us, the Joolz AER Premium baby stroller stands out above the rest.
The Joolz AER has all the elements of a good travel stroller. It is compact, it is lightweight, has a one-handed folding mechanism, and is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. But where this stroller stands out is its patented seat design for safety and comfort, big storage space underneath, and the included rain cover and travel bag.
What We Like
- Significant storage space
- Included rain cover and travel bag
- Lifetime-warranty
What We Don't Like
- No cup holders for parents
- No bumper bar
BUY: Joolz AER Premium Baby Stroller
Best Travel Stroller for Flying - Babyzen YoYo 2 Stroller
SPECS
- Dimensions: 33.8" x 17.3" x 41.7"
- Weight: 13.6 lbs.
- Age range: Newborn to toddler
- Weight limit: 48.5 lbs.
Airports are stressful for everyone, but lugging around all of the stuff you need for your child can be an extra burden. With the Babyzen YoYo 2, you'll get a very compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use stroller that can take some of the stress off your mind.
This stroller is an average size when unfolded, but the folding design fits neatly into storage bins on most airplanes. It also has a storage basket that can hold up to 11 pounds so you can throw some of your carry-on baggage underneath for easy access.
What We Like
- Storage basket can hold up to 11 lbs.
- Machine washable material
- Small enough to fit in overhead bins
What We Don't Like
- No accessories included
- Not car seat compatible
Best Lightweight Travel Stroller - Coolkids Lightweight Travel Stroller
SPECS
- Dimensions: 30" x 17" x 39"
- Weight: 14 lbs.
- Age range: Newborn to toddler
- Weight limit: 33 lbs.
Sometimes it is good to have a travel stroller on hand to keep in your car when you're shopping or running errands with your little one. The Coolkids lightweight stroller is a great option for everyday use.
This stroller may not have all of the bells and whistles of higher-end travel strollers, but it does have an XL canopy with a peekaboo window and one of the easiest folding mechanisms on our list. Even better, the T-shaped bumper becomes a pull handle when it is folded so you can pull the stroller like a suitcase.
What We Like
- T-shaped bumper that becomes a pull handle
- Rolls like a suitcase when folded
- One-handed fold and unfold mechanism
What We Don't Like
- Lower weight capacity
- Minor assembly required
BUY: Coolkids Lightweight Travel Stroller
Best Compact Travel Stroller - gb Pockit Air All Terrain Stroller
SPECS
- Dimensions: 28" x 17" x 39.8"
- Weight: 10.4 lbs.
- Age range: 6 months to 5 years
- Weight limit: 55 lbs.
All travel strollers are compact relative to other types of strollers, but some make an extra effort to have a small footprint. The gb Pockit is an ultra-compact travel stroller that weighs just over 10 pounds but is strong enough to hold your child up to 55 pounds.
You will be hard-pressed to find a stroller that is as functional as the gb Pockit while being this small. Another unique quality of the gb Pockit Air is that its wheels are graded for all terrains so you won't have to worry about going through the grass at the park or over broken pavement.
What We Like
- UPF 50+ protection from the canopy
- 2-step fold and unfold
- Can be steered with one hand
What We Don't Like
- Seat does not recline
- Wheels may be too small for some stone surfaces
BUY: gb Pockit+ Ultra Compact Travel Stroller
Best Double Travel Stroller - Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller
SPECS
- Dimensions: 31.69" x 30.31" x 41.34"
- Weight: 28 lbs.
- Age range: Baby and up
- Weight limit: 99 lbs.
If you have ever traveled with multiple kids then you likely know how convenient a double stroller can be. And while they are naturally larger than other travel strollers, some double strollers are still relatively compact.
The Joovy Kooper X2 is our pick for the best double travel stroller. With the Joovy Kooper you'll get a 28-pound stroller that can hold two kids comfortably with a weight capacity of 99 pounds. This stroller has an iron frame so it is very durable and the seat fabric is removable and machine washable. It also has a good bit of storage underneath.
What We Like
- 15-lb. storage space underneath
- Removable seat fabric is machine washable
- Durable iron frame
What We Don't Like
- Not a good option for infants
- 28 lbs. is fairly heavy
BUY: Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller
Best Travel Stroller for Toddlers - Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller
SPECS
- Dimensions: 34.2" x 17.3" x 37.7"
- Weight: 21 lbs.
- Age range: 0-4 years
- Weight limit: 50 lbs.
Most good strollers are made to grow with your child. Some brands are able to do this better than others, but if you're looking for a travel stroller that operates at its best for toddlers, the Ergobaby Metro+ is what you're looking for.
This stroller has an adjustable footrest so your child can get comfortable, and an adjustable handlebar for you to choose your hand position while you're pushing the stroller. The canopy has UPF 50 protection, and it has ultra-padded seats.
What We Like
- Car seat compatible
- Adjustable footrest and handlebar
- Ultra padding in the seats
What We Don't Like
- Heavy
- Unfolding can be difficult with one hand
BUY: Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller
Best Budget Travel Stroller - Summer Infant 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
SPECS
- Dimensions: 31.25" x 18.5" x 39"
- Weight: 11 lbs.
- Age range: 6 months to Toddler
- Weight limit: 45 lbs.
As you can see from our list, the price ranges for travel strollers go up to several hundred dollars. For the most part, you can expect to get what you pay for with travel strollers, but if you're looking for a good option that is budget-friendly, we found a gem.
The Summer Infant 3D mini convenience stroller has all of the basic features you need in a good travel stroller. This stroller folds to a nice, compact size, and only weighs 11 pounds. It doesn't have a storage basket underneath, but it has dual cup holders for parents plus storage pockets on the back.
What We Like
- Dual-parent cup holders
- Budget-friendly
- Parent storage pockets
What We Don't Like
- Wheels may not be durable
- No basket for storage underneath
BUY: Summer Infant 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
Best Umbrella Travel Stroller - Pamo babe Travel Stroller
SPECS
- Dimensions: 17.7" x 23.6" x 39.4"
- Weight: 15 lbs.
- Age range: Newborn to toddler
- Weight limit: 50 lbs.
Many travel strollers fold into a rectangular shape similar to carry-on luggage so they can fit in overhead compartments on airplanes. But airplanes aren't the only mode of transportation for frequent travelers, so another option is the umbrella stroller.
Umbrella strollers fold in a vertical shape that looks like a folded umbrella. Our favorite umbrella travel stroller is the Pamo babe travel stroller. It is lightweight with a 50-pound weight range so you'll be able to use it well into toddlerhood. Plus this stroller has moisture-proof seat material that can weather the elements. And, of course, it folds to a nice vertical shape that is only 9 inches wide.
What We Like
- Moisture-proof seat material
- XL adjustable canopy
- Folds vertically
What We Don't Like
- Umbrella strollers can be difficult to fold
- Plastic, cheap wheels
BUY: Pamo babe Travel Stroller
Best Travel Stroller for Infants - Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
SPECS
- Dimensions: 34" x 26.5" x 41.5"
- Weight: 20 lbs. (stroller only) 38 lbs. (stroller and car seat)
- Age range: Newborn to toddler
- Weight limit: 50 lbs. (stroller), 35 lbs. (car seat)
Infants have a lot of needs. Traveling with an infant can be overwhelming because of all the stuff you'll have to bring to make sure your baby is comfortable and settled. If you've experienced this, then give the Evenflo Pivot modular travel system a try.
This is a travel stroller and car seat combo package that can give you everything you'll need for your baby in one system. The stroller has six modes, including a bassinet mode if you want to park it and let your infant nap lying down. There is also an oversized storage basket underneath big enough for diaper bags so you're not carrying everything on your back.
What We Like
- Car seat, stroller combo
- 6 modes including bassinet
- Oversized storage basket
What We Don't Like
- Some key accessories are sold separately
- Only some models have removable, washable pads
BUY: Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
Best Folding Travel Stroller - Evenflo GOLD Otto Self-Folding Stroller
SPECS
- Dimensions: 33.5" x 21.13" x 40.5"
- Weight: 18 lbs.
- Age range: Toddler
- Weight limit: 55 lbs.
We know that all travel strollers fold. But some of the folding mechanisms you'll find on travel strollers are more difficult than they seem, particularly when they auto-lock because it can be difficult to unlock and unfold with one hand. But the Evenflo GOLD Otto is in a league of its own.
This stroller has a self-folding mechanism. All you have to do is press the button under the handlebar and the stroller will fold down. Plus, it is immediately self-standing so you can truly move your hand away after pressing the button without worrying about the stroller falling over.
What We Like
- Self-folding mechanism
- Infant car seat compatible
- Bumper bar becomes a handle when folded
What We Don't Like
- Only 2 adjustment levels on the back and footrest
- Not compatible with other brand car seats
BUY: Evenflo GOLD Otto Self-Folding Stroller
How to Choose the Best Travel Stroller
Safety Features
As you know, your child's safety is the highest priority when shopping for a travel stroller. Different brands have their own safety features, but generally speaking, you want a stroller that has a five-point harness, some form of bumper bar, a canopy that can get your kid out of the sun, and shock-absorbing wheels.
Other safety features are available and good to have, but these should be your baseline.
Size
Strollers come in all shapes and sizes. Travel strollers are typically lighter and more compact than other types of strollers, so there may not be as much storage space on some models as you are used to.
The important thing to balance when you're traveling is your child's comfort and getting a stroller that is as compact as possible. You probably won't notice the difference between an 11-pound stroller and a 13-pound stroller, but if one is much smaller than the other your child may not be as comfortable.
Age Range
Most strollers have an age recommendation and a weight recommendation. The most important thing to remember about the age recommendation is that at different stages your child can sit in different positions. For example, your infant should not be sitting in a forward-facing position.
Once your child can comfortably sit in a forward-facing stroller without their car seat, the age recommendation matters less than the weight limit.
Weight Limit
The weight limit recommendation on strollers is one of the most important specifications to note. Using a stroller after your child is over the weight limit recommendation can compromise the safety features and make the stroller less comfortable.
However, kids grow at different speeds so if your toddler is still under the weight limit then you can feel safe continuing to use the stroller.
FAQs About Travel Strollers
Are travel strollers worth it?
If you're planning on traveling, yes, travel strollers are worth it. They are easy to fold, easy to carry, and easier to maneuver in tight spaces like airports or trains.
What is the best stroller to take on a plane?
The best stroller to take on a plane is a compact travel stroller that will fit in the overhead compartment when folded. However, many airlines will offer to check your stroller at the gate for free so it will be waiting for you when you get off the plane.
Can you use a travel stroller for everyday use?
Yes, you can use travel strollers for everyday use, but you may find some travel strollers are not as durable as full-sized or jogging strollers. But there are high-quality travel strollers that will stand up to everyday use.
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