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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information
Traveling with babies and children requires bringing a lot of extras — and one essential you simply can’t travel without while the kids are little is a stroller. With so many options, however, choosing which stroller to buy can be enough to make your wheels fall off (that’s a stroller joke, by the way).
Large strollers offer all the bells and whistles but may be too heavy, too large or just plain inconvenient to lug around an airport or onto a plane. Not to mention, they can be challenging to maneuver in your new destination.
Compact or umbrella strollers may work better for traveling, as they’re often lightweight and small enough to fold up quickly and easily. However, the smaller design can make it tricky to find something comfortable enough for your child or baby to sit in for extended periods of time.
To help you find the right stroller for your family, we’ve rounded up tips for shopping for the best travel stroller, plus recommendations for some of the top travel strollers on the market. From design features to look for to tips for flying with a stroller, our suggestions will have you picking the perfect stroller in no time.
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Shopping for the best travel stroller
ORBON ALIJA/GETTY
Selecting the right travel stroller takes a bit of thought and preparation.
Will this stroller be an additional stroller or your main stroller? Will it come with all the extras like cup holders, a storage basket and one-handed folding?
Here are a few details you’ll want to consider:
Size
The size of your travel stroller is especially important because it may be the difference between you checking it at the gate or carrying it on board your flight.
Knowing the dimensions of the stroller when it’s both open and folded up can help you decide where to store it and whether it will suit the trips you plan on taking. If you are more likely to stay in a property with small elevators (like some in Europe) or rent a compact car while on vacation, having a travel stroller with smaller dimensions is probably your best bet.
Weight
Think about what you can feasibly handle carrying. This is especially important for anyone with younger babies or kids that can’t yet walk. Can you carry or hold both your baby and the folded stroller at the same time, especially if you’re traveling alone? If not, it may not be the right fit for you.
Airplane cabin approval
Certain travel strollers are already cabin approved, making them a great choice for anyone who prefers not to check or gate check their strollers. Each airline has its own rules about whether your stroller counts in place of or in addition to your carry-on, so it’s best to check directly with your airline to confirm.
Doing this before buying the stroller can help determine which stroller you choose, especially if you frequently fly one specific airline. We’d be remiss, however, not to mention that flight attendants are sometimes unaware that certain compact strollers are allowed in the overhead bins, so you may be met with resistance when you board. It should help to have the airline’s stroller policy readily available on your phone, but you may be forced to gate-check your stroller even if you did your due diligence.
Safety
As with all children’s products, stroller safety is important.
Make sure your chosen stroller is up to standards laid out by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. You can also check for a JPMA seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Some key things to look for are a suitable harness and secure latches, brakes and locks to ensure the stroller won’t collapse or close with your child in it.
Most stroller safety comes down to proper use. Make sure to put the brakes on when necessary and always belt your child in to avoid accidents.
Price
Strollers can be expensive, affordable and everything in between. Consider your budget and whether your travel stroller will be your main stroller or an additional one when deciding how much to spend. For a second stroller, there are options on this list that are less than $100. There are also products that cost up to $1,000, should you decide to splurge on a fancier model that comes with useful accessories like newborn inserts and travel bags.
Durability
Think about how long you’ll need the stroller, how frequently you travel and how many other kids in your family eventually could use it. It may be worth investing in a more durable and versatile travel stroller if you’re constantly on the road or plan to use it for multiple kids.
Ease
This is when you should merge the weight and size specifics with your own personal travel situation at hand.
Will you be traveling alone with your child? Will your child need to be held while you fold up your stroller at airport TSA checkpoints or before boarding? How easy is this stroller to navigate through busy airports and down the jetway — and can you do it with only one hand?
Even if you do buy your travel stroller online, we recommend testing a model out at a store first to make sure it’s the right fit for you, your child and the rest of your family. Handlebar height can also be a factor, especially for taller moms and dads.
Travel preferences
Before buying a travel stroller, think about where you plan on traveling. The type of travel stroller that works best in a crowded city with public transportation may not be the same one that’s ideal for snowy destinations and national parks.
You may have specific needs when it comes to how compact it folds and how durable the wheels and frame are, so be sure to factor in the types of trips you plan to take before you buy.
Extras
You’ll find travel strollers that offer sun canopies, cup holders, car seat integration, storage space, footrests and more, so deciding which extras (if any) are important to you is essential. Think about both comfort and style, including color options and handlebar fabrics.
This may mean the difference between getting an umbrella stroller versus a more advanced travel stroller. Be sure to note which models come with some of these extras and which don’t, and remember to factor them into the total cost. For example, some of these products have newborn inserts that increase the price of the stroller by hundreds of dollars. If your child is already too old to use one, you can save a considerable amount of money by choosing a cheaper option without a newborn insert.
Don’t forget to also pay attention to whether or not the stroller comes with car seat adapters, and make sure your car seat is compatible with the stroller you’re interested in purchasing.
Related: The best trips to take with kids of every age
The difference between a travel stroller and an umbrella stroller
An umbrella stroller is a lightweight stroller that doesn’t typically come with extras like storage pockets and cup holders. Many people who own umbrella strollers use them as secondary strollers. Keep in mind, though, that umbrella strollers are not suitable for newborns, as they do not provide the proper support for an infant.
Travel strollers (or compact strollers), on the other hand, often include extras or the option to purchase them. Additionally, they tend to provide better stability, be suitable for newborns and offer improved wheel maneuverability and suspension.
What to know about travel strollers when flying
Where and how to check it
Some airlines require you to check your stroller at the gate; others have rules about checking it at the ticket counter if it’s greater than a certain weight.
It’s more convenient to take your travel stroller to the gate, as your little one can ride (or nap) in it until you board. If you prefer to check it earlier, though, you can do so at the ticket counter and use a baby carrier to get your baby or toddler through the airport.
Before you get to the airport, make sure you check the regulations for the airline that you’re flying so you’re adequately prepared for what’s to come. Some compact strollers are designed to fit in overhead bins, but — as previously mentioned — whether they will be allowed on board depends on the stroller, the airline and the cabin crew working that day.
Related: Making family travel easier with car seats and strollers
Preventing damage
When checking your stroller either at the gate or the ticket counter, it’s best to take a few photos before traveling. That way, if the stroller arrives damaged, you may have an easier time proving a claim. Each airline has its own rules about what is eligible for a claim and some, like Southwest, do not cover any type of damage.
To avoid damage, cover your stroller with a storage bag when you check it; one may come with your stroller when you purchase it, depending on which model you choose.
Always have a backup plan at your destination in case your stroller is lost or damaged. Make note of a website for stroller rentals in your destination just in case you need to resort to plan B.
Getting through security
You will typically be asked to fold up the stroller and place it on the belt when going through TSA checkpoints. If your stroller is not foldable or won’t fit on the belt, you probably shouldn’t be traveling with it — but security can do a visual or physical inspection of it when they deem it necessary
Related: Making family travel easier with car seats and strollers
13 best strollers for travel
When deciding on which travel stroller is the best fit for your family, note that the prices listed below are the base prices. Make sure to budget for additional equipment, such as newborn inserts, footmuffs, footrests, cup holders and any other key accessories you may want or need.
Babyzen Yoyo2
AMAZON
Weight: 13.6 to 14.5 pounds.
Size when folded: 20.5 inches by 17.3 inches by 7.1 inches.
Price: $449.00.
What we love: The Babyzen Yoyo2 is accepted by most airlines as cabin baggage when folded. Despite its small stature, this stroller is built for long-lasting use beyond just travel, making it especially apt for families living in small spaces in need of just one stroller for everything.
The stroller also has a newborn pack ($149.99), meaning it can be used from birth to whenever your child reaches 48.5 pounds. With a substantial sun protection factor of 50-plus for its canopy, plus a gradual recline, an under-seat storage bag that supports up to 11 pounds, a zipper pocket and a padded shoulder strap for carrying the stroller when folded, the Yoyo2 is as durable and comfortable closed as it is open.
Cons: It’s not cheap, and the extras increase the price significantly. Unless you purchase the newborn pack for babies ages 0 to 6 months, the stroller doesn’t fully recline. It’s also not the best choice on this list for rugged terrain.
GB Pockit
AMAZON
Weight: 10.4 pounds.
Size when folded: 11.8 inches by 7.1 inches by 13.8 inches.
Price: $199.95.
What we love: The GB Pockit stroller made it into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2014 for being the world’s smallest folding stroller, folding up in just two easy steps.
Although the Pockit doesn’t come with all the extra fluff (which is why it folds up so easily), it does have a mini sun canopy, an adjustable harness and a small storage space underneath the seat. Even with its small size, it still has a weight capacity of up to 55 pounds.
Cons: The stroller is made for babies 6 months and up, so parents of newborns will have to wait to use this one.
ErgoBaby Metro+ Compact City Stroller
AMAZON
Weight: 16.9 pounds.
Size when folded: 21 inches by 17 inches by 9 inches.
Cost: $299.
What we love: The Ergobaby Metro+ is one of the most comfortable travel and city strollers on this list, as it comes with extra seat padding and a large handlebar. It can be used from birth until your toddler is 50 pounds, and there’s an option to purchase a newborn kit for $129. Its small folded size makes it compatible with most overhead airplane bins.
With a large sun canopy, puncture-free rubber tires and the ability to fully recline the seat, this stroller is ideal for toddlers who need to nap on the road. It also works in conjunction with car seats made by Cybex, Nuna, BeSafe, Maxi-Cosi, Graco and Chicco with the proper adapters.
Cons: The wheels are noisier than other strollers on this list, especially on cobblestones.
Summer Infant 3Dlite
AMAZON
Weight: 13 pounds.
Size when folded: 14 inches by 10 inches by 42 inches.
Cost: $99.99.
What we love: Travelers on a budget will love the price of the Summer Infant 3Dlite stroller. The 3Dlite has a full canopy, anti-shock front wheels and a four-position recline that almost lies flat. It can hold kids who weigh up to 50 pounds, and the storage basket underneath can hold up to 10 pounds for all the extras. Speaking of extras, this affordable stroller comes with a cup holder, a velcro pocket and a carry strap, too.
Cons: The 3Dlite is made for babies 6 months and older, so parents of newborns will have to wait to use this stroller. The handles are not adjustable, which may be uncomfortable for taller parents.
Joolz Aer
AMAZON
Weight: 13.4 pounds.
Size when folded: 21 inches by 17.7 inches by 8.5 inches.
Cost: $449.
What we love: The Joolz Aer folds up in one second with just one hand, ideal for anyone holding additional luggage (or a child) in their arms. Although the stroller is for kids 6 months and up and doesn’t fully recline, parents can buy a newborn carrycot ($219) to use for babies.
The seat is lightweight but made to be especially comfortable for kids. It’s currently patent-pending in the Netherlands for its design: The foldable seat provides support and cushion for the child’s neck and back in all positions of recline, and the sides conform to the body in order to lock the chair firmly in place.
Cons: It’s on the pricier side when compared to other travel strollers, and you’ll have to fork over additional money for extras like a footrest and a cup holder. The zip-up recline of the stroller can be rather tedious, too.
Bugaboo Bee 6
AMAZON
Weight: 20.7 pounds.
Size when folded: 29.9 inches by 18.5 inches by 13.4 inches.
Cost: $779.
What we love: The Bugaboo Bee 6 stroller shines because it can be used from birth (with the newborn bassinet) to toddler and it can face both in and out, giving parents the option to view their smaller children and turn the seat around when they feel ready. We also love the variety of bright colors and the super-fast, one-second fold.
The stroller can hold children weighing up to 33 pounds when facing in and up to 50 pounds when facing out, allowing it to really grow along with your child. Although the Bee 6 is quite expensive, it does come with car seat adapters, which most strollers offer at an additional price. The seat can almost fully recline (when the child faces the parent) without needing to use the additional newborn bassinet. The sturdy wheels and canopy make this an ideal option for city dwellers or frequent travelers that want just one stroller.
Cons: One of the most expensive strollers on this list, the Bugaboo Bee 6 will set you back more than $1,000 when you purchase the stroller and the bassinet. It’s also heavier and larger than many other travel strollers when folded, though it’s generally sturdier and more versatile given its in-and-out-facing options.
Mountain Buggy Nano V3
AMAZON
Weight: 13 pounds.
Size when folded: 20 inches by 21 inches by 12 inches.
Cost: $219.30.
What we love: The Mountain Buggy Nano V3 is a budget-friendly option with a surprisingly long list of travel-friendly features. It has both a carry handle and shoulder strap and is small enough to fit in certain overhead luggage bins.
The full-recline seat is perfect for newborns, but it is also sturdy enough for toddlers up to 44 pounds. Newborns can be made even more comfortable with the addition of the newborn cocoon ($69.99) or car seat adapters.
Cons: The two-step folding process is not as user-friendly as others on this list and it’s not as smooth as high-end strollers on rough terrain.
Chicco Liteway Stroller
AMAZON
Weight: 17.2 pounds.
Size when folded: 46 inches by 10 inches by 11.75 inches.
Cost: $109.99.
What we love: The Chicco Liteway umbrella stroller is one of the more affordable options on this list for a family on the go. Although it may not be as apt for flying (46 inches is pretty tall and likely won’t be allowed on board as cabin baggage), its super thin width and depth allow it to be easily tucked around luggage in the trunk of a car. With four recline positions that take your child to almost lying fully flat, as well as mesh side panels (which help keep your child cool in hot weather), an adjustable canopy and a storage basket, this umbrella stroller is the one you’ll want to take on family road trips every summer.
Cons: It’s only usable for children 6 months up to 40 pounds, and it’s not as sturdy as some of the other options available.
UPPAbaby Minu Stroller
COURTESY OF AMAZON
Weight: 14.8 pounds.
Size when folded: 11.5 inches by 20.5 inches by 23 inches.
Cost: $399.99.
What we love: The UPPAbaby Minu Stroller is sleek and functional. With a premium leather handlebar, an SPF 50-plus canopy, a seat that gradually reclines and shock-absorbing wheels, both you and your little one can stroll in safety and style. The stroller, which is easily foldable, has a “from birth kit” ($199.99) for newborns as an add-on accessory, but the regular seat insert can be used from 3 months to 50 pounds.
Cons: It may not meet cabin requirements for all airlines and it doesn’t fully recline without the additional birth kit.
Doona Car Seat & Stroller
AMAZON
Weight: 16.5 pounds.
Size when folded: 23.6 inches by 17.3 inches by 26 inches.
Cost: $550.
What we love: This integrated Doona Car Seat & Stroller is ideal for those going from car to plane to car, as the stroller wheels simply snap up to transform it into a car seat. Suitable for babies and kids weighing between 4 and 35 pounds, this one-of-a-kind product ensures you won’t need to figure out a car seat plan when arriving at your destination or lug extra gear around the airport.
Cons: It’s fairly heavy when carrying it as a car seat, especially with an infant inside. And, although it’s usable from birth, it only fits kids who weigh up to 35 pounds.
Silver Cross Jet Super Compact Stroller
SILVERCROSSUS.COM
Weight: 13.6 pounds.
Size when folded: 21.65 inches by 11.81 inches by 7.08 inches.
Cost: $349 and up.
What we love: Designed in the United Kingdom, the Silver Cross Jet Super Compact Stroller is ideal for newborns and toddlers weighing up to 55 pounds. It looks and feels like hand luggage when folded up, right down to the chic pull-along toddler bar that doubles as a luggage handle. The stroller fully reclines, too, making it great for both smaller babies and tired toddlers. With wide front wheels and increased suspension, the stroller is compact but still creates a smooth and comfortable ride for kids.
Cons: Folding this stroller requires both hands, and the canopy isn’t as encompassing as other comparable strollers, though it is SPF 50-plus.
UPPAbaby G-Link 2
AMAZON
Weight: 22.3 pounds.
Size when folded: 40 inches by 20 inches by 14.5 inches.
Cost: $349.99.
What we love: Finding a compact double stroller is no simple task, but the UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is about as travel-friendly as you can get. This side-by-side double stroller is suitable for children as young as three months and up to 55 pounds per seat. Each seat reclines independently and is equipped with multi-paneled canopies with extendable UPF 50+ sunshade.
The stroller folds quickly and has a carry handle, as well as seat-back and basket storage and a removable cup holder.
Cons: It’s side-by-side configuration can make it difficult to maneuver through tight spaces or with older children.
Thule Spring
AMAZON
Weight: 21 pounds.
Size when folded: 12.6 inches by 17.7 inches by 30 inches.
Cost: $399.95.
What we love: The Thule Spring stroller is the perfect combination: a compact travel stroller with only three wheels that’s also sturdy enough for everyday use. Although it doesn’t fold up quite as small as some other options, if you plan on doing some serious walking in a city, the Thule may be just the right option, as it’s made for urban terrain.
With a fast, one-hand fold and no-puncture, foam-filled tires, this stroller can be used for kids from 6 months to 64 pounds, giving it the highest weight capacity on this list. The basket at the bottom is also larger than it looks, so it’s ideal for storage on the go.
Cons: This stroller is heavier and larger than others on the market. As a result, it may not be the best option for travelers who want to take the stroller on as cabin baggage. It also doesn’t fully recline and can’t be used for newborns.
Related: Our best family travel award trips — ever
Bottom line
DARREN MURPH/THE POINTS GUY
Picking the right travel stroller greatly depends on your situation. Some strollers are made for stowing on board planes, while others are better suited for trunks of cars. Some are designed for newborns and toddlers, while others should only be used with older children. Your budget is also important to consider, as travel strollers can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000.
Ease of use matters, too, as having a stroller that folds up in seconds with one hand is extremely valuable, especially while balancing a baby on your hip. Once you’ve figured out what you need, you can more easily decide which stroller on this list best fits your budget, travel preferences and family.