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. Despite its size, it offers an excellent ride, a great sun canopy and multi-position recline.

This stroller is an excellent value for less than $100. It has an easy, compact fold and a carry strap, so it's easy to sling over your shoulder or carry on public transport.

1. Lightweight

The key to a good travel stroller is that it should be light and easy to fold. The top models we tested fold down using just one hand (and sometimes two) and fit into overhead luggage compartments. They are also compact and easily roll which makes them easy to maneuver in tight space. Some models come with an adjustable hand to accommodate parents of different heights. Whether you're planning a quick trip with your newborn or a long-haul getaway with a toddler, look for a light, easy-to-pack stroller to make the journey -- and return for your family.

To determine the top strollers for travel, we analyzed nine models that met our minimum weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on city streets as well as on country side walks and in the airport terminal to assess its maneuverability, ease of carrying and folding, and overall comfort for children.

Our top pick is the Babyzen YoYo2 (320), which folds the simplest of the strollers we tested and can fit in the overhead bins of airplanes. It's car seat compatible and the seat reclines completely flat, making it ideal for babies. Other features that parents will appreciate include a large undercarriage basket, a bag hook on the handle, and a UPF 50+ canopy that offers plenty of coverage for your child's travels.

Other options include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), that features a one-handed concertina fold and is incredibly lightweight. Its five-point harness, padded and crotch strap will keep your child safe, while the reversible seat and large undercarriage basket will ensure that there is room for all of their belongings. It's also compatible with the brand’s infant car seat. This makes it a good choice for families from the time of birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320), an all-hands, one-step fold and is also compatible with car seats and has an enormous canopy. It's more expensive than other models in the same category but it also comes with extra features such as a large cupholder and parent pocket, a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of all heights and a comfortable carrying strap. The simple design isn't without its drawbacks, when relative to other models in this class.

2. Easy to fold

A stroller for travel should be simple to close and open when you're on the move. If you have a bag of groceries, or children in your arms you don't want to wrestle with a complicated stroller to close it. Even with only one hand, the most efficient travel strollers can fold up easily and compactly. Many come with a cushioned strap that can be comfortably placed over your shoulder.

In our tests, we awarded the Libelle stroller high marks for its compactness and its ease of Folding Stroller. It also has a few nice features: It rolls smoothly over all surfaces and comes with a huge canopy that offers ample coverage. Additionally, it's extremely light and free-standing when folded, which makes it easy to store.

For parents who want to stroll right up to the plane gate and then put their stroller into the overhead bin, we suggest looking for an option that will fit in. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example is a great fit in the smallest folding space and comes with a handy protective travel cover, but it has no recliner, and a narrow cargo space that can only accommodate a small bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).

Another alternative is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds into a concertina style but also has a reversible seat for face-toface or back-toback riding. The handle is tucked behind the seat, however our managing editor didn't like the fold.

The most recent type of stroller for travel is the tri-fold, which folds into thirds and offers the best combination of compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu for instance, has a reversible chair, strollers an unstructured storage pouch at the rear, and a locking latch to keep it folded. It's slightly larger than the umbrella models from the brand however it folds more compactly than its G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts, and comes with a padded carry strap that can be slung over your shoulder.

3. Easy to store

The most effective travel strollers fold down to a small, easy-to-store size that is easy to fit into the trunk of your car, or into the overhead bin of the plane. Some have a strap that can be used to carry the stroller on your shoulder, so that your hands won't get tired. They're also lighter than regular strollers. This makes them easy to lift and carry for a quick walk in the neighborhood or at the airport.

The stroller performed extremely excellently in our durability tests and was easy to maneuver over all types of surfaces. From smooth hardwoods to shag flooring this stroller is an excellent option. Some of our test subjects found it a bit flimsy and the handlebar was not padding to ensure that your hands are at ease. Another thing to consider is how big the basket is It's slightly smaller than the average, and some parents have found it difficult to squeeze the large diaper bag inside it.

In general, we recommend calling your airline ahead of time to verify their specific guidelines for bringing on board strollers as they may differ. This is especially important when you are planning to check your stroller at the gate. You can then use it on the plane, and then navigate the airport without the stroller.

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent choice if you need a light, compact stroller. The Contours Itsy comes completely assembled and all you have to do is attach the bumper bar. It has an apron for a cup for the parent, as well as a back pocket. However it doesn't have an oversized basket. This can limit your ability pack essentials for a long journey.

If you're an avid traveler, we suggest you consider a more robust stroller that offers more features and can carry more cargo. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for instance, comes with many of the same features as its G-Luxe and G-Link cousins, but it's more compact and folds more quickly. It's also a bit stronger than an umbrella stroller, and it comes with a cushioned carrying strap that takes some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

Comfort is key when using strollers for long durations of time. Seats that have plenty of padding and a recline system that can be adjusted at different angles are the best. Be aware of whether the canopy extends to provide sun protection and if mesh windows promote airflow. If you're required to carry items with you, consider a model with a parent organizer/cup holder and an enormous storage basket beneath the seat. If you're in the market for a stroller that is suitable for older children, check the age range and assess whether your child will be at ease in the seat, even without a car seat for infants.

The way a stroller is rolled is also important. It needs to maneuver effortlessly over a variety of surfaces, from smooth hardwoods and shag carpets to cobblestones, and gravel. It must be able of handling curbs, stairs and other obstacles with ease. Choose a lightweight stroller newborn when you are planning to do a lot of walking during your trip. This will help to prevent back and leg pain.

A quality stroller for travel should also be easy to use. It should be easy to assemble and snap together when put in the proper location. It should also fold flat and fit into the trunk of your car or the overhead compartments of a plane. It should also be upright when folded, so you can carry it around by one hand and hold your baby in the other.

The Joie Tourist is an excellent option for parents seeking a light, high-quality travel stroller. It has various recline positions, to allow your child to nap in comfort. The canopy that extends can provide ample sun protection, with UPF protection. Additionally, it includes a variety of additional features including a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover are included. Charlotte loves the fact that the car seat is suitable for newborns to four years old and does not require a separate adapter.