10 Things We Are Hateful About Strollers

The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the smallest, lightest and easiest to fold. It has a great ride with a great sun canopy, and multi-position recline.

This stroller is an excellent value at less than $100. It's small and easy to fold, making it ideal for public transport or to carry over your shoulder.

1. Lightweight

When it comes to travel strollers lightweight and easy to fold are the most important factors. The most popular models we tested could be folded with one hand, and sometimes two, and they can fit in overhead luggage compartments. They are also compact and roll well which makes them easy to maneuver into tight spaces. Some models come with a telescoping hand for parents with different heights. If you're planning a short trip with a newborn or a long-haul trip with a toddler, you'll need a lightweight, easy-to-pack stroller to make the journey and return for your family.

To determine the top travel strollers, we evaluated nine that were able to meet our weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on country roads, city streets, and in the terminal at the airport for maneuverability, ease of folding and carrying, as well as overall comfort for your child.

Our top picks include the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320), which has the most simple fold of all the travel strollers we tried and fits into overhead bins on airplanes. It's car seat compatible and its seat can recline almost completely flat, making it suitable for babies. The car also has a deep undercarriage and a bag-hook attached to the handle and a UPF50+ canopy to ensure the safety of your child.

The Cybex Orfeo (320) is another great option. It features a concertina folding that can be completed with one hand and is very light. The padded five-point harness, the crotch strap, and the an reversible seat will keep your child safe with a huge undercarriage basket as well as a reversible seat ensure that there is space for their belongings. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat which makes it a feasible option for families that start at birth.

Lastly, the Coya TRVL ($320) is another one-handed, one-step fold with car seat compatibility as well as a large canopy. It's a bit more expensive than other models in this class however, it comes with additional features like a large cupholder and parent pocket, an adjustable handlebar for parents of all heights and a comfy carry strap. The simple design does compromise durability, compared to other models in this category.

2. Easy to fold

When you're on the move the stroller you use for travel needs to be easy to open and close. If you're carrying a load of groceries, or Stroller Travel children in your arms you don't want to wrestle with a complicated stroller to close it. The best travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even with just one hand. Many come with a cushioned strap that you can put comfortably over your shoulders.

In our tests in our tests, the Libelle stroller scored well for its ease of folding and compactness. But it also has other great features: It can roll effortlessly across all surfaces and comes with a huge canopy that provides plenty of coverage. Additionally, it's extremely light and self-standing when folded, which makes it easier to store.

If you're a parent who wants to roll right up to the plane gate and pop their stroller into the overhead bin we recommend looking for an option that will fit inside. The Munchkin Sparrow is a good example. It can fit into the smallest folding space and comes pushchair with car seat an extra-safe travel cover. However it doesn't come with a reclined seat and its cargo space is too small to accommodate anything other than the smallest diaper bag or tote.

Another alternative is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds up into a concertina-style but also features the option of a reversible seat to allow face-toface or back-toback riding. Our editor in chief was able to open and close, though she wasn't crazy about the way the handle tucks up behind the seat when folded.

The tri-fold is the newest stroller for travel. It folds down into three pieces and provides the perfect combination of compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Minu, for instance, has a reversible seat, an unstructured rear storage pouch, and a lockable clasp to keep it folded. It's slightly larger than the umbrellas from the brand, but can be folded more compactly than G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts. It also has a shoulder strap that is cushioned.

3. Easy to store

The best travel strollers can be folded down to a size that can be easily stored. They can easily be tucked away in the trunk of a car, or in the overhead bin of the plane. Some come with a strap you can use to carry the stroller on your shoulder to ensure that your hands won't get tired. They also tend to be lighter than normal strollers, which can make them easier to carry and lift when it's time for a quick walk around the neighborhood or at the airport.

This stroller did exceptionally well in our tests of durability and was easy to maneuver across all types of surfaces. From smooth hardwoods to shag flooring, this stroller is an excellent option. Some of our testers thought it was a bit fragile, and the handlebar was not cushioned to ensure that your hands are comfortable. Another thing to consider is the size of the storage basket is: It's slightly smaller than the average, and some parents have found it difficult to squeeze an enormous diaper bag in it.

In general, we suggest calling your airline ahead of time to verify their specific guidelines for bringing on board strollers and strollers, as they may vary. This is particularly important if you wish to check your stroller's gate that allows you to navigate the airport without it and still use it when you're on the plane (though that option won't work for families who require a car seat or toddler booster).

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent option if you are looking for a compact, lightweight stroller. It comes nearly fully assembled out of the box The only thing you have to do is snap the bumper bar into the right position. It comes with a parent cup back pocket and holder but there isn't a large basket, which could restrict your ability to carry necessities for a long trip.

If you're a frequent traveler we suggest you consider a more robust stroller that offers better features and is able to hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Mini for example has many of its G-Luxe or G-Link siblings' features, but is more compact and folds faster. It's also slightly sturdier 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 periods of time. Look for seats with ample padding and a recline feature that allows you to position it at different angles. Note if the canopy extends to provide sun protection, and if the mesh windows promote airflow. Look for a model with an organizer for parents and a cupholder as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat if you need to carry things around. If you're looking for a stroller compact that is suitable for older children, make sure to check the age range and determine whether your child will be comfortable in the seat without a car seat for infants.

It is also important to think about the way a stroller moves. It should be able to move easily across a variety of surfaces, including smooth carpets, hardwoods, cobblestones and gravel. It should also handle curbs and stairs with ease. If your plans for travel include the majority of walking, opt for a light stroller to help you avoid back and leg soreness.

A quality stroller for travel is also easy to use. It should be simple to put together push chairs and prams snap together when it is placed in the right position. It should also be able to fold flat and fit into the car's boot or the overhead compartment of a plane. It should also be upright when folded, so that you can grab it using one hand and then hold your child in the other.

If you're a parent who's looking for a high-quality, lightweight travel stroller The Joie Tourist is a great alternative. It has multiple recline positions so that your child can rest comfortably. The canopy extends to provide ample sun protection, with UPF protection. Additionally, it comes with a lot of other accessories including a footmuff, cup holder, and rain cover are all included. Charlotte is thrilled the fact that the car seat is suitable for infants to four-year-olds and does not require an adapter separately.