I love travel strollers, and finding the best travel stroller has been my favorite part of my job to test parenting gear here at WIRED. I'm always reaching for a travel stroller when I'm not testing something new, no travel required. Day trips require minimal storage – just diapers, wipes, and snacks. Multi-day sightseeing demands more space for water, layers, and purchases.
The Valco Trend Duo is the only lightweight side-by-side double stroller that has this capability. Valco offers travel stroller two different style adapters, each uniquely designed to fit one side of the stroller. There are a few car seat options that are compatible with both adapters. While you will need to use two different adapters to fit two infant car seats side by side, you can still pair matching car seats. Padded stroller bags offer better protection but are more expensive, but even a polyester gate check bag can help keep straps and buckles together and the stroller clean. Stuffing a few diapers/nappies in discreetly can help protect it too.
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 Airlines) do not cover any type of damage, only loss. The GB Pockit Air is designed for babies 6 months and older (up to 55 pounds), so parents of newborns will have to wait a bit to use this small but mighty stroller. If you’re a “carry-on” person (you know who you are!), definitely check out the Lugabug. As you know, it’s very difficult to push a stroller and a suitcase at the same time (but not impossible! I’ve done it many times – HA).
The limited lifetime warranty on the frame is a major selling point that sets Baby Jogger apart. This is one of the best warranties in the stroller industry and provides long-term peace of mind. The included carry bag makes gate checking easy right out of the box, and the large storage basket with 15-pound capacity is generous for a compact stroller.
Make outings easier with the Munchkin Sparrow, a compact stroller for travel that folds to only 15 x 14 x 6.25 inches and weighs under 13 lbs. This toddler travel stroller is small enough to fit most overhead airplane bins, helping families move through airports, road trips and everyday errands with less bulky gear. The intuitive forward fold mechanism is simple to use, and the included easy-zip carrying bag makes packing and transport convenient. A 5-point harness supports secure seating, while the mesh headrest helps little ones stay cool and comfortable. The sun shade adds coverage, and the storage basket keeps snacks, toys and other essentials within reach. Designed for babies and toddlers who can sit upright unassisted, this portable stroller supports children up to 55 lbs and 41 inches tall.
On smaller regional jets and some international carriers, I had to gate-check. The 45-lb weight capacity is generous for an umbrella-style stroller, and the extendable backrest accommodates taller toddlers. If you have a child who is in the 90th+ percentile for height, this is a sleeper pick among lightweight strollers. Once the seat is attached, this no longer feels like an ultra-light option. It’s best used as a frame for moving sleeping babies from car to stroller without disturbing them, which is exactly what I did on a recent weekend trip.
Most strollers this light give you a mesh pouch and an apology. Lightweight strollers span a wide range, from a basic umbrella frame to a travel model that costs as much as a full-size system. Set a ceiling before you shop, then spend it on the one feature you will use daily, whether that is the recline, the fold, or the wheels. A lightweight stroller is one that lands between roughly 10 and 17 pounds, against 20 to 30 pounds for a standard travel system. That gap is the difference between carrying a stroller up a flight of stairs one-handed and dragging it.
(If you have the adjustable footrest up, you need to put it down for maximum compactness.) To unfold, undo a latch on the side and click it all into place. Unlike with our top pick, there are only two recline options — what the company calls “relaxed” and “sleep.” To recline the seat, you unzip a large panel and the back of the toddler seat slides back. Like our top pick, the Joolz Aer2 has all the features of a great travel stroller — including a large canopy, a simple-to-engage brake, and an easy-to-use buckle. It’s even smaller and sleeker than our top-pick Minu V3, which arguably makes it even more convenient for frequent flyers. You slide a lever on the front of the handlebar, push a button on the other side, and the stroller folds into thirds. This less-expensive option handles rough terrain well and offers the best on-the-go napping setup of all the strollers we tested.
Don’t forget to check the weight capacity to ensure the stroller will grow with your child. At 15.7 pounds, it’s not the lightest option available, and the storage basket could be more accessible. The harness on this, unfortunately, does have to be rethreaded to change the harness height. But this robust stroller can hold a child up to 65 pounds, so it's among the best strollers for a big kid or for extended use.
Or maybe you want a stroller that facilitates a jogging routine or regular travel. In this guide, we’ve included our top-pick jogging stroller and travel stroller as models that are worth considering. Either could be an ideal everyday stroller for certain families. You may need a stroller that you can fold and carry with one hand so that you can easily toss it in the back of a trunk, carry it onto public transportation, or lug it up several flights of stairs. More kids typically means less maneuverability, so it’s not very surprising that The Triov2 isn’t the easiest to push on tough terrain. For parents on the go, you can’t beat the flexibility and convenience of the Doona, which is actually a hybrid car seat and stroller that weighs just 16.5 pounds.
And if you’re thinking about grabbing that $20 umbrella stroller at Costco instead… we tested the Summer Infant 3D Lite as a low-cost comparison, and it’s in our disaster tier for a reason. Two separate handles (no one-handed steering), a frame that compresses into a metal yardstick instead of folding compactly, and materials that feel like a cheap Halloween costume. The $80-$200 you save upfront costs you in frustration every single time you use it. With a folding bassinet (sold separately), lie-flat, newborn ready stroller seat, and car seat compatibility, Nia is suitable from birth to 55 lbs.
This is another stroller which meets most airlines cabin baggage allowances and joins the ranks of the few strollers that fit in the overhead bin. It weighs in at a very light 13lbs/6.2kg in the 6+ version, 6.6 kg (14.5 lbs) with the newborn pack or 8.1 kg (17.8 lbs) with the bassinet. When it comes to trusted brands, families turn to names like Graco, Evenflo, Joie, and Britax for reliable performance.
For a budget-friendly alternative that’s worthy of praise, you also can’t go wrong with the Mockingbird single-to-double stroller. My favorite travel stroller is Nuna TRVL ($575), thanks to the fantastic fold that's unlike any other stroller I've tried, and I particularly love the Nuna TRVL lx ($600) since I have a taller kiddo. If you want a lightweight stroller that you can attach a bassinet to, try the Joolz Aer+ with Carrycot ($678). For parents of infants, a stroller that accepts your car seat eliminates the awkward transfer of a sleeping baby. Check compatibility with your specific car seat model before buying. Some strollers require expensive adapters that add cost and bulk.
But it can also be used from BIRTH with the Mesa car seat and/or UPPAbaby bassinet (both sold separately). Since you may want a car seat and/or bassinet while traveling with your baby anyway, that could be ideal. Take advantage of the Piggy Back ride-on board that attaches to the back (sold separately). However, I don’t recommend its wheels for travel in cobblestone areas or rough terrain. The wheel durability of an umbrella stroller is generally something where you get what you pay for, and you’re saving money by not paying for it here. However, for light-duty use, the Summer Infant 3D Lite may be all you need for your next family vacation.
Innovative, Lightweight Travel Strollers for All Ages
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6 min read
