9 Best Travel Strollers 2023 (Tested by Traveling Parents)

Are you looking for a comfortable, compact, and lightweight stroller to accompany you on your family journeys and adventures? If yes, this is your place to be!

An everyday stroller is usually quite large, with lots of storage space, wide canopies, and big wheels to withstand all kinds of terrain. But you’ve probably seen that most airlines don’t fancy a full-size stroller; frankly speaking, it’s a bit time-consuming bringing them in and out of the hotel as well.

But that’s where travel strollers come to the rescue, being great for packing into planes, trains, and automobiles.

So if you want to learn the best travel strollers of 2023 (so you could eventually get one yourself), make sure you keep reading.

What Makes a Travel Stroller the Best?

Each stroller is made to be safe and comfortable, but there’s another requirement for travel strollers, which is to be light and compact.

Hence, a travel stroller is a scaled-back version of your everyday stroller. The most important thing is that it’s packable, or in other words, you should be able to fold it in multiple ways to reduce width, length, and height. Think about the overhead storage bin: your standard luxury stroller probably won’t fit in there!

Umbrella strollers, for example, fold into a narrow but long piece; they’re suitable for some, but not all, trips. However, compact travel strollers shouldn’t sacrifice convenience. They need to be comfy and safe, with at least some storage space. You do want your child to have a smooth ride.

The 9 Best Travel Strollers

I’ll go through the pros and cons of each stroller so you can get a better idea of what to expect. As a mom, I know you want the baby gear to be the best it can be. So let’s jump to it!

1. Nuna TRVL Lightweight Stoller

Nuna TRVL Stroller isn’t the lightest one out there, but trust me, it’s surely a beast. This compact stroller folds with such ease you wish all your strollers were like that.

By pressing the button on the push bar, this travel stroller self-folds into a compact, freestanding unit. And you can do all that with just one hand (although you need a bit of time to get the hang of the one-handed fold). I love the carry bag because I can travel hands-free. If your baby likes to be carried a lot, this feature will be a lifesaver.

The design is pretty simple, and I had no trouble figuring everything out. An adjustable footrest, an adjustable reclining system, and a magnetic strap that automatically looks into place helped me prep the baby seat in no time.

The storage basket is quite spacious, and I could easily stuff a backpack in there (and rest my back at least for a minute!). The sun canopy has a peekaboo window, so I always know what the little monster is up to. 

But what I love most is that this travel stroller is so easy to maneuver. No matter the terrain, I had no trouble moving it around.

However, Nuna doesn’t come with a carrying strap (although you can use the bumper bar for carrying when the stroller is folded), and it might not fit into every overhead compartment. Nevertheless, I like the durability and the comfort of it, and I have no doubts it’ll serve well during all kinds of trips.

Specs

• Weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs
• Weight: 13.6 lbs
• Dimensions: 44” x 32.5” x 20”
• Folded dimensions: 11” x 24” x 20”

Pros

• Easy to move around
• Perfect for babies and toddlers
• Durable

Cons

• Only Nuna Pipa car seat compatible
• Quite pricey
• Not the lightest stroller on the list

2. Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller

If you’re on a budget but still want a light, durable, and compact stroller, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus stroller is the one for you.

It has a one-handed fold system, which I found quite convenient, but it requires a bit of strength and coordination. Truth be told, I didn’t get the smoothest ride, but I could easily move the stroller when the wheels got stuck, thanks to how light it is. 

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus travel stroller has a tray for the baby’s treats, which is removable if you want to save space. If you’re a coffee junky just like me, you’ll love the cup holders (but bring only smaller cups because large ones won’t fit). The storage basket was big enough for me, but know that I like to pack light.

But the biggest downside is the lack of portability. Although light when folded, it didn’t fit into the overhead bin (it’s somewhere between an umbrella stroller and a regular travel stroller). You also won’t get a carry strap, a case, or a handle. But considering the price, the stroller is quite durable. 

Overall, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus stroller is a high-quality, lightweight stroller that comes at an excellent cost.

Specs

• Weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs
• Weight: 11.8 lbs
• Dimensions:38” x 27” x 18′
• Folded dimensions: 10” x 33” x 17.5”.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Lightweight
• Durable

Cons

• Lack of portability
• A bit hard to move around
• Doesn’t fit into the overhead bin

3. Uppababy Minu V2

If you want comfort for both the parent and the kid, the Uppababy Minu V2 will not disappoint. My kid loves taking naps in this comfy stroller, thanks to the extra seat padding. And because the stroller also comes with a padded shoulder strap, I could carry the folded stroller with ease.

You have a zip-out, expandable sunshade that’s one of the best I’ve seen so far. I like to know my kid will be well protected from the outside elements. There’s also a vented peekaboo window for better airflow (although I use it to play hide and seek with my little one).

You won’t get a cup holder, but there’s a pocket behind the seat big enough for a water bottle and a phone. The storage basket is quite large, which is a plus for me.

Thanks to the all-wheel suspension system, the Uppababy Minu V2 offers a smooth ride, and when the time comes to pack it up, I could easily do it with one hand (but I did need some time to coordinate my moves). 

However, keep in mind that this travel stroller is not the smallest nor the lightest one; you might have trouble fitting it into a small overhead compartment.

Specs

• Weight limit: from 3 months to 50 lbs
• Weight: 16.9 lbs
• Dimensions: 35.5” x 20.3” x 41”
• Folded dimensions: 11.5” x 20.3” x 23

Pros

• Comfortable
• Quick fold and unfold
• Excellent sun shade

Cons

• A bit bulky
• Pricey
• Handlebar isn’t adjustable

4. Uppababy G-Link 2 Double Stroller

“Breeze through with two,” as the manufacturers say, and I must admit they’re not wrong. The Uppababy G-Link 2 is quite light and narrow for a double stroller and has a one-handed fold system (though it’s a bit tricky to unfold). In other words, I love it!

I got so many neat features, such as a removable cup holder, double storage pockets, and an undercarriage basket. So if you like to keep toys, diapers, and bottles close by, you’ll have no trouble doing that with this stroller.

I didn’t like the umbrella structure; it’s not very convenient when folded. However, the carry handle made it easy for me to carry it around. The seats are nicely padded, and this double stroller has a kind of calf rest for my kids. There are three recline positions, and I had no trouble adjusting them. 

But, although light, this stroller isn’t gonna fit into all overhead bins. The ride was, however, quite smooth, and I liked the four sets of wheels instead of the traditional six. 

With that said, I’ll definitely go with the Uppababy G-Link 2 Double travel stroller instead of double umbrella strollers because it’s lighter, more compact, and, most of all, quite durable.

Specs

• Weight limit: 55 lbs per seat
• Weight: 21.8 lbs
• Dimensions: 41” x 25” x 28.25”
• Folded dimensions: 14” x 40” x 17.5”

Pros

• Solid maneuverability
• Quick fold 
• Compact and quite light considering it’s a double

Cons

• Won’t fit into all overhead compartments
• No canopy window
• Pricey

5. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Compact Stroller

If you’re planning a city tour and want a stroller that moves fast and is also light and easy to carry, I think you’ll find the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 travel stroller to be perfect for you. (And I also love the beautiful ocean color of it.)

When the streets got narrow, I had no trouble making tight and fast turns using this compact travel stroller, which kinda made me feel like I was in a James Bond movie. 

Baby Jogger City Tour is car seat compatible (adapters required), and luckily for me, it has an easy one-handed fold.

This city stroller is mostly minimalistic. In other words, you won’t find plenty of crazy features, but there’s a sizable mesh basket with front or rear access. A carrying bag (with a comfy shoulder strap) and a rain cover are included as well.

The Baby Jogger City Tour travel stroller has a comfy seat that doesn’t recline completely flat, but you can get it to go to a near-flat position. For my kid, that’s fine, but I know some parents want it to go all the way down. There’s also adjustable calf support with airy mesh panels and a bumper bar, so I suppose my kid did have a comfortable ride. 

Although it’s light and compact when folded, this travel stroller won’t fit into an overhead bin. But if you’re packing for car trips, you’ll see it takes considerably less space than a standard or an umbrella stroller.

Specs

• Weight limit:  from birth (with infant car seat) up to 45 lbs
• Weight: 14 lbs
• Dimensions: 37.75” x 19.6” x 39.5”
• Folded dimensions:  19” x 7” x 22”

Pros

• Great for car trips
• Perfect maneuverability
• Good and easy recline

Cons

• Doesn’t fit in overhead bin space
• For some people may be too minimalistic

6. Uppababy G-LUXE Stroller (Best in Sun Shade)

Keeping the brightness out of the baby’s eyes is quite important, and I find that the sun canopy on the Uppababy G-Luxe Stroller does that job perfectly.

Note that this travel stroller folds like an umbrella, so it’s not particularly small (overhead bin alert!), but going hands-free is still possible thanks to the comfy carrying strap. It did take me a bit of practice to master the folding and unfolding system due to the handle/ring combination. Not the best option for folding, but you do get used to it.

However, I did get lots of extra features, such as cup holders, a storage basket, and pockets behind the seat, and I love the five-point harness and an adjustable footrest. They did a good job there!

The padded seat has two recline positions, which are quite easy to use. But, when it comes to maneuverability, this stroller isn’t the best on the list, so I did have trouble moving it around. However, when making tight turns it performed pretty well. 

Specs

• Weight limit: 3 months to 55 lbs
• Weight: 21.8 lbs
• Dimensions: 42.5” x 23.5” x 18.5”
• Folded dimensions: 15” x 41” x 11.75”

Pros

• Great comfort
• Solid portability
• Comes with lots of extra features

Cons

• A bit hard to move around
• Folding and unfolding systems require practice
• Not great when packing small

7. Cybex gb Pockit + Stroller with All Terrain Wheels (Best in Portability)

Rough terrain, narrow streets, and tight corners, the Cybex gb Pockit Stroller can handle it all. This is a compact-size travel stroller, so for all families that want to pack light, don’t look elsewhere. 

I loved the swivel wheels, and it’s so simple to navigate the stroller one-handed. When folded, I could easily fit it into an overhead bin, meaning it’s compliant with airline carry-on luggage restrictions. 

Everything about this stroller is convenient! The seat is lightly cushioned and not bulky, and it reclines from upright to reclined. For my kid, I don’t need anything more! However, don’t expect a luxury stroller because this one was made to make your travels easy and fast. You’ll get a storage mesh big enough to store a smaller diaper bag.

The Cybex gb Pockit Stroller is made out of machine washable fabric, so I could wash all the dirt and chocolate stains out. 

For those wondering, it’s compatible with a Cybex infant car seat (however, a car seat adapter is required). 

Overall this is a great space saver, so if you’re a frequent traveler (just like me), you’ll be pleased with both the size and the weight of this travel stroller. If I get to choose from this list, I’ll say this is the best travel stroller for airplane travel.

Specs

• Weight limit:  6 months to 48.5 lbs
• Weight: 10.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 42” x 23” x 16.5”
• Folded dimensions:  6” x 20” x 14”.

Pros

• Ease to move around
• Compact and light
• Great portability

Cons

• No canopy
• No shoulder strap
• A bit too minimalistic for some parents

8. Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller (Best in Portability)

I don’t think this is the overall best because it’s not the lightest nor the most compact stroller on the list. But I must admit that its portability surprised me. Carrying Babyzen YOYO2 was truly a breeze. With the stroller on my shoulder and a baby in my arms, I could walk at ease without worrying about my muscles getting sore. As a mom, that’s a huge plus!

The stroller is relatively light and compact, with a plush and comfy shoulder strap combined with a metal bar handle. I think that the canopy window was pretty good, and if you like to store things in the stroller, you have a back pocket and a spacious storage basket. 

And the best part is you can easily fit the Babyzen YOYO2 into an overhead bin space. The ride was relatively smooth, although I did experience a few ‘glitches’. 

Overall, the stroller is easy to carry around, it’s spacious, comfy, and great for fast and quick travel.  

Specs

• Weight limit:  48.5 lbs
• Weight: 14.7 lbs
• Dimensions: 41” x 28.8” x 17”
• Folded dimensions:  8” x 20” x 16”.

Pros

• Excellent comfort
• Solid maneuverability
• Compact when folded

Cons

• A bit hard to fold and unfold
• Not the lightest on the list
• Pricey

9. Doona Infant Car Seat And Stroller (Best Travel Stroller System)

I find this to be the most magical combo ever. Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller offers a smooth transition between the gate, the plane, and the car after the flight or ride is over. I don’t have to wake up and disturb my baby when moving it into the car because the stroller folds down to become a car seat. Neat, right?

However, there are a few downsides. The frame is set a bit too low, and I did feel discomfort after a short period (I’m a tall gal). Also, this stroller is not made for years of use. Because it has a weight limit of 35 pounds, it’s only suitable for infants and younger toddlers.  

Thanks to the large wheels, the stroller gilded quite smoothly, and I had no trouble even when walking through a crowded city. 

Generally, the Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller is perfect for airplane travel, and you’ll also save yourself from the trouble of renting a car seat.

Specs

• Weight limit:  35 lbs
• Weight: 16 lbs
• Dimensions: 17.3’’ x 32.3’’ x 40’’
• Folded dimensions:  17.3” x 23.6” x 26”.

Pros

• Infant car seat and stroller combined
• Best for fast in and out
• Big wheels for a smooth ride

Cons

• Only a short-term option
• Not suitable for little ones above 35 pounds
• The frame is set a bit low

What to Consider When Buying a Travel Stroller

Buying baby gear, whether that’s something as simple as a doll or important as a car seat, can become quite stressful. So before purchasing, you first need to know what to look for. 

Do you travel frequently? Are you on a budget? Do you prefer portability and size over comfort and ease of use?

So I’ve prepared a list of factors to help you find the best travel stroller on the market. Check it out, and start shopping with ease.

Size and Weight

Think about what will fit your trip best. Will you need to carry your stroller often, or perhaps you’ll pull it out of the car and just start rolling? 

Note that some of the lightest strollers on the market will not be the most comfortable ones. So if you opt for size and weight, then you’ll sacrifice certain features. But if you’re going to carry the stroller quite often, you’ll want it to be as light as possible.

Portability

One of the most important features of all travel strollers is portability. 

Will it fit into an overhead bin? Is it compliant with airline carry-on luggage restrictions? Does it easily fit in an already full trunk? All of these can be a deal breaker when shopping for a travel stroller. 

Also, always check whether the stroller folds easily, comes with a carry strap or not, and it’s car seat compatible.

Related: You may also like to know about the best baby carriers of 2023.

Comfort and Design

Lightweight strollers tend to sacrifice comfort as well as design features, such as storage baskets, cup holders, and pockets. In other words, it’s kinda hard to get it all: durability, size, weight, comfort, and design. So sometimes, you have to choose one over the other. Again, pick the stroller according to your travel needs.

Travel Preferences

Where do you plan on going, and what means of transport will you use? 

If you’re traveling by car, check if the stroller has an infant car seat built into it or perhaps has click-in capabilities so you won’t need to rent a seat upon arrival.

If you’re traveling by plane, check if the stroller can fit into the overhead bin or not. 

Also, consider the terrain; it’s not the same when you’re visiting crowded cities, national parks, and snowy destinations.

Price

Travel strollers are not cheap, having an average price of around $150 to $200. But if you want a travel stroller to become your main one, then be prepared to invest in a durable and high-quality product. 

When only going for light and fast, you can find budget-friendly options, but for extra features, you have to pay extra money.

FAQ

Are You Allowed to Bring a Stroller on a Plane?

Standard strollers and car seats usually need to be checked in, but the beauty of travel strollers is they fold to a size suitable for an overhead bin. So yes, you can take your travel stroller on a plane. 

However, make sure it folds quickly and easily, and always check the specific carry-on sizes for the flight. For more info and rules, feel free to visit the FAA website.

Does Buying a Travel Stroller Pay Off?

This question doesn’t have a right or wrong answer. If you travel a lot or want a stroller that’s easy to maneuver and carry, then yes, it’s surely worth it.

I personally favor light and compact strollers above bulky ones. They help conserve energy since they’re so easy to fold and unfold and are space savers. You’ll also have extra room for packing up toys, clothes, and other necessary gadgets.

Can I Use a Travel Stroller Every Day?

Some families find that a travel stroller can work just as well as a standard stroller, meaning it’s a great fit even for their everyday needs. 

However, travel strollers are not known to be luxurious, so if you want to have a big storage area with plenty of extra features, consider getting something bulkier.

Conclusion

Is there a stroller that can be perfect for simply everything? Maybe yes, but that’s highly unlikely. There’s always gonna be something that could be better or work better, but it’s up to you to minimize those little glitches. As said above, think about what you want your stroller to do the most and then buy accordingly.

You don’t want the stroller to ruin your trip because, trust me, I’ve been through that! So carefully check all the strollers from the list and hopefully, you’ll spot one that’ll be perfect for your little one. In the end, that’s all that matters, sharing all those adventurous moments with your kids in the best way possible.