The Best Travel Strollers for Parents Who Have Places To Go

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The right travel stroller can make a huge difference in your vacation. For the sake of your family trips (and ultimately your sanity), I researched, tested, and found the best travel strollers that have all the features to make travel life easier, including ones that fit in overhead bins, are Disney-approved, save on storage space when they aren’t in use and are easy to maneuver with a one-hand fold.

But the holy grail of travel strollers can also be used as an everyday stroller at home. So, instead of having different strollers for different occasions, finding one that fits all your needs is ideal. And that’s totally possible with the strollers you’ll find on this list.

Best Travel Strollers

• Best Overall: UPPAbaby Minu V2 Travel Stroller

• Best Budget: Chicco Presto Self-Folding Compact Stroller

• Best Lightweight: Contours Itsy Ultra-Sturdy Compact Stroller

• Best for Overhead Bins: Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller

• Best Car Seat-Compatible: Doona Infant Car Seat

“Bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to an everyday stroller. Thankfully, lightweight, compact strollers come loaded with features rich in comfort (for both parent and child) and ease of use.” says Chris Ritchie, product manager at Thule and dad of two.“Must-haves on an everyday stroller like one-hand and self-standing fold come standard on the Thule Spring, all in a compact footprint, as well as an oversized canopy, one-hand adjustable handlebar, locking front swivel wheel, and even foam-filled wheels for rolling with ease.”

Travel strollers also make the perfect gifts for baby showers or for parents with young kids who already own an everyday stroller but could use a stroller specifically to travel.

Read on for our top stroller picks, and be sure to scroll to the bottom to check out our top tips for choosing a travel stroller and learn how and why we chose the strollers on our list.

Minu V2 Travel Stroller

The UPPAbaby Minu is a travel-friendly stroller that feels like a full-size stroller, but it’s significantly smaller and lighter than its relatives the UPPAbaby Vista and Cruz. When folded, it takes up little room and comes with a built-in carry handle as well as a shoulder strap so you can throw it over your shoulder on one side while carrying your baby.

If you want your kiddo to be able to nap in the stroller, an adjustable recline and leg rest make it possible. A large storage basket is the perfect size for bringing along a blanket, diaper bag, snacks, or whatever else you might need on a trip.

The stroller is designed for babies and kids ages 6 months and up, but if you want to use it for your infant, you can purchase the UPPAbaby Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat, which can be directly attached.

While there’s a lot to love about the Minu, the only drawback is that its wheels are plastic. Wheels that are filled with air tend to make for a smoother ride. The Minu does, however, feature front and rear spring-action suspension, which helps.

One of our senior parenting editors, Cat Bowen, adds after her own testing that “the comfort of the handlebar on this model cannot be overlooked. The cushioned, leather-wrapped handlebar is a joy to hold, even on hot days.” She also says that while it's not the best for the tallest members of her family (who hover at just under 7 feet), it's great for most parents between just over 5 feet and about 6-foot-3 inches.

Presto Self-Folding Compact Stroller

Chicco’s Presto travel stroller is my pick for the best budget stroller, but it doesn’t give budget vibes. It’s not quite on par with a luxury stroller, however, but if that’s not what you’re after, this one is a fantastic option. (Plus, that gifting price point? Yes, please.)

With this stroller, you’ll never have to be without coffee as there are two cup holders — one for you and one for your child. There’s also a three-position reclining seat that can be adjusted with one hand, which truly is a game-changer when you have a tired kiddo and sleep needs to happen immediately.

While the canopy is UPF 50+, after testing this stroller, I wish it covered more square footage to offer more sun protection. But a small canopy is better than no canopy.

I find the one-hand fold to be incredibly easy to use, and once the stroller is folded (which it basically does on its own), a carry bar makes it convenient to grab and be on your way.

If you’re giving the Presto as a gift to a new parent, it can be used from infancy through 50 pounds, so they’ll appreciate the long-term capabilities. Plus, it has a secure, click-in attachment for any Chicco infant car seat. While you do have to buy the car seat separately, adapters are built in, so there really aren’t any accessories you need to purchase.

Itsy Ultra-Sturdy Compact Stroller

Whether you’re on the go in the city, wandering around Target for far too many hours, or hopping on a plane, the Contours Itsy Ultra-Sturdy Compact Stroller fits any type of lifestyle and works great as a regular stroller. It’s lightweight with a one-hand fold feature that fully collapses for storage in seconds.

A removable napper handlebar makes it easy to get your little one in and out of the seat; front wheel suspension with locking wheels gives you better control on bumpy terrain; a one-step parking brake is easy to maneuver; and a UPF 50+ canopy offers some shade, although not a ton.

If you plan on using this stroller on flights, you’ll be happy to know that it fits in an overhead bin, which saves you the trouble of tagging it to go below the plane — not to mention the risk of damage.

YOYO2 Stroller

At just 13.6 pounds, it’s probably safe to assume that your diaper bag has been heavier than this insanely lightweight and compact stroller. Babyzen’s YOYO2 stroller is the ultimate stroller to use when traveling by plane as it can fold and unfold with one hand, be carried over your shoulder, and fit in an overhead bin with room to spare. It doesn’t hurt that it’s totally a luxury stroller but for on-the-go.

The stroller isn’t just convenient to travel with, it also grows with your child, making it convenient for life. It’s designed for newborns through toddlers and beyond up to 48.5 pounds with a comfy seat cushion, reclining backrest, and a secure five-point harness. The newborn seat costs extra and comes with a mattress, head support, and a removable Sherpa-lined foot cover.

In addition to the newborn pack, there are several other accessories you can add on, including a cup holder, backpack, parasol, a board for big kids to ride on, and even a mosquito net.

Our test team has been using this stroller for several years, and they have loved the long life of the stroller, the ease of use, and softness of the fabric.

Infant Car Seat

I missed the boat on the Doona with my kids, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from friends about how game-changing it is, so I had to try it out for myself to see what all the hullabaloo is about. And by “try it out for myself,” I mean accompanied a friend on several excursions with her infant and the stroller.

However, several members of our team also have this stroller and say that they can't live without its convenience. It's genuinely a day changer, getting baby around everywhere with no fuss.

Different than the other strollers on this list, the Doona is a car seat with collapsible wheels and a telescoping handle that allows it to turn into a compact stroller. While it doesn’t have a one-hand fold, it is functional and beyond efficient, and it provides a cozy and secure place for babies to ride.

The car seat alone weighs 16.5 pounds, and with the 10.3-pound base, the whole stroller clocks in at 28.8 pounds. That may sound like a lot, but it’s very reasonable considering car seats can be super heavy. It’s also a really safe rear-facing infant car seat option with an anti-rebound bar and three-layer side impact protection.

An adjustable handle allows you to customize the stroller to your height, and it also makes it easy for siblings to push.

Spring Compact Stroller

The Thule Spring has the bells and whistles of a full-size stroller but in a compact frame (to be exact, it’s 30% smaller than traditional three-wheel strollers). Its smaller size and only three wheels take up less trunk space, and it can fit through narrow doorways.

This would be a great gift for someone going to Disney as it’s approved for Disney theme parks. It’s also parent-approved for Disney parks as the seat can fully recline, allowing your kid to take a full-blown nap so you can stay at Disney longer with a child who has actually rested. More sleep equals fewer meltdowns, right? One can dream.

The luxury stroller is impressively well-built and handles like a pro. It can be pushed with one hand without it veering to one side, so it’s a smooth ride for your kiddo and you while pushing.

An adjustable handlebar makes the Spring a fantastic choice for tall parents and there’s plenty of storage space for holding all your things. Compared to the other travel strollers on this list, this one is on the heavier side, but it’s still very manageable and comfortable to travel with.

The stroller doesn’t have a foot bar, so while testing it, I found that it was challenging to lift the stroller over bumps in the road since there was no wear to apply pressure at the back.

Kooper RS Travel Stroller

In addition to its all-terrain wheels and easy maneuverability, a major perk of Joovy’s Kooper travel stroller is its washable fabric. The fabric is removable and machine washable, so you don’t have to spot clean every time your kid drops food — which, if your child is anything like mine, is constant.

A three-panel, water-repellent canopy provides excellent sun coverage, but it’s the fourth hidden panel that’s really noteworthy, which I discovered when testing the stroller with a kiddo who really, really was not happy with the sun in his eyes. That panel provides UPF 50+ coverage almost all the way to the snack tray. Although the seat doesn’t recline entirely, you can lower it using only one hand, which is huge.

Snacktime doesn’t have to end when it’s stroller time as the stroller features a swing-open snack tray and cup holder. There’s also a mesh cup holder and a zippered pocket built into the back of the stroller for grownups, and a good-sized storage basket on the bottom can hold up to 15 pounds.

If you’re giving this as a gift, the Kooper accommodates a 3-month-old to a child up to 55 pounds, but you can also purchase the Kooper car seat adapter separately to use an infant car seat.

Again, Cat Bowen is a big, big fan of this stroller, loving the fold, but also loving the easy hand holds this stroller has when it's folded that not all travel strollers have.

What to Consider

Travel strollers are lighter and easier to fold than standard strollers, which is a huge perk, and there are several things to consider before committing.

Weight

It’s important to ensure that the stroller's weight is reasonable for you to travel with, especially if you’ll be lifting it into an overhead bin. Most travel strollers weigh between 12 and 30 pounds, so an additional 15 pounds or so can make a difference for some.
The weight limit is also something to consider if you plan on using the stroller beyond the toddler years or if you have an older child who often decides that they can’t possibly walk another step when you’re out and about. The average travel stroller can hold somewhere between 50 and 70 pounds, and we've noted weight limits for each stroller.

Fold Size

Not all travel strollers fit into overhead bins, so be sure to check the folded dimensions and compare them to the overhead bin dimensions on standard flights. The fold size is also crucial information to know for your trunk. The last thing you want to deal with is a stroller that doesn’t fit in your car. I’ve been there and ended up getting a new car to accommodate my stroller. (We needed the extra space anyway, but still.)

Storage Size

If your family enjoys visiting amusement parks like Disneyland, museums, or other kid-friendly attractions, you’ll benefit from a travel stroller with enough storage to hold your diaper bag, shopping bags, or whatever else you’ll be bringing along.
“Any parent making their way through security or navigating the hustle to their gate, all while keeping their travel companion cozy and happy along the way, needs a lightweight stroller with plenty of storage capacity, an easy one-hand fold, and a comfy recline seat,” Ritchie says. “Because let’s face it when you can roll through the terminal easily while your baby rides with a smile, the flight will be a breeze for both you and your boarding zone.”

How We Tested

Every stroller on this list was chosen based on strollers I have tested with my kids or that come tested by trusted members of our community. I also considered who was manufacturing the stroller and specs I mentioned earlier. Although it wasn’t at the top of my list, I considered aesthetics — because a stroller’s gotta be cute, right?

I spent time pushing my 4-year-old son around the neighborhood in the travel strollers I tested, which he thoroughly enjoyed. I then took the strollers on various excursions to determine the ease of use while on the go.

I spent the most time with the Chicco Presto Self-Folding Compact Stroller, because although it isn’t luxury feeling, it’s simple to use. My son took great pleasure in being wheeled around the grocery store and Target. I only needed a few things, and the storage basket was plenty big. It was a rainy day and the canopy didn’t cover a lot, so it did take a bit of time for it to dry, but that wasn’t much of an issue.

A friend and her toddler joined us at our local aquarium for a few hours, and she used the Joovy Kooper RS Travel Stroller. She commented several times on how smooth it felt to push. Her daughter was a big fan of the snack tray and cup holder, but I think that had more to do with the fact that snacks were involved. She had to wipe down the seat after an apple sauce incident, but it cleaned right up.

I took the Thule Spring Compact Stroller on a run, and while it isn’t technically a jogger, it was really easy to maneuver on flat roads and worked beautifully. I was impressed at its versatility in a stroller that’s great for traveling, everyday use, and jogging.
Since the Doona is designed for infants, a friend with a 3-month-old tested the stroller for 2 weeks. She found the stroller to be incredibly efficient and easy to use, especially with her older kids in tow, which meant more chaos. She was thrilled with the one-handed fold that turned the stroller into a car seat with little to no effort.

The other strollers on this list have been vetted and tested by members of our team, looking for things like maneuverability, ease of fold, and how well they clean up. We looked at the size of the storage, the cost, and even the brands customer service. These are truly the top of the top.

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