Here are the 10 top travel strollers for your upcoming adventures

Traveling with little ones means packing plenty of extras, and a stroller is often a must-have when your children are young. With so many choices, picking the right travel stroller can feel overwhelming (yes, that’s a stroller pun).

While large strollers come with many features, they can be cumbersome, heavy, or simply inconvenient to carry through airports or onto planes. Plus, they can be tough to navigate in your travel destination.

Lightweight or umbrella strollers might be a better option for air travel, as they are often compact and easy to fold. In fact, some of these travel strollers can even fit in the overhead compartments on flights.

That said, the smaller size can pose challenges in finding a stroller that offers enough comfort for your child during long periods or can handle rough terrain at certain locations. Essentially, selecting the best travel stroller for your family involves some compromises.

As parents who travel often, we've put some of the best travel strollers to the test to help you choose the right one for your family. After logging plenty of miles, here are the top travel strollers that passed our rigorous testing, along with some tips for your next journey.

Babyzen Yoyo2

• Ideal for: Parents seeking a compact stroller that fits in the overhead compartment of an airplane
• Weight: 13.6 to 14.5 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 20.5 inches by 17.3 inches by 7.1 inches
• Available for purchase: Babyzen Yoyo2, $449

Reasons why the Babyzen Yoyo2 makes a great travel stroller

The Babyzen Yoyo2 is generally permitted by most airlines as cabin luggage when it's folded. Despite its compact design, this stroller is crafted for durability beyond just travel, making it ideal for families in small living spaces who need a versatile stroller that excels in maneuverability.

With the addition of the optional newborn pack ($180), the Babyzen Yoyo2 is suitable for use right from birth. Its canopy offers impressive sun protection with a factor of over 50, along with a gradual recline feature, an under-seat storage bag that holds up to 11 pounds, a zipper pocket, and a padded shoulder strap for easy carrying when folded—ensuring it's both sturdy and comfortable whether opened or closed.

While it may not be the most affordable choice on this list, particularly with extras like the newborn pack, it's worth noting that the stroller doesn't fully recline for infants aged 0 to 6 months unless the newborn pack is purchased.

TPG’s senior aviation business reporter, David Slotnick, praises this stroller for air travel with his family, noting, "It folds down small enough to fit in the overhead bin and is incredibly lightweight and robust. Flight attendants are always amazed at how compact it is."

GB Pockit

• Ideal for: Families in need of a stroller that is compact yet capable of enduring frequent use
• Weight: 10.4 pounds
• Dimensions when folded: 11.8 inches by 7.1 inches by 13.8 inches
• Available for purchase: GB Pockit, $149.99 (down from $199.95)

Reasons why the GB Pockit is an excellent choice for travel strollers

The GB Pockit holds the title of the world’s most compact stroller according to the Guinness Book of World Records, folding effortlessly in just two simple steps. Don’t let its petite size deceive you; it boasts a weight capacity of up to 55 pounds and navigates bumpy sidewalks just as smoothly as it does airport moving walkways.

While the straightforward GB Pockit may lack some of the additional features (which contributes to its easy foldability), it includes a small sun canopy, an adjustable harness, and limited storage space beneath the seat.

The GB Pockit is suitable for children aged 6 months and older, meaning parents with newborns will need to hold off before using this compact yet powerful stroller.

Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller

• Ideal for: Families seeking an affordable travel stroller
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Dimensions when folded: 14 inches by 10 inches by 42 inches
• Available for purchase: Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller, $71.53 (down from $99.99)

Reasons the Summer 3Dlite is an excellent choice for travel strollers

Cost-conscious parents are sure to appreciate the price of the Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller, but that's just one of its many appealing features in this lightweight design.

The 3Dlite features a generous canopy, shock-absorbing front wheels, and a four-position recline that nearly lays flat. It supports children weighing up to 50 pounds, while the storage basket underneath can accommodate up to 10 pounds of baby travel essentials.

In terms of additional features, this budget-friendly stroller includes a cup holder, a Velcro pocket, and a carry strap. However, it lacks adjustable handles, which might be uncomfortable for taller parents over extended periods.

Similar to other lightweight strollers, the 3Dlite is designed for children aged 6 months and older, meaning parents with newborns will need to wait before using this model.

Joolz Aer+

• Ideal for: Families seeking a comfortable and lightweight travel stroller
• Weight: 13.23 pounds
• Dimensions when folded: 21 inches by 17.7 inches by 8.5 inches
• Available for purchase: Joolz Aer+, $449

Reasons the Joolz Aer+ is an excellent choice for travel strollers

The Joolz Aer+ can be folded in just one second using a single hand, making it perfect for anyone who might be carrying additional luggage (or a child) in the other arm. When folded, it conveniently fits into most airline overhead storage compartments.

The seat is designed to be lightweight yet exceptionally comfortable for children. Its foldable design offers support and cushioning for the child’s neck and back at all reclining angles, with sides that conform to the body for enhanced comfort and support.

The stroller comes with a sun hood that provides UPF 50+ sun protection, and it features a spacious storage basket underneath. Joolz also offers optional accessories such as a cup holder, footboard, and car seat adapters, which must be purchased separately.

While the stroller is adjustable, it is intended for children aged 6 months and older (with a maximum weight limit of 49 pounds) and does not fully recline. For those looking to use it with a newborn, a newborn carrycot ($219) is available for separate purchase.

UPPAbaby Vista V2

• Ideal for: Parents seeking a premium stroller that can grow alongside their expanding family
• Weight: 27 pounds
• Dimensions when folded: 25.7 inches by 17.3 inches by 33 inches
• Available for purchase: UPPAbaby Vista V2, $1,299

Reasons the UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent travel stroller

The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a premium travel stroller designed to adapt as your child grows. The standard package includes a stroller frame, toddler seat, infant seat with base, and a bassinet, allowing you to start using it right from day one until your child reaches 50 pounds. This stroller folds effortlessly in one simple step and can stand independently when folded.

The UPPAbaby Vista V2 can be configured to accommodate up to three children with the addition of a rumble seat and/or ride-along board. Besides its versatility, it offers a smooth ride thanks to its spring-action all-wheel suspension, features a UPF 50+ sunshade, and boasts an oversized storage basket that can carry up to 30 pounds of baby gear.

The vice president of marketing and communications at TPG selected the UPPAbaby Vista V2 as her go-to travel stroller. "We’re expecting our first baby in just a few weeks and chose the UPPAbaby Vista V2 for its durability and long-lasting design, especially since we live in NYC and need something versatile," she said. "It rolls incredibly smoothly, and the storage basket is impressively spacious. While it comes with a bassinet and toddler seat, I also appreciate the many accessories available for purchase to customize it to our needs," she added.

While it may not be the lightest or most compact option on this list, its numerous usage options, durability, and thoughtful features—such as full-grain leather accents, a rain cover, and various color choices—make it an outstanding choice for those seeking a versatile stroller built for the long haul.

Doona Car Seat & Stroller

• Ideal for: Parents of newborns seeking a comprehensive all-in-one stroller solution
• Weight: 16.5 pounds
• Dimensions when folded: 23.6 inches by 17.3 inches by 26 inches
• Available for purchase: Doona Car Seat & Stroller, $650

Reasons the Doona is an excellent travel stroller

The wheels of the Doona Car Seat & Stroller easily retract to convert from stroller to car seat, making it a perfect choice for frequent travelers on the go. This unique design means you won't have to worry about coordinating a car seat plan upon arrival or carrying extra gear through the airport.

While there are certainly less expensive strollers available, the Doona offers both a stroller and car seat for one price, making it a surprisingly budget-friendly option.

The Doona boasts a stylish appearance with faux-leather accents and sleek black fabric, and it performs well with features like an extendable handlebar, a shade canopy, and an attachable storage bag. Additional accessories such as a larger storage bag, sunshade, and travel bag can be purchased separately.

Designed for babies and children weighing between 4 and 35 pounds, the Doona is exclusively rear-facing, meaning your child may outgrow this stroller faster than other travel models. However, for the newborn phase, the compact and convenient Doona is hard to beat.

Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller

• Ideal for: Families seeking a stroller for outdoor adventures
• Weight: 32 pounds
• Dimensions when folded: 34.2 inches by 31.5 inches by 14.7 inches
• Available for purchase: Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller, $1,349.95

Reasons the Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller is great for travel

While the Thule Chariot Double Jogging Stroller may not be the first stroller that comes to mind for travel, it’s an excellent choice if your adventures involve hiking, biking, or camping (with separate kits available for skiing and jogging). You'll appreciate having this multi-sport trailer and stroller on your journeys.

In the realm of trailers and strollers, the Thule Chariot stands out as top-tier. It folds smaller than many comparable models, features independently reclining seats for napping on the go, adjustable suspension for a smooth ride on various terrains, adjustable ventilation, and a spacious storage basket.

Due to its design, the Thule Chariot will need to be gate-checked when flying, but TPG's senior director of engineering, Mitchell Stoutin, believes its larger size is a significant advantage. "It can serve as a 'napping cave' or even a luggage cart at the airport, but the main reason I purchased it was to enjoy a trip with my kids without needing a car seat," he shared.

During a family trip to Sitka, Alaska, he took the bike trailer attachment with him and rented bikes for exploring the island. "Even while pulling the kids behind the bike in heavy rain, they remained dry and cozy," Stoutin noted. "The Thule allowed us to experience a different kind of vacation with our kids,"

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

• Ideal for: Families in search of a stroller designed for long-term use
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Dimensions when folded: 25.6 inches by 11.2 inches by 33 inches
• Available for purchase: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, $329 (regularly $399.99)

Reasons the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is an excellent travel stroller

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 stands out as a premium stroller at a mid-range price. Although it's not the lightest or the most compact option on this list, its durability is evident. Stoutin, who has used this stroller for six years with three children, confirmed it still performs flawlessly.

The City Mini GT2 boasts impressive durability, featuring "forever air" rubber tires that never require inflation and an all-wheel suspension system, ensuring a smooth ride on any terrain. It offers a high degree of customization with an adjustable handlebar and the option to add accessories such as an infant car seat, pram, glider board, parent console, and child tray (all sold separately).

This stroller folds swiftly and effortlessly with a one-hand mechanism, keeping your baby comfortable thanks to a nearly flat reclining seat and adjustable calf support. Additionally, it features a spacious under-seat basket capable of holding up to 10 pounds.

The City Mini GT2 is suitable for newborns when paired with the Baby Jogger infant car seat (sold separately) or using the included car seat adapters, and it supports children up to an impressive weight limit of 65 pounds as they transition into the toddler stage.

Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller

• Ideal for: Parents with multiple children seeking a lightweight, compact stroller
• Weight: 28 pounds
• Dimensions when folded: 26 inches by 30.3 inches by 12.8 inches
• Available for purchase: Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller, $429.99 (regularly $459.99)

Reasons the Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller is excellent for travel

Locating a side-by-side double stroller that fulfills your requirements can be challenging, but the Joovy Kooper X2 checks all the boxes. It features wide, comfortable, adjustable seats for your little ones, while remaining narrow enough to navigate through doorways. It folds easily with one hand and stands upright when folded. Plus, essential extras like snack trays, shade canopies, and ample storage compartments are included.

The seats and shade canopies can be adjusted independently, making it easy to accommodate your children when it's time for a nap. Additionally, the under-stroller storage basket can hold up to 22 pounds (because more kids mean more gear). Planning a trip to a theme park? The Joovy Kooper X2 complies with Disney World and Disneyland's stroller size guidelines.

Each seat is designed to accommodate a child weighing up to 50 pounds, but it cannot be used with infant car seats, meaning you can only start using it once your child is at least 3 months old.

Nuna PIPA urbn + TRVL Stroller and Car Seat Travel System

• Ideal for: City residents seeking a stroller system that transitions smoothly from sidewalks to cars to airplanes
• Weight: 13.6 pounds
• Dimensions when folded: 24 inches by 20.25 inches by 11 inches
• Available for purchase: NUNA PIPA urbn + TRVL stroller and car seat travel system, $900

Reasons the NUNA is an excellent choice for travel

The PIPA urbn + TRVL system by NUNA stands out as one of the lightest and most user-friendly travel systems available. The included infant car seat features a baseless latch installation system, allowing you to use it effortlessly in a cab, ride-hailing service, or airplane seat, as well as in your own vehicle.

When the car seat is detached, the stroller base can be folded with one hand into an ultra-compact size for easy transport. You can even use the provided carry bag or remove the wheels for an even smaller folded profile if needed.

Caroline English, TPG's director of marketing, uses the NUNA with her child both at home and while traveling. "It maneuvers beautifully on smooth surfaces and can execute a full 360-degree turn with ease," she remarked. "Plus, the folding mechanism is fantastic. On a recent trip to Cape Cod, we were able to fold it small enough to take into restaurants and carry around without hassle," she added.

The NUNA is equipped with a UPF 50+ sunshade, stylish leather-like accents, and a storage basket. Once your little one outgrows the PIPA urbn car seat, the TRVL stroller's toddler seat can accommodate children weighing up to 50 pounds.

Advice for traveling with a stroller by air

How and where to check your stroller while flying

Airlines have different policies; some require you to check your stroller at the gate, while others mandate checking it at the ticket counter if it exceeds a certain weight limit.

Bringing your travel stroller to the gate is more convenient, allowing your little one to ride or nap until boarding. However, if you prefer to check it in earlier, you can do so at the ticket counter and use a baby carrier to navigate the airport with your child.

Before heading to the airport, make sure to review the regulations of your airline so you are well-prepared. Some compact strollers are designed to fit in overhead bins, but whether they are permitted on board depends on the specific stroller, the airline's policy, and the discretion of the flight attendants.

Avoiding damage

Before checking your stroller at the gate or ticket counter, it’s wise to take a few pictures. This way, if your stroller arrives damaged, you'll have evidence to support a claim. Each airline has different policies regarding claims, with some, like Southwest, covering only loss and not damage.

To minimize the risk of damage, place your stroller in a storage bag when checking it. Depending on the model, a bag may come included with your stroller purchase. Alternatively, you can find covers for your car seat or travel stroller on Amazon.

Unfortunately, it's essential to have a backup plan in case your stroller gets lost or damaged, as this can happen. Considering smaller or more affordable strollers for travel is wise unless you genuinely need a sturdier model.

Keep a website handy for stroller rentals at your destination as a contingency plan. Also, consider a quick visit to a local Walmart or Target if available. Sometimes, airline baggage claim offices have basic strollers for use in the event of delays or damage.

Navigating security

At TSA checkpoints, you'll usually need to fold your stroller and place it on the conveyor belt. If your stroller can't be folded or doesn’t fit, it may not be ideal for airport travel. However, security may conduct a visual or physical inspection if they see fit.

Key takeaway

Choosing the right travel stroller largely hinges on your specific needs. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so you should consider what’s most important for your journeys. Do you want it to fit in the overhead compartment? Are you looking for an economical option that won't break the bank if lost or damaged? Or is comfort for your baby the top priority for longer trips?

The most compact stroller might not handle rugged terrain well, and a stroller meant for newborns may not be suitable as your child grows older.

After determining your needs and priorities, you can more easily choose which travel stroller from this list aligns with your budget, travel style, and family requirements.