The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the lightest and compact travel pram. It's also among the easiest folding strollers. Despite its size, it offers an excellent ride, excellent sun canopy and multi-position recline.

For less than $100 the stroller is a great value. It's small and easy to fold, making it ideal for public transport or to carry over your shoulder.

1. Lightweight

The most important thing to consider when choosing a travel stroller is to be lightweight and easy to fold. The most popular models we tested could fold with just one hand and sometimes with two, and they can fit into overhead compartments for luggage. They are also lightweight and easy to roll which makes them easy to maneuver in tight space. Some even offer a telescoping handle for parents of different heights. If you're planning a short trip with a newborn or a long-haul getaway with a toddler, you'll need a lightweight, easy-to-pack stroller to make the journey -- and return -- easier for your family.

We evaluated nine strollers that meet our minimum size and weight requirements. Each model was tested on city streets, country side walks, and in the airport terminal to assess its ability to maneuver, its ease of Folding Stroller and carrying and overall comfort for children.

Our top choice is the Babyzen YoYo2 (320) It folds the easiest of all the strollers we tested, and is able to fit into the overhead bins of planes. It's car seat compatible and the seat reclines completely flat, making it ideal for infants. The car also has a deep undercarriage and a bag-hook attached to the handle, and UPF50+ canopy to provide plenty of protection for your child.

Other options include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), that features a one-handed concertina fold and is incredibly light. Its five-point harness, padded and crotch strap keep your child safe, and the reversible seat and a hefty undercarriage basket ensure there's plenty of space for pram and car Seat their belongings. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat, making it a viable option for families who start from the time of birth.

Lastly, the Coya TRVL ($320) is a different one-handed, one-step fold with car seat compatibility and a wide canopy. It's more expensive than other models in this category, but offers additional features, including a spacious cupholder and a parent's pocket, a movable handlebar to accommodate parents of different heights, and a comfortable carrying strap. Its simplicity is sacrificed for some durability when compared to other models in this category, however.

2. Easy to fold

When you're on the move the stroller you use for travel needs to be simple to open and close. You don't want a stroller that is difficult to close when you have children or groceries in your arms. The best strollers for travel fold easily and compactly, even when you only have one hand. Many come with a cushioned strap that you can comfortably wear over your shoulders.

In our tests, the Libelle stroller scored well for its easy folding pram and compactness. It also has a few excellent features: It glides effortlessly over all surfaces and has a generous canopy that provides plenty of coverage. It's also extremely lightweight and stands by itself when folded. This makes it much easier to keep in storage.

We suggest parents who want their stroller to fit into the overhead bin of a plane and are looking for models that claim to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow is a good example. It fits into the smallest folding and comes with a protective travel cover. However, it does not have a reclining seat and the cargo area is too narrow to hold anything other than the smallest diaper bag or tote.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another option. It folds concertina-style fashion, but it also features a reversible seating arrangement for face-to-face riding or back-to-back riding. The handle is tucked behind the seat, however our editor didn't love the fold.

The newest type of stroller that is a travel model is the tri-fold. It folds in thirds, and offers the most compact combination of size and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for example, has a convertible seat, an unstructured rear storage pouch, and a lockable clasp that keeps it folded. It's slightly larger than the umbrella models of the brand however, it folds more compactly than G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts, and comes with a padded carry strap that fits over your shoulder.

3. Easy to store

The most effective strollers for travel can fold down to a small size that is easy to store. They can easily be tucked away in the trunk of a vehicle or the overhead bin of the plane. Some have a strap that can be used to carry the stroller on your shoulder, so that your hands won't be exhausted. They are also lighter than normal strollers, which can make them easier to carry and lift when it's time for a stroll around the neighborhood or to the airport.

The stroller performed extremely well on our durability tests and was easy to maneuver over any type of surface. From smooth hardwoods to shag flooring, this stroller is a great choice. However, some of our testers found it to be a bit thin and the handlebar does not have any padding to help keep your hands comfortable. The size of the storage basket is also something to consider. It is on the small side and some parents have found it difficult fitting a large diaperbag inside it.

We recommend that you call your airline prior to departure to inquire about their specific rules regarding strollers. They can differ. This is crucial if you plan to gate-check your stroller. You can then use it on the plane, and then navigate the airport without the stroller.

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent choice if you are looking for a compact, lightweight stroller. The Contours Itsy comes almost fully assembled and all you have to do is snap in the bumper bar. It has a cup for parents holder and a back pocket, but no oversized basket that could limit your ability to pack essentials for long trips.

If you're an avid traveler, we suggest you consider a more robust stroller with better features and can hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for instance, comes with many of the same features as its G-Luxe and G-Link cousins however, it's smaller and folds faster. It's also slightly sturdier than an umbrella stroller and it comes with a cushioned carrying strap to take some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

The comfort factor is crucial when using strollers for extended periods of time. Seats with plenty of padding as well as a reclining system that can be adjusted at different angles are the best travel pushchair. Also note whether the canopy extends to provide shade from the sun and if it has mesh windows that allow airflow. You should consider a model that comes with an organizer for parents and a cupholder as well as a large basket under the seat in case you need to carry your belongings. If you're in the market for a travel stroller for older children, make sure to check the age range and assess whether your child will be comfortable in the seat without an infant car seat.

How a stroller rolls is also vital. It must be able to roll easily across a variety of surfaces including smooth hardwoods and shag carpets to cobblestones, and gravel. It should also handle stairs and curbs with ease. Choose a lightweight stroller when you plan to do a lot walking during your journey. This will help to prevent back and leg pain.

A great stroller for travel is also easy to use. It should be assembled in less than 30 seconds and snap together securely when you put it into the correct position. It should fold flat and fit into the boot of your car, or the overhead compartments of a plane. It should also remain upright when folded so that you can pick it up with one hand, while holding your child in the other.

If you are a parent looking for a high-quality lightweight stroller for their child, the Joie Tourist is a great option. It features various recline positions, to allow your child to sleep comfortably. The extendable canopy offers plenty of sun protection with UPF protection. It also comes with lots of extras including a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover are included. Charlotte is thrilled that the car seat is suitable for infants to four-year-olds and does not require a separate adapter.