In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

The 5 Best Travel Strollers

We tested travel strollers from UPPAbaby, BabyZen, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, Zoe, and others to find the best
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Best Travel Stroller Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jun 9, 2024

The Best Travel Strollers


Searching for the best travel stroller available today? We considered over 50 popular competitors and purchased 11 top strollers for intense side-by-side testing for this review. Finding a great travel stroller for travel or commuting can be more challenging than it looks. We can help! We've tested more than 400 strollers since 2013, including more than 65 travel-ready options. We considered weight and folded size, quality, maneuverability, and ease of use to help you find the right lightweight stroller for your family and wallet. Read on for more details about each stroller.

If you need a travel stroller for twins or multiples, be sure to take a look at our double travel stroller review to find the best. And, if the lightest possible weight and folded size are not as important to you as ease of strolling, then take a look at some of the lighter weight best full-size strollers we've tested, as they could be just what you want. If you are researching strollers in general, be sure to check out our picks of top strollers of all types, which offers general browsing. If you're going to travel with older babies, you might need a travel-friendly top-ranked convertible car seats.

Editor's Note: This lightweight stroller review was updated on June 9, 2024, with a completely new set of strollers tested side-by-side.

Top 11 Travel Strollers - Test Results

Displaying 1 - 5 of 11
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Awards Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award  Top Pick Award 
Price $449 List
$479.00 at Amazon
$400 List
$399.99 at Amazon
$420 List
$369.99 at Amazon
$530 List
$493.85 at Amazon
$330 List
$220.00 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
81
78
76
76
73
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Pros Packs small, high-quality, huge window, stand-open harnessRigid frame, impressive storage, premium materials, versatile seatingLarge wheels, ample storage, roomy seatVery compact fold, unique design, fairly stableUnbelievably compact, lightweight, soft fabrics
Cons Expensive, smaller wheels, unpadded leg restManual fold lock, no cup holders, not as packableLarge for a travel stroller, leg lift doesn't adjust, heavierNo peek-a-boo cover, no leg rest, very limited storageFlexy frame, strange push handles, no peek-a-boo window
Bottom Line A high-quality compact stroller that delivers exceptional handling for parents and dreamy comfort for kidsA premium stroller with matching performance that allows for versatile infant arrangements and ample storageA smaller full-size that can do double duty and save you some money and frustration, avoiding a small or second strollerAn expensive stroller with a unique design that packs small, but it lacks some features we'd expect at this priceA super small folded stroller that is otherwise largely average
Rating Categories Bugaboo Butterfly UPPAbaby Minu v2 Britax B-Free BabyZen Yoyo2 gb Pockit+ All City
Transport/Storing (30%)
7.6
6.3
5.4
7.5
8.4
Ease of Use (30%)
8.5
7.9
7.7
7.3
7.8
Maneuverability (20%)
7.3
8.7
9.9
8.2
5.8
Quality (10%)
9.0
9.0
8.5
8.0
7.0
Kid's Comfort (10%)
9.0
8.5
8.1
7.0
6.2
Specs Bugaboo Butterfly UPPAbaby Minu v2 Britax B-Free BabyZen Yoyo2 gb Pockit+ All City
Weight 16.0 lbs 17.0 lbs 22.5 lbs 14.0 lbs 13.1 lbs
BGL Folded Dims. 17.5"W x 10.3"H x 21.3"L 20.5"W x 10.3"H x 23"L 24"W x 10.3"H x 27"L 17.5"W x 10"H x 20"L 13"W x 10.3"H x 21.3"L
Capacity Limits Min: 6 months
Max: 50 lbs
Min: 3 months
Max: 50 lbs
Min: Birth
Max 55 lbs
Min: Not specified
Max: 48.5 lbs
Min: 6 months
Max: 5 years
Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight 18 lbs 20 lbs 11 lbs 11 lbs Not Specified
Car Seat Compatibility N/A UPPAbaby Mesa Max & Mesa V2 Britax N/A Cybex
Min./Max. Handle Height 41 in. 41 in. 32"/44.5" 42 in. 41 in.
Wheel Type Foam Foam Foam Filled Rubber Foam Foam
Brake type Single Single Single Single Single


Best Overall Travel Stroller


Bugaboo Butterfly


81
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Transport/Storing 7.6
  • Ease of Use 8.5
  • Maneuverability 7.3
  • Quality 9.0
  • Kid's Comfort 9.0
Weight: 16.0 lbs | Folded size: 3,355 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Packs small
High quality
Great peek-a-boo window
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Smaller wheels

The Bugaboo Butterfly is a lovely compact stroller with a thoughtful design and quality components. This stroller looks sleek, has a removable pad, and has a unique harness that stays propped open when waiting for a passenger. It is easy to push and turn, one of the quickest to fold with one hand, and folds small enough to fit almost anywhere.

The Bugaboo is expensive and could be prohibitive, depending on your budget. If budget is a concern, we like the Zoe Traveler almost as much, and it will save you almost half the price. This option also has smaller wheels and isn't going to be fun to push on rougher terrain off the beaten path. The Britax B-Free has larger wheels if your planned adventures take you there. Overall, if you want a travel stroller that works as it should without a moment of frustration or complaint, we think the Bugaboo Butterfly is an impressive choice if your wallet allows it.

Read more: Bugaboo Butterfly review

The Bugagoo has a thoughtful design with high quality materials that is easy to use, comfortable, and easy to push.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Best Lightweight for Car Seat


UPPAbaby Minu v2


78
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Transport/Storing 6.3
  • Ease of Use 7.9
  • Maneuverability 8.7
  • Quality 9.0
  • Kid's Comfort 8.5
Weight: 17.0 lbs | Folded size: 5,894 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile seating
Smooth fold
Impressive storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Heavier weight

The UPPAbaby Minu v2 is a high-quality option that offers more versatility than the standard travel fare. This capable option can work with a UPPAbaby infant car seat or the UPPAbaby Bassinet. Being able to swap seating out gives this stroller multiple uses and can increase the lifespan for those looking for a one-and-done approach. This stroller also has the highest maximum storage basket weight capacity and folds in thirds to make a smaller package to carry and stow.

The Minu v2 is heavier than most of the options in this review. At 17 lbs, it can't hold a candle to those that are 13 or under. This could be a deal breaker for some in a category where size and weight rule. The gb Pockit+ All-City four pounds lighter and significantly smaller than the Minu v2 and could be a good alternative if your top priority is something lightweight that is easy to carry. The Minu v2 is also expensive for a product that might be a secondary stroller. This could be acceptable if it is your only planned stroller, or you might consider the Zoe Traveler if you hope to save money. The Minu v2 is an impressive travel stroller that works with an infant car seat and a bassinet, providing some of the most seating versatility in the lineup.

Read more: UPPAbaby Minu v2 review

The Minu v2 uses quality materials that feel soft and durable.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Best Budget Travel Stroller


Zoe Traveler


72
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Transport/Storing 6.9
  • Ease of Use 7.2
  • Maneuverability 7.3
  • Quality 7.0
  • Kid's Comfort 7.6
Weight: 13.2 lbs | Folded size: 5,134 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Less expensive
Comfy features
Better maneuverability
REASONS TO AVOID
Average ease of use
Longer fold

The Zoe Traveler is a less expensive lightweight stroller in a crowd of spendy options. It has enough features to work for everyday use, but it is lightweight and small enough that it is a great traveler. This stroller has a good-sized canopy, easy-to-access storage, and is good on hard, flat surfaces.

The Zoe has a small seat and not a lot of storage space. Bigger seats can be found on the Britax B-Free and the Bugaboo Butterfly. It also has a smaller storage bin and might not work with some larger diaper bags. However, outside of those hiccups, it remains one of our favorite lightweight choices, and we think the price makes up for whatever it lacks.

Read more: Zoe Traveler review

The Zoe Traveler folds easily and creates a small package with carry handle.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Best Double Duty Stroller


Britax B-Free


76
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Transport/Storing 5.4
  • Ease of Use 7.7
  • Maneuverability 9.9
  • Quality 8.5
  • Kid's Comfort 8.1
Weight: 22.5 lbs | Folded size: 6,674 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Money saver, 2-in-1
Large wheels
Ample storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Large for travel
Heavy for travel

The Britax B-Free is a full-size stroller masquerading as a travel stroller. While not technically a travel option, it is relatively lightweight and folds flat, making it a potential crossover option that can do double duty if needed. This stroller has a one-pull fold, is easy to carry, has larger wheels, and rolls better than the true travel choices. With a comfortable seat, large storage, and ample canopy, it is easy to see why it won awards in multiple categories.

This option is not the lightest or the smallest, making it an unlikely choice for those who want something truly designed for travel. The gb pocket+ fits that bill better, but it means compromising on all the things we love of the B-Free. If you have some wiggle room when it comes to size or needs something for every day that can stand in for travel, then the Britax could be the one stroller solution that meets your needs.

Read more: Britax B-Free review

The Britax B-Free is small enough to work as a potential cross-over stroller from full-size to travel option.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Most Compact Travel Stroller


gb Pockit+ All City


73
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Transport/Storing 8.4
  • Ease of Use 7.8
  • Maneuverability 5.8
  • Quality 7.0
  • Kid's Comfort 6.2
Weight: 13.1 lbs | Folded size: 2,215 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Super compact
Soft materials
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Frame flex
Odd handles

The gb Pockit+ All City is almost too good at doing what it was designed for. This lightweight stroller folds and folds again like an origami dollar bill. It is easy to use, easy to fold, and has a carry strap.

The folding superpowers of the Pockit make the frame super flexible and hard to push off the road on grass and gravel. The Bugaoo Butterfly folds almost as small and has a rigid frame that helps it move more smoothly over all surfaces in our testing. It is also expensive for a product that really only has one use and is unlikely to fit the bill for daily life. The gb Pockit isn't perfect, but if you travel frequently or need the absolute smallest stroller that won't make you angry, then the Pockit is the one we'd choose. However, if you can spare some space, we think there are other contenders to like more.

Read more: gb Pockit+ All City review

If you travel frequently and want something uber-small to pack and carry, the gb Pockit+ All-City fills that niche.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Notable: Ultra-Tight Budget Contender


Kolcraft Cloud Plus


57
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Transport/Storing 5.9
  • Ease of Use 6.2
  • Maneuverability 5.4
  • Quality 5.0
  • Kid's Comfort 4.7
Weight: 10.1 lbs | Folded size: 6,327 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Lower quality
Harder to push/turn

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a basic lightweight stroller with a design and feel most associated with a lightweight or umbrella stroller. It has a reasonable price and is easy enough to use. It is one of the lightest options in the review, and we can see why parents will be drawn to it over the more expensive contenders.

The Kolcraft is not a great stroller and didn't perform that well in most metrics. It is generally blah and feels outdated compared to the other options in our review. However, we also recognize that the prices of the top-ranked strollers could be more than a new parent wants to pay. Especially if you plan to use it only a handful of times. While the Kolcraft did not score well enough to win an award, we think it could be a potential option for anyone who needs a stroller for a few quick adventures where a small pushing option will make things easier and the budget is tight. If you simply must have a small stroller on a shoestring and can't use your primary stroller, then this would be our choice.

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
81
Bugaboo Butterfly
Best Overall Travel Stroller
$449
Editors' Choice Award
78
UPPAbaby Minu v2
Best Lightweight for Car Seat
$400
Editors' Choice Award
76
Britax B-Free
Best Double Duty Stroller
$420
Top Pick Award
76
BabyZen Yoyo2
$530
73
gb Pockit+ All City
Most Compact Travel Stroller
$330
Top Pick Award
72
Zoe Traveler
Best Budget Travel Stroller
$249
Best Value Award
72
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single
$260
71
Inglesina Quid
$300
65
UPPAbaby G-Luxe
$200
57
Kolcraft Cloud Plus
Notable: Ultra-Tight Budget Contender
$80
55
Summer Infant 3D lite
$100

travel stroller
Credit: Matt Lighthart

How We Test Travel Strollers


We've purchased and tested over 200 strollers since 2014, including more than 65 lightweight travel strollers. As always, we accept no freebies or advertising from manufacturers and purchase each stroller ourselves to ensure complete independence. Our testing protocol for strollers is extensive and involves real-world, day-to-day use testing and a set of 50 individual lab tests to inform our ratings.

We tested each stroller through a course that included moving over thresholds and standard doorways.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Our testing of travel strollers is divided into four rating metrics:

  • Transporting and Storing tests (30% overall score weighting)
  • Ease of Use tests (30% of weighting)
  • Maneuverability tests (20% of weighting)
  • Quality tests (10% of weighting)
  • Kid's Comfort (10% of weighting)

The Minu v2 weighed 17 lbs in our tests.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

We handle each stroller from unboxing to in-house lab testing and hours of use to determine which offers the best combination of lightweight and compact folded size, which are the easiest to use, and how they handle in terms of maneuverability, and quality. The weight and folded size metric most influence this stroller style because finding a compact, travel-friendly product for baby is the primary reason parents look for a travel stroller.

We spend hours testing every aspect of travel strollers, including preparing an outdoor obstacle course.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Why Trust GearLab


This travel stroller review is led by Dr. Juliet Spurrier, our founder and mother of two. Dr. Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician who uses her experience and medical background to help choose products with safety and functionality in mind. The team also includes our Senior Review Analyst, Bob Wofford, father of seven. Bob has been on the BabyGearLab team for ten years and has potentially assembled and tested more strollers than anyone on the planet. Bob is a strolling expert with over 435 stroller reviews under his belt across the best strollers. A newcomer to the test team is Sentry Kelly. Sentry is a Senior Review Analyst who double majored in applied manufacturing engineering and occupational safety and health management, concentrating in design and automation. As a stroller newbie, Sentry experienced testing and building strollers like new parents do. Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz (mother of 2) completed the team. Wendy has been on the stroller testing team since 2014.

Choosing a great travel stroller doesn't have to be a chore or guessing game.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller


Finding the best travel stroller can be frustrating as they are definitely not created equal, and the price range is vast. However, if you ask yourself some key questions, you can narrow the field to a couple that meet your needs without breaking the bank.

Do you need a travel stroller?
The short answer is no; most families don't need a travel-specific option. The long answer is more complicated. In our experience, most lightweight strollers create frustrating circumstances where the benefits don't outshine the issues of lack of storage, poor maneuverability, or lack of child comfort features. Most traveling families (in our experience) claim they'd rather have a full-size stroller over the smaller options for the convenience and ease of pushing. Given that both will be a challenge through airport security and both might need to be checked when you get to the plane, we see their point. Also, most parents will prefer a larger stroller when they reach their destination. So, while we understand the idea of a travel stroller can be appealing, we aren't sold on the idea that everyone needs one and encourage you to consider your situation carefully before shelling out the extra cash.

travel stroller - where you plan to stroll can impact your choice of which travel...
Where you plan to stroll can impact your choice of which travel stroller to buy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Where Will You Stroll


Knowing where you plan to use your stroller makes a big difference in the kind of stroller you choose. If you only need it for inside pushing at the museum or the airport, then maneuverability might take a back seat over child comfort, and smaller wheels will be acceptable. Alternatively, if you plan to use your stroller on a world tour, then features and ease of pushing might take more of a main role in your search.

travel stroller - longer strolling can create the need for more or better features.
Longer strolling can create the need for more or better features.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

How Long and How Often


Determining how long your trip might be and how often you might be using the stroller is important. If it is used frequently, finding a quality option with the features you need for comfort and convenience will be key. If you only need it for a one-off trip, you might get away with a lower-quality option with fewer features to save some money. You might even determine that a full-size stroller is a better choice if it looks like it will be used frequently.

Pick Your Budget


The travel stroller category has a price range that spans several hundred dollars. A high-priced option might be a no-go, especially if it is a second or third stroller you add to your lineup. While we know budgets can be tight, we recommend taking a hard look to ensure you even need a travel stroller at all, and if you do, ask yourself if you can get by with a slightly less flashy option to meet your needs and save your wallet.

We tested strollers in the real world to get feedback from parents...
We tested strollers in the real world to get feedback from parents on what they liked and didn't like.
We compared features side-by-side to find the best travel stroller.
We compared features side-by-side to find the best travel stroller.

Analysis and Test Results


We tested top-ranked, lightweight travel strollers to determine which competitors are better than the rest. Each is observed, used, and rated on weight and folded size, ease of use, maneuverability, and quality to help you find the right stroller for your plans and budget.


Value


Travel strollers have a wide price range, with hundreds of dollars in difference between options. Which options are a good value depends on how often you use them. If this will be a frequently used item, then a higher price for a higher quality or easier to use option could make sense for you. However, if you only need it for a single trip or passage through an airport, a higher-priced item would likely be more stroller than you need. Because this category is typically a backup or secondary stroller for most families, the prices can feel high if your budget is tight or you have limited plans to use it.

travel stroller - while the travel stroller lineup is smaller than traditional...
While the travel stroller lineup is smaller than traditional strollers, there is variation in the sizes and shapes of each folded package.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transporting and Storing


How much a stroller weighs and how small it can fold are the factors that make or break a travel stroller. Whatever you choose, it needs to be easy to fold and transport. This product should simplify travel by folding quickly, being easy to carry, and stowing easily at your destination or on public transportation. A few of our lineup's products are heavy, making them more of a burden to carry. Others are lightweight but longer when folded. If you're looking for a travel option, this is the main metric to watch when deciding which stroller to buy.


The highest-scoring product for transporting and storing is the gb Pockit+ All-City. This option is very lightweight and super small when folded. It is 13.1 lbs and measures 2,215 cubic inches. Loading and unloading it is a breeze, thanks to the weight and size. It fully locks into position, so there is no risk of it opening or getting bigger during transport, say as you lift it into an overhead bin on a plane.

The gb Pockit + All City is one of the smallest folded packages in the group.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The lowest scoring option is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe with a weight of over 16 lbs and a folded size of 9,834 cubic inches, which is more on par with the full-size strollers. The G-Luxe is long when folded and that hurt its score during testing. Even the Britax B-Free is smaller, with a folded size of 6,674 cubic inches, but it weighs over 22 lbs. However, in fairness, you won't fit the B-Free in an overhead bin.

The Butterfly has multiple easy to use features, including a harness that remains wide open until you clip the parts into place.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


Ease of use encompasses daily experience and the features that make a product easier to use or potentially versatile.


Parents usually find that products with better results in this metric are good for a wider variety of activities or make life easier. A larger storage bin could translate to grocery shopping or an unexpected trip to a farmer's market. Alternatively, a quick fold can make a stroller better for commuting when speed and space are typically prized over bells and whistles. This metric could be important to your final decision, depending on your specific goals. The stroller with the highest scoring for ease of use is the Bugaboo Butterfly, while the hardest option is the Summer Infant 3D lite, which has features that are harder to use than much of the competition.

The Devil is in the Details


Within our ease of use rating, we perform multiple tests that combine to make up the overall score. We weigh sub-metrics according to their value in creating a highly functional lightweight stroller. To better evaluate the unique features of each stroller, we show how each stroller stacks up when compared to the competition.

Nothing folds as smoothly and easily as the Bugaboo Butterfly.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold and Unfold


We fold, pick up, put down, unfold, and stroll with all the products. We take time to note which ones can be folded one-handed (with a diaper bag in your other arm or a baby on the hip) and which have convenient features like a self-stand or automatic lock.

Travel strollers should be quick to fold and straightforward to operate. While a compact fold is essential, executing the fold quickly and without complications is just as important. We favor products that fold with one hand and have fewer steps. Strollers that lock automatically or stand on their own earn extra points.

The Summer Infant 3D lite folds more like a traditional umbrella stroller and includes a release latch and auto-lock clasp to keep it folded.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Several strollers excel in this sub-metric, but the Bugaboo Butterfly took top honors in our tests. It has a one-handed fold, self-stands, and locks in place. The process is simple and equally easy to unfold. The most challenging to fold and unfold in our tests was the Summer Infant 3D lite. This isn't a hard option to manipulate, but in comparison, it has a clunky process that isn't as smooth as competitors. It requires two hands to operate and does not self-stand. The process here includes unlocking a crossbar to initiate, which proved tricky with a potential for pinching. Unfolding required a little more oompf than the rest of the lineup.

The double-action Kolcraft brakes are hard to release with a lifting pedal that uses the top of your foot.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


All the brakes work. We did not experience any faulty brakes or accidental releases in our testing. However, some of the brakes are much easier to operate than others. Good brakes should be easy to set and release and pain-free for sandal-wearing feet. Color coding is also a plus. The brakes should engage without sticking or feeling locked if they aren't.

Some of the travel options we tested have double-action brakes requiring pressing two pedals for brake engagement. We worry that parents will forget or intentionally skip engaging a pedal, which could lead to preventable accidents or injuries. The double-action brake models in this lineup include the Kolcraft Cloud Plus and the Summer Infant 3D lite. We prefer single-action brakes that only require one pedal to set.

travel stroller - the minu v2 has color-coded brake pedals, so you know where you...
The Minu v2 has color-coded brake pedals, so you know where you stand at a glance.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The best brakes in this review were several single-action brakes that were easy to set and release with a sandal foot-friendly design. These include the Britax B-Free, gb Pockit+ All City, Inglesina Quid, UPPAbaby G-Luxe and the UPPAbaby Minu v2, and the Zoe Traveler

The Summer Infant storage bin is small, and the access disappears when the seat is reclined.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Storage


The amount of useful stroller storage greatly influences its ease of use. The main storage area is typically an under-seat bin, and we look at the size and accessibility by attempting to slide diaper bags in when they are stuffed to the max. We also take into account additional storage features such as parent pockets, cup holders, and child trays.


Most of the products offer some storage, but the main differences are in how much and where they are stored. Momst have a traditional under-seat storage bin, but they vary widely in size, weight capacity, and ease of access, which has not been the case in years past. Several options did not include their maximum storage capacity, so you won't see them in the chart above.

travel stroller - the butterfly has a spring-loaded back access to make getting items...
The Butterfly has a spring-loaded back access to make getting items into the basket easier.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The best for those who gave information and performed well in our tests was the Britax B-Free, which is not a surprise since it is technically a full-size stroller. The runner-up option includes the Bugaboo Butterfly, which holds up to 18 lbs and is easy to use with a wider opening. The UPPAbaby Minu v2 can hold up to 20 lbs! But the access isn't as useful as the Bugaboo. The most disappointing storage is found on the BabyZen Yoyo 2 and the Summer Infant 3D Lite. Both have hard-to-access bins and accept 11 and 10 lbs, respectively. The layout of the frame on the Babyzen makes access super difficult. The Summer Infant is even harder to access, with small openings that become useless when the seat is reclined.

travel stroller - the kolcraft harness is cheap feeling and convoluted with a lot of...
The Kolcraft harness is cheap feeling and convoluted with a lot of parts that are not that easy to adjust or use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Harness


All the products in this review have 5-point harnesses, but different adjustability methods exist. We check the stiffness of each buckle and note if the straps have any padding or if there is abrasive fabric or webbing. We consider how difficult the straps are to adjust for height and correct fit and how hard the buckle is to use. We also included whether the product has an adjustable crotch strap and whether the lowest shoulder height will work for smaller babies.

travel stroller - the babyzen harness and buckle are easy to use and adjust with...
The Babyzen harness and buckle are easy to use and adjust with smooth webbing and a large release button.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

We believe parents are likelier to use a harness if it is easy. The easiest harnesses to use include those found on the BabyZen Yoyo 2, Bugaboo Butterfly, and the gb Pockit+ All City. These have smooth webbing, easy adjustments, including shoulder height changes, and easy-to-operate buckles. The worst harnesses in the group are the Britax B-Free and the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. The Britax has a rethread height adjustment, and the Kolcraft has a cheap buckle and rough materials.

The gb Pockit+ All-City requires no assembly, making it one of the easier options to set up.
Credit: Sentry Kelly

Ease of Setup


Most of the strollers in our lineup come virtually fully assembled. Most of the strollers only require the wheels, canopies, or sometimes the seat to be attached. None of the options require full assembly, but the time to build them varies between 3-13 minutes, indicating different challenges with packaging and reading instructions.

Assembly of the Kolcraft Cloud Plus has more parts than most competitors and took us more time to complete.
Credit: Sentry Kelly

The hardest stroller to assemble in our tests is the UPPAbaby Minu v2 with a build time of just under 13 minutes. The Minu v2 took longer due to a confusing manual we think many new parents will also struggle with, as it set us off on the wrong path, and we had to backtrack. The gb Pockit+ All City comes assembled, and the 5-minute assembly time was our inability to find the white clip holding it closed. So, if you loathe the idea of putting something together, it doesn't get easier than this.

Car Seat Compatibility


Only a few of the lightweight options are compatible with the best infant car seats. For the most part, this stroller category isn't known for infant or car seat compatibility, so it isn't a strike against them. However, we know many parents will be looking to use a lightweight, travel-friendly stroller with their infant car seat of choice. The following strollers accept at least one infant car seat make and model (some are compatible with multiple makes and models): Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single, Britax B-Free, gb Pockit+ All City, and the UPPAbaby Minu v2. If your travel stroller is going to be your main option or it will be utilized to carry infants, then choosing a stroller that works with a car seat is key. Luckily, there are more than ever before to choose from.

Newborn and Infant Strolling

Although some travel strollers claim newborn and infant suitability, we do NOT recommend using this type of stroller for children under six months unless it is compatible with a click-in infant car seat carrier.

Why?

This stroller type offers few features for infants and fails to provide the support and protection we believe babies who lack head and neck control need. Unless the stroller accepts an infant car seat, we don't think you should use them for little ones under six months. Ever. For safety, always watch your baby and regularly check to ensure the position and adjustment of the harness are correct. Check with your pediatrician and the owner's manual for more information.

Larger wheels make it easier to traverse bumps and traditions, as seen in this comparison of the Britax B-Free (single wheel) vs. the Bugaboo Butterfly with smaller wheels.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


We believe maneuverability can make or break whether or not you love (or use) your stroller. Depending on the journey and the terrain you'll cover, the travel stroller you choose can make a big difference in getting your little one where you want to go frustration-free. Some of the products were easy to push and turn, while others felt clunky and struggled over grass and gravel.


Compared to other stroller types like our favorite jogging strollers, all lightweight options lack superior maneuverability, but a few were better than the competition.

The Britax B-Free earned the highest marks in this metric thanks to the bigger wheels and three-wheel design. It isn't a huge shock, but it is a full-size stroller at heart, giving it an edge over the lightweight options that typically sport smaller wheels. In the traditional travel stroller world, the UPPAbaby Minu v2 earned a high score for maneuverability. This option performs well on hard, flat surfaces, but the rigid frame helps it push through the grass and gravel without too much extra effort.

The Summer Infant struggled in our tests for maneuverability, which could be a result of the poor mult-wheel on a single-leg design.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

While we assumed most of the strollers would struggle in the grass and gravel, we were surprised that some had difficulties on flat surfaces. The products that struggled in this metric were those with smaller wheels, wheels with fake tread, and dual front wheel designs (2 wheels on one leg). Products with single front wheels and larger wheels performed better than most of the others. The Summer Infant 3D lite performed the worst here with the double front wheels on each leg design that causes all kinds of handling problems and difficulty moving off flat surfaces. It has soft plastic wheels with fake tread and is unimpressive in most ways.

travel stroller - the uppababy minu v2 is a high-quality option that is well-designed...
The UPPAbaby Minu v2 is a high-quality option that is well-designed and manufactured.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


We consider a product's construction, materials, and durability during testing and how they may hold up over time for quality.


The look and feel of the materials, design, and performance indicate the quality level of the construction and components. Other considerations include frame flex, wobbly wheels, exposed fasteners, errant stitches, and loose connections.

travel stroller - the summer infant is one of the cheapest options and the lowest...
The Summer Infant is one of the cheapest options and the lowest quality.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The best quality option is the Bugaboo Butterfly, but it also has one of the highest prices. While high prices don't always translate to better quality, it often does. The materials and design of the Bugaboo are excellent, and they come together in a solid way with a nice fit and finish. The UPPAbaby Minu v2 is also impressive and shares the score with soft fabrics, little frame flex, and a thoughtful design for maneuverability and comfort. The lowest score in our quality tests is the Summer Infant 3D lite, which has flimsy plastic wheels, a flexy frame, and lots of visible fasteners and rivets with double-action brakes. It simply can't hold a candle to the higher-priced options.

We measure the recline angle of the stroller seat to help assess comfort for napping. The G-Luxe has a shallow recline that remains mostly upright.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Kid's Comfort


Having a fuzzy kid needing a nap on travel can be hard. Providing a place to sit comfortably or nap can help soothe the savage beast who is out of the element and off their schedule. We consider the seat, leg rest, and canopy and how these features work in our kid's comfort metric.

travel stroller - our little tester loved the bugaboo&#039;s seat padding, soft harness...
Our little tester loved the Bugaboo's seat padding, soft harness, and giant canopy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Seat


A reclining seatback and adjustable legrest are useful features to keep passengers comfy. Napping and being comfortable can differentiate between a successful journey and a disaster of epic proportions. We measure recline angles, note the presence of adjustable leg rest, check the footrest size, and rate seat padding.

Unfortunately, finding a comfortable seat is harder than you'd think when it comes to lightweight strollers. Some contenders offer a reclining seatback but lack an adjustable legrest; a few include both, and some don't have either. Some of the recline angles are shallow and not as nap-worthy as others. Depending on the sort of trip you take, a straightforward option with no comfort features may suffice, but if you're going to the zoo for the whole day, the trip will be much easier if your little one can snooze as the day progresses or gets hot.

travel stroller - the summer infant has a deeper recline, but the abrupt ending of the...
The Summer Infant has a deeper recline, but the abrupt ending of the leg rest and smaller canopy aren't as comfortable for the passenger and other strollers we tested.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Bugaboo Butterfly wins once again with the best result for kid's comfort. The seat is plush and comfy despite not having the deepest recline. It is easy to operate up and down with only one hand. The leg rest is the stand-out part of this seat, and unlike other strollers we tested. It offers seven different positions, from fully extended to folded out of the way. It has a footrest for smaller kids, and when folded away, there's a larger, more stable footrest for taller kids. The second best seat is the Britax B-Free, which has a padded leg rest, a deep seat, and a nap-worthy recline. The least comfortable seating arrangement is the Summer Infant 3D lite. This option reclines but covers the storage bin when you do. There is no leg rest to speak of, and the footrest is floppy and could end up useless or damaged.

travel stroller - canopies come in different sizes and sport different features.
Canopies come in different sizes and sport different features.
Credit: Sentry Kelly

Sunshade


While all the products offer sunshades, some have small shades and many lack peek-a-boo windows. We note the UPF rating, the size of the shade, and whether it has a peekaboo window. The ease of extending and folding also plays a part. But ultimately, we test to see how well a sunshade can protect a baby from the sun.

travel stroller - the larger canopies come further down to cover more of your child&#039;s...
The larger canopies come further down to cover more of your child's body. This image includes the Babyzen, UPPAbaby Minu v2, and the Bugaboo Butterfly from left to right.
Credit: Sentry Kelly

The Britax B-Free* has one of the biggest canopies and, together with the reclining seat, can create a private space free from prying eyes and safe from most sun. The Bugaboo Butterfly also scores well here.

travel stroller - a comparison of peek-a-boo windows in this lineup, including from...
A comparison of peek-a-boo windows in this lineup, including from left to right the BabyZen Yoyo 2, UPPAbaby Minu v2, and the Bugaboo Butterfly.
Credit: Sentry Kelly

While it isn't as large as the Britax, it is ample enough and has a giant peek-a-boo window with a zip-out expansion. The UPPAbaby Minu v2 is also large and has a mesh peek-aboo window. It offers enough coverage for all but the lowest sunset or earliest sunrise.

travel stroller - we&#039;ve tested more than 50 strollers suitable for travel since 2014.
We've tested more than 50 strollers suitable for travel since 2014.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Conclusion


Finding a useful travel stroller for travel or commuting doesn't have to be confusing. Our comprehensive review offers impressive lightweight and travel strollers for consideration. Whatever your goals or budget might be, we believe our test results and details can help you narrow your options and choose the best stroller for your needs. Between our award selections and the higher-ranking strollers, we believe there is a lightweight stroller (or two) that can meet most needs. Once you Identify your requirements, you can confidently choose the right stroller for your baby and budget.

Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz